Happily Ever After Isn't Easy Read online

  Great, another pill to keep track of. “So where do we go from here?”

  “I’ll be seeing her twice a week until we can get past this. She will check in with Dr. Warner once a week. I told her that it’s important she come to these appointments and take her meds regularly to avoid anyone questioning if the children are safe with her. She needs support and low stress. Taking care of twins is stressful enough for someone who is mentally stable. I told her to relay that to her husband, but I’m not sure if she will.”

  He’d have to speak with Randy if Karen would let him. “Thanks, Charles. Let me know if there is anything I can do.”

  “You got it. Talk to you later.”

  Gabe wasn’t sure he could take any more excitement and decided to head home.

  EXHAUSTED, GABE was thrilled to be home. Despite being worn out, his nerves thrummed with an uneasy energy. His meeting with Mr. Sawyer hadn’t gone as he’d expected. While the man was utterly annoying and bristly, Gabe also found him to be forthright and respectable. He had that definitive leadership aura that drew people in and compelled them to follow. Right then Gabe was ready to follow Brandt anywhere and throttle him at the same time.

  After a quick shower to clear off the grime of the day, Gabe crawled naked onto the bed and stretched out beneath the cool air of the ceiling fan. The breeze raised goose bumps across his arms and belly. Running his warm palm across his stomach, he wondered how rough Mr. Sawyer’s—Brandt’s—hands would feel. Damn, he yearned for the roughness of large hands stroking and rubbing and fondling him. Gabe pressed hard against a nipple and applied friction. He loved it rough, craved being forced, wrists held down, facedown on the bed, being slammed into from behind. Tim was the only one who’d fulfilled all those needs. But Gabe was sure the powerful, muscle-bound substitute gym teacher could easily handle him.

  Gabe hissed as he pinched his nipple. Reaching down, he palmed his balls, rolling and teasing them before he would allow himself to touch his cock. After wetting a finger in his mouth, he reached between his thighs and ran the moistened fingertip over his tight, sensitive opening. His hips bucked at the sensation. Tim had been his last fuck, over two months ago. Patrick eight months before that. Gabe’s need was high and bone-deep. Pushing the finger in without hesitation, Gabe groaned, then wrapped his other hand around his precum-slicked cock head and squeezed. His knees pulled up with the intensity of the sensation.

  Quickly he added a second dry finger with the first, relishing in the burn. He scissored and stretched his hole, as if opening himself for a lover. Nerve endings fired and lit up his entire body. Spitting into his palm, he rubbed the overly sensitive skin of his throbbing cock, tired of having only his hand for a sexual partner. But this wasn’t his hand. Brandt was stroking his prick, his massive fingers stretching Gabe’s hole, pegging his prostate, working him into a heated frenzy, pushing him to that all-important orgasm.

  “Please.”

  Gabe’s ass clenched around the invading fingers. Brandt pulled hard on his cock, and Gabe reveled in the friction. As his balls drew closer to his body, the pleasure spread throughout his torso and legs. A shiver of recognition of what was to come raced from head to toe. Gabe raised his hips off the bed as Brandt’s fingers fucked his hole hard and fast. Gasping, Gabe hung on the edge for one breath-stealing, bliss-filled moment as every muscle in his body stiffened with the promise of mind-shattering pleasure.

  “Brandt.” The name rushed out on his breath.

  Gabe moaned and clenched his teeth as he fell into warm waves of ecstasy. Ropes of creamy cum lined his stomach, chest, and chin. Afloat, he convulsed and shook with one of the most explosive orgasms he’d had in years.

  Chest heaving and muscles aching, he reveled in the postorgasmic haze until he recalled the name he’d uttered, the ghost man who’d brought him off. Brandt. Not Tim. The realization knocked him off-center, challenging his belief that only Tim could fill his needs. Not only had Tim been replaced in his fantasies, he’d been replaced with a straight, exasperatingly annoying man. Gabe groaned, wondering just how far from normal his life could get.

  Chapter 5

  WEDNESDAYS GABE ran three different lunch groups for students at the school who needed support. His last group of kids had just left. Julia had asked him to meet her before he headed back to his office. He stayed away from the gym and looked around every corner to avoid running into Brandt. Just as he was about to make the trek to Julia’s office, his phone rang.

  He answered. “Hi, Karen.” The sounds of crying children reached through the phone. “Karen?”

  “Gabe.” He wasn’t sure, but she sounded as if she was crying too. “Randy’s worked late every night this week. I haven’t gotten a break. The preschool’s been closed because of a pinkeye outbreak. Is there any way you can spend some time with them? Give me a chance to catch my breath?”

  Gabe headed back to the group room to get his coat and bag. “I don’t have any appointments scheduled at work this afternoon. Let me take them to the playground, and get them dinner.”

  “Thank you. You don’t know…. Just, thanks. I’ll have them ready.”

  Gabe hung up and headed to Karen’s. Within thirty minutes, he was back at the school, which had the best playground in the area, with a pair of excited twins. The kids had been cooped up all day due to their school closing. Luckily, the kids’ eyes hadn’t shown any signs of the infection.

  “Slide!” Mikey bolted when they rounded the building. Maddy chased after him in her purple princess dress that she’d put on over her clothes. They both climbed the ladder to the slide.

  “Be careful.” Gabe positioned himself at the bottom. Mikey came down first, his arms raised over his head.

  “Unca Gabe. Watch!” Maddy sat on the slide and raised her arms, imitating her brother. Her blonde curls flowed behind her as she giggled the entire way down.

  “Yeah, Maddy!” Gabe scooped her up and spun her around, then set her down as she laughed.

  Maddy went back up the slide as Mikey raced to the wooden jungle gym, smiling wide. Gabe grinned as he ran circles around the structure until he decided to climb the rope ladder that went to the top. The jungle gym was huge, with bridges, slides, an imitation rock wall, and poles to slide down. Large enough for a couple of classes of children. Luckily, they would have the playground to themselves until recess.

  Maddy joined her brother on the jungle gym. Gabe sat on one of the benches, grinning as they played. Every once in a while, they yelled for Gabe to watch what they were doing. They were such sweet kids, and he never hesitated when given the chance to spend time with them.

  “Cute kids.”

  A shiver raced over Gabe’s skin, telling him exactly who was behind him even before turning. Brandt.

  “Huh?” Jesus, could he be more lame? “I mean, sorry, I didn’t hear you.”

  The corner of Brandt’s mouth lifted. Damn, without his scowl he was even more gorgeous. Brandt pointed to the jungle gym. “I said you have some cute kids. Twins?”

  Gabe opened his mouth and almost thanked him. He’d almost believed he could be their dad, and his heart had joined in the joy. “Yeah, they’re twins. But no. They’re my ex-wife’s kids.”

  That brought a look of confusion to Gabe’s face. “Doesn’t that make them yours too?”

  Gabe snorted. “Ask the furnace repair guy.” More confusion on Brandt’s face. Gabe wiped at his forehead. “I’m sorry. They aren’t mine. My ex is remarried. Her current husband is their father.”

  Brandt cocked his head, appearing curious. “And you have the kids that belong to ex and her husband at the playground. Seems like there’s a story there.”

  “You have no idea.”

  Gabe realized they were having a civil conversation instead of squaring off and shouting. Maybe Julia hadn’t been far off when she said Brandt was a nice guy. Gabe was ready to bid the substitute teacher good-bye when Brandt plopped onto the bench next to him… very close next to him. Gabe froze, unsur
e what to do. His mind said run as he recalled jacking off to visions of the guy the night before. His heart raced, his skin tingled, and his groin warmed. Talk about hard up. When he shuddered from his proximity to Brandt, he was ready to kick his own ass. He had to get over that attraction, which was purely physical. Had to be.

  They both settled back against the bench. Maddy waved to Gabe from the top of a tower. Gabe smiled and waved back. Mikey wrapped his arms and legs around one of the poles and slid down. The kid had no fear.

  Brandt turned to Gabe. Even his inquisitive look was sexy. “So, Mr. Reynolds, you’re hanging at the playground on a Wednesday afternoon. Sounds like fun.”

  Gabe felt small sitting next to Brandt, more like a student than an adult. Strange, because Gabe was only a few inches shorter than Brandt. Bulk was where he and Gabe differed—about fifty pounds of bulk. Strong. Strong enough to hold Gabe down and—

  Gabe coughed and ran his hand through his hair.

  “You okay? You’re a little jumpy, Mr. Reynolds.”

  More like a teenager getting a boner over the school jock. Oh, those had been fun times. Seemed as if twenty-five years hadn’t passed.

  Wiping his palms on his thighs, he feigned a smile. “Sorry. I’m a bit distracted.”

  Distracted and attracted. Which would more than likely get him a beatdown. He sat back, sucked in his gut, and pushed out his chest for all of ten seconds. Exhaling, he tried not to focus on his out-of-shape body. Brandt was like Rambo or something.

  “And, please. Call me Gabe.”

  The corner of Brandt’s lip lifted, the amusement reaching his eyes. “Brandt.”

  Gabe knew he was grinning like a fool and dialed his reaction back a bit. “And actually, this is fun for me. I—”

  Brandt lifted his hand. “I think you misunderstood.” He looked to the kids with an expression that bordered on melancholy. “I love kids. Especially this age. They’re so bright-eyed, curious, ready to take on the world.” He snorted. “Too bad that world isn’t as magical and wondrous as they believe it to be. But still…. You get to see it through their eyes, as if everything is brand-new. Gives you hope. It’s quite amazing.”

  For a moment Gabe was sure if he looked at Brandt the man would see a sappy, lust-struck expression on his face. Any man who loved kids, well, tick another box in the Brandt column for Gabe.

  “Do you have kids?”

  “No. Was married to the military. Plus, I never really felt settled enough to take that step. I didn’t want my kids to grow up without me.” Brandt leaned back on the bench, still watching the twins. “Are you from Westport?”

  Gabe got the feeling that the kids subject was off-limits for some reason. “I grew up here, went away to college, but came back. I love the lake and the mountains. Couldn’t stay away.”

  “Where’d you go to school?”

  “Northwestern.”

  “Go, Wildcats.”

  Gabe nodded and laughed. “Yeah, go Wildcats. Not that I was much into the sports side of college. More of a library dweller.”

  “Can’t say I was a library dweller, being in the military. Joined when I was eighteen. But I’ve done my fair share of studies. Never been on campus. All of my degrees I earned online.”

  “So more than a trained government monkey?” Not that Gabe had ever felt that Brandt wasn’t intelligent.

  Brandt’s brow creased, and Gabe feared he’d gone too far. “There’s more to this awesome body than being a well-honed government weapon.” His grin dazzled Gabe. “I took advantage of being the best I could be and grabbed hold of their military college opportunities a few times over.”

  “A few times?” Gabe turned on the bench with interest, his nervousness fading.

  “Bachelor’s in education with a minor in psychology. Master’s in sports physiology.”

  “Hence, the subbing in phys ed.”

  “Yeah. I’m not sure what I’m looking to do. Just getting back into the civilian life.” Brandt looked away, and a shadow crossed over his face. As quickly, the expression was gone. “Anyway. Here I am. And you said you’re a counselor?”

  Gabe nodded. “I work at the youth and family center in town. My caseload is kids around eight to eighteen. We’re located up by the library.”

  There the conversation fizzled, but Gabe had something more he needed to say. “Listen, I know we clashed from the start. I tend to get a bit territorial when it comes to the kids I work with.” Brandt would probably make fun of him for backing down or not persevering or some soldier crap.

  Brandt held his gaze, but Gabe had to look away to catch his breath.

  “You’re persistent. Standing up for something you believe in is admirable. Like you said, Travis needed someone on his side. I guess I forgot what high school was like. Was treating the job more like the military.” Brandt appeared contemplative. “I’ve spoken with some of the kids you work with, and they hold you in high esteem. You’re making a difference to them.”

  Gabe felt his cheeks warm, and he ducked his head. “Not sure how much of a difference. The funding for the center keeps getting cut. We lost a counselor position last year.”

  Brandt sat forward, his gaze softer than Gabe thought his gruff exterior could obtain. “You’re doing good work. Work that needs to be done. I may be all for forming character and being the best, but that doesn’t help these kids get over crappy shit that happens to them when they’re young. I’ve known a few men and women who’ve eaten the end of their guns, and not because of what happened in the military. Believe me, if you help one person avoid that, your time is well spent.” Brandt sat back and wiped his hand over his mouth.

  “Thanks. And I’m sorry for those you knew. We had a student here a few years ago complete suicide. He wasn’t a kid I was counseling, but still I wish… I wish I could help them all.”

  The mood had become dour. Gabe was tired of living in the depressive rut of his life. He needed to work on moving on. “So can we call a truce?”

  Brandt offered his hand, and Gabe slid his against the warm palm again. Brandt’s shake was firm. “Truce.”

  Again their gazes locked, and Gabe knew why he was caught but figured a forthright, self-confident man like Brandt was used to looking others in the eye. That was why he maintained eye contact. Gabe had to keep his expectations realistic.

  As if on cue, Mikey raced to them, hands cupped and held out before him. Gaze fixed on his palms, Mikey nearly impaled himself on Gabe’s knees. “Whoa, there. Whatcha got?”

  “Capetiller.”

  “Caterpillar.” Gabe watched the fuzzy insect wend its way onto the sleeve of Mikey’s jacket. Maddy raced over, hid beside Gabe, and eyed Brandt warily. “I want you to meet my friend Brandt. He’s a teacher at the school. This is Mikey and Maddy.”

  “It’s nice to meet you both. That’s a great caterpillar.”

  “Yup.” Mikey’s eyes were wide. Wonderment covered his entire face. “Take home?” His wide-eyed hope went right to Gabe’s heart. He wanted to give him everything.

  “Probably best to let him go. He probably has a family, and they’ll miss him.” Gabe was also sure Karen wouldn’t appreciate the insect in her house. “Why don’t we put him back where you found him so he can find his way home.” Given the sad look on the kid’s face, Gabe prayed there wouldn’t be a meltdown.

  Brandt saved them from the impending tantrum. “We can find some nice leaves for him to eat, okay?”

  Mikey’s eyes lit up. “He eat leaves?”

  “Oh yeah, they love leaves. Big, green, juicy ones. Come on.”

  Mikey followed Brandt past the jungle gym, and they stopped at the edge of the woods. Maddy clutched Gabe’s arm, her gaze following them as they went.

  “Do you want to watch them let the caterpillar go?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  They arrived just in time for the caterpillar to climb off Mikey’s hand.

  Brandt crouched down to Mikey’s level. “See. He likes the leaf you chose for
him.”

  Mikey smiled wide. “He my friend.”

  Brandt laughed, his smile wide. “Oh, you’re most definitely his friend now.” Brandt raised his hand. “High five.”

  Mikey smacked his hand, then jumped up and down. “My friend.” Over and over, he sang the words.

  Maddy pulled on Gabe’s hand. “Hosey wide.”

  Gabe groaned. “I would, honey, but my old back wouldn’t be too happy.” The last time he’d given them horse rides, he’d spent the night on the heating pad.

  Brandt turned his back to Maddy, knelt, and then looked over his shoulder. “Hop on, Princess Maddy. I’ll be your horse.”

  Maddy shook her head and, in all seriousness, pointed to the ground. “Hosey down.”

  Gabe tilted his head back and laughed. Brandt raised a brow. Maddy, having lost her shyness, went behind Brandt and pushed on his back until he was on his hands and knees.

  Brandt looked to Gabe. “Footman, can you help Princess Maddy onto her horse?”

  “Why certainly.” Gabe lifted her onto Brandt’s back. She giggled as he started to move and whinny like a horse.

  “Me! Me!” Mikey tried to climb on.

  “Whoa, horsey.” Gabe lifted Mikey, and he sat behind Maddy.

  “Go!” Maddy kicked her feet and squealed as Brandt crawled around the jungle gym. Mikey shouted for him to go faster and then said something about dragons. Brandt stayed in character, neighing and following their direction to go this way and that. And damn if Brandt wasn’t ticking more boxes.

  The bell sounded for the end of the period, and Brandt stopped. “That’s my cue. I have to get back inside.”

  Both kids let their disappointment be known as Gabe removed them from their horse.

  Gabe stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Thanks for being the horse. If I got on my knees, I might not get back up for a while. Happens when you’re old.”

  Brandt easily rose from the ground. “Pfft. You’re far from old.” He turned to the kids and held his hands up. “Thanks for the fun.” The kids each slapped a palm. “Maybe we can do this again, soon.”