Redemption(93)

Tyler’s breathing was suddenly erratic as she stared at my lips. “It…it was nothing. He told me I was beautiful and wanted to know if he could take me to dinner.”

I suddenly growled. I didn’t know where it came from, but I was ready to fucking punch a wall. “And he asked you this knowing you had a kid? He asked you this in front of Jeremy?”

Tyler bit her lip. “Jeremy went to get toppings and he asked me then. He noticed I didn’t have a wedding ring on, but I told him I was still taken.”

Fuck! “That’s something that needs to be remedied pretty fucking soon.” I looked her up and down. “Where’s the card?”

Tyler laughed. “Don’t be silly, Dean.”

“Where’s the fucking card?” I was about ready to pummel the arsehole.

“Where do you think, Dean? It’s in the bin, of course. As soon as we left, I threw it away. Don’t you trust me?”

I felt like such a dick, but I couldn’t help it when it came to Tyler. “I do trust you, Tyler. It’s the other fuckers who think they can take you away from me that I have a problem with.”

Tyler placed a calming hand on my chest and leaned in to kiss me. I felt her warm, inviting lips and almost lost it.

She suddenly pulled away and the loss of contact was violent. “You will always be it for me, Dean. No matter what anyone else says, I’m yours. I’ve always been yours.”

I closed my eyes and leaned my head against her forehead. “I’m being such a dick.” I nuzzled my nose with hers. “I’m sorry.”

Tyler laughed and I opened my eyes to look at her. “You were always so feisty…even when we were kids.” Tyler sighed and stroked my cheek. “I love you, Dean, warts and all.” She laughed again and I couldn’t help the smile that crossed my face.

“Warts? Last time I checked, I didn’t have any.” How Tyler had this knack of calming me from a hundred to zero in a fraction of a second, I had no idea. A minute ago, I was ready to take on the world. Now, all I wanted to do was make love to my woman. I was putty in her delicate hands.

“You know what I mean,” she giggled. “Besides, it’s kind of sexy when you get all caveman on me.”

I raised my eyebrow. “Really? Hair pulling? Chest beating?”

Tyler grabbed my hand and picked out my middle finger. Opening her mouth, she sucked on it, making a humming sound as she went. Jesus, did she not know what that did to me?

“Tyler, you better stop; otherwise, your brand new sink’s going to take a bashing.”

Tyler stopped and pulled my finger from her mouth. I suddenly felt an instant loss and wished I could take back what I said. I craved to be near her in any way possible. She was like a drug to me.

“Sorry,” she pouted. “I just can’t help myself around you.”

I shook my head with a smile. “Tyler, you have no fucking idea.”

Behind us, I heard a throat clearing. “Is it safe to come in now?”

I rolled my eyes. “Jimmy. Always perfect fucking timing, dickwad.” I turned around and saw him smiling at us.

“Sorry, douchebag, but Tara made us all something to eat.” He looked over at Tyler. “She figured you’d be hungry after all that shopping.”

Tyler smiled. “That’s very kind of her, Jimmy. Thank you.” She glared at me and I immediately wanted her all over again. I loved feisty Tyler just as much as she loved feisty Dean.

We walked into the kitchen, the smell of pasta carbonara filling the room. Tara smiled. “Hey, Tyler. How was your shopping trip?”

“It was…,” she glanced at me, “eventful. I have to go back tomorrow and pick up Jeremy’s trainers. They didn’t have his size in stock.”

Jimmy laughed. “No doubt he’ll grow out of those within a couple of weeks. I’ve not been here very long and even I have noticed how much he’s grown.”

Tyler’s face fell. “I know. It’s quite frightening. Before we realize it, he’ll be growing spots, dating girls, and buggering off to college.”

Tara’s eyes widened. “Tyler, he’s not even four.” She started laughing.

She looked down. “I know. It just that he sometimes reminds me of my own mortality, if that makes sense. When he grows up, I’ll feel old. At the moment, he’s so young and it makes me feel young.”

I reached over and grabbed her hand. I wanted to allay all her fears. “Don’t worry, Tyler. As soon as we’re married, we can get to work on creating more Jeremys.” I winked at her with a smile.

Her eyes widened. “Just how many Jeremys are you thinking of?”