“Avery,” The redhead says looking between me and Claire.
“Hey, Ryke. What brings you out today? Who’s your lady friend?” Claire asks, with sarcasm in her tone.
“Just a friend.” I look at her to make sure she understands what I’m saying, but now she won’t look at me. “See you tonight, Claire.” I turn toward the door and I’m pretty sure I won’t be seeing her tonight. Fuck.
23
Claire
I feel like a total bitch, but I honestly don’t care. Why am I letting Ryke get to me like this? I have a feeling that woman was more than a fuck buddy, if he was bringing her for coffee. But why the hell do I even care?
“Hey, you okay?” Avery asks as we grab our iced coffees from the barista.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” She’s no moron, so I don’t know why I’m even trying to play dumb.
“Claire, you were obviously uncomfortable around that guy. What’s going on?” I turn away from her to find a booth, but I know she’s going to question me as soon as we sit down.
We have to walk by the skank to get to an open table and I hear her on her phone, “I’m headed to Ryke’s now, but I’ll call you later.” I want to pull her stringy, bleached blonde hair out.
Avery gasps. “You like him, don’t you?”
I sit down at a corner booth. “What? No.” I pretend to be searching through my purse because I don’t want to look at her. “Avery, I just left my husband.”
“Okay, whatever you say.”
“Also, he’s a freaking playboy. Why the hell would I even entertain that idea?”
She shrugs. “Could be fun to take care of that obvious lady boner you have.” She wags her eyebrows at me.
“You are insane. You should really move to Chicago to be Shayna’s bestie.” I smirk at her as I slurp my drink.
“Whatever, biatch. You’d miss me.” She winks.
She thankfully drops it and we enjoy our coffee while we chat about her interior design business.
“Once I finally get my own place, you’re going to decorate for me, right? I don’t care what it costs because I’ll need all the help I can get.”
“Of course.” She claps her hands. “And you’ve lost your mind if you think I’d make you pay. I’d do anything for you and Brady.” She reaches across the table and grabs my hand. “Seriously, Claire, I hate what Trevor did to you and it’s the least I could do to help.” She gives me an almost sad look. “We’re really going to miss you guys when you leave tomorrow.”
I now have tears in my eyes that I’m trying desperately to keep from falling. “That means a lot, Av, but you guys have done so much for me already. I know you and Evan will be glad to have your house back once we leave.”
“You’re crazy. We love having you two with us.” I can see the sincerity on her face. “But now we’ll be able to have all the wild monkey sex we want. I’ve been dying to do it on our new kitchen counters.” And…sweet moment over.
“Gross!” I throw my napkin at her.
She gives me a wicked smile and winks.
We finish our coffees and then head back to Avery’s car. We’re just down the street from their house, but it’s enough time to think about whether or not I’m going to meet Ryke tonight. Chances are he won’t be at the park anyway after the way I acted. Screw it, I’ll stay home and maybe go to bed early. I’ll probably be tired after Brady’s party anyway.
Today is my baby’s birthday. While he napped, Evan offered to watch him while Avery and I finished getting the last few things we needed before everyone comes tonight. It’ll be nice to spend some time with all the important people in my life. Minus Shay. God, I miss her.
Avery and I spend the next few hours making Mickey Mouse cupcakes while Evan has Brady in the pool.
“How’s Mommy’s boy?” I ask as I sit down on a lounge chair in the backyard.
“Hey, sis,” Evan says from the pool as he lifts Brady into the air, while I internally smack him for being careless with my child.
“Evan Daniel, put my baby down. Now!”
“Dayum. Ev, you better listen. She busted out the middle name.” Avery chuckles in the seat next to me as she lowers her sunglasses over her nose. She’s wearing a skimpy little white bikini. The girl totally has the body for it, but I’d be worried about showing my nipples to everyone. Avery doesn’t care though. That’s why I love her.
“Seriously, Claire? It’s not like I tossed him. He’s fine.” He holds Brady in his arms as the little guy splashes around in the water. This is the first time he’s been swimming. “Your mama is an overprotective bitch. Yes, she is.” Evan coos at him and I jump from my chair, ready to jump in the water to strangle him.
“Evan! Do not talk like that in front of him! He repeats everything,” I huff and then throw myself back in my chair.
“Mama bit!” Brady squeals. I’m going to kill my brother.
He’s laughing his ass off. I’m glad he is amusing himself.
“I know where you sleep, big bro.” I point my finger at him.
“Yeah, yeah. Someone’s gotta teach this kid how to be cool. Obviously won’t be his mom.” He chuckles.
“Happy birthday, sweet boy!” Sierra screeches when she walks to the backyard.
My baby boy claps his hands, excited to see her. She’s quickly become a big part of both our lives.
“Hey,” I say as I stand up, adjusting my swimsuit top.
“Hey, you gonna swim or just sit there looking hot.” She looks me up and down and then whistles. “You, my friend, are one sexy mama.”
“You’re ridiculous.” I chuckle. “No, I’m gonna swim. It’s hot as hell out here. I’m just waiting for Avery’s parents to get here so I can say hi.”
Once everyone is here, we all congregate in the backyard. Evan and Avery have picnic tables set up away from the pool. My brother even went as far as gating the pool off for the day to make sure Brady didn’t go near it when we weren’t with him. I hate to admit it, but I’m going to miss my brother once I leave tomorrow. I know I bitch about him, but I couldn’t have made it through these last few months without him and Avery.
Brady has had a fun day, but I can tell he’s completely beat as he rubs his eyes while trying to help me unwrap his gifts. He gets spoiled with every Micky Mouse toy under the damn sun. I hope Sierra doesn’t mind us taking over her house.
We say goodbye to everyone and I hug Sierra, promising to see her bright and early.
“See you tomorrow, roomie!” she hollers as she gets into her car.
I head towards my room to get Brady ready for his bath, but my phone rings from inside my swimsuit cover-up.
“Hey Shay,” I answer after the first ring.
“Hey, mama. Can I talk to the birthday boy?” I look down at my baby who is starting to doze off in my arms, but I don’t have the heart to tell Shay no.
I sit him on my bed and put my phone on speaker so he can hear Shay while I strip him of his clothes.
“Alright, Shay, you’re on speaker now.”
“Happy birthday, buddy!” she squeals, which now has my son wide-awake.
He claps his hands. “Say hi to Aunt Shay,” I prompt him.
“Hi, Say!” I seriously can’t believe how much he’s talking. Working in a daycare for so many years, I know it’s not common for a child his age to be talking like this. What can I say? I have a smart kid.
“Hi, baby. Aunt Shay loves you.” She makes a kissy noise into the phone which has Brady leaning down on my phone, slobbering all over it as he gives her kisses in return. Damn, he’s adorable.
I pick the phone up to talk to her.
“How’s it going?” I ask wrapping Brady in a towel before carrying him to the tub.
“Girl, I’m going crazy with this wedding. I really wish you were here,” she whines.
My heart cracks, wishing I were closer to her. I’m thankful to have Sierra here, but this girl is my ride-or-die, as she always calls me.
“Maybe we can
work something out so I can come up for a week or so. I’m not working yet, so I have plenty of time.”
“Yes!” she shouts in excitement. “Let me know when and I’ll clean the spare room.”
At that, we hang up. I put Brady in the tub, trying to get him clean while barely being able to keep my eyes open. It’s been a long day.
24
Claire
I’m sitting in Brady’s and my room, trying to rock him to sleep after he had his bedtime bottle. I have a feeling he’s going to want a sippy cup soon because he mostly just chews at them.
I finally get him to sleep and my phone alerts me to a new text message. It’s only seven o’clock, so it’s not like its late or anything, but I’m freaking out that whoever it is just woke my son. I look down at him and, thankfully, he’s still resting peacefully in my arms.
I lay him in his bed and check to see who the message is from.
Unknown: Hey, Claire, it’s Ryke. We still on for eight?
Damn it. How the hell did he get my number? And I’m still pissed about earlier. I honestly have no reason to be because he can be around whatever women he wants to. I guess I’m jealous. I can at least admit that. But I’d never tell him that because he can never be more than a friend. I’m not sure why he’s such a player, but he’s more of the “love ‘em and leave ‘em” type. He seems to be around my age, so it’s time for him to grow up. But I don’t see that happening any time soon.
Me: How did you get my number?
Casanova: I got it from your phone the other night when you went to the bathroom ;)
Sneaky son-of-a-bitch. And did he just send me a winky face?
Me: I’m too tired tonight, but thanks.
I know he’s not going to buy my bullshit and that’s proven with his next text.
Casanova: Did I do something to upset you? Because if I did, I’m really sorry.
Me: Nope, I’m fine. Goodnight.
I throw my phone on the bedside table and get up to wash my face and put on some pajamas. I’ve been hurt by one man and I really don’t care to put my heart in another’s hands.
I walk back into the room and see that Brady is still sleeping soundly. I then notice I have yet another message from Ryke.
Casanova: Please meet me if only for a couple minutes. I have something I need to talk to you about.
This guy is not going to give up until I agree to meet him. I really do want to see him, but I know that he only looks at me as a friend. I have to admit I’m surprised he would want to spend all this time with me, knowing that I’m not going to put out. I find it hard to believe that he has many friends with vaginas.
I get into bed and lay there for a few minutes trying to decide what I’m going to say back to him.
Casanova: Please?
He knows I’m ignoring his last text, but if I’m going to be his friend, I should try to be civil, right? Damn it.
Me: Okay, but I can’t stay out long. Can we meet now instead?
I don’t have to wait but thirty seconds before his next text comes through.
Casanova: Perfect. See you in 10?
Me: See you in 10.
I’m in my pajama shorts, but I don’t care. I don’t feel like changing again and when I get home, I’m going straight to bed anyway. My ass is practically falling out of them, but it’ll be dark, so nobody will notice. I quickly tie my hair up on the top of my head and tell Evan and Avery I’m leaving, asking them to check on Brady in a bit.
“Ow Ow! Where are you going in those hoochy mama shorts?” Dear Lord. Did she really need to say that right in front of my brother?
“What are you talking about?” I hear my brother ask.
Before he sees me, I quickly scoot out the front door. I’m not that skanky-looking, but he probably wouldn’t approve of my attire.
I make it to the park a couple minutes early but see Ryke sitting on the bench, waiting for me right inside the entrance.
“Hey,” I say because he hasn’t yet noticed me.
“Hey.” He stands and his face lights up with a smile. This man is making my ovaries flip just from looking at him. Right now, he looks so youthful, carefree. He’s not trying to be a bad ass like he typically is.
“So, uh, do you want to go for a walk or something?” I’m a bit uncomfortable, but I should at least let him say what he needs to.
“Sounds good.” We head toward the sidewalk that runs along the lake. There are a few lights on, but other than that, it’s dark. We can see the ducks wading in the water and it’s such a peaceful sight. I can also hear a few birds chirping in the distance.
We walk in silence for the first few minutes until Ryke finally speaks.
“So, that was my ex-girlfriend you saw me with earlier,” he says as he turns to look at me. I’m still looking straight ahead but then stop walking.
“You don’t owe me an explanation, Ryke. We’re friends, remember?” I really do hope it wasn’t anything serious with his ex, but, in all fairness, we are only just friends.
“Okay, but then why did you look mad at me when I was trying to talk to you?” He can read me like a freaking book. Not that I wasn’t obvious or anything.
“I was just tired is all.”
I’m sure he doesn’t believe me, but he goes on. “I caught her cheating on me three years ago.” He turns away from me as if he’s embarrassed by his confession. I had no idea we had so much in common. Apparently, there’s a lot to him that I don’t know.
“I’m so sorry.” This would probably be a good time to tell him that I understand what he’s going through, but Trevor’s cheating is still pretty fresh on my mind. I don’t love him anymore, but I did not long ago.
He changes the subject. “How was your son’s birthday?”
“It was good. We had a few friends over for a cookout. He got way more toys than any child needs and surprisingly fell asleep after eating way too much sugar.” I chuckle.
“I bet you’re an amazing mother, Claire.” He looks at me and smiles.
“Thanks,” I whisper.
“So, you move in with Sierra tomorrow?” He asks.
“Yeah.” I smile. “I’m really excited.”
“I can only imagine how much trouble you two will get in to.” He chuckles.
We continue to walk in silence for the next few moments.
“So, what do you like to do for fun, Mr. Allen?” We stop on the bridge to look out at the water.
He throws his head back in laughter. God, I love that sound. “Well, Ms. Davis, I enjoy playing my guitar when I’m not busy with the bar.”
“Do you play often?”
“Only when beautiful brunettes come into my bar.” He smiles and I get all tingly. Why do I let him get to me like this? This is dangerous ground, Claire.
“You’re full of shit.” I swat at his arm, pretending like his words aren’t affecting me.
“Think what you want, sweetheart.” God, I love when he calls me that. But I wonder how many other women he has pet names for?
“You’re crazy.” I half smile at him as I turn away from the water.
“What do you like to do for fun? You know, besides read porn?” He gives me a playful wink before we continue on our walk. My God, I need to go home to change these panties. Does he have any idea what he’s doing to me?
“Oh, my God!” I shake my head at him. “It’s called erotica.” I grin.
“Right.” He chuckles.
“I like to write,” I confess, a little embarrassed.
“Like poetry?” There’s no way in hell this guy thinks I write poetry.
“No, like books.” I put my head down because I know what he’s going to ask next.
“Why are you embarrassed? What kind of books do you like to write, Claire?” He has now stopped walking and takes me by the arm so I’ll look at him. When I don’t answer him, he continues to stare at me, starting to make this awkward. He knows I’m embarrassed, but he won’t let up. Why is he making a big deal about thi
s?
“Romance. There, I said it. Are you happy now?” I give him a half smile to let him know that I’m only joking with him. He doesn’t know me well enough to be able to tell if I’m pissed or not. But he knew I was pissed this morning.
“Yes, I am. That’s sexy as fuck.” He once again gives me that goddamn panty-destroying smile. “But really, that’s incredible. Have you published anything?” I can’t believe he isn’t appalled by my confession. Trevor hated that I wrote, so it mostly stopped once we got married. When he did see me sitting at our computer typing away, he always had something smart to say about it, telling me that I needed to get a life. Not even kidding. Those were his exact words.
“No, I haven’t really written in a couple years.” I’m constantly thinking of different stories I could write, but I’m not sure I’m capable of it anymore.
“Why not?”
“Honestly, I just haven’t had time lately.” Well, it’s not a lie.
We continue our walk and I’m thankful he’s dropped the subject of my writing. For some reason, it makes me feel guilty because I haven’t told him everything about me. I don’t know him that well, though, and I’m sure there’s a lot he hasn’t yet revealed.
25
Ryker
Damn, she looks good tonight. Not that she hasn’t every other time I’ve been around her, but tonight she’s wearing short ass shorts. I mean short. Honestly, I’m glad she’s with me and not someone else because any pig would be undressing her with their eyes right now. I’m trying to not be a perv, but it’s difficult when she’s got legs that go on for miles. Legs that would fit perfectly around my body as I fuck her into oblivion. Shut the fuck up, Allen.
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