My Libertine (Trio Book 2) (5 page)

“I don't need any other woman in my life besides my girl right here.” He pats my knee.

“You are a good looking guy you should get out there and date. Promise me when you get moved here and settle in you will get out there and get yourself a woman. You deserve to be happy.”

“I'm happy sweetheart, but okay I promise I will give it a try. Only if you promise you will too. Because you deserve a good man to love you and help you raise my grandson back there.”

“We will see dad, we will see.” I think I know how that one is going to go.

In the middle of cooking dinner for one, myself, my cell phone rings. The same ring tone I have had for years. It makes me smile every time I hear it, the Grey’s theme song. It just reminds me of the good times with the girls. I don't look at the name on the phone because I have been expecting a call from Dad.

“Hello?”

“That damn sexy voice sounds better than a text. How are you, Dove?” I instantly get butterflies. Row.

“Well hello to you too. I'm good.” I answer trying not to sound to bubbly.

“Glad to hear it, and how is that baby boy of yours?” it warms my heart that he always asks about Karter.

“He’s great. Almost sleeps through the night. Small victories. Where are you this week?” I admit I have been watching a little bit of bull riding hoping to catch him on TV. So far I haven't, but seeing what the other riders go through I think I probably shouldn't see him ride again.

“Actually done for a while now heading home.”

“To Texas?”

“Yes, ma’am. Momma is so damn excited to have me home she is throwing a party for me. Whole damn town will probably be there.” He sounds lighthearted about it but I can tell it’s not really something he wants to partake in.

“Sounds fun.” Is all I can come up with. We have text back and forth on and off but haven't really talked on the phone, it’s weird.

“Shit. Sorry Dove I got a call I need to take coming in. Take care. I will talk to you later.” The line goes dead before I get a chance to say goodbye. Yeah weird. Don't get me wrong I like hearing his sexy as hell voice, but I can’t help but wonder why he is still talking to me. He is quite the man whore, something I really don't need in my life now or ever.

I grab myself a plate and dish up my supper, then place it down on the coffee table in front of the TV. Then grab Karter from his perch on his chair and move him over to sit next to the couch. He is happy as can be. Not making any noise just looking around perfectly content with life. I flip on the TV and bring up Netflix turning on the Chelsea show. Love her.

Hours later after Karter is down for the count I get a text.

Row
: Can I call you now or is it too late?

Shana
: I'm awake.

Not to seconds later my cell rings.

“Hi.”

“Hey.” He sounds as breathy as I do. We don't say anything for a moment.

“I love my parents, but coming home sucks. If they didn't live here I would never come back.” He says, catching me off guard. He sounds different.

“I know what you mean, I don't think I will ever go back to where I grew up.” I decide to say in response.

“I saw her today.” It’s then I realize that he must be drinking because he slurs a little. “She is getting married, to my best fucking friend.” I'm confused at this point, he has never talked about anything too personal really, just his parents. “When she told me she was getting married. I told her I didn't fucking care. She must not have either because after that she wouldn't leave me alone. Kept telling me how great we were together and shit. Crazy bitch. How the fuck I was ever in love with her is a mystery to me.” He sounds pissed, and I have no idea what to say. This kind of thing really isn't my strong suit. Linn would be better at this than me. So I try the best I can.

“She sounds crazy. Sounds like you dodged a bullet if you ask me. She doesn't deserve you.” There that sounded good and supportive. It gets a laugh from him. Not really the response I was expecting.

“I ain't shit why are you still talking to me Dove?” well at least he knows it's me.

“You put your number on my phone, I didn't really have much of a choice.” I joke.

“That I did Dove, that I did.” He pauses for a moment and I hear liquid in a bottle then him swallow loudly. I can picture his throat swallowing down the liquid. His Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. Why does he have to be so sexy? “I couldn’t just turn you loose, just something about you Dove, can't shake it. So damned beautiful.” He says the last part in a whisper, I don't think am supposed to hear him.

“Are you at home Row?” I ask.

“Yep, outside sitting on my old damn tire swing.” Thank god he is isn't driving.

“Go inside and get some sleep okay?” I tell him, hopefully, he will do as I say.

“Yeah. Suppose I should. Sleep tight Dove.”

“Bye Row.” I say and hang up the phone. I really don't know what to do with that conversation so I just forget it. I'm sure he will want to do the same come morning if he even remembers it.

“Okay buddy, you ready to hit up some yard sales?” I ask my little chubby-cheeked man, buckling him up in his seat. “You ready Cris?” I holler from the living room.

“Just a sec.” She responds yelling back to me. I tell her I will meet her in the car and go outside to my Audi. Opening the back door and clicking Karter’s seat into the base I turn to find Dez walking toward me.

“Cris inside?” he looks like shit like someone ran over his puppy or something. Before I can say anything Cris comes out, I look her way and she is wearing the same look on her face. Except when she sees Dez standing beside me her face turns to anger. She shoots Dez a look I didn't even think she was capable of.

“You need to leave Dez. I don't have any more to say to you.” I do believe I missed something here so I just stay out of it.

“I'm sorry Cristal. So fucking sorry. I should have never…”

“No you fucking shouldn’t have!” she yells at him startling both of us. Shit Cris just cursed, he must have fucked up big time. Without another word she pushes him aside and gets in the car. I'm still standing outside of it, the doors are all closed.

“What the fuck did you do?” I ask him in a harsh tone.

“I… fuck… Just tell her I love her okay?” is all he says and leaves. I get into the car and chance a glance at Cris.

“Later.” Is all she says. Alright then. I just nod in understanding and we go about our day. Her mood doesn't change much and when we get home she goes straight to her room and I swear I can hear her cry. I think I need to get Linn and we need to kick some tattooed ass. Fucking Dez.

“Did she say anything else to you?” Linn asks. I called her the next day to talk about what happened between Cris and Dez. She came over right away.

“Nope just went into her room and shut the door. Mom hasn't called either. She still hasn't come out.”

“Well, shit.” She says and walks over to her door, knocking softly. “Cris, we are coming in.” She warns and opens the door. Cris is just sitting on the bed, under her blankets, with a book at her side.

“Was wondering when you two would be coming.” She says sitting up a little more. We both go and sit on each side of her.

“What did he do?” Linn, ever the blunt one.

“I don't even want to repeat it. Then it will be real.” She sighs. “You remember that girl at the shop? Candy.” Oh yeah, we remember the bitch, practically dry humping Dez in front of us. Marking her territory or something. “Well, he went and got her pregnant.” She says. Linn and I are speechless. “He told me two days ago. We aren't together but I got mad. So mad guys, I yelled at him. Gosh girls I was so mean. I felt bad as soon as I said the things I did but he shot back, told me that he and I weren't together. That he didn't even owe me an explanation. Fucking asshole.” Fucking asshole for sure.

“I… Shit Cris. I'm sorry.” Linn says. I still don't even know what to say, so I just grab her hand. I'm so confused. He loves her. Why would he do this?

“We tried to…” she trails off. “I tried to have sex, but I just couldn't. I kept seeing…” I shush her.

“You don't need to talk about that if you don't want to.” She nods and smiles, grateful.

“That was over a month ago, we grew distant after that. Oh, this is all my fault.” She says tears spilling from her eyes.

“No, no it's not. If he couldn't understand and respect that, then the hell with him.” I say. Only getting a shrug from her.

“Alright, I declare a PJ and BJ day!” Linn says getting a laugh from us.

“What kind of day is that?” Cris asks wiping her tears away.

“We wear Pj’s and we eat Ben and Jerry’s. Duh!” more giggles, she is laughing again. Thank god for Linn.

“I will run to the store and get some BJ’s, need some other things too. If you two would stay and watch Karter?”

“Don't even need to ask. Get me something with pretzel in it will you?” Linn says.

“Oh, cherry and chocolate for me please.” Cristal pipes in.

“Will do,” I say then quick head for the door.

I get to the store. My cart is full of diapers, wipes, and ice cream. It’s then right there in good old wally mart that I see him, the sperm donor. I haven't seen him since the day after Karter was born and my dad threatened him. I try my hardest to get out of there before he sees me but no such luck. When I get to my car he catches up with me.

“Not so fucking tough without your daddy are you? Trying to hide from me were you?” I just ignore him and fill up my trunk as quick as I can. Slamming it shut then quickly go to get inside he puts his arm out and slams my door shut again. “My wife found out about you. You said you weren’t going to say shit, you fucking bitch.” His to tone has gotten harsher and I can smell the alcohol on his breath.

“I didn't say anything Chase if she found out it wasn't from me or anyone I know. They don't even know who you are.” I say in the most calming tone as I can trying not to agitate him.

“You are a fucking liar.” He yells out sending spit flying at my face. He has drawn the attention of other people in the parking lot, unlike last time he did this, he notices the stares. “This isn't over bitch.” He sneers in my face then stomps off. Fucking douche. Why did I ever sleep with him? Because you were drunk and lonely and he said all the right things. I think to myself. Yeah, very drunk and lonely for sure.

When I get back home I have shaken off the encounter with Chase deciding against telling the girls, or anyone for that matter. He was just pissed and drunk, it's not like I can’t handle the guy on my own. I mean now that I'm not pregnant that is. Maybe I will tell dad next time I talk to him, just in case. He did threaten to sue the guy if he kept bothering me after all.

It's been about a week since Cris told us what happened. She hasn't said much else about it and I haven't seen Dez since that day. He better hope I don't either. I'm grabbing Karter out of his crib when someone knocks at the door. Holding him to my side I go to the door and open it surprised to see Row on the other side. So surprised that I forget I can talk momentarily.