Page 36 of I've Got You

Carter snorted at the same time as Davis. “And what is the reason exactly?” Davis asked, coming to my side after throwing the dishcloth in the sink. His shoulder touched mine. He leaned back against the countertop, his hand landing behind me, his finger reaching out and brushing against my lower back. I tensed, surprised as hell I didn’t jump at the unfamiliar contact. His finger continued stroking until it dropped into the waistband of the sweatpants and tugged. I half stumbled, half stepped back so my ass was pressed against the counter.

There was nothing subtle about the action, nor anything subtle about Davis’s hand taking hold of my waist, squeezing lightly and then settling there. One finger managed to bunch the T-shirt’s fabric and found skin.

Both Tanner’s and Carter’s reactions were pretty priceless, if opposites. I was concerned Carter was going to hurt his face with how big his smile was, while Tanner’s frown deepened as he took us in. Me? I didn’t know what to do. It felt good to be at Davis’s side, for him to make such a physical statement in front of his friends, who I knew were as good as family. But we had only just kissed. There had been no declarations, no discussions, leaving me unsure of how anything that was transpiring really worked.

“And that right there is my reason.” Tanner’s voice was surprisingly level. There was no anger in his voice, but concern thrummed from his body. I got it. Truth be told, I was just as concerned. “Do you really think this”—he gestured the two of us—“is a good idea?”

“Tanner—”

“No, Carter, I know you have a weird sort of friendship with this guy”—this guy?I supposed it was a step up from dickwad—“but, Davis, come on, really?”

Davis’s hand paused and he stood a little straighter. “Tanner, you need to back off. Nothing about what you’re saying or how you’re behaving is okay. I’m a grown-ass man, a dad—”

“Exactly—”

“—and because of that do you not think I’d have the good sense to make decisions without simply thinking with my dick? Do you not think Scott being here means I’ve already worked out,knowhe’s a good guy, good enough to be around my daughter, my fucking heart?” There was no censoring of his words this time.

Holy crap. I was going to vomit or swoon, one of the two. I’d never heard anything so hot or as equally terrifying before. I willed myself to stay strong. There was no way I could flake out on Davis after this showdown with Tanner. I clamped my mouth shut and concentrated on breathing evenly.

I didn’t know where to look. Carter looked stricken, kind of like how I thought I looked. He was biting his bottom lip, visibly upset, but I wasn’t quite sure if he was moved by Davis’s statement or wanting to kick his boyfriend. Tanner’s neutral expression softened a little, but I had no idea how his friend’s words were affecting him. I finally peered at Davis, who, probably feeling me move, turned to look at me. I’d never seen him look so serious, so fierce. That one look was all it took to strengthen my resolve. I moved the hand between us behind him and hooked a finger in the waist of his jeans. His eyes searched mine for the barest of moments before a softness entered his gaze. His taut body relaxed, and he squeezed my waist again. Turning his attention back to Tanner, his words came out calmer, quieter. “We don’t know what this is yet, but you need to trust me to navigate through this and know what’s best for Libby and me. You’re concerned. I get it. But you need to support me with this, and if you can’t, you need to keep your mouth shut when it comes to Scott. I love you, man, so what’s it going to be?”

Tension filled the room, and I held my breath, hating the guilt rushing through me at coming between them. After a few more beats, Tanner sighed. “Fine, I get it. I’m sorry.” He paused. “Scott, I’m sorry. I’ll back off, but I will kick your ass if you hurt either of them. Got it?”

“Tann—”

I cut Carter off. “No, it’s okay. I’ve got it.” My promises weren’t for him, though. Anything else that needed to be said was for Davis alone.

“Okay,” Carter said, dragging the word out. “If anyone else cuts me off, I won’t cook for at least a month, and I may just put laxatives in someone’s drink.”

Davis snorted, and I all but melted at his side as tension drained from me.

“We’re over to check on Libby.”

I frowned at that. “Aren’t you meant to be at the clinic?”

“I booked a couple of days off as there was a delay with a delivery Tanner was waiting for.”

“So you decided to spend precious boinking time being pains in my ass instead?”

“Boinking. Really?” I laughed as I angled to look at Davis.

“What?” Davis shrugged, not looking at all fazed. “Yes, boinking. I’m trying to curb my language a bit, when I remember.”

Tanner shook his head. “You’re such a dick. Since Libby’s redecorating your kitchen and whizzing about the place, she’s better, right?”

“Yeah, thanks.” I heard the warmth in Davis’s voice when he responded. While Davis had nothing like a traditional family, he was lucky to have Tanner in his corner. I couldn’t imagine how it was being a single parent, especially with a newborn, and knew Tanner had been something of a lifeline to Davis. Because of that, I’d take his threats, knowing every sharp gaze was because he loved Davis and his niece.

“In that case, come on.” Tanner indicated Carter with an outstretched hand.

“Are we not staying for co—”

“Nope.” Tanner took Libby and pressed a kiss to her cheek before placing her on the floor next to some of her toys. He then took Carter’s hand in his and led him toward the door. “We’ve got boinking to do apparently.”

Carter’s laughter drifted after them, and I smirked.

When the front door opened and then closed, Davis moved and stood in front of me, the barest of gaps between us. “Do we need to talk about Tanner or upstairs?”

I took a moment to consider, all too aware of Davis’s desire to be upfront. “Not about Tanner,” I started. “I understand his need to protect you. I’m pleased he’s got your back.”

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