Page 7 of Straight, No Chaser
She glances from Molly to me, trying to figure out what the hell we are. A guy steps closer to her and nods to the other boy. "Come on, guys. Let's go check out the zebras." He nods to the kid, whose confusion lines his forehead. Not understanding why the fun has ended so quickly. "Nolan, tell your friend bye, okay?"
Good. Take your perfect family and get the fuck out of here. Because now I have to try and fix his fucking broken heart. Of course, Molly is faster than me and already has him tucked against her. "I've been having so much fun with you. Thanks for coming with me today."
"I'm having fun too."
His tone doesn't sound quite as confident as his words. But he seems to welcome Molly's embrace. His small arms sliding around her hips, resting his head against her stomach.
"It's almost time to go. But we can't leave until Luciano rides his jaguar. Or you know how he'll pout."
Eli lets out a genuine laugh from her teasing. At my fucking expense. Can't let that pass without razzing her back. For my brother, of course. "Well you'll probably want a girly animal like a peacock or a dolphin."
I wink at him and bump his shoulder with my elbow, trying to get him to gang up on her with me. But he shakes his head. Not going for it at all. "But, sheisa girl!"
Total fail. Guess not all my jokes are funny to a four-year-old. Got to work on my act.
He takes our hands again, and this time I ruffle his thick hair, like a Dad would. I think. What the fuck do I know about being a father? Mine was always too busy chasing pussy to bother with me. Except when he needed something.
The silence isn't uncomfortable as we meander to the carousel. A huge yawn escapes Eli's mouth and he snuggles closer to Molly, dropping my hand for her forearm.
"Molly?"
"Yeah buddy?"
"Will you be my mom?"
I stop walking, my feet unable to keep carrying the burden my bastard father left me. These are times I despise him the most. Fucking leaving Eli motherless trying to escape from his mistakes. Only to make the biggest one that hurt the smallest victim.
They pause too, and Molly kneels down in front of him. She strokes his face, his cheek filling her palm from him leaning into her gentle touch. "You have a wonderful mother who I know loves you so much even though she's not here."
He nods, accepting the tenderness she lavishes upon him.
"But, you know what? I already love you as much as a mom could love her son. And I don't think she'd mind if you love me too, because your heart is so big I know you have enough room for both of us."
"I do. It's huge."
"Good." She lifts him up with her as she stands. "Mine too."
Eli tucks his head into her shoulder, stroking down her long silky hair, comforting himself with the repetitive motion. The pain squeezing my heart subsides. Crisis adverted. But not for long. This same damn thing will happen again. My little brother will continue to suffer through a life without his parents.
And for as much as I love him, I'm not enough. Too busy. Too selfish. Too damn damaged.
But not her. Molly's perfect. Any kid would be fucking lucky to be loved by her. Exactly what he needs. All the time. Forever.
I watch her sweet ass sway back and forth, Eli's small body curled against her hip, and I realize what I have to do. What's been right in front of me all along.
More than a fuck buddy, I need to make her my wife and Eli's mother.
She'll fill his life with unconditional love during the day and my bed with pure pleasure at night. And, both of us will be so fucking happy.
Now I just have to find a way to convince her.
4
Chapter Four
Islideoff my tie and sink back against the leather. Grateful that Kurt is a man of few words. I don't need anyone asking about my day. But I'm sure he can gather from my face how shitty it was. Which I'm guessing my expression is pretty harsh the way everyone in the office kept scurrying out of my way.
God damn fucking feds keep getting too damn close. This is the third time this month we've had to change distribution routes. Which is Dewayne's last mistake. And his last chance. I'm going to miss the bastard. I approve the hit and toss my phone next to me. Twenty minutes of peace before dinner with Eli. Not sure if I can stomach Taco Tuesday again.
