While she prepped the rest of dinner, she turned those thoughts over in her head. What had started as a great sexual relationship was becoming more, and that scared her.
When the doorbell rang, Andrew raced to answer. Tess came up behind him as he swung open the front door. Miles stood on the front porch, wearing jeans and a T-shirt instead of the suit she’d expected. She’d assumed he’d come straight from the office.
Miles opened the screen door and looked at Andrew. “Hi. I’m Miles.” He extended his hand to shake.
Andrew took his hand. “I’m Andrew.”
“Andrew, huh? Not Andy or Drew?”
“Nope. Just Andrew.”
“All right, then, Andrew. May I come in?”
“Sure.” Andrew turned. “Can we eat now?”
“Tell your brother and sister to wash their hands. Then, yes, we’ll eat.”
He ran up the stairs, yelling at his siblings. Miles came in and handed her a bouquet of flowers from the bag he held. He glanced to where Andrew had run off and then leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
“You said no PDA, but since no one is here to see, I’m safe.”
She smiled at the fact that although he played by her rules, he looked for loopholes. “You’re not wearing a suit.”
He looked down at his clothes. “I’m sorry. Was I supposed to?”
“No. I figured you’d come straight from work.”
“I went home to change. I thought the suit might be too stiff and formal.”
She closed the door and turned back to him. “They’re used to suits. Their dad wears one every day.”
“Then I’m extra glad I took the time to change.”
“What’s in the bag?”
“I know you said not to bring anything, but my mother always taught me not to come to someone’s house empty-handed.”
Thundering footsteps behind them told her the kids were there. She took Miles’s hand and pulled him into the living room. “Miles, I’d like you to meet my kids.” She pointed to each and introduced them.
The kids stood there and sized him up in a way she hadn’t seen them do in a long time. The first time they’d met Trevor was probably the last time she’d watched this phenomenon, and Trevor had never been anything other than a good friend.
Suddenly, she was at a loss for words. She had no idea how this was supposed to go.
“Dinner smells good,” Miles said.
“Shoot. Dinner. Make yourself comfortable. I have to get the food.”
She heard Zoe snicker as she left the room. She hoped they would take it easy on Miles.
…
Miles stood in the living room, holding on to the bag with a book for Zoe and a video game for the boys, along with the cake he’d brought for dessert. Of course he’d broken the rules. He couldn’t help it. He wanted her kids to like him. If he had to bribe them, he’d take that chance.
“What’s in the bag?” Billy asked.
Miles leaned back so he could see where Tess was. Still out of sight. “I brought dessert and gifts, but I wasn’t supposed to, so now I don’t know what to do.”
His humility seemed to work. Zoe stepped forward. “Give me the dessert. I’ll take it into the kitchen and let Mom know. Unless you bought us something crazy like a car, she won’t care.”
“You sure about that?”
She nodded and took the cake he pulled from the bag. He kept the plastic closed at the top so the boys couldn’t see what he had. “Here’s the deal, guys. I wasn’t sure what to get you, so I guessed. This is something you have to share, and you can’t do anything with it until your mom says it’s okay.”
Billy crossed his arms. “What is it?”
Miles pulled the game out. “A video game. It just released this week, so I didn’t think you’d have it yet.”
Billy looked at the title. “Yeah!” he yelled. “I thought I was gonna have to wait for my birthday for this. Thanks.”
Andrew took the box from Miles. “Miles said we have to share, so you have to play with me.”
Oh God. What had he started? “You can’t fight over the game. Your mom will never let me hear the end of it if you do.”
Billy laughed. “Don’t worry. We share a room, so it’s not like I could hide it.”
When Zoe came back, Tess followed with a stern face. She had never looked as much like a mom as she did in that moment. He shrugged. “Nothing extravagant.”
She eyed the video game Andrew held, Billy reading over his shoulder. Miles pulled the book from the bag.
“I hope you don’t have this. Your mom mentioned you’re a big fan of the author.”
“Oh my God! It’s the new Sasha Belfrey book. How did you get it? It doesn’t even come out until next month.”
“Oh.” He feared he’d really stepped in it now. He rubbed the back of his neck and debated. But he knew Tess would want the truth. “I went to college with Sasha. When your mom said you loved the author, I emailed Sasha to see if she’d send me an autographed copy. I didn’t know this wasn’t out yet.”
Zoe’s eyes just about popped out of her head. “You know Sasha?”
He nodded. She squealed and almost started hyperventilating when she opened the book and read the personalization.
Tess shook her head. “Gifts down. Dinner is ready.”
When they made no effort to move, Tess snatched the game and the book, receiving groans in return. “Go,” she said, pointing to the dining room.
She set the items on the end table before facing him.
“The book cost me nothing. The video game is one I wanted to try anyway. This way, I can play and leave it here.”
She crossed her arms. “As far as gifts go, they’re pretty perfect. It was very nice of you. But don’t make a habit of it. They’ll totally take advantage.”
Habit? That implied long-term. We’re actually doing this. He swallowed against the stab of anxiety and shrugged. He’d let the kids take advantage if it gave him any leverage.
She took his hand, led him to the dining room, and pointed to a chair. “Have a seat.”
“Smells delicious.”
“Hope you like it.”
“I rarely get a home-cooked meal, so I’m happy to eat.” He sat in the chair next to Tess and across from Zoe.
Tess took plates from the kids and loaded them with food. With the exception of forks clanging against plates, they were quiet.
…
As Tess took her seat and watched Miles fill his plate with food, a ball of dread filled her stomach. The kids stopped talking. They ate and stared at her and Miles. She didn’t know what they were waiting for, but it was unnerving.
Miles leaned over, and in a loud stage whisper, asked, “Are they always this quiet?”
She laughed. “I wish. This is kind of creepy.” She looked at Billy and Andrew, who were suddenly fascinated with their mashed potatoes.
Miles took a bite and moaned. “This is so good.” He glanced at the boys. “You guys get to eat like this all the time?”
They shrugged, and he sighed.
Tess tried not to cringe. Maybe it was too early for this. Maybe they weren’t ready for her to be dating.
“So, Andrew, I hear you play baseball.”
“Yeah.”
“What position?”
“Usually outfield.”
“Did your mom tell you I used to play? In high school and college. Shortstop.”
That caught Andrew’s attention and he finally looked up. “Do you know anyone famous?”
“Ball player?” Miles asked. When Andrew nodded, Miles said, “Sorry, no.”
“Could you teach me to bat better?”
Miles slid a look to her before answering. “If your mom says it’s okay.”
“Not tonight.”
That simple conversation opened the floodgates. All three kids chimed in with questions about who else Miles knew that might be famous, and what he did for a living, and whether he had any kids.
Tess gave him credit. If he was nervous, it didn’t show. He answered every question they lobbed and still managed to clear his plate and have seconds.
As soon as the boys finished, they jumped up. “Can we go play the game Miles gave us?”
“Miles brought dessert.”
“We’re not hungry. We wanna play.”
“Go ahead.”
“You coming, Miles?”
Everything in Tess settled with their invitation.
Miles smiled. “I’m going to help your mom clean up first.”
“Zoe and I have it.”
“I can help.”
Zoe stood. “It’s my turn for dishes.”
“Go play,” Tess said as she took his plate.
The boys took off, and she yelled after them, “No fighting or Miles takes the game home with him.”
He squeezed her hand and followed the boys.
“He’s okay,” Zoe said as they wrapped the leftovers.
“You think?”
“Even without the bribes.” She rinsed a plate and slid it into the dishwasher. “I mean, I totally love my present and I’m not giving it back, but even if he hadn’t brought anything, he still seems okay.”
“Why do you say that?”
“He tried. Unless you told him what to buy us, he must pay attention. He remembered what author I like. I bet Dad wouldn’t have a clue.”
Shit. She didn’t need the kids to make those kinds of comparisons. “Your dad pays attention.”
Zoe snorted.
“It’s not a competition.”
“I know. I love Dad. And Miles wants to make a good impression. It’s not like I’m going to start calling Miles Dad. But Miles tried.”
They finished cleaning up, and she packed some leftovers for Miles. Zoe had disappeared with her phone and new book. Tess was sure she was bragging to all her friends.
After pouring herself a glass of wine, she leaned against the counter and absorbed the quiet of the house. This was when she normally snuck into the laundry room to talk to Miles. She finished her wine in peace and then went to see how he was doing with the boys.
She stood in the hall and listened to the conversation before making herself known.
“I can’t believe your mom lets you have video games in your room. I’d never sleep.”
Thanks, Miles. Like I need you putting those thoughts in their heads.
“She’d know,” Billy said. “It’s like she’s got super hearing or something. And if she catches us, she’ll take the whole system and give it away.”
“Ouch. Brutal.”
“No, no, no, no,” Andrew yelled.
“Come here,” Miles said.
She eased forward and peered through the open door. Andrew was sitting on Miles’s crossed legs. Miles had his arms wrapped around her son, and they both had their hands on the controller.
“Take that,” Miles said.
“Oh,” Billy groaned.
Andrew fell into a peal of laughter. Miles dropped the controller and tickled him. Tess’s heart lurched. In one swift moment, she was both happy and disappointed. Miles would want this for himself one day. He’d want his own sons to play with. What was she supposed to do? Break up with him now? The day after she’d introduced him to the kids and they’d gotten along great?
She swallowed the ball of confusion in her throat until she thought she could speak. “Hey, guys. Sounds like you’re having fun, but it’s time to get ready for bed.”
“Aww,” both boys moaned.
“Even on a Friday night?” Miles chimed in.
“Yes,” she answered, even though she wanted to break her own rules for a change to prolong the night.
Miles stretched his legs out in front of him before pushing up from the floor. “It’s time for me to go home anyway.” He pointed at Andrew and Billy. “But I expect a rematch.”
“When?” Billy asked.
“We’ll check with your mom.” He ruffled their hair. “See you later.”
As he walked by, he brushed his hand against hers. The contact was minute but intimate. Their gazes caught, and a charge ran between them.
No, I’m not ready to walk away from this.
Suddenly, Zoe was there. “Go walk Miles out, Mom. I’ll make sure they brush their teeth.” Without waiting for a response, she pushed past them into the boys’ room. “Let’s go. Time to brush.”
Tess swallowed a laugh at how much Zoe sounded like her.
“Who made you boss?” Billy asked.
“Mom’s busy. I’m the oldest.”
Tess took the hint and followed Miles down the stairs. “I have a container of leftovers for you. I thought you might like a bonus home-cooked meal.”
“I would never say no to a free meal.”
She grabbed the container off the counter and met him in the living room.
“So, Zoe’s pretty intuitive, huh?”
“Until recently, I hadn’t realized how much.”
“I’m glad she took over bedtime stuff so you could walk me out. Maybe I’ll even sneak a good-night kiss.”
Her heart fluttered with his flirtation. “Maybe I’ll let you.”
He took her hand as they walked out the front door and stood on the porch.
“Did we adequately scare you off?”
“That was supposed to scare me?”
She smiled. As nights went, it had been tame. “It rarely goes that smoothly. They were on their best behavior.”
“I had a great time tonight. I’m glad we did this.”
“You are?”
Miles stepped closer, pushing her against the brick wall. “I told you I want to be a part of your whole life. I know every night isn’t dinner and video games. But sometimes it is.”
She wanted to talk to him about the future, about what he wanted and how she couldn’t give him his own kids, but the thoughts died in the back of her head. They weren’t in a position to be talking babies.
He stroked a finger down her cheek. “What are you thinking?”
“Nothing.”
“Liar. I totally lost you there.”
“Do you want kids?” she blurted.
He blinked rapidly. Obviously, not the question he’d been expecting.
“I don’t know. Maybe.” Backing away, his gaze searched hers, but she didn’t know what he was looking for.
“You were great with the boys. You’d make a great dad. But I’m done with that part of my life. I don’t want to do the whole babies and diapers and daycare thing again.” She laid her hand flat on his chest. “Even if I wanted to, it’s not possible. I had my tubes tied after I had Andrew.”
“Okay.”
“That’s it? Okay?”
“What do you want me to say, Tess? It’s not like I have some lifelong plan of having two point five kids and a house in the ’burbs. So you can’t have more kids. Okay. There’s nothing I can do about that.”
“You can find someone who can before we get in too deep.” As soon as the words left her mouth, the air in her lungs froze. She hated needing to do the right thing. She didn’t want this to end yet.
Miles leaned close again. “Already too late.”
He proceeded to kiss her until she completely forgot the conversation at hand. All that mattered was his body hard against hers and his mouth making her greedy.
When he finally pulled away, she had a hard time focusing.
“Good night. Tell the kids I had fun. Talk to you tomorrow.” Then he walked to his car, leaving her standing there more confused than ever.
…
For the next two weeks, Miles worked with his head down, doing everything he could to build the foundation that would be his father’s legacy. In addition, he continued to work with the same charities they’d donated to for years. He and Tess had been able to meet for lunch and even go on some more real dates.
She’d let Zoe babysit the first time and no one had died, so she’d said they could do it again. Things were going so
well that on their last date, he’d talked about planning a family outing for Labor Day. It would be the last weekend of the summer for the kids, and he wanted to do something special.
He got her to agree. Barely. They hadn’t spoken about the future or kids or where they were headed since that night on her porch. He hadn’t come up with any answers. All he knew was that he loved being with Tess, and she came as a package deal with three kids.
While the lack of relationship conversation with Tess meant he didn’t have to make any decisions, it also meant he didn’t know what she wanted, either. Was she looking to get married again? He couldn’t imagine her living with someone without being married. She seemed traditional in that sense. Was he ready to think about forever with her?
Miles tried to concentrate, but every time he turned his attention to work, his phone bleeped with a text from Tess. She hated the idea of him being in charge of the weekend. She really hated surprises.
His phone rang. “Hello, Tess.”
“Okay. I know I’m being a pain in the ass, but I’m working for the next two days. I have to plan ahead for Monday.”
“What do you need?”
“I have three kids. You don’t just drop everything and wander off with kids. They require things. Like what do I have them wear? What am I going to feed them? And how many meals should I arrange or pack? Are we going to be outside? Will we need sunscreen?”
He laughed. It shouldn’t have been funny, but she was so stressed about a simple outing that he couldn’t help it. “I give up. I’ll tell you where we’re going, but let the kids have the surprise.”
“Yes. Okay.” He could almost hear her inner control freak practically sigh in relief.
“We’re going to spend the day on the lake on my family’s boat.”
Tess dropped into silence. Her lack of response began to worry him. He hadn’t thought about it being a problem. He knew Zoe was a swimmer, so water shouldn’t be an issue.
“Something wrong?”
“You said your family’s boat?”
“Yep.”
“Will your family be there?”
Ahh. Now he understood her concern. “Not on the boat, no. My family has a huge barbecue in the afternoon, so I thought we could go.”
“With your whole family?”
“Yeah. The kids will have a blast. My nieces and nephews and friends’ kids will be there.”
One Night with a Millionaire (Daring Divorcees) Page 13
