Page 23 of This Is Why

When we finish eating, Ty stands to help me clear the table as Gabe throws his napkin onto his plate and then heads for his room. “Hey, mister man,” Ty says, catching his attention.

“Yeah?”

Ty gestures towards Gabe’s place. “Why don’t you grab your dirty dishes and bring them over to the sink. You’re strong enough to do that now, aren’tyou?”

Gabe nods decisively. “Definitely.” He gathers his plate in two hands and brings it to the kitchen, taking two more trips to get his glass and his silverware inturn.

Ty makes a move like he thinks he’s going to do the dishes and I step right up next to him, using my body to push him out of the way. The instant my arm brushes his, my entire body reacts. My nipples go taut, pushing against the confines of my bra, my pussy aches with desire, and my stomach lurches crazily. If that’s what happens when we simply brush past each other, how will I ever survive if he kisses me again?

“I’ve got this,” I say, looking up athim.

Ty looks unsure. “I don’t want to leave you with all these dishes.”

“You cooked, I’ll clean. It’s easy. You go keep Gabe company.” I know how much he’s been wanting to spend some time with his son. This will give them a nice chunk of one on one time before Gabe has to go tobed.

“Thank you.” Tyler’s voice is thick and my own throat tightens.

I nod once and turn on the faucet as Ty follows Gabe out of the kitchen. I thought I’d be terrified to let Gabe get to know his father but I’m not. The way they interact is so natural, so easy. Maybe Ty was right and all of this is part of some plan that’s too big for me to make senseof.

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