by Mary Smith
My door slowly pushes open and a fresh-faced Baylor walks in donning her pajamas. How the fuck can she be breathtaking in oversized black and red flannels?
“May we talk?”
I nod and pat the place next to me on the bed. She shuts the door and then sits crisscrossed on the bed. She’s still within arm’s reach of me.
“I...um...I don’t know where to start.” She shyly states. “I didn’t know you wore glasses.”
There she goes with the small talk. “I take my contacts out at night.”
“Right.” She bobs her head and glances around my room. “If these walls could talk, huh?”
“They would tell you I snore, sleep with the radio on, and occasionally sing off key.” I smile.
“I was referring to all the sex.” Her cheeks flush.
I raise my right hand. “This is all the sex I get in this room.”
“Really?” She seems perplexed.
“I never bring girls home. Only one.” Even I heard the sensual tone in my voice. “What do you want to talk about?”
“Us.” She traces the flower tattoo on her wrist. “Alden, we can’t do this anymore.”
“Do what?” A lump forms in my throat. I know what she’s talking about.
“I just had a long talk with Kace about how you aren’t going to be his new dad. He’s so close to you. This little game we’re playing is going to break him more than us.”
I feel as if Hamilton just gave me a crotch shot with a flying puck. “I don’t think you’re thinking this through.”
She looks up at me. “What do you mean?”
“How do you think I’ll feel if you both left me.” I am going to take Cabel’s advice. “I care about you both. Deeply.”
“We both know you’re not ready for this type of commitment.” Her eyes begin to water.
“How do you know?”
“What?” She furrows her brow.
“How do you know I’m not ready for this level of commitment?” My gaze is challenging her to answer me.
“I come with baggage.”
“Who doesn’t? And if you’re talking about the Rocco issue, I could give a flying fuck about him.” I reach for her hand and lightly caress it. “Why don’t we date? Not only family dates but real adult dates.”
She gazes down at our entangled hands. “I want that too.”
“Come here.” I pull her to me and try to contain my smile. I adjust her to straddle me.
“We’re still not having sex.” She firmly states.
“I’m aware.” I smirk. “I want to say something and it’s something I’ve never said.”
She holds her breath.
“I like you and I’ve never dated someone before. This is all new to me.”
A small tear pools in the corner of her eyes. “I like you too and I’ve not really dated either. Well, sort of, but nothing serious.”
I give her a small kiss.
“My concern is Kace.” She pulls back.
“I understand. However, I will always be there for him. I promise. I know what it’s like to be without a father.”
Her eyes widen.
“I even understand what it’s like to have a jerk for a father. You have my word I’ll be there for Kace.”
“Thank you.” This time she kisses me.
“I’m going to warn you if this keeps up sex is going to happen.” I mumble against her lips.
“I’ll leave.” She moves off my lap.
“No.” I grab her pulling her down and I pin her body under mine.
“You’re naked.” She bites her bottom lip.
“Yep and I want you to stay here with me tonight.” Holding her in my arms is what I’m picturing right now.
“No sex.”
“No sex.” I agree and kiss the tip of her nose. “I have to be up early anyway.” I roll off her and together we get under the covers. She puts her back to me and I wrap my arms around her.
She’s made to be right here.
Chapter Eight
Baylor
I WAKE UP in the world’s most comfortable bed. I stretch my arms and realize I’m alone. I move my head to see it’s already past eight in the morning.
“Shit.” I jerk the covers off and race out of Alden’s room and down the hall to where Kace slept.
He’s not there.
“Kace!” I yell in panic and bolt down the stairs.
“Calm down.” Amara holds up her hands to make me stop.
“Where’s Kace?” I whip my head around the kitchen to see where he is.
“Alden woke him up, fed him, and drove him to school before he took off to the airport.” She hands me a cup of coffee as I try to calm my racing heart. “I was about to come up and get you.”
“Thank you.” I plop down at the breakfast bar. “I can’t believe I slept so long.”
“Alden told me to let you sleep. Oh and to give you this.” She hands me a folded piece of paper.
I carefully open it and read the chicken scratch handwriting:
I’ll be back in four days. Be ready for our big, adult date.
“So…” Amara singsong voice makes me glance up. “Seems like between your smile and Al’s humming this morning, something big happened.”
“We decided to date.”
“Thank God.” She hugs my neck. “When I talked to Nathan last night, I told him you two were growing closer.”
“You and Nathan, huh?” I turn the tables on her. “You seemed upset by your brother’s comment last night, I figured it’s because of Nathan.”
Amara blushes. “Things are getting a bit hotter between us.”
“Details.” I sip my coffee.
“There’s more flirting and little sexual innuendos thrown out here and there.”
“But nothing physical?”
Her face falls. “No. I think it’s because of Alden.”
“Have you asked him?”
She shakes her head.
“Maybe he’s waiting for you to make the first big move.” Some guys like the way women take charge. Not Alden. He definitely commands our relationship.
His dark eyes flash in my mind. His words last night meant more to me than anything. I was certain Rocco would scare him off but seeing him being protective of us both is a trait I’ve never seen in a man who liked me.
Sure, Aunt Lois sticks up for me but never a guy. Rocco was my first. I’ve been out with a few guys in between but none of them made me feel like Alden does. His touch is loving, but his sex is rough. I love it.
I love it.
I love how he looks at me and no one else. I love how he lights up when Kace is around. I love how he pays attention to him.
I love him.
Oh my God, I love him.
“Baylor, you look as if you might faint.” Amara put her hand on my shoulder.
“I need to get ready.” I slide off the stool.
“Use Alden’s bathroom. It’s the best,” she yells.
I gather my items from the spare room and go back to his. I make up the bed and jump into his massive shower. When I finish, I slide into a pair of skinny jeans and an off the shoulder sweatshirt.
“Since Alden brought you, do you want to ride with me or I can drop you off at your car?” Amara asks as we head out.
“Just drop me off please.” I need time to think and be alone.
I DRUM MY fingers on the steering wheel waiting for Kace to come out of the school building. My mind hasn’t focused on anything. I had lunch with Aunt Lois and told her the situation. She advised me to stay the hell away from Rocco and give Alden a chance. She thinks it’s a good thing. She even said for me to keep my feelings to myself for right now. She’s right. I’d scare Alden away and I want to spend time with him.
“Mom, I’ve had the best day ever.” Kace bounces into the seat. “Everyone saw Alden bringing me to school and were talking about it all day.”
“Wow, that does sound like a cool day.” I pull away from the curb and h
ead to the house.
Kace goes on to detail his day and is overjoyed to go to hockey practice. He’s ready to be on the ice. Like Alden.
“Dad’s here.” Kace shrinks back into his seat.
“What the hell?” I sigh. This is getting a bit out of hand now. He’s never around this much.
“Kace-Kace. Let’s go, son.” He waves him over to the car.
“I can’t. I have hockey practice.” Kace holds onto my hand.
“Rocco, what are you doing here?” I ask.
He walks up to me with a deep glare. “I’ve come for my son.”
“He’s my son too.” The hairs on the back of my neck stand up. “Kace, go get your bag.” I want him to be out of the line of fire when Rocco begins his screaming tantrum.
“You’re trying to keep him away from me.” He pushes his way through the front door and I’m right on his heels.
“Get out of my house.” I block his path from coming in any further.
“You need to get out of my way.” He bends down for us to be nose-to-nose.
I stand firmly planted to the floor. The aroma of vodka is choking me. I don’t care what happens to me, my fear is for Kace.
“Get out, Rocco.” I repeat.
He takes a step back and it feels as if I’m in a slow motion movie. His fist goes back and then connects with my cheek. I gasp in shock and pain – stumbling back. He catches me by my throat and slams me against the wall.
“Don’t hurt my mom.” Kace shoves Rocco throwing him off balance for a second. It gives me enough time to catch my breath.
“Run...Kace...run.” I push Rocco away from him as he bolts out the door.
“You’re going to pay for that, bitch.” He seethes and strolls out my front door as if nothing has happened.
I rub my throat and race out of the house. Rocco speeds off and I yell for my son.
“Kace!” The burn in my throat makes my eyes water more. “Kace!”
It feels like an eternity but soon he comes running from across the street. “Mom!”
I drop to my knees and catch my son, who’s running full speed. I burst into tears and hold him tighter.
“We called the police,” my neighbor says.
Within a few moments, the police and ambulance arrive. I gave my statement and was checked out by the EMTs. I signed a waiver stating I don’t need to go to the hospital.
“Baylor.” I turn and see Amara and Elizabeth running up to us. “Alden sent us,” she says breathlessly.
“Alden?”
“I called him.” Kace volunteers the information.
“He wants you to come back to his place,” Amara tells me.
“Come, Kace. Let’s get a bag packed for a few days.” Elizabeth takes his hand and into the house.
The police gave me the number to call to obtain a restraining order and the EMT told me to watch out for signs of a concussion.
“I’ll help you pack a bag.” Amara holds my hand and leads me into the house.
I’m on autopilot. I move about my bedroom with Amara picking out clothes and such, but I’m not really here. Elizabeth is waiting with Kace at the front door for us.
“I’ll drive.” Amara carries the majority of the bags.
It’s a blur as she drives to Aldens, orders food, helps me unpack my items in Alden’s room, and gets me into bed.
My brain wants to process what happened, but I can’t bring myself to do the task. I should eat or drink something, but I can’t do that either. Instead, I lay on Alden’s side of the bed and inhale his scent hanging onto his pillow and sheets and close my eyes.
I FEEL SOMEONE softly touching my hair. I moan at the gentle touch and move toward it.
“Baylor. Baby. Can you open your eyes for me?”
It’s Alden’s deep voice, but it sounds far away. Is he on the phone? I force myself to open my eyes and in the soft glow of the bedroom his dark brown eyes shine back at me.
“Hey, baby.”
The term of endearment makes my insides tingle.
“Alden.” My throat burns worse than before I went to sleep. Suddenly as if a light bulb went off, I quickly sit upright. “Oh my God, what are you doing here? You’re supposed to be in Portland.”
“To answer your question, I live here.” His sexy smirk appears but vanishes when he brushes away my hair from my cheek. I’m certain the bruises are showing brightly now. His expression grows even grimmer when I see him staring at my neck.
“I’m okay.” I cup his face making him focus on my eyes. “I’m okay.” I repeat.
“Has he done this before?”
“Not like this. Please tell me why you’re not with the team.” I’m trying to get him to change the topic.
He’s quiet for a moment before saying, “I had to check on you. The last time I felt this helpless was when Amara was ill. Hearing Kace’s panicked voice and being far away made me feel that way again.”
My body moves toward him, kissing him with a soft touch. I pull back slightly and then go back for a harder touch. I lay back as Alden hovers over me. He’s not putting any pressure on me, but I want him to. He’ll take the pain away.
Knock. Knock. “Mom, are you okay?”
Alden leaps off me and sits on the side of the bed. I smooth my hair and adjust my flannel pajamas.
“Come in, Kace.” Alden calls out.
My son pushes open the door. When he sees Alden, he lights up and runs over to him wrapping his arms around him. “I’m so happy you’re here.”
“Me too, Buddy.” He kisses the top of his head.
“Kace, why are you up? You should be asleep,” I say.
He climbs up on the bed and holds my hand. “I couldn’t sleep because I was worried about you.”
“I appreciate you caring for me but you have school and a hockey game tomorrow. You need to rest.” I kiss his forehead. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” He turns and looks at Alden. “Will you be able to come to my game?”
“I promise.” Alden fist bumps him and Kace runs out of the room. “I’m going to grab a shower.” He leans over and kisses me.
My heart soars as he walks into his bathroom. He came home for Kace and me. It shows he truly cares for us. I shouldn’t read more into it, but damn I want to.
“I DON’T UNDERSTAND,” I say to Coach Hank. “He missed the practice because of me.”
Hank hangs his head for a beat before looking up at me. “Baylor, I sympathize with you, but I have to follow the rules.”
“It’s okay, Mom.” Kace squeezes my hand. “I can still dress and cheer on my friends.”
My heart breaks for my son. I kneel down to be eye level with him. “I’m sorry, Kace.”
He gives me a smile. “It’s okay.”
Hank tells him to get dressed and I head out to the bleachers with Alden and Aunt Lois. I hold tightly to the shirts Heidi gave me.
“He can’t play.” I sit next to him and lean over so my aunt can hear me.
“That fucking sucks.” Alden growls.
“Kace seemed to be okay with it.” I shrug. “Oh and we got these.” I hand out the shirts. “Alden, Kace got one for you too.”
He takes the shirt from my hand and runs his fingers over the words: Kace’s Buddy.
“You don’t have to wear it,” I tell him. “We can tell him the shirt is too small.”
“Why?” He finally looks at me. “I’ll wear it.”
“Oh...okay.” I turn back around and face the ice as the Cubs begin to skate out.
I do my best to suppress my yawn. Even though I don’t have a headache or anything today has been draining. Alden took Kace to school then drove me to the police station to get a copy of the report. Afterward, we went to the courthouse to fill out the restraining order.
I learned from Google Alden’s streak has ended since he took a healthy scratch for last night’s game. I’m not sure why he’s not on a plane going to Las Vegas for the final game of the season, but he’s here,
holding my hand and watching the Cubs. We clapped and cheered on the boys until the game ended with a loss for them. I talk to a few of the other mothers as we head out. They all seem nice, but they keep glancing at Alden. I get it...he’s hot. When I finish up, I head over to Alden, who’s no longer there. Hank tells me he took Kace outside.
I go out the side door to the parking lot. As I approach the car, Alden is knelt down to Kace. They don’t see me coming up.
“Come on, Buddy, tell me what’s bothering you.” Alden begs.
“I lied.” He confesses.
“About what?”
He sighs. “I told Mom and Coach it was okay I missed the game, but it made me mad.”
“Oh, Buddy.” He pulls him closer. “I understand. Missing a game is a big deal. However, you did something extremely honorable.”
“I did?”
“You saved your mom and that’s what a man does. There will always be other games, but you only have one mom. It’s our job, as their sons, to protect them.”
My eyes water at his words.
“You protect Elizabeth?” Kace begins to lift his head a little.
“Yes, along with Amara. Now, I have your mom and you to protect.”
“Alden.” Kace shuffles side to side. “Are you and Mom going to get married?”
I freeze and my stomach drops.
He clears his throat. “Baylor and I are friends who are close to each other. I promise you no matter what happens, I’ll always be there for you.”
“Do you love her?”
“I care for her.” He answers.
I step around the car because I know Kace is just going to keep asking questions. “Are you guys ready to grab some pizza?”
“Yes.” Kace smiles and hugs me.
“You’re the best son a mother could ask for.” I kiss the top of his head.
“You heard him.” Alden smirks as he shuts the car door.
I wink and slide into the passenger seat.
I’M NOT SURE how much trouble Alden got into for missing the last two games of the season, but it made me feel like shit. Alden told me not to worry about it, but I did.
Today Ink Palace is being turned upside down for the INK America shoot. Alden is in the corner having makeup put on. All the females are fawning all over him. He’s going to be posing in my workstation. I can barely keep my thoughts clean seeing him in a very low-riding pair of jeans and shirtless. His deep cut abs are calling to me as much as the indentations in his hips.
