by Ashley Logan
Me: [Stacey blushes as she smiles] Whisper it to me in bed later.
Brad: Deal. Get back to work so we can see you sooner. I've missed that sexy smile.
Putting my phone back in my pocket, I grab my tools and get started.
A couple of hours later, I'm nearly done. The boys are already at the park, so I'm rushing to take out the last of the trash when my phone rings.
Frowning as I pull it up to see Brad calling, I answer in a panic.
"Is he okay?"
"Uh, hi. Yes," he says slowly. "Ryan is largely okay, so please don't freak out."
"What do you mean largely?!"
"Stace, that sounds a lot like you're starting to freak out."
I repeat myself loud and clear and Brad sighs.
"Okay, look. I'm just calling, because Ry insisted on letting you know that he grazed his knee, but that he is just fine and that it was not the skateboard's fault, so can he please keep trying. Informing your mother, asking permission, and dusting yourself off to try again are all good things that should be encouraged, correct? Here, I'll put him on."
"Hey Mom!"
Hand to my chest, I let out the breath I'm holding as Ry's cheerful voice chirps through the phone.
"Don't be mad at Brad, okay? It's not a bad graze and I only cried for a little bit. Brad said I was really brave and that I was doing a good job," he says, making me wonder how much Brad might be paying him. "We washed it. And it's not bleeding anymore, 'cause Brad put a Band-Aid on it. He's doing a real good job of looking after me, so I wanted to call and let you know that. I want to keep playing, but I was scared you wouldn't let me if you thought I hurt myself too bad, and needed to check. So is it okay that I keep skateboarding and you keep liking Brad? I can tell that he's worried about it, but he shouldn't be, right? I'm really good, so you should still like him. Maybe you could kiss him when you come to meet us. He'd like that."
I hear Brad say something in the background about appreciating the support, but it being inappropriate for Ry to tell me who to kiss. Laughing to myself, I rub my eyes and set my glasses back in place.
"Alright, ratbag. Stop trying to score kisses for Brad and concentrate on not falling off the damn skateboard. Put Brad back on."
"I didn't tell him to say any of that, I swear," Brad says when he comes back on.
"I believe you, but I can hear you smiling and it does make me a little suspicious."
"How could I not smile? The kid is both adorable and hilarious. He gets it from his mom, of course. Are you coming to join us soon?"
Leaning against the wall, I run my hand through my hair the way Brad does it and look at the last bag of trash I need to take out. That, followed by a five minute drive, are all that stand in the way of licking the giant stick of man-candy on the other end of the phone.
"I'll be there soon. Anxious to see me?"
"Yes," he replies shamelessly. "Anxious to see you; and touch you. All of my senses are nuts for you, actually. It's definitely been too long since I tasted you."
"Brad! My son is with you!"
"Don't worry, he was out of earshot for that one. It's not like I yelled it or anything. How unromantic would that be?"
Laughing at the thought, I shake my head. "I don't think your statement would be classed as romantic, regardless of what volume you pitch it at. It was crude and uncouth."
"Which is why you liked it."
The tone of his voice sends a shiver through my body and I squeeze my thighs together in anticipation. I did like it. If I hadn't been so shocked that Ry might have heard him, I'd probably be encouraging him to ease the need he's inducing.
"Mr. Jenkins, please just make sure my son keeps the rest of his skin, and I'll see you soon."
"Of course. Goodbye Ms. Lane."
The call ends, but the smile in his voice was unmistakable. And irresistible. I didn't know it was possible to actually hear dimples. It's fucking hot. The guy is no longer on the line and I have the overwhelming urge to grab him by his curly blond hair and suck the grin from his face in fevered lust.
Snatching up the last garbage bag, I move as quickly as my trembling legs will take me.
BRAD SEES ME COMING from across the park. If I'd ever had the guts to tell Mom about what this man does to me, she would have insisted it was a sin. It probably is a sin that his grin can heat my lady-parts from that distance, but I can't seem to keep myself from smiling, or from rushing in his direction.
Everything about him draws me in. His smile, his sense of humor, his caring nature and sensual touch. He's been so supportive to both me and Ry during this hard time; even before Mom passed. Even when I've tried to push him away, he's been right where I needed him to be, giving nothing but love and the occasional, duly warranted dose of reality feedback.
I used to fantasize about him in so many different ways, but I never really believed in us as a long term thing. Normally, I plan on some level, achieve a goal and then set a new plan. Now all I think about is this sweet, sexy guy taking care of me and Ry as I figure out what to do next, and the more I think about it, the more I see Brad with us as we move forward.
As strange as life has been lately, Brad, Ryan and I, make quite the functional trio. Returning Brad's wave, I scan the kids beyond him for Ry, but before I can pinpoint him, my path is blocked and I pull up short.
"Long time no see, my sassy little wildcat."
His words slap the smile from my face and I take a step back from Dex Sodermann. Thrown off by his sudden intrusion into my little family fantasy, it takes me a moment to regain my balance, but when I do, I lift my chin as I wish I had felt strong enough to do every single time I've seen him in the last half-decade.
"Firstly, I am not, nor have I ever been yours. I am not, and will not ever be, interested in your propositions. Leave me alone."
I make to walk around him, but he side-steps into my path.
"You used to be up for all kinds of fun. We had a good time once."
Snorting, I move back the other way only to be blocked again. Truly pissed now, I stand my ground and eyeball him. "What we had was barely mediocre. Trust me, it wasn't you that taught me how to have a good time."
Apparently enjoying himself, Dex looks me up and down and smirks. "Still feisty. I always did like your spunk, mother of my child."
The words spoken out loud make me want to retch. I could kick my younger self for being stupid enough to get involved with this creep; let alone knocked up by him.
"My child is nothing to do with you," I growl through my teeth.
His arms cross over his chest as he gives me a smug little smile. "I can do math, Stacey."
"So can I," Brad interjects as he arrives. "You're about ninety-nine and one half yards too close to me."
Dex looks at Brad's white-knuckled fists and for a moment looks delightfully scared. Then reality kicks in.
"Are you threatening me?" he says, leaning in. "I'm fairly certain that would also be a direct violation of the little protection order we have between us."
Brad and I both look beyond him when we hear Ry working Brad's old skateboard closer. He's using it with some skill too, I note.
Giving Dex a long hard stare, Brad unfurls his fists and offers a high five to Ry as he comes to a grinning stop beside him.
"Mom! Did you see?" Ry asks, beaming at me while holding his head back for Brad to un-clip his helmet.
"I saw, baby. You're doing great."
Looking rather chuffed with himself, Ry sets his helmet on the skateboard and stops still as he properly notices Dex. Smile gone in a flash, he takes a step closer to Brad. "What's he doing here again?"
Brad pulls Ry into his lap and rests a protective arm around him. "He's bothering my family, and I'm just letting him know that it's not okay. Right now, I'm using my words to do that."
"Oh," Ry says, nodding as his eyes hone in on Dex. "You should leave us alone. We don't like you."
Covering my mouth to contain a sneaky bubble of laughter, I
can't hold in the snort that escapes. I watch Dex's face contort with disbelief before it grows more thoughtful. He looks to be studying Brad and Ry as a scientist might study something through a microscope and I realize he's doing a comparison.
I look between Brad and Ry too. They have many similarities. More than Dex and Ry share; thankfully.
At the next change in Dex's expression, I suspect he's come to the same conclusion my mother had when she first saw them together.
"Sgt. Jenkins is the kid's Dad?"
Brad looks to me as I look to him, and Ry looks at both of us before answering.
"Of course he is."
Taking a step back, Dex shakes his head. "But this is just new," he says, pointing between me and Brad.
"No, it's not," Brad says, still looking at me. "It's always been there."
"Yeah," Ry agrees, batting a hand at the air in Dex's direction. "You should hear the way they talk about each other," he says, rolling his eyes as he looks up at Brad. "Especially the stories from back when you were in hospital and you and Mom used to sneak around at nighttime. You guys always loved each other. And you should see them kiss!" Ry slaps his thigh and makes Dex shudder with the sound of his wolf-whistle.
Hand still over my mouth, I can't seem to move. I can't believe Ry's assumption, his hilarious interpretation of our kissing, or that he's actually creating the perfect cover for us all.
Brad clears his throat. "That's probably enough sharing for today. Jump up on my shoulders, sport. We'll give your mom a ride over to the skate area and you can show her how good you're getting."
Quick as anything, Ry climbs onto Brad's shoulders as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Scooping up the helmet and skateboard, Brad then hooks his other arm around my waist and lifts me onto his lap.
"Have a nice day, Sodermann." Grinning widely, Brad leaves me to find something to hold on to as he spins his chair around and wheels us away.
With one hand holding Ry's gear and one arm wrapped in behind Brad's back, I peek over his shoulder. Dex is already walking away, still shaking his head. Chuckling to myself, I face forward again, not missing the glint in Brad's eye, or the sexy dimples still pitting his cheeks.
Neither of us says a word until Ry is strapped back into his helmet and out cruising on his board again.
"I doubt Sodermann will bother you from now on," Brad says, laughing quietly as he watches Ry roll carefully down a low ramp. "I swear, that kid has got the best fucking timing. And choice of words!" he adds, clearly trying not to laugh any harder.
"Oh my God! What stories have you been telling him about when you were in hospital?" I ask, poking him in the ribs.
"Me? What have you been telling him?" he says with an even louder, richer laugh. The sound tries to melt the cold slab of guilt still lingering deep within me, and this time I can't help but let it. I let it fill me with warmth as I grab his collar and bring our eyes level.
"I've said nothing." Fidgeting with his top button, I undo it and tease a few chest hairs between my fingers. "Unless you include telling him that you're the strongest man I've ever known; in all respects of the word. And that I used to tease you and make you do things you didn't want to, because your reactions would always surprise me and make me smile."
A deep blush blooms in his cheeks and he smiles. "I only told him that you were a bossy smartass that couldn't keep up in a wheelchair race," Brad replies, laughing as he leans away from my swatting hand before grabbing it and reeling me into a claustrophobic hug.
Unable to wriggle, or move at all, I narrow my eyes at him.
One of his hands comes up and sets my glasses gently onto my head. Attempting to break loose again, I find myself still held tight.
"How do you do that with only one arm?" I grunt, still trying to work myself free.
"Easily," he whispers, leaning in as his fingers stroke the side of my face and lift my chin. "But I don't really need to."
Our eyes lock and I stop struggling. There isn't any need. His hold is now an embrace that I don't want to escape. Wetting my lips, I swallow hard and fight the urge to do inappropriate things at the playground.
"If you didn't need to trap me in a bear hug, then why did you?" I ask, trying to force my eyes from his. Unsuccessfully.
Smiling, he leans forward, catching me to keep me from tipping off.
"You're sitting on my dick," he whispers in my ear as I'm nudged softly from below. "An erection seemed inappropriate for a kid's park, so I was trying to avoid it. Pretty pointless with you in my arms though."
Breathing a little harder, I press my body into his, wanting so much more than what I can reasonably get in our current environment.
Leaning in, I barely touch my lips to his before I wish I hadn't. It's nowhere near enough, and as I pull back, we both groan.
"How many hours until Ry's bedtime?"
Sighing, I put a little more distance between us. "Several, but about one minute after that, I'll let you tuck me in."
I make to slide off his lap, but Brad's arm circles around me again and keeps me in place. I turn to face him, my eyebrows raised in question.
Taking a deep breath, he leans back in his chair and looks skyward as he exhales slowly. "I'm afraid you're going to have to stay there a bit longer."
His dick nudges me again. It's now sitting firmly along the groove of my ass and as it jerks beneath me, a tremor runs through my body. Closing my eyes, I try to ignore the restless ache between my legs that would gladly see me dispense of my clothing.
"Oh hell. Do you have to look like you're already enjoying him? Just stay still and try not to be so damn compelling."
Frowning, I bite my lip and pull my glasses back down.
"You think that makes you less attractive?" he asks in disbelief.
I look down. "What should I do then?"
"There's nothing you could possibly do. Forget I said anything. I love everything about you and would rather have a hard-on for life than change one thing."
I rest a hand over my heart. "Aww. This is like that time you said that you wanted to live balls-deep in my heart."
"Yeah well, you know me. Romantic as hell," he says, avoiding my eyes and almost toppling me off as he adjusts his position beneath me.
"You sure are, sunshine. I wouldn't change you for anything either." Gripping his armrest, I lean in and deliver a soft kiss to his lips.
Our eyes meet again and that dangerous temptation to cross a line comes right back into play. Before I can stop myself, my fingers are raking through Brad's hair and his grip is tightening on my hip.
I'm fighting a losing battle. Inappropriate thoughts invade my limited defenses as the memory of his strong hands grasping my hips and driving into me becomes difficult not to react to.
"Damn it," I mutter beneath my breath as I swivel around and keep my back to him. Ignoring the fact that his dick resting between my legs is driving me crazy, I quit my sneaky rubbing against it and try my best to focus on Ry instead.
It's easy enough, because he's doing so well. After a while, I'm completely absorbed and lean back against Brad with a contented sigh. Draping an arm over my shoulder, Brad settles too and we watch Ry together.
"I'm glad you talked me into letting him have a go," I admit quietly. "Look how much fun he's having."
"I'm always glad to be part of the fun," Brad replies, kissing my head and tugging me a little closer.
Eventually, Ry waves to us and heads in our direction.
"You about ready to go?" I ask as he approaches.
"Can we get ice-cream on the way home?" he asks as he rolls to a stop.
"I think that's a great idea," Brad says, setting me back on my feet. "Or, you can eat the ice-cream that's in my freezer while I make dinner for you guys, because it's getting towards that time," he suggests, eying the phone he's just fished from his pocket.
"Really?" I ask in surprise.
He flashes the screen at me. At first I don't register the time, because B
rad's phone background is a photo of me hugging Ry. As Brad moves his hand away, I hold it in place, looking at the picture. Double checking the time before I release him, I nod.
"It is nearly time for dinner. Maybe the ice-cream should be for desert." My voice hardly seems my own, and I clear my throat before turning to Ry and speaking again. "Would you like to spend the night at Brad's again? Or would you like to go back to Granny's house."
"Brad's house is better," he replies with a shrug. "It's colorful and you're not sad there."
I don't know what to say to that, but Brad's arm curls low around me and his hand rests on my hip.
"I'd love for you to stay as long as you want. I really like having you guys around. I got the place hoping you might want to hang out with me too. That's why it's got more rooms than I need. You'll always be welcome."
"Cool. What flavor ice-cream have you got?" Ry asks, grinning as Brad helps him take off his helmet.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
BRAD
My phone rings as we get through the front door. Ry rushes in and Stace follows suit, and I smile that they both seem at home enough to use my place as their own.
"What do you want Shermansky?"
"What? No hello? I'm going to have to discuss your manners with your mom when she's done riding me."
"Dude, it's kind of gross to make jokes about doing my mom now that you're in a loving relationship with someone else."
"I know. It felt wrong even saying it. Man. Is this the end of an era?"
"I fucking hope so. I've been finding it really tough to say those things about Jackson's mom for ages, what with her being sick and all."
Damon sighs. "Ah well. It was fun while it lasted. Are you coming to the gym tonight or what? You've pulled out every day for the last three weeks and it's concerning. I know things have been strained with Stace's mom passing and all, but are you guys doing okay?"
"It's been pretty rough, but yeah. We're doing okay."
"So you want to go to the gym?"
"Sorry bro. Maybe Sunday? Right now I'm taking care of my people."
"Aww," he says all mushy-like, then he fakes annoyance. "Hey. I thought I was your people."