Fighting for Us Read online

  As carefully as I can manage, I climb from the bed and pick up Levi’s discarded shirt from last night, slipping it over my head as I sneak down to the kitchen. Taking a quick look around, I spy a coffeemaker and immediately start brewing a pot. Poking my head into the fridge and cabinets, I decide on omelets and bacon, shutting the door to the fridge with my hip.

  Twenty minutes later, I’m placing everything on his small kitchen table. Satisfied with how it looks, I tiptoe into the bedroom, finding the bed empty. Raising an eyebrow, I notice the bathroom door shut.

  Well crap.

  Levi steps from the bathroom a second later, and yes, I swoon. I swoon really fucking hard. He’s in just a towel wrapped around his lean waist, water sparkling on his bare chest. His damp hair is in his face, and I can’t help biting my bottom lip.

  “Like what you see, sweetheart?” he quips, leaning over for a quick kiss, then opens the drawers of his dresser.

  “Maybe I do.”

  He’s in sweats and a tee in just a few moments, and when I finally tear my eyes from him, I remember breakfast.

  “Oh, I have a surprise for you.”

  “Yeah? Does it involve what we were doing last night?” Levi swaggers over to me and pulls me into his body, a strong arm wrapping around my waist. “By the way, my shirt looks fucking hot as hell on this sinful little body.”

  “No, it doesn’t have to do with that, actually.” Turning him around, I stand behind him and reach up on tiptoes to cover his eyes. I walk us out his bedroom door and he chuckles.

  “You gonna help me down the stairs blind?”

  “Oh, shit. No, I’m sorry. I totally forgot.”

  “No worries. I won’t peek, I promise, Em.”

  But as soon as we hit the first-floor landing, he groans loudly.

  “Woman, did you make me bacon? Fuck, I think I just fell in love.”

  Laughing, I kiss him on the cheek and pull him into the kitchen. I go to take a seat at the table but he grabs me, lifting me until my legs wrap around his waist.

  “You made me breakfast?” he asks, leaning his forehead against mine.

  “Yeah. Is that okay with you?”

  “It’s more than okay with me. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Now eat before it gets cold.”

  Dropping a soft kiss to my lips, Levi puts me down and holds a chair out for me, waiting until I’m settled before he sits next to me.

  “So, what’s the special occasion?” he asks, grabbing the plate loaded with bacon.

  “No reason, I just wanted to do something nice for you.”

  “Feel free to do it more often, babe.”

  Blushing, I dig into my own food. Pouring us both some coffee, I hear my phone start ringing from my purse on the counter. Levi smiles, so I excuse myself to answer the phone.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, Em.”

  “Hey, Dad. What’s going on?”

  “Nothing much. Listen, honey, I was way out of line the other day, and I need to apologize to you.”

  “No, Dad, it’s okay, you don’t have to—”

  “No, Em. It’s not okay.”

  Biting my lower lip, I lean my back against the counter, watching Levi out of the corner of my eye.

  “Dad...”

  “Listen to me. You’re a grown woman, and if you’re really serious about this guy, then know you have me in your corner no matter what. And if you’re ready to start thinking about being a mother, we support you. And you’d make one hell of a mom, Emmy girl.”

  Tears burn my eyes at his words, and I fight to bite them back.

  “Daddy.”

  “I love you, baby. You’re my entire world, and I need you to forgive me.”

  “You know I do, Daddy. I always do. And thank you.”

  A few tears betray me and fall down my cheeks. Levi’s brow furrows and he comes to stand in front of me.

  “Em, can I ask you something?” my dad asks.

  “Yeah.”

  “Do you love him?”

  I look up at Levi and he bends over to kiss the tears away, smiling.

  “Yeah, Daddy. I think I do,” I whisper, knowing the man in front of me has no idea what I’ve just said. But the words couldn’t have been truer.

  I’m just not sure what to do now.

  CHAPTER 9

  Levi

  PULLING INTO MY PARENTS’ driveway, I can’t get rid of the stupid grin on my face. I’m looking forward to having Lily back, but I also miss Emmy. She left my place about a half hour ago, and even though I know I’ll see her tomorrow, it’s already been too long.

  After she got off the phone with her dad, she told me all about the conversation she had with him, and while I was slightly annoyed, I also understand completely. I have a little girl too. I’m in the same shoes as him, and I’m sure I would react the same. I gotta say though, hearing how she defended my baby to him, I was stunned. I knew she liked Lily, but after hearing her talk about how important my little girl is to her, my heart is completely full.

  Climbing from my truck, I’ve just shut the door when I hear the most beautiful sound in the entire world: Lily screeching and running across the front yard to me.

  “Daddy, you’re here!”

  Laughing, I drop to my knees and scoop her into my arms, covering her sweet face in sloppy wet kisses.

  “Hey, baby girl. I missed you! You have a good weekend with Nana and Papa?”

  “Yes, Daddy. We stayed up till ten firty, and then Nana made us go to sleep. We had waffles for breakfast too!” Lily’s blue eyes are sparkling above her huge smile.

  “I’m so glad, baby. Let’s go inside, okay?”

  Jumping off my lap, she goes racing back to the front porch where my parents are sitting. Jogging over, I step onto the porch, leaning down to kiss Mom on the cheek.

  “Waffles, huh? She seems wound up.”

  “That’s your brother’s doing,” Dad says, offering me a cup of coffee from the pot sitting on the table in front of them. I take it and sit down next to them.

  “What did Cade do now?”

  “Oh, nothing bad. We were just up early this morning finishing the bathroom, and he’s had Lily going since then. You know how much she loves him.”

  “Yeah, he’s a pain in the ass.”

  “How was your date with Emerson?” Mom asks, leaning over to pat my leg.

  “It was real good, Momma. Went out for dinner, spent the night together. And that’s all I’m gonna tell you.”

  “Oh please, like I don’t know all my children are having sex.”

  “Mom, please stop. I can’t discuss my sex life with you.”

  Dad roars with laughter, clapping me on the back.

  “I’m kidding, Levi. Trust me, I don’t need all the sordid details. I’m glad you had a nice time though. This Emerson, she’s a nice girl?”

  “She’s the best. Really. I’m consumed with her. Is that crazy?”

  “No, it’s not. Love is always all-consuming and fast.”

  Narrowing my eyes, I look at my mom with surprise.

  “Love? It’s a little fast for that, don’t you think?”

  “No, I don’t.” Smiling at me, she stands up to take mine and Dad’s empty coffee mugs inside, leaving me alone with my father.

  “I’m happy for you, son,” he says, looking past me to watch Lily playing in the yard.

  “Thanks.” I shut my mouth and turn to watch my daughter, thoughts filling my head.

  Fuck. I think I might actually be in love with Emmy.

  “Daddy, come on! I wanna go see Miss Emmy!” Holding my hand tight, Lily drags us out the front door to my truck. It’s eight thirty on Monday morning: time to head over to Em’s apartment to help her move. Lily has been bouncing off the walls, so excited about the present she made for Emmy’s new house. I’m a bundle of nerves over having to meet her father, knowing he probably isn’t my biggest fan. Lifting Lily into the truck, my smile grows when she wraps her tiny arms arou
nd my neck and hugs me.

  “I love you, Daddy,” she whispers, kissing me on the cheek.

  “Love you more, Lily bug.”

  Giggling, she sits back so I can strap her in. I climb into the truck, hitting the onboard navigation to my recent calls. Hitting my girl’s name, we listen to the phone ring and within a few moments, she answers.

  “Hey.”

  “Miss Emmy!” Lily squeals from the back seat.

  “Hi, sweetie pie! I can’t wait to see your face today.”

  More giggling. “Miss Emmy, you gonna see all of me, not just my face!”

  Em starts cracking up, but I can hear a commotion behind her.

  “What’s going on, babe?” I ask, straining to hear what’s happening.

  “Sorry, just my jerk neighbor. Dad and I moved some of my stuff into the hallway to give us space and he’s being an asshole. No biggie, I’m just glad to be moving. Are you guys on your way?”

  “Yeah, we’re leaving now. See you soon, Em.”

  “Drive safe, Levi.”

  “Bye, Miss Emmy!”

  Ending the call, I throw my truck into Reverse and back out of my driveway. The whole way there, Lily can’t stop chattering and holding up the present she has for Emmy. My daughter’s excitement is infectious, and by the time we pull into the apartment complex, I no longer feel weird about meeting her dad. I’ll just have to talk to him about my intentions and prove to him that his daughter is in good hands.

  And she is. Emerson Reese is safe with me.

  Turning into the apartment complex fifteen minutes later, I pull my truck into the closest spot I can find. Emmy’s car is parked only a few spaces down, so I figure it’s good enough. Unbuckling Lily, I pull her down from the cab and toss her onto my shoulders. Laughing, she wraps her arms under my neck to hang on, effectively choking me like she always does.

  Bouncing up the stairs, I reach Emmy’s floor and hear shouting and cursing. My senses on high alert, I walk us around the corner to find some dickbag flailing his arms around, shouting at Emmy, her arms crossed over her chest.

  “I said to move this shit, bitch!”

  “Hey!” Pulling Lily from my shoulders, I move her behind me and stride over to the prick.

  “Wasn’t talking to you, asshole,” he retorts, turning back to Emmy.

  “Don’t fucking care. Watch how you speak to my girlfriend and get the fuck away from her. Now.” I tower over him, but he doesn’t care. I can smell the alcohol on his breath, so this is no doubt the drunk of the building.

  “Screw you, buddy. I live here too, and I don’t want to be tripping over her shit.”

  “I get the feeling those Budweisers you’ve been drinking since noon yesterday help with your issues walking. I won’t ask again, pal. Back the hell off before we have a real issue.”

  Scoffing, he flips us off and turns around, falling over himself as he bangs up the stairs, cursing us the whole time.

  “Jerk,” Emmy mutters with a shake of her head.

  “You okay?” I ask, tipping her face up to mine.

  She nods. “Yeah, I’m fine. Glad to get out of here.”

  “Trust me, the feeling is mutual.”

  Emmy smiles and leans up on her tiptoes to kiss me.

  “I missed you,” she whispers, blushing at her admission.

  “Missed you more, baby. Let’s get you moved, okay?”

  Another nod and she moves around me to go see Lily. Looking back over my shoulder, I watch her pick up Lily and fold her into her arms. It must have been the anger in my voice, but I completely terrified my daughter.

  “Oh, Lily bug. I’m so sorry, baby girl.” Pulling her out of Emmy’s arms, I hold her to my chest, my large hand cradling her head to my chest.

  “Why are you so mad, Daddy?” she whispers, curling her little hand around my fingers.

  “I’m not mad, Lily. That man was being mean to Emmy, I wanted him to leave her alone. I’m sorry, baby.” Pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, I give her my biggest smile.

  “Okay,” she mumbles, turning to Emmy while still in my arms. “Let’s go pack, Miss Emmy.”

  Emmy holds out her arms and I hand Lily to her, shoving my hands into my front pockets while I let my head droop between my shoulders. I just scared my own daughter. I never raise my voice in front of her, not wanting her growing up around anger and bullshit.

  Motherfucker. Way to go, Jackson.

  Strolling in behind them, I watch Emmy take Lily over to the couch, sitting her down. Emmy grabs her a huge coloring book and a box of crayons. Clapping in excitement, Lily busies herself with a picture and Emmy comes over to me, taking my hand to pull me into the hallway.

  “Thank you,” she says quietly, her arms coming around my neck to hug me.

  Burying my face into her neck, I hold her tight, breathing in her sweet scent.

  “For what?”

  “That asshole. Dad went to get me a couple extra boxes, so I was on my own with him.”

  “It’s my job to take care of you, so don’t thank me for that, Em. I just wish my daughter didn’t have to see that.”

  “She’ll be okay, Levi. She’s little and doesn’t understand anger.”

  Nodding against her, I pull away to kiss her, resting my forehead on hers.

  “Em—”

  “Got you three more boxes, sweetheart.”

  Emmy pulls away and I turn around, finding myself face-to-face with her father. He’s tall, almost my height, with Emmy’s blue eyes and a smirk on his face.

  Dropping the cardboard he has under his arm, he holds out a hand to me.

  “You must be Levi. I’m Elliott Reese. It’s a pleasure to meet you, son.”

  Gripping tightly, we shake and I see Emmy beaming.

  “Levi Jackson. It’s great to meet you, sir.”

  Slapping me on the shoulder, Elliott bends down to pick up the flattened boxes, handing me one of them. With a wink over my shoulder, I follow him into the apartment, leaving Emmy behind with a smile on her beautiful face.

  Well, we got that out of the way real quick.

  “Knock it off, Levi. We still have work to get done,” Emmy chastises me, bending over to grab another box off the floor.

  “God damn,” I groan, watching her tight pants show off that toned ass I love so much.

  Looking up at me over her shoulder, she rolls her eyes and stands up, turning to face me.

  “What?”

  “Em, it’s not my fault. Those pants are paper thin and look like they’re made for you. I’m a guy, baby. It’s what I do. My girlfriend has a fucking perfect ass. Sue me.”

  “Jesus, Levi. My dad is in the other room. You’ve seen me in leggings, what’s wrong with you?”

  Swaggering forward, I pull the box from her arms and place it on the kitchen counter.

  “True, but now I’ve seen what you have underneath them. It’s like having a perfect fucking steak for the first time. You make my mouth water, Em, and I’ll never get enough of you.”

  Slapping her hard on the ass, I kiss her reddening cheek and grab the box from where I placed it, whistling as I walk out to my truck.

  I’ll pay for that later, I’m sure.

  And fuck, am I looking forward to it.

  It took almost all day, but all of Emmy’s stuff is in her new place. I was stoked to find that she only lives about five blocks from me, in a small rancher on a good street. I will definitely sleep better at night knowing she’s safe.

  I sit on the couch, Lily sharing the recliner with Emmy’s dad, and I have to say my daughter’s charm is growing on him. Elliott and Lily have been inseparable today, and she certainly enjoyed helping him move boxes.

  The couch shifts and Emmy sits next to me, a huge smile on her face.

  “Is there any way I could persuade you and Lily to stay for dinner with me and Dad?”

  Smiling, I lean over to her. “Give me a kiss and I’ll think about it.

  She laughs and presses her lips to mine, eye
s closed. Her hand runs over my shoulders, pulling me closer to her.

  “You better stay, mister,” she mumbles against my mouth.

  “You know I will, Em.”

  Pulling away, I notice Lily watching us out of the corner of my eye.

  “Daddy and Miss Emmy, sittin in a tree!”

  Laughing, she runs over and hurls herself at us. Seeing Elliot take it all in, I lock eyes with him and note the slight nod of his head.

  He approves. Thank fuck.

  CHAPTER 10

  Emerson

  HOW ON EARTH HAVE almost three months gone by? Maybe it’s the amount of fun I’ve been having. Levi and I have barely spent any time apart. My classes have started up again, so it’s been hectic, but it’s been no challenge fitting him and Lily into my free time. Every single day just has me falling harder and deeper for him. Being with Levi has changed me.

  No, he doesn’t know quite yet, but I’m hoping to get up the courage soon. It’s not so much the fear of being rejected that I’m worried about, it’s how much it will change things for us. I love Lily, and I love Levi. But what if he’s not in love yet? I know how much he cares about me, but if Levi isn’t ready for the next step, what would that mean for us? I don’t want to lose them, so until Levi makes that first move, I’m staying right where I am. It’s not just me I have to think about; I need to make sure that Lily is okay. I can cast my feelings aside for a little bit longer, so long as Lily doesn’t get hurt.

  That’s all I care about.

  Stepping from my bedroom, hair still wet from my shower, I look around my house to make sure it doesn’t need to be kidproofed. Tonight I’m having a sleepover with Lily, just us girls. It was my idea and Levi seemed excited for us. Lily though? That girl almost went through the roof. She started screaming about watching Trolls and painting our nails. I’m even gonna pull out my old air mattress and set it up in front of the television so we can camp out. Hell, I even made a stop at Target and got some new Barbies, and a huge princess blanket for us to sleep under. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited.