Page 84 of Tango
“You’re a great person, Ty.”
“But I’m better because of you. Wanna know why?”
“Okay.” She arched her back to let me in further.
“I was struggling back at the hotel, you know, about Brown, and you know what I did?” I stopped moving and stared down into her glazed eyes. “I called my mom and apologized for how I’d treated her and the family since I left years ago and how I want them to be in my life from now on.”
“Really?” Her eyes lit up and she made an effort to focus.
“Really. That only happened because of you. You showed me what I was missing and how to let go of the guilt.”
“Ty,” tears rimmed her eyes, “I’m so happy you did that.”
“I’m happy, Ivy.” I blinked at what I said. The words sounded strange, almost. “I’m happy.” I tested them out again. “Happy that I have my family back, that I’m here and have a new team, that we got justice for Brown, but most of all, happy I found you.”
Before she could respond, I sealed my lips over hers and started to move again. Slowly. I wanted her to feel my words, not just hear them. Ivy was a game changer for me, and so was this house, these people, everything. I’d known how much I needed to deal with Brown’s death and my family. I just didn’t realize how much. Letting people go and letting them in was the ticket for me to feel free.
Ivy’s breaths began to pick up, and she pushed on my chest and rolled us over. She took over and rode me from above. She was so sexy, and I loved to watch her. She grabbed my hands and put them on her hips. I helped rock her hips, moving her in the direction I wanted. I grinned at her when, despite being on top, she gave me control.
She lifted slightly and squeezed her thighs, moaning through a climax. I let go and floated away with her. It wasn’t worth bringing up that I met her ex or that he made a scene where she used to work. Ivy needed to move forward, and she’d made it clear to me that I was her future. Everything else was just white noise.
I didn’t remember when I fell asleep, but when I heard the pitter patter of little feet outside the door, I was instantly awake. I wondered idly why kids always woke so early and took a moment to sympathize with their parents. I glanced at Ivy and realized she was still out cold. I knew she didn’t have to work today, so I quietly got out of bed and gently tucked the blanket up to her chin.
I tiptoed to my closet to get something I’d ordered online. My old rucksack caught my eye, and I gave it a moment of thought. It deserved that. It had served me well. It even took a bullet for me once, but those days were over. I reached for the package I was after, then with a last glance at Ivy, I left the room.
I headed downstairs. As I entered the living room I ran into Mark’s boy, Ethan. I held up my purchase and watched as his face lit up.
“Oh, my God.” Ethan drew in a deep excited breath. “What’s that?”
“This?” I grinned. “Only one of the best Nerf guns on the market. And this, my young friend, is what will help take down your father.” I bent down on one knee and helped him put his arm through the strap. “Wait until you feel the power of what this bad boy can do.”
“You’re the coolest uncle ever.” He fist-bumped me.
“One more thing.” I held up my phone to show him the camera. “Your dad’s in the entertainment room.”
“Copy that, Major.” He gave me a serious salute then raced off. Truth, I had a soft spot for Ethan. His twin brother, Liam, was Mark reincarnate, and most of the attention of the house ended up on him. But there was something in Ethan that I could connect to, and I was glad…
Zip zip zip!
“The hell!”
“Sorry, finger slipped!” Ethan waved from the bottom of the stairs as he raced off.
Ugh. Kids.
* * *
I grabbed a thermos in the kitchen and topped it off with hot coffee. I put on my boots and a jacket and headed for the lake. I’d seen Keith sitting on the dock from the window. This was his first morning home since Mexico, and although I knew he liked his alone time, I wanted to check on him.
Tripper turned to look at me as I got closer, and his jaw moved. Keith was feeding him pieces of donut. Those two seemed to have quite the bond.
“Morning.” I stood next to Tripper and gave him an ear scratch.
“Morning.” He kept his gaze on the lake. “Want to sit?”
“Yeah.” I brushed the snow off the chair and settled in. “Want a top-off?”
“I would.” He leaned over, and I filled his mug to the rim. “Ivy get much sleep last night?”