Homerun Daddy, page 6
part #1 of Timberwood Cove Series
God. That fact was at war for attention in my mind with the lingering sensations in my body as I remembered the feel of his mouth on mine, and how I’d wanted so much more.
I tried to focus on what he’d said. Tried to ignore the rush of desire still pulsing through my veins.
A relationship? I wasn’t sure if he meant a real relationship, or some kind of fake relationship to help me adopt Liam, but I couldn’t wrap my head around either possibility. Why would Jaxon want to do that? He’d said he wanted to help Liam, but Jaxon also said he thought we could end up together anyway. What did that mean?
I didn’t know how to process it all. It was astonishing and worrying at the same time. What were his real motives? Was it all just an effort to help Liam? Even that kiss? I just didn’t know. Either way, it was definitely tempting.
The idea of being in a relationship with Jaxon—even if it was fake—held more appeal than I wanted to admit. Jaxon amazed me with the kindness in his heart. It was clear he was truly a good guy, and his offer seemed genuinely selfless. Part of me felt it would be completely wrong to take advantage of him, whatever his intentions may be, but I had more than myself to think of here. At the end of the day, this came back to Liam, and I’d do anything in my power to keep Liam. He was all I had left.
The idea Jaxon proposed made sense when I looked at it that way. I was still confused, though. Pushing up from the couch, I grabbed my cane and made my way to the bedroom. It wasn’t like I had to figure all this out tonight. It had been a long day, and I needed some rest.
But as I made my way through the room, I picked up on a scent lingering in the air. I’d noticed it before. It was unusual, but in a good way. In fact, the scent seemed to make my desire climb even higher. That’s when I realized the scent was Jaxon’s, and that every time he was around I experienced the same wild longing I was feeling now.
I inhaled deeply, and immediately felt a warm pull, low in my belly. Recalling Jaxon’s kiss, my dick twitched to life, and I barely suppressed a moan as my body began to hum with need. God, what was he doing to me? My desire reached shocking levels until I was hard and wanting to be fucked so bad. Then slick suddenly coated my ass, and I knew. I quickly calculated days in my head, and then groaned aloud. I hadn’t been able to afford to get my prescription filled for my heat suppressors last time, and if my calculations were correct, it was due.
Great. On top of everything else I was dealing with, I was going into heat. Just what I needed.
“Eat your cereal,” I told Liam from across the kitchen where I was trying to stay busy cleaning up.
Liam had been talking non-stop all morning about practice and how awesome Jaxon was. I was thrilled for him, but every mention of Jaxon’s name had my heat spiking higher.
I was doing everything I could to not let it show to Liam—hence the furious scrubbing of the frying pan—but I couldn’t remember ever having a heat this intense before.
I needed him to finish up his breakfast so I could get him off to school and get back home before things really got out of control.
“Will you be there next weekend, Uncle Bryce?”
“I’m sorry, what?” I’d completely missed his question, his last mention of Jaxon sending me back to relive our kiss last night. My skin felt hot, sweat beading on the back of my neck, and my slick was ridiculously distracting. As was the throbbing need in my pants. Jesus. I had to get this under control.
“I asked if you’ll be able to come to our first game next weekend. You know, with your pain and all…” Liam looked at me with both hope and concern in his eyes.
“Of course I’ll be there, big man! You know I wouldn’t miss that for the world. I’ll be there, no matter what kind of pain I might be in. I can’t wait.”
He grinned, then hopped up from the table and put his dishes in the dishwasher. “Me either.”
We headed out to the car, and as I pulled out of the drive, Liam surprised me with the heavy change of subject. “I’m worried about what Mrs. Pinder said.”
My heart sank. “Liam, I don’t want you to worry about that. All you need to know is that you’ll be with me, no matter what.”
“She said it might be a hard battle.” His frown deepened.
It made me so angry that Mrs. Pinder said that in front of him. She talked about having his best interests at heart, but she seemed to really be missing basics of what was important.
“Liam, listen to me,” I said firmly. “I will do everything in my power to adopt you. It’s happening. No matter what. So I don’t want you spend another minute worrying about it.”
He gave me a tentatively hopeful smile. “Jaxon said—” The way his eyes lit up in adoration every time he mentioned Jaxon had my heart doing all kinds of crazy things. Thinking of him yet again had my body responding in kind, a sense of longing like I’d never known filling me. “He said the same thing. He said he would make sure of it.”
Jaxon had told him that? I nodded slowly, not wanting to say the wrong thing, but wanting to put Liam’s mind at ease before he started his school day.
“Actually, Jaxon mentioned something to me about that too. He wants to help ensure that I’ll definitely be able to adopt you.”
A smile broke over Liam’s face, like the sun on a cloudy day, and I wondered if there would be any way I could say no to Jaxon’s offer when it put that look on Liam’s face.
“Jaxon is the best, isn’t he? I can’t believe he’s my coach. And that he’s hanging out with us. Isn’t it just too cool?”
I chuckled at his enthusiasm, but I didn’t disagree. It was all so much to take in. That someone like Jaxon Parsons would take an interest in us—in me. I couldn’t expect him to truly want someone like me—someone poor and disabled who came with so much baggage, so I had to remind myself that, despite whatever I was feeling for him, it was all for Liam’s sake.
We pulled up to the school, which was actually close enough that Liam could walk, but I couldn’t, so we drove because I wanted to make sure he got safely inside the school, to see with my own eyes he was okay.
“You know what I wish?” Liam asked, turning to me, whispering like he was revealing a deep secret. “I wish you would ask Jaxon to be your boyfriend.”
I huffed out a surprised laugh, but Liam just gave me a look.
“I can tell that you like him.” He grinned shyly, just a hint of mischief gleaming in his eyes.
I knew he hadn’t connected the dots with what little I’d said. There was no way he had any idea that Jaxon was basically proposing just that.
“Liam,” I said, thinking I should say something to him. I didn’t need him getting ideas when I wasn’t even sure what to do about Jaxon’s offer, but I realized now wasn’t a good time to hash things out.
He looked at me and quirked an eyebrow that reminded me so much of his mom. “Yes, Uncle Bryce?”
I smiled, then reached out and squeezed his hand. “Have a great day at school, okay, big man?”
“Will do!” he said, hopping out of the car before turning to shout to one of his friends and then darting off across the school yard.
I chuckled, then circled back around the school lot and headed back home. The whole way there I thought about what Liam had said. That he could tell I liked Jaxon, and that he wanted him to be my boyfriend. Liam wasn’t wrong. I did like Jaxon, and a huge part of me wondered what it would be like to be with him.
The idea filled my thoughts as I made my way inside my house and finished cleaning up from breakfast. Jaxon in my house. Spending time together. Sharing those looks. Sharing more kisses. I let myself fall deeper into my fantasy, imagining him in my bed. His hands on my body. My mouth on his.
I groaned as my heat somehow kicked in even stronger. Blowing out a breath, I swiped my arm over my forehead then raked my hands through my hair. My body felt like it was on fire. My blood was simmering just beneath the surface, my skin flushed and damp with sweat.
Fuck, I’d never experienced a heat like this. This wasn’t just full-blown heat, this was an all-consuming, overpowering need I didn’t quite understand.
Finishing up the dishes, I tried to focus on something else. Anything else besides this throbbing ache inside me and the warm slick that seemed to be never ending. I ground my teeth together, and then began pacing the room, trying to exert some of the energy racing through me, trying to release some of the adrenaline that was making me feel like I might come right out of my skin.
When I pressed my palm hard against my cock, hoping to relieve some of the pressure, it only made things worse. I whimpered, white-hot need consuming me. I could only think of one other thing that might help.
As soon as the thought hit me, I was already unzipping my pants and pulling my cock out. I wrapped my hand around it and exhaled with a massive groan. Bracing my other hand against the wall, I began to stroke myself.
Just like the other night, images of Jaxon floated in my mind, and my climax began to build almost instantly. Only this time, I had real a life experience to add to my fantasy; and the memory of Jaxon’s full lips on mine sent shudders through my body.
I came hard and fast, crying out his name. I stood there for a few moments, trying to catch my breath and process how that might well have been the best orgasm of my life—and how if that was just from my own fantasies, what it might be like to actually come with Jaxon’s body pressed against mine. Buried deep inside me.
I groaned, realizing this hadn’t even taken the edge off. Instead, those thoughts make my heat impossibly stronger. The only thing I could think about in that moment was that I wanted to take Jaxon up on his offer—true intentions be damned.
7
Jaxon
It was mid-afternoon when I walked into the lodge to visit my father. We hadn’t talked about me taking over the pack since our first conversation last week, and I knew he’d want to know where I stood on that, but I’d come for another reason today.
“Jaxon.” Dad greeted me with a warm smile as I stood in the doorway of his office. He pushed back from his desk and came around it to give me a hug. “To what do I owe this surprise visit?” His eyes lit up. “Have you been thinking any more about becoming pack leader?”
I smiled. “It’s been on my mind, for sure, but that’s not what I wanted to talk to you about.”
“Come. Sit down.” He led me over to the sitting area this time. “What’s going on?”
My smile widened. “I’ve found my fated mate.”
My father sat back, his own smile spreading. “That’s wonderful, Jax. Who is it?”
I chuckled. “Well, no one you know, actually.”
His brow furrowed. He knew everyone in the pack and most of the shifters in the area. Then it hit him. “A human?”
I nodded, then sighed. “Yeah.”
“When did this happen?”
“Last week. The day I talked to you, actually.”
My father chuckled. “Right after you were telling me you weren’t sure you could be the alpha if you hadn’t found your mate? Funny how fate works.”
“Yes, but…” I knew he wouldn’t like what I had to say next. “I’m still not sure I’m ready, Dad.”
His excitement over me finding my mate faded slightly. “Why not? Jaxon, surely you see how you were made for this. Everyone else sees it.”
Yeah, everyone else didn’t see what I struggled with internally either. They only saw the front I put on. I scrubbed a hand over my jaw. “I just don’t know that I have what it takes to lead the whole pack. I don’t want to let anyone down.”
Especially him. I couldn’t take it if I failed my father in something as big as this.
He sighed. “Look, I’m not going to say I’m not disappointed. I’d hoped you’d see right away that you’re the right choice, but I get it. It’s a big step. Take all the time you need, Jaxon.”
“Thank you. Seriously,” I said. I definitely needed more time to process everything, especially in light of what had developed with me finding my mate.
“So tell me more about this mate,” he said, shifting the topic as if he could read my mind.
My shoulders relaxed slightly, my grin returning as I thought of Bryce. “His name is Bryce. I met him at Kay’s Diner last week. He has a kid.”
My father’s eyebrows rose, but he didn’t say anything, no doubt wanting to hear more.
“Well, it’s not his kid. He’s raising his nephew. His sister died last year, and he’s working to gain custody of Liam.”
“How old is Liam?”
“Eight. He’s playing ball on my team, actually. He’s good friends with Cole.”
Dad smiled. “You sound fond of him.”
“Yeah,” I said. “He’s remarkable. A great ball player, and an even more amazing kid. You’ll like him.”
“When can I meet them?”
“Well, that’s the thing…” I tried to gather my thoughts. “They’re both human, and have no idea the shifter world even exists, much less the concept of fated mates.”
“Ah,” he said, nodding. “Yes, that’s often a concern when a shifter finds a human mate, but nothing I’d worry too much about, son.”
“There’s more. Bryce is…struggling. He’s raising his nephew alone and going for custody. But the state seems to be giving him trouble about it. Needing to make sure he’s capable of supporting him.”
My dad frowned. “And why’s that?”
“Well, Bryce was injured. I’m not sure of the details, but I’m guessing it might have something to do with what happened to his sister. Just a hunch. However, it left him disabled, and apparently money has been tight. Both Bryce and Liam are worried about the adoption going through.”
“Sounds like they need you.”
I nodded, leaning forward and bracing my elbows on my knees. “They do. And I…have a plan. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”
“You know you can ask me anything.”
I did. My dad had always been there for me, a strong force that provided stability. To me and the rest of the pack. It was no wonder I felt like I had such big shoes to fill.
“I want to help Bryce with the adoption by helping provide some of the support he needs. Financially and otherwise. It’s a lot on him to take care of Liam all alone.”
I went on to tell him about the plan I’d come up with to declare a relationship with Bryce. How I thought that would help with the adoption case, proving that Bryce had everything he needed to take care of Liam.
“Why don’t you bring them up here? Move them in with you on the property. Having them on shifter territory would give them all the support they need.”
I nodded. “I thought of that, and honestly, that’s my preferred option, but I don’t think it’s the best idea. Not yet. They don’t know anything about shifters, and it might just all be too much too soon.”
I could tell by the way he looked at me that he could sense my underlying concern about them finding out.
“I see your point. But I wouldn’t overly worry about that, Jaxon. If he’s your mate, it will all work out.”
That’s what I kept telling myself, and it felt good to have my dad confirm it, but it didn’t erase all my concerns.
“I think it would be best to wait to tell them, though. At least until I can make Bryce fall in love with me. Then I can claim him as my mate.”
He furrowed his brows. “I have no doubt he’ll fall in love with you. But don’t wait too long, son. You don’t want to start a relationship off on the wrong foot by keeping secrets, and it’s dangerous enough you’re going into a relationship with the adoption issue over your head.”
“I know, but I don’t want to mess this up.”
The truth of it was, despite the fact that Bryce was my mate and I knew without a doubt we were meant to be together, I couldn’t help but worry about how he’d react when he found out about me being a shifter. Some humans never really accepted the concept, and the fact that Bryce might reject me, seriously set my nerves on edge.
Just then, my phone buzzed. I pulled it from my back pocket, my heart leaping when I saw there was a text from Bryce.
If not, that’s fine. I’ll sort it out.
I frowned. What did that mean? Then I saw the text directly above it. One I’d missed somehow.
Would you be able to pick Liam up for practice tonight?
Shit. That one had been sent over an hour ago. How had I missed it?
“Dad, I have to go. I’m sorry. I scheduled an extra practice this evening at the last minute, since our first game is coming up soon. I need to pick up Liam on the way.”
“Yeah, absolutely,” he said, standing. I stood as well and gave him a quick hug. Before I could rush out the door though, he caught my shoulder. “Jaxon, I’m really happy for you that you’ve found your mate. I know it will all be fine. And I can’t wait to meet Bryce and Liam.”
I grinned. “I can’t wait either.”
Then I rushed out of the lodge and hopped in my car, excitement filling me as I knew I was about to see my mate again. Maybe the night might end up where we left off.
Unfortunately, as I headed toward Bryce’s place I realized I wasn’t going to have time to pick Liam up and get to the ball field before the kids and parents started arriving. A little upset, I ended up asking Linc to collect Liam, hoping Bryce didn’t think I was trying to avoid him. That was the last thing I wanted him to think.
Practice went well, though. All the kids were excited about our upcoming game next weekend, Liam most of all. His enthusiasm was contagious, and halfway through practice, the team was on a roll. I couldn’t wait for the first game.
As we wrapped things up, I called Liam over. “Hey, buddy, what do you say that instead of going out to eat, we swing by the grocery store and I cook something for you and Bryce?”
“Seriously?” he asked, grinning so wide I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Seriously. You can help me pick out some stuff you like too.”
