Part 18 (1/2)
”You think he's ready to be a dad?” I ask curiously.
It almost feels like she cares about this son of a b.i.t.c.h, and it hurts like h.e.l.l.
”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 relations.h.i.+ps 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.
s.e.xual Tension at Home As.h.i.+ara 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 f.u.c.king 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.
My heart stops. Seeing him show his son affection without knowing he's his son is enough to make me almost fall apart. I definitely have to tell him.
”I want to talk to you about something later,” he murmurs softly.
”I have something to talk to you about, too,” I almost whisper as our eyes fall prey to each other's.
Can I do this? Can I tell him?
”I need to do some work, too,” I utter in an attempt to break the stare down.
He follows behind me, and my stomach tightens in knots. I've fought the urge to throw myself at him since I got here.
”Trip's nameless father, does he at least offer financial support?” he asks, a little seriousness and a touch of anger in his tone.
”No, but not because he wouldn't. I've never asked for anything. I make enough to get by just fine. I don't need anything from him.”
Tag He should be giving her money. What a.s.shole has a kid and doesn't offer at least some payment to help raise him in his absence?
”You know, Kinset still needs a web design, if you're interested. It was postponed due to some other projects, but we're getting back to it now. The money would be really, really good.”
She smiles lightly while laying Trip down in his crib.
”You don't have to do that.”
”Do what? Find an excellent web designer for my latest company?” I ask innocently.
”I've seen your various websites for your various companies. It's obvious you know some very talented designers. I don't need a handout. I feel bad enough staying here.”
She feels bad about staying here?
”You don't like it here?” I ask, my tone sounding more wounded than I meant for it to.
”That's not what I meant. So far, you've paid for all the groceries, and you've even bought stuff for Trip and me. You haven't let me give you any money for our staying here, and I prefer to pay my way.”