Page 44 of Hard To Leave

Chapter 14

Jack

I hadzero experience with kids. Sure, I’ve been around a few in my day, and some of my friends have young families, but I have never had so much banking on one kid’s opinion of me. Ever.

So far, Tanner was pretty cool.

After showing me his impressive card collection, he challenged me to a game of MLB on his X-box. Apparently, Chloe only let him play for a couple of hours on the weekend. But seeing that she asked him to entertain me while she cleaned up really helped boost my popularity with the kid.

“All right, you two, time to finish up your game,” Chloe announced, carrying a tray of cookies into the living room. Tanner’s fingers pounded away on the controller while I sat back and got my ass handed to me by a seven-year-old. Judging by how good he was, I suspected that he spent a lot more time gaming than Chloe even knew.

I set the controller down on the coffee table. “He’s pretty good, for a kid who’s not allowed to play that much.”

Chloe laughed. “Yeah, he’s pretty competitive.” She placed the tray of milk and cookies in front of me. “Now I know why he likes to sleep over at Tyler’s house every weekend.”

Tanner finished the game with a big whoop, then plopped his body back against the couch with a smug grin on his face. “Nice game, kid.” I extended my hand for a fist bump.

“Thanks. If you want, you can come to play with me again tomorrow before I go to my sleepover.”

I could feel Chloe’s gaze on me out of the corner of my eye. I picked up a cookie and took a huge bite.

“Honey, I’m sure Jack has some other things to do tomorrow. Remember when I told you that he lives in New York and only gets to spend a few days a month here?”

Tanner frowned. “Oh, that’s right.” He sighed and slouched his shoulders forward.

“You know what,” I said, sitting up. “I have to visit with my mom tomorrow, but maybe we could convince your mom to let us play again before I head back home.”

Tanner’s lips curved into a smile. “Can we, Mom?”

Chloe shot me an evil eye, while playfully scolding me with her tone. “You are a bad influence on the boy. You know that?”

I put my arm around Tanner’s shoulders and pulled him in a fake headlock and tousled his hair. I glanced at Chloe and flashed her a devilish grin. “If you want, you can punish me later.”

Tanner laughed, not having a clue what I meant. I couldn’t help but smile at her shocked expression.

She placed her hands on her hips and tried to stare me down like a teacher who was sending her misbehaving student to the principal’s office. She was trying to act intimidating, but I could tell she liked that idea. “I’m not sure you would be able to handle my type of punishment.”

She quirked an eyebrow and shot me a sweet smile that had X-rated visions flashing in my head. I suddenly pictured her dressed in a school uniform, holding a ruler and spreading her out along a big wooden desk.

Well, that woke my dick right up again. I released Tanner and jumped off the couch so I could go adjust myself in private. “I’m going to get a glass of water. Anybody want anything while I’m in the kitchen?”

Chloe sat back and tucked her legs underneath her. The corners of her mouth lifted up. She knew she had me by the balls and she loved every minute of it. “We’re all good in here.”

After dessert, we sat around and played a quick game of UNO, before it was time for Tanner to head to bed. After he changed into his pj’s and brushed his teeth, he surprised me by walking over and giving me a hug good night. My body stilled at first, but after the first few seconds, I started to relax.

Being here with them made me realize how quiet my life was. I couldn’t remember the last I ever felt this comfortable. I don’t think ever.

My hand was holding the remote, flipping through channels, trying to make sense of everything when Chloe came strolling back into the living room. I set the TV remote down and patted the space next to me. “Hey, beautiful. Have a seat.”

She had changed into yoga pants and a cropped T-shirt that showed off her tanned stomach. I loved the fact that she felt so comfortable around me. She didn’t need all the makeup and primping that a lot of women did. She was gorgeous just the way she was.

“Hi.” She smiled, looking up at me.

My arm curled around her small frame, pulling it to mine. “Did he go down okay?”

“It usually takes him about half an hour to fall asleep.” Ah, so he was still awake then. Good to know. “I tucked him in, and he was clutching that baseball to his chest. I’m not sure he’ll ever part with it.”

My fingers brushed along the top of her shoulder, playing with her cotton T-shirt. “I’m glad he liked it. I’ve got a ball or two that you’re welcome to clutch if you’d like.”

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