Page 9 of Declan's Dove

“I’ve been to parties. I was at one at the clubhouse not too long ago.”

“Yep, and you hung back with Skyler avoiding the actual party and left shortly after …”

“After Avery freaked out.” Violet adds. “Do you blame me?” She sighs. “I felt like an intruder watching her like that. I know how it feels. I didn’t want to be a part of what makes her uncomfortable.”

“Fair enough.” I say, then quickly move past the subject. “So, then tell me, why?”

“Why what?” She asks seemingly confused.

“Why didn’t you finish college?” It’s a simple question, and I’m sure I know the answer, but I want to hear her tell me anyway. But the quick change in subject has her looking unsure.

Violet’s cheeks blush a light shade of pink. “I got pregnant with Carter.” She smiles softly, but it fades as she explains, “It wasn’t an easy pregnancy, and I wanted to stay home with him more than I wanted to finish school.” Violet’s shoulder rises and falls. She’s looking directly at me now. I believe what she’s said, but her hazel eyes tell me there’s more to this story.

Wanting her to continue, I tell her honestly, “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to raise your son instead of going to school. Carter is an amazing kid. You’ve done a hell of a job with him, Dove.”

“Why do you call me that?” It’s my turn to be caught off guard by her question, but I’m also glad she asked. Her eyes narrow as she sits back in her seat.

Misty comes to the table with our plates, placing them both down in front of us. “Can I get you anything else?”

“No thank you.” Violet replies. Misty nods and scurries back to her other tables. “You didn’t answer my question.” Violet nudges. I watch as she salts her fries and spreads a god-awful amount of ketchup on her burger.

“You want a little meat with your ketchup?” I tease. She smiles but doesn’t defend herself.

“Don’t change the subject.”

“Okay. How about this?” I ask, salting my own food. “I’ll answer a question for a question.”

Violet’s eyes widen as she bites into her burger. Watching her shove a burger in her mouth shouldn’t be sexy, but my cock seems to disagree. Watching her wrap her lips around the juicy meat has my mind picturing other ways I would love to fill her beautiful mouth.

She finishes chewing her bite, wiping the juice from her mouth with her napkin. I shift in my seat trying like hell not to focus on the images of her wiping something else from her mouth.

Fucking hell.

“All right. I’ll play.” She replies, surprising me. “Why do you call me Dove?”

I lean forward on my elbows, gripping my burger in my hands, looking her dead in the eye, and tell her, “The dove is a delicate little bird that most people overlook, but what some fail to see is how beautiful it is. Most think of it as a dirty pigeon not realizing it’s a symbol of hope and renewal. It represents freedom and new life. All things I see when I look at you.”

Her eyes well with tears, but she’s quick to steady herself.

“I don’t know what to say except thank you.”

“Your turn.” She takes another bite, but nods for me to continue. “What were you going to college for?”

She wipes her mouth again, and I watch as she licks a drop of ketchup from her lip. I shift in my seat again trying to give my growing dick a little reprieve.

Down boy!

Violet smiles. “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher.”

“Why don’t you? You could go back to school and get your degree.”

I watch as her shoulders slump, and she waves me off with one hand. “Maybe someday, but my son needs me to be there for him. College takes a lot of time and Carter needs all the time I have to give him right now.”

“What if you had help with Carter? Would you go back then?” I don’t know exactly what I’m offering, if I’m offering anything, but I feel like there’s another reason she’s not going back. “What if I helped you take care of Carter?” I shrug. “I can handle homework and chores while you go to class and study for tests.”

Violet drops her food, leaning back in her seat. The zipper on her lightweight coat is just low enough, when she crosses her arms, I get the perfect hint of her cleavage.

Goddamn she’s beautiful.

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