Page 21 of Creed (Satan’s Fury MC- Little Rock #6)

“The best I can.”

He slipped his hands into his hoodie pockets and dropped his head before asking, “Did you know?”

“Know what?”

“About Brooklyn?” He glanced up long enough to watch my reaction as he added, “Dad’s girlfriend.”

“I knew he was seeing someone.”

“For how long?”

“Where is this coming from?”

“I heard them talking. I know he was seeing her when he was still with you.” His eyes narrowed. “Did you know he was screwing around?”

“Whether he did or didn’t have a girlfriend wouldn’t have changed anything, Austin. Not for me.” I was walking on treacherous ground, and the last thing I wanted to do was hurt him more than he’d already been hurt. So, I told him, “I wasn’t happy, and I hadn’t been happy for a very long time.”

“But that doesn’t give him the right to step out on you.”

“Your father has every right to be happy, and if Brooklyn’s what makes him happy, I wish him the best. I really, really do.”

“Brooklyn sucks.”

“But your dad likes her, and he must like her a lot to bring her around you guys. So, maybe you should give her a chance.”

“You’re just saying that because you want us to like your biker guy.”

“His name is Jameson, and you’re right. I do want you to like him, but I’m not going to push. I just ask that you understand that he’s important to me.”

“So, you really like him.”

“I really do.”

“And you think he’ll be better than Dad?”

“Not better. Just different.”

Austin thought for a moment, then said, “Alright. I’ll give the guy a chance.”

“Thank you, sweetie.” I walked over and wrapped my arms around him, hugging him tight. And for the first time, in a long time, he didn’t tense up or pull away. He just let me hug him. “I love you, Austin. I love you to the moon and back.”

“Love you, too, Mom.”

I hugged him a moment longer before releasing him and taking a step back. “Is there any pizza left?”

“Yeah, it’s in the fridge.”

“You want some?”

“Nah, you go ahead. I’m gonna crash.”

“Okay. I’ll see ya in the morning.”

While I hated that he’d learned the truth about his father and Brooklyn, I felt like he and I were on the same page for the first time in a very long time, and that meant the world to me.

I adored Austin, and I wanted so much for things to heal between us.

I hoped that tonight was a step in the right direction.

I went into the kitchen and warmed up a slice of leftover pizza. I ate it at the sink and downed it with a tall glass of water, something I hoped would balance out the beer and shots I’d had earlier. I went to bed and slept much later than I’d intended.

We all did.

It was almost noon before we got moving, and even then, we didn’t get in a rush about it. I did some laundry and dishes, and as the day moved along, we all ended up in the living room, watching some movie the kids had been wanting to see.

I was laid back on the sofa with Chrissy at my feet, and I was piddling with my phone when Jameson’s name came up on the screen and I felt that familiar flutter in my stomach as I answered, “Hey.”

“Hey, beautiful. You recover yet?”

“Recover?”

“From your big night at the clubhouse.” I could practically hear his smirk. “Thought maybe you were still starstruck from hanging out with so many cool dudes last night.”

“You’re not going to let that go, are you?”

“Not until you admit I’m cool.”

“Not gonna happen,” I teased. “As far as last night goes, I had a great time.”

“I did, too. Not often I have such a beautiful lady at my side. The guys didn’t know what to think.”

I bit down on a smile, ignoring the way Chrissy looked over at me as I told him, “Flattery will get you nowhere.”

“That so?” he challenged, low and rough enough to send a shiver down my spine. “What if I say I want to see you? Take you for a ride?”

“As tempting as that sounds, I’m going to have to pass. I’m in full veg-out mode today. PJs, blankets, and movies with the kids.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“You’re welcome to join.”

“You sure about that?”

I glanced over at the kids, and while they weren’t exactly thrilled with the idea, they didn’t seem totally against it. So, I said, “Sure, but you need to know. I’m not changing. I might brush my teeth, but that’s about it.”

“I’d be disappointed if you did anything more.”

“You sure?” I knew he wouldn’t care, but I felt the need to prepare him. “Because it’s a mess over here. My precious daughter is currently using me as a pillow, and the living room looks like a tornado hit it.”

“My kind of veg out day.”

“Then, head on over.”

“Need me to bring anything?”

“We could use some movie snacks. You know the basics. Chocolate. Something sweet and sour and…

“I want some M&Ms!” Chrissy shouted.

Austin didn’t even look up from the TV. “Takis for me.”

“Did you get that?”

“Yeah, I got it.” Jameson chuckled, that deep, rumbling sound that made my heart squeeze. “And I already know your snack list.”

“Oh, do you now?”

“Popcorn, Diet Coke, and gummy bears.” His voice softened. “Right?”

“Yeah, that’s it.”

“Good deal. I’ll be there in twenty.”

And before I could even say goodbye, he hung up, leaving me staring with a big smile on my face.

I sat there for a minute, wondering just how bad I really looked, and when I couldn’t stand it a second longer, I hopped off the sofa and rushed to the bathroom.

I flipped on the light and groaned when I saw my reflection in the mirror.

My hair was sticking out in places it had no business sticking out, and I had that sleep-crushed pillow line across my cheek. I grabbed my brush, tugging it through the tangles, then pulled it up into a messy bun. I splashed some water on my face before putting on some mascara and a little blush.

I told him I wasn’t changing out of my pajamas, and I meant it.

Today was my day to do nothing, and I planned to do just that.

I rinsed my mouth, brushed my teeth, and gave myself one last look.

I didn’t look like I was ready for a night out, but I didn’t look like death either.

I figured that was a win and headed back to the living room.

I straightened a few blankets and picked up a few stray cups and wrappers. I was about to flop back onto the couch when there was a knock at the door. I glanced over to the kids and whispered, “Please be nice.”

“Um-hmm,” Austin grumbled.

I eased the door open and found Jameson standing on the front porch with two large bags in his hands. He was wearing jeans and a crisp white t-shirt that made him look entirely too good for a veg-out Sunday.

“Hey there, beautiful.” His eyes did a slow sweep over me, taking in my plaid boxers and oversized t-shirt, and he chuckled as he held up his bags and announced, “I got the goods.”

“I see that.” I stepped back as I told him, “Come on in and make yourself comfortable.”

The kids tried to play it cool, but Chrissy’s eyes went wide when she saw the bags full of goodies. “Dang! You got everything.”

“I did my best.” Austin glanced over, pretending he was unfazed as Jameson started tossing them their snacks and drinks. “Takis for the man, M&Ms for the lady.”

“Thanks,” Austin muttered, but there was a hint of a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“No problem.”

“Thank you!” Chrissy beamed before diving into the bag.

Jameson’s eyes found mine, and for a moment, the noise and the mess faded away. It was just him, standing there in my living room, like he belonged there with us. He and I settled on the sofa, close enough that his arm brushed mine, and it grounded me in a way I didn’t know I needed.

We spent the next few hours quietly watching TV. The kids ate their food and paid little mind to me and Jameson as they watched their show. Chrissy eventually curled up on the floor with a blanket while Austin scrolled on his phone.

Jameson didn’t say much, but every so often, he’d glance over at me with that soft look in his eyes. I couldn’t help but wonder if he was doubting his decision to come over or if he saw something worth sticking around for. I hoped it was the latter, but only time would tell.

At one point, he reached between us and took hold of my hand, lacing his fingers with mine. It wasn’t much. Just a quiet Sunday in PJs with the kids, but it was a start. And for now, that was enough.

After the credits rolled, the kids wandered off to their rooms, and Jameson stood and announced, “I'd better get going.”

“Okay.” I stood and followed him over to the door. “When will I see you again?”

“When do you want to see me?”

“Soon.”

“Then, soon it will be.”

Without another word, he reached out and brushed a strand of hair from my face, and the way his fingers lingered against my cheek made the air catch in my lungs. His eyes locked on mine, and for a moment, it felt like the world went quiet.

And just as the butterflies started to erupt in my stomach, he leaned in and kissed me. It was soft at first, like he was giving me a chance to pull away if I needed to. But I didn’t. I couldn’t. I was too lost in the moment.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer until there was nothing but him. His warmth. His scent. His touch. Needing more, I opened my mouth wide, letting him delve deeper.

God, I shouldn’t have, but I did.

When his tongue slid against mine, it was like a spark shot through me, leaving me trembling. This man had a way of making me feel so desired, so wanted, it almost scared me. I felt like I could finally let go, like I could finally breathe, and just be me, because it was me that he wanted.

It was me that had him groaning into my mouth.

It was me that had him pulling me closer and getting lost in my touch.

We were both lost in the moment and hanging by a thread, but then, reality set in, and I remembered where I was and who was just in the next room.

A pang of guilt cut through the haze, and even though I didn’t want the moment to end, I pressed my hands to his chest and broke the kiss. I leaned my forehead against his and muttered, “The kids.”

“Damn. I wasn’t thinking.”

Neither was I.

“It’s fine. I’ll see you later.”

He nodded, then opened the door and left me standing there in a haze.

Even after he was long gone, I could still feel the warmth of his mouth on mine. It was a steady reminder that no matter how hard I tried, this thing between us wasn’t going away.