I shrugged. “What can I say? Besides, my kid is already head over heels for her. I might as well hop aboard.” I couldn’t stop grinning as I spoke about it all. I’d not intended for any of this to happen, but I was done fighting it. If this was the way things were going to go then I was going to go full throttle and fuck the consequences. I just hoped Billie was going to come along for the ride too. That was where the real trouble lied.
“Well, as long as you’re happy, I’m happy,” Peter said with a smile. “All I can say is, don’t break her heart. She’s the best hire we’ve had in a long time and I don’t want anyone screwing that up. Not even you.”
“When have I ever let you down?” I shot back with a wink.
“Too many times to count,” Peter teased.
“I should fire you for that,” I warned with a smirk.
“You won’t,” was all Peter said before heading out the door again.
With Billie on my mind, I set myself up for the afternoon and started daydreaming about when I could see her next. Maybe I should take her on a date, I thought to myself. It was a good idea. We hadn’t been on a proper date yet and I didn’t see a reason for that trend to continue, especially not when I wanted to make her mine officially. No, I’d come up with the perfect date. I just needed time.
29
Billie
A date with Quentin was an exciting prospect, there was no doubt about it, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t have some fun teasing him. I was in the lounge eating lunch with Tracy on Friday when my phone wouldn’t stop chiming over and over again. There was only one person it would be and I enjoyed the thought of him squirming as I delayed replying to his texts.
We still hadn’t managed to catch up with one another properly since Monday. We’d only seen each other in passing and shared fleeting, heated glances at one another. I knew for a fact our date tonight was going to be explosive and I enjoyed seeing just how far I could push him before he snapped.
Finally, I checked my messages when a third one came through.
‘You really don’t want to get Italian?’
‘Okay, how about a French place?’
‘Or shall we avoid dinner altogether? I can get us tickets to the theater on short notice if you prefer. Let me know.’
A smirk quickly came to my face and I swung my phone from side to side as I thought about the most annoying way I could respond. It was interesting watching Quentin struggle to please me and it made me wonder just what other limits of his I could push.
‘I’m just not sure,’ I texted back. ‘It all sounds a bit blah.’
After hitting send, I giggled to myself, imagining just how frustrated Quentin was getting with me and wondering when he would finally realize I was just teasing him. After all, I couldn’t care less where we went on our date as long as we were together. I placed my phone back on the table and turned to Tracy once more.
“This salmon and cream cheese sandwich is delicious, Billie. You’ve just got to try it,” Tracy said as she offered me half of her sandwich.
“I’m not a big fan of fish,” I told her with a wince. “I’m sure it’s good though.”
Tracy shrugged. “Fine, suit yourself.”
My phone buzzed again and I couldn’t hide my glee as I peered down at it and imagined what the message would be. Had Quentin finally figured me out or was he suggested something crazier in an attempt to satisfy me? My mind wandered as I considered the possibilities and it hadn’t gone unnoticed.
“Just who are you texting that’s got you all turned around like this?” Tracy asked, intrigued. She leaned forward in her seat and glanced between me and my phone. “That phone has been going off every five seconds since we got here.”
I couldn’t resist any longer. Over the few weeks I’d known her, Tracy and I had become like sisters. I’d been dying to tell her all about my affair with Quentin, but I wasn’t sure if she would gossip about it. Now, however, I knew her well enough to know she’d never do something like that to me. Tracy was kind hearted and trustworthy. I had no problem spilling the beans anymore.
I quickly looked over my shoulders to check if anyone else was in earshot before I leaned forward with a grin. “Okay, but you can’t repeat to anyone what I’m about to tell you!”
Tracy quirked an eyebrow before smiling and leaning in closer too. “Spill.”
My voice was hushed as I began to speak. “I’m sort of dating the boss,” I explained.
Tracy’s head immediately shot up and she glanced in the direction of where Quentin and Peter were sitting eating lunch on the far side of the room. She could see Quentin furiously typing on his phone and sure enough, another message came through on my phone. It was undeniable evidence.
“Oh my God,” Tracy gushed, leaning back in and grabbing my hands tight in her own. “When did this happen? You are so lucky! He’s a total catch. I’m so happy for you.”
I blushed and nodded in response. I knew all of that already. I still couldn’t quite believe that a frumpy, boring woman like me could have landed such a hot, sweet millionaire. It was a little unbelievable in all honesty and it rumbled the foundations of faith within me that our relationship would work out. After all, surely Quentin could do better, right?
It looked like Tracy could read my mind because she quickly squeezed my hand. “You’re a catch too, Billie. He’s lucky to have landed you,” she added with a smile.
“I hope he thinks so too,” I replied with an uneasy smile. I tried my best to push my insecurities to one side, but it was difficult after they’d been ingrained in me for so many years. I’d always been the outcast at school and college. I was the overweight girl who was fun enough to be friends with but never to date.
What exactly did Quentin see in me?
The question weighed heavily on my mind all throughout lunch and when I finally reached my office to begin work once more, I was no longer in the mood to play my little game with him any longer. He’d sent me another text and this time, he’d suggested we go out for a picnic. It kind of made me glad that I’d vetoed all his earlier suggestions since this one actually seemed pretty perfect.
‘That’s perfect,’ I text him alongside a thumbs up and a heart emoji. I couldn’t stop the small smile on my face that had formed at the idea. I was already picturing in my head an outfit at home that would be perfect for a picnic at sunset. Perhaps, I could even bring Lucky? I thought to myself before my daydream was interrupted by the buzz of my phone.
‘Be ready at 6’ was all he sent back and my body was already tingling in anticipation of our meeting to come. It had been five long days since we’d had anything resembling alone time and I was ready to end that streak as soon as possible. It had been far too long since I’d touched him. I longed to feel his lips against my own. Even just thinking about it was getting me all hot and bothered.
“Calm down, Billie,” I told myself before taking a deep breath. “You’ve still got the rest of the work day to finish up. You’re a professional. You can do this.”
And I did.
By the time I managed to finish all my work, it was already pushing five-thirty and I grimaced. I’d wanted to go home and freshen up, change my outfit, but now it was impossible. Quentin was already aware of me staying late. He’d text me and said he’d meet me in the employee parking lot instead. So, once I was finally finished with everything, I raced down the stairs and across the gravel toward where his car was parked.
“Billie!” he called out when he saw me approach. He was standing to the side of his car and watching me with awe.
“Quentin!” I cried before colliding with him, practically jumping into his arms. I was so excited to see him that I forgot all about the reasons we shouldn’t do this. I forgot that we were still at work and that anyone could see us and I didn’t care. Instead, I kissed him with all the force of the love I felt for him.
Thankfully, Quentin didn’t seem to mind. He grasped me tight around the arms and slid his tongue inside my mouth
before moaning. When we finally drew apart, he was grinning at me. “Well, that’s a lovely way to end the week, don’t you think?” he commented.
I giggled.
“Shall we?” he said as he opened the door to the passenger seat.
“Thank you,” I said as I slipped inside.
Soon we were speeding off through the vineyard and down an old dirt road that I had no idea existed before now. It was only a short drive before Quentin pulled over and helped me out of the car. He’d brought me to a grassy field with a small pond in the middle. From the trunk of the car, Quentin brought out a big, thick, patchwork blanket and laid it across the ground next to the pond. Next, he retrieved a basket filled with sandwiches, pastries, and fruit which he laid at one end.
“After you,” he said before helping me to sit down on the blanket.
I grinned at him as he sat down as close as possible to me, our thighs and hips touching. “You did all of this for me?” I asked, feeling touched as I looked at the prepared food.
“I mean, I didn’t make it if that’s what you mean,” he replied with a smile. “But I did buy it for you, yes.”
I leaned my head on his shoulder and smiled as I gazed into the water of the pond. The sun’s rays were reflecting off of it and making it shine a beautiful cobalt blue. It was breathtaking and I couldn’t believe we had it all to ourselves. The tranquility and silence that surrounded us was wonderful and I couldn’t help but enjoy it.
“Where’s Linc?” I asked.
“He’s with his grandparents,” he told me. “We can stay out as late as we want.”
“I like the sound of that,” I replied with a grin.
The rest of the evening passed far too quickly. We spent most of our time making out as opposed to eating while the sun set behind us. Quentin retrieved a torch light for us once the last of the sun’s rays had died down and we snuggled close until the evening’s chill was too much for us to bear and he finally took me home. I should have been disappointed that we didn’t spend the night together, but there was no way I could. It had been such a magical evening, one I wouldn’t forget even if I lived a thousand lifetimes, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
30
Quentin
While the rain pounded the window outside, I curled a little deeper into the blanket that covered both Lincoln and myself. My son’s eyes were fluttering closed as he fought desperately to stay awake and watch the Blue Planet special I’d put on the television for him. I couldn’t blame him. It was just one of those days. I’d retrieved an old book from my shelf that I’d been planning on reading for years and tried my best to get into it with no avail. Now, it lay forgotten next to my foot on the floor.
It is just one of those days, I told myself with a sigh. The outside world was wet and miserable, the sky was gray, and the couch was far too comfy and warm. It was almost impossible not to feel lazy and sleepy, right?
Just as I was feeling like I could drop into sleep at any second, the buzzer rang and both Lincoln and I jumped in surprise. Lincoln’s hair was mussed adorably and he blinked a few times before glancing up at me, confusion etched on his little chubby face.
“Who’s that, Daddy?” he questioned.
“I don’t know, buddy,” I told him with a shake of my head. “I’ll go find out though.” I pushed the blanket off my lap and padded toward the door sleepily. I rubbed my tired eyes with my fist as I pressed the button to buzz whoever it was through.
I waited at the door for a few minutes until I heard a knock. When I opened up, the last thing I expected to get was an armful of excited dog. I almost fell backward from the force and I had to grab hold of the door to steady myself.
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry. Lucky, get down!” Billie called as she helped pull the happy dog from my arms. “I’m so sorry. She’s usually much better behaved than that. I don’t know what got into her.”
Despite the shock, I was overwhelmingly happy to see Billie on my doorstep. She was dressed in a soft-looking cashmere sweater with a pink cotton dress on underneath. Her legs were covered by stockings and slipped into a pair of leather boots. She looked cozy and warm and I wanted nothing more than to cuddle up close to her, but Lincoln was right behind me.
“Billie! Doggy!” Lincoln cried in excitement before running straight toward them. His tiredness had suddenly vanished and was replaced with raw enthusiasm. “Daddy, look! It’s Billie’s doggy!” The little tyke wouldn’t keep his hands off the soft fur of his new companion and the dog rewarded him with a friendly lick across the face.
“I hope I’m not intruding,” Billie continued. “I brought rainy day supplies with me.” She lifted one hand which held a large canvas bag.
“No, you’re not intruding at all. Please, come in,” I said with a bright smile on my face. I stepped away from the door and held it open so Billie could get inside. Lucky and Lincoln, however, were still playing in the doorway together, unaware of our movements.
“Lincoln, come inside now. You can play with the dog in the living room,” I told him.
“Okay, Daddy.” Lincoln went running and slammed himself down on the shaggy rug. The dog followed soon after him.
“Lucky, be good! Lincoln, take care of her, okay?” Billie called after them.
“Okay!” the kid replied.
Alone at last with Billie, I grinned and leaned in to kiss her quickly before taking her bags. “It’s really good to see you,” I told her.
Billie’s face grew pink and she smiled over at me. “It’s good to see you too.”
I glanced down at the bag and then back up to her as we headed toward the kitchen. “What’s in here?” I asked.
“Oh, um…” She trailed off as she thought about it for a moment. “Just a few things I thought we’d all enjoy. There’s some ingredients to make s’mores, a new science kit for Linc, a silly card game about dogs that we could all play, some treats for Lucky, and some wine for us.”
“Wow, you really thought about everything,” I remarked, feeling impressed by her foresight.
“I know. You’re very lucky to have me in your life,” she teased with a wink.
Believe me, I know, I thought before emptying the bag and putting the food away. Billie helped me before leaning over to give me a quick kiss on the cheek and then heading for the living room. “You guys better not be having too much fun without me!” she called toward Linc and Lucky.
I watched her go with a satisfied smile on my face. What was going to be a lazy and boring day had just brightened up considerably and I couldn’t wait to see where the day would take us. Since I was still in the kitchen, I decided to whip us all up some root beer floats. By the time I was done, I entered the living room to find all three of them on the floor wrestling with one another.
“Well, looks like you guys might need some refreshments,” I called as I placed the drinks tray on the coffee table.
“Wow! Thanks, Daddy!” Lincoln said as he scooted across the floor and guzzled down his drink with enthusiasm.
Billie brushed down her outfit and stood up off the floor. She crossed the room to stand near me and cuddled into my side. “I like days like this,” she told me.
A soft smile came to my face and I couldn’t stop myself from pulling her closer. “I love days like this,” I replied. It was official. I was totally smitten with this woman and I couldn’t wait to spend thousands and thousands of days just like this with her.
After Lincoln drank down his soda, he wanted to get stuck into his new science kit. It turned out to be one based on physics that looked a little too old for him. It discussed force and gravity and acceleration which he struggled to grasp, but it did have instructions to make a pretty cool catapult that he enjoyed using to launch scrunched up pieces of paper across the room. Billie was more than happy to help him with it while I pet Lucky and spent some time getting to know her.
It turned out that this rescue dog had the sweetest soul. She enjoyed being pet and warmed to me right away. A
fter scratching behind her ear, she decided to jump up onto my lap and curl up for a nap. It was so precious, I felt my heart ache.
The rest of the day was spent making s’mores over the fireplace and watching Lincoln launch paper balls across the room. We ended up even making a little competition out of who could throw theirs the farthest which naturally, Billie and I both let Lincoln win. For dinner, the three of us made our own pizza and ate it while warming ourselves over the open fire and watching a family film together.
My heart felt like it was growing in size with every day Billie spent in my life and I felt like a better man for it. Everything was going well and life was good.
31
Billie
The day we spent together was wonderful. It was the first time that being with Lincoln and Quentin felt like I was part of a family. The fact that they both took so well to Lucky only made things better. In fact, after dinner, Lincoln had sat in front of the fire with Lucky on his lap who promptly fell asleep. Shortly after, Lincoln began to doze off too.
It was a problem. I turned to Quentin and bit my lip. “I think I should go,” I said. “Lucky looks exhausted.”
“No,” Quentin hurried to say. He wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me close. “Stay.”
I hesitated. It was a tempting offer, but I had responsibilities to think about. “I didn’t bring any of Lucky’s things,” I explained. “I don’t have her food or her bowls or her bed.”
“Well, I can cook up some meat for her,” Quentin offered with a shrug. “And we have bowls she can use for food and water. Besides, I think she’s found a pretty comfy bed already, don’t you?”
I reluctantly moved my eyes away from Quentin to look back down at Lincoln and Lucky. They looked so sweet curled up together and I couldn’t bring myself to tear them apart. It just seemed wrong.
Dear Boss: A Single Dad Office Romance (Forbidden First Times Book 3) Page 17
