Ryan continued to go by Taysia’s house once a week through the end of the school year. Those were his favorite times. They could be together freely. Since she lived in Willow Creek, there wasn’t as much risk of someone seeing them together at her house.

He also got to see her at school when they met for Tyler’s conferences and when she came to the gym to work out. However, when summer happened, the only time he would see her was at her house or the gym. And the gym was difficult. They attracted way too much attention for her comfort.

So, he started to go to her house a couple of times a week, but Taysia begin to think it was too often and so they went back to weekly. She was worried about his car always being there, which Ryan thought was silly, but he humored her. She felt bad, because they both wanted to be together more than they could.

Ryan decided to see if she would begin to openly date him since it was summer and school was out. It only led to an argument. ‘What if Ty still needs help next year?’ she’d asked and said, ‘I wouldn’t be able to do it and then I’d feel like I let him down’.

Ryan finally let it go because it freaked her out too much, plus she had a point. Seeing her upset unnerved him. He hoped she wasn’t starting to have second thoughts. In some ways, it felt like Rosa all over again and he didn’t know what to do about it.

****************************************************************************

It was four weeks into the summer break and it already sucked for Ryan. He grabbed a drink after work and sat down to try to figure out how to fix the sorry state of his life. Seeing Taysia once a week was hard. He usually left work early and went to her house so he wouldn’t have to make up lies to Tyler about where he was going.

To make matters worse, it was time for him and Tyler to head to Del Sol Valley for a week. He dreaded seeing his ex-wife, but longed to see his daughter. They were leaving in two days and Tyler had already expressed his desire to stay home.

When Tyler walked in the room, he quickly started reminding Ryan that he was old enough to stay home or at one of his cousin’s houses.

Ryan was not in a mood to argue with his son. “You’re going Tyler,” barked out Ryan harsher than he intended, “and I don’t want to hear another word about it!” He wasn’t going to cancel because of a Tyler Temper Tantrum, nor was he leaving him behind.

“It’s not fair!” Tyler shot back undeterred, “How about if I stay with Dr. Fields then? She said she would miss me over the summer. That way I can show her how to play Dragon Slayer and what my strategy is.”

As mad as Ryan was, he almost laughed at his son’s mention of strategy. But, that gave him an idea. “How about if I give Dr. Fields a call and invite her here for dinner. Then we can discuss your idea, but only if you promise you’ll do whatever she says.” Ryan wanted to hug Tyler for giving him a reason to see Taysia, if he could get her to agree.

Mercifully, she agreed to come, with the caveat he wouldn’t ask her to his home again because of the message it might convey to Tyler.

*****************************************************************

When Taysia came to the door, she had her hair up. Ryan was disappointed, but he also understood, she was in teacher mode for Tyler’s sake. Tyler had bonded with her over the past 8 months and looked up to her, almost like a mother.

“Hi gorgeous,” said Ryan and leaned in to kiss her.

“Ryan,” she said under her breath and pushed him back, “No, Tyler…”

Ryan pouted as he stepped aside and motioned her inside. “He’s upstairs,” he explained, “and I miss you.”

She smiled, “I miss you too,” she said softly, “but …”

“I know, I know,” said Ryan and glanced into the kitchen. “Dinner is ready, do you want to go get Tyler while I set the table? He’ll be thrilled to see you.”

“Sure, upstairs?” she asked.

“Yes, all the way down the hall,” said Ryan, “Last door on the right. The one with video game noises coming out of it,” he added with a slight roll of his eyes.

Taysia snickered. “Got it,” she said and headed up the stairs.

Her genuine happiness lightened his mood considerably. He quickly set the table while she fetched his son. It was good to see her smiling and relaxed. Warmth simply radiated from her. Even so, it was bittersweet having her in his home. She made it feel like a family in a way Bel never did, and he knew she wouldn’t be back for a long while.

They sat down to eat and Tyler wasted no time bringing up going to Del Sol Valley. “I don’t want to go,” he said, “It’s dumb. Dr. Fields, why can’t I just stay with you?”

“Tyler, you really have to go,” she said in her teacher voice, “And before your get upset, hear me out. First, Samantha is your sister and you need to see her. I didn’t have any brothers or sisters growing up and often wished I had. You’re lucky that you do. And I’m sure Samantha misses you, and your mother too. And second, your father would be sad if you didn’t go with him. Not that I wouldn’t love to have you for a week.”

That seemed to give him a sliver of hope and he persisted. “I could bring my video games, and I could show your kids how to play. I promise I’ll be quiet.”

Taysia gave Tyler a warm smile. “Well, that would be nice Tyler, but I’m not married and don’t have any children, and besides, you’re going with your dad,” she replied firmly.

Tyler looked between Taysia and Ryan not ready to give up. “Oh,” he said almost sounding defeated, then he looked at Taysia. “Dad’s not married either. Maybe you could get married to each other.”

“Tyler Murdock!” snapped Ryan, causing him to jump, “that’s inappropriate.” He glanced at Taysia apologetically and she looked very uncomfortable.

“But, you like each other,” reasoned Tyler.

“Yes, of course we do,” said Ryan, looking at Taysia for help.

She finally recovered enough to help. “I’m your Principal Tyler,” she said calmly, “it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to be married to your father.”

“That’s just stupid!” he spat out.

“Tyler! We don’t say that,” admonished Taysia.

“Yes ma’am. I’m sorry,” he said and slumped down into his chair. “I guess I’ll go.”

Taysia smiled at his son. “It’s the right thing Tyler,” she said. “I’m proud of you for making that decision. After we eat, can you show me your game?”

Tyler perked up at her suggestion. “Sure.”

How did she redirect him like that? wondered Ryan, He didn’t even keep arguing with her. “Thank you,” mouthed Ryan when Ty wasn’t looking.

Taysia smiled but it was more of a warning glare. Ryan felt gutted. Tyler’s remark hit too close to home for her. Just what she’d been trying to avoid, and it had affected her. He knew she thought it was a mistake to come to his house in the first place, but he had begged her.

He watched as Taysia continued to interact with his son while they finished eating. Tyler responded to her so well. It was obvious he was latching on. And she wasn’t going to be happy about it. Then Ryan began to worry about other things. If he was her first serious relationship, then she could be getting cold feet. Dammit, he needed to stop. He was making himself crazy trying to figure her out. When it was just the two of them, things were so good. But when they were around other people it was strained.

Finally, after an hour of gaming, Ryan wanted to spend some time alone with Taysia. They had to discuss what was going on with Tyler and he wanted to reassure her. “Okay, Ty,” said Ryan and stood up, “it’s time for bed. Tomorrow we have to start getting packed for Del Sol Valley.”

Tyler grumbled but did as he was told.

“Goodnight Tyler, that was fun,” said Taysia, “Thank you for sharing.”

“You’re welcome. Goodnight Dr. Fields,” said Tyler and impulsively hugged her. It warmed Ryan see his son comfortable enough with her that he wanted to show her affection. He watched as Taysia hugged him back like she truly loved him and he was special to her. Maybe he was overreacting and she wouldn’t be mad at all, he hoped.

Ryan patted Tyler on the back, then he closed the door to his son’s room and nervously followed Taysia downstairs to talk.

The couple sat down in the living room to talk. “Taysia, I think Tyler has a crush on you,” he said, hoping to downplay Ty’s reaction to her.

She sighed impatiently. “No, it’s not a crush, and you know it Ryan. He wants a family. It worries me that he’s already matching us up. I should never have agreed to come here. We’re setting him up to get hurt.”

Ryan gently stroked her cheek. “It just means he needs you in his life, and so do I,” he said.

Taysia grabbed his hand and pushed it away. “Ryan, stop it,” she snapped, “Get serious for a minute. We’ve talked about this. Until I’m no longer his principal, that’s going to be impossible. I hate this sneaking around just as much as you do, probably more. We have to bide our time until schools starts again and we can assess Tyler’s needs. If he’s doing okay and doesn’t need help, then I’ll have no problem letting Tyler, and everyone else for that matter, know I’m seeing you. But me coming here, all it did was feed into his desires. I understand why you wanted me to come, but I shouldn’t have let you talk me into it.”

“You worry too much,” said Ryan softly, “we care about each other, Ty’s not going to get hurt.”

“And, you don’t worry enough,” she countered, “Ryan, we’re having an affair. What if it doesn’t work between us, he will get hurt because he’ll feel rejected again.”

“What we have is a relationship Taysia, not an affair. You make it sound sordid. Is that what you truly think? That this is some fling? We’re adults. We don’t need permission from anyone to be together!” Ryan stopped short and sighed, pulling himself together. He was getting angry and he really didn’t want to fight. He softened his tone before speaking again. “I’m sorry. That was out of line. Taysia, baby, we’ve been given a little time together tonight. Please, let’s not waste it fighting.”

“I’m afraid Ryan,” she said so softly he almost didn’t hear her.

He knew she was fearful of getting discovered. But the way she said it sounded like something more. “What are you afraid of sweetheart?” he asked, his heart breaking for her.

She sighed softly and allowed him to pull her close. “I am afraid of losing you. One day you’re going to get fed up with me always pushing back. And then, not only will I fail Tyler and put my job at risk, my heart will be broken. I know in my head I should never have started this relationship, but my heart has other ideas. You’re always on my mind, Ryan. Especially this summer when I don’t have school all day to distract me. I’m so afraid this is all just a dream and one day I’ll wake up and you’ll be gone and I’ll be alone again.”

Taysia’s words twisted up Ryan. He wanted to allay her fears. “Tay, I’m not going anywhere. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” He leaned in to kiss her. Her lips were soft and full of passion as she melted into him. “Taysia,” he mumbled, between kisses. I love you, he wanted to say, but instead said, “We could go upstairs …”

Taysia quickly pulled back and chuckled as she stopped him from talking. “Ryan, you’re incorrigible. You know we can’t do that. Tyler is right next door to your room … no … just … no.”

“Sorry, I can’t help it,” said Ryan and grinned, “You make me crazy.” He let out a soft sigh. “How about a movie then? Just, don’t leave yet.”

Taysia smiled. “How can I say no when you look at me like that with incredible big blue puppy dog eyes? You’re evil. A movie and then I really do have to go. You understand, don’t you Ryan? I feel like I’m making this difficult and being paranoid.”

“You’re not being difficult. You’re the voice of reason. You have everything to lose, I get it. I don’t like it, but I get it.” He grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. They decided on Moonlight Massacre, a classic horror movie.

While Upstairs …….

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