Dick (Bad Boys #1) Read online

  “So what are you up to now, Tina?” I ask, figuring she’ll do a good job at fucking me then be on her way. I’m suddenly very turned on.

  “Not much. You want to hang or something?” she asks, lifting on her heel a bit. Her dark hair brushes over the tanned skin of her shoulder as she bats her lashes at me. She’s basically asking if I want to fuck, and yeah I’m game. She has a kick-ass body.

  “Sure, do you live around here?” I hope you do. I don’t have much time. I don’t like to bring women back to my apartment. Especially, not during my week with the kids, even if they are in school.

  “I’m around the corner, Dick. We can walk,” she suggests. Her gaze hungrily roams over my body. That’s good, baby. In a few minutes, I’ll have this nice bulge in my pants buried deep inside you, and you’ll be coming apart.

  I reach down to my pocket to check my cell phone and notice I left it in the car. “It’s better I drive since I need to get to work soon,” I reply, and she nods her head with a pout.

  I’m thinking a quick fuck is not what she had in mind. I want to tell her no worries that I will be able to rock her world, like it’s never been rocked before and be on my way within the hour, but it’s better to show and not tell, so I wait. Tina and I make our way over to my SUV when I see Jaden at the fence, looking panicked and calling out my name. Most of the kids have already gone into the school, and I don’t like that he’s one of the last ones.

  “Daddy, Daddy!” he continues to yell out.

  I jog over to the fence and enter the playground, taking him by the hand. “What’s up buddy?” I pause, kneeling down to talk to him.

  “Can you please talk to my teacher now?” he begs. Hmm! He didn’t forget. This is really bothering him.

  “Yeah, sure.” I flip his backpack onto my shoulder and follow him into the school toward his classroom.

  Tina follows behind. It irritates the fuck out of me. I don’t like her around my kid. She waits by the hall of Jaden’s classroom as I knock on the classroom door. Jaden pulls me into the classroom, which makes me a little uncomfortable since the teacher is trying to get everyone settled.

  “Daddy, this is Ms. Jenkins,” he says, doing introductions, while waiting impatiently for me to say something.

  His teacher leaves a conversation with the other teacher and turns around to look at Jaden with a bright smile.

  “Hi, Ms. Jenkins,” I begin then pause. She smiles at me. I continue to speak as if I’m on slow playback of a recorder. “I’m Jaden’s father.” I pause again.

  I would recognize those eyes anywhere. Her hair is tied back today. She’s wearing a white blouse, a simple beige pencil skirt, and no makeup. Even with the simple look she’s sporting, I can’t forget her face. I wanted to search for her after the night of the presidential dinner. I convinced myself it was pointless. She wasn’t someone I just wanted to fuck, and she was married with a kid. It never stopped me before, but I didn’t need to mess around with Blythe Howard’s wife. The man was powerful and owned most of the media outlets in the U.S. He could fuck me over big time if he ever found out. I let it go, until now …

  She pauses for a moment and her head tilts to the side. “Do I know you?” she asks with the same innocent look as that night. I’m not sure if I should say yes or no. Saying yes sounds desperate, and I’m not the desperate type.

  “I don’t think so,” I answer. Yes, good answer.

  She purses her lips together as if she’s irritated. “Well then, how can I help you?” she asks politely.

  “Jaden mentioned a kid named Zack took his toy car home. He was upset about it. Is there something you can do?” I feel a little out of my element. Teachers are not supposed to be so damn hot.

  Ms. Jenkins leans forward so she’s eye level with Jaden. “Jaden, if someone takes something that belongs to you, then you need to ask for it back,” she explains with a sweet tone.

  “I did. He wouldn’t give it back.” Jaden pouts.

  “Well, you should have come told me. There’s no reason to get upset. I will speak to Zack and find out where he put your toy car. Even though, Jaden, toys from home are best left at home.” Her mouth curls up again and it’s like seeing sunshine.

  “Okay,” Jaden agrees, his voice sad.

  “Can I see a smile now?”

  He grins widely at her and then runs off to play with the blocks in the corner of the room with another boy.

  “Problem solved, Mr. Crawford.” Ms. Jenkins nods her head curtly. Jenkins? I thought her last name was Howard. She probably uses her maiden name at school. I don’t blame her. Her husband has been in the news a lot lately, with the new media conglomerate he’s acquired. I’m surprised with his money she wants to work in a classroom and not at CRN. I can picture her as a hot reporter.

  “Thanks, sorry for the bother,” I grin sheepishly. I want to say something else to prolong the conversation, but I’m at a loss.

  “Ahem.” Tina clears her throat behind me. Shit. I hate that she actually had the nerve to follow me in here. Her son may be a student in the class, but this is none of her business. For fuck sake … “Are you ready now, Dick?” she asks with a tone that tells me she’s lacking patience. I inwardly cringe. This doesn’t look good.

  “Bye, Ms. Jenkins.” Tina smiles at her. “I’m going to have my own play date now.” She winks. Eden’s mouth falls open, looking at me abhorrently. Fuck. The teacher standing beside Ms. Jenkins winks at Tina as if she’s in on the secret. Damn it. I really need to stop fucking my way around the parents and nannies at this school. That shit is starting to catch up to me.

  “You all have a good day.” I wave with a yet another sheepish grin.

  I quickly walk over to Jaden and give his hair a little scuffle. He smiles, looking a lot more relaxed now. I leave the classroom. I’ve clearly overstayed my welcome. As I walk back to my car, I feel Tina’s presence behind me. Seeing Eden wiped my mind blank of anything else I had going on. Now I’m on operation get rid of Tina. There’s no way I can bang her now. Not after seeing Eden. I can’t even fuck her with my eyes closed at this point. Eden smells like fresh peaches and innocence. I can only imagine what she would be like in bed. Would she be timid or would she have a secret wild side? I have to stop fantasizing, that’s for sure, since it will probably never happen.

  “Tina it’s getting late. I have to get to work.”

  Her eyes narrow to thin slits. Fuck, she’s a cold-hearted woman. “You really are a dick, you know,” she says with contempt.

  I inwardly chuckle, thinking about how many times that’s been said before. “So I’ve been told, Tina,” I answer, exasperated. “You have yourself a happy Monday.”

  Swinging my car door open, I can’t get away fast enough. As I drive toward my office, I can’t get Eden Jenkins-Howard out of my mind. For some reason, seeing her in teacher mode has me even more turned on. The fact that I just walked away from a perfectly fuckable woman makes me realize that this dick is royally screwed.

  “OMG. I didn’t realize the parent you were talking about yesterday was Jaden’s father. He’s Dixon Crawford.” I glance wide-eyed at my teaching assistant, giving her information that she knows but is news to me.

  She witnessed the same horrid fiasco between Dixon and Justin’s mother, Tina, only she doesn’t seem to be as appalled as me. How can he sleep his way around the school like that? It’s almost the same as sleeping with the people you work with. It’s a cardinal rule that shall not be broken.

  “He’s so hot.” Jenna stands fanning herself. Her tone is dreamy. She looks overheated. For real?

  “Jenna! Really? He isn’t sexy. His man whoring ways are gross. He’s a player. Nothing more,” I argue. What I really want to be saying is “fuck yeah, he’s hot,” but it isn’t me. I don’t say things like that. I lead a proper life where I think twice about what I say and to whom. Most of all, I don’t do anything to garner media attention.

  “Yeah, baby, he’s a manwhore,” she whispers, using her ha
nd to cover her mouth. “I’ve also heard his cock is …”

  I lift my hand to stop the word from leaving her mouth. “Okay, that’s enough. This conversation is being rescheduled for tonight,” I warn.

  She is standing by my desk and there aren’t any children even close to my desk, but it’s definitely inappropriate talk for the classroom. Jenna shrugs her shoulders and walks off to help the students at one of the learning stations. She’s been married twice and divorced twice, and she’s only thirty years old. Her free spirit is what drew me to be friends with her in the first place. I’m the complete opposite, and in so many ways, I wish I could be strong and independent like her. We continue with the regular classroom activities for the rest of the hour.

  By eleven o’clock the music teacher comes to take the kids up to the music class, giving Jenna and me a free prep period. Since I got most of my photocopying done early this morning, I can only imagine what the topic of conversation will be. Once the kids leave, I take a seat at my desk and go through my weekly schedule while Jenna tidies the classroom.

  “Have you ever had any real fun, Eden?” Jenna sulks, looking my way.

  I push out my lower lip. “I’m a boring twenty-eight-year-old. What can I say? I was the scrawny, smart kid with black, thick-framed glasses in school. Outside of school, I used to draw pictures with pastels to keep me busy. I never lived some fascinating life, except for when I fell asleep at night and dreamed of possibilities.”

  Jenna pouts. “I know Blythe is a jerk. I don’t get it, when I see him on all those magazines. He’s rich and handsome. You should be living it up, not feeling like you’re in a prison,” she says giving me her usual weekly lecture. She’s trying to be a good friend. I know she cares and it’s all coming from a good place.

  “You know why I stay? Blythe is my family. He’s still Grant’s father. I don’t want Grant to experience the breakup of his family when he’s so young and won’t understand.”

  “So you think it’s better to do it when he’s older?” She pauses. “Eden, you know my parents divorced when I left for college. Yeah, my father had your typical midlife crisis and got himself a hot, young chick, but honestly that kind of news isn’t easy at any age. Besides, you and Blythe are role models for Grant. How do you think Grant will view relationships when he grows up if he has you and Blythe as an example?” she asks and it hits me below the gut. She is expressing my innermost fear.

  “I’ve been thinking those exact thoughts lately. I’ve been waiting so long for that man to change. I keep hoping that somehow he would eventually settle down. I can see now that he can’t. He isn’t a one-woman man. He likes to fuck around, and honestly, I think the fact that I’m the mother of his child is a big turn off for him. When we have sex once a year, he barely touches me.”

  I can’t imagine he was like that with Katrina Saropova last week. The woman is a goddess, and I doubt she’d accept mediocre. I shouldn’t know about her, but sometimes I can’t help myself. When he’s sleeping, I look through his cell phone and what I find shreds my heart. Sexy text messages and pics of him with his latest fling. The crazy part is as much as it hurts to see, there’s something inside me driving me to check his phone, even after all this time and a mountain of proof.

  “Let’s not get started on the sex issue now. You know how I feel about that topic. I don’t know how you do it. If I don’t ride my cowboys wild and hot, then it just ain’t happening.” Jenna throws her arm in the air like she’s lassoing someone and grinds her hips like she’s on a horse.

  I burst out laughing. I love her. She makes me laugh. She makes me feel, and she reminds me that I’m worthy of love and respect.

  “We’re going out this week, Eden. I’m not taking any more brush-offs. You deserve a good time, and I’m going to show you one.” She winks and nods then turns around to set up the art activity.

  “I don’t have a good babysitter for Grant,” I reply. It’s the truth, and I also don’t see myself in a club, moving and grooving.

  “I told you no more excuses.” She points her finger at me. “I’ve got a cousin. She just started her first year of college. She’s studying Early Education. She’s amazing with kids. Grant will love her. I’m not giving you a way out this time, Eden. Forget about it and get your dancing shoes on.”

  The rest of the day breezes by like it usually does. By three-fifteen the students are worn out, and so am I. They line up at the door waiting for dismissal. One by one, the nannies come to pick up the kids. As Jaden approaches, I expect to see the nanny that had been picking him up last week. Instead, I’m met with the panty-melting grin of Dixon.

  “Ms. Jenkins.” He tilts his head, and I’m not sure if he’s mocking me. I narrow my eyes at him and call Jaden. Jaden runs full force into his father’s arms, and Dixon lifts him in the air, planting a kiss on his cheek. Sweet.

  “You have yourself a good night, Jaden.” I smile. That’s when Grant runs up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist, almost toppling me over.

  “Hey, sweetheart.” I swivel around.

  “Mommy, I asked Jaden if he can come over and play after school today,” Grant says with a wide smile. “Please, Mommy, please,” he begs, closing his palms together and linking his fingers.

  “Um! I’m not sure … We need to ask Jaden’s daddy.” I look from my son, back to Jaden, then up to Dixon. Those damn eyes of his. I don’t even know what color they are. Sometimes they look aqua blue, but then they’re almost green or hazel. His eyes seem to change as often as he changes women.

  Dixon shifts uncomfortably before he opens his mouth to speak. “Maybe another time, buddy,” he answers softly.

  “Daddy, please, please. We have been wanting to play after school for so long. Pleeeeease.” Jaden accentuates the last please. He really is a sweet boy. I can’t believe he belongs to Dixon.

  “Uh, is it okay with you, Ms. Jenkins?” He looks at me and asks almost shyly, which surprises me. I did not expect Dixon Crawford to do shy.

  “It’s fine. I was going to make spaghetti for dinner tonight. Jaden is more than welcome to join us,” I reply, grinning at Grant and Jaden. This is awkward. I hadn’t realized our boys had become friends. Must have happened on the playground since they aren’t in the same class.

  “Okay great … Let me just pick up Macy and I’ll bring him over. What’s your address?” Dixon asks as he begins to back away, holding Jaden’s hand.

  My lips freeze. I can’t speak. “Actually, I can take him with me now,” I quickly suggest as I try to hold the stammer wanting to escape my lips.

  “Um …” He rubs the back of his head nervously. It’s damn sexy. Shit, Eden, don’t go there. “My divorce agreement states that I’m not allowed to leave the kids with anyone but myself after school hours,” he explains hesitantly. For real?

  “Mr. Crawford, I am his teacher. He spends all day with me,” I answer, unable to hide the irritation in my tone. There is no way Dixon can come over for a play date.

  “Ms. Jenkins, I’m sorry. If I don’t follow the rules she can contest the agreement, and I’ll miss out on seeing my children. You don’t know me well, but under no circumstances would I ever allow that to happen,” he replies, and I sense he means business, which is actually quite endearing.

  My shoulders slump. “Then give me your phone number, and I will text you my address,” I reply with a humph of defeat.

  He takes my cell out of my hand and types in his number, then passes it back and turns with a bounce on his heel. I let out a shaky breath. He should not be affecting me at all. I hate that he is. He’s a womanizing player, Eden. Calm your hormones the heck down.

  “See you soon, Ms. Jenkins,” he hollers from down the way. I sense that devilish grin back on his lips and picture those dimples that emerge when he makes that face. Dammit. He’s coming over. My gut tells me to send a text message and come up with an excuse to cancel on him, but Grant seems so excited about having his friend over. It doesn’t happen too often …
more like never. I hate that he doesn’t have more kids around after school. When I was younger, I dreamed of having lots of kids. I never expected my life to turn out so lonely and pathetic. I buckle Grant into his car seat and head home. This evening will definitely be interesting.

  I don’t want to give Eden a chance to cancel, so I pick up Macy in a hurry. It’s messed up. That little white lie I told came out of nowhere. I may be a dick, but I’m not a liar. The lengths I’m willing to go to spend time with this woman surprises even me. Hot damn, when Eden called me Mr. Crawford all the blood in my body ran south. Whoa! I need to calm the fuck down.

  As I buckle the kids into their car seats, my cell vibrates in my back pocket. Jesus! The woman has been living two blocks from my apartment. How have I just met her now?

  I make a quick call to Ge, my brother from another mother—literally.

  Ge answers the phone after one ring. “Hey, Dick.”

  “Hey, Bro. I’m headed out with the kids for a couple hours. Can you come by around eight? We won’t be home before then.”

  “Sure, man. I have some errands to run, and I wanted to pick somethin’ up for them anyway,” he replies.

  “Thanks. Can you call Ma and tell her I’ll be a little late?” I pull into the valet parking at Eden’s building. Ma is my housekeeper and Ge’s mother.

  “Yeah, man. Although, I’m curious … Somethin’s up with you,” he says suspiciously into the phone. I’m not surprised. He’s a cop that works undercover. He’s very alert and aware that’s for sure.

  “Got to go, Ge,” I chortle.

  “We aren’t done here, Dixon.”

  “Okay, man, sure.” I brush him off. “Later.”

  “Later, Bro.” The line goes dead.

  Shaking my head, I laugh and close the phone. He knows me well.