His Father

I close my eyes and turn away from him.

“I’m sorry.”

“Shit.” I turn back to him and shake my head. “Don’t ever apologize for trying to help your mother.”

“I’m the reason…”

I slam my hand on the table and demand, “And don’t ever, I mean ever, blame yourself for your mother and her demons. Her choices are her own.”

He nods but still looks sad. “I can’t believe she attacked Pest.”

“And Devon.”

“He probably deserved it.”

I chuckle because he’s right, he probably did. I should send him a text to see how he is. I pull my phone out to do just that, cringing when he reminds me about the commitment we have tonight.

“Morning.” Tempest enters the kitchen looking no worse for wear.

I smile at the sight of her before I can stop myself and Maddox, seeing my reaction, smiles too. He moves to her and envelops her in a tight embrace, resting his chin on the top of her head. His eyes meet mine as they sway from foot to foot and he whispers his apologies into her hair.

When she pulls back, he gently touches the bite mark and frowns, shaking his head.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers and I can’t look away from their private moment. I can’t look away as she reassures him it isn’t his fault and his eyes soften. He looks devastated that she’s hurt and I’m panicking inside. Is he in love with her and just doesn’t know it yet?

“I have people coming over tonight,” I say, breaking up their intimate moment. “Devon and a few acquaintances. Poker night.”

“Poker night?” Maddox looks intrigued but I nip it in the bud.

“Not for you, Son, as much as I enjoy your company this is a meeting I have to focus on.”

“Anything interesting?” Tempest smiles kindly at me.

I nod and reply, “Trying to break out of a contract. It’s unlikely but if I can get him to make the bet and I win…”

“What contract?” Maddox looks equal parts curious and nervous. “Anything I can help with?”

“No.” I look at Tempest and contemplate telling her about the setup in the yard.

I’ve been thinking about it nonstop, hoping she’ll stumble upon it but I’m also terrified she and Maddox will read into it.

“There’s something for you in the yard, by the barrier wall,” I say, looking at my phone.

“What?” Maddox asks, looking excited.

“Not for you,” I reply and his eyebrows hit his hairline and Tempest’s lips part with surprise. “For her.”

“What?” Maddox repeats but his tone is darker this time.

I walk away, taking the stairs three at a time as they race each other to the garden.

I move into my bedroom but because of the gazebo I can’t see her reaction. I can see Maddox’s though as he slowly makes his way to the area she beat him to and then, at the edge of the roof, he stops and looks up at me.

His eyes curious, his mouth flat. Until she grabs his arm, squealing with glee, and yanks him out of my sight.

I should have thought about the roof getting in the way of my view of her.

Fuck. I didn’t want the sun to burn her as she painted. Maddox said she could stand at an easel for hours at a time and not even realize it.

At least she sounds happy.

Tempest

All day I’ve been aching at work to go home and paint but by the time I’ve finished, the sun is setting and Devon is dressed in a tailored suit, ready for the evening of poker.

“You look dapper.” I grin at him as he walks me to his car.

“You look sweaty.”

“Thanks,” I reply, rolling my eyes but I haven’t lost my smile. “I hope you win.”

“If I win, I’ll take you to that new dessert shop you and Fidget were squawking about all day today to anyone who will listen,” he promises.

Fidget is another really sweet woman who works for him, she’s obsessed with anything chocolate and anything cake. I’m more obsessed with ice cream but I’m extremely careful when I eat it; I get the worst brain freeze and the biggest thighs. I don’t know her real name, just that everybody calls her Fidget because she can’t sit still. She’s the only person exempt from working at the checkout for this very reason.

“Heck, seeing you smile like that, I’ll take you anyway.” He chuckles and I don’t know what to say so I don’t say anything.

He turns on the radio and we begin the journey home.

As promised, when we get there, I go straight to my room and frown when I see paper bags, from a multitude of stores sitting on the bed.

There’s a note propped up against them which I unfold carefully and read:

“Dad’s personal shopper picked out a few things for you. Anything you don’t like/doesn’t fit we can return.

X

Mad”

Maddox bought me new clothes?