James (Resisting Love #3)(6)

“Any suggestions on where there’s a good kids' clothing store?” I ask the girl at the checkout.

***

Sasha

To say I’m surprised when James drops by later that same evening with toys and clothes would be an understatement. I think he bought the whole damn shop, too.

“James, what is this?” I ask dryly.

“I wanted to buy my son some things,” he says, stating the obvious.

“Right,” I say, drawing the word out. I stare at my living room, now covered in shopping bags. My lip twitches, and I purse my lips together trying to stop myself from giggling.

“What’s so funny?” James asks, obviously offended.

“You are, this is all unnecessary, James,” I tell him, instantly regretting opening my mouth when I see the look on his face. He looks down, suddenly unsure. I realise James needed to do this; he needed to do something, because he’s lost. He's already missed out on so much of his son’s life, and has no idea how to make up for it, how to fit himself into our lives. I quickly backtrack, “But it was very kind of you. Thank you, Jye is going to love all of it, you spoiled him.” When James sighs in relief and his body relaxes, my heart melts.

“Where is he?” he asks softly.

“He’s asleep.”

“Can I go in and check on him before I leave?” he asks, and I can't miss the hope in his voice.

“Of course, go ahead. It’s the first room on the left.” I watch as he walks into Jye’s room, and gently kisses his forehead. He leaves with a smile on his face.

***





Chapter Three


James


I talked to Tatiana yesterday, but we mainly spoke about work related things. I know there is no point in denying that it’s Sasha I want, that I’ll always want. Tatiana knows all about Sasha and what happened between us, all about our history. We’ve always been honest with one another. And I’m not going to stop now.

I knock softly on her front door, not exactly looking forward to this conversation.

“James!” she beams, her face lighting up as she sees me. She looks sexy in her police uniform. Her short blonde hair is tied away from her makeup free face in a ponytail, and her eyes are warm and friendly.

“You just get back from work?” I ask with a frown.

“No, I’m about to leave, what’s going on?” she asks as I walk into her house and take a seat on her couch.

“We need to talk,” I say, glancing around the house, not looking forward to this conversation.

“It sounds serious,” she says as she crosses her arms over her chest.

“Sasha is back, and I have a son,” I tell her bluntly.

“You have a son?” she repeats.

“Yes, it was a shock for me too,” I add.

“She had your child, never told you, and let me guess, you’re leaving me for her?” she says in disbelief.

“There’s a bit more to it than that, Tatiana,” I tell her in a gentle tone.

“I thought… It’s just that I thought…” she trails off.

“Tatiana, I told you from the beginning-"

“I know, but come on James! I didn’t expect this!” she yells, cutting me off.

“I have a chance to make a family for my son, I won’t lose this opportunity.” She had to know that we weren’t solid. When she told me she loved me, I never said it back, and I was honest about why.

“You’re seriously going to try and get her back, after she kept a child from you? I thought we had something special, James, I thought we were finally getting somewhere in this relationship. I thought you were finally forgetting her,” Tatiana spits out bitterly.

“I know it doesn’t make any difference, but I’m sorry. I really am, Tati,” I say roughly.

“Don’t you Tati me, James! Please leave, I need to be alone,” she says.

“Okay.” I sigh, feeling like complete shit. “Are we still on for tomorrow?” I ask her before I leave.

“Yes, of course. I’m a professional, James, no one is going to change that, not even you,” she snaps.

I make my way to my car in a daze, upset that I hurt Tatiana, but I had no choice but to be upfront with her. She might not thank me now, but in the long run this is the better option. Tatiana is right about one thing though, Sasha did keep Jye from me. How does one make up for nearly a year and a half of absence in a child’s life?

***

Sasha

James sent me a message telling me he was coming over today to spend some time with Jye. I have to admit I’m a little nervous. It’s going to be our first family outing, as dysfunctional as our family currently is, that still means something to me. Over the past two years, I haven’t dated even once. Between pregnancy, Jye and work, I never really had the time for a love life. And it’s hard to move on, especially when you see the man you love in the face of your son every day.

I dress Jye in a cute pair of jeans and a checkered shirt from the huge selection that James purchased for him. I think James will like that. I'm wearing a pair of black tights with a knee length royal blue dress and black ballerina slippers. I spray a few squirts of perfume, the only one I ever wear, and I’m good to go. I’m not wearing any makeup, and my hair is thrown up in a high ponytail. I pack Jye’s bag with everything he needs for a day outing.