I've Got You

by Becca Seymour

  Jenna grinned. “Happily so.”

  He narrowed his gaze at her and then picked up the envelope that I assumed contained the divorce papers. He didn’t even look in my direction as he walked past me and left the house.

  Chapter Nineteen

  DAVIS

  Barely restrained anger made my head throb. I had no idea how Scott had done it, kept his cool like that. He’d owned every single word. I gave him space to comfort Jenna, who was crying. I was certain Scott cried right alongside her. Once outside, I made my way over to Tanner.

  “Everything okay?”

  I shoved a hand in my pocket and rubbed my head with my other hand. “Yeah, but fuck, that was intense.”

  “I saw the asshole storm out here. He looked pissed.”

  I grunted, my jaw clenching. “He was lucky he came out in one piece.” I shook my head, disgusted that human beings could be such pieces of shit. There were not enough cuss words in the world to even begin to describe what I thought of Scott’s dad. All I could do was shake out my anger and marvel at how Scott, despite the bullshit upbringing he’d experienced, had ended up intact. Yeah, he’d had what I imagined was all the material crap any kid could ever want, went to the best schools, and never once had to ever worry about money, but I firmly believed it meant nothing in comparison to love, respect, and support.

  But he had that now. I’d make sure he knew how important he was for the rest of our days together.

  Tanner eyeballed me. “That bad?”

  My lips turned up in a sneer. “I know you have your reservations about Scott, but fuck, if you’d heard the bullcrap spewing out of the guy’s mouth, his fucking dad’s mouth, knew everything he’d been through….” I shook my head, not able to carry on as my fury resurfaced. I really had to get myself together. Above all else, I had to be strong for Scott, and that meant being able to think straight.

  Tanner’s jaw ticked. “I hate that for him. I do.” He sighed, blowing out a breath. “I do think he’s a good guy. He’s taken all of my surly-ass comments, is great with Libby.” He shrugged. “I think he’s good for you. You’re happy.”

  I nodded. “He makes me happy, yeah. I love him.”

  Tanner snorted and groaned. “Okay, I don’t need to hear any mushy shit. Just know I’ll get off his case. I think he’s proven himself.” He grinned. “Doesn’t mean I won’t kick his ass if he hurts you or Libby though.” I narrowed my eyes at him. “Yeah, yeah, you can take care of yourself, but the truth remains.” He looked toward the door and gave a nod. I followed his line of sight. Scott. “I’ll leave you to it. We’ve got the kids as long as you all need.”

  “Thanks.”

  Tanner squeezed my shoulder and headed back home while I turned my full attention to Scott. Despite his red-rimmed eyes, he managed a small smile as he stepped over to me. He looked exhausted, but there was also something else evident in his eyes. I searched them, trying to figure it out.

  “Hey.” He stepped into my open arms, and I held him close. Scott’s nose pressed against my skin and he inhaled, causing goose bumps to travel up my arms. “What do you need?” I whispered the question next to his ear.

  He shook his head. “Just this.”

  I tightened my hold on him, pressed an open palm against the back of his head, and angled to press my lips on the first piece of exposed skin I could reach. Silent and still, our slowing breaths and the distant sound of traffic were the only sounds encroaching in our small bubble.

  A short time later, he edged his head away so we stood face-to-face. While his eyes remained a little pink, he appeared more together. Emotion stared back at me through his expressive eyes, something akin to relief, maybe even peace.

  “I’m glad it’s done, you know?”

  I nodded and swept a thumb over his cheek, cupping his face. He leaned into my touch, his lips twitching. With a tilt of his head, he pressed a kiss against my palm.

  “Thank you for being by my side through it all. I’m not sure I could have—”

  “I wouldn’t have been anywhere else, but I also call bullshit.”

  Scott’s eyes widened with humor and surprise. “Bullshit?”

  “Yep. You’re a hell of a lot stronger and braver than you give yourself credit for. You could have done this with or without me. I’m just pleased it was with me,” I answered honestly. “How’s Jenna?”

  Before he answered, Scott’s mouth pressed to mine. With his lips moving, he angled his head, taking the kiss deeper. I welcomed the contact, a thrill of desire bolting through me. Far too soon, he pulled back a hairsbreadth. “Whether you believe it or not, you’ve helped to make me strong and brave. Knowing you’ve got me means everything.” His eyes were wide, his voice passionate.

  My lips curved and I still felt the touch of his kiss on them. “I think we can safely say we’ve got each other.” I dotted a kiss to the end of his nose, and his breathy sigh was a sound I’d never tire of hearing. “Jenna?”

  “She’s okay, will be okay. She’s having a hot bath, and I talked her into having a glass of wine.” He laughed. “It’s noon somewhere in the world, right?”

  I snorted. “It sure is. Do you want to get the kids and go back to my place or stay here at yours? Or Tanner said he and Carter will look after them for a while. It’s up to you.”

  “I could really do with some cuddles from all three right about now, if that’s okay?”

  My heart squeezed and my gaze softened. “You never have to ask that.” I took his hand in mine and led him toward my best friend’s house to pick up our girl and his nephews. While I knew his lifetime of hiding, of being terrified would take time to recover from, my love for him, our love of Libby, of our family, both blood and those we chose as our own, would be enough to get us through it all. With my heart big enough for them all, I smiled.

  This was just the beginning.

  The End

  Author Note:

  Currently, there are no plans for more stories in this character-linked series. However, I may be tempted to expand should there be interest in discovering more about linked characters, or even knowing what happens next with my lovely characters.

  Be sure to reach out to me should you like to read more about the characters in Kirkby.

  In the meantime, head to my website (www.beccaseymour.com) to discover my other stories and to see what I’m working on. Thanks so much for taking the time to read I’ve Got You.

  Also by Becca Seymour

  Realigned – FREE - https://beccaseymour.com/beccas-books/realigned

  Amalgamated - https://beccaseymour.com/beccas-books/amalgamated

  Let Me Show You - https://beccaseymour.com/beccas-books/let-me-show-you

  I’ve Got You - https://beccaseymour.com/beccas-books/ive-got-you

  Check Out

  If you enjoy wit and heat in your MM romances, check out some of these books from authors I adore.

  Fake It ‘Til You Make It by Louisa Masters

  When Sci-Fi Geek lands Sophisticated and Sexy, fan fiction dreams can come true.

  Tech billionaire Michael Jones has always been a stereotypical geek at heart. Shy, socially uninterested, and crazy for Star Wars, he’s spent years creating a mask that helped him become the rags-to-riches phenomenon of the century.

  There’s just one person who can crack the façade. One person who turns him into an incoherent, bumbling mess: James Jennings.

  The sophisticated older brother of Michael’s best friend, James has been the centre of Michael’s fantasies from the moment they met. But those dreams can never come true, because why would a suave, successful, wealthy businessman want someone who’s just faking his way through life?

  Here Comes the Son by Dahlia Donovan

  When evil stirs in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, heroes come in both ordinary and extraordinary packages.

  Ignatius Faber knows a few things for absolute certain. He’s half-demon, his father is the unequivocal prince of darkness, and demons want to destro
y his city. And if he doesn’t make the first move on his crush, they’re never going to be anything more than a teenage fantasy that’s lasted into his thirties.

  Lalo Pavia grew up hard and fast, orphaned at a young age. As an autistic, he’s learned to approach life cautiously. He throws his energy into gardening and photography—allowing both to provide a buffer between himself and the rest of the world.

  Except for Iggy.

  Can they find triumph, life, and even love in the middle of a city in flames?

  Their fight for the mile high city has just begun.

  Whiteout by Ann Grech

  Pro-snowboarder, Reef Reid, has it all, except the one thing he desperately wants: the girl, the white picket fence and the happily ever after. At the peak of his career, he turns his back on the upcoming season and flies to a tropical island paradise to defrost.

  At least that’s where he was supposed to go.

  A ticketing mishap has him ending up in Queenstown, New Zealand, famous for its idyllic ski resorts.

  Stratford ‘Ford’ Wallace understands attraction to the opposite sex. He’s a true playboy at heart after all; a genuine love ‘em and leave ‘em type. But all that is flipped on its head when the enigmatic Reef Reid literally drops out of the sky.

  When a whiteout trapped them together on a mountaintop neither expected the explosive attraction that would spark between them. They’re unable to resist each other, but will they give into temptation? Or will the avalanche that tears through the mountain end them?

  Acknowledgments

  I’m blessed with the level of support and love I receive every single day, not only by my direct family and friends, but also my chosen family in the book community. My Hot Tree Editing crew always have my back. Of course I’m biased, but my editors, final-eyes readers, betas, and my kickarse admin really are the best. Gorgeous HTE women, you keep me sane and grounded. I wouldn’t have the headspace to achieve everything I do without your unwavering kindness and backing. I adore you all.

  My bestie at Booksmith Design has once again rocked my cover, capturing the beauty of being a dad in her design. You know me so damn well, lady. Thank you.

  RM Gilmore from RMGraphX, we’ve been working together for years. I appreciate your sass, your vision, and your mad formatting skills… all I count as a blessing. Thank you for being in my life.

  Justine. I adore you, wench. Thanks for being such a badass, and for your e-book formatting expertise.

  Thanks to my lovely readers who’ve taken the time out to read my words. I hope they offered you escapism.

  About Becca

  Becca Seymour lives and breathes all things book related. Usually with at least three books being read and two WiPs being written at the same time, life is merrily hectic. She tends to do nothing by halves, so happily seeks the craziness and busyness life offers.

  Living on her small property in Queensland with her human family as well as her animal family of cows, chooks, and dogs, Becca appreciates the beauty of the world around her and is a believer that love truly is love.

  https://beccaseymour.com

  https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/21905/

  I’ve Got You Desserts

  Love the idea of the delicious-sounding dessert found in I’ve Got You? Here’s where I found the recipe: https://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Pear-Tarte-Tatin