She deserves evenings watching the sunset over the mountains with Evan laughing in the yard and not a single thought about her dirtbag ex.
Instead, we’re still dealing with Mike Stevens.
I think back to the time I offered to have him disappear.We were standing in the kitchen after court one afternoon, Kelly leaning against the counter looking tired and frustrated, and the words slipped out before I could stop them.
“I could make him go away, you know.”
She blinked at me.
“Go away?”
“Disappear,”I clarified calmly.“Permanently.”
Her eyes widened.
Then she laughed.
Actually laughed.
“J.T., you are ridiculous.”
She thought I was joking.
I wasn’t.
Not really.
But Kelly’s argument was simple.
“Mike is Evan’s dad,”she said quietly, resting her hand over mine.“And Evan loves him.”
That ended the conversation.Because she’s right.That boy’s feelings matter.
And even though I’d personally like to punt Mike Stevens off the nearest mountain, I’m not going to be the reason Evan loses something he might still need.
So for now, we deal with it.
The criminal charges are still being sorted out.That mess will follow Mike whether he wants it to or not.
Kelly doesn’t love him.I know that.
She’s never given me a single reason to doubt it.
But I’d be lying if I said a part of me doesn’t bristle whenever his name comes up.Because I want her attention on better things.
On us.
On the life we’re building.
Not on the asshole who nearly destroyed her.
That’s my issue though.Not hers.
And I’m not going to dump it on her shoulders.She carries so much already.
So instead I lean down and kiss her temple, my hand sliding to her hip and giving it a warm squeeze over the soft cotton of the sundress she’s wearing.
She’s so damn pretty.White fabric dotted with tiny blue flowers hugs her luscious curves, and for a second, I’m jealous of it.
