“If you marry him, do we get to move in here?” Logan asks. My heart flutters at the reminder that Tyson declared to everyone he is going to marry me. The truth is I would marry Tyson in a heartbeat if I weren’t carrying all of this baggage. I just don’t want him to marry me out of pity.
“You left Shelia in the house alone,” I point out as I open the door to my Jeep, knowing I'm not going anywhere until Tyson moves. I have no doubt in my mind that he will lie down and sleep there if he has to. I more than anyone know Tyson never gives up when he wants something.
Tyson is in front of me before my feet even hit the ground. “You’ve got to stop running from me.” His hand comes to my face, holding me in place as he brings his mouth down onto mine. I let him kiss me, relaxing into him. Some of the tension starts to leave my body. I might be mad at him, but the truth is I love him. I have for a long time, but I was afraid to admit it.
“Are you done with your dramatics?” My whole body goes stiff at the sound of Sheila's voice.
“I think it’s time for you to go, Sheila,” Cherie says. Tyson lifts his head. We both know his mom’s words are going to piss Sheila off. I hold my breath, waiting for her reaction, praying she doesn’t embarrass me more than she already has.
“Fine, but I’ll be taking my boys with me.” Tyson takes my hand, leading me back around my Jeep.
“You’re not going to do that. Not tonight,” Rick tells her.
“Excuse me! Those are my children!” she screeches. A rush of anger fills me, so intense that I fight not to burst into tears.
“If you try to take them tonight, I’ll call the police. They’re not getting into a vehicle with you, and I think we both know why.” Rick’s voice is eerily calm. Sheila’s back straightens. Normally when she’s using, I can spot it, but sometimes it’s hard because she’s always high.
“Don’t think this is done,” she hisses before stomping off toward her car. It doesn’t go unnoticed by me that there’s a new dent in the side of it. I don’t know how that thing still runs, to be honest. She pulls out of the driveway, making a whole show out of it. Her tires spin out in the process, leaving marks on their pretty stone.
“I’m sorry,” I say.
“Don’t apologize,” all of the Carters say at the same time.
“All right, boys. I think we should get back into the pool then have dessert,” Cherie declares loudly, making her way to my Jeep to open the door for them. “You’re on break now, aren’t you?” she asks them.
“Yes,” Dean answers, hopping out first.
“That mean we can stay over?” Logan asks.
“I think that’s a brilliant idea.” Rick winks my way as he leads Cherie and the boys back into the house, leaving Tyson and me all alone.
“That was the most embarrassing experience of my life. I’m sorry your parents had to see that.” I bury my face in his chest. Both of his parents are still being so sweet. It’s no wonder Tyson is such a good man.
“The only person that should be embarrassed here is Sheila. It’s no secret how she is, babe. I don’t understand why you’d ever be embarrassed. What you get up and do every day for your family speaks to the person you are. I’ve always seen that. It’s part of why I love you so damn much.”
There is no stopping the tears from coming now. I lift my head to stare up at him.
“We both know what’s important in life. You’d give everything you have to protect those boys. You have given everything. You’ve sacrificed so much.” He wipes the tears from my cheek. “Don’t run from me anymore. I want to be in this with you. Let me,” he pleads. I slip my hands up his chest, wrapping them around his neck.
“No more running.” I break. It’s easy when you find someone you know will pick up the pieces. “This isn’t me agreeing to marry you,” I quickly add as I fight a smirk. “Not until I know how you are in bed at least.”
“Then we better get on it.” He grabs me by my ass, lifting me off my feet. I should tell him to put me down. His parents might see. But then he kisses me, and like always when his mouth meets mine, I’m lost in the best of ways.
CHAPTER 19
TYSON
I want to take Rory inside and make love to her like she deserves, but with her brothers here and my parents watching over everyone, there won’t be a better opportunity for me to take care of business. I set my girl down and brush her hair out of her eyes. “I’ve got to go and do something with Sterling. Stay here with the boys and my parents.”