“Oh really? Is that what you would do, Murph? You’d march right over there and ask her what her problem is?”
Now Mac snickers because he already knows the answer.
“Fuck no, I wouldn’t. I don’t give two shits about what people think, but you are not me. You’re a nice guy, Daniel, and you should find out what the problem is.”
“I have to agree with Murph on this. Nicole doesn’t strike me as someone who is judgmental unless there is a reason. You should tell her your side of the story, man,” Mac says as he polishes glasses.
“Maybe it’s worth a shot. I mean, she can’t be any more pissed at me than she already is.”
“Fuck, here goes nothing.” I push off the bar and head over to Nicole’s table.
That felt good. I didn’t want Daniel to think that I would tell his friends that he was going to cheat on his wife with me. I also wanted him to know that I think that what he did was reprehensible.
Walking back past the bar, I can feel him look at me. He can look all he wants, but he’ll never get a chance to touch me.
I settle back in with the girls and do my best to forget what happened, but Emily and Chrissy have other plans.
“Alright, what is the deal with my brother?” Chrissy asks me.
“What do you mean? Who’s your brother?” I ask her as I take a bite of a mozzarella stick.
“Daniel. I saw you two in a conversation that seemed a little tense.”
Now it was my turn to choke. I start to cough uncontrollably, so Emily hands me some water. Trying to catch my breath, I’m able to mutter out a few words.
“Daniel is your brother? Lucy is your niece?”
“Yeah, you didn’t know that?” Emily asks.
“No, I had no idea. I mean, I knew that he was friends with Emily and Mac, but not your brother Chrissy.”
“Wait, Nicole. Is Lucy in your class?” Chrissy asks me.
“Yep, she sure is. She is a smart, sweet little girl.” I try to deflect the conversation.
“Oh my gosh, she talks about you all the time. She loves you.”
“Nicole, you still haven’t told us why you looked so upset when you were talking to Daniel,” Emily chimes in.
There is no way I’m going to tell Chrissy that her brother was about to cheat on his wife. “Oh, I just wanted to say hi.”
Just when I think maybe we moved off this topic, I hear Daniel say my name behind me. God, this jerk won’t let it go.
“Nicole. Can I please talk to you privately?” I say behind her.
I can see her tense up, but I don’t care. I need to explain the situation and why I didn’t tell her about Lucy. If after this she is still upset, then she isn’t worth my time.
Nicole doesn’t even turn around. Instead, she answers me while facing the door. “Daniel, please. I said what I needed to say. Let’s not do this.”
“What the hell did you do, Daniel?” My sister butts in.
Now after being called on the carpet by Chrissy, I have no intention of not speaking my piece. I move to face Nicole.
Looking right at her, I respond, “I asked Nicole out on a date and didn’t tell her about Lucy and Serena.”
I see Nicole recoil in her seat, and then she lets loose. She gets out of her seat and sticks her finger in my chest. Why is this turning me on when I should be offended?
“Let’s see. First you ask me out on a date, then you cancel. I mean, thank God you canceled, right? I can’t believe you act like you didn’t do anything wrong. I can’t believe that I almost went out with a married man!”
Chrissy and Emily look at me, confused. Fuck, I’m just as confused.
“Nicole, I’m divorced. I have been for a few years. Yes, Lucy is my daughter, but Serena is my ex-wife, and I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you at the party.”
I see all of the color drain from Nicole’s face. She clears her throat and looks over at Emily for confirmation.
When Emily nods her head, Nicole’s whole demeanor changes.
“Oh God, Daniel. I’m so sorry. When I saw you walk in with Lucy and Serena, I was shocked to say the least. Then when Serena called you her husband, well, I believed her without asking you about it.”
Looking at Nicole, I can see tears start to form. I’m not sure if she is embarrassed or relieved.
“Serena called me her husband?”
Chrissy bursts out laughing. Slamming her hand on the table, she shakes her head. “Of course she did, dear brother. She must’ve sensed something between the two of you and she wanted to throw a bucket of ice on it.”
“Fuck. I should’ve known something was up when I saw you two talking. Look Nicole, can we go out on the patio so I can explain all of this to you?”
Nodding, we head out back to where it is quiet. Sitting at a table next to a small palm tree, Nicole speaks first.
“I’m so sorry that I didn’t let you explain. I saw the three of you, and I was scared. When you canceled our fishing trip, you seemed a little off. So when Serena called you her husband, it all made sense.”
I move my hand to hers, taking a chance that she won’t pull away. She doesn’t.
“I should’ve told you about my family situation the night of the party, but I was nervous. I really like you, and to say that when in the past women find out about Lucy, they head for the hills.”
Nicole closes her hand over mine. The gesture makes my dick take notice. I can tell that she is finally relaxed.
“Daniel, we are just getting to know each other. I understand why you didn’t tell me about Serena and Lucy at that time.”
“I want to tell you now. If you want to hear the details.”
She smiles. “You can tell me whatever you want.”
I spend the next twenty minutes telling Nicole about my relationship with Serena, starting in high school. I explain how we fell in love and got married a few years after graduation. Lucy soon followed, and so did Serena’s affair.
“I’m sorry that she did that to you and Lucy. Some people just don’t understand what they have and throw it away. There are so many others who would give anything to have a family.”
Something happens to Nicole at this point. She is overcome with emotion. It’s obviously something that hits close to home. I wait for her to explain, but she doesn’t, so I leave it alone.
Slowly, she smiles at me. “You really are beautiful, Nicole.”
Her eyes dart away, telling me that she is embarrassed by my admission.
Throwing out a Hail Mary pass, I go for broke. I move closer to her. Taking her face in my hands, I kiss her. The kiss is gentle at first, but to my surprise, she takes control. Her hands go to my hair while she deepens the kiss.
My dick immediately hardens as my tongue responds to hers. I hear Nicole whimper, which in turn makes me growl.
I pull away just enough to lick her lip, making her gasp. I can see that her eyes are still closed. Taking my thumb, I caress her bottom lip, leaning my forehead to hers.
“So do you think we could go on that date now? I mean, now that you know I’m not a cheating asshole?” I say with a laugh.
His kiss mesmerizes me into a sense of carelessness. When Daniel pulls away, I realize what I’m doing.
Clearing my throat, I know this can’t happen.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn't have done that, Daniel.”
I start to get up from the table, but he grabs my wrist.
“We both did that, sweetheart, and it’s nothing to apologize for,” he says, running his hand through his hair.
“Daniel, I can’t go out with you now. Lucy is my student. It just wouldn’t be right.”
“Shit. I hadn’t thought about that. Well, is it in your contract or something? You know, that you can’t date a parent?”
I shake my head. “No, the contact doesn’t specifically prohibit dating a parent. It does have a clause that states that I need to conduct myself in a professional manner. I’m sure that dating a parent is seen as unprofessiona
l. The other parents might assume that I’m showing preference to Lucy.”
“Well, she is the best kid around.”
I chuckle because she is pretty cool.
Daniel pulls me close against him, and it makes my stomach flip. Being up against his body turns me on so badly, I don’t know how I’m going to stay away.
“Come on, Nicole. If it’s not against the rules of your employment, what can it hurt? We can go out on the boat for the day. It’s not like we will be walking around the mall holding hands.”
The thought of being alone with him on his boat excites me. The thought of losing my job scares me.
“Nicole, it’s one date. You may decide that you can’t stand me after that.”
Looking up at his face, I’m at war with my head and my heart. I know I shouldn’t do this, but if we are alone on the boat, no one will know. Maybe he’s right; one day, and he’ll be out of my system.
Pulling away, I glance down at my shoes. “If we do this, I mean go out on your boat, I don’t want anyone to know. I already know this is a small town, and word gets around quickly.”
“Alright, sweetheart. No one will hear about it from me. I can be your dirty little secret,” Daniel says with a hint of teasing, but it still makes me feel guilty. I need to get away from him quick.
“We should get back to our friends. They are probably wondering what we are doing.”
“You’re right. I’ll text you tomorrow so we can set up a time to go out. Saturdays won’t work because I have Lucy.”
“OK, just let me know what works for you, and we can make a plan.” I start to walk away, but he pulls me close again. Damn, he is strong.
“One more kiss before you go, Nicole. It’s gonna be damn hard staying away from you for the rest of the night.”
Oh God. With an admission like that, how can I deny him or myself?
Jesus, she makes me hot. Watching her with Emily and my sister, the way she tries to look at me without getting noticed, is sexy as fuck.
Mac, Murph and I shoot the shit for another hour, and it’s about all I can handle. Knowing I have to pick Lucy up at 8 o’clock, Murph and I head out. Of course, I can’t leave without saying goodbye to the ladies. I mean, my sister would be pissed, so I do the right thing and sidle up to the table.
“Goodnight, ladies,” I say to the table but only looking at Nicole. She squirms in her seat, and I love it.
Glancing at her watch, Chrissy pipes in, “It’s early yet. Why don’t you stay a while longer and sit with us?”
I hear Nicole gasp a little, but I don’t think anyone else heard it. I think I’m just tuned in to her every sound.
“I have to pick Lucy up at 8 am. We’ve got a hectic day of fishing ahead of us, so I better call it a night.”
Nicole smiles and I imagine that she’s kissing me goodnight. Maybe she isn’t, but that’s what I’m going to think.
“Alright, dear brother. Give the rug-rat some kisses for me.” Chrissy kisses me on the cheek.
Emily gives me a peck on the cheek, and I can see Nicole fighting the urge to kiss me too. I know the feeling, babe.
“Thank you for clearing up the misunderstanding, Daniel. I hope to see you at some school functions,” Nicole says sweetly.
“I look forward to it.” Giving her a quick nod, Murph and I leave. The ride home is too long. I need a cold shower, and quick.
Walking away from Daniel took all of my willpower. Eyeing Emily and Chrissy, they both turn to me with an expectant look on their faces. Shit. I’m not a good liar, but I don’t want them to know about our kiss.
“Everything OK?” Chrissy asks.
“Yes. Daniel cleared everything up. It’s all good.”
God, I hope they drop it so I don’t have to lie.
“So, how good is it? You were back there for, like, half an hour,” Emily says with a smirk, like she knows.
“Daniel and I are friends, and nothing more. I mean, Lucy is a student of mine. Dating him would be unethical.”
“Well, that’s interesting because your lipstick is smeared all over,” Emily says, and Chrissy laughs.
Son of a bitch. I didn’t think about that.
“Alright, fine. We kissed a little, OK? But if anyone finds out, the school could move Lucy out of my class. That is something I won’t let happen. Ever.”
They both look at me, and Chrissy reaches over. “We would never tell anyone about you and Daniel. I do think you both owe it to yourselves to see where this could go. My brother is a great guy who got a shit deal with Serena. He deserves to be happy, and I think you may be able to do that.”
Blowing out a sigh, “Let’s talk about something else.”
Emily and Chrissy looked confused, but they agree to change the subject.
The next hour, I try to stay focused on the conversation. Emily talks about Shane’s first birthday and how Mac thinks he’s going to ride his motorcycle with her knowing about it. My mind continues to focus on the kiss that I shared with Daniel. My lips still tingle.
I’m trying to hold off and not text Nicole so early. I mean, it’s only six o’clock in the morning. The waiting is difficult because all I want to do is kiss her again. She was so responsive last night. Her body actually shook when I kissed her. As a matter of fact, I think mine did too.
I woke up extra early this morning with a raging hard on, and the cold shower did nothing to ease my hard dick. Taking a little time to ease my frustration made me miss a text from Serena. That woman can throw a cold blanket on any sexual fantasies.
Serena: I forgot to tell you that Lucy has a play date tomorrow morning. Can you drop her off at her friend Missy’s house in the morning? I’ll text you the address.
Anytime she texts me, I’m hesitant to read it. This one, I can handle.
Me: Yes, what time does she need to be there?
Serena: Ten o’clock.
Me: Ok, shoot me the address. I’ll be over soon to get Lucy.
After Serena texts me the last time, I hurry to get ready so I can pick up Lucy. My thoughts eventually drift to Nicole as I finish my coffee. Maybe I’ll try for a date tomorrow afternoon. The fishing won’t be great at that time of day, but just getting to spend time alone with her is all that matters.
* * *
“Daddy, I don’t think the fish are hungry,” Lucy says as she eats her bologna sandwich.
“We’ll give it a few more minutes, and then we can pack up and go home. I was thinking we could see what movie is playing at the drive-in tonight.”
Next to dinosaurs and fishing, Lucy loves to watch movies, eat popcorn and fall asleep.
Lucy turns to me with the biggest smile. “I’d really like that, Daddy. You haven’t taken me on a date in a long time.”
I chuckle at her even though she is right. “Alright, sweets. We’ll go to the drive-in tonight as long as there is an age-appropriate movie.”
Leave it to my daughter to mention dating. Taking out my phone, I decide it’s time to text Nicole. I’m going to try and get her to meet me at the boat tomorrow.
Me: Hi Nicole. I’m taking the boat out tomorrow afternoon, and I was hoping that you’d like to cash in the rain check and go with me.
I see the dots moving as Nicole types her response. Then they stop. Damn.
She must be having second thoughts. I understand that she doesn’t want it to get out and jeopardize her job, and I don’t want that either.
As soon as I place my phone in my pocket, it buzzes. Would I forfeit my guy card if I said that my heart was in my throat?
Glancing down at my phone, I see that it’s her.
I can’t believe Daniel is asking me out so soon. I’m not quite sure what to say. I mean, of course I want to go, but I also value my job. I’m not sure if I should take a chance.
This is wrong. Texting my response that I can’t do it, I stop. What the hell is wrong with me? It’s just an afternoon of fishing. I just can’t let anything physical happen.
Me: I�
�d like that.
I see the dots appear as I wait for his response.
Daniel: Great! Would it be ok if you met me at the marina around eleven o’clock? I have to drop Lucy off at a friend’s house on the other side of Tampa.
Me: Of course, that would be fine.
Daniel: Ok, my boat is located in slip 22.
I can’t believe I’m going to do this…
Me: I’ll see you tomorrow at eleven.
Daniel: I’m looking forward to it.
I think to myself, me too, more than you know.
* * *
Somehow I manage to get to sleep at a reasonable hour, only to wake up at six o’clock again. Since I have some time to kill, I decide to do a deep clean of my kitchen.
My sister says that I’m like a whirling dervish when it comes to cleaning. It has always been my way to cope with stress and anxiety.
While I’m scrubbing the oven, my thoughts are on Daniel. Part of me is scared that he’ll hurt me like Jay. The rational side of me feels that if he is willing to take a chance after what Serena did to him, then I should take a chance too.
Seeing Daniel last night and hearing the real story behind his marriage has left me feeling somewhat jealous. I’m jealous that Serena had a family. I’m jealous that she has known Daniel since high school.
Taking a look at my oven, I don’t think I’ve ever seen it so clean. I sit back on my heels and admire my work. I look at my phone and see that it’s nine-thirty.
I take a quick shower and apply minimal make-up. It’s a hot and humid morning, so there’s no use caking it on. My hair is naturally curly, so I let it air dry on days like today.
I grab a beach bag and pack a hat, sunblock and a cover up in case I get too much sun. I pack a bag of snacks and a small cooler of drinks. I know Daniel said that he’d have everything we need, but I don’t like to show up empty-handed.
Enlightened Hearts: Mastered Hearts Series Book Two Page 4
