He's big, bigger than I’ve had before from what I can tell. I'm going over the ways I could try toplease him when the doorbell rings. Once. I keep touching him hoping whoever it is will go away. I'm not expecting anyone. Then twice.
I meet Tate's gaze apologetically but still determined to ignore them, I give a little tug on his shirt, so he comes down for a kiss.
He does. My taste on his lips is intoxicating.
It rings three more times.
I let out an annoyed sigh. His lips are tipped up in an easy smile as he brushes the hair from my face with both hands. He places a gentle kiss on my forehead.
“It's okay, Darlin. The boys will be down soon anyways. And…I need a minute to calm down while you open the door.”
I straighten my dress and run my hands over my hair before stomping to the door like a petulant toddler.
I swing the door open to reveal Ronan leaning against the archway, arm extended as if to ring the doorbell again. He shoots me a cheeky grin when hes been caught and shoves his hand in the pocket of his dress pants as if to hide the evidence.
He has one of those coats that go well with a suit or whatever and the red scarf I knitted for him for his birthday twelve years ago. It’s held up well.
“Finally. What are you doing in there? These are for you, sis.” Ronan extends the daisy bouquet, the same he gets me every year on my birthday. Ronan and I aren’t siblings by blood. We were foster siblings for about six months before the family we were with decided he was too much trouble.
Ronan always has good intentions but sometimes needs a little help with the execution.
One year, he bought me a bearded dragon because I said in an offhanded comment that I wanted to visit Costa Rica one day. Even after a confusing explanation, I never understood how the two were related.
I finally told him daisies were my favourite gift. We still have Mushu.
“What are you doing here?” A smile tugs at my lips as I accept the flowers and move to the side to let him in.
“I think that's what you should be asking him.” He throws a thumb over his shoulder followed by a dirty look directed at my ex-husband.
TJ steps up to the door from wherever he was waiting. I can't keep the surprise off my face.
He rocks back on his heels with his hands in the pocket of his slacks. He shoots me a sheepish grin, looking every bit like the man I once fell head over heels for.
Somewhere behind me I register Ronan and Tate exchanging pleasantries and the boys running down the stairs when they hear voices. I step out onto the porch and firmly pull the door closed behind me.
I don't want Hudson to see him here. No. He'll just get his hopes up then be crushed when TJ leaves again.
“What are you doing here, TJ?” I don't let there be any friendliness in my tone no matter how much the weak people pleaser in me wants to push to the front.
“Happy Birthday, Allison. You look... Beautiful.” His eyes roam over my appearance and then my face with what almost looks like remorse? Regret? Love? Who can even tell if someone else is ever feeling those things? I stay silent, waiting for the reason he came. “I brought you a present.”
He pulls out a small black jewellery box and removes what looks like a necklace. Then he gestures to my neck.
“May I?" He asks gently and God dammit, I comply if only to avoid a heated argument today.
I lift my hair and turn my back to him. Movement by the curtains next to the front door catches my eye.
My gaze narrows in on it. There's nothing though. TJ takes his time clasping the chain, letting his fingertips trail lightly.
I feel nothing. No goosebumps, no longing.
Maybe it's because I'm eager to get back to the man who just made me see a supernova in my kitchen mere seconds ago. I turn.
Just as I do, I see TJs lips pursed and leaning in.
I stumble back.
“N-no. Sor-actually, not sorry.” I hold a hand up to stop him. He has the nerve to look shocked. I smack his shoulder hard. “What the fuck TJ?”
