by C. M. Steele
My hands flex, and then it reminds me of what she said the other day. "So the man you used to love..."
"I don't know who this man is, but he's not the man I remember. He's changed over the years, marrying that shrew and trying to turn me into a prize commodity."
"What happened?"
"I overheard his supposed marriage request from a friend of his, for me."
"I didn't want it, but he insisted. I told him that he was the worst father in the world and then he showed me."
"I don't know why you didn't tell me, but I won't let him come near you."
"You had a great family that loved you so much. I still had my father, and I was just a burden with a possible benefit in the end. See, my mother left me everything in her will. Every asset passed to me once she died, but I wouldn't see it until I reached twenty-two. In three months, I'll be twenty-two and my father can't threaten me anymore."
"Why didn't you go to the cops?"
"Because he owned the cops in our town, some in the state and even some in Illinois as well. Corruption from the top to the bottom. I had no one to trust until Marisa begged me to report the crime."
"Well, you don't have to do anything. I'll keep him away from you. He's not getting on this property. Do you understand? I'm going to call in a favor and have your father watched, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have people dispatched looking for you."
"Since I'm an adult, it's legal for me to leave without telling a soul where I'm going."
"That's true, but since he's willing to beat you, I can't imagine him not attempting to use nefarious and illegal means to find you."
"Thank you for understanding." I can't believe it.
"You don't have to thank me. It's my pleasure to take care of you. This isn't something I do. I'm not a player or a playboy. I didn't fuck around as a professional. I didn't say I was a choir boy either, but, well, what I'm trying to say is this isn't just sex for me."
"It's the same. This isn't something I do every day. From the moment you startled me, I felt a need to be in your arms. I don't know what it is or what it means, but we have three months to figure it out." I ignore that last bit because I already know what it is. She's mine, and I'm going to do all I can to convince her to stay. The sex is definitely one hell of a selling point, but I'm going to make her feel so damn special, she'll never want anyone else to love her the way I do. Because I'm sure that I'm already in love. Every little detail, every nuance I learn about her, only makes me hungry for more.
I spin her onto her back and lean over her. "While we do that. How about we finish dinner?"
"Oh my. I'm going to have to make the noodles over again. That batch is most definitely ruined."
"I'll help." I drop my mouth onto hers, kissing her until we're breathless. I look at the clock and it's almost ten thirty, so I get up because I'm more than starving and I know Ava is as well.
She goes into the kitchen with just my flannel and her panties on. The red and black plaid material is buttoned just to the top of her cleavage, falling to the bottom of her ass. When she raises her arms I get a sweet view of her white panties. I watch her as she moves around the kitchen looking sexy as hell. Even as she stirs the sauce, I'm fascinated. Her long blonde hair is flowing free down her back, and I feel like the luckiest man around. As if sensing my stare, she turns to look at me with a half smile.
"What do you need me to do, babe?"
"Sit there and look handsome. Better yet, how about you get us some wine."
"That works for me." When she's finished straining the noodles, she puts them on our plates, topping in them off with creamy chicken and broccoli alfredo sauce.
"Let's go eat by the fireplace, babe." I take the plates, and she grabs the wine and our glasses. The blankets and pillows are set up nicely for us to enjoy the blaze. I set down our plates on the coffee table that I pushed to the side so that I can stoke the fire. We turn the television on to the annual countdown, but it’s on low because we’re focused on us. Settling down on the rugs and pillows, we sit with our legs crossed and our pasta in our laps.
“This smells delicious, Ava.”
“Thank you.” We dig in and both let out tiny moans. Our eyes meet, and we let out a laugh.
“Do you think we’ll ever stop being this horny for each other?”
“I don’t want to make you sore, but I sure as fuck hope not. John and Landon still chase their wives around.” And I’ve stuck my foot in my mouth. We haven’t even gotten to that part in our relationship.
“Here’s to passion.” We lightly clink our glasses, giving us time from the heavy topic. Not that I’m not prepared to ask her to marry me. I purchased the ring the day after I met her. She doesn’t need to know that, though—at least not yet.
We’re almost done with our food when I’ve had enough dinner. I look over to Ava and see that she’s already set down her plate and wine glass on the table. A tiny drop of sauce landed on the top of her large breast. I lean in and say, “You spilled some sauce.” Dipping my tongue out, I swipe it off and groan. “You taste so good.”
“Tobias. Just so you know—I’m not sore at all.”
“I need to fix that. I want you to feel me with every step you take,” I whisper, kissing my way up her slender neck while I slide my hand down her stomach and then over her hip. Slowly we continue to lose ourselves, missing the countdown as we cry out our releases.
We certainly ring in the new year. I love having her in my arms. I carry her off to bed, laying her down beside me. My poor sleepy woman yawns and then cradles into me. "Rest, my sweet love."
I close my eyes and let sleep take me too.
I wake up to my alarm. Reaching over, I hit the off button. It continues to ring, and then my ears perk up. It's not my alarm. It's the phone. I rush downstairs because the damn thing doesn't stop going off. I look at it, and it's John.
"What's going on?" I answer. The sun isn’t even up yet.
"I need a favor. We need to drop off the boys. My mother-in-law and father-in-law got into an accident with some drunk drivers." His voice is shaking.
"Okay. Where are you?" I croak out.
"We're about two minutes away. I'm sorry."
"No. No. Drop the boys off. Shit. Let me know if there's anything you need."
Luckily, I slipped on some pajama pants when we went to bed so I would stay out of Ava. I go to the door and Louisa is still in the truck, crying. Shit. I hope they pull through. "Come on, boys. You get to hang with me today."
"Uncle Toby. I'm hungry,” Greyson says, rubbing his eyes. I can see the sun beginning to rise in the trees across the road, so it’s got to be around five.
"How does pancakes sound?" Ava says from behind me.
"I'll call you later,” John says.
"Be careful. Don't get yourself in an accident rushing to get there."
"Of course. Boys, be good and give me a hug." He looks up at me and shakes his head, pointing to them and mouthing don’t say anything.
"Okay." He rushes out and down the stairs before I can close the door. I pray everything will turn out well.
"Miss Ava, Miss Ava. Are you and Uncle Toby getting married?"
"I don't think so."
"Daddy said that Uncle Toby is a lost cause."
"Is that so?" she asks them and then looks up at me. I shrug my shoulders and turn my hands up. It's the truth.
"Well, how about them pancakes?"
"I love pancakes. So does Uncle Toby. Come on, Miss Ava."
"It's Auntie Ava now, silly," the older one says. These kids are getting a lot of pancakes today. I love the way they're thinking. I can't wait to get a ring on her finger. I lean against the door jamb with my arms folded and watch them around the island, preparing pancakes. The little one sits on the granite, while the older one uses a chair to stand on while helping mix the batter. It's like picturing our own children with Ava cooking as a happy little family. Her eyes lift up and I give her my best smile. Thankfully, she returns i
t. This is a spontaneous babysitting gig, and I'm not sure how she feels about it.
"Okay, boys. Thank you for your help. Now, go wash up and I'll get these cooking."
"They follow your every command."
"I have a way with boys," she winks.
I close the distance, sliding around next to her and say, "A way with men too." Stealing a kiss, I love the way she leans up into it. "Thank you for being wonderful. I know this isn't how you planned to spend your day."
"It's no big deal. What happened?"
"Louisa's parents were in an accident last night. They're on the way to the hospital."
"Oh no. I pray that they're going to pull through."
"We're done," the big one cheers, entering the kitchen and pulling out a chair for the little one.
"We only need five more minutes." She's already managed to make four pancakes at once. Now she's using a ladle to scoop out another four.
"Let me get the plates and the syrup out. Who wants to help me? They both jump up. I pull out the kids’ plates I keep stored for them and my nephews when they come over, then their special smaller forks.
"Can I have milk with my pancakes?"
"Of course. How about you?"
"Me too."
"And you, my dear chef. Would you care for some milk?"
"I would very much care for some coffee."
"Smart woman. I will have coffee and milk today." I head over and pour her a cup from the pot that just finished brewing. I take the plate of pancakes and dish one on each of the boys’ plates and two on ours. We let them do their own syrup, which is a sticky mess, but we want them to be happy and not think about why their mommy was crying.
Shortly everything is set up on the table like nothing is amiss. Once breakfast is over, they insist on helping Ava load the dishwasher. After the mess is cleaned up, I lead the boys into the bathroom to wash their hands and faces. "Alas, there are those handsome faces again. Let's go keep Auntie Ava company so she'll make us food later." I wink at them and they agree, running out to go check on Auntie Ava.
Chapter 8
Ava
The day with Tobias and the boys had been wonderful. He’d make a great father. I’m on my last pack of pills, so I must go to the nearest clinic and retrieve more. The thought of having Tobias’s children flood my mind. It’s silly, but after seeing the way he played with them, I can imagine a life with him. I clean the dishes after a late lunch. The boys fell asleep on the sofa.
I stare at the sweet scene before me. Tobias senses me and turns. “Beautiful,” he mouths.
“Thank you,” I utter lightly, coming over to the chair and taking a seat. I just took a shower since we didn’t get a chance to when the boys came this morning. I let Tobias go ahead of me because I wanted to clean up the kitchen.
His phone goes off on the table, so he picks it up before it wakes the boys.
“John’s calling,” he whispers, nudging the little one and scooting him onto the sofa. “One second,” he says into the phone. Kissing my forehead, he leaves for a few minutes. When he comes back in he’s not smiling, and I brace myself for the bad news. I might not know Louisa’s parents, but I know how much she loves them.
“Long road, but they’re going to make it.” He tucks his phone in his back pocket and then pulls me into his arms.
“Thank goodness. So when are they coming for the boys?”
He looks nervously as he stares down into my eyes. He brushes my hair out of my face and behind my ears before he says, “That’s the thing. They want us to keep them for the night. I hope that’s not a problem.”
I shake my head, stealing a look behind us to where the boys are sleeping and reply just above a murmur, “Not at all, but what are we going to tell them?”
Tobias caresses my cheek slowly, rubbing his thumb over my jaw. “It’s okay. John and Louisa want to talk to them in a while when the boys wake up from their nap. I’m sorry about this, babe. I had plans of keeping you in bed and relaxing today.”
“No, this is fun, but you can take me to bed tonight.” I press my head on his chest while he rubs my back.
“Thank you, Ava.” I look up at him and his mouth comes down on mine. I let out a moan and slide my hands into his hair.
“Auntie Ava, are you okay?” a sleepy Greyson says. I blush, hiding between Tobias’s large frame, hoping he didn’t see us kissing.
“She’s fine. I’m stealing kisses from Auntie Ava.” I slap his chest and sigh. He’s just placating the kids, but it feels nice that he’s treating our relationship as more than temporary.
“Oh like Daddy and Mommy. They kiss a lot. Are they coming home soon?”
“They’re visiting your grandparents. Do you want to spend the night with Auntie and I?”
“Sure! Can we have pizza?” His eyes looking pleadingly up at us. It’s New Year’s Day, so I don’t know how delivery works, but it’s probably too crazy even if they are open.
“I don’t think they’re delivering,” he says, leaning down to Greyson as head drops in sadness.
“What kind of pizza do you like?” I ask Greyson.
“Cheese.”
“I can make that.”
Tobias straightens up as Greyson lights up and my heart feels better. They don’t know about their grandparents yet, but I’m sure they know something strange is going on. I’m going to do whatever I can to ease their hearts.
“Are you serious, babe?” Tobias asks, sliding his hand onto my waist, giving it a gentle squeeze. The worry that mars his face is pointless. I’m more than happy to do it.
Sliding my hand over the one he has on my waist, I return the squeeze. “Yes. We bought the ingredients.”
He kisses my cheek. “You’re amazing.”
“Don’t speak so soon. I haven’t made it in a long time,” I say.
His hand makes circles around my belly button. We stare into each other’s eyes and I swear he’s about to kiss me. I bend my head back against his chest as his mouth drops to my neck, lightly brushing my skin with his lips. “I’m sure it will taste as good as you. Do you need some help?” His words are laced with intent, nothing to do with actual food. A moan comes from me, giving him more room to continue his ministrations
“I want to help,” Greyson tosses out. We both turn to him, forgetting for a moment that we had little eyes on us. I straighten myself, pulling away from Tobias who lets a grumble out in response.
“Me too,” a drowsy Connor says, padding over to us in the hallway.
“Do you know what you signed up for, Connor?” Tobias asks with a smirk on his face.
“No.”
“Well, get your boots on, boy. We’re going to muck the stalls.” The saucer-wide-eyed expression nearly makes me laugh.
“What? Oh no. I don’t want to do that,” he contests, shaking his head vigorously. Now all of us are standing in the foyer and I wish I had a camera.
“Didn’t you just say you would?” Connor looks to his brother and to me for help.
I booty bump Tobias lightly and then lean down and say to the scared boy, “He’s teasing, but do you boys want to help me make pizza?”
“Yes, please.” Greyson tugs on Tobias’s pant leg. “I love Auntie Ava. You should marry her. I’d marry her when I got older.”
“Hey, you can’t have pizza if you’re going to try to steal my girl from me.” Tobias kisses my cheek while glaring at the little guy. It’s too freaking cute that a wave of panic floods my body. In three months I’m out of here and I don’t want to go. He promises me this is more than just a fling, but that doesn’t mean there’s more.
He huffs. “Never mind. I want pizza.”
I press my hand to my heart and give it my best melodramatic sigh, “Dang. I’ll never get over that heartbreak.”
“Sorry, babe. I’ll make it up to you later,” Tobias growls in my ear, nipping on my earlobe.
“I hope so,” I wink, tapping his chin before pulling away and sashaying my way into the kitchen
. Little feet and a set of really large ones trail behind me.
“Wait, wait. We want to make pizza.” I spin on my heels and catch Greyson before he barrels into me.
“I still have to make the dough. We’ll make some mini pizzas for each of us, so Uncle Tobias and I can have our own toppings too.”
“Are you gonna have a baby?”
“Not yet, boys.”
“Mommy wants another baby. I want a little sister. I already have a brother.”
“That’s sweet. Hopefully, you and your mom get what you want.
“Mommy and Daddy said that Uncle Tobias is going to make a great daddy.”
“I believe that.”
“They’re going to have a baby.”
Tobias looks at me, begging for forgiveness. “Boys, let’s leave the baby talk for another time. I don’t want you scaring off Auntie Ava.”
“We’re sorry, Auntie Ava.”
“You’re not scaring me, just Uncle Tobias.”
“Not scared at all, babe,” he whispers in my ear as he slides up behind me. His hands come up and rub my belly. My entire body becomes electrified, pleasure striking every nerve. I back up into him, feeling his thick cock against my ass. “One day, babe. One day, and it’ll be our boys looking at you like that.” I tensed up, thinking of the possibilities. He kisses my neck then leaves the room, thrusting his hands through his hair on the way out.
“Come on, boys. Go watch some cartoons and I’ll tell you when it’s time to start putting on the toppings.” They jump off the stools and go follow Tobias.
I try to get my mind off what he said. It’s not that I don’t want babies with him. It’s that I do. We barely know each other, and I crave a life with him. Maybe it’s the fact that I feel safe here and in his arms. Perhaps it’s the flutters I get when he says my name or brushes past me with the hint of humor in his eyes. I’m in love with him…No…I can’t be. Could I be?
To take my mind off the idea that I’m falling head over heels for my boss, I work on the dough. I set it to rise and go about checking on the boys. When I enter the living room they’re playing something on the PS4. It looks like some sort of fighting game.
