Page 113 of Unlawful Seduction

He threw his arms up as he stood. “Sure, buddy. I just wanted to keep you informed.”

Why he’d chosen to tell me that at this point in my life was beyond me, but I knew Mike well enough to know he always had an angle. I stood and for the first time in my life while being around him, his company left a bad taste in my mouth.

I followed him out of the bar, heading immediately to my truck. Jax lifted his head, glaring at Mike from the front passenger seat. I chuckled because his radar was obviously better than mine.

“You take him everywhere, don’t you?” Mike asked, acting as if fearful to get too close.

“He’s my right-hand buddy.”

As if making a point, Jax huffed and issued a single bark.

“I emailed everything regarding the construction firm to you,” he said and was suddenly right there on the passenger side of my truck. When he peered in, he burst into laughter. “Now that’s a stuffed bear.”

I glanced inside at the huge bear I’d stopped and purchased on the way over here. Nope. I didn’t know kids, had no clue what they liked.

“I can’t show up emptyhanded. I’ll call you tomorrow, Mike. Don’t piss me off.”

“Just remember, I’m leaving on a four o’clock plane. I don’t intend on missing it. Just like you, I have a life.”

“No problem.” I waited until he backed away, still staring at the bear I’d purchased for Brady. I had no idea about kids and what they liked, but that’s not what bothered me. Mike’s actions did. He believed the train wreck of my life was going to continue funding his extracurricular activities. Of course he had. I almost laughed at the realization. Nope. I could only trust myself.

And the sweet woman I planned on keeping as my own.

The drive was inconsequential, although I found myself glancing into the rearview mirror every so often. I was nervous, more so than I should be, but I’d never imagined myself being faced with a child of my own loins. Oh, wasn’t that Neanderthal.

I laughed as I pulled down the road leading to her house, hesitating briefly before turning onto the long gravel driveway. Before leaving four years before, I’d memorized everything about Mallory and where she lived and worked. Everything was familiar yet felt surreal.

“Well, buddy. Here we are. You know the place. I don’t. Not really.” Except for saving her the one night before all hell had broken loose.

He thumped his tail as he peered over his shoulder at me. I could tell how much he’d been itching to see Mallory again.

As I pulled closer to the house, I realized she’d done quite a bit of work on the place. Everything looked fresh, including the paint. There were flowers in pots, a beautiful flag hanging from one of the porch posts fanning lightly in the breeze. The moment I stepped out, I gathered a whiff of various flowering shrubs and plants. What a beautiful setting and it fit her personality.

Everything was neat and tidy just like I’d anticipated.

Jax bounded off the driver’s seat, woofing only once. I watched for a few seconds as he crisscrossed his way around the front yard, taking in various scents, including from her dog Sampson. When Jax finally peed on some bushes, all I could do was smirk. If only humans had such simple behavior.

After grabbing the bear, I headed to the porch, finding the tension I felt odd. I usually jumped into any situation with both feet. With two knocks on the door, I took a step back, pulling the bear more tightly against my body.

It wasn’t long before I heard footsteps, the door being unlocked and finally opened. Standing on the other side was Mallory in jeans and a tight tee shirt, her hair in a sloppy ponytail. She was telling me in no uncertain terms my presence wasn’t going to alter her life. And damn if she didn’t look hot.

Her eyes were pensive at first until she allowed her gaze to fall to the bear. “You brought a gift. A big one.” At least she was laughing.

Jax woofed, announcing his presence.

“Hi, big guy. I’ve missed you.” She crouched down, rubbing both sides of Jax’s face.

“I wasn’t certain what to bring,” I told her.

“Brady will love it. He loves all things squishy.” She stood, still stroking Jax’s fur.

Suddenly, Sampson came bounding out from another room, barking up a storm until he skidded to a stop right by Mallory. The two dogs stared at each other, Jax likely telling the visitor in no uncertain terms he was top dog.

A moment later, little feet resonated in my ears. Brady came bounding out from the same direction Sampson had come, his eyes opening wide as soon as he noticed the bear.

“Mean man,” the little boy said and I laughed.

“Not always,” I told him.

---