A laugh burst from Frost as Lily tried feeding Zep a bite of raw batter that both girls had definitely dug around in. His laughter doubled when Zep ate it without complaint.
“You ladies are doing a fabulous job. I’d recommend your restaurant to anyone.”
Frost shook his head. “Okay. Let’s get cleaned up so we can eat.” As Frost reached for Millie, he stole a kiss from Zep. It wasn’t anywhere near the good morning kiss he wanted, but they weren’t alone. To Frost’s surprise, Zep jumped in to help. He carried Lily to the sink and washed her hands before tossing the hat and apron in the washing machine. While Frost strapped the girls in their booster chairs at the table, Zep cleaned up the kids’ work area. Frost barely spoke. He was too busy trying to hide his feelings. Other than his mom and sister taking the girls for overnight visits, Frost never had help. He did everything for them by himself when they were at home. They were his kids. He loved them and being their dad was his job, but it was exhausting work. Frost hadn’t dared to dream that things could be different.
The moment they were settled, Zep focused on him. “Thank you for this, but you should’ve made me get out of bed sooner. I would’ve helped.”
Zep had no idea. He had already been more help than Frost ever received. “It’s fine. Mom had brunch plans, so I had to get up early anyhow. Plus, I have my two helper chefs.”
For a moment, Zep stared at him without speaking. He visibly swallowed. “You’re so lucky.”
Frost had to take a breath. “I know.” He had a feeling he was even more blessed than Zep believed because he had Zep with him right now. For the first time in years, Frost wanted to take a chance. He wanted to believe life could be more. Only time would tell if Zep was the one.
Six
Frost: Mom can’t get here to get the kids before the childcare center closes and I can’t leave for another hour.
Zep: Don’t worry. I’ll get them.
Frost: Are you sure? That’s a lot to ask.
Zep: No. It’s not.
Zep: You should see all the pictures the girls have drawn for you today.
Frost: I can’t wait. Did you draw me anything? I like gifts.
Zep: You’ll get my gift when the girls go to bed.
Frost: Damn. I miss you.
Zep: Same. So hurry home.
Zep: I’m dropping the girls at the childcare center. One of my clients is in labor.
Frost: No problem. Good luck. Fingers crossed they give this child a normal name.
Zep: Not that I can judge.
Frost: True, but I love your name.
Frost: Send nudes. I miss you.
Zep: I’ll give you the real thing if you’re bored.
Frost: Oooh, is that so? Does that mean my sister has picked up the girls and you’re free to fuck me in my office?
Zep: Yes, the girls are gone. No, I’m waiting for you to get home so I can be as loud as possible.
Zep: We need milk.
Frost: I’ll grab some on my way home.
The numbers on his computer blurred as Frost disappeared inside himself. He hadn’t wanted to come to work today. All of his well-intentioned plans of keeping Zep from spending too much time with the girls had fallen to the wayside quicker than he ever dreamed. Zep was too good to be true. It seemed like Zep was always there, helping to pick up the slack. Frost didn’t know how it happened. One night, they decided to be an exclusive couple. The next thing Frost knew, Zep had a bedroom for the twins at his house and kept them home with him when he didn’t work so they weren’t always stuck at the fitness center’s kid’s zone. The four of them did everything together. It was as addictive as hell. Frost didn’t want it to stop. Sometimes, he would find himself completely frozen with fear. His daughters would know if they lost Zep. His phone buzzed, pulling him from the sudden terror. He glanced to see an image text from his mom. Frost opened his messages and a laugh burst from him. Zep wore a crown and held a tiny pink plastic teacup. Several fake necklaces draped his neck. Frost’s laughter turned into a huge grin he couldn’t shake. He studied every detail. Both girls sat with Zep, obviously using him as a jungle gym as they played dress up. Frost found himself responding with the first words that came to mind.
Frost: He’s perfect.
Mom: He really is. You did good. I’m picking up the girls for our slumber party.
Frost: Okay. Call me when you get home so I can tell them I love them and all that.
Mom: Will do. I love you.
Frost: I love you too.
They would be alone tonight. In their six months together, between Zep’s job and the girls, they had only had a handful of nights alone. Frost had to take a steadying breath. While Zep’s obvious love for Frost’s daughters was pretty irresistible, their relationship was the hottest he could recall having. There was nothing Zep wouldn’t do. When he was turned on, he went from being Frost’s sweet bear to a hulking alpha and it was sexy as fuck. While their sex life wasn’t hurting from having to sneak around the kids, the nights they didn’t have to hold back were mind blowing. Maybe he would cut out early today so they could make the most of their alone time.
A knock on his open door stopped Frost from texting Zep all the things he planned to do to his body. When he turned his head, all thoughts fled. Six feet of heartbreak stood waiting for his attention. Frost knew his expensive suit hid a body that was sculpted to perfection. His cool blue eyes were focused on Frost, waiting. He smiled when Frost couldn’t make his tongue work.
“Hey, Frosty.”
Still, Frost had nothing.
Scott looked the same. He hadn’t changed at all. Frost felt sick. He fought the urge to flip over the picture frames on his desk, protecting his babies from his ex. Frost wanted to throw things and scream. Scott had no idea what he had left behind. There were so many words that Frost had none.
“I don’t even get a hi.”
It was like no time had passed. He went straight back to the anger and the hurt. His eyes burned. There was so much rage and bitterness, Frost couldn’t think of which hurtful thing he wanted to say first. For the first time in years, Frost had finally found happiness. He finally saw a future for himself. Of course Scott would show up to ruin everything. Frost felt like he should have seen it coming. He wasn’t allowed to be happy. Scott would never stand for that. Frost felt like he had already lost Zep.
By the time Frost came through the door, Zep was on the verge of pacing. He had spent the past hour swinging wildly between wondering if he should cook dinner or just strip and wait.
“I see Kit’s SUV is parked out front again. Is he here?”
Zep met Frost halfway and claimed a kiss before answering. “He was, but he had a lunch date with Matthew. They never came back. I never know when he’ll come and go. He’s a free spirit. Your mom picked up the twins about an hour ago.”
Zep tried not to tackle Frost to the floor. They didn’t get much time alone. Zep wasn’t complaining. He loved their life, but their alone time was precious.
“I know. She called me a few minutes ago to let me know she had made it home and so I could tell the girls goodnight.”