Father & Son

By Michelle Day

What has happened to Paul Jensen?

Paul is growing up fast. Taking steps to secure his financial future for himself and those around him, he struggles to do the same with the emotional side of his life.

There's only one woman he really wants. He just has to be man enough to step up and prove to her how much he's changed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michelle Day
• Release date: Nov 20, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311524829

Michelle Day

Writing is my hobby. It is the thing I do with all the ideas in my head. I work full-time and fit it in around work, mostly. I am currently writing the 5th book in the Jensen Family Series, Rising Son. It's a hard book to write and touches on many personal experiences. I don't have a release date as yet but I will keep you all updated. I can now digitally autograph books on request: http://www.authorgraph.com/widgets/author/tftisme

Book preview

Deep, regular breathing interrupted by movement as he turned over. A noise, persistent and loud was cutting through his slumber. He kicked at the sheet tangled around his legs as he turned again. Nearly awake now as the noise irritated him, he rubbed a hand over his face and pushed his hair away as he moved the cover from over his head and slowly opened his eyes.

Although the sky outside the window was dark, his room was lit by the hall light beaming through his open bedroom door which explained why he could hear the phone ringing, the noise that had woken him.

Raising his head from the pillow, he listened to the still ringing instrument, annoyed that someone hadn’t picked it up yet, sighing, he heaved his weary body into a sitting position and reached for his jeans, still the ringing persisted Someone get the phone! he shouted and within seconds the ringing stopped. Leaving his room en route to the bathroom, the ringing started again; he paused on the landing, waiting to see if one of his siblings would answer.

Realising that answering the annoying ringing was down to him, he glanced towards his father’s study, the only phone upstairs was in there but getting caught in that room without permission was a fate worse than death, deciding against invoking the wrath of the older man, he sprinted down the stairs, goose bumps rising on his naked torso as he approached the telephone stand in the unheated hallway.

Hello?

About bloody time you picked up the phone Paul Jensen, why the hell aren’t you here?

Helen? Is everything alright?

Oh for God’s sake, don’t pretend you don’t know, I called hours ago to let you know, you could easily have been here by now. Helen Novak hissed down the phone.

Carmen’s in labour? He asked.

Was, not anymore, congratulations, you’re a Dad. She answered her voice thick with sarcasm.

I didn’t know, shit, I’ll be there as soon as I can. He stammered, Is Carmen ok?

She’s tired and very sore but she’ll be fine, the baby is also doing well.

Good, please tell her I’m on my way, I’m sorry I missed it.

I spoke to your mother, she said you were sleeping, I though perhaps the birth of your child might have been important enough for her to wake you up.

Yeah, you’d think so. His anger was clear from the tone of his voice, Helen, you haven’t said what the baby is.

It’s a boy Paul, you have a son.

Hanging up, Paul stared at the phone for a while, repeating the conversation in his head, Helen had told Monica who in turn had chosen not to tell him. No longer feeling the cold as his anger warmed his body, he slammed into the kitchen door making it quake on its hinges fully expecting to find his Mother at some domestic chore, he was disappointed when he found the kitchen empty.

Heading to the front of the house, he opened the living room door on his way to the front door and looked in, this room was also empty. Stopping at the front door, he peered through the glass in the top quarter of it, the driveway was empty, confirming his suspicions that no one was home. Turning on his heel, he headed for the stairs.

Halfway up, he stopped. His anger, generally a short lived thing was beginning to dissipate and it vanished completely as the enormity of his situation overwhelmed him. Clutching the banister, he took a deep breath, taking stock, he was sixteen years old and his twenty five year old girlfriend had just given birth to his son, if he thought the past nine months had been a troublesome mess he knew more of the same would surely follow, things were going to get much worse before they got better.

He saw the note on the bedside table as he entered his room. Flicking on the light, he recognised Monica’s neat hand writing, the note explained that she had tried to wake him on several occasions to no avail; it touched on Carmen’s labour and informed him that the entire family, with the exception of his father, could be found at his grandparent’s house.

Throwing caution to the wind, he used the phone in his fathers’ study to call his mother, explaining that he needed to get to Gloucester quickly; she agreed to drive him there and told him to start packing a bag, she would arrange for them to stay in a hotel for a few days while he got to know his son.

Monica, being no slouch behind the wheel at the best of times, got them to the hospital with ten minutes to go before the end of visiting. During the drive she had repeatedly apologised to Paul for not trying harder to wake him and although he had been initially annoyed at her for letting him sleep through the birth of his child, he fully understood that her maternal instinct had made her efforts a little half hearted, she had wanted him to sleep and unbeknown to him, had even arranged for him to have time off from Jensen Incorporated for the sole purpose of allowing him to rest and recoup.

Walking down the centre of the ward, guided by a nurse, Paul couldn’t help but notice the looks he was getting from the women in their beds, he had the un-nerving feeling that each and every one of them knew who he was and therefore they would be well aware of his involvement with Carmen and the scandal it had caused.

Helen rose from her chair as the nurse ushered Paul around the partly closed curtain, she wanted to berate him again for not being there for her friend but she could see for herself the dark circles that persisted under his eyes and he didn’t look nearly as healthy as he had the last time she had seen him.

I’ll give you a moment. She murmured squeezing past him.

Hi Paul lent in to kiss Carmen, he withdrew when she turned her face away from him Carmen, I didn’t know.

Didn’t want to know more like. She hissed.

I was sleeping, Mum tried to wake me but I was completely out of it. I’m sorry.

I’ll bet she tried really hard to wake you, you should have been here.

I know; I’m here now. How are you? He glanced around the bed, for the life of him he couldn’t see the baby.

I’m tired and really sore, I tore badly. She started to explain but stopped when she saw his puzzled expression You did read the books I gave you? You understand that sometimes it is necessary for the woman to be cut down there to allow the baby’s head out? She stopped as comprehension dawned on his handsome features. Well, I tore, the head came out quicker than expected, I’ve torn all the way around, I can’t remember how many stitches I have but I know it’s a mind numbing number. It looks like mince meat down there.

Paul shuddered at her description. How long will that take to heal?

Who knows? She shrugged.

Er Carmen? Where’s the baby?

In the nursery, I can’t get out of bed to lift him out of his cot so he is being kept there and brought to me when he needs feeding.

Oh, ok. The ward thing is horrible, does anyone talk to you or is it as it seems and everyone knows who you are and what went on between us? He asked referring to their well-publicised teacher/student relationship that the world and his wife seemed to know about.

I’ve been called a pervert and paedophile. She confirmed I shouldn’t think your presence here is helping one little bit but I am so glad you came. Do you want to see the baby? He nodded and smiled as he got to his feet and leant over her again, carefully wrapping his arms around her and feeling her lips brush his neck as he held her.

We’ll have to think of a name for him. He said, returning to his seat.

His name is Gavin. She replied.

Gavin? Why Gavin? Can’t I make some suggestions?

It was my Dad’s name and no, it’s not open for further suggestions.

I like it but it would have been nice to be consulted.

Sorry, I couldn’t remember if we had agreed anything but I’m not going to change my mind. I’ll ask a nurse to take you to the nursery.

Ok, I’ll see about getting you a single room while I’m here.

In the corridor, Helen hesitated when she laid eyes on Paul’s mother, she had been beginning to wonder if Carmen’s take on the woman wasn’t somewhat correct, she did indeed seem to have Paul wrapped around her little finger. Her considered quick exit into the waiting room was stalled when Monica looked her way and raised an eyebrow before smiling at her and stepping forward, hand outstretched.

Ah Helen? Monica asked.

It’s nice to see you again Mrs. Jensen. Helen grasped her hand.

Please call me Monica. She answered I’ve heard a lot about you and your son is he with you?

No, Luke is staying with one of his friends from play group, he’s a good boy but I’m afraid these long straight hallways would be too much for him and he’d turn into a screaming hooligan while he knocked nurses and patients flying so it’s best that he stays with his friend. She explained.

Monica chuckled Paul was quite taken with him, as was my brother; he sounds like a little bit of a handful.

He is, quite a bit of a handful actually, Helen admitted Strong willed but he already has so much character, it’s difficult to stay cross with him, I dread to think what he will be like as a teenager. She shuddered.

You’d best grab some experience while Paul is around, he’ll most certainly give you a run for your money. Monica replied ruefully.

Helen regarded the elegant dark haired woman beside her, she could certainly see where Paul’s dark features came from as his eyes were the almost identical shade of brown as Monica’s and his olive skin was just as flawless. Despite having three children, Monica had maintained her figure and was only slightly fuller in the hips than she had been in her youth, in middle age she was still incredibly beautiful and her movements were measured and graceful, something else she had noticed in Paul. She sensed a fierceness to Monica which was present when she referred to her son but otherwise she was softly spoken and genteel. But gave off the general air that she wouldn’t suffer fools gladly and was not to be messed with.

I was surprised when Paul wasn’t here for the birth. Helen ventured into dangerous territory.

I did try to wake him but I failed. Perhaps part of me thought that a sixteen year old shouldn’t be in a delivery room watching the birth of a child whether it is his or not.

Surely that was his decision to make? Helen asked.

Possibly. Monica agreed But I was doing what I thought was best for my son, I was trying to protect him. As the mother of a son, and a very good mother from what Paul tells me, surely you understand that?

Helen smiled, she had been put firmly on the spot. Of course I understand, and I do think it was right to keep him from being in the delivery room but I also think that he should have been the one to decide that and he could at least have been here waiting for when it was all over.

Monica studied the painfully thin blond woman beside her and considered her words. Yes, I do believe that would have been a happy medium. She paused slightly, thinking that she now regretted not letting Paul make his own choice. How is Carmen?

She’s in quite a bit of pain, once the baby decided it was time to be born it was all hands on deck, he shot out like an Exocet missile, I’m only surprised that the midwife wasn’t standing at the end of the bed wearing a catcher’s mitt. He was born so quickly that Carmen’s body didn’t get the chance to adjust and she has excessive tearing, you know, down there? Helen glanced to her own lower body just to make sure Monica understood. She’s going to take a while to heal.

Poor thing. Monica’s sympathy was genuine, although her only natural birth had been with Tessa; the pain from the caesarean she had the twins by had caused her no end of sleepless nights.

The baby is in the nursery as Carmen is bed ridden right now. I expect someone will take you and Paul to see him soon.

Paul actually took a step back when the nurse held out the sleeping bundle to him, he looked towards Monica who reached out for the baby and took him in her arms as she frowned at her son.

What is wrong with you? She asked, unused to this uncharacteristic behaviour.

I....I don’t know what to do, how to hold him. He admitted, frustrated, he thrust his hands into his pockets.

Monica tutted. Sit down. She ordered, not surprised when he did as he was told. Bending over her son, she gave him instructions on how to hold his child and slowly eased the tiny body from her arms to his, fussing over them until Paul looked a little less like he had a board up his back and relaxed back into the chair.

Peeling back the blanket, Paul eased the tip of his finger into the tiny, perfectly formed hand and admired the minute finger nails. Tiny fingers grasped his finger with a surprisingly strong grip, making him smile, he felt tears begin to prickle his eyes as the boy squirmed and made a soft mewling noise before settling once more into sleep.

He’s perfect. Paul whispered looking into his mothers’ eyes I can’t believe he is a part of me.

You’d better believe it my boy; he’s going to be part of you for the rest of your life. Her tone was a little harsh but like her son, she was overcome with emotion at the birth of her first grandchild.

Carmen remained in hospital for an entire week. True to his word, Paul had arranged a single room for her although she had mentioned that some of the mothers on the ward had begun to talk to her after his first visit, telling her that on seeing him, they partly understood why she was so drawn to him.

Chapter Two

Paul was all too aware of his looks, he knew his thick, dark hair, kept a little too long but not overly so, was the initial draw and he made sure to always keep it clean and shining. He often caught girls and women watching him as he pushed his heavy fringe out of his eyes, some of them hiding blushes, others sighing at the gesture. His height was often remarked upon, at sixteen he had reached just over six foot and would grow another two inches before obtaining his full height.

Comments were also made about his dark brown, almost black eyes fringed, with thick black lashes that brushed his sculptured high cheek bones as he slept. Broad shoulders flared from his elegant neck and tapered down into his hard muscled chest and stomach, narrowing at the hips. Even from behind he was an impressive sight; his shoulders shaped the clothes that he wore without detracting from his muscular back and pert, firm bottom filling whatever garment he chose to wear. Trousers clung to his thighs as he moved, accentuating the toned, exceptionally hard muscle beneath the material and he moved with the grace of a trained dancer.

He knew he was blessed in the looks department and was lucky to have a naturally athletic body, he was delighted with his added bulk when he begun to attend the gym which would become a lifetime habit over the years to follow. He realised very early, that his body coupled with his chiselled facial features from his proportionally straight nose and full, well defined lips, made him an attractive proposition and found that he really didn’t have to try to make women notice him, wherever he was, whatever way he turned, one female or another would smile at him or watch as he walked by.

The fact that he adored women of all shapes and sizes was obvious as he didn’t discriminate in who he spoke to or dated. He enjoyed the company of women whether or not he was involved with them; they were quirky and funny and gave him no end of amusement. Even ex girlfriends didn’t have a bad word to say about him although he would generally break off one relationship in order to start another; he treated them all with respect and had remained friends with all of them. He set about making himself into the perfect man, his confidence growing with each passing relationship. He was determined to have it all from the beautiful wife and children to the large house and fast cars and endless amounts of money to support the lifestyle he dreamed of and if he kept on the way he was going, everything he wanted was well within his grasp.

Outside of the hospitals strict visiting hours, Paul and Monica spent a little time shopping for baby clothes, at Monica’s request, they also spent a bit more time with Helen and Luke, Monica bristling with pride at the way her son interacted with the toddler. Paul also took the time to visit various estate agents and register Carmen’s details, explaining the current situation that she was unable to visit any properties at present but they should keep the details of potential properties coming.

The evenings were spent in the hotel room, Monica generally on the phone to Michael, Tessa and Matt. Paul would shower and then, wrapped in a bathrobe, sit at the low table in the living room of the suite Monica had rented and immerse himself in paperwork and scheduling for his gardening business. He kept the schedule two weeks in advance so he could well afford to take a break from this but it kept his mind busy when it became restless.

Plucking the cigarette from his fingers, Monica, stubbed it out in the overflowing ashtray and scowled at him I thought you were going to try and give up? She asked, hands on hips.

As you’ve put out more than I’ve smoked I don’t seem to have to try. he answered.

You won’t be able to smoke around the baby. She told him, taking a seat on the sofa opposite him.

I don’t intend to. He replied.

I wanted to talk to you about Gavin.

I had a feeling you were building up to something. He smiled as he put his pen down and lounged back, one bare foot coming to rest on the edge of the table.

Don’t sass me boy! She warned. Sorry Mum. He said, still smiling. Monica tutted at his obvious insincerity. As Carmen is going to be out of action for a while, it will be down to you to register the birth. Huh, I hadn’t thought of that. What’s your point? He needs to have your surname. Monica stated.

Okay, why? He sat up, interested, both feet on the floor, leaning forward, arms resting on his knees.

Well, besides the obvious fact that she didn’t give you any option on the Christian name, the Jensen name will open so many doors for him as he gets older, not something that’s likely to happen if he is known as Scott.

Paul nodded his agreement. I’ll run it past her, see what she says.

I have a fairly good idea of what she will say. Monica huffed.

Mum, you are going to let me handle this aren’t you?

Of course, why would you think otherwise? She asked, mimicking his earlier insincerity.

The argument that ensued over the issue of Gavin’s surname became nasty with Paul caught between his girlfriend and his Mother and siding heavily with the latter. Carmen, sore, tired and suffering a little post natal depression was at her most venomous and despatched the two Jensen’s from her room within moments of Paul backing up Monica’s well rounded argument.

Helen watched Paul pace her kitchen. Although he hadn’t spoken since coming into the room with his mother, she could see he was angry; he was physically shaking with his arms firmly crossed over his chest, his fists tight balls either side of his ribs.

Placing the tea pot and her best china on the table in front of Monica, she turned to Paul, touching his arm as he paced towards her, Give her time, she’ll get used to the idea.

I don’t care if she doesn’t, he’s having my surname. Who the hell does she think she is? He. raised his voice, his scowl deepening, finally giving reign to his temper. This is unbelievable, I could understand it if I had done a runner, never to be seen again but I’m here, I want to be a part of his life, I’m going to support them both and she’s still trying to take the lead over me. What gives her right to do any of that without considering my side of things?

While he ranted, Helen sat next to Monica who was cuddling Luke close to her chest, Paul’s sudden raised voice had startled him and he was sitting stock still, watching him pace and shout, eyes wide in astonishment.

Paul. Monica said softly, Helen was convinced he wouldn’t hear her but he stopped pacing and turned towards her. You are frightening Luke. Monica pointed out.

He raked his fingers through his hair as he regarded the frightened little boy, relaying his rant in his head. Suddenly, he smiled and sank down to Luke’s level where he was perched on Monica’s knee.

I’m sorry buddy, he started, his voice soft, placating. I didn’t mean to scare you. He ruffled the blond hair, affecting a higher pitch and adopting baby like speak he continued. I may have shouted but I didn’t swear, we didn’t have to cover your ears did we mate. You ok? He was convinced the child didn’t have a clue what he was saying but he continued to babble until Luke reached out to him, expecting to be picked up. Lifting him away from Monica, Paul sat him on his own lap, bouncing his legs up and down while he held the boy, parting his legs every now and then pretending to let him drop bringing forth squeals of laughter from the now, very happy toddler.

Monica was up early the following morning packing their things in preparation for the journey home, they had stayed longer than expected and she was looking forward to returning to her family and bringing order back to the house.

Morning. Paul mumbled as he wandered into the suites’ living room and reached for the coffee pot, he had slept fitfully after once again arguing with Carmen upon the presentation of Gavin’s birth certificate which stated, clear as day that the boy now bore his surname.

Good Morning. Monica replied before facing her son Good God put some clothes on. She continued observing her son in just a pair of boxer shorts.

Coffee first. He answered, smiling at her over the top of the cup.

Monica tutted and turned back to her suitcase but not before she noticed how much her son had matured and the perfect sculptured body that was usually hidden beneath his clothes. She mentally slapped herself for giving her own son the once over, telling herself that even if he wasn’t her son, he most definitely wasn’t her type, she preferred blue eyed blonds but that didn’t mean she didn’t recognise an attractive man when she saw one and Paul was most certainly one of those. She shook her head upon the realisation that even she wasn’t immune to his charm.

Why are you packing? Paul asked, now dressed, he came to peer into his case.

We are going home today, I did tell you. She straightened from folding clothes.

Paul mused that she had indeed told him of their departure date. I’m not going home. He stated.

Oh yes you are. She replied, hands on hips.

Mum, think about it, Carmen still can’t do a lot and Helen has a part time job now that Luke is in play group, I’m needed here at least for now, I’m staying.

You make a good argument. Monica told him What about your business?

I can run that from here and Phil’s a good guy, he’ll oversee things for me and it’s not like it’s going to be forever. I’d quite like to look into the possibility of getting something going up here as well.

Ok, what about the two days you do at the office? She asked.

Paul pulled a face, even though under Norman Satchell’s tutelage he was beginning to enjoy the work he would still rather not be in the same building as his father for any length of time. I was hoping you could talk to Dad or Gramps about some paternity leave? He hedged.

I don’t want you to stay. Monica sighed But I do see that you have very little choice at the moment so yes, I will talk to your father about time off for you, don’t expect it to be paid though and Paul, don’t forget about your business, you are doing well, I would hate to see it all ruined.

I won’t forget Mum and I’ll call you every day and let you know how things are going.

Paul ended up staying in Gloucester for three months, during which time he made himself indispensible to the two women by doing chores around the house as well as completing the maintenance on it. He looked after Gavin when Carmen returned to work having managed to secure a position as a night school teacher for adults wishing to further their education and he took very good care of Luke, picking him up from play group, allowing Helen to do some much needed overtime.

Perusing the business section of the papers on a daily basis, he also managed to pick up a failing gardening company for a very reasonable price and persuaded Phil to join him for a week to see what they could do with the workforce and try to coerce them into his way of working before leaving Phil with them to once again collect Luke. He had come to look on the boy as his surrogate son and immensely enjoyed the time they spent together.

Carmen found her evening work very rewarding and often found herself drawn into raucous debates during lessons. It felt so good to be exercising her mind again, there was after all, only so many hours in the day that she could tolerate cooing at her baby and enduring Paul’s teenage drama’s and the long drawn out conversations that he had with his brother over the phone every couple of days which is about the only time she heard him laugh these days. Working at night also meant that she slept late in the morning when he was usually up and out taking care of Gavin giving her much needed space from his wondering hands and persistent mouth; he didn’t seem to understand that she just wasn’t ready to resume their sex life just yet.

Sitting on the sofa with the morning’s mail, she watched as Paul leant over the travel cot where Gavin was sleeping, he pulled the blanket a little higher onto the boy’s body, gently stroking the shock of dark hair on his head before straightening and sitting beside Luke and a very large colouring book. His loving, gentle ways with both boys squeezed her heart, making her feel most unfair by repeatedly spurning his advances, but if she wasn’t ready, he would just have to accept that. Besides, she was still a little tender in her nether regions and Paul was well endowed, the mere thought of having sex made her cringe, remembering the pain of the birth and the subsequent glut of stitches, no, he would just have to wait.

Where’s Helen? She asked, her fingers deftly opening the large envelope from the estate agents.

She went shopping. He answered, not bothering to look up, he was still a bit miffed after having been turned down again.

Huh, you’d think she could at least ask me if I minded taking care of Luke. Carmen huffed.

You aren’t taking care of him, I am. I offered so that she had some time to herself and besides that, you were asleep, neither of us saw any reason to wake you up.

The tone of his voice made her look up, narrowing her eyes at him as she recognised his belligerent tone and set of his shoulders and knew they were very close, once again to arguing.

Look, Paul, I know you are upset, she began.

I don’t want to talk about it. He cut her off Especially in front of him. He gestured to Luke.

Ok, you are right. She conceded, she flicked through the pages of properties most of which were unsuitable, sighing deeply when she came to one sheet depicting a once beautiful, now shabby, five bedroom detached house. With a little work, it could be fantastic, the only reason the estate agent had sent it was because with the repairs it required, it was just within her price range.

Anything worth looking at? Paul pulled her out of her daydream, having left Luke to his colouring; he came to hover in front of her.

Not really, only this and it’s far too big. She held out the sheet with the five bedroom house on it.

Taking the sheet, he sat beside her, carefully reading through the details. It needs a lot of work but it’s doable.

I could never afford to run a house that size. She replied.

Hang on, just think about it. He turned towards her, his face alight The house is huge, there’s more than enough room for you and Gavin and even Helen and Luke.

Are you suggesting that Helen sells this place and we get a house together?

Yes. Absolutely! You have the money from your house and this one is worth at least twice what it was now all the repairs have been done and I can do most of the work on that house myself so that won’t be an added cost to you, I’ll take care of all of that side of it. I could even divide the house in two if that works out better for you two and it means Gavin won’t grow up an only child and neither will Luke and you and Helen will have each other for support.

Paul, even with the money from both houses, it’ll still be a bit tight affording this place and that’s if Helen is willing.

I’ll chat her into it. He grinned You don’t have to worry about the shortfall; I’ll make up the difference and anyway, we don’t have to offer the full asking price. Now that both businesses are making a profit, I’ll hardly even miss the money. The least we could do is go and look at the place. He flipped over the page The garden is massive, look at this; the boys could have hours of fun out there, after I reclaim it from the brambles anyway.

His enthusiasm was contagious and she found herself smiling along with him and even began making plans on how to approach the conversation with Helen.

Later that day, with Helen warming to the idea, they made an appointment to visit the house, as it was vacant; the estate agent let them have the keys and allowed them free access to the property. They left Gavin and Luke with Helen’s childminder neighbour so that they could concentrate on exactly what would need doing to the house.

Paul left the two women to wonder the house, deep in conversation while he, note pad in hand, went from room to room making minute examinations of each of the ground floor rooms before heading upstairs. It took a while before Carmen noticed his absence and called his name.

Up here. He called from the top of the stairs where they joined him.

It’s much worse than the bumf says it is. Carmen stated.

I know, but it does mean we can get away with offering a lower price. I’m going up in the loft.

It might not be safe. She touched his arm in caution.

I’ll be fine. He smiled, standing on a chair and settling his hands on the edge of the loft hatch, getting a firm grasp before hauling himself up through the hole. Big loft, he looked down at Carmen before wandering away, It’s going to need a new roof. He called.

Can you do that? She called back, his head appeared in the ceiling above her.

No, but it’s not a problem. I know people in the trade; I’ll get it done at a reasonable price. He sat on the edge of the loft hatch and slowly lowered himself down, giving both women a flash of his toned abdomen shortly before he landed on his feet What do you think? He asked.

It is a lovely house. Helen said.

And it’s in a good position. Carmen added.

What did you mean when you said that you could divide it? Helen asked.

Well, you could keep some common rooms but up here at least, I could make it like two apartments, both of you could have en suites if you take the larger two bedrooms. He backed up towards the front of the house as he spoke, gesturing to the two large bedrooms either side of the hall The boys could have the smaller rooms and share the family bathroom or if that isn’t what you want, we could work something else out.

Could we both have en suites and leave the rest of the upstairs as it is? Helen mused.

That would be easier. Paul confirmed I can’t see any reason why it wouldn’t work.

Other than the fact that you are useless when it comes to plumbing. Carmen pointed out.

Paul smiled, wiped his grubby hands down his jeans and stepped closer to her, his arms circling her waist True but as I’ve told you before, those things aren’t for you to worry about. He pressed his lips to hers It also means that I have a plausible excuse to stay here when Mum starts nagging me about going home. He added.

Alright you two, either give it up or get a room. Helen tutted but she was smiling, she liked having Paul around. What do you think Carmen?

I think, if you are really alright with selling your house and provided our offer gets accepted, we would be stupid not to go for it.

Helen put her house on the market the second their offer was accepted and the two women began packing the non essential items. Paul spent his seventeenth birthday with them for which Helen baked a cake and Monica paid a flying visit to give her son his gift and to re-acquaint herself with her Grandson. Only to ruin the weekend by insisting that Paul return home with her, she left somewhat upset by his refusal the next day.

By this time, Gavin was almost three months old, a routine had been well established within the household and although as an extended family they functioned well, things between Paul and Carmen had deteriorated further.

Paul gave up asking Carmen for sex, he gave up the intimate touches with which he would try to turn her on, they barely even kissed anymore. He resigned himself to waiting for her to be ready, promising himself that he wouldn’t cheat on her even though his regular visits to the local gym afforded him plenty of opportunity and while he did understand that the thought of sex was actually terrifying her at the moment, it didn’t help his frustration, he still found her incredibly attractive and his groin would stir every time she undressed in front of him earning him a dirty look and quite literally the cold shoulder.

He resigned himself to self pleasuring but even this didn’t go as planned, it seemed that every time he had five minutes alone, Carmen would walk in on him, she would tut in disgust and tell him to stop so he took to hiding out in the bathroom instead of chancing getting caught in the bedroom to no avail, Carmen cottoned on to what he was doing and would bang loudly on the door, demanding to be let in.

For God’s sake woman, just give me five minutes alone. He eventually lost his temper and raised his voice.

You are disgusting. She shouted back.

No. I’m not. I’m just performing a function that you won’t do for me. He retaliated.

What do I have to do to get you to understand how I feel?

I understand, I do, but you won’t even kiss me anymore. I have needs Carmen. I’m seventeen years old and my sex drive is way through the roof, I’m frustrated and I’m only doing this to stop me from pestering you.

Perhaps if you didn’t pester me I would come around to the idea quicker. She sniped.

Yeah? Perhaps if you let me have the odd wank in peace, I wouldn’t pester you and let you come around to the idea in your own time. He hissed.

You’re male, you will never understand how it feels after a baby is born.

Paul raked his fingers through his hair I cannot believe you are pulling that old chestnut again. I’ll give you all the time in the world, surely you know me well enough by now to know that, but a little bit of affection every now and then would be very much appreciated, I’m not sure you are even capable of that anymore. He spat, he didn’t give her the opportunity to reply before grabbing his gym bag and heading for the door.

Chapter Three

He attacked the weights with vigour and quickly regretted the decision not to warm up completely as his chest muscles began to scream in protest. He had to admit defeat when he felt the right side of his chest seized under the strained muscle and sat, hunched forward, clutching the injured muscle, only leaving the gym on the advice of the resident trainer who told him to sit awhile in the sauna and then to take a gentle swim before going home.

The heat of the sauna ironically helped to cool his temper; he stayed there quite some time until he felt his bad mood fade and grew tired of the sweat streaming down his body. Leaving the sauna, he stepped under the poolside shower before taking a slow stroll to the deep end and diving in.

Surfacing, he pulled in a lung full of air and settled into an easy front crawl, reaching the shallow end and standing up and that was when he saw her, the buxom brunette that he had first met when he accompanied Helen, Luke and Carmen to the pool, what now seemed like years ago when Carmen was still pregnant. He had had several conversations with this girl since and quickly realised she was only after one thing, she hadn’t batted an eyelid when she tried to tell him her name and he had told her that names would only complicate things in the long run, she had simply smiled and said Ok before swimming away, resuming their conversation the next time they met in the pool.

Glancing over her shoulder as she opened her locker, she smiled when she saw him follow her into the changing room, dropping her towel as he got closer. Paul bent to pick up the towel and held it out to her, keeping a firm grasp on the corner he held so that she drew him towards her when she tried to take it from him. She laughed softly and turned back to her locker; he heard a zip opening but couldn’t see what she was doing. He took a step back as she turned fully towards him, his gaze drifting down over her body encased in a one piece swimsuit which could prove problematic, it barely covered her breasts, her hardened nipples obvious in the chill of the changing room, looking lower he could clearly see the dent of her navel and lower still, the cleft between her legs.

Dragging his gaze back to her face, he smiled at her, his hand closing around the one she held in front of him, a single condom held between her fingers, an eyebrow raised in expectation. His initial thought of pulling her into one of the family changing cubicles was superseded by the notion that it was too obvious a move and the staff there would more than likely spot them as those cubicles were poolside, he instead guided her to a single changing cubicle in the centre of the changing rooms and out of view of the pool, the small size of it working to his advantage, he didn’t want her to move much, it wasn’t necessary for what he had in mind.

Shooting the bolt home, he prised his wet swimming shorts down from his hips and wasted no time in covering his erection with the condom. During this time, the bouncing brunette