Page 61 of Her Filthy Grump
She’s not had a huge dating history, and I’ve got enough baggage to fill a Winnebago. What do I bring to her besides a history of being left behind and duped? I have no idea how to be in a long-term relationship. “How’re things with Chloe?”
“Fantastic.” He grins. “We’re having a baby. So are Jenna and Tony.”
“Congratulations.” My stomach drops. I’ve always wanted kids, but that’s a stupid wish. I would be a horrible father. There were no June or Ward Cleavers at my house. My dad worked all the time, married women that didn’t stick around, and passed out exhausted every night.
“Layla seems like a wonderful person. She evens you out.”
“How?”
“I haven’t seen you smile this much. Ever. Even before the Tabitha fiasco. You were always so serious. Working three jobs. Making sure your siblings got to school and turning their schoolwork in on time. Hell, you never had time to be a teen.”
“I guess you’re right.”
He punches me in the upper chest. “You should get married and have a family. Unless you don’t want kids.” He frowns. “I guess I could see how you wouldn’t want any since you basically raised four kids already.”
“What?” I stare at him like he’s started a new Babbel account and trying to get his first Portuguese sentence out.
“You raised your siblings while your dad worked. You were basically a parent at fucking twelve years old. What were you doing when I was playing football?”
I shake my head. “I was brushing tangles out of my sister’s hair and feeding my brothers.”Holy hell. Why didn’t I ever realize that?
My dad was around, but he was always busy working, paying the bills, and trying to get a few hours of sleep. I was doing it all.
Sure, Ms. Connelly stepped in from time to time to clean the house and bring over some pre-made casseroles, but who warmed them up? I did. Who made the kids go to bed instead of staying up all night playing video games? Me, also. I’m the reason they didn’t flunk out of school.
“Your dad was lucky you were the oldest.”
“I never thought about it that way. I guess I was too busy doing it and hating my mom for leaving.”
“I’m sure she had her reasons. Not good ones, but it wasn’t because of you.”
“Thanks.” We bro-hug and smack each other’s backs. “Also, thanks for asking me to come to the game. And for getting my head out of my ass.”
“No problem.” He drops his arm and rocks back onto his heels. “I’ve got to talk to Chloe for a second while the crowd has died down.”
“Sure thing.” I follow his lead and join the women.
When Layla looks up with her big green eyes, my heart swells. Maybe we aren’t doomed to end in an epic crash and burn. “Hey, Doll. Are you having fun?”
“I’m having a blast. This is great.” She frowns. “Except, I haven’t watched any of the game. Is your team winning?”
“Yep. Gunner and Tony are on a roll today.”
“The good-looking, dark-haired guy we met last night?”
“Yes,” I say through gritted teeth. Why is that women always drool over the quarterbacks?
“Don’t.” She wraps her arms around my waist. “I don’t remember anything else about him except for his dark eyes and those killer biceps.”
“Hussy.” I claim her mouth and effectively shut her up as she shakes with laughter.
The desire to demand she never looks at another man is on the tip of my tongue, but I’m not an asshole, and we’re in a public place. That’s kind of a private thing to discuss.
Maybe I can convince her to tattoo my name next to her panty line. I unwrap my arms from her waist and move one to her shoulders. “Come stand next to me and watch the game.”
“I would love to.” She rests her head against my heart, and I don’t want to ever let her go.
Chapter Thirty-Nine