Only You Read online

  “Yes,” he coughed.

  In a swift move, Shane grabbed Larissa by the waist and placed her over his shoulder. “We’re going to talk, like it or not.” He held onto her like she was a featherweight.

  “Put me down,” she punched his back as he strolled over to his car.

  Shane smacked her on the ass and then opened the passenger door of his vehicle and sat her in. “If you run, I will run after you.” He leaned in and grabbed the seatbelt, placing it around her and clicked the metal piece in. He gently closed the door shut.

  Larissa was pissed, her nose flared and she mouthed “sorry,” glancing out the window over at Billy. This was all her fault; she should’ve walked away. Her boyfriend was hotheaded. Shane settled in his seat, glancing her way. His vehicle was already running, he changed gears and drove off. She could see the vein in his neck throbbing. “Who do you think you are?” She spat glaring at him.

  He took a deep breath. “I love you, Larissa.”

  She gasped, not expecting those words to come out of his mouth. Her heart raced, he loved her.

  ~~~

  “And I won’t let Liza fuck this up.” His grip on the steering wheel was getting tighter; his knuckles turned a shade lighter. “My son will always come first, but she’s not my responsibility. I’m sorry if you felt disrespected last night, but it wasn’t what it seemed.”

  “What did you just say?” Larissa gazed at him.

  “Last night, it wasn’t what it seemed. I didn’t want you to feel disrespected,” Shane drove down the highway. “I didn’t want you to hear me argue with Liz.”

  “No, what you said before that,” she continued to stare at him.

  “Larissa…”

  She grinned. “Yes,” waiting for him to say the words again.

  “I love you,” Shane chuckled, hearing her gasp again. He glanced her way, and then back at the road. “I hope you feel the same.”

  “You don’t know what those three words mean to me.” She leaned closer to him. “I love you too.” Larissa gave him a feather kiss on his cheek. “I’m not mad anymore,” she giggled.

  Shane took her hand in his, and brushed his lips against her knuckles.

  “You need to apologize to Billy,” Larissa squeezed his hand. “We were only talking about work.”

  “Fuck no, I’m not apologizing,” he replied. “I warned him to keep away from you. He had no right touching you.”

  Larissa moved back to the passenger seat. “He was concerned, that’s all.”

  “He can keep his fucking concerns to himself. I would never hurt you, but I will crush him if he gets in my way again,” Shane meant it. He knew Billy wanted more than a friendship with Larissa. It was in the way he looked at her, undressing her with his eyes. He even had the nerve to tell him how he felt at the last company party. Shane had a little man-to-man talk with him in the restroom then. Hell no, he wasn’t going to fucking apologize.

  “You didn’t have to choke him.” Larissa wasn’t letting it go.

  “You’re right, I should have decked him,” Shane smirked. “We’re not going to agree on this.”

  She tilted her head, “Fine I’ll do it.”

  “Fuck Billy.”

  “Where are we going?” Larissa scanned around the neighborhood.

  “Grayson is spending the weekend with us,” Shane mentioned going over a speed bump. “I want my son to spend more time with you.”

  “I would love that,” Larissa smiled. “He’s a sweet little boy.”

  “Just like his father,” he winked at her. “We’ll pass by your apartment and grab some of your clothes.”

  “You’ve thought of everything, but there’s one little problem.” She cocked a brow. “I don’t think Liza will agree to Grayson spending time with me.”

  “I don’t fucking care what Liza wants. He’s my son, and you’re my girlfriend. You’re going to be in each others’ lives, whether she likes it or not.” He turned the corner, “Grayson likes you, and that’s all that matters.”

  Shane parked in the driveway behind Liza’s car, and got out. He walked over to the passenger side and was about to open the door.

  “I’m staying here,” Larissa held onto the door. “I don’t want any issues.”

  “There aren’t going to be any issues,” he grabbed the handle. “I want you involved, no more secrets.”

  She sneered, “Thank you, but Grayson comes first. Go get your little boy.”

  Shane bent down and kissed her luscious lips. “You come first too.” He walked away. His son would always be number one, but his lady came in right after. He knocked on the door, and Liza swung the door open in a blue silk chiffon halter teddy. What the hell was she thinking, he asked himself, trying to keep is eyes on her face. “Is Grayson ready?” He glanced into the house.

  “Come in,” her lips curled into a smile, and opened the barrier wider. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

  Shane heard his car door open, and close. Liza’s smile disappeared when she saw Larissa stroll up to the entrance. “I think you need to cover up!” Larissa spoke sternly.

  A corner of his mouth lifted, that’s my girl, he thought.

  Liza’s cheeks were turning a darker hue of red, and her lips thinned as she grabbed a robe off the table to the side. “What is she doing here?” She slipped on the silky fabric and tied the straps.

  “She has a name,” Larissa replied. “We’re here to get Grayson,” she casually stated. “Is he ready?”

  Liza gave Larissa a dirty look. “My son is not going anywhere with you.”

  “Don’t test me, Liza,” Shane stepped forward. “It’s my weekend with him.”

  “Your weekend, but not with her,” Liza rolled her eyes at Larissa.

  “Where does it state in the court papers that my son can’t be around my girlfriend?” he asked in a stern voice. “I thought so. I don’t tell you who you can and can’t have around him. Grayson!” Shane yelled.

  “He’s sleeping,” Liza glared at him. “Come back later,” she went to close the door, and he pushed her aside.

  “You’re not keeping my son away from me,” Shane stormed into the house, leaving Larissa by the door. He marched straight to his son’s room; his little boy was lying in his bed with a stuffed super hero toy in his hand. “Grayson.” Shane softly called him.

  Grayson’s eyes slowly fluttered open. “Daddy.”

  He picked him up from his toddler bed. “Hey, buddy,” he kissed his forehead as his son rubbed his eyes. Shane would do anything for his son. Liza did a number on him while they were dating. He went out of town for a few weeks, and she cheated on him with a friend. When he came back, he was none the wiser. Liza got pregnant shortly after he came back to town. Shane was confused and nervous, a kid wasn’t in his plans, but he stepped up. He even thought about marrying Liza, but thank God he didn’t go through it. His friend Ned couldn’t keep their secret anymore; he broke down, finally telling Shane about the affair and the possibility that he could be the baby’s father. Shane almost ended up in jail because his fist connected with Ned’s face several times, breaking his jaw. After Grayson was born, they ran a paternity test, and the rest was history. Liza begged him for forgiveness, something he couldn’t give, until now. Grayson was his son, and he would always have to deal with Liza. Larissa was a breath of fresh air, and she was teaching him that the past was just that, the past. To let go and have fun.

  “Daddy!” Grayson hugged him tight. “I missed you.”

  “Me too.” he tickled him. “Let’s get some clothes, you’re spending time with me and Larissa.”

  “Yay! Rissa,” his son giggled. Shane and his son picked out some of his favorite outfits and got ready to go.

  ~~~

  Larissa screwed up her face, pushing out her lips, watching Shane’s ex. She had a smirk on her face. The nerve of her trying to seduce her man. “All dressed up for nothing,” she chuckled. “When will you learn that Shane doesn’t want anything to do with you anymore? He has me now, and believe me, honey, he is more than happy.”

  “Is he?” Liza tightened the straps on her robe. “If you weren’t here, he would be in my bed, making love to me.”

  Larissa had issues with trust after her past relationships. Her ex cheated on her with his ex-wife. Don’t let her play with your mind, she thought. “Liza… Liza…” she shook her head. “This is how you try to manipulate Shane, sex for his son. It’s not going to work.”

  “Shane is just using you,” Liza raised her voice. “I will always be in his life, I’m the mother of his son.”

  “Anybody could’ve been the mother of my son,” Shane spoke as he walked out of the little boy’s room with Grayson in his arms. “You’re not that fucking special.”

  “You don’t mean that,” Liza’s voice rattled.

  “I do,” he went to hand his son to Larissa, and Liza stood in his way.

  “She’s not touching my son,” Liza demanded.

  “Hi, Rissa,” Grayson giggled, getting down on the floor and running up to her. “Going bye, bye with you.”

  Larissa bent down, and kissed his cheek. “Yes we’re going to have so much fun.”

  “Don’t touch him.” Liza went to take Grayson’s wrist, when Shane moved in between her and their son.

  Shane held Larissa in his view, “Take him to the car,” Liza attempted to move, and he pointed his index finger at her. “Don’t.”

  “Bye, Mommy,” Grayson waved his little hand, and blew a kiss with his palm. Larissa looked at Shane, and took Grayson’s hand in hers. They stepped back and walked to the car.

  ~~~

  “You put that black bitch before me!” She spat.

  Shane smirked. “That black bitch as you call her, is the woman I love. We,” he pointed at her and then at him, “were a mistake, but I will never regret our son.” He grabbed the doorknob.

  “Shane, why are you doing this?” She wiped at her fallen tears. “Is she that good?”

  “Yes she is, actually she’s amazing. Didn’t you see the ass when she stepped away? I love Larissa, and you are not going to come between us.” Shane replied, making her doleful. “I’m tired of all this shit between us, it isn’t good for our son. So, from this point on don’t call me unless it has to do with Grayson. I will drop him off on Sunday night.” He pointed at her robe, “You should call Ned, I bet he’ll appreciate what you have on.” Shane closed the door, leaving her dumbfounded.

  Chapter Two

  “No!” Grayson screamed when Larissa tried to get him out of the playhouse at Kidz Adventure Zone. It was a kid’s dream; it had different color lights coming from the ceiling, floors, and walls. She had his little wrist, when he pulled away from her. “You not my mommy!” He shouted jumping up and down, and then started giggling, running deeper into the bounce house. Kids music blasted from speakers on each corner. Grayson’s favorite spot was the huge jump houses and the trampolines, and right now he was behaving like a brat. Larissa sighed, glancing over at the arcade games on the right, looking for Shane. He went to the bathroom and left her with the chore of getting his son.

  Larissa stepped back as the people around the playing area stared at her. Her feelings were hurt, but he was right she wasn’t his mother.

  “Ma’am,” the security guard walked up. He had a radio in his hand, moving closer to her. “Is there a problem?” He stared at Grayson and then at her.

  Larissa cocked her eyebrow. “No, I was trying to get-”

  He didn’t let her finish. “I think you have the wrong kid. You might want to look over there,” he pointed at a birthday party with predominantly African-Americans toward the front of Kidz Adventure Zone.

  “Excuse me,” She placed her hand on her hip, and tilted her head to the side, looking at the idiot in front of her. “I know exactly whom I’m talking to,” she glanced at the little boy. “Grayson! Daddy is waiting for us.”

  “No!” Grayson giggled, jumping up and down. “Not ready!”

  The security guard raised an eyebrow. “Lady…”

  “Lady nothing,” Larissa huffed, glaring at the chubby man. “He knows me, and I don’t appreciate what you’re insinuating,” she raised her voice. “Grayson!”

  Grayson laughed. “I luv you Rissa!”

  Her frown turned into a smile, she couldn’t help it. “Me too.” Grayson jumped out of the playhouse, and ran up to her and hugged her waist.

  “Sorry,” he looked up at her with those grey/blue eyes. “Ready,” Larissa patted his back and then he took her hand.

  The security guard watched Grayson as he hugged her. “I apologize.”

  “Is there a problem?” Shane strolled up, staring at the guard.

  “Yes, there was,” Larissa voiced, giving the man a dirty glance. “He thinks I’m trying to kidnap your son,” she picked up Grayson, and walked off.

  ~~~

  Shane scanned the area seeing that there were too many kids around. The people were waiting for his reaction to the mall cop. He glared at the man, knowing that he needed to watch his language. “Why would you think my girlfriend was trying to kidnap my son?” Shane stood about one foot taller than the security guard.

  “Sir,” his voice cracked watching Shane. “I never said she was kidnapping him.”

  “But did you insinuate it?” He moved an inch closer, looking at the gold badge on his shirt. Tim.

  “No,” he stepped away. “The kid was screaming ‘no’, and then ‘you’re not my mom.’ What was I to think?”

  Shane lifted his wrist up showing him the neon ink on his skin, making the security guard flinch. “What the fuck is this stamp for?” he pointed at the number, the young lady stamped on him, Larissa, and Grayson.

  Tim stared at his wrist.

  “Every time we leave this place the person at the front desk makes sure we place our wrists under the florescent light to make sure I’m not taking someone else’s kid.” Shane cracked his neck. “So, why didn’t you just ask to see their wrists, and all this would’ve been avoided?”

  “Sir.”

  “Sir what?” Shane raised his voice. “I know this isn’t the first time that a child screamed no, or you’re not my mom, is it?” He waited for his answer. “Is it?”

  “No.”

  “But because it was a white kid screaming to an African-American then it became a problem. It didn’t occur to you that he responded to his name when she called it.” He clenched his jaw losing his temper; it was time to go.

  “With everything that’s happened with kids’ abductions, I had to be careful.”

  Shane chuckled, shaking his head. “If my son would’ve screamed at me, would you have approached me?” Tim didn’t answer. “I thought so,” Shane just walked away. He wasn’t worth it. He ambled to where Larissa was putting Grayson’s shoes on him. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m great,” she looked up at him, and then stood. “I’ll be right back,” she walked over to the restroom.

  Grayson smiled, watching him. “Daddy, ready.”

  Shane sat next to his son, staring at him. “That wasn’t nice what you did to Rissa.”

  His smile faded. “She’s not my mommy.”

  “I get that she isn’t your mom, but she is an adult. You will respect her.” He continued to peer at his little boy. “When she says it’s time to go, it’s time to go. If not I will not bring you here anymore. Do you understand?” Shane didn’t like to do this, especially on his weekend, but he wasn’t going to raise a disrespectful kid.

  “Mommy will,” Grayson replied, crossing his little arms.

  “Grayson,” Shane raised his voice, and pointed. “Watch your mouth, buddy, or I’ll take you to the bathroom.”

  “No…” He pouted. “Mommy said Rissa not nice.”

  Shane combed his fingers through his hair, and took a deep breath. Why would she involve Grayson in her issues with Larissa? “Your mom is wrong, Rissa is a very nice person. Has she ever been mean to you?”

  Grayson shook his little head, “No.”

  “Rissa has always tried to make you feel special,” he wanted his son to see that what his mother said wasn’t the truth. “She cooks your favorite meals, she plays and watches cartoon with you, and she even took you to church. Does a mean person do that?”

  “No,” His son watched him through big blue/grey eyes. “Rissa very nice, Daddy.”

  “You will apologize when she comes back.”

  He nodded his head.

  Larissa walked back wiping her hands with a napkin, and as soon as Grayson saw her, he jumped out of his seat, and wrapped his arms around her. “Sorry… I luv you. I listen… I promise.”

  She watched Shane, patting Grayson’s back. “Apology accepted, sweetie.”

  “It’s time to go,” Shane picked up Larissa’s purse. “After you,” he kissed her lips. They were headed out of the entrance, when the young man in the front stopped them, and scanned their wrists with the florescent light. “Tim,” Shane yelled at the idiot, getting the man’s attention. “Look,” he pointed at her, she belongs to us, maybe next time you can ask me if I kidnapped her,” Larissa shook her head in embarrassment. “I love this woman.” Shane yelled, making all the patrons look their way.

  “Me too, Daddy,” Grayson giggled.

  Chapter Three

  Shane’s cell rang, and he knew exactly who it was without looking at the screen. “Liza,” He answered with annoyance in his voice. “What the hell do you want now?”

  “I’m checking on my son,” she stated with an attitude.

  “Our son,” Shane exhaled, staring at Larissa and Grayson playing on the trampoline in his backyard. He didn’t want them hearing the conversation with Liza. “He’s playing with Larissa.” He made sure to mention that bit of information. “You don’t need to check on Grayson, he’s with his father.”

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