Tug (22 page)

She looks at me like I’ve just explained myself in another language. “Why?”

“Because, despite where those children came from, or what tragedies they’ve experienced, it’s their hope for a future.”

Her head tilts, a contemplative expression descending over her features. “That’s why you took me there?”

Her understanding thrills me. “Your past is what it is. I can’t change that, but I want to give you a better future. I want you to trust me, allow me to do things for you that make me happy, like wake up two hours earlier than I need to so you’ll spend the night with me.”

Her eyes water, but she smiles. “You’re pretty amazing.”

“I am, aren’t I?”

I
drop Javier off at school and plan to pick him up after work from Tori’s. Maria has to work late, and I’m looking forward to hanging with him. Through my meetings and boardroom lectures, all I can think about is Maria, the feel of her skin, the way her eyes squeeze tight before she reaches climax, her contagious laugh and gorgeous smile.

Eventually the press is going to find out about us, and they’ll report on her previous profession. My only worry is the board’s reaction, but in all honesty, if they fire me, my life will still be complete.

I phone my publicist to give her a heads-up about the impending shit storm she may need to smooth over. She’s confident in her ability to handle it, but more concerned that I get in touch with an attorney. Her implication that Maria is in my life to get her paws on my bank account is infuriating, but I consider how the relationship sounds to someone who doesn’t know Maria, who hasn’t seen her put everyone she cares about first, or the way she holds her son in her arms like a lifeline, or carefully attends to her ailing grandfather. To someone who’s never seen the terrifying shadows of her past behind her gorgeous brown eyes, I suppose it would seem Maria was a fortune hunter. I, on the other hand, have seen all of those beautiful qualities, and I know she’s a gentle and kind soul who would care about me even if I had nothing monetary to give.

Just before lunch, my cell phone rings.

“Hello, sweet girl.”

“I need a huge favor,” she says frantically.

“What is it?”

“Javier got into a fight at school. I have to go pick him up, but I’m at work and it’s the lunch rush. I can’t leave.”

“Is he okay?”

“Yes, he’s fine. Can you go get him?”

“Of course, but not because it’s a favor. I want to. These are the moments I want with you.”

Her soft laughter fills the line. “There’d better not be any more ‘moments’ involving my kid fighting at school.”

“I’ll talk to him. Don’t worry. I’ll see you after work.”

B
ig apprehensive eyes look up at me when I enter the office at Javier’s school. I smile reassuringly at Javier and then spend some time speaking to the principal about what happened. When Javier and I leave the office and get in my car, I turn to look at him.

“You want to tell me what happened?”

“I just did what you said. I stood up for myself.”

Oh, man, I’m an epic failure and clearly unprepared to dish out advice to children. When I told him to stand up for himself, I didn’t mean for him to engage in a physical confrontation, but I didn’t explain it correctly. I didn’t realize he’s a sponge, and every word and action from me molds and shapes him into the man he’ll become.

“I didn’t do you any favors, did I?”

His grin tells me that he thinks otherwise. “Fernando is never gonna mess with me again.”

“That’s good, buddy, but I didn’t want you to get in a fight.”

“I know you didn’t.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. I tried to use my words and all that stuff, but he hit me first, so I hit him back harder.”

“He threw the first punch?”

He nods.

“Good, then I hope you whupped him, but don’t tell your mother.”

He laughs, but I’m feeling a little nervous about what I just said.

O
ver the next month, my relationship with Maria grows stronger. We both work a lot, but we spend all our free time together. Maria and Javier have come to the Center with me several more times. She’s become as fond of volunteering her time as I am. Javier and Paco have become good buddies, and they enjoy playing soccer together. Camilia is as annoying to Javier as she is to Paco. Thankfully, Maria and Liv both adore Camilia and entertain her to keep her from driving the boys insane.

Harrison moved out of the house. It’s been four weeks, and Liv hasn’t spoken to him. Surprisingly, she seems to be doing okay. I know her heart is broken, but if I’ve learned anything from my experience with Tori, it’s that things happen for a reason. Harrison was there for her when Liv needed him most, and she’s stronger now. Possibly that strength will help her to find someone deserving of her love. His absence is hitting Drew and the kids at the Center harder than the rest of us. Paco misses him the most, and Rodrigo said he asks about him constantly.

It’s what Tori said about being sure of my commitment before I got attached to Javier. As adults we have an impact on children’s lives. They don’t rationalize our irresponsible behavior, but they feel the pain that can come from our irresponsible actions.

I haven’t told Maria I love her yet, but I feel it with everything I have in me. I would die for this girl and her son. They’re my family. Spending time with Javier is a blessing and a reminder of everything that’s right in life. I fear every decision I make where he’s concerned and question if I’m saying or doing the right things. After his fight at school, I started choosing my words more carefully. Being in his life is a huge responsibility, and I often wonder if I’m worthy of the gift, but his unconditional love makes me want to move mountains to try. He makes me want to be a better man, a man he can look up to and be proud of.

I don’t want to make the same mistakes as my parents.

I
change in Davey’s office into a sundress and sandals. I never wear dresses, but Tug is picking me up this evening for a surprise. I want to make more of an effort than my typical blue jeans and tank tops for the occasion. He has something romantic planned, and I can’t wait to find out what it is. Javier is staying the night with Drew.

Over the last month, I’ve fallen in love with a guy I thought was like all the others, but he’s not. He’s funny and sweet. He’s a good role model for Javier. He’s a gentlemen in every sense of the word. Tonight, I’m going to tell him how I feel, and share the secrets of my past with him. I don’t want anything between us that might jeopardize our future.

After making a few changes to next week’s schedule, I head to the bar to see if Davey needs anything else before I clock out. Crazy Red stands in front of me, blocking my path. I’m way too tired for a confrontation, but, judging by the sour look on her face, that is exactly why she’s here.

“May I help you?” I ask.

“I know who you are,” she says. Her bright red lips purse tightly, and she sticks her hip out to the side.

“So?” I reply, unaffected by her blatant attempt to bully me.

She points her finger and nearly pounds it into my chest. If she touches me, things are going to get ugly.

“So dump Aidan, or I go to the press.”

My instinct to show this girl how we do things where I’m from kick in. I take in a long breath, releasing it slowly.

“That will go a long way in getting him back.”

“If you care about him, you’ll leave him. The press will have a field day with him dating a hooker. His career will suffer.”

I lean in close to her, invading her personal space. “Who’s the hooker? I know about your little arrangement. You’re pathetic.”

She takes a step back. Fear radiates from her eyes. She’s not as tough as she would like me to think she is. Her type is all talk. “No, I’m ambitious.”

I glance around to see if anyone is watching us. The patrons are busy socializing, and the staff is hard at work accommodating the happy hour rush. I don’t want problems in the restaurant, but it’s time to shut this prissy bitch down.

“Actually, you’re stupid. Do you really think you can intimidate me? Do you think I’m afraid of you? I’m not some weak little thing with no life experience who’s going to run from a man who loves me because his jealous ex threatens me. If you try anything, I assure you, you won’t enjoy what I put you through. Now, put up or shut up, bitch because I’m tired of listening to you talk!”

Her hand flies to her cheek, and her mouth opens. It’s quite the dramatic show. “How dare you speak to me that way? I’m a respectable businesswoman.”

A little piece of my old life surfaces, and I roll my neck, my hands on my hips. “And I’m a ghetto-ass bitch who will go all gangster on your ass if you hurt Tug.”

Her face squishes up. “Oh, my God. What does that even mean?”

“You’re a smart girl. It means hurt him, and I’ll hurt you.”

“You wouldn’t touch me.”

I’m done playing games with her. “I would, and with a great deal of pleasure. Now get out of here before I throw you out on your liposuctioned derriere.”

Her mouth opens, but before she can speak, Tug yanks on her arm. “What the fuck are you doing here, Larissa?”

She pulls her arm free. “God, Aidan. We were just talking.”

“More like you were stirring up shit. Go home, and stay away from Maria.”

I smile, and use the sweetest voice I can muster to say, “It’s fine. She was apologizing for how she treated me, and she was just leaving. Right, Larissa?”

The look on her face is priceless. She’s shaking mad, but manages a smile for Tug. “Yes, see, you didn’t need to manhandle me. I’m going.”

She spins on her heel and storms off. Her shoes slides on the tile and she slips, catching herself on the back of a barstool before she hits the ground. I cover my laugh with my hand and watch her carefully walk out.

Tug grins. “You want to tell me what actually happened?”

“Do you really want to know?” He nods. “She threatened me, and I told her I was going to kick her ass.”

He leans in close and nips at my earlobe. “That’s hot.”

I shake my head. “Where are you taking me?”

“It’s a surprise.”

We leave the restaurant, drop my car at Tug’s place, and drive north on I-5. Tug pulls off the highway in Del Mar. I relax in my seat and close my eyes, enjoying the warmth on my skin from the sun filtering in through the window. My eyes felt like they were only closed for a second, but they open when the car stops. I glance around through the window and see a hot-air balloon.