by KL Donn
“Okay.” He shrugs, stuffing the football under one arm, his free hand sliding into mine like he’s done it a hundred times before. I close my eyes, trying to will my heart not to burst, then open them, my gaze landing on Megan.
There’s an expression on her face that I’ve never seen before. Although, I doubt I’ve seen even a quarter of them yet, but I keep my eyes on hers for a full ten seconds as I try to figure out what it is. I’m not sure if it’s a sense of peace, or maybe a sense of wonder. What I do know is that she looks beautiful. Before I can ask, Chase tugs on my hand, jumping in place as he pleads with Megan. “Can we go pway outside Mommy?”
“Sure.” She bends down so she’s eye level with him. “Can mommy have a hug first?” She opens her arms as he releases my hand and launches into her, the football crushed between them. “I love you Bugaboo.”
“I wove you Mommy.” His tender voice a murmur against her chest.
She releases him after just a second, then rises back to her full height. She opens her mouth to speak, but then stops, her head tilting in the direction of the foyer as a loud knock sounds at the door. She holds up a finger. “One sec.” She looks at Chase, then back at me. “You got him?”
“Yep.” I tell her as she head to the door, then flash him a grin. “Toss me that ball Chase.” He grips it between his hands then lobs it up in the air to me. I catch it then toss it gently back to him. We continue tossing the ball, me coaching him on how to throw it more directly, instead of the lobbing into the air motion he’s mastered.
“Are we supposed to be throwing the ball in the house?” Megan teases as she walks back into the room a few minutes later.
My heart lurches when Chase drops the ball to the floor and breaks into a run, throwing himself into the arms of a man entering the room just behind her. “Unca Tom!” I’m getting used to his L’s and R’s being pronounced as W’s, or not at all, so I figure out pretty quickly that he’s calling him Uncle Tom. I also remember that Megan’s an only child. I watch as he spins Chase around, both of them laughing out loud, my hands clenching into tight balls. Who in the hell is this guy? And why does my son seem to know him so well?
Megan must sense the shift in my demeanor, because she steps between me and Uncle Tom and tells him to put Chase down. She tells Chase to go play with his new toys, which he does, sprinting over to the pile, happy as a clam when he digs in. She looks at me, then looks at Tom. “Tom, this is Chase’s dad, Jasper Chase.” She sweeps a hand in my direction, her gaze snapping to me. “And Jasper, this is Tom Pearson.”
“Hey, it’s nice to meet you, man.” He takes the three steps needed to close the distance between us, extending his hand to me. I unclench my fingers and grasp his hand in mine, shaking it firmly before I drop it. He continues to talk, and I continue to assess him. There’s something familiar about him but I can’t pin-point it. “Megs told me you would be coming by today to spend some time with Chase. That’s really great.”
Megs? What in the actual fuck? He has a nick-name for her. “Uh, yeah.” I scratch at the stubble lining my chin. I’m not really sure what else to say to him, but it doesn’t seem to matter because he keeps on talking.
“I don’t know if you’ll remember, but we actually played against each other a few times in college. I was quarterback at Arizona State back in the day.” He frowns, glancing down at his leg, then back up at me. “Was supposed to go play for the Rams, but I guess destiny had other plans for me.”
“That’s right.” I finally respond. “I remember you now. You had a hell of an arm. I was sorry to hear about your accident.”
“Yep.” He shrugs. “Sucked, but life goes on, right?” He points to Chase. “But have you seen the arm on that guy though?” He lets out a short laugh. “At least now I understand where the talent came from. It sure wasn’t her.” He looks over at Megan with an affectionate grin.
And at least now I know why he was so excited when he saw the football. It had nothing to do with me after all. And everything to do with this guy apparently. I feel like an interloper in my own son’s life and it sucks. There’s a part of me that wants to lift my leg and start peeing on what’s mine, but the more reasonable part of me knows that’s not what’s best for Chase.
I’m about to make an excuse to Megan about leaving so I can take some time to digest this new player and figure out my next move, but freeze when a door slams and a woman’s voice calls out. “I’m home!” A second later, her mom breezes into the living room, at least two dozen balloons clutched in her grip. “Hello babies!” She’s looking at Megan and Chase, but then swings her attention to me. “And you too.”
She walks over to Megan, hands her the balloons absently, then beelines to me, completely ignoring Tom. “So, you’re the guy.” She takes one of my hands and holds it between both of hers. “You’re Chase’s father?”
I nod, completely caught off guard, my voice stuck somewhere between my belly and my throat, allowing me to only grunt a one word reply. “Yeah.”
She openly scans me from head to toe, then nods. “Montgomery would have liked you.” She squeezes my hand and then releases it, surprising me when she pulls me into a hug, speaking softly into my shoulder. “Welcome to the family, son. You can call me Sandy.”
“Mom.” Megan groans out. “Let go of him, and come say hello to Tom.”
She releases me after one final pat on my shoulder, then spins around. “Tom! It’s perfect you’re here. Be a dear and go grab the rest of the bags out of the Range Rover, would you?”
“Sure Mrs. L, anything for you.” He strolls out of the room.
I take this opportunity to try and make my exit. “Megan, I think I should probably get going.” I glance at the huge bouquet of balloons she’s still holding on to. “It looks like you’ve got some other stuff going on.”
“No.” She huffs out, forcing the balloons back into her mother’s grasp as she strolls over to me. “This is all my mother.” She swings her gaze over her shoulder to her mom. “I told you I did not want a party, but you never listen.”
“Oh nonsense Meggie Pie!” She waves a hand in the air dismissing Megan’s comment away like a pesky fly. “You only turn thirty once!”
“Yes, except my birthday is actually next Saturday, and not today mom.” She grumbles out.
Shit. That’s right. I do remember her telling me during the time we spent in L.A. that her birthday was in April.
“Yes, and since you won’t be here next weekend, you get a party today.” She turns her attention to me. “You should stay Jasper.” She pauses when Megan throws her an evil glance. “What?” She rolls her eyes at her daughter then continues addressing me. “There’s plenty of room here. Unless you got a hotel of course. But you’re welcome to stay. I can have the caterer’s set an extra place.”
“For Christ’s sake, Mom.” She’s reached me now and places a hand on my arm as she shifts her focus to me. “I’m sorry about that. About her.” She tosses a glance over her shoulder, then looks up at me. “But yes, please, if you’d like to stay, we’d love to have you. It’s just dinner with some of my friends. Leah’s coming with her new husband. You can meet them.”
“I really don’t want to intrude.” I look over at Chase, who is content as a fish in water, still playing with the toys I brought him. I crave spending more time with him, and this would at least give me that opportunity. “I didn’t bring a change of clothes.” I frown, lifting my shoulders in a small shrug. “I planned on just driving back to Boston today because I wasn’t sure what our arrangement was going to be for me to see him again.”
She crosses her arms, her attention swinging to Tom for a second when he strides by, arms full, heading in the direction of the kitchen. When she looks back at me, her lower lip is caught between her teeth. The memory of how I used to use my own teeth to nip it free before claiming her lips in a kiss slams into me. God damn, what I wouldn’t do to taste her again. Before I can take the thought further, she starts to speak again, he
r voice low. “Jasper, I know this is really strange. It’s a lot to take in. Getting to know Chase is a big enough change for you, but then to have to try and figure out my mother and my friends…” She trails off, shrugging, a knowing smile on her face. “I get it if you want to leave.” She uncrosses her arms and places a hand on my chest, right over my heart. “But, I would really like it if you stayed.”
Tom waltzes back into the room, coming up behind Megan, without any regard to the conversation we’re obviously having, and drops a hand over shoulder. “I forgot how much your mom likes to order me around.”
My eyes are laser focused on Megan’s hand as it leaves my chest to move to her shoulder, landing over Tom’s giving it a hug as she laughs out. “I think you secretly love her bossing you around.”
A surge of testosterone surges through me, sparking the desire to throttle this guy right in the fucking face. That’s my girl. The mother of my child. Not yours. Yeah, I think I will stay a little longer. “You know what Megs, I think I will stay, if you don’t mind.” My voice is laced with fake cheer. “I’d love to help you celebrate turning thirty.” I swing my gaze to Chase. “And of course, spend some more time with my son.”
“Okay.” Her mouth quirks in a frown, her brow furrowing as she analyzes me, nodding once. “Do you want to take him outside to play for a little while? I’ll make sure one of the guest rooms are setup for you.”
“Sounds good.” I give her a sly grin, then say something I know I shouldn’t, but blurt it out anyway. “Sleeping under the same roof with you again will be nice.” Then I shoot a glaring look at Tom in an attempt to deliver a silent message; that’s right fucker, she was mine way before she was yours.
19
What in the world? Did he just try to mark his territory? “What’s his problem?” Tom grumbles behind me as I watch Jasper lead Chase outside through one of the French doors.
“I have no idea.” I swing around to face him, taking a quick step back when I realize we’re so close. “Jesus, a little space Tom.”
“I thought you liked when I crowded you a little?” His voice lowers an octave as he steps close to me again, his hand trailing up my arm.
“What has gotten into you? I take another step back, swatting his hand away. “Are you for real right now?”
He crosses his arms, a frown tugging one side of his mouth down. “I thought after Leah’s wedding, maybe things had taken a new direction for us?”
I roll my eyes, then cross my arms as well, mimicking his stance. “First off, I was drunk. Like really drunk. The most drunk I think I’ve been since before Chase was born.” I start tapping my foot, unable to hide the annoyance I feel at even having to explain myself to him. “Making out with you in the coat room was…” I pause, looking for the right word. “-fun.” Then I bring my eyes up to his. “But Tom, that’s all it was for me. We’ve been friends way too long for us to try and go down this road now.” I uncross my arms and throw one in the air. “Besides, your sister would blow a damn gasket if we ended up together. You know she has other plans for you.”
“Juliette?” He scoffs. “That is so not happening. She’s half a ticket short to boarding the crazy train. I slept with her once and she was ready to move in.” He shakes his head. “Not going there.” He pauses, shifts his stance, and then locks his gaze onto mine. “So, no me and you?”
“No.” I offer him a small smile. “You know I love you Tom.” I shrug. “But not like that.”
“Well, I think baby daddy out there thinks otherwise.” He points outside where we can see Chase and Jasper running around. “What’s your game plan for that?”
I give my foot a little stomp. “If I hear one more sports analogy today, I’m going to snap.”
“Whoa.” Tom chuckles. “Settle down there, Tiger. I was just asking. It’s pretty obvious he’s still got it bad for you.” His brows rise. “The question is, do you still have it bad from him?”
“Are you sure you and your sister aren’t twins?” I huff out, throwing my hands up. “I get enough of this from her.” I move past him to head to the kitchen. “Come on, let’s go help my mom.”
“Fine!” He catches up to me and slings a friendly arm over my shoulder, leaning down as he speaks quietly. “But you’re going to have to figure it out. Don’t think you’re gonna be able to hide from this one, Megs.”
I scrunch my nose up, turning to flash him a look that could kill. “I don’t need you to be my damn conscious, Tom. So, shut it.”
He just chuckles, knowing me well enough to end this discussion before I lose my temper. And I will. Because I know he’s right. Even if the last thing I want to do is admit it. Time hasn’t dimmed the attraction I feel for Jasper in the slightest. In fact, seeing him with our son today, probably only added gasoline to an already simmering burn. It was taking every ounce of control I had not to throw myself in his lap so I could feel his arms around me again. To feel the warmth of his body against mine again, his mouth roving over my body in the magical way it did years ago.
“Earth to Megan.” My mother is standing beside me, her raised voice dragging me out of the trance I’m in, my eyes darting to her as she continues to speak. “Did you hear anything I just said?” She shakes her head, concern lining her face. “You looked like you were a million miles away.”
“Sorry, mom.” I force a smile. “I was just thinking about how I should schedule time with Jasper.”
“For Chase?” Her brow arches as she smirks.
“Obviously.” Jesus, was I being that transparent? I need to get myself in check. “I’m going to go make sure one of the guest bedrooms is set up for him.”
“The room next to yours is available.” Now who’s being transparent? She waves a hand when I cock my head at her, glaring. “Don’t give me that look. I put Leah and Tyler in the largest room, Tom is in the room on the other side of Chase, so that just leaves the one next to yours.”
“What about the room next to yours?” My hand comes to rest on my jutting hip as I challenge her.
“Oh, I’ve got a sewing project all spread out on the bed in there.” She gives me a triumphant smile. “Sorry.”
“Yeah, sure you are.” I mutter under my breath as I leave the kitchen and head toward the living room. I peak outside to check on my boys. I stop in my tracks. Shit. My boy. Singular. Jasper is not mine. Never really was. I shake my head trying to untangle all the confusion swirling there, then continue to the stairs to go take care of my intended task.
It doesn’t take long for me to put fresh sheets on the bed. I make sure to use the highest thread count sheets we have for this bed. I know it’s silly, but I want to make sure he’s comfortable. Since I can’t be the one wrapping my arms around him, might as well make sure the sheets are soft. I peek out the window, smiling when I see Jasper pushing Chase on the swing. Seeing them together, so content, their interaction so natural, sends another pang of guilt through me. I should have told him. I should have tried harder to get in touch with him. So many things he’s missed out on now. All because of me.
I stare at him, taking notice of how defined his body still is, the muscles in his thighs bulging through his jeans every time he leans forward to push the swing. Jesus, he’s still hot as hell. As if he can sense me, he turns, looks over his shoulder, scans the house, stopping when his eyes lock onto me. Shit. My cheeks flame with heat as I realize I’m busted. I give a quick wave, then scurry away, leaving the room to go back downstairs.
My timing couldn’t be better. The front door swings open just as my foot hits the last step, and I break into a happy dance. “You’re here!”
“I’m here!” Leah sing-songs before swamping me in a hug. “Damn, I missed you girl!” She pushes me away, her eyes wide, her voice low as she starts firing questions at me. “So, is he here still? That’s his Porsche, right? The one in the driveway?” I look over her shoulder, seeing Tyler first, heading our way with a suitcase, but then notice the Porsche SUV. I had no idea what he drove, bu
t damn, that’s a nice ride. I shift my focus back to Leah who’s still talking. “Did Chase like him? Where are they now? Is he still hot?”
“Honey, take a breath.” Tyler chuckles as he walks into the house, then looks at me. “Hey Megan.”
“Tyler.” I smile, moving to give him a hug, then point to the luggage. “You can put that up in the room you guys usually stay in if you want.”
“Sounds good.” He heads for the stairs, stopping beside Leah. “Be nice.”
Her mouth drops open a quick second, her brow furrowing as she swings her head back and forth to Tyler and then me. “I’m always nice.”
“Except when you’re not.” He chuckles, climbing the stairs. “I’m going to change, then I’ll be down.”
Leah’s head turns back to me, a pout on her lips. “I’m nice.”
I laugh. “Of course you are.” God I missed her. I love Tyler and couldn’t be happier for her and the new life they have together, but I hardly get to see her anymore. Tyler’s a musician, and travels a lot. And she made the decision to stop working so she could be with him on the road. They left on a tour just three days after they got married, and just got back into town a couple days ago. The good news is that they live in the city, so when they are home, at least we’re close. I wrap an arm around her waist and give her a side hug. “Come on, let’s go say hi to my mom.”
“But you haven’t told me anything yet!” She huffs out as we start walking. “I want to know everything.”
“Of course you do!” I laugh, then tell her what I can in the short walk to the kitchen. “Yes, he’s still here. I guess that’s his car, I actually didn’t look, but it’s not my mom’s and it’s not Tom’s. He’s outside playing with Chase right now, and Leah, I think Chase is already in love with him.” I stop walking so I can turn and look at her. “He didn’t even hesitate to go to him. And Jasper.” I shake my head in disbelief. “He’s amazing with him.” I frown, lowering my voice. “I feel so shitty. Now that I’ve seen him with Chase. I should have told him so long ago.”