Beard Read online

  I can accept this. When the old place is fixed I can move back there.

  Nope not happening. You’re staying where you’re at.

  I thought about calling him but decided it probably would be pointless. I was quickly coming to realize that when Beard set his mind to something it was impossible to change it.

  I sighed not knowing what to do. I was overjoyed at the possibility of sleeping in a real bed tonight but I felt like this also meant something was going to happen and it would soon be gone again.

  “How about we go finish unpacking your room,” I told Mia.

  I had noticed all the boxes labeled clothes or miscellaneous were neatly stacked in the living room.

  I was lying in my new bed, arms and leg’s spread eagle after putting Mia to bed thinking about the events of the day. I needed to do something to thank Beard for this obvious upgrade to our housing. An upgrade I’m sure was costing him. The only thing I had to offer was a home cooked meal. I almost called but decided a message was easier. I didn’t want to become tongue tied and sound like a fool on the phone.

  I want to thank you for everything you have done today. I would like to invite you and your girlfriend for dinner. Let me know what night works best for you.

  I waited. I wasn’t sure about the girlfriend status but I wanted to cover all my bases. A few minutes later my phone buzzed.

  I’m single. See you tomorrow evening.

  Damn I was hoping he wouldn’t say that. It would be much easier to shove him out of my thoughts if he had a girlfriend.

  I tossed my phone down and got up to shower.

  I showered, dried my hair, and pulled on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. I had given up on pajamas when Mia was born. Shorts and a t-shirt were far easier to run out of the house in than worrying about changing if something happened in the middle of the night.

  I grabbed my phone to find a book to read and noticed a text alert from Beard.

  What does Mia like for dessert?

  This man was making it really hard to think of him only as my landlord.

  Don’t worry about bringing something I’ve got it.

  I watched as the three little dots bounced up and down.

  I’m bringing dessert. What does she like?

  I wasn’t going to win.

  She loves vanilla ice cream.

  I tossed my phone onto the night stand and groaned.

  Chapter 4

  Beard

  I couldn’t remember the last time I had bought ice cream. The young girl had looked at me funny when I checked out. I may have gone overboard with the toppings but I wasn’t going to show up with only a container of vanilla ice cream.

  Bags in hand I knocked on Regan’s door.

  The woman opened the door and my cock started to rise. Regan had on a summer dress that skimmed the tops of her knees. The thin straps plunged into a v to reveal the tops of her beautiful breasts. Breasts I wanted to free from the flimsy material covering them and devour. Not what I needed for a nice family dinner.

  “Hi,” she smiled.

  “Evening.”

  “I thought you were only bringing ice cream. What’s with all the bags?”

  “Thought we could make sundaes instead,” I replied and followed Regan into the kitchen.

  Seated at the table was the cutest little girl.

  “Mia put your coloring down for a minute and come say hello to...” she paused and looked at me.

  “Grant,” I replied to the silent question.

  “Mia this is Grant he is the kind gentleman who moved all our things yesterday.”

  I crouched down to try and make myself less intimidating. I knew for a small child I looked intimidating.

  “Nice to meet you Mia,” I said squatting in front of her.

  Mia was standing behind Regan slightly. Regan crouched down in front of her daughter and whispered something into her ear.

  “Nice to meet you,” Mia said and held out her hand.

  I took the tiny hand in my own and gently shook it. The touch made my heart flutter for a moment. The dreams I had as a young man of having a family of my own pushed to the surface.

  “If you want to have a seat dinner is almost ready,” Regan said breaking the silence. “Would you like a beer to drink?” She asked.

  I had to clear my throat before answering her.

  “Sure that’d be great.”

  “Mia why don’t you finish your drawing and then put your things away for me please.”

  “But I don’t wanna,” the child whined.

  Regan leveled her with a look.

  “Can I help you with your drawing,” I asked Mia taking the empty seat next to her.

  “Do you want to do your own?”

  “How about we save this for after dinner and you can help me draw a picture,” I offered trying to help.

  Mia thought for a moment. “Okay. Here you do the crayons,” she said and pushed the box towards me.

  “You can go set them on the coffee table for later,” Regan said looking at Mia.

  Having dinner with Regan and her daughter made me feel at home. Regan and I fell into easy conversation. We finished dinner and Mia ran to get her coloring things. Before I could stand up and help clear the table Mia was climbing into my lap.

  “Mr. Grant it’s time to color.”

  “Mia you can’t just climb on to someone’s lap without asking,” Regan said in exasperation.

  “Its fine,” I said even though I felt like a fish out of water.

  “Here, this is your paper,” Mia said and set a blank piece of paper in front of me.

  With her own paper and crayons in hand she leaned her elbows on the table and got to work finishing her drawing.

  “You don’t have to color,” Regan said with a small laugh.

  “Nope I’m good,” I lied.

  I wasn’t good. Being this close to Mia was bring back memories and dreams I thought I had banished.

  “Alright then. I’m going to take this moment of calm to clean up.”

  Mia and I were both concentrating on our drawings when Regan returned to the table.

  “Oh my,” she said softly and more to herself.

  I looked up and caught her gaze. The pain I saw behind her eyes was unexpected.

  “You okay?”

  “Yeah, I’ll be right back,” she said and retreated to the bathroom.

  “Someone told me you like vanilla ice cream,” I said to Mia.

  The kid’s head whipped up so fast and looked at me with huge hopeful eyes. I couldn’t help but laugh.

  “Can I have some,” she asked jumping off my lap and heading for the kitchen.

  “Let’s wait until your mom gets back to eat but how about we get some bowls and spoons to help out.”

  “I can do it,” she shouted.

  We were carrying everything to the table when Regan returned.

  “Oh my goodness what do we have here?” She asked Mia.

  “Mommy Mr. Grant says were gonna make sunny’s,” Mia said excitedly.

  “I think you me sundae’s my sweet girl,” Regan laughed and kissed the top of her daughters head.

  The part of me I had let die years ago when my life had been torn out from under me was trying to claw its way to the surface. For the first time I felt like I should let it.

  Mia was a mess by the time we had finished making and eating our sundaes.

  “You need a bath!” Regan laughed as she tried to wipe chocolate syrup off Mia’s cheek.

  “Why don’t you go give her a bath and I’ll clean up,” I told Regan as I grabbed the bowls.

  Regan hesitated for a moment but the now sticky Mia running around won over the protesting she wanted to do.

  “Go on. If I remember from the other night it’s close to her bed time and I don’t want to interrupt the routine.”

  “Alright. Thank you. Again.”

  I cleaned up the now sticky table and washed the rest of the dishes.

  “Mia get b
ack here please,” Regan called out as the three foot ball of energy ran into the kitchen and tackled my legs.

  “Good night Mr. Grant,” she said and was running back to her mom before I had a chance to even respond.

  It took Regan about an hour to settle Mia down and get her to bed.

  I grabbed another beer and waited on the couch.

  “Sorry it took so long. You didn’t need to wait,” Regan said when she came back out.

  “I didn’t mind.”

  “I know we’ve just met but can I ask you why you’re being so kind? I mean I’m very grateful but it’s unexpected,” Regan said in a rush.

  I rose from the couch and walked over to stand in front of her.

  “I help people when they need it. Just something I do.”

  We were close enough Regan had to look up to meet my eyes. She didn’t say anything but I could see the want in her gaze and I had to hold myself back from pulling her to me and devouring her.

  “Go to dinner with me tomorrow night,” I said taking a step closer to her.

  “I can’t,” she whispered and looked down.

  “Why not?”

  “Because I can’t.”

  “Gonna have to give me a better answer.”

  I couldn’t see her face but I could feel the hesitation.

  “I don’t have anyone to watch Mia and we just moved here and I don’t want to leave her with someone she doesn’t know,” she rushed out.

  “Leave it to me. Grace can babysit tomorrow night.”

  “How do you know she’s even available?” Regan challenged.

  “Because I asked her already. Say you’ll go to dinner with me tomorrow night.”

  Regan hesitated another minute.

  “Fine I’ll go to dinner. But, ask Grace to come early so I can get Mia settled with her before we leave,” she said putting her mom hat back on.

  “Done. I’ll see you tomorrow night,” I said leaning down to brush a kiss to Regan’s cheek before I turned and left.

  Chapter 5

  Regan

  There must be a short circuit between my brain and my mouth. My brain was shouting at me to refuse Beard’s invitation to dinner. My mouth apparently took that as permission to say yes.

  Getting ready for bed I decided if this was going to be my one and only date for the foreseeable future I might as well make it a good one. I could take my lunch hour tomorrow to stop at the consignment shop I had seen on Main Street and find something nice to wear. I would be done at the school by three giving me plenty of time to get home and get ready.

  I was in the middle of reading when a horrifying thought occurred. What if Beard thought tonight was a date. Could tonight’s dinner be counted as a date? No, that was ridiculous. Shit.

  I sat up to try and breathe easier. I couldn’t do this. I wouldn’t do this. It was just me and Mia. I wouldn’t let anyone else in and have to witness the utter devastation that would occur when Mia had her heart broken. I could handle myself but I wouldn’t wish heartache on my child.

  I reached for my phone to tell Beard I couldn’t do it, but paused mid reach. No. I scolded myself. I had said yes and would be an adult. One date. Be nice and polite and then firmly refuse any other advances.

  ~~~

  I was standing on a chair trying to get one of my bulletin boards together the next morning when my phone buzzed and scared the crap out of me. No one texted me unless I reached out to them. Who could this be.

  Hi Regan its Grace. Beard gave me your number. I’m headed to the library. Anything specific Mia likes?

  All my energy drained from my body at the thoughtfulness of Grace’s gesture. I sat down and stared at my phone.

  Hi Regan. That’s really kind of you. Mia loves all books so whatever you pick she will enjoy.

  It was true my daughter had inherited my love of reading. My phone buzzed with Grace’s reply.

  Great I’ll be over at 5 to give us about an hour to settle in. Have a great day!

  Who was this man who not only thought about me but arranged for childcare for my daughter? A woman could get used to this. But I wouldn’t.

  I wasn’t going to let another man into my life only to have everything ripped out from under me. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.

  I decided not to find something new to wear and stick with what I had in my closet. I didn’t want to encourage Beard and I figured jeans and a non-sexy but nice top would be best.

  I spent the rest of the day stressing about the date.

  Grace showed up at five on the dot.

  “Evening. You look great,” Grace said with a smile.

  “Thanks. Come on in.”

  “Mia come meet Grace,” I called out.

  “Mom I’m busy,” was the response I got back. I took a deep breath.

  “Mia you are being rude. Please come here.”

  “Mom I’m going potty!” Was the shouted reply.

  “Oh, okay. Sorry sweetheart. Don’t forget to wash your hands.”

  I looked over and found Grace silently laughing.

  I couldn’t help but smile.

  “As you can see Mia can be somewhat of a handful.”

  “I love it,” Grace said.

  “She may only do it to me but don’t let her badger you into getting what she wants. Especially when it comes to bedtime. We start getting ready for bed around seven. She doesn’t need a bath, just brush her teeth and wash her face. We read a few books and I will put on calming music to wind her down.”

  “Anything in particular for calm music?” Grace asked.

  “Meditation music is the best.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Mia finally made her appearance and like with Beard she quickly took to Grace and the two were off playing in her room.

  I finished getting ready and then joined them.

  “You excited about tonight?” Grace asked.

  “I guess so,” I replied.

  “That didn’t sound very enthusiastic,” she laughed.

  “I haven’t been on a date in a long time.”

  “I probably shouldn’t tell you this but Dallas told me this is the first time he’s ever seen Beard go on a date.”

  “Really,” I said surprised. “He seems like the type of guy who would have women all over him.”

  “Oh he does. The girl’s that hang around the club are constantly trying to get Beard to hook up with them. But in the short time I’ve know him I haven’t seen him with anyone.”

  A knock at the door interrupted any further conversation.

  Chapter 6

  Beard

  How the hell was I supposed to keep my shit together on this date? Regan was wearing a pair of tight ass jeans, a black t-shirt with a sinfully deep neckline, and a pair of black leather boots. I had a sneaking suspicion this was her way of dressing down for this date she didn’t want to go on. But she hadn’t read her audience well. I was more turned on by this than the dress she had on yesterday.

  “Mr. Grant did you come to color again?” Mia’s excited voice asked.

  “Not today kiddo,” I said crouching down to talk to her. “If it’s alright with you I’m gonna take your mom out to dinner.”

  “Okay. Make sure you are good or she won’t let you get dessert,” Mia said and ran off again.

  “You heard her,” Grace laughed. “Behave or no dessert,” she said with a mischievous grin.

  I stood up to find Regan with a mortified look on her face.

  Apparently all the adults in the room had the same dirty thought’s running through their minds.

  “You ready to go?” I asked.

  “Yeah.”

  “Have fun. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Grace called out.

  “I don’t think that’s great advice coming from you young lady,” I laughed.

  The horrified look that crossed Grace’s face was priceless.

  “How do you know about that? Dallas is gonna get it.”

  “I
know everything that goes on in my bar. Dallas has been a complete gentleman.”

  “I think I need subtitles,” Regan said.

  “You ladies can talk about Grace’s naughty side later. We’ve got a dinner to get to,” I smiled and grabbed Regan’s hand.

  We were a few feet from my bike when she stopped.

  “You okay?”

  “Are we taking your bike?”

  “Yeah, you ever been on one before?”

  Regan shook her head.

  “You wanna try it out?”

  “You’ll be careful, right?”

  “With you baby, always.”

  Regan’s gaze snapped to me and for a second I thought I said something wrong.

  “Let’s go enjoy ourselves for the evening. Give you time to let loose,” I said hoping to lighten the mood.

  “I don’t think I can let loose like you want me to. I am still a mom and new teacher in town. I can’t have parent’s showing up to teacher conferences having seen me dancing on the bar the one night I decide to go out.”

  “I own the bar I can make sure it’s only the club when you decide to go crazy,” I joked.

  “What do you mean by club?” She asked.

  “Come on let’s get to dinner and then you can ask all the questions you want.”

  We rode to the next town over to one of the nicer restaurants.

  “You going to explain this club to me?” Regan asked after we had placed our orders.

  “The club is the Alpha Pack MC.”

  “A motorcycle club? Am I going to get looks from the parents if they find out I went out with a guy from a motorcycle club?”

  “If you do it’s because they’re a bunch of stuck up snobs. But you shouldn’t have a problem. We don’t do anything were not supposed to. We keep our town safe and our family safer. That’s what we’re all about.”

  “So nothing like you see on TV.”

  “Nothing like on TV. Nothing illegal. All our money is accounted for by Uncle Sam. We tend to handle the things that get swept under the rug.”

  I would always tell Regan what she needed to know to stay safe but the finer details were better left unspoken.

  “How’d you get into the club?”

  “I was fresh out of the army and a horrible breakup. Buddy of mine offered me a job at his bar. He was the president of the MC at the time. I became a member and here we are. What about you Regan. What’s your story?”