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“And you’re dating his father?”
I’m sleeping with his father as of last night, but I don’t think I want to explain that to my mother.
“Yes.”
“Are you sure that’s wise?”
“Nash isn’t in my class, Mom.”
“Even so…” she says.
“You’re starting to sound like Russ.”
“Why? What did Russ say?”
“That I should be wary of dating a parent.”
“Then maybe you should listen to him.”
“It’s a little late for that.”
“A little late for…”
“I love him, Mom,” I say and I hear her let out a sigh.
“Oh.”
“He loves me too, before you ask. So please don’t disapprove.”
“I’m not… just as long as he makes you happy.”
“He does. I couldn’t ask for a better man.”
“In that case, I think you’d better bring Tanner and Nash to meet me, don’t you?” she says.
“I will, although we’ll have to wait for you to get back from Aunt Charlotte’s.” A thought occurs and I perch on the edge of my desk, thinking about it for a second. “We could come for Thanksgiving, if you like?”
“That sounds great. But before you make definite arrangements, you should probably check with Tanner’s ex. Unfortunately, you don’t get to call the shots on family plans when there’s a child and his mother involved.”
She has a point, and my heart sinks as I think through how complicated things might get. My mom’s probably right. Vacations, Christmas and Thanksgiving, birthdays and family events… it’ll all have to be done with Sabrina’s consent. That makes it vital she reacts well to Tanner’s news. Because the alternative doesn’t bear thinking about.
Chapter Fourteen
Tanner
I’ve spent the entire day thinking about Zara. My mind has been full of memories… of how she looked sprawled naked on her bed this morning, of the taste of her, the feeling of her skin against mine, and the look in her eyes when she said she loved me. Which could be why I haven’t stopped smiling all day, and why everyone who’s come in here has remarked on my good humor.
“Shouldn’t you be leaving?” Katie comes over, a couple of romance novels in her hand, her eyes fixed on her watch. She knows about my visit to Sabrina. She even knows why I’m going. I told her first thing this morning, when I was trying to put a call through to my ex-wife… and failing dismally. She didn’t seem at all surprised that I wanted to tell Sabrina about Zara, and although she didn’t say so in as many words, I got the feeling she thought it was a good idea. Naturally, I didn’t tell her I’d spent the night at Zara’s place, but I think she might have guessed. She had a certain sparkle in her eyes, and it’s still there now, as she taps her foot impatiently. “You know, if you’re five minutes late, Sabrina will find some way to hold it against you.”
“I’m sure she will.” I grab my keys from behind the cash desk. “Are you gonna be okay by yourself?”
“Of course I am. It’s been quiet today.” She waves the books at me. “Which is why I’m reorganizing the romance section.”
“You mean that’s not just because you enjoy looking at all the bare-chested men on the covers?”
“That’s just a bonus. Now shoo.”
I do as I’m told, making my way out back, and climbing into my car. I start the engine and drive out on to Maple Street, turning on to Main Street at the end. There’s not much traffic, so I know it won’t take long to get to Sabrina’s place. I just hope she’s in a good mood. She didn’t carp about seeing me, so I can but dream…
