“You know, I always thought I was doing well. Ava is great, never gave me any problems, made friends easily, and she's good at school too. We were so settled in our lives that I never saw it coming.”
“Saw what?” I ask.
“Clive. He tried to take her from me, and when that failed, he dragged my name through the mud. I had a regular job as a wedding photographer, but bookings soon dried up. That's why I came back to Stillwater.”
“He's a dick. Why would he do something like that? What would he gain? Besides, I thought he didn't want to be a parent.” I’ve never been a violent person, but hearing Levi's story is making me want to turn into one.
“I don't know,” Levi says, raising his head to look up at me. “On one hand, I know he can't take Ava away from me, but I think I'll always be scared that he'll try. And not knowing why is disconcerting. One day, I'll need to let my baby girl out into the world on her own, and I don't know if I'll be able to protect her.”
I can feel his heart beating against my chest. The fear in his eyes is real.
“I like Ava a lot, Levi. If you were ever afraid that something between us might not work out because you have a kid, then let that thought evaporate now. I don't have the answers to all the questions, but I know I'll never treat you or Ava the way Clive has. In fact, I hope I never find out what he looks like because I might try my boxing skills on his nuts. But…I think we should give it some time before we tell her about us.”
“How are you so perfect?”
“When someone finds something really worthwhile, they should hold on to it.”
He kisses me possessively, and we spend the rest of the morning showing each other exactly how we feel. No words needed. Only toe-curling Levi orgasms.
Our pancake breakfast turns into lunch. When it's time for Levi to pick up Ava, we realize we don't have an exit plan, and there's a chance Ava might see him come out of my place.
We walk down the stairs to the front door, but before he opens it, he turns around and pins me to the wall, claiming me with a kiss that leaves me dizzy when he finally lets go of me.
“Sorry, I wasn't ready to give you up just yet,” he says.
“And now you are?” I ask, still breathless.
“No, but it'll be a few hours until I stop tasting you in my mouth.”
I smile and give him another kiss before he opens the door and we both step out.
We stop as Ava runs out of the house when she sees Levi.
“Daddybug! I had so much fun with Gigi. We sawBeauty and the Beast. Gigi fell asleep, but I watched it all till the end. Why are you at the back? Did you come to see Arlo?”
“Um…yeah…Arlo, um…anyway, I can’t wait to hear all about your weekend. Why don’t you get your bag?”
“Okay.” She runs back inside, and Levi turns around briefly.
We share a knowing smile. There will be another time, and it’ll be soon.
When they leave, I see Fletch coming out, so I wait for him.
“How much sleep did you have with two kids in the house?” I joke.
He puts his hands in his pockets and sways on his heels. “Oh, you know, about the same as you, though your sleep deprivation was for much more pleasurable reasons, I'm sure.”
“What do you mean?”
“Don’t play coy with me, you sexy bastard. I’ve written the playbook on hookups.” He laughs. “I saw him come out of your place. I kept Ava distracted, but you weren't exactly subtle with the way you were looking at each other.”
I smile. “Thanks, man. I owe you one.”
“Nah, you owe me two dozen.”
“I’ll bake them this afternoon,” I say with fake resignation as he turns back toward the house.
“Hey, Arlo?”
