Dick (Bad Boys #1)

by R. C. Stephens

  As we head back into the apartment there is a call from the front desk. Ge is here. I don’t know why, but I am not ready for him to meet Eden if she does return soon. I also feel like I need to send Eden a text and check in on her. I’m just not sure if she will see it as me being overprotective or just a caring, friendly gesture. In reality it’s both.

  Macy and I head to the door to greet Ge. Jaden must be in his room playing.

  “And how’s my prettiest niece?” he asks, setting up his hand for a high five. She smacks his hand hard and smiles. “You’re getting strong there, princess.” He walks into the apartment.

  Ma comes to greet him and walks him straight into the kitchen, which is good for me. It gives me time to bathe the kids and read them a book before Ge and I head to the gym. Ma will be feeding him for a good hour anyway, which will also mean he will be tired and heavy and gives me an advantage on sparring since he is much bigger than me.

  “Hey, kiddos.” Ma walks into Jaden’s room and takes a seat on the bed.

  “I’ll be in the gym,” I mutter as I make my way out of the room. “I’ll come by and tuck you two in later.” I wink.

  “Love you, Daddy,” Macy calls out.

  “Love you too, princess, and you too, big man,” I holler as I make my way toward the gym.

  Twenty minutes later, I’m wearing a tank top and shorts, and Ge and I are heaving, sweaty messes. We give each other a run for our money that’s for sure. With him in a headlock, he asks, “So how’s your girl?” I know he’s asking to piss me off and distract me.

  “She’s not my girl, man. I told you, she’s a friend. Her husband hit her,” I admit to Ge. I figure he’s a cop, and Eden may want to report Blythe.

  “Fuck,” Ge hisses. Given his profession, he sees a lot of bad shit.

  “Yeah, man,” I confirm.

  He rips himself out of my headlock and takes a few steps back so we are circling each other. “It’s been two years, Dixon. Don’t you think it’s time to date seriously and get that reputation of yours in the media changed?” Ge says, and I know he means well, but it’s not happening.

  I begin to chuckle. “Ah, spoken like a true asshole. What about you? At least I was married and have two kids. You can’t bed the same girl twice,” I remind him. We’re no different. I juggle my life. I’m happy.

  “Man, I’m only thirty. I’ve got time.” He shakes his head with a devious grin.

  “Yeah, and I’m twenty-eight,” I respond. “I’m younger and have two kids. Let me remind you again …”

  He throws a punch, followed by a whip kick. The air makes zipping sounds from his brisk movements. I quickly deflect the punch and kick, spinning around into a roundhouse kick, and then taking him out by the ankles.

  “Fuck you,” he mutters, but he isn’t really upset. This is part of our workout. “Besides, I’m not the guy who had two kids by the time he was twenty-five. You like family.” He states it as a fact. He’s partially right. I’ll never be sorry for my marriage because I got my kids, but I’m also done with marriage.

  “I love my kids. Period. I don’t need to settle down,” I answer curtly, and Ge nods his head.

  “I know you love them, man. It’s just your ex is flake city. Those kids need some stability,” Ge says and I know he cares. Besides living in a dangerous neighborhood, growing up he had a stable childhood with two loving parents. His older brother’s death rocked the family. He was shot in a drive-by on the way home from school—the same route Ge and I took every day throughout our high school career. I wasn’t there during their time of grief, but Ge spoke about it. I knew that they came together for strength, leaning on each other and sharing each other’s pain. I always envied that he had that. I never had anyone to catch me when I fell.

  “Man, I know. She’s fucking more into herself every time I see her. It’s scary how money can change a person. Shoot me if I ever change,” I say honestly. I’m proud of my accomplishments, but I never want it to affect who I am.

  “Seriously, Dixon. Ma is worried and so am I. You can’t let what happened define the rest of your life. Ma seems to think this woman can be good for you.” He pushes some more and I grow more and more uneasy.

  His words hit home. I’ve been focusing on Eden for too long. I can’t get her out of my head. It’s messing with my plans to remain the eligible bachelor that I am. The New York gossip columns that follow my latest conquests are comical and portray me as Manhattan’s most eligible bachelor. Why would I want that to change? Most guys wish to plant their dicks in the hottest chicks of New York. I’m no different. Well, actually, the only difference is I get to actually plant my dick, where they can only dream.

  “Ge, it isn’t happening. She’s Jaden’s teacher. She may be hot as fuck, but you’ve seen the papers. You’ve seen the pissed off ladies. I don’t need to go pissing her off. It’s only September. She has a whole year with Jaden.”

  Ge nods his head and chuckles. We head over to the sauna and then to the showers. As I wash my body and run my hand over my cock, I know there’s no way I’m going down that road. NO FUCKING WAY.

  It’s Monday morning. I somehow managed to avoid Dixon the entire weekend. It still hasn’t really sunk in that I am actually living in his house … with him. Even as I say the words in my head, they don’t seem real. If we would’ve spent time together with his kids this weekend, it would have made things even more uncomfortable. When we’re together things flow so easily, and it feels so right, that it has to be all wrong, because nothing can ever progress. And that’s why we can’t blur any more lines.

  In an effort to keep things as routine as possible, I came into work Monday morning, even though I contemplated taking a personal day just to unwind and let all the events of the week sink in. Emotionally, I’m on my last string. This past weekend was tough, but I managed to keep Grant busy and explain to him in simple terms that our life was changing. He seemed to be okay. I hope he is.

  I spend the day, as usual, in the classroom. At the end of the day I pick up Grant. Thankfully no one asks me about my shiner, which has faded with the extra help of globs of concealer that I put on this morning and again at lunch.

  As I release the students to their parents at the end of the day, it’s a challenge facing Dixon while pretending I don’t know him, or even better, that I’m not living with him. As I think the thought, one of the mothers comes up to him and places her palm on his left pectoral and giggles. The worst part is that I’m seeing colors. Jealousy clearly doesn’t become me. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever been jealous before. Not about Blythe’s women, that’s for sure. No, wait, that’s a lie. I was jealous of Dixon’s girlfriends in middle school too. What has become of me? I’ve degraded back to my middle-school self. This can’t get any worse.

  Dixon smiles to the woman and removes her palm from his chest, while maintaining a wide grin and telling her he’s busy. And what do I do? I let out a long breath that he brushed her off. I need to get a grip. Big Time.

  This evening my divorce attorney requested a meeting. This is where the awkwardness comes into play. How do I bring the babysitter to Dixon’s house? I’d hate to ask him or Ma for a favor when they are already doing so much for Grant and me. I don’t see I have a choice, and I wasn’t going to ask him in front of the other parents, since I definitely don’t need to be the center of gossip at the school. Once I am in the privacy of my own car with Grant, I send him a text.

  Is it okay if I have Matilda come to your place to watch Grant tonight? I have to meet with the lawyer.

  A moment later he responds.

  Really? I have the kids with me, Eden. We’ll be hanging out at home. Grant can hang with us. You don’t need a babysitter.

  Geez! I knew he was going to offer. I hate that he did. I’m not used to such kindness.

  Thank you.

  Don’t thank me. Jaden will be happy to finally get to see him. I told him he was staying here, and he thinks I’ve told a fib since you guys are never
around.

  I sense his chiding tone through the text. He was kind enough to give us a place to sleep. I didn’t want to be in his way. Now I feel bad for not being around more. I just don’t know how to be around Dixon and hide my attraction, or better yet, not want to jump his bones.

  You’ve been so kind opening your home to us. I don’t want to be in the way.

  You aren’t in the way. I expect you both for dinner tonight.

  At least he says what he thinks. A straight shooter. That’s good, Eden.

  We’ll be there. Thanks!

  As I leave the school and drive down the busy streets toward Dixon’s apartment, I check my rearview mirrors. It’s crazy but I worry that Blythe is having me followed. I’m surprised that I haven’t heard from him at all. Not even a text asking how Grant is doing after he made that horrid scene. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. I wanted more for my son in the father department, and I hate that I’ve failed him so badly. The thought of sitting for dinner with Dixon and the kids makes me nervous. I take a piece of chewing gum from my center console in my car and chew nervously. I know he says we’re friends. Problem is, friends don’t stare into each other’s eyes so intensely every time they speak. Friends don’t make passionate love on a couch.

  I use the key that Dixon left with security for me to enter the apartment. Jaden and Macy come barreling toward the door a moment later.

  “Grant, I’m sooooo excited. You’re eating dinner with us today. I want Grant to sleep in my bed,” Jaden says, looking up to me. “Please, Ms. Jenkins, please? It will be so much fun.” I want to tell Jaden he doesn’t have to call me that now, but I don’t want to confuse him either. I still am his teacher.

  “Uh, okay. It’s up to Grant,” I say, looking down to my son.

  “Yay!” Grant calls out. He’s excited about this. My heart warms at his smile. He’s been gloomy, and he keeps asking if I’m okay and touching my face. I’m hoping that watching Blythe strike me isn’t going to be one of those moments that scars him for life.

  “Hey.” Dixon walks up to the front door with his hands in his front pockets. He’s wearing a Nirvana T-shirt and a pair of blue jeans. His feet are bare. My heart skips a beat. He’s always so laid back, yet sexy.

  “Hi,” I respond quickly. I can’t look him in the eyes for too long or else my breath falters.

  “How was your day?” he asks, clearly looking to make small talk or maybe he’s concerned.

  “Given the circumstances, okay, I guess.” I force a smile. My insides are turning in anticipation of the lawyer meeting this evening.

  “I know it’s a tough time. If there’s anything I can, do let me know. Don’t be shy.” He catches my gaze and a small smile erupts on his lips, exposing his dimples. My chest grows warm at the sight.

  “Thanks, Dixon, you’ve already given us a place to stay and you’re feeding us. I appreciate it so much, I don’t know how to repay you,” I begin.

  He takes a step toward me. “Eden, I’m not looking for repayment.” His hand lands on my arm in a comforting gesture. “Just take care of yourself and your son. I don’t like that Blythe hurt you.” His thumb grazes my cheek, sending little tingles throughout my body as I remember his deep, husky voice calling me Peaches as we made love on the couch. I clear my throat when I spot Ma walking toward us.

  “Hey, kids, dinner is ready.” Ma comes out of the kitchen and straight into our intimate moment.

  “She thinks I’m still a child.” Dixon laughs sardonically and as he passes Ma and heads for the kitchen, she whacks him in the shoulder. He laughs some more. There’s clearly a playful banter between them. I follow him to the kitchen.

  “I’m going to call the kids,” Ma mutters, referring to the actual kids now.

  “You’re lucky to have her,” I say to Dixon. “She seems more like a mother to you than a housekeeper.” At my statement, his brows crease. I’m not sure why. Does he not know this information? Does he realize that he was lucky to end up in Bed Stuy with a family? I definitely didn’t fare so well.

  “I am. She was a godsend when I got my divorce. She helped out a lot with the kids,” he replies, and I realize that he doesn’t get how much this woman clearly cares for him. It hurts me that he’s still so broken from being left behind that he doesn’t realize what he’s had directly in front of him.

  “I’m guessing she was a godsend to you when your father left. You’re lucky she took you in,” I say as I take a glass and fill it with water. Being around him makes me nervous and my throat feels dry.

  “Yeah, I guess,” he murmurs with a far off look in his eyes.

  “I didn’t have that. I mean. My father… the night I left …” My words are scrambled. My insides are pressing to tell him a secret I’ve never shared before, but I can’t bring myself to do it.

  The children come into the kitchen, smiling and out of breath. I’m relieved that the intimate conversation is over. Why was I about to tell him my deepest, darkest secret?

  “They were jumping on Macy’s bed,” Ma informs.

  “You know you guys aren’t allowed jumping on the bed.” Dixon addresses his children with a stern tone.

  “Sorry, Daddy,” they answer unanimously.

  “Grant, sweetheart, you need to follow the rules in Dixon’s house,” I say softly against his ear.

  “Sorry, Mommy. I’ll know for next time.”

  “Okay, who’s hungry?” Ma asks, pulling our attention toward her.

  We all eat dinner together: Ma, Dick, me, and the three kids. There’s laughter and banter. The maid, I forgot her name, came around and served then cleaned up. She didn’t sit at the table with us, which I found a relief … even though Dixon said there was nothing between them, but just knowing she had come on to him irks me. It’s ridiculous and I need to get a grip.

  Ma is definitely the glue to this family. She’s funny and stern and seems to keep Dixon and his children on their toes. After dinner Dixon suggests the kids watch a movie, and I slip out for my appointment … not before watching the contentment on my son’s face as he sits between Macy and Jaden, watching a movie like he belongs there.

  An hour later and I’m walking back into Dixon’s apartment with a heavy feeling on my chest. Blythe’s lawyer had been in touch with Sam, my attorney. Blythe isn’t happy about the divorce and plans to enforce the prenup. What really surprised me was that he wants shared custody and sleepovers with Grant every other weekend. It’s such a crock of shit because he never stayed home and spent time with his son. I know he’s doing this to get back at me or maybe show me that he’s a changed man and actually cares. The panic built in my chest as Sam went over the details with me. She also reassured me that given the fact that Blythe has been physically abusive, the court will require supervised visitation with Grant. And given the fact that Blythe couldn’t care less, he will probably drop the petition before it has time to even hit the courts. She reassured me the prenup means nothing at this point. That being said, I need to head down to the police station and charge Blythe with assault, even though I’m wary about doing that. The bruise is fading, but the pics on my phone prove the truth. Unfortunately, the police may want to talk to Grant about the attack. I’m hoping that won’t happen. My boy has been through enough.

  I slip into the apartment quietly and make my way over to the family room, following the sound of the television. Grant, Dixon, and his kids are exactly where I left them, watching the Lego Movie, which looks like it’s almost over. I say hello quietly and take a seat on the couch. The children are glued to the screen, but Dixon turns his head to look at me and mouths, “Are you okay?”

  I shrug my shoulders and smile. His lips turn into a thin line. I gather he’s been through an ugly of divorce, so he gets this, even though I don’t know the real story with him. I’d like to know.

  I’m seated on the couch beside Macy for not even a moment when she tilts her head up to look at me. She’s a pretty little thing with her father’s electric eyes.
>
  “You’re pwetty,” she says softly in her sweet voice.

  “Thank you. You are very pretty too,” I reply.

  “You remind me of a princess,” she continues, and I almost want to cry. As little girls we always dream of becoming princesses and maybe being saved by a prince charming. I thought Blythe had been my prince charming, back in the day. I clearly had bad judgment.

  “Really? Why’s that?” I ask.

  “Because of your hair. It’s so long and pwetty.” She grins widely.

  “Well, thank you.” I smile, tapping her little button nose.

  She continues to whisper, “I don’t like the movie. Can I play with your hair?”

  I chuckle. She’s a girly girl. “Oh, okay.” I pull the elastic out of my hair and allow the long, golden strands to fall down my back. I sense Dixon watching me out of the corner of his eye. I always wear my hair up at school since I’m afraid of contracting lice around the kids. It seems like at any given time, there are a few students in the school with a case of it. With my long unbridled hair, it would be a pain having to deal with it.

  Macy stands behind me on the couch and brushes her fingers through my waves. Then she tries all kinds of up dos. It feels nice. I had always wanted Grant to have sisters and brothers, but with my loveless marriage it wasn’t an option. After about twenty minutes, with an interesting twist at the top of my head, Macy gets tired and rests her head on my lap. Within minutes her eyes look heavy until they flutter shut.

  I feel someone nudging my shoulder. “Hey, Eden.” It’s Dixon. I open my eyes slowly and take in my surroundings. Dixon is in a pair of boxers and a white T-shirt. My heart literally lurches out of my chest. “I took the kids to bed. Grant put his pajamas on and he’s sleeping with Jaden. I was going to pick you up since you’ll probably have a backache in the morning if you sleep on this couch. It’s soft and comfy, but no support. I didn’t want you waking up in my arms and freaking the heck out,” he says with a devilish grin.