He's Forbidden, as am I

The alarm sounded from the nightstand. Bringing a still exhausted Brian out of a restless sleep. He hit the snooze button, and rolled over, wanting just a few more minutes. However, when he noticed the space next to him was empty and cold, he was suddenly wide awake. Was Tammy awake already? Did she go back to her room? Of course, when the smell of food floated up the stairs, he knew exactly where she was. Brian climbed out bed and went downstairs to the kitchen. Sure enough, there she was, plate of food ready as poured two cups of coffee. “Is this going to be a regular thing? Cause I could get into that.” He gave her a smirk as she turned around, plate and coffee in hand.

Tammy didn’t respond right away, not expecting the sexy tattooed man to be shirtless. Brian cocked a brow as he sat down, and she snapped out of her daze. “It could be,” she gave him her own little smirk as she set his food and coffee down, “if you play your cards right.” She said that smirk turning into on of the hottest looks he had ever seen. With a small giggle, Tammy pushed herself off the counter, and turned to get her cup. A hand quickly slipped under the counter as Brian tried to calm the half-semi he was sporting. He really needed to stop thinking about her this way. It wasn’t right. He’s never been attracted to a student before, but it was becoming clearer to him that he was attracted to this one. What the hell was wrong with him?

“So, um about last night.” Tammy started, wanting to get this uncomfortable conversation out of the way. “We don’t have to talk about last night.” Brian interrupted her. “Yes, we do.” He could see the seriousness in her eyes. “I don’t like you being mad at me.” She said softly, looking down. She hated being open and vulnerable like this. Brian let out a sigh and made her look at him. “I’m not mad anymore,” which was true, “but you really need to control what comes out of that mouth of yours.” Tammy let out another giggle, making him smile. He really did enjoy the sound. “Yeah, I’ve heard that a few times.” She said, taking a few sips of her coffee. “Maybe you should start listening.” He nudged her with his elbow as he ate. “Where’s the fun in that?”

Brian gave her a look that said her wasn’t joking. “Fine, I’ll work on it.” She said with absolutely no enthusiasm. “All I ask.” He said with a small victorious smile. “No promises though.” She added, making his smile fade and hers come out. “You don’t have to be so difficult anymore. I’m a pretty easy guy to get along with.” He told her. It’s not like he didn’t know why she acted the way she did. “Sorry,” she sighed out, “old habits die hard.” Brian nodded, and finished what was on his plate, before finishing what he was saying. “And that’s why you’re here,” he said, making her look at him with a scrunched brow, “to break these habits. To give you a chance to relax and enjoy your life for once, but you have to understand that there are things I’m not going to tolerate.”

Tammy nodded but like she said, old habits die hard. “Okay, I’ll watch what I say about your whore of an ex.” Brian dropped his fork on his plate in irritation. “That’s what I’m fucking talking about,” he caught her off guard, swearing at her, “you can’t say shit like that. Especially when you don’t know the whole story.” The tone of his voice clearly upset now. “So, then what is the whole story?” She asked, getting irritated herself. Why does he keep defending this bitch? “She didn’t actually sleep the guy. They only went out a few times.” He told her. “Yeah, that’s not much better.” She mumbled, with an eye roll. “I know, alright. She was just having doubts about us.” He said, not believing it himself, that it made it okay. “Well she should have broke it off with you before seeing other people. Her excuses don’t make it alright.” She stated. “Don’t you think I know that. I’m asking you as a favor to me. Don’t talk about her like that, especially in front of her. Please, just make this shit a little easier on me.” He ran his hand through his hair in frustration. “Okay,” she said sincerely this time, “I won’t talk about her like that anymore.”

Brian let out a small sigh in relief. “Thank you,” he said softly, “I gotta get ready for work.” He said, getting up and to go upstairs. Tammy let out her own sigh as she watched him disappear, before getting up to clean the breakfast mess. She could bite her tongue for him. It wasn’t going to be easy, but it’s the least she could do for him after everything he’s done for her.

After loading the dishwasher, Tammy made him a lunch and filled a to-go cup with coffee. Neither one of them got the best of sleep last night. He was probably going to need it. “I do not want to do this today.” Brian’s voice sounded behind her. She turned to him, now showered and fully dressed. “Stay here with me.” She said with a cute little smile that matched the tone of her voice. Brian let out a chuckle but shook his head. “As tempting as that is, it’s too late to get a sub and everything.” He said, turning her smile into a pout. “Well I tried.” She said as she followed him to the door, lunch and coffee in hand.

Brian opened the door before taking the items from her. “Thanks.” He said, giving her a peck on the cheek as if it was just a natural thing to do. The two stood there in silent surprise for a moment before he mustered out a sorry. He didn’t mean to do it, or so he thought. “It’s okay.” She whispered, having no problem with it herself. It just caught her off guard. “No, It’s not.” He said, angry at himself, slamming the door as he left. Why the fuck did he just do that, and why did it happen so naturally?

Tammy stood there, staring at the closed door, and touched her cheek. Yeah, she was surprised it happened, but she wasn’t going to pretend she didn’t like it. Would have rather it was somewhere else, but she would take what she got. She didn’t understand why he got so upset. It didn’t seem like he meant to do it. It just happened. Tammy shook her head. “You’re going to drive yourself crazy.” She told herself, trying to figure out what it all meant. She was going to send herself into an anxiety attack and needed a distraction. Luckily, she knew just the thing.

Locking front door, Tammy went to the living room and plopped down on the couch. She turned on her Xbox and put on her headset. Virtually killing people was always the best therapy. It wasn’t long before she was wrapped up in a game, hearing nothing but the game blaring through the headset. Not even the door unlocking, opening and closing, or someone walk into the room. “Jesus fucking Christ,” she jumped to the arm of the couch when someone sat down, “you scared the shit out of me.” She said, throwing off her headset and putting a hand over her racing heart. “I am so sorry.” An older man, looking a lot like Brian, said not being able to stop the slight chuckle from escaping. “Are you Brian’s dad?” Tammy asked, pretty sure she already knew the answer. “Well the paternity test is still out.” He joked, getting a laugh out of her as she sat back down. “Whatever, there’s no denying that one.” She said, this time his turn to laugh. “No, I guess not. I’m Brian.” He introduced himself with his hand out. “Oh my God. Is he a junior?” she asked with a mischievous smile. “Do me a favor and call him that.” He said with his own smirk. “Oh, don’t worry, I will.” She told him. “I like you already,” he said, getting a wider smile from her, “Is he here?” He asked and she shook her head. “He went to work.

Brian Sr. gave her a nod. “Figured he would have skipped today. I heard about Val and thought maybe he would want to go check on Matt with me.” He told her. “I’ll go,” Tammy volunteered, “It would be nice to get out of the house for a bit.” She said. “Yeah? Alright, go get dressed,” he said noticing she was still in her PJ’s, “and I’ll meet you in the car.” Tammy shut off her Xbox and rushed upstairs to change. Brian Sr. went out to the car and started it. He turned the AC on full blast as he waited for her. It was a hot, sticky day today.

It wasn’t long before Tammy came out the door, locking up, before skipping to the car. The ride to Matt’s didn’t take long and conversation was light as she told Brian about hers and Kimmie’s plans. “Sounds like you guys have it all figured out.” He said as they pulled into the driveway. “I like to think so,” she said as they got out of the car, “wow he doesn’t live very far from the high school.” She noticed. You could see it a few blocks away. The two walked to the door and instantly knew something was wrong. They could hear the baby screaming and crying from the inside. Brian Sr. pushed the door open and was hit with the strong smell of booze. “Matt!” He yelled out but got no response.

The place was trashed. It looked like he took out more of his anger on the house. There were even a few fist sized holes in the walls. Tammy rushed up the stairs to find the screaming baby, while Brian Sr. went to find Matt. It didn’t take long, finding him passed out on the couch, beer bottles littered around him. “Matt!” he yelled loud enough to make him jolt up. He grabbed the arm and back of the couch, blinking a few times to steady his dizzy mind. It did nothing for him, however, and he quickly ran to the bathroom. Papa Gates let out a sigh as he followed him, wetting down a washcloth with cold water to put on the back of his neck as he spewed into the toilet.

Matt took a few deep breaths as he reached for the handle to flush. He looked up at the man next to him, a man that’s been like a father to him since he was thirteen and frowned. “What are you doing here?” Brian returned his frown. “I came to check on you.” Why else would he be here? “I’m fine.” Matt grumbled as he stood up way to quickly for his inebriated mind. He put his hand against the wall to steady himself as Papa Gates let out a sigh. “You’re not fine. It’s not even one ‘clock yet and you’re already trashed. Your son is screaming,” he was cut off as Matt practically pushed him aside. “I said I was fine!” he snapped as he left the bathroom. He had to pause though, a little confused. “I don’t hear him crying.” He said.

There was a reason for that he soon found out when someone came out of the kitchen. Tammy stood there holding the freshly changed baby with a bottle in his mouth. For some reason this only made Matt angrier. “You brought her with you? God, can’t you people leave me alone?” He barked as he made a beeline for the kitchen and grabbed a beer out of the fridge. “Not when you’re traveling down this path.” Brian snatched the beer out of his hand and dumped it in the sink. “What the fuck are you doing?” Matt raged. “Keeping you from drowning,” Brian Sr. started to get angry himself, “I get that you’re grieving and pissed off at the world, but you have a son to take care of so get your shit together.”

Matt let out a huff. “He’s the whole reason I’m in this mess.” He grumbled as he stomped out of the kitchen. Brian looked at Tammy and she just shrugged, shaking her head. Even though she has seen this all before, she didn’t know what to say or do. Good thing Papa Gates did. “Get him in his car seat.” He told her as he grabbed the diaper bag and went around the house collecting everything the baby would need for a few days. Tammy finished feeding and burping the little boy before buckling him snuggly in his seat. Brian Sr. walked into the living room and looked down at Matt laying on the couch with an arm over his eyes. “I’m taking Aiden with me,” he stated causing Matt to sit straight up, “you can pick him up when you get your act together.” He said not letting Matt to get a word in before walking out the door.

Tammy kept her mouth shut for once as Brian loaded up Aiden’s thing and secured the baby safely in the back seat. It wasn’t until they were headed down the road before she said anything. “So, you’re just taking his kid?” She asked getting a sigh out of him. “I’ve known that kid since he was thirteen. He’s always been a hot head and right now that’s no place for a baby. He needs some time to work out this anger, before he ends up saying or doing something stupid.” He told her. Tammy nodded, understanding exactly what he was saying. She’s already seen someone forced to live in that environment. “Well then I guess you making me an accessory to kidnapping doesn’t seem so bad.” She grinned getting a laugh out of him. “I think you’re going to fit right in here kid.” He nudged her with his elbow and gave her a smile.

Soon they were pulling into Brian’s driveway, but Papa Gates didn’t shut the car off and it didn’t go unnoticed. “You wanna hang,” Tammy asked not ready to be alone again, “Brian will be home soon.” She added. He sat there for a moment before shutting off the car. “I guess I could hang out for a bit,” he got a wide smile out of her, “Why don’t you get Aiden inside. I need to call my wife and let her know what’s going on. You know, in case Matt shows up.” He cringed at the thought. “Yeah, that probably wouldn’t go over too well.” She said as she climbed out of the car. “No, probably not.” Brian said more to himself as he pulled the contact up on his phone.

A car pulled in as Tammy unloaded the baby and diaper bag. It was too early for Brian but not someone else. “Hey there Hot Stuff.” She said as she turned to see Kimmie getting out of her mother’s car. “Is that Matt’s baby?” She looked at Tammy a little shocked and confused. “Yep. Brian’s dad made me an accessory to kidnapping.” She said only getting a more confused look from her best friend. The smile faded from Tammy’s face, putting all joking aside, and looked seriously at Kimmie. “You should talk to Matt.” She told her. “Me? Why?” It wasn’t like Matt and Kimmie were close friends. “Cause he’s going down the same path your mother went,” she told her, Kimmie instantly understanding now, “He was already passed out drunk on the couch at noon. The kid was screaming. Poor little guy was hungry and needed changed. I just don’t want to see him end up like her.” Tammy confessed. Kimmie gave her a small nod. “I can try, but no promises. If he doesn’t want help, I can’t force him.” She’s tried that before and all it got her was hostility.

“Is this the best friend?” Papa Gates voice sounded from behind the girls as he got out of the car. “Yes. This is Kimmie,” Tammy paused and gave her friend a grin, “this is Brian’s dad.....Brian.” Kimmie gave her a half smile and shook her head at her friend’s easy amusement. “It’s nice to meet you,” she went around the car and shook his hand, “do you regularly kidnap babies?” she joked getting a chuckle out of him. “Only for profit,” he winked at her, “So hurry up and get inside before anyone see’s us.” He began acting paranoid, looking around to make sure no one was watching them.

The girls let out giggles as they headed into the house and settled in the living room. Tammy set down the car seat holding a now sleeping baby as Kimmie took a blanket out of the diaper bag and laid it out on the floor. “Whoa, what are you doing,” Papa Gates stopped her from taking the baby out of the seat, “Hasn’t anyone ever told you not to wake a sleeping baby?” he asked. “You can’t leave him in the car seat,” Kimmie told him, “It's dangerous. You just gotta know how to do it.” She said as she gently lifted the baby out of the seat and onto the blanket without a peep from him.

The time went quickly as Papa Gates told the girls about what he and his wife do for a living, His time working with Jeff Dunham, with plenty of laughs in between. “Wait, so you're Guitar Guy?” Kimmie asked surprised. Brian Sr. gave a smile and a nod. “So, you’re somewhat famous.” Tammy said not getting the same smile Kimmie got. “I have over 250k followers on Facebook. I wouldn’t call that somewhat.” He pretended to be smug. “Oh sorry. We got a real A-lister here.” She couldn’t stop the sarcasm, not that it didn’t go unappreciated.

Brian walked into his house, the sound of laughter floating from the living room. He knew his dad was here and it sounded like the girls got comfortable with him quick. This can’t be good for him. “Hey guys.” He greeted them as he walked in. “Hey Junior.” Tammy and Kimmie said in unison causing Papa Gates to choke on the water he was drinking. The girls giggled at each other. Great minds think alike. Brian let out a sigh and shook his head. This wasn’t going to be good for him at all. “Why didn’t you tell us your dad was Guitar Guy?” Tammy started with the bombardment of questions. “Yeah, why not? I mean how could you not tells us we have a celebrity living in our own town?” Kimmie chimed in as Papa Gates just sat back and enjoyed the show. “Like where have you been hiding him?” Tammy continued not letting Brian get a word in. “Right? Like why would you keep this gem from us?” Kimmie finally cracked a grin. “I’m a gem.” Papa Gates finally said this time with a real smug smile.

“So, dad you were just leaving?” Brian got a word in, “Boy it was great seeing you. We should really do it again sometime.” He started to jokingly usher him out. That was until he saw what was sleep on the floor. “Why do you have Matt’s baby?” he looked right at his dad. “Yeah, about that. Can we talk somewhere,” Papa Gates asked getting a nod, “will you girls get the baby ready to go?” he asked as he followed his son to the kitchen. “So, what’s going on?” Brian asked as he got a bottle of water out of the fridge. “Stopped by to see if you wanted to check on Matt with me but you weren’t here, so Tammy said she would go.” His dad started to tell him. “How’s he doing?” Brian asked getting a sigh and a head shake from his father. “Not good son. He trashed the house. Found him passed out drunk, with the baby crying upstairs. He’s going to need help. From all of us.” He told him. “I had to take Aiden with me. Just until he sobers up and calms down.” He added. Brian nodded as he ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah, alright. I’ll get ahold of the guys and go over there tonight, see what we can do.” Brian Sr. gave his son a pat on the shoulder before heading back to the living room. He knew with everyone they could pull Matt out of this.

Papa Gates smiled when he walked in and saw a still sleeping baby fastened snuggly in his seat. “How do you do that?” he asked Kimmie as he walked by to pick up the seat. “Just got good at it when I was taking care of my brother.” She told him. “See, you guys are the real gems.” He got smiles from both girls. “Flattery will get you everywhere.” Tammy got a laugh out of him. “Well have to get together again under better circumstances. Suzy can’t wait to meet you guys.” He said as the followed him to the door. “Absolutely.” Tammy agreed before they said their goodbyes and he left. The day started off ruff but ended perfectly. The girls were really starting to enjoy their new found family.

Notes

It took a year but it's here. Hope everyone is still here to read it. Been gone awhile and I see there has been problems with this site. Also saw that some members made a new one. Anybody on there? What's it like and should I move my stories there? Just wondering. Hope you guys like the update :)