8. Chapter Eight

8

Chapter Eight

Clara

I definitely know." I'm biting the corner of my thumbnail as I wait for Rhett to come back from brushing his teeth and washing his face. As soon as Rowan ended the call I let Rhett know our new friend was coming to watch a movie with us. He's so excited he brought out all his blankets and pillows already. There's a knock on the front door the same time Rhett comes barreling into the room. Signing to him. "Rowan's here. Settle. Time for relaxing." He lays down under the blankets and snuggles in the middle of the pillows. Shooting me a thumbs up and turning to the TV.

Taking a deep breath I swing the door open and if I thought suit Rowan was hot, ‘Basketball shorts and a gray t-shirt with thick black rimmed glasses sitting perfectly on the bridge of his nose' Rowan turns me into ash from just being in his proximity. Those glasses shouldn't make my panties drop like this. He smirks at me, "You going to invite me in?" Picking my jaw and metaphorical panties off the floor I move aside so he can come in. He kisses my forehead then smiles and moves around the couch to Rhett. He has a bag behind his back. What is that? Before I can ask Rowan toes off his shoes, sits, and sets the bag beside them.

He sits cross legged facing Rhett and lifts his hands. Tears form in my eyes as I watch him sign to my son, "Hey, Little Bear. I brought a gift for you."

Rhett looks at me then back to Rowan, he's cautious and looks skeptical as he signs, "Why? Did you do something wrong?" Rowan looks up at me confused and I translate for him.

His eyes pop wide as he turns back to Rhett and shakes his head, signing, "No, I just want you to have it. It's special. Can you take care of it for me?" The word special has Rhett's attention. He loves special things, and having special jobs. His face turns deadly serious as he nods. Rowan hands him the present.

Rhett pulls a well loved, but still in really good condition, stuffed brown bear out of the bag. Rowan explains out loud and signs to the best of his ability, I pick up where he stumbles, "This bear was my Da's when he was little. Then it was mine. Now I want you to watch him. He's a special bear. He keeps you safe. You have to take him with you and take really good care of him. I don't have time to give him the attention he deserves. Can you do it for me?"

Rhett's eyes light up and he locks his hazel eyes on Rhett's green ones, "Safe? Promise?"

Rowan nods as he says and signs, "Safe, Promise."

Rhett squeezes it tightly and signs, "What's his name?"

"Whatever you'd like it to be, everyone gets a turn to name him. "

Rhett looks him over in concentration, "His name is Safe." Rowan smiles and nods like that settles it. I guess it does, Rhett takes Safe and snuggles back into his spot then pats the side to his left for Rowan. Tears are falling down my eyes as I watch the two of them get comfortable and prepare to watch four turtle brothers fight crime. I snuggle up on the other side of Rhett and we all get sucked into the movie. A while later I feel Rowan reach over Rhett and finger a piece of my hair. He twirls my hair through his fingers as my eyelids grow heavy and Rhett's body relaxes fully into sleep beside me. I'm trying to pry my eyes open but sleep takes over.

I startle awake when feeling Rhett's body being lifted from my arms. I hear a ‘shh' and watch Rowan carefully lift him and cradle him in his arms. "What room?" I'm too tired to tell him I'll do it so I mumble, "second door." I'm jostled awake right when REM sleep was starting to kick back in. Peeking my eyes open Rowan lays me in bed and covers me. He kisses my forehead and whispers, "Goodnight, Pretty Girl. I'll text you tomorrow." He turns to walk away when a knot forms in the pit of my stomach without giving myself a chance to overthink it. I grab his hand at the last minute throwing every ounce of self preservation I have out the window while whispering, "Stay."

Rowan nods then moves to the other side of the bed dropping his wallet and keys on the nightstand before sliding in behind me and wrapping one arm around my chest and another around my lower belly. Pressing my back into his front his cock very noticeably thickens against my lower back. He whispers, "Sleep, baby. You're safe. We'll talk in the morning." Closing my eyes, my final realization before sleep takes over is that this man has already slipped behind my defenses. I want to shut him out and throw the walls up higher than before. That, however, is a problem for tomorrow. I'm way too tired not to let the safety and comfort this man offers me lull me into a deep sleep.

I'm in that half awake, but still half dreaming state when I realize the Rowan who just groaned because I'm pushing my ass back on his hard, thick length in my dreams is actually real life Rowan that's currently in my bed with his head buried in my neck and nibbling right behind my ear. His voice is rough and gravely with sleep, "If you don't stop, rubbing that perfect ass on me, I'm fucking you. I'm not a saint, Clara. Especially not when I have the woman of my dreams in my arms."

I'm not awake enough to care about the consequences of my actions. So I throw caution to the wind while pushing my ass out and up the length of him. "So much talking Mr. Byrne. But no ac-'' I'm cut off by the shock of Rowan flipping me to my back and hovering over top of me.

"What was that now?" He looks so much younger when he smirks at me while amusement dances in his still sleepy eyes. All the stress and hard lines that make him intimidating are gone this morning. He trails his hands up my sides from my hips pulling my baggy shirt until it sits under my chin. Rowan's eyes light up and he bites his bottom lip as he gets the first view of my breasts. They're average, I don't think they're anything special, but Rowan is looking at me like he's never seen anything more gorgeous.

Before I have a chance to become too self conscious his tongue starts a path from the top of my breasts to my nipple, moaning as his lips wrap around it. He sucks and nibbles until it's a hard peak. His hand reaches up to the other and pinches and pulls that nipple until it matches it's twin. My hands grip his hair while pushing up into his mouth more. His eyes flick up to mine grinning as he pops off my nipple and starts kissing down my stomach. He stops at my cesarean scar and gently kisses across it. It's so sweet and tender it makes my chest tighten. Continuing to kiss across to my hip bone he bites and sucks.

"Fuckkkkk Rowan."

He lets out a dark chuckle, "Oh, I plan to, baby."

His calloused fingers run up my inner thigh. Getting to the top of my sleep shorts he hooks his fingers inside and starts slowly lowering them down my legs, kissing as he goes. He's trailing torturous kisses and bites over my mound. So close to the top of my pussy I grab his hair to try to direct him exactly where I want him. He chuckles into my skin then places a gentle kiss at the top of my slit when we hear Rhett's door slam from down the hall.

We both jump and Rowan fixes my clothes in record time, settling us back to how we were before we woke up. Rowan whispers in my ear right as Rhett busts through the door, "We aren't done. Far from it actually." He pushes his cock into my ass to drive home his point then quickly acts like he's asleep. I'm trying my hardest not to laugh because he's ridiculous. He has to face Rhett sooner or later, but it looks like he's chosen later. Rhett looks from me to Rowan, unsure for a second he sets his bear on the side of my bed and signs, "Can we have waffles?"

"Yeah, baby. Let's sneak out. Rowan's still super sleepy."

He nods and we dramatically sneak out the room. Rhett runs down the hall to grab ingredients and as I turn to shut my door Rowans eyes pop open and he lets out a low groan as he strokes himself. "Give me ten minutes to shower and take care of this and I'll be out."

Smirking I smart, "Only ten minutes? How disappointing."

He laughs loudly, "Keep talking that shit baby. You just wait."

Winking at him I pull the door shut. Leaning against the now closed door I'm shocked at myself. Who the hell was that woman? Shaking away the thought and taking a deep breath the panic simmers just below the surface. How do I even approach this with Rhett? What even is this? Ugh, let's go do what I do best yet again, and wing it.

Making waffles is Rhett's favorite morning activity. Especially when we add chocolate chips to them. We're mixing the batter while the waffle iron is heating up. Well, better get this over with before Rowan comes out. Getting Rhett's attention I sign, "I think Rowan's up."

Rhett smiles big before looking at me with inquisitive eyes, "The movie made him sleepy?"

Nodding and reminding myself he's four and a half not fourteen. This doesn't have to be complicated. "It did. Do you like Rowan?"

Excitement shines in his little eyes, "Yes, He's safe. He promised."

My breath catches and I quickly wipe at the tears forming in my eyes. Hearing Rowan come up behind me, I act like I didn't. That is until he subtly slides his hand down my back to grip my ass. Turning his attention to my sweet boy he smiles, "Good morning, Little Bear." Then he mumbles behind me, "Good morning, Pretty Girl." He sneaks a kiss to the top of my head before moving to help Rhett with breakfast. He smiles over his shoulder as he talks and signs so Rhett isn't left out, "Go sit, the men have this handled. Right, Bear?"

Determination sets in Rhett's features, "Right."

They shoo me out of the kitchen so I decide to straighten up the living room from last night. After that's done, I curl up in my favorite overstuffed chair with my favorite blanket and my favorite book. I'm in the middle of an insanely steamy shower scene when the boys come in carrying breakfast. The boys? My boys? No, not my boys, my boy and my, well I guess Rowan isn't really MY anything. He's just Rowan. That thought makes my heart stutter. Just as quickly as it starts it stops and dread pulls in my stomach.

Rowan gets me all set up with breakfast and ruffles Rhett's hair, "Have a good day. Remember to bring your new bear with you, okay?"

Rhett nods, "I'll bring Safe, promise."

Rowan kisses the top of my head, "I have to go baby. But I'll see you for our date later. I'll lock up behind myself, okay?"

I smile up at him but it's forced, "Okay, have a good day." He runs his fingers through Rhett's wild curls one more time before leaving. Leaving Rhett happy and warmed up to him. Leaving me worried about how far he's climbed my walls, and if it's a mistake to do this.

* * *

"Okay, check off your list one more time." Britt calls through the phone.

"Rhett's dropped off, my hair is curled and my makeup is done, my whole body has been shaved and lotioned, and my dress and shoes are on my bed."

Her voice calms me as she soothes, "Good, make sure to grab your purse and keys on the way out. You're all prepared. "

My hands shake with nerves and I try and fail to steady my voice, "I don't know Britt, maybe I should cancel. I can get in my PJ's and we can face time and catch up on the latest Challenge episode. We've avoided spoilers for two days already."

I can hear the exasperation in her voice, "Clara no! Absolutely not. Go out, have fun, and maybe let your kitty have a play date with his dog."

My nose scrunches up, "Who are you, and where do you come up with this shit?"

She barks out a laugh, "I don't know, things just come out of my mouth sometimes. But seriously, go have fun, and if we must block him and switch jobs to avoid him after we will. It'll be fine."

I'm slipping on my favorite dress while giving myself a second to admire it. It's emerald, off shoulder, tighter on top and then flares out at my waist and stops right above my knees. I'd never wear it to work but it makes me feel pretty, and hides my belly that I've been insecure about for as long as Preston's been telling me I'm fat and no one would want my postpartum body. I've added gold earrings and a gold necklace. Picking up my phone and switching the call to face time, Britt's face fills the screen as I flip the camera to show her my whole look. She lets out a low whistle followed by an "oww oww." "Okay if he doesn't immediately drop to his knees and beg you to marry him, he's an idiot. Clara, seriously you look stunning."

I roll my eyes but there's no malice, it's more of a nervous action, "Thank you. I don't know, really maybe I should cancel? What if he's just playing a game? I mean Rhett talks to him. He likes him, what if we aren't enough? I don't think I can go through another Preston, Brittany." I see the rage settle in her eyes, not at me but at my self deprecating thoughts.

"I think you're catastrophizing here. He's been to your apartment. He was just there last night for no other reason than to spend time with you two. He helped Rhett make you breakfast. Nothing about this guy so far says ‘I'm here to play with your emotions for fun'" I go to respond but there's a knock at my front door.

We look at each other eyes wide, "I think it's him." I whisper.

She chuckles, "Of course it's him. Go, tell me all about it tomorrow. Oh and make sure you wear the black heels, the ones that make your ass look amazing. I love you, text me if you need me." She gives me a finger wave and hangs up smiling. That whore, she LEFT me. I do as she said though and get my black heels that make me just an inch shy of six feet and slip them on, buckling the strap at my ankle I head to the front door grabbing my keys and clutch as I pass the kitchen table. Taking a deep breath and checking the peephole to make sure it's him.

The door opens and his eyes widen and slowly take me in from the top of my head to my toes and back up. While he's taking his sweet time checking me out I do the same to him. Rowan looks like he just stepped off the runway in black slacks that hug his legs and strong thighs, a black belt is wrapped around his trim waist and a dark gray button up with the top two buttons undone wraps around his strong arms and his sleeves are rolled up. He-llo arm porn. Black tattoos start at his wrists and wrap around his forearms continuing up into his sleeves.I can also see the back ink snaking up his neck and stopping right before his collar hits from the way his shirt sits. I bring my eyes back to his face and take in his hair which I realized last night has some slight curl to the top. It looks like he's been running his fingers through it so it sits in that perfectly imperfect way.

Then I trail down to his sharp jaw, his scruff that I felt on my skin this morning looks perfectly lined up and as I get to his plump lips I see the edges ticked up. My eyes snap to his and realize I've been busted. Rowan's hand comes up slowly and cups the side of my face in it. I can't help myself, I lean in slightly. His voice is gravely as he finally speaks, "I have no words, I don't think I've ever been speechless before now. You look, you look stunning, Pretty Girl." I go to open my mouth to reply but before I can, Rowan's lips crash onto mine.

I should probably pause, right? Take a second before I respond? Get my bearings or something? But I don't, as soon as his lips land on mine I'm matching his intensity. My lips part and he slides inside. Our tongues and mouths find a rhythm, tasting, teasing, exploring, and learning each other. One of his hands slides into my hair and the other one wraps around and grabs my ass possessively. He lets his hand slide down until he has my thigh in his hand and hikes it up around his waist pressing into me. I can feel his hard and thick bulge through his pants pressing into my center, and I know from this morning he's going to wreck me. I pull away and gasp. Rowan slowly tips his forehead to mine and stares into my eyes. His dancing with amusement and his lips are tipped up.

"That was supposed to wait until after dinner, I promise I was going to be the perfect gentleman. But damn Clara, you can't open the door looking like that, give me those ‘fuck me' eyes and expect me not to lose my mind." My face flushes, but Rowan just laughs and presses one more kiss to my lips. "Come on, Baby. Lock your door or we'll never leave here. I mean that's fine with me. I'll take my sweet time in your bedroom with you for the next three hours, and maybe the wall, and the shower, the couch, the kitchen table. There's so many possibilities really. Actually, change of plans."

He pretends to push me into the apartment but I swat his hands away laughing, and I think it's the first real laugh not caused by my four year old or best friend that I've had in years. "Oh no, Mr. Byrne, you promised me a night out, did you not?"

He looks up and playfully groans, "Fine, you're right, but we're addressing that ‘Mr.Byrne' thing later."

He smirks and watches me lock up the door then takes my hand and leads me out to a blacked out Escalade. Nolan is standing by the back door, he opens it as soon as he sees us approaching. He nods to Rowan, "Boss." Rowan tips his chin to him and helps me into my seat, then waits for me to buckle my seat belt. Nolan shuts my door and as I wait for Rowan to slide into the other seat I look around the car. It's bigger than any SUV I've ever been in. I notice a rear-facing car seat in the third row and my curiosity is peaked. Rowan slides in and buckles his seat belt then reaches for my hand. He laces our fingers then brings my hand to his lips where he gently kisses each knuckle before resting both our hands on his thigh.

I can't NOT ask, "Do you have a baby? I'm sorry if that seems invasive, you just haven't mentioned it, and there's a rear facing car seat in the back row." Rowan smiles as he watches me spiral. I stop talking and his smile grows wider.

He leans across the small middle seat and kisses me quickly before answering, "No, Pretty Girl, I definitely do NOT have a baby." The way he phrased that seems odd but he changes the subject before I can press him on it. "How was Little Bear when you dropped him off?"

I smile thinking about my sweet boy, "He did better than I did. He was so excited, and I barely held it together until I pulled away from his sitters house." Concern and what looks an awful lot like mild panic swirls in Rowan's green eyes.

"Are you okay? Should you check on him? Have you gotten any pictures? Maybe we should go pick him up and bring him with us?"

The walls around my heart crack just a little more, he's so concerned about Rhett. His words from the other day filter through my brain again. "Let me be clear Clara, I want to know both of you." I shake my head and give him a reassuring smile, "I'm okay, at least now I am. I don't trust Rhett with hardly anybody but Olivia and her family love him and he loves them. I've gotten pictures and as of thirty minutes ago he was playing legos and dinosaurs. He's never fallen asleep anywhere except with me or his Aunt Britt. So I'm sure he'll be awake when I pick him up and I'll have a world of trouble getting him to sleep tonight. But he's happy, healthy, and safe. And I'm feeling a lot better than I was before you knocked on my door."

The mention of our greeting at my front door has a heated look flashing through Rowan's eyes and he gives me a filthy smirk that has electricity and anticipation heating me from the inside out.

"Glad I could be of service. We have some unfinished business to tend to later." We pull up to ‘The Byrne' which if what everyone says is true, it's the most elusive restaurant in the city. I should have known it's one of his when he mentioned owning restaurants.

Rowan looks over at me with a stern expression which is so different from the playful and heated looks I've been getting from him all night. "Stay here, wait until I get your door. Always wait until I get your door, Clara, okay?" I guess he's really taking this gentleman thing seriously.

"Yeah, okay." He kisses the back of my hand and smiles then gets out of the car to come to my side. It's then I realize there's no way this is ending after tonight. Oh, I am so screwed, it seems like in more ways than one and none of them are bad.