Tagged & Ashed(69)

“Before I knew you were pregnant, I wanted to be with you, but I was too scared to face it. I’ve never been in a situation where I wanted more than a casual fling, but with you I did. While you were pregnant, I wanted to be with you, but I was trying to swallow the fact you were having another man’s baby. Ironically enough, I was also trying to stay out of his way because I thought you truly cared about him. After you had Trip, I wanted to be with you.

“The night I found out Trip was my son, I had originally planned on asking you to stay with me on a more permanent basis. I wanted you in my life, and I wanted Trip in my life without even knowing he was my own flesh and blood. Ash, I love you.”

My heart stops beating, my ears ring and burn in disbelief, and I’m too scared this is a dream to try to speak right away.



***

Tag



I didn’t mean to blurt that out. There were supposed to be roses here for this. I wanted a grand, beautifully romantic scene for all of this.

I don’t know if she heard me or not. She’s not speaking, and I’m worried I’ve just made a fool out of myself.

Suddenly, her lips are on mine, claiming my heart as she throws her arms around my neck. I fall back on the bed, pulling her with me. Her sweet tears slip down her cheeks as she kisses me harder, and then she pulls back just barely so she can look me in the eyes.

“I love you, and I have for so, so long.”

Jerking her tighter is my only response. I need her as close to me as she can be. I’ve heard girls tell me they loved me before, but it’s never meant anything because it wasn’t real. She’s the first one I’ve ever said it to, and I’ve never been happier than I am right now.



***

Ashiara



“So, this dress is a little showier than I thought,” I murmur nervously as I stare in the mirror.

“Can I see it yet?” Tag chuckles from the other side of the door.

“Only if you promise not to laugh.”

“I swear I won’t laugh.”

I smile, completely lost in love. I can’t believe he loves me. It doesn’t seem real.

Taking a deep breath, my eyes return to the mirror to see the black dress that falls to the floor in the back, but rises high in the front to show my thighs. The low dip of the neckline offers a hefty view of my cleavage, and the thin straps glisten under the light.

My hair cascades in elegant curls over my shoulders, and I tremble lightly while turning back to face the door.

“Fine. Come in.”

The door opens slowly, and Tag steps through with a devilish grin before it fades into… shock?

“Is that a good or bad look?” I worry.

His mouth gapes, and then he claps it shut.

“Wow.”

I smile and blush in unison, and he walks over to pull me into his arms.

“It’s a damn good look.”

I laugh a little, and then he walks over to hold the door open for me. I smile when I see Trip in his new, tiny little suit. He’s playing with his pacifier as he tugs on its ring.

“I’m not sure which of my men looks better,” I tease, and Tag grins cockily as he struts toward me to claim my lips.

“I’ll give this round to Trip. His suit is even more custom made than mine.”



***

Ashiara



We pull up to the restaurant, and I tilt my head while surveying the landscape. There’s a very large lack of vehicles around.

“Are we really early? I assumed a launch party would have people to launch to.”

He smiles, and then he steps out to pick Trip up before proffering me his free hand.

“We’re right on time.”

How?

“I thought you were more successful than this, Mr. Masters.”

He laughs as he pulls me to him, our security surrounding us like we’re the damn president and first lady.

The door opens to the restaurant, and I step in to see the dim light casting a romantic ambience across the gallant floor with only one table. Rose petals litter the floor, and soft, velvety music plays in the background.

“What’s-”

“This is our first date,” he says softly. “I wanted it to be a surprise. Bear with me, this is the first time I’ve ever taken anyone out on a real date.”

My mouth opens as I gaze around the room dressed in elegant curtains that line the walls. The windows open to the ocean view, and the security guards disperse to secretly protect us—out of sight.

“Tag, this is… it’s amazing.”

I turn to see his smile, and then he ushers me to the lone table, salads already waiting.

He puts Trip in the bassinet beside the table, and then he pulls out my chair to let me sit directly beside our little boy.

“You even thought of Trip,” I giggle, noting his bassinet doesn’t clash with the glamorous decor.