First Comes Love

  “Did your mom call?”

  “Yeah, but that’s not the one that threw me for a loop. The last message was from Jeremy.”

  His head shot up. “Mia’s father?”

  She nodded and swallowed. “I know. He was the last person I ever expected to call. He’s back.”

  He didn’t move and she wasn’t even sure he was breathing.

  “Are you okay?”

  He cleared his throat, gaze focused on the ground. “Keep going. What happened today?”

  “I called out of work so I could meet with him.”

  His body tensed, but he didn’t say a word so she went on.

  “He looks totally different—grown up. When we first started talking, I was furious. I hadn’t expected to react like that. I was scared. He has a degree and is financially stable and suddenly talking about custody.”

  “Fuck that. Mia’s yours.”

  She swallowed. “That’s what I told him.”

  “Good.”

  “He’s never done anything that showed me he was truly interested in being an active parent. It’s really hard to trust the one person who let me down more than anyone else. As much as my parents abandoned me when I could have used their support, it was Jeremy’s responsibility. There’s so much resentment I buried over the years for Mia’s sake.”

  She let out an unsteady breath. “But today he fixed a bit of that broken trust. He’s been putting away money, money for Mia, money to help me support her. He gave me a check.”

  “That’s a start,” he commented, not seeming overly impressed.

  “Tyson, it was for twenty thousand dollars.” She still couldn’t believe she had that kind of money. “Isn’t that unbelievable?”

  He continued to stare, a million different emotions racing across his face. “Did you take the check?”

  “Of course I took the check! He’s Mia’s father. I never asked for anything from him as far as financial support. If he is willing to pay for things that we’ve always gone without, then I’m willing to accept.”

  “But you wouldn’t take an air conditioner from me in the middle of a heat wave?”

  She frowned. “That’s different. That would’ve been like charity. Mia is entitled to this money.”

  “Because he’s her father?”

  “Yes.” Why wasn’t he happier for her? “Tyson, you have to understand how hard it’s been for us, how many things I’ve gone without to make sure Mia had everything she needed. You have no idea what it was like when she was a year old and had the flu and I couldn’t afford her antibiotics. This money will change all that.”

  Easing back, but not looking at her, he said, “I understand that a boy got a girl pregnant, shrugged off all his responsibilities and left all the weight on her shoulders. I also understand that, because of a five minute act of stupidity, that boy, who is now a man, is entitled to a piece of Mia that no other man can claim. What I can’t seem to stomach is hearing you call him her father.” Face tight, he finally turned to her. “He was a sperm donor up until today. Being a father is more than some genetic link. It’s in deed, in seeing and being a part of her day-to-day life. He doesn’t even know her.”

  “Why are you so angry?”

  “Where the hell has he been all her life, Kat?” he fiercely asked. “Where was he while you were in labor? On her first birthday? When she took her first step?”

  Not expecting to have to defend herself for accepting child support from her daughter’s father, she scoffed. “I know he wasn’t there and he knows it too. What I don’t know is why you are taking all of this so personally. It’s not like any of this makes your life more difficult!”

  “What’s going to happen now, Kat? Are you guys going to be this big, happy family?”

  “No! I don’t even know him, Tyson. He’s a stranger to me. I haven’t even decided what I’m going to do yet. Why are you being like this?”

  He stood and squatted in front of her. Taking both of her hands in his, he met her gaze, eyes pleading. “Where does this leave me, Kat? I love you and I love Mia. I can’t compete with her father. Not when you’re willing to take from him what you won’t let me provide for you. You two have this past that I know nothing about. You only talk about your history with him in terms of him leaving. Does his presence change things between us? What do you feel for this guy? I love you, but the last thing I want to do is stand in the way of a family being together. I can’t do that to Mia. But I don’t want to walk away. I’m not even sure I have the strength to. If this is going to be some sort of reconciliation for you three, I deserve to know.”

  “Tyson…” She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned her forehead to his. God. Any remaining anger from the other night washed away. He was a mess and it was all her fault. He really, truly loved her. “I love you.”

  His arms pulled her close and hugged her tight. “I don’t want to lose you, Kat.”

  “I don’t want to lose you either. Jeremy might’ve been there when I lost my virginity, but you were there the first time I made love. You were the first person I ever let into my heart. The first person to ever love me back without conditions. There is absolutely no comparison between the two of you. You have nothing to fear.”

  The following Saturday, Kat made arrangements to take Mia to the park by their house. Jeremy planned to arrive twenty minutes before them. He gave her his word that he would not approach Mia yet, since she was still figuring out how to broach the subject with their daughter. Tyson wanted to come with them, but she asked him to let them go alone and promised him a full report when they returned.

  As soon as they arrived at the playground Mia ran out of her arms and onto the jungle gym. She spotted Jeremy sitting on a nearby bench, but he didn’t spare her a glance. His eyes were rapt on Mia.

  As she slid down the slide and squealed with delight, his face lit. She pushed Mia on the swings, played on the seesaw animal and Jeremy never took his gaze off her. Mia climbed across the wooden bridge and yelled, “Hi, Momma! Look how big I am!”

  She moved around between the different equipment faster than a pinball ricochets. As she climbed the ladder to the slide she lost her footing and fell. Jeremy stood and instinctively took a step forward, but stilled when Kat met his gaze.

  Children fell a lot. Sometimes falls were bad and sometimes they were only scary. Kat scooped Mia into her arms as she began to cry. The physical restraint it took for Jeremy to respect her wishes and not approach was evident.

  Kat brushed off her legs and walked her to a bench. She could never predict how Mia would react to things like this. Sometimes she would pick herself up and move on as if nothing happened and other times she would milk it for days. The scrape was red, but not bleeding, however this appeared to be one of those times where Mia needed to be comforted.

  As she kissed her knee and rocked her in her lap, Mia clung to her. “I wanna go home,” she cried.

  Kat nodded to Jeremy, letting him know she was okay, and he slowly sat down. When she stood, still holding Mia, and grabbed her purse his eyes widened with concern.

  She gave him an apologetic look and casually waved goodbye behind Mia’s back. The look on his face pinched her heart. It was as if she were taking something magical away from him. And in all reality, she was.

  Later that day, she told Tyson about the playground as they sat in his backyard while Mia played with Trixie.

  “So what do you think you’ll do?” he whispered.

  “I don’t know. I need to be in control, but at the same time, I feel horrible denying him.”

  He didn’t say anything.

  “Ty, if you could have seen how happy he was watching her and how sad he was when I took her away…”

  “She’s a great kid.”

  They sat in silence observing Mia. He held Kat’s hand, rubbing his thumb back and forth. It was a subtle show of support and affection. They’d gotten more lax about showing affection in front of Mia.

  “I miss you,” he
said in a low voice.

  “I missed you too.” She gave his hand a little squeeze.

  “Is your mother taking Mia tomorrow?”

  “I don’t know. I haven’t talked to her since the party.”

  “That’s my fault,” he said apologetically then laughed. “I guess I deserve being punished by not getting any alone time with you.”

  She smirked. She hadn’t been avoiding him to punish him. “What would you have done if Dawson hit you?” she asked, a little curious at how far he would’ve taken the fight to defend her honor. It was a little sexy.

  “I would’ve buried him in the cement foundation of the house I’m building.”

  She laughed and they settled into comfortable silence. Kat hadn’t spoken to her mother since the party. Mia, from what she could tell, wasn’t aware anything was wrong. But that would only last so long. Eventually her daughter would start asking where Grandmom was. Plus, she missed her Sundays alone with Tyson.

  “I guess I should call my mother.”

  “Don’t call her if it’s going to upset you. We can find other ways spend time alone. I never mind Mia being around.”

  He didn’t mind Mia being around. Despite her sexual frustration, they still enjoyed each other’s company in her daughter’s presence. If she could just make amends with Vivian, they could have their Sundays back.

  The longer she thought about Vivian the more her brain hurt. She decided to change the subject. “How did your meeting go?”

  He let the topic change. “Good. I’m glad this job’s almost over. I have to work out some final details then I’m going to have to fly to Washington to do the final inspection with the client. Wanna come?”

  “You know I can’t do that. When do you have to go?”

  “Probably later next week.”

  She sighed. More time apart.

  Later that evening, Tyson distracted Mia with Beauty and the Beast so Kat could call her mother. She took the phone into her room and shut the door.

  Vivian jumped right into her role as the wounded martyr. “I don’t understand how a guest in our home could behave in such a way. I was mortified. He showed absolutely no concern for the sensibilities of our company. Honestly, Katherine, what would possess you to invite such a man? It was barbaric—although I can’t say I am surprised.”

  And there was the root of it.

  “A man who loses control like that is someone to worry about. Who’s to say where his brutality ends? I hope you’re not exposing Mia to his lack of morals.”

  Her head began to pound. “I’m not calling to discuss Tyson, Mother. But I will say this. Tyson’s a wonderful man. He’s kind and caring and wonderful with Mia.”

  Vivian scoffed. “I shouldn’t be surprised you—”

  “He’s a good friend,” she interrupted, not wanting to give her mother the chance to say anything more unforgivable than she already had. “I care about him very much—”

  “Oh, I do not have to listen to this—”

  “No, you don’t, but I need to say it. Dawson Price is an arrogant jerk who’s bitter because I wouldn’t allow him into my bed. He disrespected me—and while you may not take offense when I’m mistreated—Tyson does. He was defending me. I’ll apologize for him offending your guests’ ‘delicate sensibilities’, but I won’t apologize for my feelings for him—”

  “Feelings?” Her mother nearly barked. “Dear God, Katherine! Tell me you are not romantically involved with this man.”

  “I’m in love with him.” The line grew so quiet she thought her mother hung up until she vaguely heard Vivian ask under her breath what she ever did to deserve a daughter like her. “I’m an adult and for the first time in my life I’m happy.”

  “You may be an adult in age, but I have yet to see you make one responsible decision in your adult life, young lady,” she venomously argued.

  “How can you say that?” Kat shouted too offended to pretend indifference.

  “Don’t you shout at me, young lady!”

  “Or what?” she snapped, no longer carefully choosing her words. “Add it to the list of ways I disappoint you! Go ahead! I can’t stand it anymore! No matter what I do, it’s never enough! I can’t believe I even care anymore. Nothing I do will ever be good enough for you!”

  “You have no idea what it’s been like for us, constantly having to cover up your mistakes—”

  Gasping, as emotion suddenly choked her, she turned and stilled. Tyson stood in the doorway, his eyes sympathetic and resigned. She looked at him and in a broken voice whispered, “I’ll never be enough.”

  He walked toward her and pulled her into his arms as she started to cry. He removed the phone from her numb fingers and ended the call. “Shh…” he whispered, pressing his lips into her hair. “I’ve got you.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  It was no surprise Vivian didn’t show. Tyson was a great distraction, replacing Mia’s disappointment with exciting adventures. They visited the petting zoo and a nearby orchard, and by the time they were driving home, Mia passed out holding a half eaten candied apple.

  “She’s out cold,” Ty said, returning from Mia’s room.

  “I think that hayride did her in—” Catching the glint in his eye, she stilled. “I know that look.”

  His gaze smoldered as he slowly stalked her into the kitchen. She giggled as he slid her sweater off her shoulders and let it drop to the floor.

  “So this morning was all a ploy to tire Mia out so you could have your wicked way with me,” she teased.

  He gave her a bashful, dimpled smile, his lips grazing her collarbone. “I told you I would find ways.” Entwining his fingers with hers, he backed his way down the hall, tugging her silently toward the bedroom.

  “We’ll have to be quiet,” she warned.

  “I’m sure we can manage.”

  The door shut and she was yanked into his arms. Chest to chest, she stared at him. Pure lust had her breath coming fast. Pivoting, he firmly pressed her spine against the door, his arms caging her in against the wood. “Has your pill kicked in yet?”

  “Last week. ” She’d gone to the gynecologist a month ago to see about getting on birth control.

  A deep, satisfied growl left his throat as he kissed her. His fingers dropped to the snap of her jeans as hers frantically unlatched his belt buckle. Tilting her head, his mouth bit at her throat, placing openmouthed kisses across her skin. Hands skimmed under her shirt, over her ribs, and up to her bra, pinching her nipple through the lace and she moaned. Shucking her pants and panties, she kicked them away with her shoes.

  Reaching into his open pants, she pulled his cock free, as he gave a guttural moan against the soft flesh of her throat.

  “This needs to come off,” he said, giving her shirt a tug.

  Lifting her arms, he removed the shirt in one quick pull and she dropped to her knees. Her hand wrapped around his thick cock as she kissed the tip.

  Letting out a strangled moan, he braced his arms against the door. “Jesus, Kat, let a man know…”

  His feet stepped farther apart as her lips stretched around him. He hissed and went up on his toes, his strong fingers tunneling through her hair. “That’s it, kitten. Suck my cock.”

  Hoping she was doing it right, she measured her strokes by the intense sound of his breathing and half-spoken words of praise. A pearl of fluid seeped from the slit. The scent she associated with intimacy and Tyson was stronger here. He was as hard as steel and soft as satin at the same time. Her fingers wrapped around the base of his thickness, as her mouth slid down.

  “You look so good down there. Let me see you take me in your mouth again.”

  Slowly opening her mouth, she took him deep. His face relaxed in a show of ecstasy. He was big and she couldn’t take all of him. “Mmm, that’s it, kitten. Just like that.” The hand in her hair gently guided her rhythm.

  His hips thrust forward as he slid in and out of her mouth. She increased her pace and sucked harder. “Do you
have any idea how fucking sexy you are? Show me how deep you can take it, baby. Nice and slow.”

  Easing forward, her mouth stretched as her eyes slightly watered. Her fingers made up for what her mouth couldn’t handle and soon he was pressing to the back of her throat.

  “Put your hands on my thighs. Let me have control. I won’t hurt you. I’ll go slowly.”

  Her palms curled around his muscular thighs and he glided her head forward in fluid motions. Saliva gathered and she swallowed. Shutting her eyes, she pulled her cheeks tight, and he groaned.

  “It feels incredible when you do that.” His fist tightened in her hair. The pinch along her scalp only added to the delicious mix of sensations. Thrusting his hips, he fucked her mouth, taking quick shallow dips over her tongue. His thighs quivered under her palms as he grunted and suddenly released her hair.

  His cock slid from her mouth as his hands gripped under her arms and lifted her off her knees. The cool door pressed into her back. “Put your legs around me,” he ordered.

  Warm and wet, he pressed against her sex and sank into her core. Her arms caught his neck as his hands slid to support her ass. The sensation of skin to skin made everything better, though a tickle of fear remained.

  “Hey,” he whispered, nudging her chin with his nose. “It’s okay.”

  Rather than run through the mood killing statistics of birth control, she nodded and let out a deep breath. He kissed her nose and smiled. “Ready?”

  Needing the pleasure to override her paranoia, she extended her spine and slimmed her mouth to his. Tongues dueling in a passionate collision of need, he thrust into her. The kiss broke as she let out a cry of pleasure.

  “Shh…” he laughed. Lifting her, he turned and walked them to her dresser. Releasing his neck, she braced her arms on the surface.

  The dresser rocked and a picture frame fell to the floor as he thrust into her. His mouth latched onto her breast, his fingers slid down her belly and sought out that magical spot. As soon as she moaned, he silenced her with a kiss, rubbing harder, faster, as an orgasm crept up on her.

  Her channel clenched around him and he groaned into her mouth. His hips bucked as his spine stiffened. Crying out her release, she tightened again and the heat of his release suddenly filled her as he trembled.