by Erica Penrod
* * *
Water drizzled from the top of the umbrella and landed on the bleacher in front of Tori. The weather stank for a soccer game but was perfect for snuggling up to the gorgeous guy next to her. Marcela’s games were usually on Saturday, but because of a conflict with the field schedule, Kael and Tori spent their Friday night date watching a heard of teenage girls run up and down the field.
“Sorry about this.” Kael pulled her closer. “I hoped you’d get to watch Marcela play in the sunshine. The games are a lot more fun when you’re not caught in the rain.”
“Are you kidding me?” Tori nestled into his warm body. “I hope there’s rain at every game if it gives me an excuse to be this close to you.”
“No excuse needed.” He leaned in and kissed her softly. “Be as close to me as you want, whenever you want.”
Tori tingled inside. His proximity was like a kinetic force pushing her to feel and want more of him. Her thoughts drifted to the way his lips felt on hers and the way her body longed to be near him.
“Did you see that?” Marcela called from the field as she ran by.
Tori glanced up cluelessly at Kael, who laughed before he answered his daughter. “Yeah, that was awesome.” Marcela grinned and took off in the opposite direction.
“I must have missed it.” Tori felt like she’d been caught daydreaming in class.
“She made a great play.” Kael’s eyes brightened. “She’s playing better than I’ve ever seen her.”
He looked down at Tori. “But I think that’s because of you.”
“What?” Tori was confused. “I don’t know anything about soccer.”
Kael laughed again. “I think she’s happy. I mean, not that she was unhappy before, but since she met you, there’s just something different about her. And I don’t think it’s the makeover.”
“She is an amazing kid.”
Kael looked out over the field, and his face glowed when he found Marcela. “Yes, she is.” He turned to Tori. “I just hope you think her father is too.”
“Oh, I think you’re amazing too.” She kissed his cheek. “A whole lot of amazing.”
* * *
That night, Tori crawled into her bed exhausted, but she still called Carley. “I think I’m in way over my head.”
Her friend giggled. “Of course you are. That’s when you know you’re getting to the good stuff.”
“I hope so. This isn’t like anything I’ve ever experienced before. What if I mess it up? I don’t know what I’m doing.”
“You know there’s a simple answer for that.”
Tori sat up. “Like what?”
“Don’t mess it up.”
She fell back, her head hitting the pillow, and she laughed. “Well, duh. I know that, but what if—”
“No what-ifs. You can’t live like that. You love him, so make it work.”
After Tori hung up with Carley, she closed her eyes and tried to remember what her life was like before she’d met Kael, but his face was burned on the backs of her eyelids, and all she saw was him.
Chapter Twelve
Design Tip
Be bold.
Personality is what makes a space great.
Saturday morning, a rain shower came down, and by the afternoon, Portland sat beneath a gorgeous blue sky and a potbellied sun. Tori drove through the clubhouse parking lot, looking for an available space. Carley’s baby shower snuck up on her; she’d meant to go shopping earlier last week, but for some tall, dark, and hunky reason, she’d forgotten. Now she was barely on time, because she had to make a quick jaunt to a boutique that sold handmade leather booties that Carley would adore.
Tori parked, grabbed the gift, and started in for the shower. Her mother’s car sat closest to the doors and next to the handicap space. She drew in a breath, adjusted her necklace, and smoothed her hair.
Inside the banquet room looked like baby-girl paradise. Baby paraphernalia in every shade of pink popped up everywhere. Tiny baby bottles filled with candy sat with the place settings, and balloons made into giant pacifiers hung from the ceiling. Diapers arranged to look like a birthday cake were the centerpiece for the gift table. Tori walked over, dropped off her gift, and gazed around. The room was full, including many people she didn’t know—probably a lot of Carley’s husband’s family.
Tori’s mom waved from across the room. She nodded and smiled, then made her way to Carley, who was surrounded by a crowd. Carley reached for her hand and gave her fingers a quick squeeze as Tori passed by. “I’ll talk to you in a minute,” she mouthed. Tori nodded and approached her mother, who, like always, looked like she’d just walked off the pages of a Nordstrom catalog.
“Hi, Mom.” Tori gave her a hug and sat down in the chair beside her.
Her mom studied her face. “You look nice … and happy?”
Tori nodded. “I am.”
“I guess your latest project must be going well.” She took a sip of her lemon water.
“You could say that.” Tori picked up her own glass before her mother noticed the heat rushing to her face. She couldn’t think about Kael in front of her mother, and she absolutely could not think about taking twenty minutes to say good night on her porch last night. Her lips tingled, remembering the feel of Kael’s mouth on hers.
“Your father said your last episodes have been very creative.” She took her napkin and placed it on her lap. “Of course, I’ve been so busy, I haven’t had time to watch.”
“It’s fine.” Tori adjusted her silverware. She wasn’t sure if her mother had seen anything that she’d done on her channel, and even though she told herself that didn’t matter, her heart still felt a little jab at her mother’s nonchalance. “I’m working on a teenage girl’s bedroom. It’s turning out better than I expected.”
“That’s nice.” Her mother sat up taller and looked over the centerpiece at Carley. “Doesn’t she look radiant? She’s got that glow.”
Here we go … Tori gripped the edge of her chair.
“I really hope you find someone soon. I mean, just look at Carley: she looks so happy and full of joy.”
Tori agreed. “She does look happy, and she’s carrying a bundle of joy.” Moments ago, her mother commented on her happiness, but because decorating wasn’t something her mother approved of, Tori could never truly be successful in her mother’s eyes.
“Have you heard from Jeremy? He was such a nice young man.”
“No, I haven’t.”
Her mother scowled. “Really, Victoria, Jeremy was perfect.”
This wasn’t how she wanted to tell her mother about Kael, but Tori couldn’t take another hour of her listing all the reasons she needed to find a man. “Mom.” Tori put a hand on her mother’s arm. “I’m seeing someone.”
Her mother’s blue eyes widened. “What? Who?”
“His name is Kael, and his daughter’s room is the one I’m working on.”
Her mother actually sank in her seat. “Oh, I see.”
“You see what?” Tori didn’t hide the disdain in her voice.
“He’s divorced, I assume.”
“No, he’s married.” Tori had fire coming from her ears. “Of course he’s divorced.”
“Well, you never know. You’ve seen the divorce papers?”
Tori puffed out small, slow breaths, hoping to calm herself before she spoke. “No, Mom. I haven’t asked to see the actual documentation, but I’ll be sure to bring that up next time I see him.”
“Victoria, don’t be so dramatic.” She rolled her eyes. “I’ve seen and handled enough messy divorces to know what goes on out there. I’m just trying to protect you.”
“I appreciate your gesture, and I’m sorry that your job has made you into such a jaded person, but Kael isn’t like that.”
“How do you know? How long have you known him?”
Tori wanted nothing more than to get up and storm out of the room, but she wouldn’t do that to Carley. “About two and a half weeks.” This was why she had
n’t said anything to her mom about Kael. She’d manipulate anything Tori told her to argue against her daughter.
“Ha.” Her mom tossed her head back. “You can’t possibly know someone in that short amount of time.”
“What about you and Dad?” Tori crossed her arms. “Didn’t he say it was love at first sight and you two eloped a month after you met each other?”
“That’s different. He’s your father and—”
“Why does that have to be so different? You think you’re the only two people in the world that have ever known what that feels like? Can’t you trust me enough to recognize that I’ve found that, too, with Kael?”
“He’s divorced and a single father. Do you know what the divorce rates are on a second marriage? And adding a stepchild only complicates things more.”
She closed her eyes and pictured herself with Kael and focused on the peace she felt inside. “Mom.” Tori exhaled. “No one said anything about marriage. All I’m saying is that I’ve met someone who I care a lot about. And yeah, I know this is sudden and unexpected, but you can believe me when I tell you that something in my soul knows he is the one for me.”
“But—”
“Mom.” Tori stopped her. “I’m not going to run away and get married. I’m just doing things backwards. The feelings were instantaneous, and now all I want is to get to know everything there is to know about him. I want to spend time with him and his daughter. Marcela is amazing—you’ll love her.”
Her mother drew a breath, and for the first time, Tori saw concern and possibly understanding fill her mother’s eyes. “I’ve never heard you talk like this about anyone before.” Her voice was calm. “He must be some guy.” She took Tori’s hand in hers. “Baby girl, I’m not as coldhearted as you think I am. I’ve just seen so much in my job that I wanted to save you from the pain I’ve witnessed.”
“I know.” Tori knew her mother’s intentions were good, but that didn’t make her easy to be around. Cadence Lee wanted things her way or nothing. “But just let me do this my way, without any help from you.”
“But shouldn’t your dad and I get to meet him right away? I mean, if he’s really the guy, then—”
“Mom.” Tori pulled her hand away and rubbed her temples. “Yes, you will get to meet him; I’m just not sure how soon. I’m in the middle of the project, and he owns a sporting goods store and is a single father. That isn’t always easy to schedule around, not to mention you and Dad are busy.”
Mom pulled out her phone and started scrolling down the screen. Defeat wasn’t easy for her mother. “I’ve got some time next Wednesday evening, and your father should be available … maybe after seven.”
Tori bit the inside of her cheek, forcing herself to focus on the pain rather than her frustration. “I told you, I’m not sure when you will meet him, but I will call you and let know when we’re available to come over.”
Carley’s mom stood up and asked everyone to take their seats. Tori couldn’t have been more grateful.
Chicken salad croissants and salad were served, followed by a delicious strawberry shortcake. Tori kept her mouth full while her mother visited with the other guests at their table. Carley opened her gifts and thanked everyone for coming. The shower was short and sweet, just the way Tori thought any shower should be.
Carley found her after almost everyone had left. “What was going on with you and your mom? I thought I might have to intervene in the spirit of physical safety.”
Tori giggled. “Now that would’ve been a sight, you come waddling over here to referee.”
“I don’t waddle.” The words no sooner left Carley’s mouth than a big smile appeared. “Okay, maybe I waddle a little bit. But that’s not the point. What had Cadence so upset?”
“Just my love life. Nothing out of the ordinary.”
“Did you tell her about Kael?”
“Yeah. I didn’t want to—not right now, anyway—but I did.”
Carley sat down and rested her hands on her belly. “I expected her to be elated that her daughter is dating Kael Santos.”
“I didn’t mention his last name, not that I know she’d recognize who he is. Plus I presented some self-incriminating evidence. You know, less than three weeks, divorced, single dad … that kind of stuff.”
“I can forward her some of Kael’s videos. I’m sure that might influence her verdict.”
Tori shook her head. “Nope. I don’t need her permission, and I don’t need her approval.” She brushed the hair back from her face. “I mean, I would like her support, but since she didn’t handpick Kael herself, I’m not holding my breath.”
Her friend rubbed her very pregnant stomach. “I sure hope this little one and I get along.”
“You will.” Tori touched her arm. “I’m sorry. This is your shower; you don’t need to listen to this. Besides, you and your mom have a great relationship, and Kael’s mom is wonderful—I adore her.”
“It is kind of magical the way you’ve fallen in love with his whole family. You’re like your own fairy tale, only this story is where the stepmother gets the happily ever after and she’s just as crazy about the princess as she is about the princess’s father.”
The word love resonated in her mind. “It feels like a fairy tale, and I know I should expect the clock to strike midnight anytime now, but I don’t.” Tori looked at Carley and was surprised she didn’t agree.
“Maybe you’ve already conquered the villain, and I don’t mean your mom.” She grinned. “But perhaps having the courage to quit your job and pursue your dream that ultimately led you to Kael was your battle. You fought and you won and now you’re in the happily ever after phase.”
“Wow, you’re going to be a good mom.” Tori felt like Carley’s friendship was a piece of armor. “You make up that kind of stuff to tell your daughter and she’ll be set.”
“I don’t know. I just call things like I see them. You deserve to have the happiness you choose, and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.”
Tori leaned over and wrapped her arms around Carley’s neck. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Ditto.” Carley shifted in her seat. “Now help me up, will you?”
“Of course.” Tori stood up, took Carley’s arm, and pulled her from the chair. “You’re as light as a feather.”
“Ha, ha.” Carley put her hands on her back for support. “Don’t make me laugh. I’m like a beached whale when I lie down at night.”
Tori scrunched her nose, imagining how that would feel. “That sounds miserable.”
“It is, but for your sake, ask me if it’s worth it once I’ve got this baby in my arms. I don’t want to discourage you from pregnancy, because I love you, but mostly because I’m scared of your mom.”
“If I never give her a grandbaby, I’ll tell her it’s all your fault.” Tori laughed.
“And here I thought we were friends.”
“The best.”
* * *
Tori couldn’t wait to get to see Kael. She drove straight there after the shower. Marcela had gone with her mother for the weekend, and he was going to cook her dinner. But when she pulled up to the house, a beautiful blonde woman stood on the porch with Kael, who had his arms crossed and a look on his face Tori had seen the first day she met him.
Chapter Thirteen
Kael couldn’t help himself: even while Alison chewed him out, his heart still skipped a beat when Tori pulled up. He should’ve waved her on, but he was selfish. He wanted to see her even though Alison would be anything but welcoming. Tori looked up at him through the windshield, and he smiled.
Alison followed his gaze. “So, this is her.” She cocked an eyebrow. “I can’t wait to meet her.”
“Just be nice. This isn’t her fault.” Kael hoped his ex-wife could calm down enough to be cordial. “Our daughter is just being a teenager.”
Tori approached the porch like she was stepping through a minefield.
“Hey.” Kael met her at th
e bottom stair and reached for her hand. “I’m glad you’re here. This is Alison.”
“Hi.” Tori smiled. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“So you’re the one my daughter won’t stop talking about.”
Tori’s face blushed. “She watches my channel.”
“And do you date all of your clients or just Kael?”
“That’s enough,” Kael said to Alison. He turned to Tori. “Just go ahead and go in. Marcela is there. Her mother and I have some things to discuss.”
“She should stay. After all, this concerns her.”
Kael felt Tori hesitate like she was at a crossroad. “No, it doesn’t.”
“My daughter tells me she hates me and wishes that woman was her mom, and that doesn’t concern her?”
Kael drew in a breath and saw the confusion in Tori’s eyes. “Maybe I’d better go.” She let go of Kael’s hand and backed up.
“No, don’t.” Kael glanced at Tori and then glared at Alison.
“Well, on second thought, maybe you should.” Her eyes narrowed in on Tori.
“Just call me later.” Tori turned around and walked to her car. Kael wanted to go after her, but first he had to deal with Alison.
“Thanks for that.” Kael climbed the steps and stood next to her. She was as pretty as she was self-centered, and that didn’t make her beautiful in his eyes. “I don’t think Tori is the problem. Your relationship with your daughter is, and I would appreciate it if you would leave Tori out of this.”
“I don’t know what to do with Marcela. She’s done nothing but pout and be moody since you dropped her off yesterday.” Alison examined her fingernails. “I mean, what did I do?”
Of course this was all about her. “I don’t know. Did you ask her? Have you ever sat down with her and asked her what she wants, what she likes to do?”
She flinched like he’d hit her with an insult. “I take her places.”
