Total pages in book: 50
Estimated words: 49239 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 246(@200wpm)___ 197(@250wpm)___ 164(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49239 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 246(@200wpm)___ 197(@250wpm)___ 164(@300wpm)
I slide my hand into hers and walk with her to the bleachers.
“I’m so sorry,” she says softly.
“Don’t be. It’s not your fault.”
“I know, I just...I know he’s a complete asshole, but today is important to Hannah. She might qualify for nationals today.”
I keep hold of her hand, forcing myself not to look at Nick.
“This is her day,” I say. “All the attention should be on her.”
She leans over and speaks in my ear. “I love you so much.”
“I love you, too.” I give her hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Hey, Dom,” Cam says from Tess’s other side.
Zane and the twins are there, too. Zane’s wearing one of the Colorado Coyotes hoodies I gave him. That has to be grinding Nick’s gears.
Not that I fucking care. If he feels left behind by his kids, it’s his own damn fault.
“Can we go to the beach?” Hannah asks Tess over dinner later that evening. “I’ve always wanted to see the beach.”
“I’ll try to make it happen.”
Hannah hasn’t stopped smiling since she got the news that she qualified for nationals with her dance team. She’s going to Florida, and Tess is hoping to go with her.
When I offered to take everyone to dinner to celebrate, I didn’t think about Nick. Zane invited him to join us, so now he’s sitting across the table from me, giving me a death glare as he sips his second beer.
“We’re going to have to sell a lot of candy bars,” Tess reminds her for the second time since we got to the restaurant.
“I know.”
“Why don’t you get your mom’s rich boyfriend to pay for it?” Nick says in a sulky tone.
The table is silent for a couple of awkward seconds. I decide to call Nick’s bullshit.
“I’d be glad to pay for it.”
“No, you don’t need to do that,” Tess says.
“Well, if selling candy bars doesn’t raise all the money, I’ve got the rest. Hannah worked hard for this, I want you guys to have a great trip.”
Nick’s glare turns disgusted.
“Thank you, Dom,” Hannah says. “We have businesses sponsor the team and we put their names on our shirts. I can put your name on my shirt. Or the Coyotes.”
“My team would be honored.”
Tess squeezes my hand beneath the table.
“Can we go watch Hannah dance?” Sam asks Cam.
“No, buddy. It’s a long way away.”
“Aw.”
“You should come watch me, Dad,” Hannah says. “If you can.”
Nick smiles at her. “I’ll do my best, punk.”
At least he’s making a tiny effort. Minuscule, but it’s something.
Dinner is awkward with Nick there, and I’m glad when it’s over. I follow Tess back to my house, the kids all running inside like it’s been their home forever.
“Sorry about Zee inviting Nick,” Tess says when we’re alone.
“It’s fine. I know they don’t get to see much of him.”
She puts her arms around my neck and kisses me. “In case I haven’t mentioned it today, I think you’re pretty great.”
“That’s very observant of you. I am pretty amazing.”
“And so humble. That’s my favorite thing about you.”
“Hey,” I say softly. “I want to pay for Florida. Just let me do it.”
She shakes her head. “It’s good for Hannah to earn the money herself.”
“You guys will have to hawk a shit ton of candy bars to pay for both of you to go.”
“I can put boxes out at the diner.”
“Well, I was thinking...why don’t I just send all of you down there? I can’t swing it during the season, but you guys could make a vacation out of it. Take the kids to Disney World.”
“No.” She looks up at me. “I know you have a lot of money, but that’s not why I’m with you. I don’t want things to get weird from you buying us things.”
“What’s weird about it?”
She sighs softly. “It’s weird to me.”
“Only because no one’s ever taken care of you before.”
“I think a relationship should be a partnership.”
“Exactly. And your partner happens to have a lot of money. What’s mine is yours and all.”
She smiles. “We’re not there yet, though.”
“I think I am.”
Emotions swim in her mossy-green eyes. “Really? I’ll think about the Florida thing.”
I pull her close and kiss her. “Do it for the kids, babe. Say yes.”
“Maybe.”
“What can I do to convince you?”
She laughs. “I think you’re aware of my weaknesses.”
Fuck yes, I am. She comes unglued when I edge her, and she loves dirty talk. I just love turning her on and watching her come. That’s what I fantasize about when we’re apart—getting back to her and getting her so worked up that I have to cover her mouth with my hand as she’s coming so the kids don’t hear.
Her expression turns serious as she looks up at me. “I’m really going to miss our nights together when I don’t live here anymore.”
“Yeah, I think we might need to have a talk about that.”