by L. M. Carr
A sarcastic chuckle escapes my lips. “You’re serious?” I ask with raised eyebrows. The throb between my legs begs me to say yes to his offer. “You’re pretty confident, you know.”
“Yes, I know.” His lips pull to the side in a sexy grin. “I also know what I have to offer.”
“My turn. Tell me why you want to go this route? It can’t be just about sex since you said yourself that you have many willing women. So why fuck around? Why don’t you just find someone to date?”
Two wine glasses are placed on the white linen tablecloth in front of us before the waiter opens the bottle, pouring a small amount into Adam’s glass. He does that whole swirl, sip, and taste thing before nodding his approval.
Wine is poured into our glasses. I watch as Adam reaches for his glass and raises it. “Here’s to no more running.” His mouth opens slightly when he takes a long sip. I swear to God, if he does that again, I’ll be sprinting into his bed, but I need to be sensible.
I clink my glass against his and then take a sip. This is good wine, not the cheap stuff I usually drink with Shelby. “You need to consider my point. I don’t even know you and you’re asking me to sleep with you. Not, ‘hey, let’s go to dinner and a movie.’” I raise my eyes deliberately. “You do realize that that’s not how most men ask for a date, right?”
“First of all, I didn’t ask for a date. I don’t have the time or inclination to get involved with someone like that. Secondly, I would never subject my children to even the slightest possibility of getting to know someone and them losing her when things end between us.”
When not if! Wow! I didn’t expect that answer! Another piece of the puzzle revealed.
“Look,” frustration evident in his voice, “I’m not in the habit of asking more than once.” The man from the club is trying to rear his head.
With a cheeky grin, I pick up my wine and sip slowly. “Sorry to cause so much trouble, Mr. Lawson. I’m really not worth it.”
The waiter returns with our appetizers, a sampling of the chef’s favorites. I’m not the type of girl to be shy around food so I place a few things on Adam’s dish and then on my own. I look at him and am surprised to see his brow is furrowed.
I pick up a cheese filled olive and pop it into my mouth. “What?” I ask, confused by his expression. Do I have something on my face? Maybe he thinks I don’t have polished manners because I picked up the olive with my fingers not my fork.
“Why are you fighting this so hard? You’re young, beautiful, and single. Why not indulge in something pleasurable with someone who finds you incredibly sexy?” He gulps back the rest of his wine and sets it down slowly.
Oh, God! Right then and there, I know that I’m giving in to this. He’s right. I do need to relax, let go and enjoy some fun. I am a twenty-seven, single, independent woman with no one to answer to but myself. And I can only imagine what he can do with that body of his.
“Mmmm…so let me get this straight. You basically want to fuck me, but not date me. It’s a very tempting offer, but I’ll need some time to think about it.” My eyes dance with humor. “You do realize that I am your daughter’s teacher. That might complicate things, don’t you think?”
“Why would it? No one has to know.” His face is confident. “I do have another question for you.”
“Oh wait, wait…let me guess…” I hold up my index finger, silencing him. “Are you going to ask how loud I’m going to scream when you fuck me?” Sarcasm seeps from my lips.
“No,” he says arrogantly and shakes his head, “Pfff…I already know the answer to that.” He looks up at me with hooded eyes, almost embarrassed. “What’s your name?”
The sip of wine I’ve just taken goes down the wrong pipe and I cough. “My name? You don’t know my name? You just asked me to have sex with you and don’t know my name?” I’m not sure if I should be offended or not. But then again, it’s not like he has access to my personal information like I have to his. That’s just one of the perks of having his daughter in my class.
“I’m sorry. I don’t.” It’s his turn to look uncomfortable. “Would you think less of me if I told you that I’m not exactly in the habit of knowing names?”
“Well, now, that would imply that I think about you at all, wouldn’t it?” I set my fork down and reach forward, putting my outstretched hand across table and wait for him to return my handshake. “Hi. I’m Mia. Mia Delaney. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
He shakes my hand firmly like we’ve just made a deal, his eyes crinkle with delight. “Mia.” My name comes out like a whispered breath. “Mine,” he whispers so softly I barely hear it.
My phone vibrates and both of our eyes look at the small clutch sitting on the table. I debate answering it, but I send it to voicemail instead. I’m sure it’s just Pete or Shelby anyway.
“Is that your boyfriend? Is he calling to see where you are?”
“No.”
“No, what?”
“No, that’s not my boyfriend calling.”
“How would you know? You didn’t even look at it.”
“For your information, Mr. Nosy, it wouldn’t be my boyfriend calling because I don’t have one.” I continue, “And do you think I’d be sitting here with you, if I did have a boyfriend? I would never do that.” The conversation suddenly feels serious, the tension heavy. “I’m not unfaithful. I told you already; —I don’t share.” My hushed words spoken so quietly, I’m not sure if he even hears them.
His face is serious, studying me and then he smiles. “Well, that’s good to hear because I’d have to kick his ass and steal you away from him. I don’t share either...at least I wouldn’t share you.” Humor displays itself through that roguish grin on his face. “I’d never be the other man. I AM the man.” His laughter is infectious. I shake my head and roll my eyes, wondering how I’m getting involved with such an arrogant ass.
A little while later his phone chirps, signaling an incoming text. Checking his phone, he presses his lips into a hard line when he taps a response and then announces the time. “It’s getting late. I have to get going soon.” Our hands are joined after he reaches across and closes his hand around mine. “I needed to see you, to talk to you. It was killing me all week.”
Butterflies dance around in my belly while the flashing alarm in my head declares, “Abort. Abort.”
“Mia, there’s something about you. Something sweet, sexy, refined, and feisty. You’re a breath of fresh air.” His thumb rubs across my knuckles.
In that moment, with his beautiful dark, soulful eyes staring at me, I know without a doubt that my decision is solidified. I want this man! I’ll take whatever he’s offering even if it is just his body. Just the thought of what this man will do, with me and for me, has me feeling wanton. A throb slowly builds up in my core, causing me to shift and cross my legs. I’m not a stupid person. I know this is probably isn’t the best situation for my fragile heart, but at the moment, it isn’t my heart that I’m listening to. So, my happily ever after is again put on the back burner to simmer until it’s ready to boil over with years of endless love.
After Adam settles our bill, leaving a generous tip, he leads me by the hand out of the restaurant. No sooner do we round the corner towards the parking lot, he shoves me up against the side of the building, red bricks pressing hard against my back. His mouth crashes into mine, his sweet tongue begging for entry looking for its mate. My lips separate welcoming him. I feel his warm tongue, the taste of wine on his full lips. His body pushes into mine, his hands tangle in my hair. I am consumed.
I reach around his back to pull him in closer, letting my hand slide lower down his back until I reach his ass. He groans loudly in my mouth when I give it a good, long squeeze, causing him to circle his hips.
Without warning, he breaks the kiss and pulls back to look at me. “You do this to me. You make me crazy with want for you.” He nuzzles my neck, running his nose up and down my throat, inhaling my perfume, lips licking and pecking. “God, you
smell so good. I could feast on you forever.”
My belly flutters with excitement. He’s just so close, no space between our bodies. I close my eyes, turning my head away shyly, wishing I could believe those words. There’s no such thing as “forever” with a man like Adam; there’s only a “for now.” I’d never be so foolish to think otherwise.
“Come on, let’s go.” His husky voice pulls me out of my daze and we walk hand in hand to his SUV. Adam drives with one hand on the wheel while his other hand rests above my knee, his thumb circles around and around. The ride back to town is quiet as I gaze out the windows, the dark highway offering little light. There’s a shift in the atmosphere, an underlying tension between us. I am drawn to him—he’s like a magnet pulling me in.
The name “Nora” flashes on the dashboard screen along with a distinct ring tone, indicating he’s receiving her call. His finger freezes on my knee and then he hits the “decline” button.
“Why were you there?” he finally asks, breaking the silence.
“What? Where?” I’m not exactly sure where or what he’s talking about. I’ve seen him all over the place so he’s going to have to be a little more specific.
“A few weeks ago at that club…What were you—” his words cut short when his phone rings yet again. “Dammit,” he says with a loud huff, tapping a button on the steering wheel with more force than is necessary.
“Hello?”
A woman’s voice returns, filling the vehicle. “Hey, Adam.” I recognize the voice immediately and my body tenses. Oh my God, she is with him and I’m sitting here having just agreed to sleep with him. He is a pig!
“Hi, Gina. What’s up? I’m on the way home now.” What? They live together? He’s on the way home? I feel my heart pound hard in my chest. I look out the window and wonder briefly if I can survive a tuck and roll jump out of the car.
“Oh. Is everything okay? Did things go well with your last meeting?” she asks and waits for his response.
“Yeah, it did.” He grins and looks over at me, placing his hand back on my leg. “I had to do some tough negotiating, but it all worked out. I think it’ll be very lucrative deal for both parties.” He winks at me and gives my thigh a little squeeze.
“Well, that’s good. I know how persuasive you can be. I’ve seen you in action.” She laughs seductively. My pulse quickens. I feel lightheaded and I think I’m going to pass out. She’s seen him in action?
I reach into my clutch for a tissue to wipe my hands that are now clammy and wet. Anxiety races through my body. Oh God, please don’t tell me that he’s fucked her. I don’t think I can handle that. That is an absolute deal breaker. I will never allow myself to cross paths with her again. Been there. Done that. Twice.
“Uh, Gina, were you calling for a specific reason? Are the kids okay?”
“Yeah, sorry,” she stutters. “Maddie’s been complaining about her stomach again. She sat out at dance and missed the new part of the routine. She’ll have to work harder to catch up to the other girls. I’m not sure what’s going on…is she always such a drama queen?” She’s rambling now. Her words and laughter only seem to annoy Adam because his eyes roll and he tightens those luscious lips into a hard line.
“Is that so?” he says thoughtfully. “Alright, tell her I’ll be there soon.”
“Okay,” her voice soft and sexy. “I made us dinner. I mean, I made you a plate. You can take with you or you can stay and eat it here.”
“Thanks, but I’ve already eaten.”
“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you that we have a meeting with Chris tomorrow. He has some good offers that he wants to discuss.”
He disconnects the call, a questioning look on his face when he sees how tense I’ve become. “You okay? What’s the matter?”
When I don’t respond, he asks, “Does it bother you that I have kids?”
I am stunned. Where did that question come from and why would he even think that? His kids are great. I clear my throat and turn to face him.
“Not at all. I love kids!”
“Remember what I said. I keep my personal and private life separate. You’ll never have to worry about them knowing about us or disturbing us. I never mix the two.”
My spirit is crushed at his words. “Never?” I ask because I truly don’t understand.
He shakes his head briefly. “Never.” His answer is absolute. “It’s not right. Most women are in my life for such a brief period of time. Why would I subject my children to that? Besides, they’ve lost enough already.” I’m surprised by his honesty.
The green sign on the side of the road citing the town name and establishment comes into view a bit blurry. My eyes well up with unshed tears knowing that he’s telling me right here and now that this…whatever this encounter, this affair, this hookup is, it will be brief. I’ll be alone again soon enough and he will have moved on.
“Makes sense, I guess.” I shrug and open the mirror on the sun visor. I tug lightly at my eyelash as though I’m trying to get something out of my eye. I don’t need to explain the unshed tears. He’ll think I’m a lunatic for getting teary eyed.
Closing the mirror, I angle my body to face him. “Can I ask you a question and you don’t have to answer it if you don’t want to, but…”
He looks at me curiously. “Go for it.”
I swallow the quarter size lump in my throat before the words spew out of my mouth.
“Gina. How do you know her and have you slept with her?”
He chuckles. “First of all, that’s two questions.” With a playful grin, he continues, “I’ve known Gina and her family for a few years. Her brother, Chris, and I went to college together and are business associates and as far as your second question, do you really want to delve into each other’s pasts or enjoy the present?” His eyebrows rise in expectation, a smirk on his face.
Oh Lord! I can only imagine his sordid past and the line of women who’ve shared his bed. Do I really want to be added to that list? No, but right now, my body isn’t listening to my brain.
“No, I don’t want to know about your past conquests,” I say making air quotes, “but I do need to know about Gina. So have you fucked her?”
“Gina’s a good girl.” He smiles like he’s thinking about his sweet old grandma. Good girl, my ass! She’s a backstabbing, life stealing whore! “No, Mia. I never have nor will I ever fuck her.”
I love the way my name rolls off his tongue.
“Her father and brother would have my balls on a silver platter with a side of marinara sauce.” His laughter surprises me.
“But you do find her attractive? If it weren’t for her family, you’d fuck her?” I prod further because I really do need to know.
“Wow, Miss Delaney. You have quite the dirty little mouth for such an educated woman. You like that word ‘fuck,’ don’t you?” My core clenches tighter at his words. I need to keep it together until I get home.
“Yes, I do!” I shout playfully as my hand slaps his bicep lightly. “Now answer me!” I can feel the hard muscles beneath his dress shirt, and I squirm at the thought of those arms around me.
He turns those gorgeous dark eyes toward me, his mouth in a tight line. “Some men might say she’s beautiful, but, no, I’m not attracted her. I am, however, attracted to you. In fact, I’d say very attracted to you. I’d even say stupidly attracted to you.” He winks and his teasing words put me at ease.
Oh, thank God!
“Why the interest in Gina?” he asks as he pulls into my driveway, parking behind my Jeep that needs to be washed.
I debate for a second on what to say. “It’s a small town, Adam. Everybody knows everybody.” That’s not technically a lie.
“Besides, I wouldn’t want her sloppy seconds.” I laugh, taking off my seatbelt to hop out, walking over to unlock the back door before whistling for Brady who hurries through the kitchen straight for the backyard.
“He’s a good dog. My kids really want one.”
“Then y
ou should get them one. They’d love it.” I nudge his ribs playfully with my elbow.
“Owww,” he feigns injury and then he pulls me at the waist, bending to accommodate the difference in our heights. He stands almost a half foot taller and I’m wearing heels.
“Kiss me.” He leans in to cover my mouth. His hands roam up and down my back squeezing my ass. Our tongues dance in each other’s mouths, igniting a frenzied desire to find release.
“Fuck! I wish I had another hour or two right about now.” His voice growls as his teeth tug at my earlobe.
“You like that word, don’t you?” I hurl his words back at him.
“Oh, baby. I like to do a hell of a lot more than just say the word.”
I put my hands up to his hard, firm chest and push him away.
“Go, Mr. Lawson, your children need you.”
He argues, “But I need you.” He pulls me into his erection, circling his hips slowly, temptingly.
“Go,” I order him away. “I’ll see you tomorrow at dismissal.”
I yell to him before he climbs into the Escalade, “By the way, I never said yes!”
The driver’s door closes. Maybe he didn’t hear me. The passenger window rolls down slowly. “Oh, you will, Mia. You will.”
FRIDAY MORNING I wake up early, bright and eager to get my day going. A sense of excitement courses deep within me, something I haven’t felt in what seems like long time. The dormant parts of my body which were buried beneath the sad reality of betrayal, heartache, and loneliness have been awakened and are on high alert. An unfamiliar throb between my legs makes me smile as I stretch my arms high above my head. Today is going to be an extra-long shower kind of day.
I’m no fool; well, I was at one time, but not anymore. I know not to get my hopes up that this, whatever this is with Adam, will ever become anything more than sex. He’s gorgeous, sexy as sin, but he’s careful and guarded, wanting to keep his private and personal lives separate. What he fails to realize though is that I’m already a part of his personal life through his children. Five days a week, six hours a day, a part of him, his beautiful and sweet little girl, is with me.
