“You hungry?” I ask, and she shakes her head.
I frown as I stare at her body withering away.
"You need to eat," I mutter before glancing toward the kitchen. “Betty,” I call, and the short, black-haired lady bobs in quickly with a ready-to-please smile. “Will you get Ms. Branderwood something to eat, please?”
She nods vehemently, and then she disappears back into the kitchen. I pick up the remote beside me while cradling Trip a little closer to my body, and I turn on all the lights of the house to cast a better glow.
“Better?” I ask as Ash sits down in the chair across from me.
“Yeah.”
“He can sleep in my room, if you want. I’m sure you’re exhausted.”
Her eyes water more, and I want to ask her to sleep in my room, too. I’d love to feel her body wrapped around mine, but it wouldn’t be right to do to her right now. She’s too vulnerable.
“That’s okay. He sleeps pretty good, so he can just stay with me.”
“Can I ask where his father is and why he isn’t here checking on his son after a shot that could have killed either of you?”
She takes a deep breath, as though she’s trying not to fall apart. I shouldn’t be pressing this, but I have to. That asshole should show some fucking concern for his son and the mother of his son.
“He’s… it’s just… well, he isn’t part of Trip’s life. He’s sort of… well, we didn’t both have to change the way we lived for one mistake. I love Trip. To me, he’s not a mistake anymore. Now he’s real. Now he’s the best thing in my life, but his dad, well, his dad isn’t ready to be a dad - his words, not mine.”
“You think he’s ready to be a dad?” I ask curiously.
It almost feels like she cares about this son of a bitch, and it hurts like hell.
“I think he would be an incredible father, but until he’s ready, this is the best thing for Trip and for me.”
Taking a deep breath, I reposition the sleeping child in my arms. His lips bubble again, and I can’t help but smile. I feel so close to this little one, and I’m sure it’s because of what I feel for his mother.
“Do you miss his dad?” I ask, my heart stinging as the suspense fills the room.
Her eyes stare unwavering into mine.
“Very much. He doesn’t do relationships though, and honestly, I don't think he ever will. Like I said, this is the best thing for both of us.”
Apparently I’m not the only jerk she involved herself with. That day she asked for dinner, I should have said yes. All of this would have gone differently if I had just said yes. Now she’s hung up on someone else.
I’ll just have to remind her what she felt for me.
Chapter Ten
Sexual Tension at Home
Ashiara
Having to watch Tag feeding Trip is making me want to tell him he’s his son more and more. We’ve been here for three weeks, and in that time, Tag has changed diapers, made bottles, got up in the middle of the night to take care of the fussy spells, and rocked him to sleep numerous times.
He deserves to know he’s his dad, and I’m sick of hiding the truth. Whether he knows it or not, he’d be a great father - he already is.
“I have to go to work for a few hours. I have a lot of meetings today. You need anything while I’m out?”
You. Just you. That’s all I can fucking think about.
“No. I’m fine,” I lie while accidentally staring at his crotch area.
He slips Trip into my arms, and I lean back, trying to compose myself.
“You want anything special for dinner tonight?”
You! Just you!
“I’m easy,” I roll out with some innuendo.
He smirks, but he doesn’t push the matter.
“What about supplies? Do you need anything… um… feminine?”
I don’t need anything feminine. I need something masculine - you!
“No,” I laugh. “I’ve got everything I need, and if I didn’t, I’d let a girl take care of that, not you.”
“Why not me?” he asks with a near pout.
“Because you get squeamish just using the word feminine. I wouldn’t dare ask you to pick up something like that,” I say through my chuckles while standing up.
He follows behind me, and I look over my shoulder to see him running a hand through his hair.
“You should be able to ask me for anything. I don’t want you feeling like you can’t”
Fine, then I’ll take… YOU!
“Why is this bothering you?” I tease. “I tell you what, the next time I need something feminine, I’ll be sure to let you know.”
He rolls his eyes while letting a grin free, and he tugs at my side while pulling me to him so he can kiss the top of Trip’s head.