Beautiful Misery (The Beautiful Series) (17 page)

“Not when I’m the boss.”

My gaurdian angels were watching over me. Jase and Ryker were walking in my direction. Thank you, thank you, thank you! When they were close enough Jase pulled me to him, spinning me so I was finally facing Gage. Wrapping his arm low on my waist he asked, “You going to introduce us to your friend?”

Was this man human? I was used to b
eing around attractive guys. Gage made them all look homeless. He was shirtless, of course, why wouldn’t he be. It has already been established that today is not my day so why not kick Annie while she’s down? His black and green swim trunks were low on his hips showing his toned stomach. Letting my eyes slowly travel his body I saw all the tattoos on his arms, chest, and ribs. He looked like a walking story. I wanted to know what his tattoos were about. But, I would never ask.

Finally bringing my eyes to meet Gage’s I answered Jase, “Nope.”

That didn’t matter. Gage held his hand out, “I’m Gage Tucker, nice to meet you.”

Jase and Ryker introduced themselves. Ryker said, “You know, I bet Gabe would love to meet you. If you don’t care.” Snapping my head to Ryker I glared. He ignored me.

Gage smirked. “I would love to meet him. Let me check on my daughter then I will be over.”

“You have got to be kidding me right now, Ryker Duncan. I am trying to avoid this man not invite him into my life.”

Ryker played with his lip ring, almost looking sorry. “It’s not like I invited him to dinner, damn Annie. You know your son would love meeting him.”

Crossing my arms over my chest, I pouted like a four year old. “But, I don’t want to!”

Jase and Ryker laughed. Jase said, “Now, now princess. No need to get your panties up your ass. You only have to play nice for a few minutes. If you’re a good girl I will buy you something shiney.”

“Humph. How about a nice shiney baseball bat so I can knock the shit outta you stupid men.” Stepping out of Jase’s hold I stomped to my son. Leigha and Lydia were sitting next to him, helping him build a sand castle.

“I saw owner man talking to you.” Leigha said, her voice a litle too happy for my liking.

“And twat
biscuit over there,”- I pointed to Ryker- “invited him to play.” My voice laced with anger.

“Aw now be nice, Ms. Holland. What is that saying? ‘If
you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.’ I’m sure Ryker was just being friendly to your new male friend.”

“If that’s the saying I might as well have my voice box surgically removed now. Gage Tucker is not my friend. He is my boss.
He is a conceited cock jockey.”

Gab
e popped his head up. “You have a new friend, mommy?”

I ran my hand through his hair and said, “No, buddy.”

Lydia laughed. “On a first name basis, are we? How interesting. I don’t call my boss by his first name.”

Jase sat down beside Lydia, bumping her with his shoulder and joked, “No, it’s more like ‘Oh God’ or ‘Fuck Yes’.”

Leigha stuck her fingers in her ears and shut her eyes. “Eww eww eww! I don’t want to hear about my brother and his so called assistant like that.”

Leaning over Lydia kissed Jase. “Sorry, Le. Your brother is the best boss I’ve ever had.”

“Damn straight baby.” Jase winked.

“And speaking of best bosses, look who is walking this way. Oh my God! Look at that little girl he’s carrying.”

Taking my eyes off of Gabe I glanced at Gage. He was smiling and looking at his daughter. This Gage looked different from the Gage I had met last night or the Gage that was talking to me earlier. That Gage was rough, sexual. The Gage that was walking toward me looked soft, loving. And damn if my heartstrings weren’t being tugged.

“Hello, ladies,” Gage greeted us.

Huffing I sat back. He didn’t come over here for me. He came for Gabe. No need to talk to him. Gabe stopped packing the sand and looked up. His light green eyes sparkling. “My mommy doesn’t like you.”

That’s my boy.

Gage looked from Gabe to me. “Is that so? That’s a shame because I like your mommy. Maybe if you like me you could talk your mom into being my friend.”

Gabe gave me his watery grin and laughed.
“She said you were a conceited cock jockey.”

Leigha, Lydia, and Jase busted out laughing. I wanted the earth to swallow me whole. I chanced looking at Gage to see his reaction. Laughing. That ass nugget was laughing.

“I think we should be friends, little man. What do you say?” Gage asked. He sat his daughter in the sand next to my son. “This is Londyn. She likes to play in the sand, too.”

Gabe stared at the baby. “She’s cool as long as she doesn’t poop. I don’t change poopy diapers.”

And that my friends sealed the deal. Gabe and Gage were inseperable the rest of the afternoon. Which also meant, Gage and I were inseperable the rest of the afternoon, too.

I watched as Gage taught Gabe how to toss a football. Something felt different having Gage around. He seemed to fill that father figure role for my
s on just fine and never blinked an eye.

…And I liked it.

Oh yeah, I was screwed
.

17

Gage

“
Y
ou know I play football, right?” I asked Gabe as he tossed the football back to me.

He nodded. “Yeah. My Uncle Jase likes football. We watch it a lot.”

“What would you say if I told you I could get you tickets to one of my games?” I watched as his eye lit up. His smile took over his face.

“Could I bring my mommy? I don’t think she would let me go by myself, I’m only five.” This kid was hilarious.

“Of course. You could bring your Uncle Jase, too, if you wanted. I will make sure you get to meet my team and you can even come into the locker room. Only the really cool kids get to do that.”

“No, I don’t think I want Uncle Jase to come. Just me and mommy.” Gabe smiled at me then looked at his mom.

She had Londyn in her lap, playing in the sand. Seeing Londyn with another woman who wasn’t Cobie or Jenna had my heart skipping. It shouldn’t feel right, but it did. Keeping my eyes on Annie I asked, “Your mom, does she hate most guys or just me?”

Gabe took a minute to think then said, “She hates Tristan. I think my mommy likes you, though.”

I knew it. This little kid was my way in to his mom. My plan was working perfect. “I don’t think so, buddy.” I was hoping he was right, but not getting ahead of myself.

“Gabe, come here. Mommy has to leave.
”

Dropping the football in the sand, Gabe ran to his mom. “Gage told me we could go to his game!”

Just the mention of my name and Annie stiffened. “Well wasn’t that nice of him. But, we can’t baby. Mommy works on the weekends.”

I scooped the football up and walked over to Annie, Gabe, and Londyn. “Then you’re in luck. My game is on Monday.”

Annie’s dark blue eyes met mine. She didn’t look happy. “I probably have to work that Monday.” She dropped her eyes back to her son. “Why don’t you ask Uncle Jase to go, I bet he would love it.”

Gabe’s smile fell from his face. It looked like he could cry. “Why can’t you just miss work? I really want you to go, mommy.”

Annie sighed. “I’ll see what I can do buddy.”

“If you were scheduled
to work, consider yourself approved to take off.
” I ruffled Gabe’s hair as I walked passed hi
m
to pick up Londyn.

“Um…thanks?” It sounded more like a question than an actually thank you but I
’ll take it.

“The game is on the
fourteenth. Starts at
seven thirty.
I will have my car pick you up at your house. I
’ll get you a hotel room for the night. My car will bring you home
Tuesday afternoon.”

“I am perfectly capable of driving there and back. It’s only a couple hours. We don
’t need to stay at some hotel when we have a house that I pay for.” She tossed a towel into her beach bag and pulled her sunglasses down, covering her eyes.

“I don’t want you driving that late at night, Annie. Think of your son and how tired
you will be while trying to drive. Just accept my offer and make your son happy.
”

“Humph. Gabe, you’re so lucky I love you as much as I do. Fine. What time should I expect your car? And, by car you mean something normal like a Honda Civic and not some giant limo, right?
” She looked cute when she was aggitated.

Gabe high fived me and I laughed. “See, how hard was that?
”

Annie rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. “What kind of car, Gage?”

“I will make sure it’s nothing too flashy. No pink streched Hummer
’s, okay?
” This girl was hell bent on making things difficult.

“Whatever.” Annie
scoffed. She bent down and kissed Gage on the cheek.
“Love you buddy. Be good for Uncle Jase and remember what mommy said about Tristan. I will see you in the morning.
”

“I know. Stay away from Tristan. Love you mommy.
”

Annie came over to me and rubbed Londyn
’s cheek. “Bye sweet girl. Maybe we can play again, another day.” Londyn giggled and reached out for her.
“Sorry, sweetie, I have to go to work.” Grabbing her tiny hands, Annie kissed them before turning and trekking her way back through the sand.

“OK, little man. I also have to go to work. I will see you in a few days though, okay?”

Gabe nodded. “I will talk mommy into getting me one of your jerseys so you can see me at the game.
” Little did he know during a game I couldn’t see anyone in the stadium. I smiled and said, “I will get you one and I will sign it for you. I will give it to your mommy to give to you.
”

“Maybe you could get her one, too.
” Gabe raised his eyebrows, looking hopeful.

“Do you think she would wear it?”

Shrugging he answered, “Probably. She always complains about not having clothes to wear. Now I won
’t have to listen to her complain.”

“Ok. Then I will get a jersey for her, also. I
’ll see you in a few days, buddy.”

“Bye, Gage.”

Walking back to were Jenna was sitting in the sand with Evie I had a smile on my face.

“She’s cute,” Jenna said bluntly.

Setting Londyn down beside Evie I watched the two small girls dig into the sand. “She is. I like her, but she
won’t
give me the time of day.” I shouldn’t care. But,
I did. I was attracted to her.

“She seemed good with Londyn. Was that her little boy?” Jenna asked.

“Do we have to do this? I don’t want to play twenty questions. I like her and I shouldn’t. Five months, Jenna. That
’s it, but there is something about her that keeps drawi
n
g me to her like
bess to honey
.”

“Why shouldn’t you? Gage, look at me.
” Jenna put her hand on my arm, and I looked at her. “
She would want you to be happy. There is no time frame for mourning. You can still miss her and be sad. That doesn’t mean you have to pause your life for a certain amount of time.
”

I guess we were going to do this. Much to my disapproval.
“I do miss her, everyday. But, there is something about Annie that makes the pain a little less. I
’m still trying to figure out what’s going on with her and her son. I know that today, spending time with Gabe, I felt the best I have in months. It felt right, like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
”

Jenna had tears forming in the corners of her eyes. “Maybe, that’s because you
are
where
you’re
supposed to be.
Watching you today, I saw the old Gage. I haven’t seen him in a long time. I loved seeing you smile and laugh.”

“This afternoon I was happy. Playing football with Gabe felt natural. Seeing Annie holding Londyn seemed like it should be an everyday thing.” I
brought my eyes to my eight month old daughter. She was the spitting image of her mom. “’I asked them to the preseason game on Monday.”

“Well, are they going?” Jenna asked, excitedly.

“Yep. I’m having a car pick them up and drive them home. I’m also having her stay the night in New Orleans.”

Raising an eyebrow she asked, “With you?”

I shook my head. “No. I don’t even have a place there. I have just been staying at The Roosevelt when I need to. I’ll get them a suite for the night.”

Jenna slowly nodded. “Just take it slow, okay. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“I’m not looking for a relationship, Jenna. Hell, I would take her being my friend. I married Cobie, that’s it for me.”

“Don’t use her either, Gage. I know what you become when you’re hurting. I’m not a blithering idiot. I know exactly what you did a few
years ago. It’s my fault. I should have never said yes when you asked me to marry you. I was in love with Larkin. Deep down I always knew we would never get married. But, you sacrificed so much. I didn’t want to let you down. Then, I did. I chose Larkin. You shut me out, and drank like a fish, screwing anything that would drop her panties and spread her legs. Don’t go back to that.”

I knew my reputation as a man whore had gotten out. I didn’t know Jenna had blamed herself. I was waiting for the sting in my chest to come. Nothing. Not even a dull ache. I loved Jenna, always would, but I had moved on. “It wasn’t your fault. I knew you would chose him. I fooled myself into thinking that you were in love with me. And, for a little while I actually thought we would be a family. All it took was the look on your face when you saw Larkin holding Evie to know how wrong I had been. I wanted you to be happy and I knew that wasn’t with me. It hurt, I won’t lie. I handled it wrong. But, if I hadn’t then Londyn wouldn’t be here.” I curled a piece of her hair around my finger. “Cobie and I only wanted one night. It turned into so much more and I am so thankful for that. If it weren’t for Londyn,”- I sighed and shut my eyes- “If it wasn’t for her I don’t even want to think about the kind of person I would be today. She saved me. She changed me.”

Jenna rested her head on my shoulder. “Our pasts aren’t pretty, but that’s what makes us who we are today.”

She was right. I couldn’t change my past. Even if I could I wouldn’t want to. I couldn’t keep living in the ‘coulda, woulda shoulda’s’. I had to move on from the past. But that meant moving on from Cobie. I still wasn’t sure if I was ready for that.
Cobie gave me the greastest blessing in life and my life saver. I opened my eyes to look at Londyn. She had a mouth full of sand, giggling. She made my past worth every bit of hurt and anger I went through. She was worth more than anything. I would spend the rest of my life making sure she knew how much she meant to me. To her mom. To us.

Annie

W
hat the hell did I agree to? Groaning, I opened my closet. What would one wear to a football game that she didn’t want to be at? Sweatpants and an old ratty tee shirt?

“I thought you didn’t care about this ‘stupid’ game?” Leigha asked from my bed

“I don’t.”

“Then why are you so worried about what you’re going to wear?”

“I’m not. Just trying to decided between my Van Halen shirt or my Pink Floyd shirt.” I held both shirts up and watched as my best friend wrinkled her nose. Lydia was sitting beside Leigha and shook her head.

“You are trying way too hard. If I didn’t know any bette
r I would think someone in this room has a crush.” Lydia laughed.

“I don’t know why I am friends with you two.” I tossed the shirts at both the girls as they laughed.

Leigha caught the old shirt and held it up to her. She said mockingly, “My name is Annie. Look at me, everybody. I like making my life as difficult as possible and denying my lady bits of anything fun.”

“You two are fired. I am going to hire new best friends. Go home.”

“Oh, stop being such a party pooper. We are just trying to have a little fun with you.” Leigha commented.

Lydia climbed off my bed and walked over to my closet. “Here, we will help you find something so you don’t show up looking like some rockstar groupie from the era of bad fashion.” She started thumbing through my closet, pulling out different shirts and tossing them onto my bed. “You go get Gabe’s clothes packed and we will get you all taken care of. You only have an hour before the car is here.”

“Fine. But, I swear you two better not have me dressed like some cheap hoe. I will call Jase and make him go.”