“Ohhhhh, yay!” Claps an excited Emmerson from the backseat and I laugh at how quickly these two girls have taken over my social life, as well.
*
Smirking, I tuck my phone back in my pocket, having sent a group text to the guys saying that I’ll be either extremely late or skipping tonight all together. Right off the bat, Finn drops a comment about me ditching him for a second time and losing my balls. Truth is, I’ve had such a good time with these two tonight that I have no plans to leave anytime soon. As for ‘Fun-and-Junk’ night, it rocked. I’m so full of pizza, ice cream and the best root beer float I’ve ever had. I don’t think I could leave even if I wanted to, without being rolled out the door.
“Everything okay?” Braun asks, eyeing my phone as she comes back into the living room from having put Emmerson to bed.
“Yeah, it’s all good. Just needed to text a buddy. Scooby fall asleep?”
My dick stirs against my zipper at seeing her. She plops herself down beside me on the maroon leather couch, and my eyes take in the sexy curves she’s showing off in her tank top and yoga pants. Emmerson had spilled her chocolate milk, and it’d done a real number on Braunwyn’s shirt and jeans. I mentally tried to high-five the kid when I saw Braun come back out in that tank, the same hot pink one from the storage room, and fuck me if my cock wasn’t ready to have me pounce on her. Again.
“Yeah, she went down perfectly. She’s out like a light,” she says, tying her long hair into a low bun.
Suddenly, she turns to me and I know before she begins that she’s gonna piss me off. My eyes drift down to her full rack and hone in on the perfect line of cleavage that she’s taunting me with, without even knowing.
“I know you had plans,” she raises her hand to stop me, “please hear me out.” I nod for her to continue. “I know you had plans, I’ve seen you texting. Honestly, Levi, it’s eight o’ clock. I’m glad for the time you’ve spent with us, but please go out and have fun with your friends. I’m just going to veg here and watch a movie, and I don’t want you to feel like you can’t leave. Honestly, I feel bad keeping you.”
“Scrappy, just shut up before I shut you up with my mouth. Pick a damn movie already.”
“Jeez, bossy much? I was just trying to be nice,” she tsks, as she stands to go put on a movie.
But like a spring I reach out for her and pull her onto my lap. “This. Human. Wants. To. Be. Here.” I pause allowing my words to sink in while savouring the feel of her close to me. “With. You.” The curve of her ass makes me insanely hard, and I put my arms around her to pull her in closer to me as she registers my words. Her scent is incredible vanilla with a slight hint of grapefruit, and I wonder if she tastes just as good. “Movie, Braun,” I say, before I relinquish all of my control.
“Jeez, you’re a real bossy pants, eh?” she teases as she struggles to move off of me.
“Actually,” I say, and manage to spin her around before bringing her back down so she’s straddling me, our faces connected, “this human wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but here with you, right now.” I kiss her softly on the lips because I just can’t help myself. “You’re quickly becoming my best friend, Braun,” I add, kissing her forehead. “Now, to your own seat, before I make us both want to renege on that damn pact.”
We spend the rest of the night snuggled on the couch watching movies. The fact that my girl is a Quentin Tarantino fan scores major points in the hottie department. After “Reservoir Dogs” and “Pulp Fiction”, we spend the rest of the night laughing about “You shot Marvin in the face!”, and taking turns reciting Jules’ Psalm—which as it turns out, we both had memorized—as well as sharing a few personal moments.
I have to say, I felt relieved to hear that Emme’s father Shawn was no longer in the picture. Braun didn’t get into the details about the whys, saying she still wasn’t ready, but she assured me that Shawn was never a part of Emmerson’s life and that one day she’d tell me the whole story. The fact that this guy wasn’t in Scooby’s life pissed me off on Emme’s behalf, to be honest, but I kept that to myself. Why the hell any guy in his right mind wouldn’t want to be a part of that little girl’s life beats the fuck out of me.
“I’ll tell you everything one day, Levi, I promise. I just need a bit more time. But know that Shawn is not and will never be a part of our lives. He never even met Emmerson. Now I know I’m kind of leaving you hanging here, but you need to give me a pass on this, for now. I’m still working all this out,” she says, gesturing between the two of us.
I’m not gonna lie. The fact that there’s even an “us” makes me happy. Really fucking happy.
Chapter 25
Braunwyn
Walking into Starbucks, I smile as I spot Hillary, my social worker/pseudo-friend I guess you’d call her, now that we’ve been meeting for the past three years. In the beginning, the petite raven-haired beauty was all business and therapy, but as time moved on I ended up building a more sisterly bond with the middle-aged woman.
She’s sitting in our usual spot (I swear the woman is OCD), waving at me while holding up what I assume is a Venti Caramel Macchiato for me. I dodge and weave between the herd of people muttering “excuse me” and “sorry”, as they are all impatiently standing in line like at every Starbucks I’ve ever been in.
“Hey, Braun. How are you? Wow! You look amazing.” Hillary stands to greet me as I finally reach the brown bistro table located in the back corner. We originally chose this spot because it was secluded, giving us privacy to chat; now I think we sit here mostly out of habit.
At first I had a hard time opening up and was going to quit my sessions, until Hillary insisted we just act like two ladies meeting to gossip over coffee. Since the day she bought me my first macchiato, we’d been meeting here almost weekly. However, over this past year our visits have become less frequent, which as far as therapy goes is great news, but as for seeing Hillary from a place of friendship, I miss the frequency of our unorthodox sessions.
Hillary squeezes me tightly. “Girl, you look like you’re radiating. Sit and tell me what the heck—or better yet, who the heck, I hope—” she holds up crossed fingers and I laugh at her, “has you looking so…so, dare I say, happy.”
I smile at her assessment because she’s never accused me of looking happy before, that’s for sure. Well, other than when I gush about something Emme’s done, of course. I think of Levi and Emmerson playing football at the park yesterday afternoon.
“It’s a ‘Levi’,” I gush, as I take my pea coat off and hang it on the back of the chair. “He’s incredible.”
“Oh, sit! Sit, and tell me all about it. Start at the top and leave nothing out. I’m thrilled to hear this, Braun,!” Hillary says, way too excited.
I look around before sitting down, ready to share my happiness. “You know how Emmer and I do all those crazy-themed nights, right?” I take the lid off my cup to blow on the hot drink.
“I sure do. You know I always love hearing about the cool stuff you two come up with.”
I try a small sip before continuing, “Well, ever since our last Fun-and-Junk night when Levi joined in, it’s like something changed between us. Levi and I talk or text on-and-off all day when we can’t see each other, and he’s becoming this intense force in my life that I can’t even bother to reckon with, because truth be told, I love his impact,” I share, feeling the weight of her smile before I even look to meet her face.
“I knew it. I can see it. A change is good, right?” She eyes me, willing me to agree.
“Yes. Well, I think so. I mean I know both Emmerson and I have been the happiest we’ve been in a while since he’s come into our lives. They’ve got such a bond already.”
“Good. She needs that, Braun. You both do. I’m glad you’ve let her explore her way into a relationship with him. It’s important she feel her own connection.”
“You’re right. I was nervous at first, but honestly, Hillary, those two just click.” I smile, picturing the two of th
em and their shenanigans. “And I’m happy to say that I’m thinking more and more about having more with him than just a friendship. I’m finally starting to feel that Levi is who I’m supposed to let in, not as a replacement for Shawn, but as a new chapter in my life, a new beginning and hopefully our happily ever after, too. I just need to steel my nerves long enough to figure out how to move us along.” Trump. Call trump, Braun, that’s what you have to do.
“I was hoping you’d be saying something like this today. I could tell from our last visit, after your little episode, that this man was having an effect on you. I’m happy that you’re allowing him to meld his way into your life, Braun. I have to admit you can be a stubborn, iron-willed thing when you want,” she teases, “I’m glad you realized it’s okay to finally…let a man in.” She reaches across the small table, placing her hand over mine for reassurance.
“I know, I just can’t help not let him in. I swear he comes in with his bulldozer and just keeps at me. And watching him with Emmerson melts my heart.”
“Tell me how he makes you feel. Not that I’m not happy that he’s great with Emmerson, but I want to know how he is with you.”
“He’s been amazing. He drives me home anytime we work together and he’s always such a gentleman walking me to my door, making sure I get in okay. No doubt that’s why Grams loves him.” I pause to take a drink, the caramel hitting my tongue and exciting my taste buds.
“I bet that has a lot to do with it, for sure,” Hillary nods.
“He’s pretty fantastic, Hillary. Maybe one day you can meet him.”
“I’d love that, Braun. I really would. I like what I’m seeing in you today. It’s about time, sweetheart.”
I’m grinning like the fool that I totally am, I’m realizing, as I talk about how I’m so smitten for Levi.
“I think he’d do anything for me. Like, I feel safe with him. He’s intense, but he means well, that’s for sure. Like, get this,” I shake my head before continuing, “there’ve been a few nights where he’s been off, but shown up just in time to drive me home, conveniently forgetting something he needed or going so far as to say he had work to do. He’s very sweet,” I gush, before going on about how last week when we worked together, it was so dead that he decided that he and I were leaving. Luke was happy to oversee things if it meant Levi was leaving with me. Levi and I ended up going across the street to Sal’s diner to have a burger and a game of ‘jukeboozebox-songbeats-while-we-eats’, at eleven-thirty at night. I’ve loved our alone time, where we’ve talked about everything and anything. It’s amazing how connected I feel to him.
I offer a big sigh after sharing all that with Hillary. “What can possibly be wrong to have you sighing like that? He sounds wonderful,” she says.
“I need to tell him all about Shawn before I make any kind of move for more. I feel like he needs to know how messed up I am, you know?” I shrink in my seat, worrying my lip, contemplating his reaction. I don’t want him to think that he’s simply a replacement for someone Emmerson and I never really had: a constant, a support, a lover…a father.
“Oh, please. You are not messed up,” she scolds, giving me a stern look. “Everything you’re feeling is normal. And let me tell you something else. It’s about damned time, sweetie, it’s about damned time. You have every right to be happy, to take something good for yourself. There isn’t a thing wrong with that. As a matter of fact, I encourage you to move on this, and I know your Grams approves. She and I met last week and she told me what a well-put-together sexy beast of man-candy he was, and I quote. That woman makes me howl. I think you’re in good hands, Braun. Just follow your heart and continue to let go. Trust yourself, trust him, and trust Shawn to look over you. You’ve always been so convinced he’s been guiding you; don’t stop that now just because it makes you nervous to believe it this time. It’s been over four years. You have needs and you can’t keep battling yourself. End the war, let yourself win.”
Letting out a deep breath, I wipe the tears that have pooled while taking in her words. I know she’s right, and this time I’m ready to agree. I am deserving of my own happily ever after, and it feels amazing.
Chapter 26
Levi
Nodding to the hostess, Avery, I point Finn out before heading his way. We’re meeting at Sal’s for lunch. According to Finn, I owe him a meal, and today’s the day he’s decided I’m paying up. Bastard’s lucky I’m free.
“Hey, asshole, thanks for the invite to treat you to lunch. It’s good to see ya,” I say.
“Yeah, well, nice ditch there last week! Figured lunch might soften the blow to my wounded heart.” He holds his hand to his chest for effect. “What the fuck is going on with you, dude?” Finn asks, his tone somewhat serious, but I know he is more than aware that Braunwyn has been my top priority the past few weeks. I know this because my douche-of-a-brother created a Facebook group called “Levi’s a Goner, it’s OFFICIAL”. If I would have known what a little shit he’d be, I would have fucked with him about Kat too. Little bastard.
“Whatever, man.” I hang my jacket before taking a seat across from him in my regular booth, just as Sal arrives with the coffee pot.
“Well, well, well. Looks like someone’s decided to grace us with his presence once again. Lou and I were starting to think we’d finally lost you to that pub forever.” She nods out the window.
Finn reaches for the cream while he continues to hurl his remarks about my being MIA. “Nah, Sal, we’ve finally lost him to what we all assume is a real live girl with some sort magic puss—”
Finn doesn’t finish that sentence, as Sal swats him upside the head.
“Right—ahem—I mean we’ve lost him, it would seem, to a—from what Ryker has told us—to a special woman, who must be something special to make Levi choose to spend what little time he takes away from the pub with her, causing him to neglect his own crew of dudes in the process.”
“Ahh, good for you, Levi. I hope it’s that pretty little thing you brought in here. You can do a lot better than this dick here,” she disses Finn. “I’ll bring your usual out in a few.” She laughs over her shoulder at the shocked expression on Finn’s face.
“Damn, that woman is batshit crazy. I can’t say ‘pussy’, but she can call me a dick. The nerve.” Finn shakes his head before taking a sip. “Okay, in all seriousness, man, what gives? We haven’t seen you in over two weeks. Even for you, that’s a long time. And Luke says you’ve been taking regular days off. What the fuck’s going on, dude?”
Running my hands through my hair, I contemplate how much to get into with Finn. Don’t get me wrong, I trust him full-on, but what if this thing with Braun doesn’t go the way I want it to? I’ve never brought chicks around my friends; in fact, none of us have. We hang out, we might pick up together, but it’s not like any of us does the couples thing. The last thing I need is to put my shit out there then be made to look like a real pussy when I can’t seal the deal.
“Yeah, I know, man. I’m sorry, I’ll make it up to you. I’m just figuring this shit out, for now. I’ve never felt like this before.” And right there, I know I should have kept my mouth shut. I stare at him, hoping the jerk will let it slide, but, of course, this is Finn and there’s no fucking way he can cut me any slack.
“Ohh, is our wittle Wevi in wooovvve?” he muses, and I swear I’m gonna punch him in the face.
“Naw, she’s just…different. We’re just friends. We hang out, it’s all good. I just tend to like her company more than yours, to be honest. I mean why surround myself with an ugly bastard like yourself when I can hang with a hottie?” I deadpan, knowing that will get his attention.
“Ha, whatever, buddy, you love me and you know it. Now, all fucking around aside, tell me what’s up.”
I sigh. “It’s Braun. Shit with her is messin’ with my head,” I admit. “I’m feeling shit for her I’ve never felt before, it’s crazy. The fucked up thing is I know she’s holding a part of herself back from me, like she’s sc
ared to fully trust me, to break our Trump Pact.”
“Trump Pact? What the fuck is that, dude?” he asks, shaking his head. “Do I even want to know?”
“Shut up, man. I’m sharing here.” I laugh at how fucked I am. Totally fucked. I mean, I’m an absolute goner for this girl and I need to wrap my head around how I can get her to admit that she’s just as much of a goner for me too.
“Seems like you’ve got the makings of a good thing here, brother. Just don’t fuck it up. But I can’t believe you still want her, even, knowing she has a kid.”
“Hey, hey, watch it. Offside. She’s a really nice kid.”
“Sure, but you need to watch that, bud, that shit can get messy. Besides, don’t you want your own kids? Does she want any more? Not saying you’re walking down to the altar anytime soon, but, shit, she’s a mom. Those chicks think on a whole other level when their kid is involved.”
“I know,” I sigh. The whole kid thing has been weighing heavily on my mind, but I like having Scooby around. I like taking her out to do things, watching her get excited when she sees me. Fuck, this shit is messed up.
“Have you given this the amount of thought you should? Don’t get me wrong, I like kids, but this chick is like insta-family. You sure you want that? I mean that is a whole world you know shit about. Not to mention an expensive one. The upkeep can’t be cheap. They need diapers, cute little clothes to hide their horns and special food and shit too—”
I cut him off: “You’re an idiot, Finn. Emmerson’s four, she eats regular food and is potty-trained, and what the fuck? Horns, man? Thank fuck this is me, not you. You’d never stand a chance. The kid would eat you alive. So would the chick, for that matter. I mean, after all, they think on a different level and shit, right?” I chuckle, looking at the stupid expression on his face. Gotcha, bastard.
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