Page 54 of Contentious

Cresley sat on the sofa next to Carson, feeling shy and uncertain and slightly overwhelmed after seeing him hanging with her son like it was no big deal. “Morning.”

“Morning. Did you sleep well?”

“Like a dead woman. Was it awkward when he found you here?”

“Not at all. He was thrilled.”

“I bet there’ll be some questions later.”

“His first question was if we can surf today. I had to break the news that it’s Thursday and he has school and I have work, but in two days, it’s Saturday. We can surf then.”

“He’s apt to not sleep until then.”

Ty returned with his arms full of Spider-Man toys that he dumped on the sofa.

“You can introduce Mr. Carson to your Spidey guys after you get washed up and dressed—and eat your breakfast.”

“But, Mom…”

She pointed to his room. “Go.”

With a huff of protest, he did as he was told, as he usually did.

“Sorry to mess up your groove,” Carson said, “but your mom mode is kinda hot.”

“Stop it,” she said with a sputter of laughter. “I’m a mess in the morning.”

“No, you’re not. You’re great with him, and he adores you. It’s fun to watch.”

“Well, thank you. He makes it easy by being such a great kid. I got lucky with him.”

“And he got lucky with you. I can drop him at school for you on my way home to shower and change if you want.”

“He’d love that. Thank you.”

“No problem. What’ve you got on tap for today?”

“A meeting in Burbank at eleven and a fitting after that in Beverly Hills.”

“I’ll drive you.”

“You have to work!”

“I can work from the car while you’re in your meetings.”

“That’s crazy, Carson. I can drive myself and steer clear of trouble.”

He took her hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss. “He’s escalating, Cres. I don’t want to take any chances.”

Whereas she was a mess in the morning, he was sexier than ever with stubble on his jaw and his hair mussed from sleeping. “Okay, then.”

“Okay, then,” he said with a smile. “Go get your boy ready for school, and if you get a second, could you text Julian to let him know you’re changing law firms?”

“Shouldn’t I call him to tell him that?”

“Either way.”

“He deserves a phone call at the very least.”