by C. Morgan
I had to show her I could be the father Austin deserved.
Chapter 14
Melody
“Hello?” I asked as I picked up my cell phone.
“Hey there,” Miss Patty croaked.
I paused. “Oh, no.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“No, no. It’s okay. I just—do you need anything?”
I heard Miss Patty cough as my gut sank to my toes.
“I tried shaking it yesterday,” she said. “But it’s sticking around. These season changes get me every time.”
“I completely understand. Austin struggles with winter to spring.”
“Me, too. Poor boy.”
“I really hope you feel better soon, okay? And I’ll bring you some soup later on.”
“If I wasn’t running a fever, I’d watch him,” she said.
“No, no. I promise it’s okay. I’ll come up with something. You just rest and feel better.”
“I’ll be good to go next week. I promise.”
“You rest. And stop worrying.”
I hung up the phone with Miss Patty and sighed. I had less than an hour before I had to report to the toy store, and I didn’t have a sitter for Austin. I looked at my cell phone. Did I call out? Did I call Tyler and tell him what was going on?
Just take him to the store. It’s a store full of toys. He’ll find something to play with.
I puffed my cheeks out. I picked up my purse and slowly walked down the hallway. I saw my son drawing in his coloring book and smiled. Yes, I could take him with me. Set him up in the back room with his colored pencils and his coloring books.
Tyler will understand.
At least, I hoped he did.
“Want to go to work with me tonight, kiddo?” I asked.
Austin looked up. “Can I take my coloring stuff?”
“Of course, you can. Let’s pack it up in my purse.”
“Okay.”
We packed up and headed for the toy store. The cost for taxis to get me to and from the toy store were squeezing me dry of whatever free money I had. But until I could replace my car that had essentially given up on life, I didn’t have a choice.
It warmed my heart to see Austin take off for Tyler, though.
“Mr. Toy Man!”
Tyler turned around, smiling. “Hey there, big boy. What are you doing here?”
Tyler scooped my son up as I walked toward them, seeing my son give him the biggest hug. And as I approached them, the slightest hint of unease filled my gut.
Austin had attached himself to Tyler very quickly.
I hope you’re right, Miss Patty.
“I’m sorry, Tyler. My babysitter—”
He held his hand up to me before winking. Then turned his attention back to Austin.
“I need your expert opinion on a few things,” Tyler said. “Care to try out some new toys I’m testing?”
Austin gasped. “Yeah! Are there dinosaurs?”
“There are two dinosaurs, a horse, and some race cars.”
“Mommy, Mommy, Mommy! Can I?”
I smiled. “It’s okay with me if it’s okay with Mr. Toy Man.”
Tyler chuckled. “All right. Come on. I’ll get you set up, and you can give me your honest opinion on the toys while your mother clocks in for work.”
“Thank you,” I mouthed.
And again, all he did was wink.
Austin and Tyler walked off, hand in hand. A sight that warmed my heart to see. I hung up my things in the back room and clocked in. Then I relieved Buddy behind the register. I waved goodbye as he walked out the door, and I occupied myself with checking out customers.
Every once in a while, I caught snippets of Austin’s conversation.
“The arms on this one don’t move in all directions. That might impede catching baseballs.”
“Hmm, I see,” Tyler said. “That makes sense.”
“This one is really cool, though. Because it fits into the car.”
“That means they could buy two toys instead of one,” he said.
“Oh, yeah. And boys love lots of toys. I mean, girls, too. But yeah. Boys.”
I kept stealing glances at them. Watching their ease of interaction. I really liked the way Tyler responded to my son. How simple and easy things were between them. He never talked down to my son. Never talked to him like he was a child. And not once did he get impatient with how long Austin played with the demo-toys.
It’s like he’s always been here.
A thought that gave me pause as the customers slowed to a trickle in the store.
Chapter 15
Tyler
“You guys hungry?” I asked.
I turned around as Melody and Austin walked toward me. After closing down the shop and having a wonderful evening with Austin as my helper, I wasn’t ready to let them go just yet.
“Starving,” Austin said.
Melody giggled. “I could eat, yeah. What’d you have in mind?”
“Colt’s restaurant is open for a couple more hours. We could have dinner before I take you guys home?”
“Oh, Mommy. Can we? Pleeeease?”
She smiled. “Sure. That sounds like fun.”
“Yeah!” he exclaimed.
He ran for me, and I scooped him up. I put him on my shoulders, and we quickly got out the front door before the alarm set itself. I locked up, and we walked down the block, with Austin bee-bopping on my shoulders.
“I’m gonna have some sketti. I’m gonna have some sketti.”
I laughed. “C.L.T. has the best spaghetti in my opinion.”
“What does C.L.T. stand for anyway?” Melody asked.
“Corn, Lettuce, and Tomatoes,” I said.
“Why corn?”
I grinned. “I’ll get his signature sandwich, and you can try it before I answer that.”
“Oh… kay?”
We walked into the restaurant, and the hostess smiled at me. She guided me to my regular booth, where the three of us sat down. Austin beside me, and Melody in front of me. With our feet entangled around one another’s under the table.
“And here I thought you’d forgotten your dinners at my place,” Colt said.
“Colt, I want you to meet someone,” I said.
“A beautiful someone, apparently.”
“Down, boy.”
He held his hand out for Melody. “I’m Colton, owner of C.L.T. And you are?”
She shook his hand. “Melody. And the boy beside Tyler is my son, Austin.”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you both.”
“Hi,” Austin said.
Colt smiled. “Hey, there. You ready for some spaghetti?”
He gasped. “How did you know?!”
Colt chuckled. “I always know what the kids in my restaurant want. I was a kid once. But for the adults, I suggest our special for today. Our coconut shrimp over vegetable fried rice and a homemade egg roll. Much better than your average delivery.”
“That sounds amazing,” Melody said. “I’ll take it.”
Then, Colt laid his eyes on me. “Can I borrow you for a second?” he asked.
“Sure,” I said. “Melody? I’ll be right back.”
“Promise?” Austin asked.
I smiled. “Promise, promise.”
We didn’t barely get up to the bar, though, before Colt gripped my arm and tugged me into a darkened hallway.
“That’s the woman from the other day,” he whispered.
I shrugged off his touch. “Yeah. It is.”
“Are you seeing her?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Is it serious? Because you’re sitting there with her kid.”
“Actually, yes. It is serious. Is there an issue with that?”
Colton stared at me for a long time before he finally smiled. “About damn time, man.”
I blinked. “What?”
“I’ve never seen you smile at someone the way you’ve smiled at those two.”
“Well, then tha
t should tell you everything you need to know.”
“Are you ready to step up as a father figure, though? I mean, that boy seems pretty attached already.”
“Austin’s a cute kid.”
“I mean, now. Sure. But hanging out from time to time versus spending twenty-four-seven with the boy? It’s not the same. He’ll grow up. Become a moody teenager. You remember those days. You were a moody teenage boy once.”
“You think I can’t handle it?” I asked.
“All I’m saying is know what you’re getting into,” he said.
I put my hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing. I’m a toy store owner, remember?”
He snickered. “You’re an idiot, you know that?”
“Yes. Now get me a nice bottle of wine that goes with that shrimp. I want that, too, and I shouldn’t go back to the table empty-handed.”
Colton grinned. “I’ve got the perfect bottle for you to take back, too.”
Chapter 16
Melody
I rushed around the restaurant, trying my best to keep up with the shift. Today was busy. Incredibly busy. And while I usually didn’t work the dinner shift, I needed the money. Badly. I ran around, trying to please all my customers. And as a new person sat down in a booth in the corner of my vision, I sighed before turning to face him.
Wait, is that…
He smiled at me and waved. I recognized him. Charlie from the toy store. He winked at me before motioning me over, and I looked around, seeing if there was anyone else to take his table.
But everyone else was just as busy as me.
“Miss? I need more Coke.”
“And another iced tea for me.”
“More Sprite, please!”
I held my finger up to Charlie before turning toward the table behind me.
“Coming right up,” I said with a smile.
In the back, I filled up the drinks. My phone buzzed. I wiped at the sweat on my brow and sighed, watching as Amy’s name scrolled across my phone. I hid my phone and checked the message. Miss Patty still wasn’t feeling well, so Amy had agreed to watch Austin tonight so I could work.
And the message made me smile.
Amy: Austin’s asking me to spend the night. You good with that?
Me: You know you’re always fine to stay over. Make yourself at home.
Amy: All right, we’re going back to this blanket fort then. See you when you get home.
I went to put my phone up, and it buzzed again. Only this time, it was Tyler. I smiled and opened the message, my heart filling with sunshine as I read it.
Tyler: Can I see you after your shift is over? If you aren’t too tired?
What luck.
Me: Want to pick me up? I should be done around ten.
Tyler: Will Austin be okay?
I love that he’s worried about my son.
Me: Oh, yeah. He’ll be fine. I promise.
I slipped my phone away and took the drinks back to the table. And when I looked up to see Charlie, I saw one of the waiters already helping him. Relief filled my gut. The waiter turned around, and his eyebrows rose, signaling to me if I wanted to take over. But I shook my head.
That man was all his.
The shift flew by in a haze. And I was excited to clock out a little early. I hung up my apron in back and grabbed my things. Then I made my way outside. I searched for Tyler’s car. I sent him a message, letting him know I’d finished up early.
Until a voice emanated beside me.
“Are you free tonight by any chance?”
I slowly looked over at Charlie. “I’m not, actually.”
“Well, maybe I could get your number then. Catch you when you are free.”
“No, thank you. But I appreciate the offer.”
“No?”
“I’m already seeing someone. That’s all.”
“Is it serious?” he asked.
Keep calm, Melody. “It is, yes.”
I didn’t like how close he was standing to me. I didn’t like the smile on his face. It didn’t quite reach his eyes, and it creeped me the fuck out. I took a small step away from him, trying to get space. But the more I backed up, the closer he came, matching me step for step.
“Do you need a ride somewhere?” he asked.
“I’m good, thank you,” I said.
“I could call you a cab.”
“I don’t need anything,” I said curtly. “You can go now.”
“I could make you incredibly comfortable, you know?”
I paused. “What?”
“You can’t possibly live a comfortable life here. Working in a toy store. In a restaurant. I’m sure you don’t have time for much else, with how much you work. I could give you back more of your time. Take care of you in ways you need.”
“I need nothing. Now I’d like you to leave.”
“And I’d like you to give me a chance.”
“No,” I said hotly.
And as I tried stepping past him, he grabbed my arm. Hard. Forcing a flash of fear to rush down my spine.
Chapter 17
Tyler
I slammed my truck into park and leapt out. Not bothering to turn the ignition off. The second Charlie gripped hold of Melody, the entire world faded away. My vision tunneled, putting him in my sights. I stormed up to them, leveling Charlie with a look as I gripped his wrist.
I tore his touch away from her precious skin before stepping between them.
“Walk away now,” I growled.
Charlie smirked. “I knew something was up when you went off on me the other day.”
“Walk. The fuck. Away.”
“A boss fucking his employee? Not a good look.”
“I’ll only tell you nicely one last time.”
“Or you’ll what?”
I barely had a hold on my temper. I clenched my fists as my breaths came in short pants. I wanted to kill him. Beat his face in until it was unrecognizable. The only thing that kept me rooted was Melody’s touch against my back.
Her hands trembled, which made me angrier than anything I’d ever known.
“Don’t worry,” Charlie said. “Had I known she was a whore, I wouldn’t have even talked to her. She’s all yours.”
I stopped listening after the word whore. I fisted Charlie’s suit and whipped him around, slamming him into the hood of my truck. Melody cried out my name. I felt her hands gripping my shirt. But I kept hold of the man. Watching his eyes widen.
I glowered. “I will beat you until you’re black and blue on a cold, hard slab if you ever so much as look her way again. You got it?”
“Not my fault she’s got an ass for days,” Charlie growled.
He shoved me away, and I reacted. My fist connected with his jaw, and he went tumbling to the ground. Melody shrieked. My vision dimmed. I sank to the ground and pinned Charlie to it with my knee, raising my fist above my head.
Then Melody wrapped her hands around my white knuckles.
“It’s not worth it. He’s not worth it. Please. Let’s just go.”
Her voice parted the fog of my mind. I snarled at Charlie before pushing him into the cement. He groaned as I shoved my knee into his groin, causing him to bunch up, roll over, and growl softly to himself. He clutched his balls, and I grinned. Then I turned my attention to Melody.
And with a sobering breath, I offered her my arm.
“Ready to go?” I asked.
I escorted her into my truck, closing the door behind her. Before I made it to my side, I stopped by Charlie one last time. I knelt beside him and cocked my head. Melody yelled my name from the truck, but I held my hand up, silencing her voice.
“If you ever touch Melody again, I’ll break your arm. Nod if you understand.”
And when that pathetic excuse of a man nodded, I got up.
I climbed into my truck and backed away. My breaths came heavily as I watched Charlie recede in my rearview mirror. Melody placed her hand against my knee. Squeezing it softly as
we came to a stop at a stop sign.
“Thank you for standing up for me again,” she said softly.
“You don’t ever have to thank me for that.”
“Can we go somewhere? Just… just the two of us?”
“We can do whatever you want.”
I looked over at her, and I saw the desperation in her eyes.
“Take me back to your place,” she said. “I haven’t seen it yet.”
I gunned it away from the stop sign. Squealing my tires in an attempt to get there just a few seconds faster.
Chapter 18
Melody
While I never advocated violence, I was happy when Tyler showed up. And even happier when he took that creep to the ground. I squeezed his knee as we weaved through Cedar Rapids, making our way for his place. I felt how angry he was. How he teemed with a need for some sort of release. I leaned against him. I placed my cheek against his shoulder. And when he kissed the top of my head, my heart leapt.
I’m in love with him.
It took me aback. It shocked me. But it didn’t make me afraid. Not like I thought it would. I moved my hand slowly up his thigh. Wanting to show him just how much he meant to me. He shifted in his seat. The roads became more and more narrow. Until we pulled into a driveway in front of a beautiful stone home. With the greenest yard I’d ever seen.
“Would you like the grand tour?” Tyler asked.
“Right now, the only room I’m interested in is the bedroom.”
He growled and gripped my chin. He tilted my face up to capture my lips. I gasped against him, our teeth clattering together with the force of his want for me. My hand cupped the back of his head. I held him to me as he unbuckled my seatbelt. He pulled me into his lap, folding me and maneuvering me before he kicked his truck door open.
And as he touched down onto his feet, he held me in his arms.
“Shit, don’t let me fall,” I said quickly.
