by Cathryn Fox
“I’m pretty sure Gram could handle your father.” I put my hand over my heart. “In here, I totally believe he was proud of you.” He makes a sound, a half laugh, half snort, and I can almost feel the tension and pain leaching from his bones. “Thank you for sharing that painful story with me. I know it couldn’t have been easy.”
His head lifts and he glances around the room. “This is the first time I’ve been back here.”
“I’m glad it was with me, Tyler. I’m glad you chose me to bring here, to create happier memories for you.” He doesn’t say anything, so I continue with, “Now what was that you said about being so lucky?”
11
Tyler
Birds chirping pull me awake, and I peel one eye open. The second I realize I’m in the fishing cabin, I jackknife up, my stomach tight, every muscle taut as old memories bombard me. The shifting on the bed beside me pulls my attention, and the pain of the past eases, making room for warmth and need as I take in the gorgeous woman stirring awake.
“Morning,” Haven says as she stretches her arms over her head, the sheet slipping a little lower on her breasts.
“How did you sleep?” I ask, falling back down beside her.
“I slept like a baby. I think all this fresh air is good for me,” she says.
You’re good for me.
I bite my tongue to keep those words to myself, even though they’re true. She is good for me. She made facing the past easier, and I think on some level I knew she would, which is why I chose now to visit the cabin. I’ve been home two whole years and avoided it like the plague, yet the second she came into my life, all sweet, and vulnerable, it brought out a different side of me.
No need to go soft here and tell her it’s possible I might want more. We’re just having a good time while I protect her from a stalker. No need to scare her away sooner rather than later. As if reading my mind, she reaches out and puts her hand on my chest.
“For the record, Tyler. There is nothing wrong with being soft. I like that side of you.”
I snort. “There’s not much soft on me when I’m with you, Haven.”
She grins at that, and the truth is, I like who I am when I’m with her. Does she like who she is with me? She spreads her hands over my heart. “In here. I like you soft.”
“Listen, can we keep that between us? I sort of have a reputation to uphold.”
That pulls a laugh from her, so light and carefree, I can’t help but smile. I like seeing her happy like this. It’s pretty much the first real laugh I’ve heard from her.
“Do you have to hit the gym?” she asks
“Yeah, the kids will be waiting. Come with?” I can’t protect her if she’s not with me, but I think I want her to come for other reasons—selfish ones.
She checks the clock. “Actually, it’s still early. I don’t have to be at the set for an hour, so yes, I’d love to.”
I lean over her, my body wanting more which is insane. After numerous rounds of sex last night and very little sleep, I want her again. I press my lips to hers for a good morning kiss. I kind of like being the last one to kiss her before she goes to bed, and the first one to kiss her when she wakes.
My stomach takes that moment to grumble, and she chuckles into my mouth. “Uh oh, it’s past feeding time. Should I be worried you’re going to get hangry on me?”
“Nah, you’re good. Come on, let’s go see if there’s any food in this place.”
I pull her blankets down to expose her gorgeous naked body, and note the marks from my mouth on her skin. A grumble rumbles in my throat. I lightly touch her skin. “I’m going to kiss these all better tonight,” I say.
“I’m going to hold you to that, but they don’t hurt.”
I stand, circle the bed and pull her to me. She wraps her arms around me, and I slide my hands down her back until I’m cupping her gorgeous backside. My cock thickens more, and she chuckles and squirms away.
“I will not be responsible for your class being late today, so go.” She points to the stairs and scoops her clothes off the floor.
I tug on my hair. “You’re right. You go ahead and jump in the shower and I’ll find us some food. I’m going to shower after class.”
I tug on my jeans from last night and head to the main level. As I rummage around in the cupboards and fridge, I notice that it’s all been recently stocked. Thanks Gram. I know she wants this for me, and for herself, and I hope she’s not too disappointed when Haven leaves at the end of the shoot.
I pull out some eggs, and bacon and put the coffee on as Haven jumps in the shower. Down by the dock, the boat rocks gently, and I glance out over the calm water. Maybe tonight Haven would like to go for a starlit tour of the lake.
The shower turns off and I plate our food. She comes out fully dressed, towel drying her hair. “Look at you, all domesticated,” she says. She takes a sip of coffee and drops down into the chair. “Did Gram teach you to cook?”
“I lived alone for many years, and I like food, so I learned.” She cuts into her bacon and takes a bite. As the fork slides into her mouth, and she moans around it, my dick thickens.
“This is delicious. I don’t cook very much. I’m not great at it.”
“I can teach you a few things.”
“You know I’m a fast learner.”
I grin at her, and dig into my food. After we eat, we set the dishes into the sink for later and jump into the truck. Her eyes are on me as I make my way out to the road.
“Thanks, Ty,” she says so softly, so quietly, I almost miss it.
I reach across the seat and capture her hand. “You okay?”
She looks away, glancing out the passenger window. “It’s just so peaceful here. It’s sad that you missed out on so many years coming here.”
“Maybe we can make up for that. I was actually thinking you might like to go out on the boat later. If it’s not too late, we can even do some fishing.”
Her smile wraps around my heart. “I would love that. I’ve never been fishing before.”
“It’s settled then.”
We drive in comfortable silence, our fingers linked together, and I pull up in front of the gym.
“How long have you been coaching the kids?”
“About a year now. There were a couple of local boys up to no good. Messing around with the shop signs, and spray-painting things. I thought maybe they could put all that energy to better use.”
“That’s sweet.”
“Shh,” I say and put a finger to my lips. “Have to keep these kids a bit afraid of me.”
The sun is higher in the sky as we exit the truck and cars pull up to the curb behind me, parents dropping their kids off. Liam Becker comes skateboarding down the road, and comes to an abrupt stop when he sees who I’m with. He hops off his board, and stares at Haven, completely starstruck.
“You better close your mouth, Liam. You’re two seconds from eating that fly buzzing around your head.”
Ignoring me, he stares at the beautiful woman beside me. “You’re…you’re…”
“Haven Roberts,” Haven says and reaches out to shake his hand. “Nice to meet you, Liam.”
His eyes go wide. “You know my name?”
She gives him a little wink. “Tyler just called you Liam.”
“Right, shit.” He glances down, his cheeks red from embarrassment.
“Language,” I say and shake my head. Haven grins at me, because yeah, I drop the F-bomb a lot, just not in front of the kids. Or at least I try not to. “Get inside and get warmed up,” I tell him. As the kids all shuffle in, I can still feel Haven’s eyes on me. “What?” I finally ask.
“Coach Owens, it suits you.”
I laugh. “Who would have thought?”
“I would have.”
I nod, and say, “These kids actually mean a lot to me. They’re all good inside, you know?” I put a fist against my chest. “They just need to be molded and shaped by the right person.” I take a breath. “It took a trainer
to mold me into the man I am today.” My stomach squeezes, and my throat grows a little raw when I add, “But there’s a part of me that thinks my dad had a part in that, too. I want to think that. I need to think that. He was a hard-ass man and our relationship was fractured, to say the least, but maybe…”
“The way he treated you boys taught you all what you wanted to be and what you didn’t want to be, Tyler. There is always something to take from every relationship, family or not, good or bad.”
“Like I said, beautiful and smart.” I laugh and add, “Your brother always said that about you, do you know that? I love that you could always count on him, Haven. We all need that.”
“I have parents, but he’s the only one I consider family.”
“And mine, remember.” I give her a little nudge. “They’re yours while you’re here.”
She smiles and her knuckles brush mine. It sends a jolt of heat through me. “You do realize you have your own little family right here, don’t you?”
I consider that for a moment. I do spend an awful lot of time with these kids, and try to be a good role model. “In a way, I guess I do.”
She puts her hand on my face. “That’s so nice.”
“Let’s see how nice you think it is after I put you through some moves.” She chuckles as we head toward the door and she glances at the exterior. “What was this place before you turned it into a gym?”
“It’s the old fire station, actually. A new one was built a couple years back, and the town donated this to me to use. It’s mine until someone decides they want it, which is why I am saving to build my own gym and fill it with state-of-the-art equipment. I realize the kids don’t need that, but business is picking up and I’d like to grow, get a cage and maybe even host a few MMA fights in the future. I’m hoping to have a new facility before I lose this one.”
“Nice of the town to let you use the space.”
“Everyone at the town council meeting was in agreement. They want the kids off the street.”
“How did you get into MMA anyway?” she asks as I pull the heavy door open.
“Started in jiu jitsu when I was twelve. Right here in Blue Bay. I had a great coach. Got my black belt when I was twenty.”
“Impressive, and now that you mention it, I remember grappling is what you were good at.”
“What can I say, I like working off my back.” That brings a huge smile to her face.
“You’re quite good at that, in and out of the cage.”
I laugh. “You watched one of my fights?” I ask, my mind oddly going back to my old man. Was Haven right? Would he have been proud of my UFC title? Maybe, but he sure as hell wouldn’t have told me. Then again, did I give him a chance? I only came back after he was gone. I guess I’ll never know.
“I caught a fight or two of yours.” She smiles. “I love what you’re doing here, Ty.”
“Being in the gym kept me out of trouble.” I give her a wink. “Mostly. Now I want to give back by teaching these kids about grappling, wrestling, jiu jitsu. Lots of different techniques and lots of exercises for strength building. I tell them to find what they do best, then that will grow into what they do most, and that’s when they develop a passion.”
“That’s a great philosophy,” she says, and then laughs. “Oh my God, the fire pole is still here.”
“Yeah, it’s great for core strength exercises. I’m probably going to have one installed in my new place.”
“You’re right. It’s great for core strength. Remember the movie where I played the stripper?”
“Ah, no, not really, but now I’m going to go find it and watch it.”
She laughs. “Maybe instead I’ll give you and up close and personal view of my moves.”
I put my mouth near her ear. “You can’t say things like that to me in public,” I tell her. She laughs and pushes me away as the kids keep casting glances our way, the buzz of excitement in the air.
“Hey kids, this is Haven Roberts. She’s going to be joining us this morning for a few lessons.” I take in the freshly scrubbed face of the kids, six boys and four girls, varying in age from fourteen to seventeen, Liam being the oldest. The kid is strong, and has great potential. I’m super proud of his commitment to the sport.
The kids all excitedly say hello, and some of the older boys puff out their chests as she takes a spot on the mats. We spend the next half hour doing some exercise and stretches and because Haven is here today, we do some self-defense moves. I watch her carefully, and like how she lets her guard down with me. I’ve seen her different roles before, but I have to say, I like her best when she’s just being herself.
By the time we’re done, I’m a hot sweaty mess and in need of a shower. Haven however, looks refreshed, a soft pink tinge in her cheeks.
“Will you be coming back, Haven?” Cora asks as she stares up at Haven hopefully.
“You bet,” Haven says.
“I want to be a movie star like you when I grow up,” Cora tells her.
Haven smiles. “I think you’d be a wonderful actress,” she tells Cora, and Cora beams. “Why don’t you come by the set, and I can show you around?”
“Really?” Cora says. “That would be amazing.”
I gather up the skipping ropes as the kids surround her, and Liam gives me a hand to put the mats away. “Are you two…you know,” he says with a grin.
I shake my head. “We’re friends and I’m helping her with something.”
Liam lets loose a laugh. “I just bet you are.”
“Hey,” I say. “Respect, all the time, for women and for yourself, remember.”
“Right, Coach,” he says and nods.
I glance over his shoulder to see Amber. “Can I come too?” she asks. Haven laughs as all the kids all chime in, asking if they too can join the tour.
She holds her hands up. “How about this? I find a time when we’re not shooting, and I can bring you all for a visit. You can even all see the sets that Tyler and his family are building.”
As I hear her talking about family and watch the kids bounce in excitement, an idea forms in the back of my mind. These kids are all like family to me, so maybe I can give Haven a piece of her childhood that she missed out on.
12
Haven
After a long day on the set, with Tyler staying close by as he and his brothers work on erecting a make-shift bakery, things have shut down for the night, and everyone is headed to Winchester’s for a bite to eat. My trailer arrived late this afternoon, and while I’m happy to have some of my things, what I’ve realized in the last couple of days since arriving in Blue Bay is that I don’t need much to take me from day to day. A warm bed, and a hotter man in it beside me will suffice, thank you very much.
Tyler almost seems like a different person today. Last night, walking back into that cabin brought a lot of painful memories. While we might not really know each other, I’m just glad I was by his side, able to help him move forward. I hate that he spent so many years with that tearing him up inside. He had a complicated relationship with his dad, seems all the guys did, and it shaped him into who he is today. That’s not a bad thing. Gram was right, underneath it all, he’s a sweet boy, and I love a man with a soft heart. Probably because I grew up with one. Rock is all muscles and strength on the outside, but inside he’d do anything for me. It’s no wonder I gravitated toward a guy like Tyler. I just wish he and my brother liked each other. If we ever moved past a fling…
Whoa!
I quickly shut that thought down. Tyler and I do not have a future. He belongs here in Blue Bay surrounded by friends and family, and I belong… God, I really don’t know where I belong anymore. Do I belong in Hollywood? I guess my next movie is going to determine that, but dammit, I hate that I have such little control over my future. I want to have hopes and dreams like Tyler. I love that he’s setting goals, and wanting to build his own gym for the kids.
I make my way toward my trailer to gather up a few of my possessions, and wh
en I enter, the hairs on the back of my neck tingle. I glance around. Nothing seems out of the ordinary, yet I can’t shake the strange feeling that I’m not alone. Knuckles rap on the door behind me, and I gasp and jump ten feet in the air. The door flings open, and Tyler comes inside. After a fast glance around, he puts his hands on my shoulders.
“Haven, what is it?”
“It’s nothing, really. I just had a strange feeling. I think I’m just spooked.” His head dips, those green eyes murderous and intense.
“Sit here,” he says and lowers me onto the sofa. He disappears down the narrow hall, checking the back-bedroom area. “All clear,” he calls out. “Did something happen?”
“No, I promise.” I roll my eyes at my own foolish behavior. “It’s just…have you ever had the feeling that when things were going good, you just know something bad is going to follow? It’s happened to me my entire life. I’m afraid to revel in the good, you know?”
He crouches down in front of me, his eyes hard, his hair a tumbled mess from working in the heat all day. “Yeah, I know what you’re talking about, but there are no strings attached here. Things can be good for no other reason than they are. Sounds to me like you had a lot of selfish people in your life, people who might have gone out of their way to ruin good things for you. You’re safe in here, and you’re safe with me. Maybe we really did scare off whoever was sending those letters. Maybe someone was just fucking with you and moved on.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” I force a smile, and my stupid brain races. Is this his way of saying we don’t have to be together? Like other men, has he gotten what he wanted and is tossing me away like I’m a disposable coffee cup? Then again, I’m so closed off, expecting the worst in everyone, I never really open myself up. No wonder men leave. “That means we don’t have to pretend anymore.”
He briefly closes his eyes and exhales. When they open again, and lock on mine, I almost forget how to breathe. Beautiful is a word most used for a woman, but I can’t think of anything else to describe Tyler.
