“Now you’re just fishing for compliments.” I grin. She could have ten kids to ten different blokes, and I still wouldn’t be put off by her non-existent culinary skills.
The size or shape of her body has never deterred me, either. It’s her heart and mind I crave. Having her curves and something to hold on to is just a bonus.
She shuffles to the living room, and I hang my head low, carrying on with work. I want to tell her how much I want her. To take care of her and not just while she recovers from her accident. I want to take care of my woman in every way possible and be there for her emotionally, physically, and sexually.
But it’s too soon. She might tell me to fuck off. I see it playing out in two ways. The latter or she would actually take me back, but only because she thinks no one else will want her. For too long, I’ve played second fiddle to Justin. I want her to choose me because she loves me. So I know she wants me for me and not because I’ll be there to help with the kids and cook and shit. I’m not Justin. I’ll be her roommate for now, but eventually I want more.
* * *
A few hours later,I walk into the living room to see Steph watching cartoons with Caleb.
“I’m gonna get the kids.”
“Did you finish your work?”
“For now. I’ll catch up later. Do you need anything while I’m out?”
“No, thanks.”
“See you in about twenty minutes, then.”
“Wave bye-bye to Daddy.”
I fucking love it when she calls me that, and I look forward to the day when Caleb can say the words.
“See-ya, mate, back soon.”
Steph holds her hand up and waves and Caleb copies, squeezing his hand closed and opening it again. I resist the urge to walk over and give him a kiss. After what happened earlier, I’d probably kiss her on the cheek again.
As I walk through the school gates into the playground, Cassie waves bye to her mates then scowls as she slumps over to me, lugging her backpack over her shoulder. Cairen glares at me from the other end and his teacher walks towards me.
“Fuck, what’s he done now?” My muscles tense as I brace myself for whatever shit’s gone down today.
“Not a good day, I’m afraid.”
“Again? He’s only been back a few days.”
“Tell Mrs Bailey I’ll schedule a meeting.”
“Look, she’s got enough on her plate after the accident. Can you schedule the meeting with his dad?”
“I’d like both parents to be involved. I’ll call her next week.” She pivots and heads back inside.
Cairen knocks my hip with his bag. “Can we go then? I don’t want to see that dragon again.” He stomps off towards the gate, and I follow in silence.
They both get in the back seat and slam the door.
“Good day, then?”
Neither kid acknowledges me. They hate my fucking guts.
“So what’s been going on, Cairen?”
“Nothing to do with you.”
“It is to do with me when it’s upsetting your mum. She needs to concentrate on getting better. You can talk to me, you know.”
“You’re not my dad.”