Licked (Getting Dirty #3) - Tory Baker Page 0,20
her lesson plans. I hate like hell that they’re both stuck with Joseph. Who the hell knows what he’s doing or saying.
Melody rushes back in, purse on her shoulder, phone in her hand. It causes me to stop in my tracks to find my own. I usually keep it within reach, propped up in case Berkley needs me, and that’s where I left it. I should have known something was up when she didn’t text me a picture of Sienna coloring, reading, or playing like she usually does.
“Fuck,” I grumble and grab it. Melody is hot on my heels as she follows me out to the truck, both of us rushing to get in.
“I didn’t think Joseph could ever be this stupid.” She blows out a puff of air.
“Me neither. Did something happen this week?” I ask her.
“Yes, the attorney served him with papers to either pay up his child support and arrears or give up his rights to Sienna completely. We haven’t heard back from him. I guess this is his way of letting me know what we’re up against.”
“Call your attorney. Give her a heads-up. That way, she’s not blindsided when he’s taken into custody. Pretty sure a judge will sign his rights away when he’s rotting in a jail cell anyway.” I feel like a shithead not knowing this was going on this week, but it’s not like either of us has had much of a chance to talk lately. Her with her new dating life, me with my own, and Sienna is always around when we are. The restaurant isn’t a place where either of us like to talk about our family shit.
“Good idea,” she mumbles before making the call. I tune everything out. My only thought is getting to the two women who mean the most to me. I mean, sure, my sister has some space in there too, but Sienna, shit, she’s so young. And Berkley. That woman is my damn moon and stars. Not that I’ve told her I love her yet. As soon as this shit is over and done with, I’ll be rectifying that. You damn well better believe it. Five minutes later, we’re pulling into the school parking lot. Cops have the place surrounded, and this is seemingly getting worse by the second.
“Have you gotten an update?” I ask Melody. She just finished her phone call with her attorney.
“No, but the principal said to tell the officers who we are. They were able to escort everyone out of the school besides Sienna and Berkley.”
“Good, you need to let Tanner know what’s going on. Nothing dampens a relationship like seeing your woman on TV with breaking news and not knowing about it. I’d be pissed as hell, and if I know Tanner, which I do, he’ll want to be here, even just to be your support.” I park the truck. She has the phone to her ear. I wait a second even though the tightening in my chest is urging me to leave Melody and find out what’s going on. I don’t.
“He’s on his way. Let’s go.” I follow her, unsure of where we’ll need to be or where we can go.
Melody is walking at breakneck speed, almost a jog, yet I keep up with her. The principal stands up, meeting her at the makeshift entry. I let them talk, listening in, how Joseph isn’t demanding anything except to talk to Melody. He didn’t want this to escalate, he just wanted to see Sienna one last time before he signed over his rights.
“That’s a hell of a way to do it. Is he ready to come out, then?” I intercept.
“He’s already out. Joseph is in custody. Sienna and Miss Jennings are waiting for you around the corner.” Melody and I quit talking. We’re both running. The two of them are huddled together, a blanket around each other, Sienna practically sitting in Berkley’s lap, fingers combing through the strands of her hair. They even have smiles playing on their faces. Fuck, that woman of mine never ceases to amaze me.
“Sugar.” My voice cracks.
“Sienna. Berkley, thank you so much for keeping my girl safe,” Melody interjects. Sienna jumps down off Berkley’s lap, flying into her mother’s arms. Now that I know Si is okay, it’s time to go after my woman.
“Ryder.” Her voice is sad, as if she’s defeated.
“You’re okay, baby.” She’s wrapped in my arms, safe, out of harm’s way.
“I’m sorry. I should have called or texted you. Hell, Melody too, but