For The Love of Easton : A Single Parent Romance and Sequel to For The Love of English

by A. M. Hargrove

  The dickhead finally spoke. “May I say something?”

  “No! You lost that right…” She looked up at the ceiling and counted on her fingers. “Six and a half years ago. Maybe longer. I can’t remember. Anyway, you can’t say a word.” She punctuated it with her finger in his chest.

  “Stacey, this isn’t your decision, it’s English’s.”

  “I’m her counsel right now, so it is mine.”

  I might have failed to mention that Stacey was an attorney. She’d recently graduated from law school and was working in a firm doing odds and ends, and not loving it.

  Inching my way between the two of them, I said, “All right, let’s all calm down. First, how did you find me, Stuart? I don’t remember giving you my address.”

  “No, I had the firm run a background check on you and found it that way.”

  “How nice,” I answered sourly.

  “I’m sorry, but with the way the lunch ended yesterday, I felt the need to apologize and wanted to see how Easton was feeling.”

  “Harrumph. You weren’t much use, that’s for sure. She’s much better today, thanks, after having her appendix out last night.”

  The man actually paled. “Her appendix? Wow.”

  Stacey laughed. “Look at that. The man’s showing some emotion.”

  “Don’t be an ass, Stacey,” he said.

  She reached past me and poked him in the chest again. “No, that’s your department. Besides, you started it. Pretty sure it’s your first name.”

  “Stop it, you two. We’re not in junior high.” I glowered at both of them. “Stuart, you should’ve called before stopping by. Impromptu visits aren’t my thing, especially with curious you-know-who around.”

  “Who?” Stacey asked. I did an eye-roll, thinking that those cosmos were a huge mistake as I was now dealing with a buffoon.

  “Besides, now I have to rethink my position,” I added.

  “Wait. I apologize for the visit, but I thought it would kill two birds with one stone.”

  “Sorry, it only made it worse.”

  He held up his hands. “Fine. I’ll leave. But know this. I’m not going to give up. I want to see my daughter.” He stomped away in anger. It left a rotten feeling in the pit of my stomach.

  After the door was closed, I turned to see three sets of curious eyes on me.

  “That went well,” Stacey said.

  “Not really. He’s got something up his sleeve.”

  Easton ran to me. “Mommy, is that man coming back? Can we get pizza with him again? When I’m not sick?”

  Great. Now she was asking about him too. “Maybe later.”

  “Aunt Stacey Bear, why were you so mean to him?”

  “Er, he’s not very ni—”

  I elbowed her. If we ended up having a relationship with him, I didn’t want Easton to think he wasn’t nice. “Aunt Stacey Bear was angry because he didn’t call first.”

  Stacey wasn’t getting it. “No, I wasn’t.”

  I elbowed her again, this time harder.

  “Ow. That hurt.”

  “Good.” I offered her a sweet smile.

  “You owe me another cosmo for that.”

  “Mommy, can I have a cosmo too?” Easton asked.

  “Sure. Come on.” I always made her virgin ones.

  Mom said, “You sure Stacey needs another?”

  “No, and I’m barely putting any vodka in hers.” Leaning in, I told Mom about the broken engagement.

  “Ahh, that makes sense now. Her getting wasted this early.”

  “Yep. Don’t say anything.”

  Her fingers went to her lips and made a zipping motion. Mom was completely trustworthy.

  “Easton, you need to eat your spaghetti too.” With all the commotion of Stuart popping in, I’d never given her lunch. It was almost four, so this was like an early dinner.

  “Okay. Can I still have my cosmo?”

  Mom said, “Why don’t you have it for dessert?”

  Easton frowned and stuck her lower lip out. “I don’t think so. I’d rather have a chocolate chip cookie.”

  “That’s fine, but let’s eat.” I fixed her bowl and she gobbled it down. “Someone was very hungry.” I tickled her belly. “Is your tummy under the rainbow?”

  She patted it, saying, “Yep. See?” She pulled up her shirt to show us. The two tiny incisions where they’d done the laparoscopy to remove her appendix were barely noticeable. They hadn’t even used stitches, but covered them with liquid skin glue. I grabbed her and blew raspberries on her belly. Giggles filled the room.

  Stacey tottered over and said, “Will you do me?” She pulled up her shirt and Easton did her best. It was really funny. They usually did this to each other.

  Grateful the subject had been changed, Dad said, “We came by to see if you wanted us to bring you dinner, but looks like all is handled.”

  My parents were the best. “Aww, thank you so much. I think we’re good. Early dinner here. And I’ll just grab something.”

  “Then I’ll plan to see you on Monday. Did I tell you that Tristian’s father died? It was a car accident.”

  It reminded me of Mom. Her dad had died in an accident when she was in high school, leaving her penniless. “Dad! That’s terrible. Is he okay?”

  “Seems to be. Said he’d be at work on Monday.”

  “Wow.”

  “I got the feeling they weren’t too close.”

  “How sad. I wonder why.”

  “One can’t ever know unless he tells us.”

  I made a mental note to be kind to him next week.

  After I hugged both parents, they left while Stacey called out for another cosmo. I hoped she fell asleep early as I wasn’t sure I wanted to entertain my inebriated friend all night.

  Chapter Eleven

  Tristian

  As I drove to work, thoughts of my family circled through my brain. I’d stopped to visit my brother this morning at the hospital. He was sitting up in his bed, sipping water.

  “You’re looking much better.”

  He groaned as he shifted positions. “I don’t feel that way. If only—”

  “Stop it, Stanton. The past is over. It’s time to focus on getting well. You’re lucky to be alive.”

  Eyes that held a world’s worth of pain stared back at me. For once I actually felt a great deal of sympathy for him. “It was my fault, Tristian. I was driving too fast.”

  “Yeah, that’s what the police determined. Do you recall how fast you were going?”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. His face was scratched up fairly bad, but nothing that wouldn’t heal or that would require more surgery. “I was doing about sixty. I remembered because Dad was with me and I didn’t want to go too fast. I always speed on that road, since it’s ours and it’s private.”

  “Oh, I know. You’ve been a speed demon ever since you began driving. Since it was a private road, and there weren’t any speed limits posted, you didn’t break any laws, so they’re not charging you.”

  “That doesn’t matter to me. I’m holding myself responsible and always will. I’ll never forgive myself.” The audible stress in his voice confirmed it.

  “You can’t change it, Stanton. Dad is gone, as bad as it seems, so the best thing for you now is to focus on getting well and moving forward.”

  “Easy for you to say, but that’ll be a hard task for me to carry out.”

  “Maybe you should talk to someone.”

  “You mean a shrink?”

  “Or a counselor.”

  “Maybe. Wouldn’t hurt, right? We’re all fucked up anyway. I mean the entire family.”

  That made me chuckle. “Damn, I never thought I’d hear you say that.”

  “Yeah, well, I’ve had a lot of time to think in here. Like, where are Mother and Ravina? Little bro has been in, and you, but those two?”

  I shrugged. “You know them.”

  “Hey, I know I’ve been an asshole to you over the years and I’m sorry.
I’d like to make amends.” His earnest gaze nearly threw me.

  “You can start by getting out of this place.”

  “I’m working on it.”

  “Good. I’ve gotta run or I’ll be really late for work. I’ll see you tonight.”

  “Really? Two visits in one day?”

  “Yeah. How about that?” I fist-bumped him and left.

  It was a nice conversation for a change, but it made me speculate about whether he’d revert to his old ways once he got home. He still hadn’t been informed of Dad’s decision in the will, and that might change everything.

  Once I arrived at work, I darted directly to my office as I was in no mood to speak with anyone, particularly that annoying blonde who worked here. As my bad luck would have it, her door was open and she saw me pass by.

  “Tristian, wait.”

  I acted as though I hadn’t heard her and continued walking. I’d made it to my doorway when her voice rang out again.

  “Tristian.”

  Inwardly, I groaned. Why now and why was I saddled with the daughter of the company’s owner? And most importantly, why did she have to be so fucking gorgeous?

  “Yes?” I didn’t look at her but continued on to my desk, dumping my backpack on it.

  “Hey, I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am about your father.”

  The last thing I needed was for her to be nice. “Hey, that’s nice and all, but I don’t need your sympathy or pity.”

  She frowned, and why did I want to put my fingers on her forehead and ease the lines away? This wasn’t making sense.

  “It’s not pity. I was only being courteous.”

  “Fine. I accept your courtesy. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”

  “Okay, but if you ever need to talk about it, I’m here.”

  I whipped around to confront her. Why in the hell would she think I’d want to confide in her? “Talk?” I took two strides forward, invading her personal space, and snarled, “What makes you think that I’d want to confide in you? Are you a psychologist? Or a grief counselor?” It was a slap in the face and I knew it. Why was I being such a dick to her?

  Her posture crumbled for a brief moment, but then her spine stiffened and her blue-green eyes turned into chips of ice. “Well, excuse me, Mr. McAsshole. I thought I would be kind by offering my condolences but I see you’re above that. Let’s forget this conversation ever occurred.”

  I’ll be damned. The woman had a feisty side to her and it turned me on. I reached for her and I wasn’t sure why, but I kissed that sassy mouth of hers. She sucked in her breath and I deepened the kiss. She tasted of mint and coffee and heat. One thing was certain. I wanted more, God help me.

  Suddenly, a knee hit my groin and I doubled over in pain. “Ugh, why’d you do that?”

  “I didn’t invite you to kiss me,” she spat, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.

  Once the pain passed, I stood straight and grinned at her smugly. “True, but you can’t deny you were enjoying it.”

  A flush rose from her neck to the tips of her ears. “I was not. That was a terrible kiss, the worst ever.”

  I laughed. An honest-to-God, good-hearted laugh. I hadn’t done that in ages.

  “Stop that.” She punched me in the arm with her middle knuckle raised. I’d learned that trick with my brothers.

  “Hey, that hurt. Just for that…” I grabbed her and kissed her again. Then the sound of Beck clearing his throat hit me.

  “Um, excuse me, you two, but Tristian, I wanted to let you know our visas have been approved.” That was all he said before walking away.

  “I’m going to kill you,” English said. “Somehow, some way, I’m going to find a way to get back at you.”

  “English, go to dinner with me.”

  “Are you crazy?”

  “Maybe.” And I was pretty sure I had jumped on that train.

  “You treat me like doggy poo, then kiss me, then ask me out. You’re psycho.”

  “I know. It does seem that way, but I promise I’ll behave.”

  “I will not go out with you.”

  I dipped my head and said, “Why don’t you think about it?”

  “There’s nothing to think about.”

  “Then why are you still in my office?” A grin curved my mouth.

  “I, uh, I’m not.” She left and her feet pounded the wood floor as she went back to her own office.

  This was the worst time to start anything with a woman, but she intrigued me. I grabbed the phone and ordered flowers for her. The only thing I put on the card was: Please accompany me to dinner. T.

  Beck texted me a little later and asked me to join him for lunch that day. We went to a small restaurant nearby and discussed our current and upcoming projects, including the trip.

  “How’s your brother?”

  “Doing much better, thanks. He’ll be in the hospital for a while longer, but will make a full recovery.”

  “That’s great news. I’d like to ask you something.”

  “Anything.”

  “What are your intentions with English?”

  His question amused me. “I’m not sure there are intentions. I’d love to take her to dinner, but I’m afraid she hates me and for good reason. I’ve been an ass to her.”

  He scoffed. “You sure have a different way of demonstrating what an ass is. From what I observed, you two looked fairly cozy.”

  “Yeah, that may have been an error of judgment on my part.”

  “May I give you some advice?”

  “Sure.”

  “Go gently with her. She had a very difficult time early on and is pretty leery of men.”

  Hmm, and dumbfuck me went throwing gasoline onto the fire. Way to go, smartass. “Thank you. I appreciate that, and just so you know, I don’t plan on giving up.” What the hell was I saying?

  “Glad to hear it.”

  At least I had her father on my side. For what, I had no idea.

  Chapter Twelve

  English

  Friday rolled around and I still felt his lips on mine, which infuriated me. He’d sent two gorgeous bouquets of fresh flowers and I hadn’t thanked him for either. Frankly, I didn’t know what to say and was afraid to open my mouth around him. He made me drool and made me angry at the same time. This shit had to stop as I wasn’t getting much editing done.

  “Hey, English, are those photos ready yet?” Dad stood in my office, waiting.

  “Almost.”

  “What’s up with you? It never takes you this long.”

  I shrugged.

  “Are you sick?”

  “No! I’m fine,” I snapped. “Just a little preoccupied.”

  “Is Easton okay?”

  “She’s perfect.” I kept my eyes on the computer.

  “How’s that situation at her school? With that boy who was bullying her?”

  Glancing up, I said, “Oh, I forgot to tell you. They moved that boy to a different class. Problem solved. And thanks again for going to see the teacher that day. I think your threats helped.” I gave him a knowing look. Dad could be pretty brutal when it involved his family.

  “Good to hear. I’m glad it worked out. Then what else is going on with you?”

  “Nothing! I’m perfectly fine,” I huffed.

  “Is Stuart bothering you?” he growled.

  “No, he’s not. I haven’t heard a word from him.”

  “Hmm, does this have anything to do with a certain someone in this office?”

  I gasped as my head vigorously shook. “Absolutely not. Never in a million years.”

  “Fine. All I was going to say was I approve. Tristian is a fine young m—”

  “No, he is not. End of story.”

  Dad’s lips twitched as he patted me on the back. “Okay. Let me know when you’re finished as I need those ASAP.”

  “Fine.” My focus returned to the computer as I went to work. When I was done, I sent them to him.

  I drummed my finge
rs on the desk until they were numb. The truth was I wanted to go out with Tristian but was afraid… afraid of feeling something. What if something developed between us and then didn’t work? I’d have to see him every day and that would be awful. Work relationships were never a good idea, so why was I even entertaining it?

  Time dragged and the hour had come to go pick up Easton. I said my goodbyes to Phyllis and Dad, then left.

  Fridays after school were our girls’ night. After I picked her up, we went someplace fun, like an arcade or bowling, and then we went to dinner and a movie. Tonight we got pizza and watched a movie at home. She was asleep before eight, so I carried her to her bed, tucked her in, and went back downstairs.

  The movie was still on and I was about to switch it off when there was a knock on the door. The peephole gave me a view of the front porch, as did the security camera. It was Stuart. Now might be a good time to talk to him, as we were alone without Easton or Stacey to interrupt us.

  I opened the door and he walked in without a word. Alcohol fumes followed him, which wasn’t a good sign.

  “We need to discuss our daughter,” he began.

  “Fine. Have a seat.” His disheveled appearance clued me in that he must’ve been drinking for a while, not to mention the odor. “Stuart, before we start, how much have you had to drink?”

  “Here we go. Are you going to interrogate me?”

  “No, it was a simple question.”

  “Fine. My simple answer is none of your damn business.”

  “If that’s how you want to do this, then we’re not discussing Easton. You can leave.”

  A sneer formed on his mouth. “You’re mistaken. I’m not leaving until I see Easton.”

  “She’s asleep already.”

  “Then wake her up.” Each of his words was a harsh demand. Back was the Stuart I remembered and pinpricks of fear stabbed my spine. I wasn’t afraid for myself, but was dreadfully terrified for my daughter. Somehow, I had to get him out of here before he did something terrible to her.

  I rushed to the door and opened it. “Leave now, Stuart, or I’ll call the police.”

  For a drunk man, he moved with unexpected speed. His hand wrapped around my arm as he hauled me back toward the couch and then punched me in the gut. I doubled over as the air in my lungs whooshed out. When I did, his other fist met my cheekbone, snapping my head back. I would’ve fallen backwards had his hands not clenched around my neck. He jerked me into an upright position as horror gripped me. Fingers tightened and spots swam before my eyes. I was sure he would strangle me. Things spiraled and the light dimmed, but then I heard a shout in the distance and his hands disappeared as I hit the floor, gasping for oxygen. Relief flooded me as precious air filled my lungs. I lay there, breathing, until my senses returned and it was then I heard the shouting beyond my front door. It wasn’t long before I pushed to my feet to see what the commotion outside was about.