“Not anymore,” I answer truthfully, picking up his most-loved teddy bear. It’s worn, missing an eye, and has more patches than I can count. I got it at the hospital the day he was born and it’s been a permanent fixture ever since.
“But Miranda … you like her?”
“I do,” I admit with a soft laugh. It’s crazy, but I do.
“Does she like you?”
I shrug, setting his bear up beside him. He immediately grabs it, curling one arm around it and tugging it against his body.
“I hope so.”
“I think she does.”
I chuckle, tickling his toes beneath the blanket. “Thanks, son.”
“But … did you remember the flowers?”
This kid and his damn flowers.
“I got her a flower.”
“A flower? That’s singular, Dad. One flower is not good enough.”
“It was a succulent.”
“A succulent? What’s that?” His nose crinkles. I pull out my phone and show him a picture of one. He promptly rolls his eyes at me. “That is not a flower, Dad. Do better next time.”
Schooled by a seven-year-old.
“Can you go to sleep now?” I ask him, raising a brow.
He looks around and I know he’s probably trying to think of even more questions. “I guess so.”
I lean over and ruffle his hair before kissing him on top of his head. “Night.”
“Goodnight, Dad.”
I cross his room and look back at him one more time before I close his door.
If there’s anything I’ve done right in this world, it’s that kid.
24
Jamie
“Considering this is our third official date, and you still won’t have sex with me for chivalrous reasons I have yet to understand, I think it’s important for you to know my date of birth is in two weeks—October twenty-sixth—and if you’re not putting out by then that might be the end of this relationship.” She twists her lips back and forth contemplatively. “Because I think I deserve some birthday sex.”
I chuckle, setting down my drink.
“That so?”
“Yep.” She leans forward, elbows on the table, fingers clasped, and rests her chin on them. My eyes drop to her ample cleavage now on full display. When she took off her coat I nearly choked on my tongue at the sight of her in the dark blue dress. It’s curve hugging with a plunging neckline that my dick likes very much. “You should totally get me an epic birthday present too. Like a star with my name, or sponsor some kind of animal.”
I snort, turning it into a cough because I do not snort. “Pretty sure I’m already sponsoring the cat you’re hiding in your apartment.” Her jaw drops. “Did you seriously think I didn’t know? You’re not a very good secret keeper. Besides, when I picked you up the other night there was a cat food bag on the counter.”
Her mouth flaps like a fish.
I take another drink and clear my throat. “If anyone asks, I know nothing. I’ll deny everything. This is on you.”
Her cheeks color and her hands drop to the napkin folded in her lap. I swear I hear a mumbled thank you but can’t be sure.
If she wants the damn cat so bad, who am I to say no?
Well, again, since I already said no five-hundred other times and it always fell on deaf ears.
“Your birthday, huh?” I hum, wiping condensation from my glass. “Do I get to spend the day with you for your birthday?”
She fiddles with her napkin more. “I was … um … actually wondering if maybe we could do something with Tobias for the day? If it’s okay with you?”
She’s been over once more to paint with him and I swear if my son was of legal age he’d try to steal her from me. He’s in love with her.
I always thought if the time came where I did date I wouldn’t bring a woman around my son, but I don’t want to keep Miranda away. She makes him happy and I like seeing my son light up like that. He deserves to have another womanly touch in his life other than my mom.
“What do you have in mind?”
She smiles, sitting up straighter. “I was thinking we could do something in D.C.—maybe go to a museum, see the White House and monuments, have you guys ever done that before?”
I shake my head. “No, but he’s been asking. I think he’d love it.” I pull out my phone, looking at the calendar. “Would you want to make a weekend out of it? Spend Saturday night there?”
“That sounds amazing.” She beams and looks ready to launch across the table to tackle me into a hug. “I won’t even beg you for birthday sex.”
“Yeah, that’d be a little complicated with my son around.”
“I’m excited about this,” she admits in a whisper, almost like she’s scared to say it out loud.
Surprisingly, I am too. “You should be the one to tell Tobias. I swear he likes you more than me.”
She sets her water glass down and swallows. A small droplet of water clings to her bottom lip and fuck what I wouldn’t give to lick it away.
“Maybe that’s because I call him Toby, you know, what he prefers to be called, and you insist on Tobias.”
“Because, it’s his name.”
She sighs, shaking her head. Her dark hair is curled and lays long down her back. I itch to wrap my fingers in it and tug her mouth to mine, but I’m trying to behave myself and take things slow. It’s possible I’m killing us both in the process.
“You’re so stubborn.”
“It’s part of my charm.” I wink, taking the check from the waiter when he arrives. I add the tip and sign my name to the slip of paper, tucking my credit card back into my wallet.
We stand, both of us shrugging into our coats.
Hand in hand we walk next door to the movie theater and since it’s reserved seating and I already bought the tickets we don’t even have to wait in line.
We walk up to our seats in the back row, Miranda’s heels clacking, and sit down.
She picks up the menu and I chuckle. “We just ate.”
She rolls her eyes at me and goddam why is that such a turn on?
“Yeah, and I’m getting popcorn anyway. You can’t come to a movie theater and not get popcorn. That’s sacrilegious.”
“Whatever you say.” I rub my fingers over my lips to keep from laughing.
She orders the popcorn and drinks, sticking the piece of paper in the air for one of the runners to grab.
She sits back in her seat, finally shrugging out of her coat.
“You know,” she muses, turning around so she can drape the garment behind her seat, “the last time I was here was with Lou and Abel. I felt like such a third wheel. Now, I’m here with you.”
“I’m way better company.” I grab her hand, kissing her knuckles.
I’m so fucked when it comes to her. If I’m not touching her or kissing her I feel lost. She grounds me. It’s like all this time I’ve barely been tethered to the earth. I had Tobias and my mom, but I was missing that one last, final piece, and it’s her.
The lights begin to darken and she squeezes my hand.
I’m suddenly regretting my choice of dinner and a movie. I’d much rather have this time to talk to her, which is ironic since I normally hate talking. Miranda brings out a side of me I didn’t know I had.
But watching her eyes light up at the previews, and later her excitement as the movie plays, popcorn pressed to her lips as she watches the climax with anticipation, makes it all worth it.
* * *
A few days after my movie date with Miranda, it’s time for my second meeting with Shannon. She’s already pushed it back twice, and if I arrive at the office and find that she’s a no-show I’m going to lose my shit.
She’s playing games with me and it’s not okay, not when my son is involved.
Stepping into the building I adjust my tie. It’s a stupid habit I can’t seem to quit.
Heading down the hall I find Don waiting for me.
“She here?” Short, clipped,
to the point. I have no time for pleasantries.
He shakes his head. “Not yet.”
He ushers me into a similar conference room to the one we were in last time.
He passes me a small bottle of water. Unscrewing the cap I gulp down practically the entire thing.
I’m not nervous, I’m pissed, because this entire thing is a waste of my time and energy. I could be doing something productive instead of arguing with her greedy ass.
Don sits down beside me, laying his hands on the table.
He looks cool as a cucumber while I’m ready to bolt out of my skin. I’m particularly antsy after all the reschedules. Call it paranoia, but I’m pretty sure she’s up to something.
The ticking of the clock grates on my nerves. I’m in hell.
“Calm down,” Don chides me under his breath.
“I am calm,” I growl.
Ten minutes pass.
Another five.
Even more until it’s thirty minutes past our scheduled meeting time and Don sends me on my way.
I get in my car for the drive back home and anger boils my blood, because she’s stringing me along on purpose.
Shannon officially has me right where she wants me.
Angry and desperate for her to be gone.
This has been her goal.
To drive me insane until she can get whatever she wants and go on her merry way.
But fuck it, I’m older now, sort of wiser, and I won’t give into her demands so easily. I meant it when I said she wouldn’t get another penny from me.
I pull out my phone, making a call I should’ve made a long time.
“Hey, Chase? Yeah, it’s Jamie. I need your help with something.”
25
Miranda
Lou’s name flashes on my phone screen, vibrating against my bed. I zip up my overnight bag, ready for Jamie and Tobias to pick me up any minute.
I can’t believe I’m going to D.C. tomorrow with my boyfriend, I mean, I guess that’s what he is. We haven’t said anything official on the matter, but it feels like he’s my boyfriend.
“Hello?” I pick up and immediately hold the phone at arm’s length when Lou screams right in my ear.
“OHMYGODYOU’RENEVERGOINGTOBELIEVETHIS!” She slurs the words together at a volume only dogs could possibly hear.
“Uh … what was that?”
“You’re never going to believe this,” she rushes the words. “Abel got us tickets to see the Jonas Brothers! Happy birthday, Bitch!”
“Uh…” I have no words and that’s rare. I’m literally speechless.
“We see them next month at the Verizon Center! We can stay the night in the city and everything. We’ll make a whole day of it.”
I think Lou is more excited over my birthday present than I am. We both share a love of the Jonas Brothers, but where I love them, Lou is plain out stalker obsessed.
“That sounds like so much fun. Tell Abel thank you for me.”
“He’s right here, you’re on speaker.”
“Thank you, Abel. I guess I’ll let Lou keep you.”
He chuckles. “I’m glad I’m allowed in the pack.”
“Are we going to do our traditional brunch? You haven’t said anything about it,” she rambles. “I didn’t make reservations, but surely we can get in tomorrow if today is booked.”
For the last few years on each of our birthdays we’ve driven to Leesburg to have brunch at one of the fancy-schmancy restaurants there.
“Uh … about that.”
It probably makes me a horrible friend that I haven’t said anything to her about my weekend with Jamie and Tobias. I know she’s trying to be more open and understanding about my romance with Jamie, but she’s still not one-hundred percent backing it either.
“What?” she sobers. “Is something wrong? You’re not sick are you?”
I flop onto my bed, bouncing up and down slightly. My bag rolls off the side and splats on the floor. Thank God I zipped it because I would not be repacking all that shit.
“No, I’m spending the weekend with Jamie and Tobias.”
“Oh.”
I flinch at the hurt I hear in her voice.
“Yeah,” I continue, covering my face with my free hand. “We’re spending the weekend seeing the monuments. We’ll probably go to a museum or two as well.” It’s quiet on the other end and I prompt, “Lou?”
“Things are changing, aren’t they?” She sounds … not sad, but a bit nostalgic.
“Yeah, I guess they are. We’re growing up.”
“I thought we swore we weren’t going to do that?”
“Unfortunately I don’t think we have much choice.”
Her sigh echoes through the phone. “Okay, no brunch, but is there something we can do?”
I bite my lip. “We should have a girls date next weekend.”
“Ooh, yes—that sounds fun. Sleepover at your apartment?”
“That’ll be perfect. We can stay in our pajamas and watch movies all day.”
“I knew there was a reason we’re friends.”
I hear a knock on my door and my heart starts beating faster. “Jamie’s here. I have to go.”
“All right, well I love you, beautiful, and happy birthday. Have fun with Jamie and Tobias, but if Jamie acts up kick him in the balls for me.”
I laugh, covering my face with my hands. “Deal.”
We hang up and the impatient dick face I like for some reason knocks again. I grab up my duffel bag and hurry to the door, kissing Fettuccine who lies sleeping on the corner of the couch. My elderly neighbor next door, a sweet lady named Fran, agreed to come over and feed him while I’m gone. Thankfully, she’s so old she doesn’t even know we’re not supposed to have pets.
I swing open the door and can’t stop the ridiculous smile that splits my face.
Big Jamie and Little Jamie stand in front of me looking like the most adorable father and son duo.
Big Jamie is dressed casually in distressed jeans and a gray sweater. Little Jamie is all decked out in dark jeans, a white shirt, suspenders and a red bow tie.
“Hi, boys.”
“Miranda!” Little Jamie crashes into my legs, giving me a giant hug.
I laugh and bend down, wrapping my arms around him. “It’s nice to see you too, Toby.”
He releases me and steps back beside his dad. He looks up at Jamie and then me as I stand up. “Dad says we’re going to the museum. Which one? Is it the one with the dinosaurs?”
“Tobias,” Jamie says in what I like to think of as his dad tone.
“Oh, and happy birthday.”
“Thank you, Toby.” Jamie rolls his eyes, but he’s going to have to get used to it. If his son wants to go by a nickname, let him. “And yeah, we can do the dinosaur museum.”
“It’s your birthday,” Jamie interjects, reaching for my bag. I let him take it and lock up my apartment. “Wouldn’t you rather go to an art museum?”
“Dinosaurs sound more fun. I’m surrounded by art all the time.”
“Yay!” Toby cries, shoving a fist in the air before the three of us start down the stairs.
I actually would like to go to the art museums, but I wanted to spend more time with Toby. If Jamie and I are going to do this thing, then Toby is going to be in my life and I want to get to know him better and vice versa.
At Jamie’s car he adds my bag beside theirs in the trunk.
“Ladies first.” Jamie swings the front passenger door open for me while Tobias scurries into his booster seat. When I look back to smile at him I swear his cheeks get pink and he looks down embarrassed, picking at the arms of his seat.
“My dad makes me use it even though I’m a big boy.”
“Safety first.”
He gives me a tiny smile. “Can we go to the museum first?”
“Tobias,” Jamie warns, sliding behind the driver’s seat. “It’s Miranda’s birthday, it’s her choice. Remember your manners.”
“Oh, right.” Toby
nods before I turn around to face the front. Behind me he says, “Miranda, do you want to go to the museum first.”
“You know, I think I do.”
Jamie chuckles. “I’m so screwed when it comes to you two. You gang up on me. Well, since the birthday girl says we do that first, then we will.”
* * *
Exhausted from the museum, but in high spirits, we enter the Cheesecake Factory—aka heaven on Earth.
Jamie made reservations so we’re led to a booth right away. He said since it was my birthday I could go wherever I wanted, so this is what I chose.
I slide into the booth and Tobias scoots in next to me, sitting up on his knees. Jamie sits down opposite us.
“Here are your menus,” the hostess passes them out to us. “You’re server will be by shortly.”
“Can I get dessert, Dad? Since it’s Miranda’s birthday we’re allowed to have dessert, right?”
Jamie shakes his head. “You make me sound so horrible, like I never allow you to do anything.”
“You’re a good dad, just overprotective,” Toby says with a small shrug of his shoulder.
Jamie’s eyes slide to me and he releases a breath. “I only let him have dessert once a week and on special occasions.”
“Hey,” I raise my hands, “you don’t need to defend yourself to me. Like Toby said, you’re a good dad. That’s your job as a parent. To instill good habits and teach him things.”
Jamie’s lips quirk into a small smile and he mouths, “Thank you.”
I think it’s had to be hard on him being the sole disciplinary and rule maker. That gives him fewer chances to be the fun parent when he’s trying to teach his son things. Like I knew back at my apartment he wanted Toby to understand it was my birthday and he should let me say what I want to do instead of him suggesting what he’d enjoy.
I peruse the menu, marveling at all the choices. Even though I’ve been to a Cheesecake Factory numerous times, I’m always in awe of the pages of dishes. Frankly, there are too many choices and I’m indecisive.
Jamie slides his menu aside and my jaw drops. “You know what you want?”
Desperately Seeking Landlord Page 14
