Masuk"I can't do that because I'm younger."Tasha clumsily throws a stone into the lake, and it sinks with a gurgle. Another failure.— Look. Move your arm back like this, bend your knees. Try to throw it parallel to the water."I help her throw the stone, and it skims the surface of the lake three times. "That's good now. Tasha is a quick learner.— Yo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o!!!!!! I'm cool, huh? But of course, I wouldn't have succeeded without your help!She dances in place, causing the hem of her skirt to fly apart. I can't take my eyes off her! Tasha Evans is so beautiful that sometimes I get lost and forget the words."I helped just a little. Practice, and then we'll have a competition.""I doubt I can beat you. I'm nine, and you're twelve. You're really thin, though. Why is that? Don't you eat enough?""I don't even know why I'm like this. There's always plenty of food at my house. I have a normal appetite, but my mother is almost fat."I eat normally." Maybe my dad was just thin. Shall we go
One year and one month later:"Dad, get me the strawberry one today!" Jayden yells. Sam yells as he expertly circles a parking post on his electric scooter. "I always get it on my shirt, and this one won't show as much."For several months now, my son has been calling me "Daddy." He says it casually and easily, like everything else he does—laughing, joking, talking about serious things, and drawing. But I shudder every time. I don't know how much time will pass before I get used to having them: my son, the most extraordinary child in the world, and her, a woman unlike any other."And you, Tasha?" I glance at my wife. "You're wearing blue today. What flavor would be appropriate if you got dirty, too?""As far as I know, they don't have blueberries, so take any," Tasha says, holding her stomach as she gracefully sits on the bench. "I'll have to rely on my own care."I nod, but I'm in no hurry to leave. She truly is a unique creature. I can't explain my feelings for her any other way. Li
I hesitate to turn around, afraid of ruining this moment. Jaden willingly admitting that he needs me. His lips trail warmth down my spine and his fingers brush my shoulders as he tugs the straps of my bra together. Goosebumps cover me from head to toe, and once again, I feel like everything is happening for the first time between us—the first touches, the first blazing passion, and the first time we have sex. We've experienced many firsts in our lives, but I'm certain that we've now reached the final one. We'll end up here together. He is the man he loves and a father. I am the one who, after years of wandering, has finally found myself. Now, I can belong to him until my last breath. Jaden's presence here now, after everything he's been through, means he's surrendered to me completely.As soon as my bra hits the floor, Jaden closes the last few inches between us. His erection, hidden by his pants, presses against my buttocks. His palms land on my breasts and squeeze them. I exhale lou
I make a double espresso and, after taking a sip, sink heavily into a chair. By the fifth day that Sam and I have spent at Jaden's house, I'm running low on energy. I'm falling asleep well past midnight and waking up early the next morning to ensure that Sam doesn't catch me in bed with Jaden by accident. It's bound to happen sooner or later, but I want to make sure he's prepared for it and has had time to develop a deep affection for Jaden.I turn off the stove and take the pancakes out of the pan—Sam's favorite breakfast. I don't know if Jaden really likes them, but he eats them with his son every morning. Since he leaves the office with me after lunch, he spends the entire morning and half the night working, so I'm hardly the only one complaining about a lack of sleep."Mom, I can't find that blue shirt I wore to school yesterday," Sam says, walking into the kitchen in just his jeans and rubbing his sleepy eyes. He especially reminds me of Jaden in his younger years: tall and thin
"It doesn't itch?" I roll up the sleeves of Sam's new shirt and look at him questioningly. "It feels soft.I like it. Jaden bought one just like it. Did you see it?He actually bought several similar shirts and jeans while shopping with Sam yesterday.Yes, I saw it. Are you ready for the first day of school?— Ready. Samantha Adams already texted me saying she misses me.Well, I understand why.Hand in hand, we walk down to the courtyard, where Jaden is waiting for us with the car running. He's determined to spend every minute with his son. This morning, he made it clear that he plans to drive Jaden to school with me. I'm worried that Sam's classmates will pester him with questions. Children can be cruel and unforgiving. I'm counting on my son's wisdom and strength. I hope he won't take it personally and will be able to fight back if necessary."I'm going to need my car to pick Sam up from school this lunchtime," I say, looking at Jaden as I lower my voice and buckle my seatbelt. "How
"This bed is really big," Sam says, pointing his toes carefully to demonstrate just how big it is. "And there's no table for me to draw on.""I told Jaden you're used to sleeping in a smaller bed. He offered to buy you a new one tomorrow. I think that, once he learns about your passion for drawing, he'll want to buy you a desk as well.""Your friend is very kind. Is he lonely, so he wants us to stay at his place?""Not exactly. I'll tell you a little about our friendship. When Jaden and I met, I was only three years older than you. We immediately became best friends. He taught me to dive, helped me with my homework, and walked with me after school. We shared secrets. But then he had to leave. I missed him a lot, and he missed me too. Sometimes you meet someone, and they just feel like home,” I say, gently touching the left side of Sam’s chest. "And they never leave. For me, that’s what happened with you before you were born and with Jaden from the moment I first saw him. It was the sa
I wake up to the sound of water running in the shower. I stare at the ceiling for a few seconds, letting the events of last night—erased by sleep—assault me again: Tyra, Mom, the trip to Orlando, Isaac ready to sleep with me against my will, the taste of blood in my mouth, the dark road, the smell
I put my phone in my bag and repeat to myself once again that this cannot go on—I need to resolve something with Jaden and Isaac. The problem is that my heart rejects the answer my mind presents to me every time. I teeter on the edge of a lie, avoiding meetings with both of them. However, not respo
Usually, when I'm at my parents' house, I allow myself to relax by lying around or watching movies. But today, I can't relax. I keep glancing at the clock. It's only seven o'clock. To distract myself, I go to the kitchen, where I find cheese and bresaola in the refrigerator. I start making sandwich
"How do you like this?" Christina waves a hanger in front of my face with something green and translucent dangling from it."Are you offering this to me or to yourself?""For myself. I was thinking of wearing it to the Halloween party," she says, holding the fabric up to herself and making me snort







