Page 64 of Temptation On Ice

Now, I have to go get my man.

Twenty-six

Tucker

My monthly call with my therapist this afternoon left me feeling drained. Usually, we focus on working through the trauma of losing two partners and my injuries, along with the complex emotions tied to their deaths that are still difficult to sort through. But today I also wanted to discuss my new love interest and what we’ve been through recently. Meredith, my therapist, was quite pleased to hear that I was opening up to someone and trusting them despite my past experiences. Still, having to explain why I’d been hesitant in the first place left me wrung out and in need of open spaces and a quiet that wouldn't ask any more questions.

Now, I’m out in the woods with the dogs, enjoying the October air, when my phone vibrates in my pocket with a new text.

Sebastian: I don't know if you’re busy or mad, but please say I can come over with Enzo. I’m dying to see you, and he’s been asking about you. I miss you so bad, but if you have things to do, it’s okay. You're worth waiting for.

My damn whore heart does a fucking backflip in my chest with how happy it makes me that he misses me and wants to come over. I type back a reply.

Tucker: Always room for you out here in the country, City Boy. Can't wait to see you both. Will you stay for dinner?

Sebastian: I’ll stay as long as you’ll let me. See you soon.

It’d probably be creepy to send him another message saying I never want him to leave, and also not feasible, so I let it end there.

When I close up the barn following my walk about half an hour later, I notice Sebastian’s SUV parked next to my truck. A smile is already climbing my face when I see him and Enzo walking toward me. Enzo breaks into a gangly little boy run when they’re about ten feet away.

“Mr. Tucker!” he yells, throwing his hands up and launching himself at me.

I bend and scoop him up into a hug, letting him cling to me. It feels so natural to pull him close and soak up his pure happiness. I missed him, I realize, when he squeezes me tighter.

“Hey, Pup. Good to see you. Have you been good?” I ask, balancing his little body on my arm so I can talk to him.

He giggles and pulls back to look at me, squishing my face between his little hands. “You called me Pup again, and you give good hugs. I knew it. That’s why you're a good boyfriend for Daddy. He needs hugs just like this.” He ducks his head into my shoulder and wraps his arms around my neck. I squeeze him tight.

Ah, fuck. That chokes me up a little bit. I didn't realize Sebastian would tell Enzo about us, or how it would make me feel like something clicked into place, making me whole when I wasn't even aware anything was missing.

I look over at Sebastian, who’s smiling like he’s looking at his favorite thing in the world. He closes the distance and joins the hug, pulling us both into his big body so we sandwich Enzo, who giggles. It feels so good to be in his arms again. I could keep my face buried in his neck, inhaling the sweet sandalwood and clean linen scent of him for days, but I pull my head away to gaze longingly at his mouth.

And that’s when I hear Cami.

“Well, aren't y’all the cutest little family I ever did see,” she hollers from behind us.

Fuck. Where the hell did she come from? She must have shown up while I had the dogs out in the woods, and I didn't realize she was here. I was so focused on Sebastian, I didn't even notice her car.

“Oh, yaaass. Look at you hot queer kings with your little cub. The Tucky Bear found himself a perfect family finally.”

Double fuck. Callum is here too.

I make an apologetic face at Sebastian and mouth an “I’m sorry” as I step away. He doesn't let me get far, wrapping his arm around my waist and holding me to his side with a possessive squeeze. It reminds me of how he looked at Callum like he didn't particularly like him the last time they met.

Oh, I like that a little too much.

“Daddy, he’s pretty,” Enzo says, pointing at Callum. I choke on my laugh.

“Well, thank you, sweet baby angel,” Callum says, twirling in a circle for full effect. He’s wearing a pink cropped T-shirt that says I’m literally just a girl exposing his midriff, pink camouflage cargo pants that hang off his lean hips, and his accessories are very sparkly at his wrists, neck, and ears. He even has gold star freckles across his nose and cheeks. “You have excellent taste. I’m Callum, Tucker’s very best friend. What’s your name, cutie pie?”

“Enzo!” he says, wiggling to be put down. I set him on his feet, and he skips over to Cami and Callum. “Do you like dogs, too? I came to play with the puppies.”

Callum holds out his hand with pink, polished nails to the little boy, who instantly takes it like they’re long-lost friends. “You're in luck! I do love dogs, and I just finished up a new space for the puppies to live. Do you want to come help me and Miss Cami move them to their new homes? We can make popcorn and watch a doggy movie with the puppies after, if your daddy says it’s okay.”

Enzo cheers and jumps around, swinging Callum's hand.

“You just became his best friend with that offer. The kid loves dog movies,” Sebastian says with a laugh.