Time and Time Again (Maybe #2.5)(5)

“Isabella,” he says, smiling fondly. “She’s six. So damn cute. Here, I’ll show you a pic.”

He pulls out his fancy looking phone and brings up a picture. I stare at the little girl with dark eyes, hair, and a dimpled smile. “She’s gorgeous.”

“Thank you,” he replies. “She’s a good kid. Best thing in my life.”

I want to ask about Isabella’s mother but refrain. Luckily, he continues.

“Kaley and I share Isabella during the week. Since I work nights, I usually go see her in the morning and get her ready for school and drop her off. It’s just a little extra time I get to spend with her, you know?”

That is really sweet.

“Do you get along with your ex?” I blurt out. So much for not asking.

He nods slightly. “We do okay.”

He doesn’t elaborate on that, so I ask, “Should we get going?”

“We should,” he says, standing. “Do you want something else to eat or drink?”

I shake my head from side to side. “No, but thank you.”

When I have some money, I am going to take him out. His kindness won’t be forgotten any time soon.

Little did I know he would be saving my ass again in just another thirty minutes.

*****

When we pull up to my apartment building, Tag insists on walking me to my door to carry the huge unicorn soft toy he’d won at last minute. When we were about to leave the carnival, we passed a basketball hoop game, and Tag took arm and brought me to a stop.

“Which one do you like?” he asks, pointing to the toys.

I saw the unicorn and fell in love with it instantly. “Unicorn.”

“Good choice,” he says, lips kicking up at the corners. “I’m going to get it for you.”

And he did.

I’m digging through my purse as we walk to my front door when I hear Tag growl. “What the f*ck?”

I lift my head to see him pull a piece of paper off my door.

“What is it?” I ask, dread filling me from head to toe. I stand next to him and peer over his shoulder.

An eviction notice.

Fuck.

No, No, No.

Things were going so well.

My luck had changed, hadn’t it? Maybe if I spoke to him and explained…

Who was I kidding? My landlord was an *.

I glance at Tag out of the corner of my eye.

Why did he have to see this? I look down, feeling embarrassed. I’m a proud person, and for someone to see this, especially Tag, makes me want to curl into a ball and cry.

“Give me your keys Clara,” Tag asks in a soft but firm voice, touching my shoulder.

I pull out my keys and hand them to him. He opens the front door and ushers me inside with his hand pressing gently on the small of my back. In a daze, I walk into my apartment and lean against the kitchen countertop.

“Pack a bag,” Tag demands quietly.

I look up at him. “Wh-what?”

“Pack a bag,” he repeats, drawing out each word.

“Tag, I don’t think—”

“Fine. If you won’t do it, I will,” he murmurs, his eyes darting to my bedroom door.

“I want to be alone.”

“Too bad. We’re going to pack up your shit, and then you’re coming to my house,” he says casually, like he didn’t just announce I was going to stay with him.

“Are you crazy?” I ask, brows furrowing. “I can’t come to your place! I will be fine. I’ll find another apartment or I’ll try and talk to the landlord here and work something out.”

Tag scrubs a hand down his face. “Guess I’ll pack your shit for you then.”

I throw my hands in the air. “You’re not listening to me, Tag!”

He ignores me and storms into my room. I follow closely behind, trying to grab my backpack from him as he starts opening drawers. Jumping on his back, I try and pin his arms down so he will stop touching my stuff, but I fail. Instead, I end up on my back in the middle of my bed, Tag bracing over me. When I look up into his eyes, I find that they are zoned in on me and soft. Gentle.

“Let me help you,” he says in a gentle tone. “Everyone needs help now and again. There is nothing to be embarrassed of. I have a three bedroom house, and there is plenty of room. I like you. You aren’t inconveniencing me in any way. So please stop being stubborn.”

I shift my position then go completely still as I feel something hard pressed against my lower stomach.

Holy crap.

I narrow my eyes on Tag who just smirks. “I have a beautiful woman pinned under me, what can I say?”

He thinks I’m beautiful?

Stay focused, Clara.

I clear my throat. “So I can stay with you until I find a new place?”

He nods. “As long as you need.”

“I’ll pay rent, of course,” I say, nibbling on my lower lip in thought. “That or no deal.”

Amusement dances in his eyes. “You drive a hard bargain.”

“Tag—”

“Okay, we can work something out. Now, pack your shit. I’m going to call a friend who has a moving truck so we can move your bed and furniture,” he says. “There isn’t much, so it will be easy.”

I exhale slowly. “Fine.”