“Dad?”

“Yeah, Dawson?”

He turns on his side and props himself up a little. “I really like Reagan.”

“I do, too.”

“But…” He pauses.

I can see his hesitation. “What is it, Dawson?”

He sighs. “I heard Mom on the phone. She called Reagan a gold-digging whore. What does that mean?”

I’m stunned and rendered speechless. I didn’t think me dating would upset Jennifer. Regardless, I need to make sure she understands that’s not who Reagan is and make sure Dawson doesn’t repeat what he heard.

I sit down on the edge of his bed. “Buddy, you know me and your mom love you, right?”

“Yeah.”

“I know you’re young, and if you don’t understand this question, it’s okay. Do you have a problem with me dating Reagan?”

“No, I don’t. I like her. She smiles a lot at me, and when you weren’t looking tonight after dinner, Reagan gave me extra cookies. She said it was our secret.”

“Is that so?” I laugh and lean down to kiss his forehead. “Don’t repeat what your mom said. It’s not nice, and I don’t ever want you to say that about anyone.”

“Okay, Dad. Good night.”

“Good night. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“Hey Dad.”

“Yeah, buddy,” I answer him.

“I’m glad Reagan’s making you happy.”

I smile with his statement and nod. “Me, too.”

Standing in his room for a few minutes longer, I try to process what Jennifer said. When she came over, I noticed the tension between Jennifer and Reagan. I want to address that and make Reagan understand that Jennifer’s my past. Now, I’ll need to talk to Jennifer and make her understand that, too. Our divorce has been final for a few years, and there’s nothing that’ll make me go back to her. I love her because she’s the mother of my son. We have to remain civil for the sake of Dawson.

I decide it’s best to let it go for now, and I go back downstairs to spend time with Reagan. I reach the bottom step to find her sitting on the couch, leaning back, holding her glass of iced water. Standing here, watching her, I realize I like having her here, in my home.

“Hey.”

Her voice brings me out of my thoughts. I walk over to her and place a kiss on top of her head before settling down next to her.

When I take her hand in mine, I find the words I need to say, and I explain my history with Jennifer. “Jennifer and I were in love once upon a time, and we made an incredible son. After she gave birth, she changed, and it was her postpartum depression. Over the years, she has gotten better, but while we were together, she was a stay-at-home wife and mom. She gave up her career, but resented every minute. When we divorced, we agreed I’d give her money for Dawson and Dawson alone. She didn’t argue for more or try to take anything of mine. Our divorce was amicable.”

“I’m glad that you two are great,” she says as she looks down. “I get the feeling she’s going to cause problems. I like you a lot, and I don’t want her to come between us.”

“She won’t, and if she does, we’ll handle it together. I hope you know I’m in this all the way, and with that, you have my trust, honesty, and patience. I know you want to take this slow, and I can do that because I want this with you.”

“I want this with you, too, and I’m glad you’re willing to take it slow.”

“Can I kiss you now?”

When she nods, I don’t hesitate. Kissing her is everything I desire. The way our lips move together in complete rhythm and the way she feels against my body overwhelm me. I’ve been with and kissed many women, but kissing Reagan is different.

My cock immediately gets hard, and I move back a little. I don’t want her getting the wrong idea. But, fuck, I need her and want to be inside her.

I break our kiss and place a soft kiss against her lips. Her eyes slowly flutter open.

“You’d better get going because, if we continue doing this, I can’t be held responsible for my actions.”

The smile and blush on her face warm me.

“Text me when you get home, okay?”

“I will.” She leans up and kisses me, cupping my face, and then she walks onto the elevator.

After Reagan leaves, I clean up the apartment, get a load of laundry started and watch the news before getting ready for bed.

I'm thinking about Reagan and wishing she were here. I know she wants to take things slow and I'm trying. There's so much about her I want to know and so much of me I want to open up to her.

I'm in bed when my phone dings, alerting me of a new text message. It’s Reagan, and I can’t stop the smile on my face.

Fuck, I’m a pussy.

Reagan: I’m home.

Me: Thank you for letting me know. I’m thinking about my parents’ suggestion on hiring a driver. Chicago can be a little off at night, and I don’t want you to have to hail a cab or drive.

Reagan: Don’t do me any special favors.

Me: It’ll be for my and Dawson’s benefit, too. Your safety means everything to me. Chicago’s traffic can be unfriendly and busy for someone who isn’t used to it. I’ll hire a driver in a few days, and I’d like to pick you up, so we can ride to work together. If you ever need to go somewhere, then you call my driver, whoever I hire.

Reagan: I appreciate what you’re doing, but don’t you think we’re going fast? I know you have money, and that’s great. You and your family have worked hard. Don’t take pity on me.

Me: Reagan, I’m doing no such thing. When I get a driver, he will drive you wherever you need. I’m not risking you getting hurt.

Reagan: I won’t be winning this argument, will I?

Me: No.

Reagan: Fine, I concede.

Me: Thank you. Now, go to bed. My parents won’t be in the office until a little later tomorrow, so their driver can take us to work. I’ll see you at 7:15 a.m.

Reagan: Yes, sir.

When I read sir, my dick gets hard again. I imagine her begging me to fuck her, calling me sir, and telling me how bad she’s been.

I release my hard cock and move my hand up and down my shaft, picturing Reagan’s small hand wrapped around my dick, applying some pressure and moaning. Her moans would be soft and feminine. I start imagining her pussy. Does she shave, or is there a landing strip? She doesn’t seem to be a screamer, but she seems passionate, and I think sex with Reagan would be explosive.

“Fuck,” I hiss as I come on my stomach.

Reaching over, I grab a few tissues and wipe myself before checking my phone again.

Reagan: I’m going to bed soon. I’ll see you tomorrow. Thank you again for being there for me and for explaining your past. I like that you can open up to me.

Me: Maybe you can do the same. I won’t push you. Ever. Sleep well, beautiful.

Reagan: I will. Night, handsome.

* * *

I’ve finished my meeting, and I walk over to the bar and pour myself a glass of scotch. Rolling my neck, I finish the drink and pour another. The meeting, which lasted for over two hours, was a shit show. I’ll need to work this weekend and cancel my plans with Dawson. My company is my life, but Dawson’s my world. I also know that, without this job, we wouldn’t be able to live the way we do, and Dawson wouldn’t be attending the city’s best private school or experiencing a life without worry.

My office door opens, and in walks Jennifer. She shuts the door and turns my way. The scowl on her face is evident. I don’t have time for her bullshit. I’ve been trying to reach her these past two days. Every attempt has gone unanswered.

“What is it?”

“What the fuck is going on here?” she asks.

“Excuse me? I’ve been trying to contact you. You’re the one ignoring me. I don’t need to have Dawson asking me what a gold-digging whore is and be worried about Reagan. It’s bullshit, Jennifer. Where do you come off, saying that? What has she done to you?”

Jennifer reaches into her purse and tosses a file on my desk. “You might want to make sure you know who the fuck you’re fucking and bringing into our son’s life. She’s not who you think she is. The girl isn’t stable. There’s a record of her checking herself into a rehab facility for six months. What? Is she a damn addict?”

I ignore her and the file. Reagan has a past. We all do. Whenever she’s ready to talk to me about it, then I’ll be here.

“How did you get this?”

Jennifer rolls her eyes. “I pay my PI a lot of money to get me the information I need, so trust me, it’s credible.”

“We’re not discussing this. And, not that it’s any of your business, but her drug tests before she was hired all came back clean. She’s not a fucking addict.”

“I’m trying to watch out for you and our son. Don’t let her pussy blind you.”

“Again, not that it’s any of your business, but we haven’t had sex. I like her. She’s real, and she’s good to our son. You should be happy.”

She walks over to me and runs her fingers down my chest. I push her away and create distance between us.

“I’m sorry, okay? I’m not used to this. I promise, I’ll try to accept you're dating, and no more talking shit about her. Maybe I should get to know her and do a girls’ lunch or something.”

“I’d like that, Jennifer. Even though we aren’t together, you still mean a lot to me. Our past doesn’t get erased because we’re done. You’re the mother to our son, and I respect you in that aspect.”

“As I do, you. I’m off though. Please just be careful, okay?”

“No need to be, but, yes, I will.”

Jennifer leaves my office, and I soon follow.

* * *

It’s Saturday morning, and I’m looking at a disappointed Dawson. I feel like the world’s worst father. My phone vibrates, and it’s Reagan.

Reagan: I just left your mom’s, and Remy told me to tell you he’s on the way as well. Do you need anything?

An idea comes to me.

Me: Is there any way you can take Dawson to the zoo? There’s a new exhibit he’s been dying to see, and I can’t take him.

Reagan: Of course, babe. I’ll take him.

Me: You’re the best. Thank you.

Reagan: Seriously, no worries.