Doing It Right (Babe Squad)

by Harloe Rae

“Good?” Mason straightens from his crouched position, wiping over his grin. “Better than I remember.” I haven’t felt this relaxed in ages. Every bit of me is sighing in relief. “Well worth the wait.” “Fuck, babe. Keep those compliments coming. You’re good for my ego.” “And you’re about to be bad for my unnecessarily long celibacy.”

“I’ve missed you.” He cups my jaw in a tender hold, sincere affection shining in his gaze. A lump instantly forms in my throat. “Don’t, Brax.” His eyes search mine for answers I refuse to give. “I can’t be honest?”

“Don’t make me regret this.” “As if you ever could.” “There’s the cocky boy I know.” “That’s where you’re wrong, babe.” His smirk is pure trouble, a warning to heed. “I’m all man.”

“Satisfied?” “Yep.” I pat his chest. “That’s how you end a dry spell.”

“I’m glad I could be of service.” “Me too, champ. It was great catching up.”’ Mason rests his forehead against mine. “We should do this again sometime.” “Like in an hour or two?” He searches my gaze, brushing our noses together. “Sure, let’s go with that.”

I feign enough interest to be sure Paul won’t question me again, but my mind is already wandering right back between Presley’s thighs. Damn, she’s sweet. Her tangy honey flavor still peppers my tongue.

His beady gaze narrows on me, catching my drifting attention once again. “Where’s your head been lately, Braxter?” In Minnesota with the memory of screwing Presley against the wall, but he doesn’t need to know that.

Her moans have haunted my every waking moment for the past week. Don’t even get ...

Fuck, I really am a mess. When I’m not obsessing over our bathroom tryst, I find myself wondering about Presley’s son.

A beautiful, sunny smile pops into my mind. Presley defines stability and value and meaning. But more than that, she represents what I’ve lost. The sacrifice I never should’ve made. I shouldn’t have left her. She shouldn’t have let me. That fateful morning, we tossed out a shot at true love. But we’re in this together again. I’ll make sure of that.

Presley is the path leading I was meant to take, but I ignored the pull. Now she’s a mother with responsibilities I can’t fathom. It’s nothing short of a miracle that she’s single. Somehow. I’ll only add a complication to the fluid system she mentioned. But maybe I can do more. I can fix this and be better. For them.

“Oh, please. I’ve seen this situation play out countless times. Something—or someone—is calling you back there. The heart is a foolish organ. Use your brain, kid.”

Presley waits at the end of this dark tunnel. There’s no convincing me otherwise.

“It took me years to mend my heart after he left. This way I’m not looking forward to potentially seeing him again. There’s no chance. We had a great time, and it’s over. Cut and dry. No plans to be made.”

“Uh, that’s not necessary. I’m good. The kitty has been properly scratched.” Clea is already shaking her head. “Nice try, Press. I refuse to watch dust collect in your flower. A bee needs to pollinate you with his big stinger.”

“We don’t need to discuss my coochie cobwebs. Shouldn’t we be planning your bachelorette party or something?”

“Or something is right. We’re focusing on your happily ever after, beech. You’re the last one standing single.” “No need to remind me. I’m already planning my spinster tattoo,”

Mason grabs my hand, threading our fingers together. “I’m home, Pep. Where I belong.”

“Just because you’re back in Meadow Creek doesn’t mean we’re getting back together.” “I figured you’d say that.” His smirk borders on sad. “Any sane person would say that.”

“I’m sorry for ruining your day.” “What did you think was going to happen?” He puffs out his chest in comedic fashion. “I’d swoop in, regain your affection, and we’d ride off into the sunset.”

“I love your mama, buddy.” There might be years of unanswered questions piled between us, and several challenges ahead, but my feelings for Presley remain constant. “Me too?” His sapphire eyes are filled with so much hope. The lump in my throat is a fiery ball that demands attention. I can’t concentrate on the numerous reasons why voicing his suspicion aloud is a bad idea. Fuck the repercussions. “Yeah, little man. I love you too.”

“You expect me to believe that you love my son?” The notion is outrageous, even if Archie is the cutest thing since puppies and kindergarten crafts. “Yes.” His casual tone rolls over my aggravated nerves. “How?” The thrum in my pulse skyrockets while I wait for his response. “He’s a part of you, Pep. It’s just natural.”

“After seeing you again, I made a promise to myself. Several, actually. More specifically, I pledged to reveal what prefers to remain trapped within. To be open and honest, especially with you.”

“I feel like Archie should be mine, which makes me sound crazy. But when I look at him, I see us and every wild dream we dared to share. He already has a father—who’s great, I’m sure—but maybe I could still be included somehow. If you’re willing.”

“Presley.” He squeezes my leg until I look at him. “I love you just as much today as I did yesterday. And six years ago. That’s not going to change. Archie is a piece I didn’t realize was missing.” “But your presence has. You’ve been gone.” “I’m back now,” he rasps. “For how long?” “Indefinitely.”

“You did talk about us having kids, even when we were too young to see that far ahead.” With a bent knuckle under her chin, I bring our lips together for a chaste peck. “I did, and plan to again once you’re ready.” A garbled squeak escapes her. “Okay, wow. Now I’m certain you’re just trying to get in my pants.” “More like your heart, but I wouldn’t snub a chance to get you naked.”

She presses a palm to her flushed cheek. “What’re you doing to me?” I track a pebbled trail along her skin while I drift a finger up her arm. “What I should’ve been doing all along.”

“I could never replace this.” “No,” she agrees. “Not even close.” “Tell me more.” “You own me, Pep. From that first moment you smiled at me, dousing me in eternal optimism.” “I snared you.” “You did, and always will.”

“Girls wanted you like their next fix in high school. I remember that quite well. But this is different. These women are worse than piranhas after a fleshy snack.”

“Yeah, okay. You shouldn’t have to be constantly reassuring me. What’s happened to my positive outlook? It’s safe to say my confidence has been shooketh.” “But why?” His gaze is pleading. “Stupid insecurities. I need to get over the gloom already. This isn’t a recipe on how to make a successful relationship last.”

“Hey,” he grabs my hand. “We’ve been over this. You have every reason to hesitate. But I love you, Pep. Only you. That’s how it’s always been. That’s how it always will be. You stole my heart in seventh grade and I don’t accept returns.”

“That’s not really how stealing works,” I tease. “...

“And what do you say, Archie?” I remind him. “You we-come?” “No, the other thing.” “Oh. Pwease?”

“The usual is good for us.” She taps a pen against her lips. “You make it too easy on me.” I prop my chin on a flat palm. “We’re not picky.” “That’s why you’re my favorite. Be back in a jiffy with your drinks.”

“Mase,” Archer tugs on Mason’s shirt. “I go pee-pee. Too wet.” I cluck my tongue at him. “That wouldn’t be a problem if you went in the potty like a big boy.” “No, I go in my diapew.” He points at the puffy area in his pants as if I don’t recognize the signs.

“I can take care of that for you, buddy.” Mason makes grabby-hands at the backpack hanging on a hook beside me. The swoop in my belly distracts me momentarily. “Uh, actually you can’t.” He frowns and lowers his arms. “Why not?” I blow out a heavy breath. “There’s no changing station in the men’s room. Chad complains about it whenever I suggest coming here.” Mason reels b...

“This is unacceptable. I’m going to talk to Roger.” His neck swivels with the urgency to find the manager. My shoulders bob with a shrug. “It’s actually super com...

“I’m offended on your behalf. You shouldn’t be expected to always do the changing just because you’re a woman. What if I came here without you? How...

“Uh, I don’t know. On the… counter?” “That’s ridiculous. I’d do it right on the bar until Roger takes this problem seriously.” He stabs a finger into the table for emphasis.

“You’re being very passionate about this.” Mason’s jaw goes slack. “Why aren’t you more upset about this?” “It is what it is. I’m used to it. The mommy is expected to handle the mess.”

“What an archaic practice,” he mutters. “Don’t waste too much breath. Archie will be potty-trained eventually.” “But I should be able to change the next one wherever we go,” he mumbles almost absently. I whack my chest. “Come again?” Hum...

“Oh, my. You’re talking about having a baby?” “If that’s all right with you.” Sweet temptation pours from his raspy tone. “It is.” My voice is too breathy in return. “Wouldn’t be the first time we’ve discussed kids.” “Or the last,” he ...

“Don’t worry for a second. I’ll treat him like my own.” That’s precisely how I see him, strange as that may seem.

“Mase,” Archer calls from the kitchen. My steps clap as I stride forward to meet him. “Yeah, buddy?” “I poop.” He turns to stick his butt toward me. His timing is impeccable, not that I’d pass off the duty. Literally. “Ah, just for me. I’ll take that as a compliment.” “It’s stinky.” He plugs his nose. “Even better. We’re hitting the ground running. I like your style, kid.”

“You weren’t kidding. That’s stinky.” “Told you,” he laughs.

“This is probably going to be messy.” “Uh-huh.” “Holy sh—,” I croak. “That’s a lot of poop.” “Big load,” he agrees. “That’s an understatement. How did all of this come out of your body? I’m going to need more wipes. Probably an entire pack.”

As if to prove my point, Archer grunts and a shart tops off this shit storm. Projectile fecal matter flies from his butt to spray all over the already full diaper and changing pad. By some miracle, I manage to remain unscathed—only just so. The carpet and his clothes appear to be free from damage as well.

“Trial by fire,” I groan. “I hope there isn’t more coming.” “All done, Mase.” He sounds rather satisfied, and rightly so....

“Tanks, Mase. Much better.” Archie springs to his feet with renewed energy. “My pleasure, I suppose. We have to get you going on the potty. It’s part of the learning curve.” “Like big boy?” “Yep, like a big boy. I go on the potty. Your mom and daddy do too.”

“I go on potty too. You help me?” Shock ripples through me, but I recover easily enough. “Of course, buddy. Next time you feel the urge to pee or poop, let me know.” “I gotta go pee-pee now.” “Again?” I could’ve sworn there was plenty in that disaster I just dumped. “Yep, I gotta go.” He holds himself between the legs, knees wiggling.