Even though his tone was matter of fact, inside, he was worried. But the part of him that got his way in business was already drawing up a game plan.
“Wow… uhmm.” Ford’s eyes showed all the concern he was doing his best to hide. He looked at Sawyer. “Do you think she can afford to pay for a flight? It’s not exactly cheap.”
Sawyer’s lips curved at Ford. His man was always the pragmatist, always thinking ahead.
“That’s true, but she could always borrow money… or whatever it is she does to get it.” Sawyer knew what she did. He’d gotten access to her rap sheet. “Still, we can’t let our guard down.”
“Do you really think she’ll come after the kids?” Ford looked apprehensive. “It didn’t seem like she stuck around much before.”
“My gut says she will. If for no other reasons than to find some kind of financial gain from having possession of them and maybe as a final “fuck you” to their dad’s wishes.” Sawyer hated the flash of fear on Ford’s face at his answer. He walked over to Ford and pulled him into his arms. “We will live our lives, and if she shows up, we’ll deal with it.”
Sawyer brushed a kiss over Ford’s lips, toothpaste and all. “We’ll be fine as long as we stick together. We can do this.”
Even though his brain tried to tell him that this was a lot for anyone to deal with, Sawyer squashed the voice. Ford wasn’t going anywhere, and he’d handled worse back in New York.
“I’m so sorry,” Sawyer whispered into Ford’s hair.
Ford pulled back. “Don’t say that. It’s not your fault, and you’re right. We can handle anything as long as we’re together.”
“I know, but that’s not what I mean.” Sawyer lowered his head and kissed Ford softly. He kept his lips pressed against his boyfriend’s and drowned in the warmth and comfort that surrounded them.
When Sawyer pulled back, he said, “This is not how I imagined us moving in together.” Sawyer laughed, but it lacked humor. “I know I said I wanted us to follow all the steps, take it slow.”
Ford kissed him deeply. His tongue pushed between Sawyer’s lips, shutting him up, and when he pulled back, he cupped Sawyer’s cheek.
“We have our whole lives to get to know each other and a lot more steps in front of us. I’m with you.” Ford’s eyes were bright. “That’s all that matters.”
15
Ford
Ford’s fingers cramped. He flexed them several times and listened to a few of them pop. Lovely. His eyes flickered to the time on his laptop. The kids would be home soon. He ran a hand over his face and stifled a yawn that threatened to escape. He needed to get a move on. Ford glanced at his boyfriend who was still staring at his screen and smiled.
“We need a break.” Ford pushed his chair back and walked over to Sawyer’s side of the desk where he began to comb his fingers through Sawyer’s hair. “I’m pretty sure those lists of errands haven’t run themselves.”
Sawyer glanced up, and their lips met briefly. “All right, let me just send off this email.” A few taps on the keyboard and Sawyer was done. He stood up and wrapped Ford in his arms. “What do we need to do?”
“I’m gonna run to town and pick up breakfast stuff for tomorrow, pull ups for Callum’s potty training, maybe some pasta, and salad.” Ford mentally went through the grocery list to make sure it was everything they would need. He reluctantly pulled away from Sawyer. “I think Gavin has a school project. They sent an email.” Ford left the office and Sawyer followed, walking with him down the stairs. “Oh, and I’ll stop by the site and check-in to make sure everything is on track.”
“You worry too much,” Sawyer teased. “I think Drake has everything in hand.”
“I know, I know, but just because I get to see the boss naked doesn’t mean I can slack off.” Ford teased back.
Sawyer backed Ford against the front door and used his arms to box him in. “Isn’t the boss always right?”
“I think you mean the customer,” Ford teased.
Sawyer leaned down and nipped his neck before drawing back, only to bring his lips down on Ford’s, parting them, tangling his tongue with his. Sawyer broke the kiss and whispered, “I have a better idea. How about we go back upstairs and have some naked time before the bus gets here.”
He dove back in, and Ford opened for him while their tongues tangled together.
Ford was tempted to stay but pulled back with a groan. “Stop tempting me. I wish I could stay, but I have to grab groceries before the kids come back. Plus don’t forget we ordered the cake for Callum’s second birthday tonight. I won’t be long. Maybe we can pick up where we started when I get back."
“I'm holding you to that.” Sawyer pecked him on the lips. “Does it make me a bad brother to have completely forgotten we planned a little party for him?”
“I think that just says you have been caught up in work for the day,” Ford teased. “Besides, it’s the first of many birthdays with the little guy.”
You’re right. And thank you for making me feel better about it. Love you.”
“Love you too and—”
The knock on the door vibrated against his back, startling him.
With furrowed brows, he turned and peeked through the peephole. A rush of air left his lungs as he processed what he was seeing.
“What's wrong? Who is it?” Sawyer asked.
Ford took a long, hard look at the woman who stood on the other side of the door. With striking features that matched Savanna's but were weathered from drug abuse, he surmised that it could only be… “Cynthia.”
Sawyer pulled him back by the shoulders before taking his place, and a low growl rumbled through his chest as he took in the woman. “I knew it. I fucking knew it.”
He stepped
