Page 5 of Spring Break with a Rockstar

Not a chance, buddy. I’m here to stay.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding. This guy is Cash’s father?” A frustrated Creed curses behind me.

“Language.” McKenna scowls, grasping Creed by the arm. “Let’s give the three of them some privacy.” McKenna leads Creed out of the room, shutting the door behind her.

“Can I hold him?” The awe in my voice reverberates through the room, and while I’m thrilled to discover I have a son, I’m even more excited to be reunited with Serena after all these long, lonely months.

“Have you ever held a baby?” She eyes me skeptically as she adjusts the baby from a lying down position to a sitting position.

That’s when I notice her shirt is lifted, revealing one of her luscious breasts; I remember worshiping that night. Only now they're bigger and fuller than I remember. I notice a small drop of breast milk clinging to her hard nipple, and I’m caught between lust and awe.

I’m in awe of knowing she is nourishing our child. And struck with lust over imagining suckling on her breast myself andtasting her sweet milk. It’s certainly not a kink I thought I would ever be into. But with Serena, it feels right.

“Once or twice.” I lie, knowing damn well I’ve never touched a baby in my life, let alone held one. But for my baby and my woman, I’ll lie about it.

Serena raises an eyebrow at me but doesn’t say anything; she only gestures for me to take the chair McKenna vacated. She settles the baby into my waiting arms, guiding me on how to hold him correctly.

“Do I need to hold his head?”

“No, he’s nine months old—he can hold it on his own.”

Nine months old.

I’ve lost so much valuable time with Serena and Cash, during these months we’ve been apart. “Go out with me.” Serena slowly blinks at my words, making me realize I need to take this slower than I had planned. “All three of us. Let’s do something tomorrow as a family. Give me a chance to explain everything.” I add when she looks like she is going to say no.

“Finally, after what seems like forever, she responds, “Okay.”

four

Serena

“What drew you toLove Beach?”

“The ocean. I love the sound of the waves crashing against the shore and the boats as they sail into the harbor, wondering what adventures they had on the sea.”

“So you’re a sailor then?”

“Unfortunately, no.”

“A sea nymph? Definitely a Siren of the sea. A tattoo Siren, leaving her stain on all the men who try to claim her love.”

I spend too much time worrying about my outfit for our family outing today. But in my defense, this will be the first time we’ll be seen in public together as a family, since Jax is showing off Cash for the world to see.

I, on the other hand, am just his baby mama. Still, I’d like to look presentable so people don’t wonder why someone like Jax Shepard would have a baby with someone like me.

The old insecurities return, making me feel as though I was never good enough for any of my foster parents. I was bounced from home to home until I finally reached the age of eighteen and went directly to a women’s shelter, where I gained the skills and knowledge to attend junior college and graduate with a two-year art degree.

Holding my head high, I walked across the stage to receive my diploma. While the other students' families clapped and cheered as they crossed the stage, when my name was called, I was met with polite applause, almost too quiet to hear. But I didn’t care. All I cared about was finding an apprenticeship to gain the skills I needed to become a full-fledged tattoo artist. And now, thanks to Creed, I’ve accomplished that dream.

A knock at my apartment door pulls me from the past and into my future. I take a deep breath and slide my sweaty palms down the cotton maxi dress I finally chose. I glance at Cash, who waits patiently for me in his swing. “Are you ready, big guy?” His answer is a wet gurgle and a huge grin. “I love you.” I lift him outof his swing and throw the diaper bag over my shoulder before opening the door.

“You look beautiful.” Jax’s eyes slide up and down my body with so much heat that I almost have to fan myself with my hand to cool off.

“Same.” I automatically reply, then gringe. Who tells a guy they're beautiful? “I mean, you look handsome.” I amend.

“Speaking of handsome,” he lifts his hands and takes Cash from my arms. “How’s my good boy?” Cash begins to smile and gurgle on cue, speaking his own language. “Is that so?” Jax responds with a smile, melting my heart. Jax catches me looking at him, but only smiles.

“Where are you taking us?” I ask innocently, trying not to act like I want to be the one curled up in Jax’s arms, having him call me his good girl.

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