Reckless Curves: Bad Boy Autos (Drive Me Wild Book 1)

by Bronwen Evans

  “Yes, there was. I could’ve talked to Dad, but I also could’ve been there for you. I’m your big brother and it’s my job to look out for you.”

  “Anyway, hanging onto all this bitterness isn’t doing you any good. You need to find common ground with him before it’s too late or you’ll regret it, Tom. Now, I have to go. I’ll call you later.”

  Tom waved him off, “Fine.”

  Sam pursed his lips and walked away.

  Leaning against the corridor wall, Tom calmly considered Sam’s advice and thought perhaps he might be right. Squaring his shoulders, Tom stepped back into his father’s room and sat on the chair close to the bed.

  It wasn’t long until Vincent stirred and opened his eyes. They widened when he spotted Tom. “Tommy? Are you really here or did I die?”

  He might be sick, but his dad hadn’t lost his dry wit. “You didn’t die. I’m really here.”

  Vincent pressed the button on the bed that raised the head. “You look good. Still got all those tattoos?”

  Tom laughed. “Yeah, I still have them. I keep telling you I’m not getting rid of them.”

  Vincent grinned, his brown eyes shining despite being sick. “I think I’ll get one.”

  Tom snorted. “A little late in the game, isn’t it?”

  “Exactly. At this point, it’s like, what the hell? Why not? I’m already dying. What’s a little ink poisoning?” Vincent responded with a tiny shrug.

  “Knock it off, Dad. That’s not funny.”

  “Tom, I’ve made my peace with it and the truth is, it’ll be a relief to be out of pain,” Vincent said.

  Tom’s jaw worked as he fought to retain his composure. “If you’re going to talk like that, I’m leaving.”

  Vincent closed his eyes and sighed. “Okay, okay.” Opening them, he looked at Tom again. “So, did you come here to yell at me and tell me what a horrible father I was? How much I hurt you? Or maybe that you hate me?”

  Damn it. How was he supposed to look a dying man in the face and stay angry at him? “I’ve tried to hate you, Dad, but I couldn’t quite do it,” Tom admitted.

  “I’m glad to hear that,” Vincent whispered. “No matter what you think, you’re my boy and I’ve always loved you.”

  Tom crossed his arms. “You have a rotten way of showing it.”

  “I know. I screwed up big time with you, but I’ve been trying to make up for it. Even before I got sick, but you wouldn’t listen to me,” Vincent trailed off.

  “You would’ve just told me the same bullshit that you always did.”

  Vincent pleaded, “No, I wouldn’t have. I would’ve told you exactly what I’m going to tell you now. I should’ve believed you when you told me you were innocent.” Tears gathered in his eyes. “I hate myself for not being a better father to you. I don’t expect you to forgive me, but I just wanted you to know how sorry I am that I hurt you so much.”

  Tom didn’t know how to respond, so he just nodded and acknowledged, “Okay.”

  To his surprise, Vincent started chuckling, which led to a full belly laugh.

  Even though he didn’t know what had amused his father, Tom grinned. “What’s so funny?”

  Vincent got himself under control. “You are. You always were closed-mouthed and you haven’t changed. I just bared my soul to you and all you can say is ‘okay’?”

  “What the fuck do you want me to say, Dad?”

  “Good! That’s right. Get mad.”

  Tom’s fists clenched. “Get mad? I’ve been pissed at you for so long that it’s hard to remember when I wasn’t. Women and booze were more important than me! I started running around with Doug’s gang to get your attention.” He rubbed his forehead. “What a pathetic cliché I am.”

  Vincent replied, “If you’re a cliché, then so am I. I was always so drunk I couldn’t figure out where I went wrong with you. Not until it was too late and you’d washed your hands of me. I was the problem, not you.”

  Tom wondered if Vincent was just blowing smoke up his ass or if he was being genuine. “Part of it is my fault. I shouldn’t have been stupid enough to do that stuff with Doug, but I was young and hurting. I’d lost my mother and I may as well have lost you too. I can understand why you would’ve thought I was guilty at first, but why didn’t you check into it more?”

  Vincent groaned, “My brain was too flooded with alcohol to think properly. I admit that I was a complete ass. People tried to get me to go AA. I didn’t think I had a problem and told them to go hell. And now I’m paying for it. I put myself in this situation.”

  Tom couldn’t argue with that.

  “I’m really glad that you came to see me, Tommy,” Vincent said, laying his head on his pillow. “I needed to apologize to you, not for my sake, but for yours. Maybe you won’t think so badly of your old man once I’m gone.”

  Tom hung onto his composure by a thread as he stood up and approached Vincent’s bed. Looking in his father’s remorse-filled eyes, the tentacles of anger and pain wrapped around Tom’s heart began loosening their hold. Bending down, he carefully embraced his frail father.

  Tears filled his eyes as he remembered how big and strong the man used to be. “I love you, Dad.”

  Despite his weakened condition, Vincent hugged Tom tightly. “I love you, too, buddy. I always have and I’m so proud of you for making such a success of your life despite having me as a father.”

  “Thanks. That means a lot.” Tom decided as he drew away. “Dad, I have a son. He’s almost three and his name is Connor.”

  Vincent’s eyes grew huge. “What? Why didn’t you tell me before this? Sam never said anything, either.”

  Tom explained the situation to Vincent. “I loved him the minute I saw him, Dad.”

  Vincent grinned. “I felt the same way when you boys were born.” He grabbed Tom’s hand. “Bring him to me, Tommy. I want to meet my grandson. Please?”

  Tom couldn’t refuse. “I will.”

  Vincent squeezed Tom’s hand. “Promise me you’ll bring him.”

  “I promise.”

  “Thank you.” Vincent’s eyes drifted close.

  “Get some rest, Dad. I’ll bring Connor tomorrow, okay?”

  Vincent let go of Tom’s hand. “Okay. I’ll see you then.”

  Tom watched his father fall asleep and quietly left the room. Finding the nurse, she advised the labs were running slow and that they’d ring him when they had the results back.

  With relief, he rushed from the hospital and headed for his car. Once Tom was in the driver’s seat, he slammed the door and leaning over the steering wheel, let the tears come. Hoarse sobs wracked his body as his pain poured out.

  It hurt, but it was also cathartic. After several minutes, Tom reined in his turbulent emotions, wiped his face with his hand and relaxed for a few moments before leaving the parking lot. As he made his way to Kendra’s he hoped that she’d understand why he’d told Vincent about Connor.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Taking advantage of having a morning with no piano lessons, Kendra worked on the song she had to deliver for one of the pop princesses of the day. She was excited at the prospect that this could be her big break. Kendra had a good voice but knew her real talent lay in song writing. Besides, she much preferred to be behind the spotlight than in front of it. She saw what that kind of life could do to people, and their privacy.

  She was struggling to find the right lyric, and she was listening to Connor laughing in the yard, when a knock sounded on her door. As soon as she opened it, Tom swept her into his arms and held her close. Kendra returned his embrace, stroking his hair and kissing his cheek.

  Since she didn’t know what was wrong, Kendra just hugged him, trying to soothe him with her closeness. When he drew back and kissed her, it was a different kind of kiss, one that sought comfort instead of passion.

  Kendra gladly lent her support to him and kissed him back tenderly. By the time the kiss ended, her heart throbbed in her chest, but concern overrode all he
r desires. The pain in his eyes made her scalp tingle with fear.

  “What is it, Tom? What happened?”

  “Where’s Connor?” he asked.

  “In the kitchen.”

  Tom released her and headed for the other room. Kendra knew something had happened with his Dad. Entering the kitchen, he saw Connor scooting a train engine across the floor and the smile that lit his face brought tears to her eyes. He loved his son, and he knew right then that Kendra had no right to stop him from announcing his paternity to the world.

  Catching sight of Tom, Connor threw up his hand. “Hi, Tom!”

  Tom grinned and scooped Connor into his arms. “Hi, buddy.” He kissed Connor’s soft cheek and hugged him. “I love you and I will be the father you deserve. I promise. I know you don’t understand what I’m saying, but one day you will. You’ll never have to wonder if I love you.”

  Connor wiggled in his arms. “Are you my Daddy?” He’d understood one word. His little serious face broke Kendra’s heart.

  “I am your Daddy. Is that all right with you?”

  Connor threw his small arms around Tom’s neck and giggled. Her son saw her over Tom’s shoulder. “Mama, I have a Daddy now. Tom will be my Daddy.”

  Kendra kneeled down next to her two favorite men. “He’s always been your Daddy, but he’s come home now.” And the three of them collapsed on the floor of her kitchen, hugging and smiling and crying.

  Finally, Connor got bored with sitting still. “Mama, can I go for a swim?”

  “I’ll take you in a minute,” Tom said. “Find Jackie and she can put your swimsuit on.” Connor was running from the room before he’d finished speaking.

  “How did it go at the hospital?” she asked as they both rose to their feet.

  He tried to smile, but couldn’t quite manage it. Taking a huge breath, he said, “I went to see Dad after getting my bloodwork done. God, he looks like… crap. He’s so thin and he’s hooked up to all these monitors and stuff.” He shook his head. “Seeing him like that… was so hard. We had a good talk and got a lot things out in the open. I wasn’t expecting that. I was so mad at Sam for making me do it, but I’m glad he did.”

  Kendra rubbed his back. “That’s great that you reconciled with him, Tom. I’m sure that it’s a big relief. I often wonder if I should reach out to my parents, or my mother maybe.”

  Tom let out a shaky sigh. “I can’t advise you on that. You’ll know when it’s time.”

  “Probably. I hope so.”

  “I told Dad about Connor because I want them to meet. If I’m not a match as a donor, he will die, Kendra. I want Dad to see his grandson before he goes. I hope you can understand that,” Tom shared. “It’ll still be a secret for now because it’s not like Marcus or anyone else will see Dad.”

  Tears of sympathy filled Kendra’s eyes. It was only right that Tom’s father met Connor. Tom had missed so much of his son’s life, he should be able to share the news with whoever he wanted. “It’s okay. I think you should be able to tell whoever you want. I shouldn’t have asked you not to acknowledge Connor. I think I’ll have a housewarming party for our friends this weekend, and we will tell them then—together. If that’s what you want?”

  He pulled her close and kissed her. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. Should we tell Marcus separately?”

  “He’s gone out of town for a few days to the parts expo. But he’ll be back this weekend. I think we tell him at the same time. If there are people around who might rejoice at our news, he’s less likely to try to kill you. I kind of like having you around.”

  Tom smirked. “Do you now. That’s fine with me. The being around a bit I mean.” He kissed her long and hard.

  When the kiss ended, she stepped back and stated quietly, “I’d like to go with you to the hospital.”

  Tom’s face registered surprise. “Really?”

  “Really. I want to meet him,” Kendra responded.

  “I’d like that,” Tom agreed. “I have to get to work after I take Connor for a quick swim. Shall we go tomorrow morning?”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  He ran a hand over his head. She felt exhausted, so she knew this must have been more draining on Tom. His father was dying. He looked so tired. The stress of his father, Connor, and their late night of love-making were tiring both of them.

  “How about I bring pizza tonight and we watch some movies?”

  Kendra smiled up at him. “I’d really like that. We can have an early night.”

  “I can stay here?”

  His whole face lit up and Kendra felt tears well in her eyes. “I guess I’m committing to this relationship. Connor needs to know his father.”

  Tom’s excitement filled the room. “I’ll try to be here by six so I can visit with Connor before he goes to bed.”

  Kendra wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed tight. “That would be awesome.”

  Tom planted a firm kiss on her mouth. So lost in each other, they didn’t hear Connor approach.

  “Daddy kish Mama,” Connor said with a giggle.

  Tom laughed and swung Connor into his arms. “That’s right.” He blew a raspberry on Connor’s cheek and the little boy squealed with laughter. “Daddy kiss Connor, too.”

  Connor took Tom’s face in his chubby little hands and tried to blow a raspberry on his cheek. Tom and Kendra laughed at his antics.

  Reluctantly, Tom set Connor down on the floor. “I’ll see you tonight, Kendra, okay?”

  Kendra laughed as Tom pulled her against him and rubbed his hips against hers.

  “Maybe tonight Tom kiss Mama.”

  Hunger rose inside Kendra and she wished they could play house right now. “I’m counting on it.”

  Tom groaned. “I wish I didn’t have to go to work.” He gave her another kiss and let her go. “Let’s have that quick swim, Tiger.”

  Kendra couldn’t stop smiling even after they left. She watched them through the window as Tom and Connor played in the toddlers pool. Humming a song, she went back to her music room, happier than she’d ever been. Suddenly the lyrics bloomed in her head and as she heard Connor and Tom splashing in the pool, the song flowed.

  * * *

  Tom arrived home at five, not six. He was the boss, after all. Lexi needed the overtime, so he’d left her to finish the car he was working on.

  Connor squealed when he saw Tom and raced into his arms. His son put a little finger to his mouth and went, “Sssh, mama is sleep.”

  Tom looked at Jackie. “Kendra wasn’t feeling well, so she went to lie down about two hours ago.”

  He lowered Connor to the floor. “I’ll just check on her.” He handed Jackie some money. “I ordered the Pizzas as I was leaving work. They should be here soon. Then you could take the night off.”

  He made his way to Kendra’s bedroom and quietly opened the door. The curtains were pulled but light poured in from the open door behind him. Kendra was curled on her side, sound asleep with a throw over her. He tip-toed over to the bed and stood looking down at her. She looked so beautiful. His heart was so full of love for her. He couldn’t wait to marry this woman and start a new life with her. He hoped they had more children. He would be by her side this time; nothing would keep them apart.

  How silly of him to have been afraid of love. Scared of not knowing how to be a good husband and father. All he’d needed was to give his heart to the right woman, and it had taken him this long to understand what he’d felt four years ago. Kendra was that woman. The only woman for him.

  She looked tired. He decided not to wake her. It would give him and Connor an evening to get to know each other. He tip-toed out of the room and went in search of his son and family pizza.

  Two hours later, Connor was lying on the couch pressed snug against Tom, with his favorite cuddly toy, just freshly bathed and full of food. Tom was reading him a story before he tucked him in to bed, when Kendra wandered sleepily into the den.

  She looked all soft and warm from her s
leep, and his body reacted to her immediately. He wanted to take her right back to bed and—

  “Mama, Daddy is reading to me.”

  Kendra squeezed onto the couch on the other side of Connor. “I hope you’ve been a good boy?” she asked with a yawn.

  “I have, Mama. I had pizza too.”

  “Well, it’s past your bedtime, so as soon as Tom—Daddy—finishes this story it’s off to bed with you.”

  “Can’t I stay up with you? Please—Daddy?” Connor begged wistfully. His big round eyes opened wide.

  Tom wanted to laugh. His son was clever. Already he was trying to pit mom and dad against each other. “Hey bud, I think you have to do as your mom says.”

  Connor’s face crumpled, and she could see it was Tom’s first experience of parenting. You’re not there to be your child’s best friend, but to help him settle, to understand boundaries and expectations. But Kendra knew how hard it was to ignore the wishes of their wonderful son.

  But Tom gave Connor a kiss as he snuggled quietly into her arms, and Tom finished the story. His little eyelids were struggling to stay open as Tom stopped reading. Kendra made to stand and carry him to bed when Tom laid a hand on her arm. “May I? I’ve never put my son to bed before,” he implored her gently.

  Without a word, she handed her precious bundle to Tom, and he softly crooned to Connor as he carried him from the room. Kendra was beyond happy; life right at this moment was wonderful. She’d never expected to be this happy—Tom was in her house and it just felt right.

  Suddenly feeling hungry, she went in hunt of leftover pizza to zap in the microwave.

  She’d just taken a huge mouthful when Tom’s arms slid round her waist. “Are you feeling better?” he enquired as she turned in his arms.

  “I was just tired. But now I’m really hungry.”

  He laughed as he noticed the slice of pizza missing from the box. “So I see.”

  “No.” She pressed closer and rubbed against him, loving how his body roared to life. Kendra whispered, “I’m hungry for you.”

  He swung her into his arms, but she grabbed one more slice of pizza before he carried her to her bedroom. “For sustenance,” she chuckled.