Tug (Irreparable 3)

His eyes widen in shock. “You know? How can you leave him there?”

“Don’t get on your moral, preaching soapbox, please. Yours is broken. It’s a bit like Pinocchio giving a lecture on telling the truth, and I’m too tired to argue.”

“This isn’t a question of morality. It’s about his safety. Del paid absolutely no attention to him, and he answered the door without even asking who it was.”

Crossing the room, I sigh. I put my purse and keys on the coffee table before turning to face him.

“Okay, I know. I had a new sitter, but the night I stayed with you the first time didn’t make her happy, and she won’t watch him again. I know it’s fucked up, but I really can’t handle a lecture right now. You don’t know what it’s like. I can’t afford a sitter, or daycare. Del is free, so it’s a choice between Del, who occasionally entertains, but has a son the same age for Javier to play with, or my grandfather, who can’t remember he has a grandson some days.”

I didn’t want to make him out to be the jerk in this situation, but he is responsible for my losing the new sitter. He frowns as he strides close to me.

“I’m sorry. I’m not judging, but I’m concerned. There wasn’t another kid when I picked him up.”

“His dad picks him up from school on Fridays, so Del can work weekends.”

“I don’t want Javier going there,” he says sternly.

“I can’t aff —”

“I don’t care. I’ll hire a nanny.”

“No. You. Won’t.”

“Fine, then I’ll pay Veronica extra to keep an eye on Javier until you get home.”

“No. I’ll look into making other arrangements, but I won’t let you pay for it.”

His arm snakes around my waist. One of his hands presses into my back, the other grips my jaw tight. “You’re so stubborn, woman.”

I lift an eyebrow. “I think you like me just the way I am.”

“And ‘just the way you are’ likes to irritate me,” he says, releasing my jaw.

“Ah, a match made in heaven. No more arguing, please. I need a shower, and I have a surprise for you.”

“You do?” I nod with a roguish grin. “A good one?”

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nbsp; “A very good one,” I tease and disappear into the bathroom.

I stand under the steady stream of water, washing the day away. I’ve never been this happy or felt this complete. This amazing guy chose me to spend time with and get to know. He spent the entire evening with Javier. His protectiveness toward Javier, although at first it irritated me, makes me realize how incredible he is. As I do, he wants better for my son.

Fully reenergized, I towel-dry off, and slide my feet into the red heels I wore the night I ran into Tug at the club. He recently mentioned how sexy he thought they were. I hope he meant it, because they’re the only thing I have on as I exit his bathroom.

Tug lies on the bed in his boxers. His mouth falls open when I come through the bathroom door. If anything came from my time at the club, it’s comfort with my nudity, and by the look on Tug’s face, it’s clear he loves his surprise. He moves to the edge of the bed and sits with his feet on the floor.

I touch my index finger to my bottom lip. “Do you like your surprise?”

A playful smirk appears on his lips as he curls his finger at me. “Come here,” he commands softly.

I walk to him and stand in front of him. His warm hands mold to my breasts. He massages them gently while kissing my stomach. Goosebumps dot my flesh, and I shiver. He peers up at me.

“You’re always beautiful, but naked, with wet hair and fuck-me heels, you’re the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen.”

I blush and place my hands on his shoulders.

There’s a light knock on the door. “Mommy.”