And a small part of him started to understand her choice to bring Ashton to him. She went about it wrong, but he would have never told her no. If Brett wasn’t such an asshole, she wouldn’t have dropped him off. He couldn’t believe she chose the asshole over her son in her last days, but Brett gave her an ultimatum. Ashton went back to Metcalf, or she left with Ashton.
Nothing would ever make him understand why she chose a man who never wanted to be bothered with a kid. And why move across the damned country when he would never take her back?
Metcalf finally felt sorry for her. She was sick, hurting, and gave up her son so he could get settled before her death. Jeanette didn’t want Ashton to watch her suffer. She thought she did the best she could, and maybe she had.
And why did she think he’d be such a dick? She made Ashton keep the secret about the kidney cancer because she believed he would sweep in and take Ashton away from her.
If he was going to be an asshole about custody, he would have done that forever ago. What the hell made her think that?
He sank onto the couch and watched Ashton babble on at his mother about all the fun they’d had since moving back.
“Yeah, Dad has Marissa coming over to make pizza with us.” Ashton paused for a moment, then brought the phone to him.
Frowning, he answered, “Hello?”
“You’re having that woman over?” Jeanette hissed.
Metcalf ground his teeth a moment. “You have no right to judge, considering when you started your relationship with Brett.”
She huffed. “This is different. He’s about to lose his mother, and he’s back with you—”
Nope, he was done. “Give me a minute,” he told his son, then walked into his room and shut the door. Lowering his voice, he firmly explained, “Stop right there. If you want to discuss this, it will be later after Ashton is in bed, but you’re in no position to question me having a friend over.”
“Fine,” she snarled. “This isn’t over yet. Let me talk to my son.”
“One word about this and we’ll have issues.”
“Not to Ashton, but we will discuss this bullshit tomorrow.” He had no doubt about that.
Metcalf found Ashton on the couch with his chin in his hands and his mouth turned so far down it broke his heart.
He crouched before his son with a smile. “Sorry, buddy, I needed a quick word with your mother. We’re still going to have fun tonight.”
Ashton perked up, taking the phone. He gave him a smile before saying, “I’m back.”
God, that woman infuriated him, twisting Ashton up, making him think there was something wrong. Dave grabbed his cell phone and sent a text. First, I’m working a case with Marissa. Second, we’re friends. Third, it’s dinner, not any hanky-panky with Ashton around.
If they did get to sex, it would be after Ashton went to bed, behind a locked door. He wouldn’t flaunt it in front of his boy. Maybe a kiss, nothing more.
Ashton ended the call and came back. “Sorry. I guess I shouldn’t have mentioned your friend.”
Metcalf sighed. “You did nothing wrong. Mom’s sick and worried I’ll mess up with you.”
“Why would she be worried? She knows you’re better.”
Rubbing the back of his neck, he searched for the words. “She’s taken care of you a long time. Mom’s worried I forgot how to take care of you. That’s all. Don’t worry, I haven’t. But she misses you, and it’s easy to expect the worst of people.”
“I’m sorry.”
He pulled Ashton into a hug. “Don’t be. We’re fine. Now go wash up.”
Ashton started for the bathroom in time for Metcalf’s phone to ding.
Marissa? The woman you almost didn’t take me back for?
He sent a quick reply. Don’t see how that’s any of your business.
“What’s wrong?” Ashton asked, watching him.
Shutting off the phone, he said, “Nothing. Just promising her that you’re my top priority.”
Ashton’s brow wrinkled. “Why doesn’t Mom like Marissa?”
“I don’t know. But it doesn’t matter. As long as you like her, that’s all that matters.”
His blue eyes sparkled behind the glasses. Then the bell rang and he hopped up. “Can I, answer the door?”
“Sure.” He stood up and made his way over.
Ashton threw the door open with a grin. “Marissa, hi!”
Marissa smiled down at Ashton. “Hey, Ashton. Sorry I didn’t get to stay last night, but we’ll make up for it tonight. And you get to make your own pizza.”
His whole face lit up. “Really?”
Metcalf took the bags from her and brought them to the kitchen.
“Yeah. You can put whatever you want on the pizza. I won’t judge. My little brother eats the weirdest things on his.”
“Yeah? Like what?” Ashton asked.
Metcalf peeked out to see her make a face.
Laughing, she answered, “Anchovies, mushrooms, bell pepper, pineapple…and broccoli.” She visibly shuddered.
That wasn’t Isandro. He preferred meat, meat, and more meat. “Which one is that?” Metcalf asked.
“Estevan. He decided he was a vegetarian in high school. That didn’t last long.”
Ashton’s head cocked. “Aren’t anchovies meat?”
She shrugged. “Some vegetarians don’t count fish. I never did figure out why.”
Ashton giggled. “Weird.”
Metcalf had to agree.
Marissa nodded to the kitchen. “I didn’t bring broccoli, but I did grab everything else, and more.”
Ashton giggled. “Broccoli is good. But not on pizza.”
Marissa grinned. “I’d have to agree.” She closed the door and moved to the kitchen. “You went to school today?”
“I did. Dad let me sign up for art club.”
“Art is fun. What’s your favorite thing about art?”
“Drawing. But I like painting too.”
Marissa continued to engage Ashton while helping to unpack everything and get it in dishes. “And what do you like to draw?”
His boy beamed at her. “Animals. I’m trying people, but I’m not good at them.”
“Keep practicing and you will be,” she encouraged.
This was working out better than he’d ever imagined. She’d been worried about how Ashton would accept her, but she naturally fell into a conversation with a ten-year-old.
She efficiently placed everything on the counter in a matter of minutes, while continuing to smile and encourage Ashton to open up. God, she was amazing.
Metcalf leaned against the counter next to her. “Now what? You’re the brains behind this operation.”
Her eyes lit up. “Well, take your crust, spread some sauce, some cheese, and put what you want on it.”
“Easy-peasy.” Ashton pulled his crust over and slathered on a ton of sauce.
Metcalf laughed. “That’s a lot of sauce.”
“Best part,” he answered.
“I’m with him,” Marissa replied, putting as much on hers.
“Sure, gang up on me,” Metcalf teased.
* * * *
While Ashton was getting ready for bed, Metcalf moved to her. “Stay a little longer?”
Her heart picked up and she nodded. She wanted to be alone with him, even for an hour or two. “Sure. Get him to bed.” She took a seat on the couch and picked up her phone while Metcalf went to talk to Ashton.
The evening had been more fun than she’d expected. Ashton was a sweet kid. Metcalf showed another side. Being with them felt natural.
Isandro’s text made her smirk. I see you’re still over there. I’ll take it as a good sign. And no, don’t need details, but you’ve been alone too damned long.
Arianna had sent her a message too. I’m going to distract my man and see if I can keep him off your back when you come home. The big lug is too curious for his own good.
She sent a quick reply. Keep him busy all night. I don’t want a ton
of questions.
Her reply, Get it, girl!
She opened the book she’d been reading on her phone.
A few chapters later Dave sat beside her, pulling her against him. “What are you reading?”
She smiled over at him. “Roxana Nights’ latest book.”
“What’s it about?”
“Werewolves, magic, and romance.”
He leaned in and captured her mouth. She locked the phone and slid it into her purse.
“I’ll give you some romance,” he murmured.
Marissa forced back the snarky, Too soon to promise an HEA. She didn’t want a promise, or a challenge, she just wanted Dave. And he had more potential than any of the men in her past.
He glanced at the hall. “Let’s move this to the bedroom, so he doesn’t find us in a compromising position.”
After dropping the phone in her purse, she made her way past him, trailing her fingers along his abdomen as she passed. He caught her hand and followed her into the room.
Dave let her go to close and lock the door. He turned to find her facing the bed, pulling her shirt off. Stepping closer, he dragged his fingertips pushed her hair aside and kissed up her neck to behind her ear.
“How long do I have you, darling?”
Tingles traveled down her spine. God, she wanted him, but letting him in wasn’t so easy.
He dragged his fingertips down her side. “How long?”
She reached for a lame defense. “Why? You want to cuddle after?” Then she remembered how he’d held her until her phone woke them. Dave wouldn’t have any problem holding her all night.
In fact, she’d changed her ringtone at the hospital, hoping to have that opportunity again, and she didn’t want startle him again.
Pulling her into the line of his body, he murmured, “For as long as you’ll let me.” Dave opened her pants and slipped his hand under her panties to stroke her clit. His teeth gently caught her ear, his breath dancing against her cheek. She ground her ass back against his erection as desire pooled.
“You have me awhile.” She would leave eventually, but she wanted him close for as long as she could.
“Need you, Marissa.” His voice held a soft growl.
“Shh,” she whimpered as he worked her up. She couldn’t remember ever needing to be quiet for anyone. She’d never even made out with a guy until college. Mostly because she didn’t want to deal with her parents. Not to mention, she was embarrassed by their brand of crazy.
Now, she really didn’t want to wake Ashton up.
She bit her lip, holding back the moan.
He nipped her ear and whispered, “Do you have any idea how sexy you are, trying to be quiet while seeking pleasure?”
“You’re driving me crazy. I need you,” she whispered.
“Come for me, and I’ll give you what you want.”
Dropping her head to his shoulder, a smile spread. She was close, just a little more. She pulled her shirt off, and one hand caressed up her ribs to cup her breast. He pinched her nipple. That’s all she needed. Release washed over her as he dipped his fingers into her, rubbing just right to prolong the pleasure.
Marissa melted against him. He kissed her neck, teasing her until she nearly collapsed.
Spinning her around, he shoved her pants down and pushed her to the bed. Then he stripped down quickly.
She slid to her knees and gripped his base. Pre-cum beaded on his crown, and she licked, spreading the liquid across his head. She wanted his taste to burst across her tongue more than she wanted to get off again.
“Marissa,” he whispered. “Come here, darling.”
“Uh-uh.” Taking as much as she could, she cupped his balls as she watched his reaction.
His eyes fluttered, but he watched, licking his lips. They had plenty of time, and he’d already proven that he’d be ready to go again before long.
“Don’t need that.” His hand sought the end table as his hips rocked. She reached back, gripping his ass with one hand, playing with his balls with the other, and rocking up and down his shaft.
He let out a breathy sound full of need. She guided him around until he sat on the edge of the bed and moved closer, taking him deeper.
“Fuck, Marissa,” he whispered urgently, gripping the comforter. “Close.”
She loved the way he gave into the pleasure. His hips jerked, his cock pulsing. He came, and she took it all. She didn’t stop until he stilled.
He combed his fingers into her hair and looked into her eyes. “Forgot you like to do that.”
Frowning, she climbed up beside him. “She didn’t?”
He shook his head. “We’re not discussing her.”
She pulled him back on the bed and lay next to him. “Maybe we should. Every time Ashton mentioned her, you tensed. And I get it. You’re appalled by what she did, but you don’t want to trash her in front of Ashton. Feel free to spill to me.”
“Don’t want him to think I hate her.”
“It would be okay if you did.”
“You know, she was pissed when Ashton mentioned you were coming. I can’t believe she remembers we were together. We never talked about you. Shit, after the way she left, she has no reason to bitch.”
Marissa blinked and forced down the urge to flee. Then anger bubbled up. How could she judge?
Her eyes narrowed. “She left you for your best man—twice.”
Metcalf sighed. “Yeah, and Ashton found them fucking before I was shot.”
“What?” Marissa sat up, then froze when she heard someone in the next room. She scrambled into her clothes.
“What are you doing?”
“He’s up,” she whispered.
Dave pulled his pants on. “Be right back.” He left the room.
Sinking onto the edge of the bed, she closed her eyes. She felt ridiculous sitting there fully dressed while he made sure Ashton was okay.
Metcalf came back after a few minutes. “He needed some water. You okay?”
She nodded. “Sorry. I don’t want to give Jeanette a reason to be bitchy.”
He shook his head. “She tried to tell me I shouldn’t even be thinking about women.” He sat down and sighed. “I fired back with the fact she was with another man, in our house, before the divorce.”
“Sorry.”
He shook his head. “We never should have made it that long. Shit, I don’t even remember why Brett was my friend. And somehow, I was never surprised when I found out she was fucking him.”
“Why?”
“Remember the first time we hooked up? We were legally separated because she wanted to try things with Brett.”
“I don’t get why she wanted you back then.”
“She was pregnant. Brett wouldn’t claim him without proof. We had a paternity test as soon as we could. It’s the only reason I held off on finalizing the divorce when we were separated.”
“Shit. I’m sorry. If I had just listened, you wouldn’t have gone back to her. Then you wouldn’t have gone through all the rest of the bullshit.”
He shook his head. “You weren’t ready for something serious. If you were, you wouldn’t have pushed me away so hard. And for a while, when she was happy about Ashton, I thought we had a chance.” He sighed. “Once I knew Ashton was mine, and I couldn’t have you, I didn’t have anything to lose. We were already married. I could always leave later.”
“I’m sorry.”
He paused and looked into her eyes. “I never expected her to question anything now. She’s the one who betrayed me, not the other way around.”
“Yeah, but women always remember that stuff.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because Carson’s new fiancée keeps coming to talk to me about whatever he said. I can’t make that woman leave me the hell alone.”
Metcalf snorted. “I’ve seen you when he’s run into you. You’re rather short with him.”
She drew a breath and let it out. “He’s a pussy. And he didn’t fight for me. T
rust me when I say this. I haven’t looked back since the divorce.”
“Just like you didn’t look back when Jeanette showed up.”
“That was a mistake fueled by fear.”
“You can’t always run. Sometimes it’s worth exploring something with someone. And I’m not referring to the pussy. I never gave you a reason to run.”
She slipped her fingers through his and smiled. “Don’t worry, I get that now.” Leaning in, she took a slow kiss. When she sat back, she sighed. “But I should go. I plan to go in early to check on those leads.”
He squeezed her hand. “I’ll miss you.”
Smiling, she went to the living room. He followed her, closing the distance to pull her into his embrace.
“You’ll see me tomorrow,” she promised.
His lips quirked. “Can I call tonight?”
“Please.”
“Good night.” He took another kiss before letting her slip through the door.
Chapter 10
After dropping Ashton off at school, Metcalf pulled into a parking lot and called Jeanette. He needed to make a few things clear.
He was about to give up after three rings.
She finally answered on the fourth. “Did you keep that whore in your house last night?” The venom in her voice jarred him.
His jaw clenched before he replied. “On no. Back up. I didn’t question how you did things. I didn’t give you hell when I caught you fucking Brett behind my back. I let you go without a fight.”
“You fought. You bitched I took your son away,” she snapped.
Flexing his hands, he tried to hold back the acid in his tone. “You made it impossible for me to spend enough time with Ashton. Had you stayed here, we could have worked that out. I never stood in your way with Brett.”
She snarled, “You disgusted me at the time. I couldn’t stand to be anywhere near you. Why couldn’t you have pulled through faster? We could have worked things out.”
Anger boiled over. “You were fucking another man before I was even injured. We were too broken to make us work. I’m amazed we lasted as long as we did. Stop being pissed off at me and listen to what I have to say.”
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