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This is the second morning I’ve woken up, hard as a rock. It’s not easy on my libido, knowing that she’s right across the hall from me. My body knows it and wants nothing more than to march me across the hall, but I can’t—I won’t—not until I know she’sreallyready for us to be together.
Once I’m no longer hard, I throw on some cut off sweats and a black tank top. I peek in on Tripp but find his bed empty. I hear soft voices and head into the kitchen. I smile when I find my boy sitting on the counter drinking a glass of milk and Brooke is leaning against the counter, drinking a cup of coffee.
“Good morning, you two.” I smile at them both and then go right to my boy. He sets his glass down and holds his hands out to me. I pluck him off the counter. Tripp wraps himself around me like a spider monkey, hugging me tight. “Did you have a good sleep?” I ask as I rub his back.
He nods, hugging me tight. I’ll miss the snuggle time we share, knowing he’s going to one day be grown and too big for it. Fuck, I don’t want to think about that stuff right now.
My eyes meet Brooke’s, hers turning glassy. Instead of letting her run away to her room, I grab her and pull her into our hug. Tripp immediately wraps an arm around her and kisses her cheek.
“Thank you, buddy. I…um…better go get ready for work.” She quickly detaches herself, moving away from us and disappears around the corner.
I set Tripp down. “Let’s get you dressed. Grandma will be here soon.” Every time she warms up to us, I do something to spook her, and it makes her run.Dammit.
He walks down the hallway and I make a quick cup of coffee, and then follow him down the hall to his room.
Chapter Thirteen
Brooke
“Okay, everyone, let’s put our books away.” My kiddos hustle over to the basket, sticking their books inside. “Now, come sit on the circle.” They all rush to sit down in front of me. “Tell me what your favorite thing you’ve learned this week.” I’ve always felt it is important to get their opinions, without really knowing they’re giving it to me.
“Spencer?” He’s always the first to raise his hand.
He taps his chin, liking he’s trying to build up suspense. “Learning to read the clock.”
“Me too,” Tanner shouts.
I smile.
“Miss. Burns?”
I turn to look at Bailey and she smiles up at me. “I liked spelling.” Several of the other kids agree with her. It takes a little bit more time before everyone has answered my question.
I look up at the clock and it’s almost time to go. “Okay, everyone. Let’s go back to our seats and make sure we have all our papers in our take-home folders.” Once that’s done, I help them get the folders put into their backpacks. “Let’s all stand in line by the door.”
As soon as the bell rings, I open the door. I hold out my hand and they all give me five as they walk by. “Have a great weekend, everyone. I’ll see you Monday.” They all holler goodbye and I watch them from the doorway as they walk with one of the line attendants.
They disappear around the corner, and I sit down behind my desk. I spend a half hour going over my lesson plan for next week before shutting down everything for the weekend.
I grab my bags and head out to my car. I’ve got time before I need to pick Tripp up from his grandparents’ house. He is weaseling his way into my heart. Every moment I spend with him, I fall more and more in love.
His dad, well, that’s a different story. I love him and always will, but I’m afraid to trust him not to break my heart again. Plus, what if he wants more children—I am not sure I want to have anymore. I don’t think I could mentally handle it if I lost another child.
My eyes burn and I push those thoughts away. I take a deep breath and head over to the house. I smile because as soon as I pull into the driveway, Tripp’s head pops out of the curtain, waving at me wildly.
Walking up the path, the front door opens, and he runs out. The crazy little man jumps off the top step right into my arms. “Hey buddy. How was your day?” I ask him as we walk into the house.
“It was great.” Tripp yells as I shut the screen door behind me. “Hi Grandma.” He smiles at the other woman.
“Hey guys,” Judy says as she steps into the living room. “How was your day?” She kisses my cheek.
“It was good, but long. The kids were very wired today.” I set Tripp down, but he stays next to me, slipping his hand in mine. This child messes with my head and my heart.
Of course, not on purpose, but he makes me wish for what could’ve been. Looking down at him, I smile. “Are you ready to go?”
He nods and lets go of my hand, disappearing down the hall.
Judy steps in close. “How are you doing?”
