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Traitor, I thought. I tried not to talk badly about Dex in front of the kids. I wanted them to have an open mind and not judge their father based on my thoughts and personal opinions. All I could do was nod.
I heard someone clear his throat behind me, then felt big, familiar arms wrap around me. Ray kissed me on the cheek and asked, “Everything okay, Cass??
?
I melted in his arms. “Now it is,” I whispered.
“Who are you?” Dex asked, still holding Max.
“Ray,” he answered. Ray extended his right hand while holding me securely with his left. “And you are?”
“Dex, Max’s dad.”
Ray growled.
“Did you just growl?” Max asked, confused.
Both men ignored Max’s question.
“Where’s Kyra?” Dex queried.
I pointed to the stage. “Kyra’s with her friends. They will be performing in about twenty minutes.”
Chapter Twelve
A little before noon the next day, Ray appeared on my doorstep with a tape measure, clipboard, and pen. “Hey, babe,” he said, then puckered his lips.
My heart tickled. “Morning.” I gave him a quick kiss on the lips. I opened the door wide to let him in. My body immediately craved him as he walked past me. I wanted to jump him right then and there and have my way with him.
When I closed the door, he turned to face me. He stepped back for a second and had that twinkle in his eyes. “Whoa, get your mind out the gutter. Save those thoughts you’re having for later.”
“Psst,” was the only sound I could come up with for denial.
“I’m here to measure Kyra’s wall. I’d like to start on her desk and bookshelf.”
I grinned. “Really?”
“Of course. I said I’d help, so here I am. Is Kyra up yet?”
“Yes, she’s playing video games with Max in his room.” I gestured for him to follow me.
“Hey, guys,” Ray greeted the kids as we passed Max’s room.
“Hey,” they said in unison, not breaking away from the game they were playing.
When we reached Kyra’s room, he measured the wall where Kyra wanted her desk and bookshelves to be. Ray jotted down the numbers and started to sketch out his plans. I was impressed. I sat quietly on Kyra’s twin-size bed as he worked.
Thirty minutes later the doorbell rang. Kyra called that she would answer it, then rushed to the door before I had the chance. Then the yelling began. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m your father, Kyra. You will not talk to me that way!” Dex shouted.
“You left without saying goodbye. You’re not my father. A father doesn’t just bail like that. Just leave!” Kyra yelled.
“I—”
“You hurt Mom. You know that, right? You were the only one she ever loved, and you just left her with a note? How could you do that?” There was silence for a moment, then Kyra added, “I was the one who was left to pick up the pieces, Dad. I’m just a kid! Max depended on me because Mom was a mess. How could you just leave like that? Now you come back and expect me to leap in your arms or something? Sorry, Dad, but no!”
Ray and I hurried to the front door. I saw Dex like I’ve never seen him before. He was absolutely crushed. Kyra turned away, rushed off to her room, and slammed the door. Dex looked at me with pleading eyes. “She’s right,” I whispered. “You were all I knew as love back then, Dex. You left without warning and didn’t look back. I was a mess.”
