13. Thirteen
Thirteen
Jake
W hoever is disturbing me this early on a Saturday morning better have a damn good reason. I swing the door wide, not bothering to hide my irritation and glare at my bothersome visitor.
“Just getting back from a run?” Carter asks, a goofy grin glued to his face as he takes in my disheveled appearance. Having three pairs of underaged eyes directed my way suddenly has me very aware of my state of undress.
“Just about to start my post run workout, actually. I’m feeling rather energetic today. What do you want?”
Carter’s smile morphs into an apologetic frown that marks the beginning of a wordless conversation only people who’ve known each other their whole lives can pull off .
Don’t say it, man. I was two seconds away from sinking into heaven, and you’re about to blow it for me, aren’t you?
I’m so damn sorry, bro.
I hate you so fucking much right now.
I’ll make it up to you. I promise. I wouldn’t be asking if I had another option.
“How long?” I ask out loud, crossing my arms over my chest and making it clear that I’m less than thrilled.
“Not sure. Megan’s in the E.R. after falling down the stairs. She twisted her ankle pretty bad and is waiting for an x-ray. The kids have been running wild at the hospital, and my folks flew out to California this morning.”
Inhaling a deep breath, I resign myself that getting it on with my woman will have to wait a few more hours and step aside to let Nathan and Josie pass.
“You owe me.” I take the baby from his outstretched arms and settle her on my hip.
Ariana immediately grabs at my cheeks with her sticky fingers, gazing up at me with a toothy grin.
Aaaannnnd, I melt like a block of ice in the desert.
“Who’s my favorite girl in the world?” I ask, tickling her little tummy.
Her reply comes in the form of a gargled sound and a couple of impressive spit bubbles. “That’s right, princess. You are. ”
“Thanks, man. I really appreciate it. I’d appreciate it even more if you could get a handle on your little situation and throw on a shirt, though,” he adds, eyes briefly dipping to my crotch before he leaves me standing on my porch feeling like a total creep, which kind of helps deflate whatever was left of my little situation .
“Hey Jake,” he calls out, standing in the open car door.
“What?” I bark, distracted by Ariana’s flailing limbs. That girl can throw a serious haymaker when you least expect it.
“Who are you hiding in there?” Carter wags his eyebrows like a juvenile.
“Fuck off. Go see to your wife, you idiot. The sooner you sort her out, the sooner I can get back to my workout. And tell Megan, Tessa and I hope she feels better soon.”
Carter punches the air with a resounding, “Fuck yeah,” before he gets in his vehicle, leaving me to play babysitter to his children, while a naked and very willing goddess of a woman is waiting for me in my bed. Today is going to be one long, uncomfortable edging session.