Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 43536 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 218(@200wpm)___ 174(@250wpm)___ 145(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43536 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 218(@200wpm)___ 174(@250wpm)___ 145(@300wpm)
“Wow, Von doesn’t know you moved yet? You were with him last night. Why didn’t you say anything then?”
“Because you needed and deserved to know first.” It’s as simple as that. I’d be an unforgivable asshole if I did things in reverse.
“Okay, you can do that. Also, you know we can’t tell Von we’re trying to make things right this soon, right? I mean, I’m praying things will work out and this isn’t all for nothing, but there’s no way we can get our son’s hopes and dreams up only for them to crash and burn.” We touched on this subject a little bit through the night, and I was willing to do anything Tyra asked within reason, this being one of them.
“I know that. I also know things will be a bit tricky when taking you out and seeing you. We’ll work on that. I’ve got a few amends to make with other people in our lives besides you and Von, but you two are my priority first and foremost.” I walk closer towards her, my hand cupping her neck, thumb sweeping over that spot I usually reserve for when we’re in the bedroom. Right now that isn’t what it’s about; it’s so she sees the truth in my eyes.
“Okay, you can do that. I actually think Von needs the time with you. Text and let me know how it goes?” Fuck, Tyra should have someone better, someone who didn’t think about money first, family second, to live through the hell I put her through and still come out the most amazing, beautiful, and intelligent woman. I’m not going to let some other schmuck sweep her off her feet. No damn way. I’ll be doing that from here until eternity.
“Always. You good here, or do you need more help?” I ask, knowing if one of us doesn’t get to Von soon, he’ll be getting anxious, especially if Tyra made plans with him.
“I’m good. Go take care of our boy.” This time when I take her mouth, it’s not a small sweep of our lips meeting, it’s me backing her up until her back is against the fridge, the small kitchen coming in handy, as my tongue devours her mouth. The kiss is full of pent-up need. One night versus the year I’ve been away from Tyra, and it wasn’t enough. I give her everything, pouring more than any words could mean into this kiss, showing her exactly what she does to me, knowing this will be the first of many more, and if I have to sneak over to her apartment in the dead of night to tell her that, I freaking will.
“I’ll text you, and if he cons me into ice cream, you’re not allowed to be upset,” I say, pulling back.
“Whatever.” Tyra pulls me back to her lips. She leads this time, and I follow. Fuck, I’d follow her to the ends of this earth if it meant she kissed me like this, held me like she is, and I’d never let her go another day in her life thinking I don’t love her.
“Fuck, siren. You keep this up, and I won’t be getting Von. We’ll be calling my parents to keep him another night and we’ll be in your bed.” The low mewl that comes from her tells me she’d be all for that. “Later, I’ll give you what you want. Right now, we need to take things slow. Our family deserves that.”
“You’re right. Thank you, Mace, for everything.” I pull her in for a hug. She smells like me except for the light floral undertone that’s all hers.
“I hate that you’re thanking me for something that’s my fault. We’ll work through this and come out on top.” I leave her on that note, knowing if I don’t, I’ll make good on my words and never go.
SEVENTEEN
Mace
“Dad, I thought you were staying last night?” Von asks a few minutes into the drive to my new place. I probably should have done this back at my parents’ house, and this is the part where I say I love my mom, truly I do, but she’s a meddler. This is one of those things I need to do on my own.
“That was the goal. Something came up, and no, it wasn’t work.” I looked in the rearview mirror already aware of what he’d say or ask.
“Really, are you sure?” The smart kid that he is usually smells bullshit a mile away. If I told him the truth about where I was, it would defeat the purpose for Tyra, and I am not screwing that up.
“I’m positive. Dad has a new job. One that I’m hoping won’t take me away from you like I have been lately.” I don’t apologize, not yet. That’ll come next, you know, when I’m not driving and my boy can see the truth in my eyes.