Uncovering His SECRET

by Crystal Perkins

  I should shut up. I know I should. But it’s making me crazy to think about her going out. Especially when she’s dressed like that. “Do you prefer slut?”

  “I will give you until the morning to gather your things and get the fuck out of my apartment. I don’t care where you go, but you need to be gone tomorrow.”

  “I thought it wasn’t safe for me outside of this place.”

  “It’s not safe for you inside of this apartment any longer.”

  “You’re just Mother of the Year, aren’t you?”

  I don’t even see the punch coming, as Ethan launches himself at me. I fall with him on top of me. He’s hitting me hard and screaming at me. It takes Tegan less than a minute to pull him off me, but I can already taste the blood in my mouth. The kid’s got a great arm.

  “Ethan, calm down. Why are you out here? I told you to go to your room.”

  “I knew he was going to say more bad things to you. He can’t do that. I want him to leave tonight.”

  Damn it. I really fucked up this time. “Ethan, I’m sorry you heard that.”

  “You should be sorry you said it. A real man doesn’t call a woman the ‘S’ word, even if she does like to kiss men.”

  “Amen, E,” Zack Taylor says as he walks in with his fiancée, Ainsley, and takes in the scene. “I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that we have a problem here.”

  “Just a disagreement. We don’t need you here,” I tell him as I get to my feet.

  “Tegan hit you, so I’d say it’s more than just a disagreement.”

  “I hit him,” Ethan tells him. “He was calling her names because she wants to go out tonight.”

  “Since you’re staying here and letting yourself be protected, I didn’t think you had a death wish,” Ainsley tells me, as she pulls a gun out of her purse.

  “Enough. I-I…can’t do this. Ethan, you’re going to stay here with your dad tonight while I go…somewhere and figure out a solution. I’ll be back in the morning.”

  “You can stay with us, Teeg,” Ainsley tells her.

  “Thanks, but I really need to be alone.”

  “I don’t want to stay here with him.”

  “I know, E. But no matter what happens, he’s still your father. He deserves some time with you. I’m going to go pack a bag.”

  She apologizes to her friends for having them come over for no reason and then goes upstairs. Ainsley and Zack hug Ethan, and totally ignore me before leaving.

  “I hate you.”

  “All kids say that to their parents at some point, so I’m not going to take that personally.”

  “You should. You told me you wouldn’t hurt her.”

  “I said I’d try my best not to.”

  “That wasn’t trying. Or your best.”

  No it wasn’t, and I need to own it. I was jealous, and I lashed out. I deserve what he dished out to me, and more. I need to tell him that.

  “I was jealous, Ethan. It doesn’t excuse what I said, but that’s why I did it. I don’t want your mom kissing anyone else when I’m right here and she could kiss me.”

  “Why would she want to do that? So you can leave her again when another one of your ‘friends’ tells you some lie about her? You don’t deserve her kisses, or anything else. Not when you’re taking her tears.”

  Well, damn. Schooled by my kid, once again. And I know he’s right. I’ve been looking to punish Tegan, but I’m not entirely blameless, either.

  “Can you go ask her to stay? I’ll finish making dinner for all of us and apologize to her. I know I was wrong.”

  “I’ll ask, but don’t hold your breath.”

  * * *

  Tegan

  It shouldn’t be taking me this long to pack one stupid overnight bag. I know it’s not about the bag, though. I’m trying to calm down enough to go back out there without freaking Ethan out even more than he already is. I’m a strong, powerful woman, yet when Caleb called me those names, I felt like I was a scared and pregnant sixteen year old girl again. I won’t let him break me this time. I can’t.

  There’s a knock at my door, and Ethan walks in. “Mama, don’t go. Please. He said he’ll apologize and make us all dinner. It’s your favorite. Barbeque.”

  “I know, baby. I saw the food when we were outside.”

  “He wants to kiss you.”

  “What?” I ask, finally turning around to look at my son.

  “That’s why he was so mean. He was jealous. I don’t want you to kiss him. He doesn’t deserve it.”

  “If and when I let your father kiss me, it will be my decision. I love you, E, but I have to make that choice myself.”

  “That means you’re going to.”

  “You can’t hit him again. That’s unacceptable.”

  “He can’t talk to you like that.”

  “I mean it, Ethan.”

  “So do I.”

  “I’m the parent here. This isn’t a negotiation. Or a democracy.”

  “We were fine without him.”

  “Maybe I’d believe that if I hadn’t seen the two of you together.”

  “Whatever. So I like having him here. But not if it hurts you.”

  “He has a right to be angry at me.”

  “And you have a right to be angry at him. You’re not going around calling him bad names, though.”

  “I did that for a lot of years. I don’t have the energy to do it now.”

  “You never did it in front of me like he did.”

  “If you’d gone to your room like you were told, you wouldn’t have heard it.”

  “He said the ‘W’ word before you told me to leave.”

  “You’re still being punished. No video games for a week.”

  “Fine,” he says with his arms crossed and his expression still stormy.

  “I know it is. Now go downstairs and help him with dinner. I’ll be down after I change.”

  “You should leave your dress on. He likes it.”

  “I thought you didn’t want me to kiss him.”

  “I don’t, but since you’re going to anyway, you might as well look pretty.”

  “I don’t look pretty in jeans and a t-shirt?”

  “This is one of those life lessons about talking to girls, isn’t it? I’m supposed to say you look pretty no matter what, right?”

  “Yes, that’s exactly what you’re supposed to say.”

  “Mama, you are the most beautiful girl ever,” he says, batting his eyes at me.

  I pull him to me and hug him tight. “Go on, now. And you’re still on punishment.”

  “I know, but it was totally worth it.”

  He laughs all the way out of the room. I debate for another ten minutes, deciding whether I should keep the dress on or not. I finally decide to change despite knowing I’m probably going to kiss him eventually if he starts acting like the decent man I know he is; I also know that’s not going to be tonight. Tonight, my anger’s still running through my veins, so sweats and a t-shirt it is.

  “That smells good,” I say as I walk downstairs.

  “You changed, Mama.”

  “I did.”

  “I liked the dress, Teeg. Ow.”

  Ethan’s glaring at him, after elbowing him in the ribs. “You’re supposed to tell her she looks pretty no matter what she’s wearing.”

  “I am, huh?”

  “Yep. I told her she was the most beautiful, but I’m still on punishment.”

  “What’s the sentence?”

  Oh, shit. “I’m sorry, Cal. I should’ve consulted with you. I’m just not used to having someone do this with me.”

  “Your choice, not mine.” He reminds me, having to get another dig in. The look on my face causes him to backtrack a little. “But it’s okay. Just let me know what he can’t do.”

  “No video games for a week.”

  “Got it. Can I add something, though?”

  “Sure.”

  “You’re going to keep your room and bathroom clean from now
on.”

  “Marta cleans up after me.”

  “Not anymore. You need to learn to clean up after yourself.”

  “He knows how,” I say with a little more bite than I should.

  “I’m not attacking your parenting skills. He’s just got it easy. He should know about hard work. You and I both had to keep our own rooms clean growing up. I’d like him to do that as well.”

  “You’re rich. I know you have servants,” Ethan tells him.

  “I am, and I did. But I was always expected to clean up after myself and not give anyone else extra work just because I was being lazy.”

  I force myself to bite my tongue and not defend Ethan. Caleb’s right. I’ve taught our son a lot of great things, but his life is easier than either one of ours ever was. It should be easier, but cleaning up his own room isn’t too much to ask of him.

  “I’m not lazy. Tell him I’m not lazy,” he demands, looking at me.

  “You aren’t lazy, but your dad is right. You are more than capable of cleaning your own room.”

  “My father is making my life miserable.”

  I see the look of hurt on Caleb’s face and speak up immediately. “Ethan Caleb Hall, I did not raise you to be a liar. We’ve already talked about how happy you are to have your dad here. Don’t you dare try and make him feel bad for being a good parent. Just because he and I are not getting along does not mean it is okay for you to be rude. You’re not too old for me to put you over my knee.”

  “You’ve never spanked me before.”

  “Well now’s looking like a good time to start.”

  “I’m going to shut up now.”

  “Good call.”

  “You can spank me anytime, Teeg. Just saying.”

  “Gross, Dad. I’m getting ready to eat here.”

  Caleb’s eyes meet mine, and we both smile. It’s a small thing, and yet it’s really not. That one word tells us both that Ethan’s letting him even further in. And that makes me happier than I’ve been in a very long time.

  Although I put on a brave face for dinner, I’m still not ready to forgive and forget so quickly, which is why I tell them I’m heading up to my room right after dinner. Ethan’s definitely not happy about it.

  “You’re going to go cry because of him.”

  “I’m going to go take a nice, hot bath, and try to relax a little. That’s all, E.”

  “You never lie to me, but you’re doing it now. Because he’s here. You don’t have to be tough all the time, Mama. I can be strong for you.”

  “It’s not your job to take care of me, baby. And I’m going to be fine. I promise. I just need a little time for me tonight, okay? How about you and me go to Drago Sisters after school tomorrow and get some treats?”

  “Can we have dinner out, too? Just us?”

  I look over at Caleb, wanting to punch him myself for putting us in this situation. For hurting not just me, but our son, too. I won’t, though. Someone has to try and be the bigger person at the moment, and it looks like it’s going to be me. While there is no excuse for the names he called me, he is still the man I kept from his son for ten years. I need to give him as much of Ethan as I can.

  “How about a small after-school meal at Corrigan with me? You can do your homework in my office while I finish some work, and then we’ll pick up treats to bring home for all of us. You and your dad can have dinner while I go out with the girls.”

  “You’re going out? Seriously?” Cal asks me, his eyes wide.

  “Yes. I had to cancel tonight when you had your little tantrum, but I need to have some fun. If you have a problem with that, then I really don’t know what to tell you. You’re not my husband, my man, or really anything to me except for my baby’s daddy. The only thing you have a say in is our son.”

  His jaw clenches, and his nostrils flare, but he nods. “You’re right. Have fun.”

  “I will.”

  I hug and kiss Ethan and then head up to my bath. I don’t cry because I didn’t really lose anything today. Yes, I had hoped that things would be different for Caleb and me this time around, but his behavior is nothing new. Which means that we won’t be either. We’re the same old kids, just with killers and a kid to keep the focus off of how much we’re trying to hurt each other. Love truly is a battlefield.

  Chapter 6

  Tegan

  I was stuck on a call with one of my contacts in Texas, so Nate went to get Ethan for me. I look around as I wait for them, wondering what Cal would think if he saw my office. He already made those comments about my apartment. My office isn’t a blend of modern and country. It’s all old-school country, complete with George Strait and Randy Travis on the walls. I also have Luke Bryan up there, and my girl Taylor Swift, but it’s country all the way. Leather and cowhide, a map of Texas on the floor, and I even have my favorite saddle over by the window. It’s my own little piece of home, a nod to where my heart has always been and probably always will be, even if things never work out with me and Caleb.

  “Hi, Mama,” Ethan says, running in.

  “Hi, baby. How was school?”

  “It was fun. I’ll tell you all about it while we eat. Come on, I need a quesadilla,” he says, practically pulling me from my chair as I laugh.

  It takes a little while to make it to the cafeteria since everyone has to stop us for hugs and high fives. Everyone here at Corrigan & Co. loves Ethan. Not just us Foundation girls, but the regular staff who have no idea what we really do, have all grown to love my son. In fact, we get no less than five requests to join people at their tables once we walk into the cafeteria.

  We politely decline and head for the food. This place is like a giant food court with every type of food you could possibly want being offered. I grab some crab stuffed shrimp while E gets his quesadilla, and then we meet at a little table for two by the windows.

  “So now do I get a recap of your awesome day at school?”

  “How do you know it was awesome?”

  “Today is science day. That’s your favorite,” I tell him with a smile. Like father, like son.

  “It is,” he says, biting his lip and looking nervous.

  “What’s up?”

  He looks around before his gaze finally lands back on me. “I was wondering if…he…would help me with my science fair project.”

  “He?” I ask, knowing he means Cal, but wanting him to acknowledge his father.

  “You know, my da-father. My father.”

  “I’m sure your dad would love to help you. You can call him that, Ethan. It won’t upset me.”

  “He was mean to you last night.”

  “Yes. He was. I’m not going to argue about that, or try to defend him. We both know that no one should use those words he said to me. But no matter what happens with us, you deserve your dad. And he deserves you. Period. No questions asked. Let him in, E.”

  He looks away again, and I see tears start to form in his eyes. “I think I love him, Mama.”

  “That makes me happy,” I tell him as I reach over to squeeze his hand.

  There’s no more serious talk as we finish our lunch and go back to our work. I still haven’t been able to track down who’s after Cal—Dee’s not talking, and we know she’s not the ringleader—but I’m hoping we’ll get a break soon. Besides wanting to keep him safe, I also need him to be able to leave the apartments. I know I’ll still see him every day since he doesn’t want to be away from Ethan, but knowing he’s down the hall from me is making it hard to sleep. I’d have a better shot at convincing him to move if he could take E outside.

  Once I’ve done all I can for the day, we pack up and drive over to Drago Sisters. It’s out of our way, but definitely worth it. I buy an assortment of things and chat with Eliza and Doreen for a few minutes. Ethan practically flies out of the elevator once we’re home, and I can’t help but smile at how excited he is to see Cal.

  I hang back a couple of minutes, to let them greet each other and also to psych myself up to see the man I l
ove. I really need this night out tonight. No, what I really need is to get laid. I’ve never had a problem being asked into someone’s bed, so by early morning, I should be feeling more relaxed and able to be in Caleb’s presence without wanting to ride him back into being a cowboy.

  When I walk inside, they’re already discussing the science project, and I have to smile. They’re both so excited, and I’m able to just give a quick wave before running up to my room. I throw on a nude colored dress that has an overlay dotted with pink flowers. It’s short, and sexier than it sounds. Paired with hot pink heels and just a hint of make-up, this dress is a definite winner.

  “Wow Mama, you look beautiful,” Ethan tells me. I raise an eyebrow, so he continues. “I mean, you always look beautiful. I mean…darn…this girl stuff is hard.”

  “Tell me about it, buddy.”

  “First lesson, Caleb. Remove those words you’re so fond of from your vocabulary,” I tell him with more than a little bite in my voice.

  “Have fun,” Ethan tells me, coming over to hug me. I know he’s diffusing what could be another ugly situation, and I’m truly sorry that I put him in the position he’s in.

  “I will. I’m sorry.”

  “For what?”

  “For making you play peacemaker. That’s not your job. You’re supposed to just be a kid.”

  “I am just a kid. Your kid, and his. I’m not going to dream about some happy ending where we’ll all be a family. I just want you to be happy. Both of you,” he says, turning to look at Caleb, who’s gotten to his feet and is walking over to us.

  “I’ll walk your mama to the elevator and be right back, okay?”

  Ethan looks at me, and I nod. I’m not sure that I’m ready for whatever Cal has to say, but it’s better if it happens when we’re alone. He holds the door for me and follows me into the hall.

  “Go ahead and say what you need to.”

  “I just want to say that I hope you have fun, and I’m wondering if you’re coming home tonight.” I start to speak, but he holds up a hand. “I’m not accusing you of anything, I just need to know whether to make Ethan breakfast in the morning, or if you’ll be here to do it.”

  Saturdays are a big breakfast day for us. I’m guessing Ethan’s told him that I make him a big country breakfast every week. “I’ll be home before breakfast. That’s all I can promise you.”