Chapter 17

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

TANNER

F allon arrived this afternoon following a morning filled with the cold-shoulder treatment from Bailey. I tried to apologize multiple times, but she found a way to ensure she was never alone with me. Now that Fallon is here, I won’t get Bailey to myself until tomorrow when we leave.

She and I are supposed to fly home tomorrow morning. She offered to stay longer to help Fallon, and probably to avoid me, but Fallon insisted that Bailey go home and enjoy her New Year’s Eve with her friends.

I’m taking them all to dinner at a restaurant where you pick your own steaks and then you get to cook them yourself on the lava rock grills. We come here every year. It’s Harper’s favorite restaurant out here and she wanted to wait for Fallon to come so we could all enjoy it together.

As we grill our steaks, Fallon asks Bailey, “Any big New Year’s Eve plans?”

She shrugs. “I’m not sure. I’ve never spent one without my sister before. Some girls on the team mentioned clubbing. It’s not really my scene, but maybe I’ll make an exception.”

I had asked her to spend it with me. This is her way of telling me she’s not. I wish it didn’t hurt as much as it does.

Fallon appears surprised by the fact that Bailey doesn’t enjoy clubbing. “I would think you guys would be out drinking and dancing all the time. How do you meet men?”

I can’t help but flinch at the question. Fallon immediately notices. For someone who prides himself on being a good poker player, my real-life poker face needs a lot of work.

Fallon closely watches me while Bailey answers, “Here and there.”

About twenty minutes later, we’re at the table enjoying the fruits of our labor. Fallon is staring daggers at me when Bailey’s phone rings. She rejects the call without looking to see who it’s from and gives us a sheepish smile. “Sorry. I didn’t realize the ringer was on.”

Just then, it starts ringing again. I nod toward it. “Someone needs to get in touch with you. Answer it.”

She looks down and her eyebrows pinch together. “It’s my dad. That’s strange. He knows I’m here with you guys. It must be important.” She stands. “I’ll be right back.” She walks out the front door of the restaurant.

Fallon asks Harper, “Did you and Dylan use the outdoor hot tub? I can’t wait for that. I love watching the snow fall from the confines of a warm tub. I bet it’s beautiful.”

Harper nods. “Yes, we went in every day when we got back from skiing. Daddy and Bailey used it every night after we went to bed."

I do my best not to choke on my food. I didn’t realize she knew that. “Umm…yep. My old bones needed it after a day on the slopes.”

Fallon gives me a forced smile, “I’ll bet your bone needed it. ”

She glares at me. I know a big talk is in my future, and I have no idea what I’m going to say.

I’m fumbling for the right words when Bailey returns with tears streaming down her cheeks. I immediately stand. “What’s wrong?”

She visibly swallows and fairly calmly says, “My mother passed today.”

Uncaring where we are or who we’re with, I wrap her in my arms as she begins silently sobbing into my chest.

Fallon looks at me. “Get the car and bring her back to the cabin to pack. Take care of whatever logistics she needs. I’ll finish up here and we’ll Uber back.”

“Are you sure?”

She nods. “Of course. Bailey, I’m so sorry for your loss.”

Bailey nods and croaks out, “Thank you.”

I help her out the door with my arm around her. I don’t care if Fallon has a problem with it. Bailey needs comfort right now.

The drive back to the cabin is done in silence. I hold her hand while she stoically stares out the window.

Eventually breaking the silence, she admits, “He said a year. I thought I had more time. I never gave up hope that we’d all make amends. I wanted it, but Kam needed it. I’m worried for my sister.”

I pull her hand to my lips and kiss it. “I’m sorry, baby. I know it’s hard, and I know you worry about her, but right now, it’s okay to think about yourself and your feelings on this.”

She looks at me. “I don’t know how I feel. I’m sad, but she hasn’t been a real mother to us in such a long time. My father has done all the parenting for as long as I can remember.”

“How is he?”

“Kind of emotionless. I think he was in shock. I told him I’d call Kam. She’s not going to have a normal response, and I don’t want him to have to deal with her. I honestly don’t know if she’ll come to the funeral.”

“I’m sure she will. For your sake.” I don’t know if that’s true, but Bailey needs to hear it right now. “What can I do to help?”

She stoically responds, “I need to call her and pack. Would you mind changing my flight tomorrow morning to Florida instead of Philly? I also need to figure out my clothing situation. I only have winter clothes with me and nothing for the funeral. I guess I can buy something there.”

“I’ll take care of clothing for you, and I’ll change our flights. Don’t worry about a thing.”

“ Our flights?”

I turn to her. “Yes. I’m coming with you.”

“I don’t that’s a g—”

“I’m coming. Who knows what Kamryn will do? Even if she’s there, she’ll be a handful, and you’ll spend all your time taking care of her and your father. Who will take care of you? I want to be there for you. Harper is gone all week with Fallon. No argument. I’m coming with you.”

She nods as we pull into the driveway of the cabin. I quickly exit the car and walk around to help her out.

Once her feet are on the ground, she looks up at me. “I know we’re not really together, but I want you to know how much I appreciate this. It means a lot to me.”

I wipe her tear-covered cheeks with my thumbs. “No matter what we are and aren’t, I care about you.” More than I should.

I take her hand. “Let’s get inside and get everything sorted.”

We walk in and she holds up her phone. “I’m calling Kam. Wish me luck.”

“She’ll come. I know she’ll do the right thing.” She better.

Bailey nods as she disappears into her bedroom .

I first call Shannon and instruct her to take care of everything, including flights, hotel, car rental, and an assortment of clothing for Bailey.

I then text Cheetah.

Me: No matter what you have to do, get her to that funeral.

Cruz: She’s not emoting over this. It’s weird. I’ll try.

Me: I told Shannon to book us two suites at a nearby hotel. One will be in your name. If you need her to take care of anything else, just text her.

Cruz: Thanks, man. How’s Bailey?

Me: Worried about Kamryn.

Cruz: Sounds about right.

Me: Our flight arrives in the late afternoon. Get. Kamryn. There.

Cruz: I’ll do my best. Let me run. They’re getting off the phone. I’ll keep you updated.

Bailey’s still in her room when Fallon returns with the girls. She says to Harper, “It’s late. Why don’t you two get into your pajamas and brush your teeth? I’ll come read you stories in a few minutes.”

Harper’s little brow furrows. “But I want to make sure Bailey is okay.”

I reply, “She’s sad, honey. Why don’t we give her a little space tonight? You’ll see her in the morning before she goes. I’m sure she could use a big hug from you. ”

“Okay, Daddy.”

She and Dylan head to their room. Fallon looks at me. “How’s Bailey?”

“Upset. She had a strained relationship with her mother. I think not getting closure will sting for a bit. It’s worse for Kamryn. She had a lot more animosity toward their mother than Bailey did. Of course, Bailey is more concerned about her sister than herself.”

“I’m sorry for what she’s going through. It can’t be easy.”

“It’s not.”

She blows out a breath. “Not to sound insensitive, my heart genuinely breaks for her, but maybe you should stick around an extra day or two so we can chat about the fact that you’re fucking our daughter’s nanny.” She shakes her head. “My mother was right. I told her she was mistaken, that neither you nor Bailey would be so selfish, but she saw it. I was ignorant, but she knew right away.”

I pour myself a drink and take a long gulp. Shit. I wasn’t going to drink tonight. Fuck that. The situation warrants it. “We didn’t plan this, Fallon. It just happened.”

Her lips tighten into a thin line. “When you hire a woman who looks like a swimsuit model as a nanny, and you look like…you, this kind of shit is inevitable. I explicitly expressed these concerns to you before you hired her, and you assured me it wouldn’t be a problem. I don’t care who you fuck, Tanner, but I care if it could hurt Harper. When you dump the poor kid in a few weeks, where does that leave Harper? You know she loves Bailey. She’ll be devastated when Bailey leaves her. Heartbroken.”

I take another sip, letting it smooth out the edges. “What do you want me to say? We’ve agreed to be casual. To not let it impact Harper.”

She rolls her eyes. “Oh please. Don’t play ignorant. I see the way she looks at you. I assumed it was unrequited puppy love. I didn’t know you were so weak. This isn’t casual for her. I barely know Bailey, but I know enough to realize that a girl like her probably doesn’t do casual. Maybe when she gets back from Florida, the three of us should sit down and figure out what’s best for Harper.”

“I’m…I’m going to Florida with her.”

She freezes and simply stares at me for a few moments. Her hand moves over her mouth. “You have feelings for her.” She whispers to herself, “Holy shit. I’m such an idiot. How could I be so blind?”

I’m getting angry but doing my best not to raise my voice to her. I calmly yet clearly state, “You know what, Fallon, my love life is none of your concern.”

“I don’t disagree, but when it impacts Harper, it is. How could you be so careless about who you sleep with?”

I scoff. “Isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black? At least I didn’t—”

I stop myself from finishing that sentence when I see the tears streaming from her eyes at the uncharacteristic shot fired. I’ve never once thrown her affair in her face. I pride myself on that fact.

I hold up my hand. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for.”

Her lips tremble as she shakes her head. “No, you’re right. I’m the dirty whore of the two of us, not you.”

“You’re not a dirty whore, Fallon.”

Tears continue to fall from her eyes. “I broke up our marriage. I lost the only man I’ve ever loved because of a foolish decision. One that I replay over and over every single night of my life, wondering if I made a different choice, what our lives would look like. Would we have gotten past the distance and found our way to happiness again? Would Harper have married parents? I suppose we’ll never know, and I’ll be left…” She doesn’t finish her thought.

“Be left how?”

She shakes her head. “It doesn’t matter.” She takes a deep breath, gathering herself. “I’m going to read to the girls. Go help Bailey with whatever she needs. We’ll talk more when you get back from Florida.”

It’s early morning, and we’re about to leave for the airport. Harper is clinging to Bailey for dear life.

Fallon looks at me with worry written all over her face. I know she’s concerned about Harper’s attachment to Bailey. She’s not wrong.

Harper whimpers, “I’m sorry you’re sad, Bailey.”

She kisses Harper’s head. “I’ll be okay. Don’t worry about me. You know what would make me feel better?”

Harper looks hopeful. “What?”

“If you promise to have the best week with your mommy.” Tears fill her eyes. “You’re very lucky to have such a good mommy.”

Fallon wraps her arms around Harper from behind. “We promise, right, baby?”

Harper nods. “Y…yes.”

Fallon reaches for Bailey and hugs her. She whispers something in her ear, but I can’t make out what it is.

Bailey simply nods when they break apart.

Later that afternoon, we land in Florida. Bailey sighs. “I didn’t think about a car, a hotel for you, or anything. I’m sorry. My brain has been in a fog since last night.”

“Don’t worry. I took care of everything. I wasn’t sure of the situation at your parents’ house. I booked big suites for both us and for Cheetah and Kamryn. I gave Cheetah all the info.”

“Oh. It’s probably best that we stay in a hotel. I guess I assumed Kam and I would stay with my dad, but she probably won’t want to sleep in that house. She swore she never would again. Thanks for doing that.”

“Of course. Why don’t we head to the hotel first? There should be clothes waiting for us. It’s a little hot down here for sweaters and jeans.”

As we’re driving to the hotel, I ask, “What did Fallon whisper to you before we left?”

She smiles. “How many hours have you been dying to ask me that?”

I chuckle. “Every minute since it happened. She was…a little worked up about us last night.”

“Yep. I realized she figured it out. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll handle her.”

“I get her concerns. She whispered that she’s thankful to me for loving Harper the way I do and she hopes no matter what happens with us, I’ll put Harper first.”

“I have no doubt that you will.”

“Always.”

We arrive at the hotel and change clothes. She suggests that she go to see her father alone. She takes the rental car keys and heads to his house.

A few hours later, well into the evening, she’s still gone and I’m busy working at my laptop when there’s a knock at the door. I open it to see Kamryn and Cheetah. Kamryn pushes her way in. “Where’s my sister?”

“Hello to you too, Kamryn. Nice to see you. I’m sorry for your loss.”

“I’m just glad the suffering is over.”

“Oh. Was she in pain? I didn’t realize that.”

Kamryn deadpans, “No. Not her suffering. Ours.” She scoffs. “It’s no loss. The world is a better place without that lowlife. Where’s my sister? She’s the only reason Cheetah talked me into coming to this charade. Our appearance will probably double the number of people who attend her funeral.” She narrows her eyes at me. “Why are you here? ”

“Because she wasn’t sure you’d come, and I didn’t want her to have to do this alone.”

“Hmm. Do you care about all of your employees this much? If Shannon’s mother passed, would you accompany her to the funeral too? It’s quite an employee perk program you’re running.”

“If Shannon’s sister was crazy, yes I would go.”

Cheetah barks out a laugh. “He’s got you there.”

Bailey suddenly appears in the doorway. She wraps her arms around Kamryn from behind and sinks her nose into her back. “Thanks for coming.”

Kamryn turns around and hugs her back. “I’m here for you and Daddy, not her.”

Bailey nods. “I know. I’m still happy you’re here. I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” Kamryn pulls back. “How’s Daddy?”

Bailey twists her lips. “He’s surprisingly calm. He’s all business about it. It’s weird.”

Kamryn nods. “He’s probably relieved to be rid of the witch.”

“The house is different. It’s like he was already packed up and ready to sell it. I don’t think they were sleeping in the same room. All his stuff was in our old room.”

“Who would fuck her? I hope he had a side piece he was bringing into our room at night. He deserves it.”

Cheetah chuckles. “Kam bam, you’re the only person on the planet praying for her father to get side action.”

She smiles. “I am. And I plan to put the fun in this funeral. It’s more of a…celebration. Daddy is free at last. It’s a holiday miracle.”

Bailey sighs. “Behave for two days. For him. He said he knows you won’t stick around for long. He wants to come up for a visit next month to talk to us about some things.”

“Good. I want to get the fuck out of this shitty town as soon as I can. We’re leaving tomorrow. ”

“Fine. I didn’t tell any of our friends. It’s the holidays, and I don’t want anyone to feel obligated to fly down here. I assume you’re good with that?”

Kamryn nods. “For sure. Don’t make anyone come in for this shitshow. They’re busy with their own crap.” She looks around. “I see you have a two-bedroom suite as well. Interesting.”

Bailey rolls her eyes. “Don’t start. Not today. How were your trips to Texas and Jamaica?”

Kamryn smiles. “Texas was great. Cheetah’s family is awesome. There are a million of them, and almost all are fun like him. He’s the only one with blue eyes though.” She winks at Cheetah. “Right?”

He shakes his head in exasperation. “It’s been family fodder for years and Kam bam joined right in on it.”

Bailey smiles. “I have no doubt.”

She continues. “We weren’t in Jamaica for long, but it was the most beautiful place I’ve ever been.”

Bailey nods. “Sorry your vacation got cut short.” She yawns and stretches her arms. “I’m beat. I’m headed to bed.”

“What? It’s New Year’s Eve. Let’s go party. We can celebrate the new year and the end of an error.”

“An era?”

“An error. Beverly Hart’s existence was an error of grand proportions.”

Bailey shakes her head. “I’m not up for going out. Our mother’s funeral is tomorrow. Do you have anything to wear?”

Kamryn smiles and nods. “I’ve got the perfect dress for the occasion, sis. Don’t worry.”

Bailey sighs. “Oh Christ. Remember, we’re here for him. It’s about him.”

“Sure thing. So, Bails, which room are you sleeping in tonight?”

Bailey pushes her and Cheetah out the door. “Good night. Have a good time tonight. Don’t get too blitzed. See you in the morning. Be ready to leave by nine.”

Kam laughs as they leave. “Oh, we’ll have fun.”

Once they’re gone, I pull Bailey into my arms. “How was he?”

She relaxes into me. “Oddly at ease. I hate to admit it, but Kam might be right. I think he’s relieved. He was sad—they have a long history together—but he seemed at peace. Maybe he can move on and live a fuller life.”

“How about you? How are you feeling?”

“She was a terrible person, but she was still my mother and she’s gone. In some ways, we lost her to the bottle nearly twenty years ago. And I hadn’t seen her in a very long time.”

“When was the last time?”

“Our high school graduation. She showed up trashed and belligerent. It was really embarrassing. Kam made our father promise not to bring her to our college graduation.”

“How are you so maternal and perfect coming from that situation?”

She lets out a laugh. “I’m far from perfect. Like I said to you before, sometimes you have to see what you don’t want to know what you do.”

I tuck her hair behind her ear. “Why don’t I draw you a bath? Have you seen the tub? It’s enormous.”

She rests her head on my chest. “Hmm. That sounds good. Will you join me?”

“I thought you might want some time alone…away from me.”

“I know we’re sort of in a weird place, but you’re here and I’d rather be with you. I know things might change when we get home. I just want to enjoy it while it lasts.”

I grab her face. “We will continue to spend time together as long as we both want to do so. Fallon has no say in that. ”

“She has a say in who spends time with Harper though.”

“She knows there is no one better to be Harper’s nanny than you. She’ll put Harper’s needs first. She always has.”

Fifteen minutes later we’re sitting in the tub with her leaning back into my chest. I’m rubbing her shoulders, and she sighs. “I’m in heaven. I’ve never been taken care of like this in my life.”

“That’s a shame. You deserve it.”

“Is it wrong that I’m here to bury my mother and yet I’ve never felt more relaxed?”

“Not at all. I’m happy that I’m here with you.”

She turns her head and kisses my jaw. “Me too. Tell me something about you. It doesn’t have to be deep. Maybe tell me what you were like in high school. I bet you were so handsome.”

“ Were handsome, as in past tense?”

She giggles. “You know what I mean.”

“I suppose I did alright with the ladies. I was focused on baseball. Being a professional player meant everything to me. A lot of people, my father included, thought it would happen. I was initially a pitcher being recruited to several top college programs.”

I get a wave of emotion. There’s a reason I never talk about this with anyone.

“And something bad happened?”

“Yes.”

“Was this the incident you mentioned to me a little while ago? The one where you felt you lost control?”

I nod. “It was. My shitty coaches overused me, and I threw my arm out when I was sixteen. My elbow was a mess. I needed surgery. I was out for a year.”

“Oh, Tanner, I’m so sorry.”

She turns around in the tub and straddles me, taking me into her comforting arms.

“I lost my division-one-level throwing speed after that and was never able to get it back. That’s how I became a shortstop. The division-one offers went away. I decided to play division three with thoughts of working my way up. I was a great defensive player, but my hitting wasn’t there. When you’re a pitcher, you spend time on that, not hitting, so I never developed that properly.”

“Yep. I’ve never even seen Ripley pick up a bat. All she does is pitch.”

I pinch my lips together. The pain feels as fresh as it did back then. “By the end of my sophomore season in college, I knew the realities of my situation. I was never going to be a major league baseball player. I didn’t want to give up on having baseball in my life though. I loved it so much. I still do. My father is the one who suggested becoming a sports agent. It’s easier to break into the field if you’re both a former athlete and an attorney, so that’s how I ended up in law school. I live vicariously through my clients. Layton was among the first I signed. That’s why his career means a lot to me. Meant a lot to me. I suppose it’s over now.”

She grabs my face and gives my lips a soft kiss. “Thanks for sharing all that with me. I know it’s not easy for you.”

She kisses me again. I know she intends for it to be innocent and comforting, but I deepen it. I think we need each other right now, but I don’t want to push her if she’s not up for it. We’ve had a rough few days.

She doesn’t pull away though. She kisses me back every bit as much as I kiss her.

I run my hands down her body to the spot between her legs. “I can help you relax even more if you’d like.”

She smiles into my mouth and spreads her legs as wide as they can go in the tub. “Do your worst, Mr. Montgomery.”

At that, I slip two fingers into her. Her eyes flutter. “Oh god. That feels nice.”

“Nice? I’m not aiming for nice. ”

She smiles playfully. “Your fingers are nice. Your dino-dick is a whole other story.”

I chuckle. “Dino-dick?”

“You’re so big, like a dinosaur. Were you always big?”

“Hmm. I’ve never thought about it.”

She gives me an incredulous look. “You have the biggest dick I’ve ever seen, by far. You must know how unusually…gifted you are.”

I can’t help but smirk. “I suppose I am fairly…gifted. It’s been many years since I’ve been in a locker room comparing johnsons.”

“Let me promise you, you’re at the head of the class. When does that happen for a guy? Is it like feet? They grow first and then the body grows into them. Did you have this giant dick and small body causing you to topple over all the time?”

I let out a laugh. “I love your pillow talk.”

She smiles as she plays with the back of my hair. “Tell me. I want to know.”

I squeeze her breast. “You’re pretty top-heavy. How did it work for you?” I joke. “Did they grow first, causing you to topple over ?”

She giggles. “Point taken.”

I grab her hand and wrap it around my now-hardened cock. “He’s fully grown with you sitting on my lap. He’s looking for somewhere wet and warm. Can you help him out?”

She runs her lower lip through her teeth. “I can but I don’t have a condom in here, do you?”

I shake my head. “No. I know you have the IUD. I assume there’s no one else?”

She rolls her eyes. “You know there’s not.”

I squeeze her ass hard. “I should spank you for rolling your eyes at me.”

She lifts one eyebrow. “I might be up for that. ”

I stroke my cock a few times and run the tip through her slippery flesh until it rests at her opening. I push in just an inch or two.

She closes her eyes. “Hmm. That feels good. I’ve never had anyone bare inside me before. When was the last ti—”

“Not since Fallon.”

“And you’re not—”

I echo my words from the first night we were together. “Sweet girl, there’s no one else. You’re all I see.”

Seemingly satisfied with my response, she wiggles her hips, slides all the way down on me, and breathes, “Tanner,” before her lips meet mine.

My cock is fully seated but completely still inside her as I sweep my tongue through her mouth. She scrapes her fingernails across my scalp before beginning to swivel her hips over me.

This feels intimate. Too intimate for what we’re supposed to be. I shouldn’t have done this, gone bare with her, but there’s no stopping us now.

She tilts her head back and closes her eyes as she begins to ride me harder. “Oh yes, Daddy, I like that.”

Fucking hell. Why does it drive me nuts when she calls me that? I thrust my hips up, desperate to get as deep inside her as possible.

It’s been many years since I’ve gone bareback with a woman. I nearly forgot how incredible it feels.

I reach back out of the tub toward the ice cubes sitting in the bucket with an unused bottle of wine. I sat it there for her in case she wanted a drink, but I’m committed to not drinking on this trip.

Grabbing a cube, I rub it around her nipples. She gasps before looking down at what I’m doing. Her peaks pebble into hard balls before I drop the cube into the warm water and take her nipples one at a time into my warm mouth .

She looks down at me with so much damn heat and passion that it threatens to break me.

We make very slow, passionate love in that tub, and I feel like the entire earth shifts when I come inside her. There's something happening inside me, but I have no words to describewhat the hell it is.

One particular word drifts unbidden through my mind, but I ignore it because that will never happen. I won't let it.