Just Breathe

Chapter Eighteen Gavin

I didn’t want to bring up any heavier shit, especially since last night was already tense enough. Our first date alone was supposed to be light and fun, a way to learn more about each other. But since I can’t stop the nightmares, it had to be addressed, and she handled it like a pro -- but I needed to at least ask about Logan’s father. I didn’t give a shit if he was only a summer break kind of a father or not in his life at all, there was no way I was letting him take Bailey and Logan away from me, that’s why I brought him up, only Bailey looked about ready to pass the fuck out.
“Baby, are you alright?” I squeeze her hand that’s laying on my thigh. She quickly takes several breaths and squeezes back.
“Hey, listen, I didn’t mean to upset you or bring up more shit for us to talk about. I just wanted you to know that no matter what the situation is with Logan’s father, I’m not letting either of you go.” I smooth her messy curls away from her face and lift her chin to look her in the eyes. She seems so lost and vulnerable, maybe I should have waited a few more days to ask, but fuck, I just want her to know where I stand.
“I’m…” She clears her throat and starts again.
“I’m not upset Gavin, you have every right to know about my past. It’s just… umm…” She stumbles over her words and I gave her a moment to figure out what she wants to say to me. I get how difficult talking about your past can be, but I also know that the moment I told her about my nightmares last night, I felt a huge weight, that I didn’t even realize was there, lift off my chest.
“Logan’s father… left… a long time ago…” Was all she managed to whisper in explanation.
“He’s a piece a shit, babe, for giving up on you and that precious boy, but his stupidity is my gain.” I leaned in and captured her soft plumped lips, teasing her with my tongue until she opened up for me.
“Mmm…” I get a moan out of her before she pulls back slightly, “I told Ash I’d meet her before she began her shift at the grill. I’m sorry to cut this short.” She said still with her hands in my hair.
“I expect you to make it up to me tonight, then.” I nipped her bottom lip and gave her a wink.
“I’ll see what I can do.”
“What are your plans for the day?” I asked as I finished up breakfast.
“I’m actually off today, so besides hanging out with Ash for a bit, nothing planned. Probably take Logan to the park, or maybe a drive. I learned on our way to Watermount Falls that Logan likes long car rides.” She played with her food and only occasionally took a few bites. I didn’t like seeing her stressed or worrying to the point she wasn’t eating.
“I don’t have any clients scheduled for today. How would you feel if I watched Logan while you hang out with Ash, and then me, you, and Logan can hang out together? I know a really cool place that is about an hour to an hour and a half, give or take, away from here.” I watched her facial expression for any indication that she was not feeling the idea but had no way of saying no. Bailey had a weird thing about feeling really bad saying no to people in our town.
“I think that would be really nice.” She smiled up at me, with that smile that brightens up her entire face. She leaned in and gave me the quickest kiss in history, before pulling back and grabbing her plate and coffee mug, and heading to the kitchen.
“Great. When do you want me over to watch Logan?” I come up behind her at the sink and wrap my arms around her slim waist. I love seeing this woman in my t-shirt. I nuzzle my face in her neck and breathe her in. She lets out a laugh as she tries to wash the dishes while I continue to nip and suck on her neck.
“Gavin! I’ll never get out of here if you keep doing that?” She laughs harder and tries to get away from me.
“Okay, okay, I’ll stop.” I give her a pouty face that has her breaking out into fits of laughter all over again. I love seeing her like this.
“You are so silly sometimes, Gavin.” She dries off her hands and leans against the counter.
“I guess, if you don’t mind, I can have Logan meet you here once Ash and I step out.”
“That’s great. How long are you and Ash planning on visiting for?” I cage her in against the counter and place a kiss to her forehead.
“She starts her shift at one, so I should be back roughly twenty minutes after.” She places her hands on my waist and leans her head to rest against my chest.
“Perfect! That’ll give me and Logan enough time to get things ready for our trip.” I kiss her head and then step back to catch her lips.
“Can’t wait.” I kiss her long and hard just before we break apart and go about getting dressed. I walk her to my door and watch as she walks across the hall to her apartment.
Last night went from nice, to perfect, to intense real quick. I’m happy as fuck we got some very important shit out of the way so we can focus on moving forward, starting with today’s picnic.