Redemption(116)

“You touch me, Dean, and I’ll scream.” Her eyes widened as she backed into a tree.

I raised my eyebrow and closed in on her. “Right where I fucking want you.”

I captured her lips with mine, savoring her taste, inhaling her smell, consuming her very soul. I was like a starved animal that had gone without food for weeks. I needed her just like I needed food.

How could I ever let her go?

Tyler moaned, digging her nails into my back. I arched up, but that slight movement caused a pain in my chest. I winced and she abruptly stopped. “Sorry.” Her breathing was harsh as she searched my eyes for signs that she hurt me. She could never hurt me. Not like that.

I rested my forehead on hers and shook my head. “You don’t ever have to be sorry, Tyler. I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry for everything.”

She placed her finger on my lips. “The only thing you have to be sorry for is leaving us behind. Did you really think you could become a part of our lives, then leave without a backward glance? Do you really think I would let you go…or Jeremy would, for that matter?”

I winced and looked around. “How is he? Where is he?”

“He’s in the park with Tara and Jimmy. He’s fine.”

I smiled. “Jimmy and Tara are with you?”

She nodded. “Louisa has her wedding tomorrow, so I had to come over for that. Tara wanted to see England, and Jimmy wanted to sort out his visa for the US. I guess he’s planning on sticking around a while…although he’s not exactly happy with you right now. Neither is Jeremy. I think several minutes on the naughty step is in order for you.” She smiled. “I’m quite happy for him to hand out that punishment.”

I bet she was. “Does he hate me?” I whispered.

Tyler looked sad, but she shook her head. “No, he doesn’t hate you, Dean, but he’s confused. He doesn’t understand why you left. He’s a little hurt, but the need to see you outweighed all that.”

I sighed, feeling like a piece of shit. Of course I hurt him. That was just what I did. “Can I see him?”

Tyler raised her eyebrow. “That depends. Are you going to run away from us again?”

“But how can you—”

She stroked my cheek, halting my next words. “Warts and all. Remember?”

She smiled and my heart raced. There was only one answer for her. “Then I’ll never leave your side again. I promise.”

Tyler smiled. I saw the hint of tears in her eyes, but she looked determined not to show them. “Then it’s settled. You’re a fucking wanker and will be punished accordingly. Until then, I think we shall make nice and you can go grovel to your son. I’ve been dying to see that.”

My dick immediately came to life. Feisty Tyler was sexy as hell. She saw right through me, though.

“Don’t look at me like that. You’re still in my bad books.”

I leaned in and nibbled her ear. “Are you sure there isn’t anything I can do to make it up to you?”

She trembled slightly. Her body always betrayed her. “I don’t know. I’ll have to think about it.”

I looked at her and raised my eyebrow. I had no doubt she would think about it. “Take all the time you need, Rosey. Think long and very, very hard about it.” She smacked me on the shoulder. “Hey, what was that for?”

She huffed. “You know.” She managed to duck under my arm and muttered, “Dirty bastard.”

“Hey, I heard that.”

She turned to face me. “Who said I was trying to hide it?” She reached into her bag and took her phone out. Pressing a button, she waited. “You can bring him around now.” She pressed a button again and stared at me.

“Are you bringing the mob to come finish me off?”

She raised her eyebrow. “Worse. Your son.”

“I think I would have preferred the mob,” I muttered.

Tyler stared me down. “Don’t tempt me.”

God, she was fucking getting to me. “Are you sure we don’t have time before he gets here?”

Her eyes widened. “Time for what?”

I laughed. “Do I have to spell it out? You, me, that tree… How about it?”

Tyler laughed. “In your dreams, Dean.”

I smiled. “Yes, you are. Always.”

We stared at each other for a little while. Again, it was one of those stares that said it all. Tyler and I rarely needed to say a word when we wanted to get our point across. Just one look was all it took.

“D.D!”

I looked away from Tyler and saw Tara in the distance. Jeremy was running towards me, so I knelt down and held my hands out to catch him.

“Grown-up!” I shouted back as his smile grew wider than ever. How could I have ever convinced myself that it was okay to live without this? My family. My son.