“Sorry, Al. I thought…” He holds his hands up in surrender then runs his hand through his hair. “You know what, can I just see my kid? That’s what I came here for alright?”
My brows pull down in a frown. The audacity of this man.
“Hudson’s not going anywhere today. You cannot choose to bail on all your custody weekends and then show up on a whim.” I whisper-yell at him shaking the daisies in his face to further accentuate my point.
A few petals float down to the newly fallen snow.
“He’s, my kid. I can see him whenever I want.” TJ says back holding his hands out at his sides. His breath puffs in the cold air.
“Fine, but he’s not going anywhere. We have plans today and we are all going to the same team dinner this evening anyways.”
“Okay, I’ll see him here then.” TJ says annoyed as if i’m the one being difficult.
“Fine.”
“Fine.” He rolls his eyes but follows me into the house. Matty, Hudson and Ronan all but fall away from the window as I storm inside. I stalk right past them into the kitchen.
Tate’s leaning with his back against the counter, one arm gripping the counter and the other holding a cup of coffee to his mouth. He takes a drink. I see him lock onto the new addition to my outfit. They don’t linger, instead his eyes slowly drag back up my neck. His gaze travels the same path he just kissed and licked.
I suppress a shiver and continue passing him to the can of whip cream, still where he put it and spray a bunch in my mouth. He watches me but doesn’t speak.
Then I do it again. It doesn’t help. He passes me his coffee. I accept it and lean against the counters close enough that our shoulders touch. I lean against him, just slightly. His comforting warmth grounding me. He leans into me justenough for me to notice. Like maybe he needs it too.
I take a sip just as Hudson marches into the kitchen dragging his dad by the lapel of his coat and determination on his face.
“Now, Hudson, What’s the—“Hudson drags him to a stop right in front of Tate. Matty and Ronan quietly stay close to the wall to listen. Hudson’s brows furrow as he looks Tate in the face as if he were the one that was six foot something.
“Mr. Tate.”
“Huddy.”
“We had plans today, right? I can’t stay here and play a shitty board game today when we had plans. Tell them.” Tate’s eyebrows jump slightly in surprise and disapproval at Hudson’s profanity. “Sorry.”
“I did promise you could help me and Matty with the barbecue.” He says, keeping eye contact with Hudson when he repeats his promise. Then he looks over his head to TJ. “If you’re gonna be around today, you’re welcome to join us. I live next door— As long as that’s ok with you, Alli.”
I don’t miss the way TJ’s eyes narrow slightly at that information. I can tell he also doesn’t like the way Hudson seems to think Tate gets the final say. I just nod.
“I was hoping to spend some quality time with my son today. As a family.” TJ says pointedly, his eyes cutting to me.
They linger a moment on where my shoulder is pressed to Tates before flicking back to Hudson. Why does that statement seem like it was meant to include me? Or am I just self-centered as fuck? I mean I do feel like a whole new woman recently.Veryrecently.
“I already gave him my word, TJ. Not to mention I’ve got to get it going soon so it can be ready for the team dinner.” Tate doesn’t back down, instead challenging TJ. “Why don’t we go now since you’ve still got your coat on?”
He says it like a friendly invitation, but TJ takes it as an order, turning and marching from the kitchen muttering under his breath the whole way.
Matty and Hudson share a grin. I don’t miss the wink Tate shoots them either.
I hide my smile behind the coffee cup and take a sip.
Chapter 11-Hudson
Barbecuing is harder than I thought it would be. I spill some of the marinade all over the living room floor when I'm supposed to carry it outside for Mr Tate.
Dad lets out a heavy sigh. My head drops.
“Matty go get the mop.” Tate drops a hand on my shoulder, and I look up at him. “It's okay, Huddy. Everyone makes messes.”
My head snaps up to him.
