“Come on,” he said, “you have people waiting to congratulate you.” He took my hand and stepped away, turning from me.
I gripped his hand and remained rooted. “Wait.”
He spun back with raised brows.
“I love you too.” My heart tripped over itself as I spoke, wishing we were already home so we could carry out his plans.
With one step, his lips reconnected to mine. It was all too brief, but the few catcalls brought me out of love- and lust-fueled haze enough to remind me we had an audience. He grinned against my mouth, my hand still in his. “Later,” he promised.
Stepping more fully into the bar, I was accosted by Carter, who pulled me into a hug. I should have been weirded out, considering our past and possibly by the fact I was now his boss, but I happily hugged him back and warmed at his excited congratulations. It took five minutes before Ted passed me a drink.
“Congrats, Scott. It’s quite an achievement.”
I felt heat creep to my cheeks, overwhelmed by all of the support. “Thank you.” I reached out and shook his hand.
“I finally met your sister.” I followed his line of sight and saw Jenna with a drink in hand, chatting to Lauren. Her laughter lifted into the air, and I relaxed at the sight. It was good to see her looking so carefree. “She’s great.”
I turned back to Ted. “She really is and is an amazing mom.”
He nodded. “Do you have any other family here?”
I shook my head, refusing to let my stomach bottom out. As far as I was concerned, my sister and nephews were it.
“He does.” A hand clamped on my shoulder, and I startled, eyes wide. “Congratulations, kiddo.”
I turned, my smile immediate as Denver tugged me close, patting my back. “You’re here?”
He grinned at me. “I would say Carter can be tenacious when he wants to be, but it didn’t take much convincing. I wanted to be here to celebrate with you.”
I fought the tears as I clasped his hand. “Thank you. It means a lot.” It was a wonder how Denver was close to my dad. They were like oil and water. Denver had always been warm and kind, but their friendship didn’t make a lick of sense to me.
Davis appeared by my side, and I immediately reached for him, my arm moving around his waist. In another time, another world, I would have only dreamed of having the courage to do such a thing. Fear, I decided, could go screw itself, especially when it attempted to mess with Davis. I then looked at Denver, who was observing me closely.
“Denver, have you got a drink?” Davis asked, his voice carefree, his strong fingers gripping my waist.
With a smile, Denver nodded. “I do, thanks, Davis.”
I glanced back and forth between their exchange. “You know each other?”
Davis’s lips curved upwards. “As of about thirty minutes ago officially, but we’ve chatted a couple of times on the phone making arrangements.”
I closed my gaping mouth. “Aren’t you just full of surprises?”
He shrugged good-naturedly. “I have my moments.”
Heat flared between us, which I had to force down, a mammoth task since those whispered words had been ringing around my head for the past fifteen minutes. Hell, was that all it had been? How was I meant to survive the night?
Widening his eyes a little, Davis cleared his throat. “I’ll leave you to catch up. Let me know if you need me.”
I’d always need him. I pushed that thought into the tender look I gave him and the squeeze of his fingers before he released me. He threw me a wink, and I watched his ass leave, only to drag my gaze away when Denver chuckled beside me.
“I can see why you finally opened yourself up, with a man like Davis in your life. He has a daughter too?”
Despite my embarrassment at being caught checking out my boyfriend’s ass by my godfather, a grin stretched my cheeks. “Libby’s not long turned one. She’s amazing and keeps us both happy and exhausted.”
“I’m glad. I’d love to meet her while I’m here. Perhaps I can stop by tomorrow?”
“I’d love that. Did Davis sort out a bed for you?”
He nodded. “He did. He offered to put me up, but I was more than happy at a hotel. It means I don’t have to clean up after myself.” Denver chuckled.
“Are you staying long?”
“Just a couple of days before the next jaunt.”
I took him in. He looked good, happy. “Retirement suits you.”
“I think I suit it too,” he said, beaming at me. “Let’s go and see your sister. She seems to have a few admirers.”
My gaze jerked up. Jenna was now in a conversation with a couple of guys I recognized but didn’t know. My eyes narrowed. I didn’t think so.
Denver slapped my back and laughed loudly. “Oh boy.”
“I’ll go,” Davis mumbled. I groaned and turned to my side, burying my head under the covers. Davis’s footsteps moved across the landing, and I heard him open Libby’s door and her rambling get louder.
“Da Da,” she squealed, and I imagined that was in response to Davis lifting her out of her crib.
“Geez, you stink, little lady.”
I snorted and pushed the cover off me. Bathroom, then coffee. Davis would need a hit of caffeine quickly if he was dealing with a monster poop. Before long, I had the coffee maker on, eggs boiling, and bread out ready to toast. Libby’s new favorite breakfast was egg and soldiers, something I’d never heard of before, but apparently it was a thing.
“Cot, Cot.” I looked at the doorway and a fully dressed Libby wobbled in. She was sure-footed, but as soon as she put any aspect of speed into her movements, she was hilariously wobbly, something akin to a drunken sailor.
“Hey, baby girl.” I scooped her up and gave her a cuddle, then dotted kisses over her face. “You ready for soldiers?”
She clapped enthusiastically as I took her to her high chair and strapped her in. A moment later, I placed buttered toast down for her and her sippy cup of water.
“You’re up.” Surprise lifted Davis’s voice as he entered the room and immediately stepped over to me and planted a solid kiss on my mouth. “Morning.”
I eyed him up and down, appreciating how well he filled his jeans. “Morning. The coffee should be good to pour. I’m just sorting the eggs.”
“Thank God. I think I need a double hit this morning, even if it’s coffee you’ve made.”
“Hey.” I shot him the evil eye and snorted. “And you were surprised I’m up? I wasn’t the one drinking random cocktails Ted was concocting last night.” I quirked my brows at him.
“Never again.” He looked a little peaky, but still sexy as hell despite his tired eyes. He sipped his coffee and sat next to Libby while I dished out the eggs. “This looks great. Thank you.”
“It’s the least I could do after last night.”
Davis leaned back and eyed me, his gaze trailing from my face to my groin and back up again. “That good, huh?” He looked pleased with himself, if not a little unsure.
I scoffed. “Erm, no, stud. I had to pour you into bed last night. I made sure Sandy got home safely, and Jenna took the boys home, despite my protests.” I shrugged.
Placing down his toast, Davis ran his tongue over his top teeth and quirked his brow at me. “So my promise—”
“You owe me.” I grinned salaciously. “I figured you could make good on it tonight.”
He sat forward, angling closer to me and picked up his toast. “I can make that happen, but only because I love you.”
My heart stuttered and threatened to burst out of my chest when it picked up speed. While I knew he hadn’t been drunk when he’d said those words to me yesterday, there was a trickle of anxiety that came with the light of day—maybe he wouldn’t be willing to repeat them. Insecurities sucked ass, and not in a good way.
“Well, it’s a good job I’ll hold you to it, as I love you.” I angled forward and snatched the toast from his hand, and leaned back laughing. While Davis looked unimpressed, Libb
y thought I was hilarious, so I took it as a win. “Denver is going to stop by later.”
Davis nodded, buttering another piece of toast. “Sounds good.”
“Thank you for contacting him. It meant a lot that he was here.”
“You’re welcome.”
Before I had a chance to dip into my yolk, my phone rang. I stood and collected it off the sideboard. It was Jenna. “Morning, sis, you—”
“Dad’s here.”
My gut clenched and I pursed my lips. “Why?”
“He’s being Dad. He also has my unsigned divorce papers that he keeps wafting around.”
“What the hell?”
“Yeah. I need—”
“Give me ten and just do your best to ignore him.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
“You’ll be fine. Ten.”
I was already out of the door and halfway up the stairs when I called back to Davis, “My dad’s arrived, causing shit for Jenna. I have to—”
“Hey.”
I made it to the top, my breath ragged, my heart working overtime as my anxiety ratcheted. I turned and looked at him. He was already fully dressed, unlike me, but he also had Libby in his arms and his car keys in his hand.
“Deep breaths, get a shirt and shoes on, and I’ll get Libby strapped in her seat. I’ll meet you in the car.”
I did as he said and inhaled and exhaled. I even managed a small smile. “Thank you.”
He winked and turned, heading to the front door while I tore away to dress and prepare to confront my father.
I vibrated with tension as Davis drove us back to my place. I hated that Jenna had dealt with him by herself. Dad was a stubborn, manipulative bastard, but to go this far and intercept the divorce papers took his interference to a whole new level. There was not a chance I’d let him hurt Jenna any more than she already had been—or the boys, for that matter.
When we pulled up, Davis placed a firm hand on my forearm. “You need to be calm and strong for Jenna.”
I nodded, undid my belt, and made for the door handle, but he didn’t release his grip. With a quick glance at him, I dipped my brow in question.
“How do you want to play this?” No doubt reading the confusion still creasing my brow, he clarified, “Me, us.”
My heart settled rather than sped up. So concerned with my needs, he was willing to do whatever I asked. I turned fully toward him, and after a smiling glance at Libby strapped safely in her chair, I pressed my lips to his. “We do this together. It’s going to be a shitshow, but I need you with me.” My gaze turned wary. “I’m just worried about Libby.”
He nodded his understanding and pulled out his cell. His eyes remained locked to mine as he spoke, “Hey, can you come and collect Libby? … I’m at Scott’s. His dad’s shown up.” He seemed to listen a moment before he ended the call. “You lead and I’ll follow.”
I closed my eyes and pressed my head against his, allowing myself five seconds to inhale his scent and absorb his strength. “Okay.” We got out of the car and unstrapped Libby. Just as we made toward my house, Tanner and Carter showed up, and my chest constricted. They’d both arrived; even Tanner, who regularly called me a dickwad, was here to support me.
Carter took Libby from Davis. “I’ve got her. Do you want me to take her home or…?”
“Home would be great, please.” Davis pressed a small kiss to his daughter’s head.
“On it.” Carter leaned over and kissed Tanner, who seemed set to stay.
“I’ll just hover.” Tanner grinned at me.
I laughed, an impressive feat considering the nerves pulsing through me. “My dad may be a fifty-nine-year-old bully, but his bark is worse—”
“Thanks,” Davis interrupted, and stared me down. I knew that look. I also knew he was thinking about the time I’d spent in the hospital at the hands of the man I called Father. It was one of the moments I’d admitted to him over the weeks.
I nodded and released a breath. “I need to get in there and get him away from Jenna.” I reached out my hand, and Davis immediately took it and gave me a small squeeze. “Actually, Tanner?” He looked over at me. “Can you come in and collect the boys and take them to your place too, please?”
He bobbed his head. “Of course. Whatever you need.” He smiled, quite possibly the first genuine one he’d sent my way. I would have commented on it if it wasn’t for my shaky legs as I headed toward my house.
Once inside, I called out, “Hey, Jenna, where are the boys?”
“We’re here,” Hunter called out, and two pairs of racing footsteps quickly followed. Just as the boys appeared, Jenna stepped into the hallway. She was pale, shaken, and most definitely relieved when she saw the three of us. There was also determination brewing in her eyes. I grinned when I spotted it.
“Tanner’s going to take the boys.”
She closed her eyes briefly and sighed a loud exhale. “That would be great, thank you.”
“Come on, Trouble One and Trouble Two. Let’s go and pay Rex a visit.” Tanner held out both hands for the boys to take. They rushed over to him cheering, only seeming to remember a second later to race back to Jenna and hug her legs before they were off again shouting goodbye.
“You okay?” I asked.
“I will be. Thanks for getting back so quickly.”
“What happened? How’d he get the papers?”
“Stan happened.” Her cheeks heated with anger. Good, I was glad she was pissed off. “He went bitching to Dad, and now apparently he’s here to talk sense into me and take me and the boys back home.” An impressive snarl lifted her lips, making her look fierce.
“Shall we just get this over with?” I wanted him out of my house, out of town, and as far away from all of us as possible.
She nodded and then glanced at my and Davis’s hands. A smirk broke her frown. “Is it bad that I’m kind of hoping for a heart attack? Just a mild one, of course.”
A laugh burst free, easing the tension a little more. “It should be interesting, that’s for sure.” I exhaled and tightened my grip. “Let’s go.”
I wished to God I had home surveillance, the internal kind with mics and high res recording capabilities. If I had, I was sure to have hit Repeat on the moment my father’s eyes bulged and his face turned ashen before then becoming the brightest red I’d ever seen on a human being. To top it off, he was legitimately lost for words for at least twenty seconds. Twenty seconds was a crazy long time in the standoff taking place in my kitchen, but it was twenty seconds I would have gladly watched over and over again. When his brain finally caught up with his eyes, his explosion was pretty damn remarkable. Even more so was the fact that as he reeled off abuse in my direction, all I wanted to do was laugh. I was sure Davis knew as he gripped my hand even tighter, probably in warning that laughing in the old man's face was quite possibly a step too far and would likely induce cardiac arrest.
So I let him shout, let the spittle fly forth, let his dyed-black brows practically touch and almost fly off his face when he lifted them so high. Approximately ten minutes into his tirade, he realized I hadn’t spoken, wasn’t defending myself. It was then he turned on Jenna.
“And you knew about this, you stupid girl. Allowing my grandchildren to stay in the same house as a faggot. Stan will be able to file for cu—”
“Enough.” My voice was strong, loud, but not a shout. “Leave Jenna alone and stop with your pointless threats.” I could handle every vile slur he threw my way, but by threatening Jenna, he’d taken it once again a step too far. “Rather than the usual divorce proceedings that have been started, Jenna is more than prepared to state the real reasons for the marriage dissolving.” I stepped further into the room, wanting to be closer to Jenna. Davis remained by my side the whole time, a silent support. “You saw the stitches, right? Brushed it aside? Pretty much allowed it to continue to happen. Hid the affairs.” Disgust swept through me, and I pushed every ounce of that emotion in his direction. “You facilitated this, helped
make this happen.”
“And where the hell were you?” he sneered. “Out here being a pansy fag taking it up the—”
“Watch your mouth.” Davis’s voice was low, threatening, and I swallowed thickly at the sound.
“I warned you what would happen if this continued. Well, it has. It’s over. You think you can stay here in fantasy land living this disgusting life, disgracing me and our family name? You’ll be cut off, fired, kicked out—”
My sharp burst of laughter interrupted his tirade.
“You think this is funny, think I can’t—”
I was already shaking my head at him, my eyes wide, anger and amusement at war in my chest. “You’re standing in my house. The clinic I work at is mine, my practice. I own it all. I don’t need shit from you, I never have. And honestly, if you don’t cut me out of your will, let me tell you now that if I receive a single cent from you, every penny will go to gay-friendly charities.” I wanted to fist pump as the idea came to me, but instead, I fought hard to control my need to vomit. I was exhausted, and scared, and my body started to tremble with repressed rage and emotion, all of the pain inflicted on me by this worthless human in front of me.
“Now you need to get out of my home, off my property. Take those papers back with you, and tell Stan unless he wants Jenna to share with the courts the abuse he rolled out, and I’m assuming at some point he’d like to see his children again, then he has forty-eight hours to get them signed and returned.” I paused and looked at my sister. We’d previously discussed how she would handle Stan if he chose to be difficult, thank Christ. “Anything else?”
Her eyes stayed on our father. “I’m not coming back. The boys and I have started a great life here. I want you and Mom to know them, see them grow up, but not like this, not if all you can bring to them is hatred. That’s up to you, Dad.”
My dad gritted his teeth and pulled a face as if he’d smelled something bad. “You’ve made your choices. You’ll live with the consequences.”
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