Chapter 35
Chapter Thirty-Five
ADAM
I’m at work but I am not concentrating where I should be.
My head is wrapped around my sister and Jackson’s impending wedding date.
The fact that my parents knew and didn’t tell me.
Why did they keep it a secret from me? I know why, I’ve been a jerk.
I gave Jackson a hard time right out the gate.
I didn’t trust my sister and her own decisions.
The fucking secrets in this family are going to be our downfall.
Why do I always think I know better than everyone else? I was brought up with good morals, to be humble, never to project you’re better than anyone else. So where does this feeling of superiority come from? This need to be in control.
It took me a long time to get Chelsea on board with moving to Christmas after college.
Her past trauma made her reluctant to leave her safety net that she thought she had at home.
It wasn’t safe, it wasn’t even comfortable but it’s what she knew.
I convinced her I could be that net if she would let me.
She didn’t really get it then. Hell, I clearly didn’t get it then because I didn’t make her feel safe.
But we’re getting it now. We’re older. I’m older, I’m learning more about myself.
I’m not sure it’s the need to be in control as much as it is a need to protect.
But whatever it is, I need to learn balance.
Things are changing rapidly, and my loss of control over them is causing me to spiral.
But I need to see it for what it is. A time to grow, to learn, to adapt and change and go with the flow. A teaching moment.
Chelsea and I are in a good space right now, both emotionally and physically. I asked her to move in with me. Again. Well, I didn’t give her a choice. I cleared out one of the guest rooms and started filling it with Dominic’s things.
And then I brought her stuff over and put it in my bedroom. That earned me a fight, but I was happy to clear things up with her later that night. After two orgasms, she was more than happy to live together.
I just want to know that her and my son are close, under my care. I know it was a lot for her to give up being on her own. But she doesn’t have to do it alone anymore. I’m here. I want to be here for both of them.
She gave me the challenge I’ve been missing for two years. And with both of them here? My house has never felt more like a home than it does right now.
Adley is staying in the house across the street for now, which I’m glad for. Her sister has been the only constant in her life. But I plan on changing that. I want to be that person. Her one.
It turns me the fuck on having her in my house. We never lived together years ago; she always wanted her own space to retreat to. But now? We’re going all in. We’re going to make this work.
My mom came to get Dom for the night, so we could get ready for the Coach of the Year awards dinner tonight.
Thank God she did because it was getting rough seeing Chelsea move in and out of the shower, the closet, pulling on different dresses until she found one she liked.
Watching her apply makeup, blow out her hair.
All of it made me want to grab her and bend her over the sink.
And once my mom left with our son, I did just that.
“How’s my hair? Back in place?” she asks as she’s smoothing the back down.
Yeah, I might have messed it up again in the car ride over here.
Watching her get ready, I called an Uber because I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands on the wheel and off her for the thirty-minute travel time it took to get us to the banquet hall.
I open the car door and step out, turning back around and taking her hand to help her out. “You’re gorgeous,” I say as she stands and wipes a little lipstick from my mouth.
“They’re going to know why we were late.”
“No, they won’t. We’ll just say Dom slowed us down.”
“Oh sure, blame our son! You and I both know your mom is always early to get him, and Dom can’t wait to go with her. They’ll all see right through that excuse.”
I nod to the doorman as we walk through the open foyer. We’re directed to check our table number, and then we’re heading in to get our seats. The place is loud with excitement and speculation on a winner. The workers bustle around cleaning up cocktail hour and try to get guests to sit for dinner.
“Honestly? I don’t give a fuck what they think. I’ll gladly shout that I was fucking my baby momma into submission,” I say, pulling her to a stop so I can look at her as we enter the room and step to the side.
“You’re the only one who can.”
“And yet you still fight me.”
“And you like it.”
“Mm, I love it.” I give her a quick kiss. “Come on.” We walk towards the front of the room where I find our table. Jackson and Francesca are seated facing the stage. Tom and Farrah are here, Britt and Bobby, of course, but sitting with Billy? Is Adley.
“Your sister is here! Did you know?” I look at her with inquisitive eyes.
She returns my look. “No,” she mouths. Then walks towards the open seat next to her sister and sits. They immediately begin whispering.
“Fellas.” I nod my head then give my sister a quick kiss. Acknowledging Farrah and Britt, I take my seat on the other side of CJ.
“You’re late.” Jackson raises a brow while wearing a shit eating grin on his face.
“Dinner isn’t even served yet. We didn’t miss anything.”
“Cocktail hour was nice.” He’s still staring me down.
“We had cocktail hour at home.”
“Adam!” Chelsea admonishes me.
Chuckling, I lay my hand on her thigh and squeeze. She places her hand over mine and moves her chair a tiny bit closer to me. Like there is still too much distance and we just aren’t having it anymore. She looks at me and I lean over to whisper in her ear.
“You’re the most gorgeous woman at this table.” I watch as her lips turn up into a sweet smile.
“Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Casanova.”
“Will it get you dripping off my face?” Her eyes flare, a slight blush blooms on her cheeks.
She licks her lips, and I notice the pulse in her neck thrum. “One can only hope.” Then she reaches for her champagne and downs it in one gulp.
I’ve got her flustered, and I love it. I study her a moment longer until I notice my sister giving me a sly smile from across the table.
I hold her gaze and lift my drink in cheers to her before taking a sip.
She does the same then dips her head towards Jackson’s and whispers something to him.
His eyes connect with mine and he winks.
I mouth ‘Fuck you’ to him which only makes him chuckle.
“So, CJ, are you and my nephew all settled into the kingdom or what?”
I reach out and smack Billy upside the head.
“Bro! Damn! I’m just asking how she likes it over at AAA Stadium.”
“You’re such an asshole, Billy.”
“I’m happy for you, Adam. Really.” He leans in and with a faux whisper, “Does she call you daddy in bed?”
“William John!” Francesca chastises, and Adley slaps the table breaking out into laughter.
“No. Fucking. Way.” She breathes out the words in between hysterics as we watch her die of laughter.
“What’s so funny?”
“Please tell me your initials are not BJ!” She can barely get the words out. I sit and smirk as Chelsea lays her forehead on my shoulder, giggling to herself.
“It’s WJ. Not BJ.”
“Nope, I heard it. Your name is Billy. Middle name John. That makes you BJ,” Adley croons. “Oh, this is classic, and it’s going in my next book. With every dad joke you tell, I’m writing a blow job joke with your name on it.”
We’re all having a good laugh at Billy’s expense, and he’s a good sport, going along with it. Nothing seems to rile him up.
He reaches out and grabs Adley’s chair, yanking it closer to him. He lowers his voice, but I hear it loud and clear. “You won’t be laughing when I’m coming down your throat later.”
I feel Chelsea tense next to me, her round eyes meeting mine as we look at each other, wondering if we really heard what we think we did.
I roll my lips in to keep quiet, but there’s no mistaking the purr that comes from Adley.
Chelsea Jo’s eyes get larger. “Oh, my god.” I give her a wink and take a sip of my scotch, shaking my head.
Those two together could be dangerous. He’s gasoline and she’s the match.
I saw it years ago, and it only seems to be hotter between them now.
I just hope Billy is mindful of his actions.
She's already been burned once. My brother doesn’t need to be the second man to do it to her.
Well, third if you want to count her toxic father.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I’d like to welcome you all tonight as we celebrate some fantastic coaches!
And to you, Coaches, I’d like to take this opportunity now to congratulate all of you on your winning seasons!
” The President of the Coaches Association begins his speech and videos of the seasons represented by the teams tonight play in the background.
Sitting here, I’m overcome with emotion.
I’m surrounded by my girlfriend, my brothers and my sister, who looks at my best friend with pride and love.
My life has come full circle, and I was not prepared for the happiness it’s brought. I didn’t arrive at it easily, it was more like a crash landing, but I’ll take it.
“This year’s award goes to a man who has turned his town around.
He has set up his kids for future greatness with his tough, yet fair coaching practices.
He’s taught them that discipline and hard work will advance you.
Above all, I believe it’s his personal commitment to each and every kid on his team that has earned him this award.
And let’s not forget those three State Championships he delivered!
” People begin to clap and whistle and our table buzzes with excitement.
“It is with great honor that I name Jackson Gage as this year's Coach of the Year!”