“Thank you for being a good sport,” she whispers in my ear.
“My pleasure. Where’s the boy?” I ask.
“He’s down there.” She points toward the red-roofed buildings behind the house. Gaston stands next to one of the garages, the two-story storage facility where I house my cars. “He’s ticked off because I grounded him from his video games for smarting off.”
“Well, what can you expect with parents like us?” I ask. Vanessa laughs. I love the way her eyes sparkle when she’s amused. “The kid comes by it honestly.”
“True.” Her hand finds mine at my side and squeezes. “He doesn’t have a chance.”
“Give me a kiss for luck. I’m going in.”
“You guys kiss an awful lot,” Lisle says from behind me. “Are you going to be my new dad?”
A blush spread across Vanessa’s cheeks. “Honey, please.”
“Well, I was just asking. I wouldn’t mind.” She shrugs, unfazed, then skips off to follow a butterfly across the courtyard.
“Good to know.” I wait for panic to set it, but it never arrives. Instead, I feel the slow burn of warmth and affection. Vanessa smooths a hand along the side of my face. Her palm rasps against the stubble of my beard. “I wouldn’t mind either. What’s your opinion?”
“I guess you won’t know until you ask.” She stares into my eyes. The look travels down to my groin. I think I will ask. Not right away, because we’re still finding our way together, but later, when the timing is right, because she’s the only one for me.
“At least we have one of them on our side.” Gaston has been less than receptive to our relationship.
“He’ll come around,” she replies and gives me a playful shove in Gaston’s direction. “Go on. Go see your son.”
I like the sound of those words. My son. He’s my boy, through and through. The more I get to know him, the more evident it is. A happy smile curves my lips as I walk across the courtyard to him.
Gaston doesn’t look up when I approach. He kicks a rock across the pavement. An irritated frown mars his straight features. He’s going to be a handsome man, and a very rich one, too, if my bank accounts keep growing.
“How’s it going?” I ask and casually walk past him. At the enormous bay doors, I pause and study the security key pad.
“Fine,” he replies. I can feel his eyes on my back. “What’s in there?”
“Come on in and look.” I key the combination into the lock. The mechanism beeps and clicks. The lights flash green. The press of a button causes the doors to slide apart silently. I flip on the overhead lights and watch for Gaston’s reaction. His eyebrows rise and his jaw drops.
Row after row of expensive and exotic cars gleam in front of us. These beauties are my pride and joy. I lean my back against the wall while Gaston races from one vehicle to the next. At the front of a red Ferrari, he pauses. It’s the first time I’ve seen a genuine smile on his face.
“These are yours? All of them?” he asks.
“You bet. Which one is your favorite?” The sight of his excitement is better than any twelve-cylinder, high performance engine I’ve ever driven. “Pick one out, and we’ll go for a drive.”
“Any one I want?” He stops, disbelieving, and waits for reassurance.
“Yes. Your choice.”
“This one.” He jogs to a classic 1956 Porsche 356 Speedster, my personal favorite. It’s silver with a red interior. What can I say? The kid has good taste. Like father, like son, I guess.
I toss the keys to him. “Start it up.”
“Really?” His body vibrates with excitement. “Can I drive?”
“Do you have a license?” I ask, fighting the urge to laugh out loud at the look on his face.
“No. I’m only eleven.” He rolls his eyes, but the corners of his mouth twitch. I see a flash of my father in him, the good one, the man he was before the alcohol and abuse. The memory brings with it a sharp stab of pain. Was this how Vanessa felt for all those years?
“Well, when you’re sixteen, we’ll talk about it.”
I do, however, let him slide behind the wheel on the back roads of the estate. He’s cautious to a fault, rolling along the pavement at ten miles an hour, eyes round, white knuckles gripping the steering wheel. When I’m back at the helm, we race down the winding roads. The wind whips our hair. Gaston laughs and extends his arms over his head, reveling in the speed of the convertible. I love the sound of his laugh. It’s more rewarding than the biggest business deal.
Once we’re back at the garage, his good humor continues, and he talks incessantly while I lock up the building. How many cars do I have? Who takes care of them? Can we drive the McLaren next time? I try to keep up with his chatter, but it’s almost impossible. On the walk back to the house, I hold up a hand. He bites his bottom lip in a gesture that’s purely Vanessa.
“While I’m gone, I’m trusting you to keep an eye on my cars. I’ll pay you a decent a wage. You’ll need to check in with Jim, the mechanic. He’ll get you started.” I’ve already spoken with Vanessa about it. Gaston needs a sense of purpose to keep his mind occupied and keep him out of trouble. He can help Jim wash and wax the cars after school. “Do you want the job?”
“Yes. Thank you.” His blue eyes shine. “How much?”
“Twenty dollars a week.”
“Twenty-five?” he asks, hopefully. My chest swells with pride. He’s going to be a terror in the business world someday.
“Fine. Twenty-five.” A grin stretches my lips until my face aches.
We walk a few more steps. The sun shines brightly overhead. A few curious horses trot to the fence in search of treats and affection. Gaston pauses to rub the nose of a bay mare.
“Since you’re the man of the family, I wanted to ask for your blessing with your mom. I really like her, and I want to ask her to be my girlfriend. Do you think that would be okay?” I ask.
He cocks his head, thinking for so long I begin to worry. Finally, he nods his head. “I’m good with it. As long as you don’t yell at her.”
“I give you my word.” I place a hand over my heart to underscore my sincerity. Gaston’s face sobers. “Is there something wrong?”
He ducks his head, studying his shoes. “I know who dated my mom a long time ago.” My pulse quickens. “Are you my real dad?”
Chapter 37
Vanessa - Today
I’M IN THE living room with Lisle when Cam and Gaston arrive. By the expression on Cam’s face, something is terribly wrong. His complexion is pale, his eyes stormy. Gaston flops on the sofa and scowls.
“What’s wrong?” I ask. I can only imagine what these two obstinate males have done. Gaston is full of pre-teen angst and Cam’s more pigheaded than I am. I expect they’ll be butting heads for the rest of their lives.
“Go ahead. Ask her,” Cam says to Gaston. He sighs and rolls his eyes. “Gaston has a very important question to ask, and I thought we should answer it together.” My heart beats faster. Cam pats his shoulder, his voice softening. “It’s okay, Gaston. You’re not in trouble.”
“I overheard Dad talking with Camilla. They said you were pregnant by someone else when you met him.”
The blood drains out of my face and rushes into my toes. I place a hand on my stomach to stop the flutter of anxiety. I want to strangle Giles for being so careless.
“I’m not stupid, you know,” Gaston continues. “I can count. I did the math. And it all makes sense. Before we left, Dad said I have to be nice to Cam because he’s going to be an important person in my life. And we look alike.”
Cam squeezes my shoulder. The strength in his hand ebbs into my being. I give him a weak smile before taking a seat beside Gaston. I’ve been dreading this moment since the day he was born, but with Cam at my side, it all seems to make sense. A sense of calm washes over me.
“Smart boy,” Cam says, a bit of a smile playing about his lips.
“Yes. Cam is your real dad, but Giles is still your father, too.” I pat Ga
ston’s leg. “You have two fathers.”
“Do I have two fathers?” Lisle pipes up from the corner where she’s been petting the housecat. Cam laughs, and I frown at him. He clears his throat and looks down.
“No, peanut. You only have the one,” I say.
“Well, that’s not fair.” She snorts and crosses her arms over her chest. “I want Cam to be my other dad.”
Cam’s chuckle vibrates into my body. Our eyes meet. He’s still the hottest guy I’ve ever seen. My belly does a tiny backflip at the way he runs his tongue over his lower lip.
“Honey, it doesn’t work that way,” I say.
“Can I go to my room?” Gaston asks.
“Do we need to talk about this some more?” I study his face, trying not to think about how much he resembles Cam at this moment.
“Nope. I’m good,” Gaston says. He turns to Cam. They stare at each other for a second. Gaston throws his arms around Cam’s waist then runs up the stairs. Cam stands rooted to the floor, a look of disbelief on his face.
“That went well,” I say. He doesn’t speak, just stands there, biting his lower lip. I rub a hand along his forearm. “Cam?”
“Yeah, it did.” His voice cracks on the words. The blue of his eyes shines brighter than I’ve ever seen. “I never knew I could feel like this.”
“It’s okay.” I pull him close, loving the smell of his shampoo, and the heat of his body. He buries his head in the curve of my neck. “Kids can do that to you.”
EPILOGUE
Cam - One Year Later
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, a record snowfall blankets everything in sight, making travel impossible. Inside the house, the kids are gearing up for Santa. Gaston told me he knows Santa isn’t real, but he’s willing to pretend for Lisle’s sake. His devotion to his little sister never ceases to amaze me. It reminds me of the bond I had with Melody. I still miss her, but I’ve got a new family to help lessen the ache.
The four of us sprawl on the rug in front of the fireplace, a Monopoly board in the center. An eight-foot blue spruce fills the corner behind us, decorated with strings of popcorn and twinkle lights. Vanessa sits at my right. She’s wearing her housecoat and fuzzy slippers, no makeup, and her hair is piled on top of her head. It’s my favorite look for her. She’s relaxed and smiling. The flames of the fire flicker and cast a golden glow across her face. Her left hand rests on top of my thigh. I thread my fingers through hers, enjoying the warmth of her touch.
Lisle rolls the dice and counts out the spaces aloud as she moves her game piece along the board. When she stops on Park Place, Gaston whoops. “Yes! That’s one thousand dollars rent. Pay up.” He’s going to be a regular mogul. I see more of myself in him with every passing day.
“Mom,” Lisle wails.
“I’m sorry, baby. It’s the way of the world. You’ve got to pay your rent,” Vanessa says.
“I’m rich,” Gaston takes her money and adds it to the pile in front of him. He has no idea how wealthy he really is. I’ve set up a trust for him. He’ll have enough money to live the rest of his life in the lap of luxury. I plan to set one up for Lisle, too, after Vanessa and I get married. If she says yes.
“I hate this game,” Lisle says. She sighs and snuggles into my side. I put my arm around her and draw her closer.
“Maybe we should call it a night,” I say. It’s almost midnight.
“I agree.” Vanessa begins to gather up the game pieces.
Gaston sighs. “Just when I got Park Place and Boardwalk.”
“You’ll get another chance to conquer the world,” I say. He groans but gets to his feet.
“Run upstairs and brush your teeth,” Vanessa says. “I’ll be up to tuck you in.”
“I want Cam to tuck me in,” Lisle says. She clings to my little finger. Vanessa smiles at us, and it’s the best damn feeling in the world, having my two girls at my side.
“I guess I can manage that.” I grab Lisle by the waist and swing her up onto my shoulder. She rewards me with a supersonic squeal.
“Cam, easy.” Vanessa places a gentle hand on my back. “She’ll throw up.”
“No, I won’t,” Lisle replies. I carry her up the stairs, into her bedroom, and drop her onto her frothy pink bed. She bounces and giggles. “Do that again.” I drop her one more time on the mattress. She claps her hands in delight. “Yay!”
“Goodnight, peanut,” I say.
“Goodnight.” She stands on the bed and throws her arms around my neck, squeezing me tight. “Merry Christmas.” She presses a kiss to my cheek. “I love you.”
Indescribable warmth floods through me. I had no idea I could ever be this happy. I hug her back, swallowing down the thickness in my throat. “I love you, too,” I whisper, because my voice has left.
“Did you brush your teeth?” Vanessa appears in the doorway.
“No, no, no.” Lisle jumps up and down on the bed, causing the lamp on the nightstand to vibrate.
“I told you not to give her so much candy.” Vanessa frowns, but her eyes sparkle.
“It’s Christmas,” I reply. “Lighten up, Seaforth.”
“Yeah, lighten up, Mom,” Lisle chants.
We manage to get the little hellion into her bed. I tuck the covers around her then bend to drop a kiss on her forehead. She smiles up at me, lids drooping. I smile back because I can’t help it. I’m so freaking happy to be here. Vanessa snaps off the light, and we head to the hallway.
Gaston’s already in bed. His dark hair curls against the white pillowcase. I pause at his door to marvel at this boy, this miracle we’ve created. He turns over, his features shadowed in the darkness.
“Goodnight, Dad,” he says.
“Goodnight, son.” My voice is hoarse with emotion. It’s the first time he’s called me Dad. I never expected him to call me anything but Cam. It’s the best Christmas present I’ve ever received. I shove a hand back through my hair, fighting to contain the swirl of feelings.
Vanessa stands beside me and slips her hand into mine. “Come to bed,” she whispers, tugging me toward our room.
“Are you sure?” We’ve been sleeping in separate rooms, sneaking around like teenagers when the kids aren’t looking.
“I’m sure,” she says. Her eyes light up in the special way she has, the look that’s only for me. She starts walking backward, pulling me with her. “I’ve been thinking about your living arrangements.”
“Oh really? Do you think about me a lot?” I ask. She releases my hand and smiles.
“All the time. Every day.” At the threshold of her room, she pauses to let me pass then locks the door behind us. My heart skips a beat at the sound of the clicking tumblers. “I think you should move in here with us.”
“You’re telling me to move into my own house?” I can’t resist lifting an eyebrow in mock confusion.
“I’m paying you rent, so technically, it’s my house too.” She grabs the waistband of my pajama bottoms and tugs me toward the bed. With maddening slowness, she draws my T-shirt over my head then smooths her palms along my bare chest. “I’m asking you to share my bed and the house.”
“I’d like that.” I’ve never been more certain about anything in my life. This is where I belong, with her, with my son, and Lisle. Tomorrow, she’ll open the tiny blue Tiffany box under the tree and find the engagement ring I’ve bought for her.
We did everything backward. We had sex before we were lovers, and we were enemies before we became friends. I’m sure the next stage of our relationship won’t be easy, but I’m certain of one thing. I’ll do anything to be with this woman, and I’ll never doubt her again.
Before You Go
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Felony Romance Series
Intoxicated
Unexpected
Vindicated
Impulsive
Drift
Committed
Pretty Broken Series
Pretty Broken Girl
Pretty Filthy Lies
Pretty Dirty Secrets
Pretty Wild Thing
Pretty Broken Promises
Pretty Broken Dreams
Pretty Broken Hearts (Coming Soon)
Published by Ishkadiddle Publishing
Copyright 2017. Jeana E. Mann Author.
Cover by Ishkadiddle Publishing
Edited by Rhonda Stapleton
Ebook
ISBN-10: 1-943938-21-0
ISBN-13: 978-1-943938-21-6
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. To obtain permission to excerpt portions of the text, please contact the author at [email protected]
All characters and events in this book are fiction and figments of the author’s imagination. Any similarity to real persons, alive or deceased, is purely coincidental.
www.jeanaemann.net
Jeana Mann is the author of sizzling hot contemporary romance. Her debut release Intoxicated was a First Place Winner of the 2013 Cleveland Rocks Romance Contest, a finalist in the Carolyn Readers’ Choice Awards, and fourth place winner in the International Digital Awards. She is a member of Romance Writers’ of America (RWA).
Pretty Broken Dreams: A Pretty Broken Standalone Novel Page 17
