Lane (Made From Stone Book 1) Read online

  Living as 'just friends' with Mallory for the next few days will be difficult. And I don’t think I'm the only one this will be challenging for. I saw her eye my cock and flush when she got caught doing it. God, just thinking about it has my dick rock hard and pushing against my zipper. However, Mallory is in control. I’ve learned the more I push Mallory, the more she fights. I’ll take the couch, but sooner or later, she won't be able to fight it any longer.

  I’ve got to get on the computer at some point today and try to figure out my finances. My parents taught us early about the stock market and money market accounts. Everyone in my family is set financially. No, we aren’t rich, but we could all live a few years and not work with what we’ve been able to save. The first thing I need to do is move money around to pay my parents back. Then I need to figure out what I can afford when looking for a new place. I don’t think I’ll move into another apartment. I’d like to raise Annie in a nice subdivision in a good school district. It’s going to be tight, but I’ll do right by my daughter and give her everything I had growing up. Oh God, I need to call my grandpa.

  “Mallory, make yourself at home. I need to go make a few phone calls, and then I’m going to get into the shower. Maybe we can go to dinner later,” I say.

  “Can we order in? Or I can make something. I just feel like I’ve been going non-stop and I don’t feel like going out,” she replies. I can tell she’s exhausted.

  “Sure. I need to go by my parents. I’ll pick something up. Just tell me what you’d like.”

  “I need a big steak and an even bigger piece of chocolate cake!” Mallory's eyes brighten when she talks about food. Interesting. It’s weird how that small thing excites me. I want to know everything about Mallory.

  “You’ve got it,” I say and head back to my bedroom where I make the dreaded phone call to my grandpa.

  After a couple rings, my grandpa picks up. “Hello,” he answers. His voice always sounds so calm. Peaceful.

  “Hey grandpa. I wanted to call and see how things are going.”

  “Good, we found a new piano player at church and also the funding to start some construction work. I look forward to having you boys down next week to help do some of the heavy lifting,” he replies and I groan. I had forgotten all about the camping trip, and knowing my grandpa needs help and I won’t be there to help hurts. He never asks for anything.

  “About that. I’m not going to be able to make it. But maybe I can come once things settle down here.”

  “Ok. But what could possibly be so pressing that you can’t make the annual camping trip?” he questions and I groan again.

  “You sitting down?” I ask.

  “I am now,” he teases.

  “Well... I just found out I’m a father. Things are a little crazy right now!” I spill the news and sit for several minutes before I decide to make sure he heard me. “Grandpa?”

  “Yeah, I’m here. I just don’t know what to say. It’s like deja vu all over again.”

  “I’m sorry,” I reply.

  “Do you love the mother? Is it a girl or boy?” he questions.

  “Well, I love a lot about the mother. I could love her. Oh my God, Grandpa. I do love her.” Holy shit! I love Mallory. When did that happen? Not wanting to be rude after my realization left me speechless, I continue, “ It was a one time thing and so I’m still in a state of shock. I know I want her forever. And I have a daughter. Her name is Annie,” I choke out. I know this is bringing out a mix of emotions in him and me. My grandma was incredible.

  “Annie. I love that name,” is all he says. I can hear him clear his throat and then he asks, “Do you know why I pushed for all my grandkids to be married first?”

  “Because you’re a preacher and that's your job?”

  He lets out a big laugh and then says, “No, its because the greatest gift you can give your child can’t be bought. It’s parents who love each other. Parents who show their children what’s important. Your grandma and I wanted a house full of kids, but God had other plans. We didn’t know at the time that we would inherit eight grandkids and three sons. And the reason your parents never took you on fancy vacations is because they wanted to show you the importance of love, of living life simply. I’m not disappointed that I’m a great grandfather. I’m not disappointed that she came before marriage. To tell you the truth, knowing your dad and uncles I expected this. I also expect that you will do right by Annie.”

  Fuck. I honestly want to cry like a little bitch. This man knows how to get straight into my heart. Instead, I respond, “All I want is to do right by my daughter and give her all the things I had growing up.”

  “Well, bring her to see me soon. I won’t be able to make it up for a few months.”

  “I will.”

  “I’m proud of you Lane.”

  “I know,” I say.

  After hanging up, I go to my computer and move some money around. Deciding to shower later, I jump into my jeep and head to my parents. I don’t plan on staying long because I want to get back to my girls. Even though Mallory and I aren’t a couple, it will be nice for it to be just the three of us.

  Pulling in to my parents place, I exhale deeply. Things are so messed up right now and I want to go to my parents and say this is my plan. I've always had things figured out and living in this constant state of chaos is hard. Also, Landon is home and it's been over a year since we've been able to hang out. How the hell did I get myself into this mess?

  When I walk into the penthouse, I notice all my siblings are here laughing and having a good time. When they see me, they all stop and stare. This is another thing I hate. Unlike my twin brothers, who always wanted to be the center of attention, I never did. I like my privacy, but it's kind of hard hiding a baby, not that I would ever want to. Still, I want all the attention off me.

  “Hey, can I have a few minutes alone with Mom and Dad?” I ask. I'm surprised to see them all get up and walk out of the room without a word.

  “What's up, son?” Dad asks.

  “I just wanted to stop by and give you the check. I'm not staying long,” I tell them.

  Dad comes over and takes the check from my hand and then he hugs me.

  “Have you thought anymore about what you're going to do?” Mom asks.

  “Well, I'm going to be looking for a place soon. I'm thinking of buying instead of renting. I want Annie to have a home.”

  “I meant what I said Lane. This place is yours, free and clear,” my dad replies.

  No way!

  “I can't take this place, Mallory and I aren't even together. And it's a big place for just one person, Annie won't be with me all the time.”

  “She will be,” my mom says and I see the hopeless romantic coming out in her. For once, I hope my mom's right.

  “I don't know. Mallory isn't someone you back into a corner, and she seems set on us not being a couple.”

  “Well, think about it. The place is yours if you want it,” says Dad.

  “I will. I need to get going. Tell Landon I'll call him later.”

  Chapter

  18

  Mallory

  I've enjoyed the last couple of hours alone with Annie. She soothes me in a way I never knew possible, and never thought I'd have. Just one look in her beautiful eyes and the world disappears, even if it's just for a few moments. Sometimes she stares at me like I'm the only thing in her world that matters, and then I feel my world is complete.

  Now that she is resting comfortably on the blankets on the floor, I sit on the couch. I'm dying to go snoop around his apartment, but I decide against it.

  I turn on the TV instead and get distracted by a world of reality TV. I'm not interested in watching it, but I need the distraction. I laugh at myself as I think 'That's impossible!' I can't be distracted from the mess that I have made of my life.

  You would think I would've become numb to pain, but I haven't. I hurt that my parents are no longer with me, that Mom abandoned Amy and me. I hurt because no
matter how much I work, I can never get ahead. I know I have to keep going. Annie depends on me, and even though I have nothing, I feel I have everything I could possibly need lying on the floor right in front of me.

  I hear the door lock turning and my stomach sinks. I really hope Lane will settle for lighthearted conversation because I am totally drained.

  “Hey!” he says walking in with several bags and a big smile. I hurry to help him, “Let me help with those.” It looks like he's feeding an army! How much food did he buy?

  “Thanks,” he replies. He steals a glance at my face and I'm sure I look like a child at Christmas. I haven't had food like this since my parents passed.

  “No problem. Where are the plates?” I ask. My stomach is growling and I'm sure it sounds like an angry grizzly. He gestures to a cupboard and I grab some plates before searching a few drawers for silverware. I take them over to the table where he dropped the food.

  “Have you had Phil’s steaks?” he asks with a warm smile on his face.

  “No, but I've heard good things about them. Honestly, I'd eat anything right now.”

  “Why didn't you tell me you were hungry earlier? We could've stopped somewhere.”

  “I needed Annie more than I needed food!” I explain, trying to keep the mood light, but I can't help but start to choke up. I will not cry in front of him.

  “Well here,” he says handing me a container. I open it quickly and transfer the food over to the plate. I waste no time getting started. The first bite of the steak and I’m in food heaven. If Lane weren’t sitting here, I’d stick my face in the plate and go to town. It’s that delicious.

  After taking a few bites and having a drink of Coke, I have just enough food in me to talk.

  “Thank you for all of this. I'm going to start looking and I think I can find a place soon.”

  “Mallory, I've already started looking for another place. You and Annie can stay here. It will take me a few days to get things squared away.”

  “You're not leaving your own apartment, Lane. I could never ask that of you.”

  “I don't mind. I would feel better with you girls here. Eli lives just across the parking lot, and it's much safer.”

  “Again, I'm not kicking you out. Please don't try to push this. You and your family have done so much for me. I can't and won't accept any more help!” I state firmly. I can tell he's irritated and I can't help but laugh a little. I think I’m learning Lane stays irritated, especially when he doesn't get his way.

  “You aren't kicking me out, and get used to the help. It's what family does. Even if we aren't a couple, my family loves Annie and that means they love her mother.”

  “Lane, please. We can look for a place for me together. You can make sure it's safe and meets your guidelines, but it also has to be within my budget. I appreciate all the help and I love your family, love that they love Annie, but your parents paid my medical bills. I didn't know they were your parents at the time, but now that I do, I can imagine what they must think. It's probably, ‘Oh this girl took our money, kept our grandchild from us, is moving in with our son, and he is now supporting her!’” God, just saying all this out loud makes me feel like I am taking advantage of Lane and his family.

  “Don’t talk about my family like that. You obviously don’t know them!” he says, dropping his fork on his plate and the look on his face makes me feel guilty.

  “I wasn’t trying to talk bad about them. You’ve all done so much for me and I’ve given nothing in return. I don’t like feeling like I owe people,” I explain.

  “Mallory, for weeks after Annie was born my parents talked about my dad's last patient and how they worried about you, and wished they could’ve done more.”

  As much as I want to accept his words and feel grateful, I don’t. “I’m not a charity case Lane. I don't want any more help. Please understand that!” God, I’m so pissed and suddenly not hungry as what started as a light conversation escalates into a full-blown argument.

  “You drive me FUCKING insane! It’s not charity, it's family. Get used to it, babe! You and Annie are now a part of my crazy family, no matter what you say.”

  “I’m telling you right now, asshole. I’m getting the apartment I want!”

  “I’m going to shower,” he says in a frustrated tone as he pushes his plate away. I hear him mumbling under his breath as he walks away and I can't help but laugh inside. As angry as I am, he does have a magnificent ass and I can't help but watch it as he leaves the room.

  “Good, find a way to wash that arrogance off of you. It stinks,” I call out. I hear the door slam followed by loud laughter.

  Lane

  How can someone piss me off and make me laugh at the same time? She is so frustrating! Why can’t she see that I don’t view her as a charity case? We share a daughter and I want to make sure they are safe. That's all.

  The longer I stand in the shower, the more my thoughts become jumbled. I know I can’t push Mallory into doing what I want so I need to find a way to reason with her. I just don’t know how to do that yet. She can’t just move out with Annie. The safest apartments come at a cost, and one I know Mallory can’t afford. Maybe I can talk her into sharing an apartment long term with me. Maybe I could be her roommate. I don’t think she’ll agree, but it's the only thought running through my mind that makes the most sense.

  I run my hands over my body rinsing off and I get to my now rock-hard cock. Mallory Carter has affected me so strongly that even an argument with her gets me hot. I wrap my hand around my length and shiver at the sensation. It's been a long few days and I've been so frustrated that I deserve this. I close my eyes and imagine the one person that has served this purpose since I met her. I pump my sensitive cock to the thought of her. If Mallory knew what I was doing in here, I'm sure she would blush a million shades of red. The thought of her blushing sends me over the edge and I watch my frustration wash down the drain. I turn off the water after I recover and step out, determined to make Mallory see it’s the best decision to live with me.

  When I walk out of the bedroom, I’m surprised to see her still at the table eating chocolate cake. I can’t help but laugh when she raises her fork and points it in my direction and says, “Don’t judge me.”

  I throw my hands up and laugh, as I say, “No judgments here. I hope chocolate makes you nicer.”

  Her eyes soften and she giggles as she replies, “It does, and I’m sorry about earlier. I would never intentionally talk bad about your parents; I want them to like me. Can we talk for a little bit?”

  “I know you wouldn’t and it’s ok. I do think we need to talk.”

  “Thank you. Lane, it’s hard for me to open up. I feel like if I tell my story that people will think I’m seeking sympathy and I’m not. The truth is, I’ve lost my parents and I know that you want to help, but I don’t mind doing things alone. I know one day, when I do make it, I can look back and say I did it. I want to share my story with troubled teens and say anything is possible. I know that might sound silly, but I need for these last four years to have meant something. I need to believe everything happens for a reason,” she explains in an almost whisper.

  I lean against the kitchen counter as I try to process her words. Not wanting to scare her off with the ‘let's move in together’ suggestion, I simply say, “I’ll try to keep that in mind as we move forward. You should know I understand what you need to do, but you need to understand we share a daughter. The thought of Annie growing up in a sketchy part of town drives me insane, especially when she doesn’t need to. Amy was attacked last night and my daughter could’ve been there. You could’ve been there.”

  “I know. That scares me too. I just don’t know what to do. I’m trying Lane,” she says and hangs her head. Seeing her so embarrassed and upset is killing me.

  “Mallory, I have something that might work for both of us.”

  “I’d like to hear what it is.”

  “Can you promise to keep quiet until I finish? Hear m
e out completely?” I question. I know the second she hears ‘let's live together,’ she’ll have to chime in.

  “I’m scared.... but ok,” she teases.

  “What if we live together? We can get a two bedroom.” She starts to open her mouth and I stop and give her a look. I watch as she shuts her mouth before I continue. “As I was saying, we could live together. It would give Annie both parents in the house. What I think will appeal to you is when football season starts, I’m rarely home. Long practices during the summer, away games--you’ll have a lot of alone time with Annie. Also, when school starts back, you’ll see me even less, but enough for me to be informed where Annie will be. Also, as much as I don’t like it and can't stop you, you work at night, and those few nights a week you want to stay with Amy. So we won't actually see a lot of each other, it could work.”

  She’s thinking about what I just said. This is good. Every time she opens her mouth, she shuts it again and I can see the wheels turning in her head. God she is sexy!

  “In theory that sounds like a good idea. Here’s my problem. You’ve 'staked your claim' on me. If I’m here, you know everything that’s going on in my life. If I go on a date, you’ll know. Would it annoy you or make you feel uncomfortable if Olivia or Amy comes to stay with me at night. Can I bring a date back here?”

  Son of a bitch. I want to claim her again. It’s taking everything in me to not go all caveman ‘you belong to me’ on her. “As far as Olivia and Amy are concerned, bring them over when you want. But you will not bring a date into a home where MY daughter is.”

  “Can I think about all this? I need some time?”

  “Sure,” I say. I walk to where Annie is sleeping on the floor and bend down to pick her up. I know you're not supposed to wake a sleeping baby, but if I can’t work things out with Mallory, she may call someone else daddy, and that will never be ok with me.

  Chapter

  19