Backburn

by Brandy L Rivers

  “No. She had to go.”

  His brow pinched. “Is she your girlfriend?”

  Metcalf shook his head. “I want her to be, but we haven’t figured that out yet.”

  Ashton’s gaze dropped to the ground and he kicked a foot. “Is it because of me?”

  That was an even more complicated answer. “No, buddy. She wanted to talk about work. We’re going to investigate the fire at our old house. But she’s a policewoman. We haven’t worked together in the past.”

  His bottom lip quivered. “Oh. Am I in the way?”

  Metcalf put his arm around Ashton and pulled him close. “No, you definitely aren’t in the way. Look, her brother was in the hospital last night. She had to go check on him.”

  Ashton’s mouth popped open as he looked up at him. “Is he okay?”

  “He will be.”

  He smiled. “Good. And you know one of her brothers.”

  “I do?”

  “Yeah. You remember Isandro?”

  “Bulldog! He’s cool.”

  Metcalf smiled. “Yeah. Now what movie did you pick, buddy?”

  “The Goonies.”

  “Let’s get snacks and we can watch it.”

  It didn’t take long to get everything ready. He settled in with Ashton, who scooted close and leaned against his side. Smiling, Metcalf put his arm over his shoulder and relished having his boy back in his home.

  “Missed you, buddy.”

  “Missed you more, Dad.”

  “Uh-uh, no way, no how, you missed me more. I’m twice your size.”

  Ashton laughed. “Doesn’t matter. I missed you more.”

  Metcalf kissed his head. “One day, you’ll understand that’s not possible.”

  * * * *

  Marissa pulled up at her home. Isandro hurried across his yard to hers. It was times like these she wished they lived farther apart.

  On the porch, she turned toward him. “What?”

  “Stop avoiding me and tell me what the hell is going on with Metcalf.”

  Her heart dropped and she glared back. “What are you talking about?”

  “I saw the way you watched each other after the fire. You keep bailing, not wanting to talk about it. Since he had to leave before I got to ask him, I’m asking you. What the fuck is going on with you two?”

  “We’re friends.” Maybe more, maybe not. She didn’t have a damned clue.

  His jaw clenched as he shook his head. “You went home with him last night.”

  “What makes you say that?”

  “You’re not even denying it, Marissa. Why can’t you admit it? Was it a one and done?”

  She snorted. “Look, it’s complicated.”

  “We got time. Explain this to me before I lose my shit.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest. “On who? Me or him? Because I suspect me.”

  “Depends on what happened between you two.”

  She sighed. “We’re exploring what’s between us. But he just got his kid back today, so we’re on hold until he can get Ashton settled in.”

  A lopsided grin spread as his shoulders relaxed. “You’re trying things out?”

  She threw her hands up. “Why do you care?”

  “As long as you aren’t taking him for a ride only to trade him in, I’m fine with it.”

  “You’re an ass.” She turned and opened her door.

  Isandro followed her in. “Look, anyone else and I wouldn’t worry about it. I know he’s had some weird crush on you for years.”

  She rubbed her head and walked away. “What are you talking about?”

  “Every time you’re around, he watches you. Not like he wants to fuck your brains out—well, he did today. Before that it was like he wanted to say something but didn’t know how. Like he regretted something.”

  Her hands clenched and released. “We had a fling the first time his wife left him. And then she came back, and I assumed he’d take her back. I walked away and it took her months to get him back. Then that bitch left him for another man.”

  Isandro lifted his hands with wide eyes. “You were with Metcalf before?”

  “Yeah, but not many people know that.”

  “And you walked away?”

  “I said it was complicated. It was a few months after my divorce was final. Jeanette had filed for a legal separation two months before. We were at the bar drinking our worries away. He bought me a drink. We played some pool. Wound up going home. Three days and it was great.”

  “What happened?

  She groaned. “We were at Gavin’s for a party. I went to the bathroom. When I came back, she was begging him to give her a chance. They’d been high school sweethearts and she was pregnant. I thought he’d take her back. What was I supposed to think?”

  Isandro’s brow climbed to his hairline. “Pregnant with Ashton?”

  Marissa nodded.

  “Does Ashton being in his home change things now?”

  “Other than making us slow things down, no.”

  “Which means you did go home with him.” It wasn’t a question, and he wore a smug smile.

  “Yes, you happy?”

  “And you want to again?”

  “Yeah, but we have things to figure out. So, don’t rush us, and don’t get all pissy with either of us if it doesn’t work.”

  He lifted his hands in surrender, backing toward the door. “Hey, like I said, don’t chew him up and spit him out and I’m fine with it.”

  “Whatever, go back to your woman, Bulldog.”

  Laughing, he ducked outside. “See you later, Marissa.”

  * * * *

  After the movie, Ashton took a shower and went to bed. He sent a text to Jeanette, letting her know that Ashton had a good night. There were a million things he wanted to ask, but he didn’t think he’d like the answers. He needed to make a list.

  When Jeanette never replied, he figured it could wait for morning.

  And a small part of him hoped it meant she was hurting over giving up her son. Shit, he was pissed at how things played out. She kept him away from Ashton, then just dropped him off—which Metcalf was glad about, but he could see how it would hurt Ashton. That was unacceptable and unforgivable.

  Not that he ever expected to understand. She was dying. How much time did she have? This situation was a mess.

  He felt guilty he didn’t feel worse for Jeanette. Maybe that would come later. In that moment, he didn’t get it. Probably because he was ready to let Jeanette go eleven years ago.

  But he didn’t want to be angry. No, he wanted to let it go and be there for his son. Metcalf wasn’t kidding himself. Ashton might love the situation for now, but he would miss his mother sooner or later. He just hoped he could help Ashton through the emotions.

  His cell rang and he smiled at the name on his screen. “Hi, Marissa”

  “Hey, sorry about earlier.” Her voice was low and sexy. His dick stirred, which didn’t surprise him. How many times had he caught himself imagining her over the years? Too damned many to count.

  “Nah, it’s okay. Probably best I spent some time with Ashton. We had a good night. I wonder how long that will last.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “He’s going to miss his mother sooner or later.”

  “Yeah, he will. At least he’s old enough to understand. I remember how hard it was for Enrique and Estevan to accept our mother’s death.”

  “They didn’t miss your father?”

  She snorted. “No. It was Mama they cried for. Dad never paid them any attention.”

  “I pay attention,” he muttered.

  “No, this isn’t a comparison. You’re a good dad. My father wasn’t. When he wasn’t hitting Mom or Isandro, he was neglecting all of us. My mother did everything for them, but they hardly knew our father, which is a good thing. You know he killed her, then shot himself, right?”

  “Shit. I knew, but it’s not anything I ever think about. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. As
hton would miss you if you were gone. My parents were a different story.”

  “I hope I don’t fuck up with him.”

  “You won’t. Have you talked to him yet?”

  He shook his head, not that she could see. “No. Not sure how to broach that topic. I need to, but it’s his first night back. I just wanted to hang out with him.”

  “Which was why I didn’t stay. You two need to get used to each other again. And you may decide not to waste energy on me.”

  “Hey, don’t do that. Single parents date all the time. Look at Kyle and Mila.”

  Marissa snorted. “Only Kyle is her baby’s daddy.” Mila had moved to town and fell hard for Kyle. Only it turned out Kyle was her daughter’s father. Apparently, they couldn’t keep their hands off each other at some masked Halloween party and she wound up pregnant, only she didn’t know when she left the next morning without his name. A couple months later, it was too late to find him. As fate would have it, she moved in next door to him six years later.

  He ran a hand up and down his arm. “Jeanette doesn’t think she’s going to make it.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I’m only sorry for Ashton. She dropped him off without a second thought. Just left him at my parents’ and came by the firehouse to let me know.”

  “How bad is the cancer?”

  He scrubbed a hand over his face. “She’s lost most of her hair. She looks like hell. I imagine it’s bad, but she didn’t give me any details, and I didn’t ask. I was too shocked.”

  “If I can help, I will. But he may not want me there. It’s okay if he doesn’t.”

  “Tell me something, Marissa, are you trying to find a reason not to give me a chance?” He couldn’t help the heat that entered his voice.

  She sighed. “That wasn’t what I said. I don’t want to make it worse for him. If I can help, I will. That may mean me not being around him.”

  “We’ll figure that out if it comes up.”

  “Okay.” She huffed. “By the way, Isandro knows. Apparently, we were watching each other too closely.”

  “Is that so horrible?” he asked, honestly wondering why it mattered. Isandro had been with plenty of women before settling down. Doubtful he worried too much about who his sister took home.

  “No. He took it better than I expected.” Her light laugh sent a thrill through him.

  “Why are you so hesitant?”

  “Been a long time since I thought I might have a chance at something real. Don’t want to put too much pressure on this.”

  He grinned, lying back. “And you think we could work?”

  “Yeah. You were always different from everyone, but I have a terrible habit of pushing away a good thing.”

  “Stop pushing me away. I want to pull you closer.”

  Her voice dropped to that low, sexy tone. “Wish you could right now.”

  “Should have stayed.”

  “You needed time with Ashton.” There was a smile in her voice.

  “True. But I want him to get to know you. Have dinner with us tomorrow. Please.” He held his breath, waiting.

  “You’re sure?”

  “Yeah. Look, he has a stepfather. He’s asked if I’ll ever have a girlfriend again. We don’t have to say you are, but come over and get to know him. We’re a package deal now.”

  “It’s a date.”

  “Thank you.”

  She laughed softly. “Don’t thank me yet.”

  “You’re good with kids.”

  “This might be totally different, Dave. We’ll give it a try, though. I want to explore this, but—”

  “Don’t. Stop. No more of that. No doubts. Just trying.”

  She sighed. “Tomorrow then.”

  “Hopefully we can get a few free moments, alone.”

  “I’m sure we can,” she murmured. “Good night, Dave.”

  He smiled. “I like it when you use my name.”

  “Doesn’t anyone else?”

  “My parents. That’s about it.”

  Another laugh. “Tell me you don’t think of your parents when I say it.”

  “No, I think about you in my arms and how good it feels. Or maybe sliding deep inside you with your deep, dark eyes locked on mine.”

  “I’ll make sure to call you Dave more often.”

  Shit, he was hard. “I’ll call you once Ashton is at school. Maybe I’ll have a chance to come by before work.”

  “Give me a call, but my shift starts earlier than yours,” she answered.

  “Good night, Marissa.”

  “Night, Dave.”

  Grinning, he ended the call.

  Chapter 7

  At breakfast, Metcalf watched Ashton wolf down his chocolate chip pancakes. As much as he hated it, he needed to start the hard conversation.

  “Hey, buddy, what would you think if I had a girlfriend?”

  He smiled. “The woman from last night?”

  Metcalf nodded. “I want Marissa to be.”

  “Not sure she likes me.” His brow pinched and he looked down.

  “That wasn’t why she left, kiddo. She wanted us to have a little guy time. That’s all. She has three brothers and knows what it’s like to need to be with family.”

  “Three brothers?”

  He nodded. “Yup. She’s the oldest. You know Isandro. The other two are twins.”

  “They are? Any my age?”

  He laughed. “Nope. Older. But she’s my age, remember?”

  “I always wanted a brother or sister.”

  Metcalf nearly choked on his tongue. He’d wanted another child, but he doubted that would ever happen now.

  “I’m not one to say never, but I’m not in a place where having a baby is on my to-do list.”

  Ashton giggled. “Yeah. I know. But you need a girlfriend to have a baby, so you having one might mean you get one.”

  “Uh…” Metcalf was at a loss for words.

  Verna came to ask if they needed anything.

  He ordered more hot chocolate for Ashton. He figured one morning of sweets after his no sugar for months wouldn’t hurt. Besides, they were making up for lost time.

  “What kind of food did Mom give you?”

  He sighed. “All healthy food. They started eating all sorts of weird stuff. Brett thought it would help Mom when she got sick, but it didn’t.”

  “Do you have any allergies I should know about?” Metcalf asked, appalled by the thought of limiting a kid’s food that drastically.

  He shook his head. “No. But Mom was sick.”

  Metcalf gripped the seat and thought out his words. Healthy was good, but there was a line. “Well, I want you to eat mostly healthy food, but I’m not going to feed you bunny food constantly. And treats in moderation are perfectly fine.”

  Ashton shrugged. “I got used to the food.”

  “We’re going to eat balanced meals, and we’ll have dessert sometimes. I want you healthy. And, I’m healthy, right?”

  He nodded.

  “The occasional dish of ice cream or cupcake isn’t going to hurt.” He smiled. “You’re a kid. I don’t expect you to be on a restrictive diet.”

  His eyes danced. “Okay.”

  Metcalf changed the subject. “Now, what do you want to do in school?”

  He shrugged. “Art. If you don’t think that’s too sissy.”

  Metcalf snorted. “No. You could always draw. Art it is.”

  His mouth popped open and he squeaked out, “That’s okay?”

  “Of course it is.”

  “Brett didn’t want me doing art.”

  Metcalf’s jaw clenched. What the fuck? He was going to have a long talk with Jeanette. That was bullshit no matter how he looked at it.

  “Well, you don’t have to deal with him now.” He’d called the man a friend once. At this point, he couldn’t remember why.

  “Was Brett good to you?”

  Ashton nodded. “Yeah. He’s not you. But he was okay.”

  That didn’t make
him feel better. “Did you like it there?”

  He shook his head. “Not really. We lived in the city. There wasn’t much to do. Then Mom got sick and we stopped doing so many things together.”

  Metcalf pinched the bridge of his nose. He had a few ideas to make sure Ashton had kids to hang out with, kids his own age.

  Hot cocoa came and Ashton grinned. “Thank you.”

  Metcalf had to smile. “I’m glad I have you again.”

  Ashton giggled. “Me too.”

  “After you finish that, we should get you to school.”

  “I’m excited. I hope my friends are still friends.”

  “I’m sure they are. At least the good ones.”

  * * * *

  “You’re going to help me with wedding planning, right?” Arianna asked two seconds after stepping into Marissa’s home.

  “Um, when?” Though she dreaded planning anything to do with weddings.

  “Tonight?”

  A tiny thread of guilt stitched through her. “I can’t. I have plans.”

  “Metcalf?” Arianna waggled her brows.

  “Yeah. What did Isandro tell you?”

  She smiled. “Not much. Only that you’re playing this one close to the chest and he hopes that means this time is different.”

  “Shit, I always play it close to the chest. I don’t need his commentary on my love life.”

  “All right, but if you ever want to talk, I’m here.”

  “Thanks. I’m nervous. Tonight, I’m hanging out with him and his son. I don’t even know what I’m supposed to do.”

  “Be yourself. If you want this to work, it has to work with the kid as well.”

  “That’s the part that scares me. He already dealt with Mommy leaving for another man, at the worst possible time in Metcalf’s life. What kind of bitch does that? Here, you’re hurt and dealing with a horrible situation, let’s just fuck someone else and leave before you get back on your feet.” She sighed. “Sorry. Never liked that cunt.”

  Arianna burst out laughing. “Why is that?”

  “Long story. Look, I’m not going to bore you with the details.”

  “Just give me the short version.”