by Shade, S. M.
Her arms wrap around me, and my other hand cups her ass in those little shorts.
“The kids,” she gasps when we finally break apart, and I kiss down her neck.
“Are at the park.”
Her tongue dives back into my mouth, and I slide my hand under her shirt, feeling the warm, smooth skin of her stomach.
“We can’t.” Her actions don’t match her words. She presses her hips forward into mine as I run a thumb over her nipple, through her thin bra.
“The kids don’t have to know. We’ll just take advantage of times like this.” Closing her eyes, she groans as I suck the sensitive spot below her ear. “It’s driving me crazy not to touch you, V. Tell me you feel the same way.”
“You’re all I think about when I—” She stops herself. Caught up in the moment, she almost said something she didn’t mean to reveal.
“When you what? Tell me.”
Her cheeks flame. “When I use my vibrator.”
Fucking hell, is she trying to kill me? My cock is rock hard in my pants, and I’m standing in the kitchen where the kids could pop in at any minute. Stepping back a bit, I press my forehead to hers. “Jesus, V. That’s the sexiest fucking thing I’ve ever heard.”
We stay that way for a few moments before she asks, “You want to sneak around like teenagers hiding from their parents?”
“Is that too weird and immature?”
“No, just clarifying,” she says, kissing me again.
The thwack of the front screen door slamming shut makes us both take a step back, and I grab a stack of paper plates to hold in front of my crotch. Veronica quickly turns and pretends to be rustling in the fridge as Bailey steps in. “Amber’s dad just picked her up.”
“Okay, well, dinner will be ready in about an hour.”
Bailey’s gaze bounces between us as Veronica shuts the fridge and smiles at her. “I’m going back to the park.” Her tone makes it clear she thinks something is up, but a second later, she’s out the door.
“This is crazy,” Veronica says through a grin.
“Absolutely insane,” I agree.
The back door opens and this time it’s Aiden. “Are we eating soon? I’m starving.”
Forgetting why I’m holding the stack of paper plates, I hand them to him. “Pretty soon. Why don’t you take these outside?”
My hard-on has lessened a bit, but the shorts I’m wearing do little to conceal it.
Aiden grins up at me. “That happens to me sometimes too. Peeing helps,” he announces before scampering out the back door.
Veronica bursts out laughing, and I rub my forehead. “I just got erection advice from a preschooler.”
“Well, he was worried there was something wrong with him, so you set his mind at ease, if that makes you feel better.”
“Not even a little. Come on.” I grab her arm and lead us to the back door. “We will never speak of this again.”
“I can’t promise the same for Aiden.”
Fantastic.
* * *
It’s been an interesting day. My meeting with the pro bono lawyer has a smile plastered across my face. He’s pissed. And a pissed off lawyer is a good thing to have on your side. He’s filing a lawsuit on behalf of the tenants for multiple things, but the main case is about management taking tenant’s belongings and selling them back to them. Apparently, owning a property doesn’t give you the right to steal from your renters.
It will take some time to make its way to court, assuming they fight it instead of changing their policies, but at least we have someone on our side. I wanted to do this before I end up moving, and it looks like a great time since I just received my updated credit report. After years of trying to pay off all the debt my ex-wife left me in, I’ve finally succeeded.
My credit has crept up from good to excellent, and I have a nice nest egg in savings. It’s taken me longer than I expected, but I got here all the same. My next appointment was with the loan officer at the bank. He’s no stranger to me since we went to school together and he’s had my information on hold until I could qualify for the amount required to purchase the house and business. When he told me I was good to go, that I could make an offer, I almost kissed him.
Now it’s time for a talk with George, the owner of Jetsky’s Car Wash. George hired me over ten years ago. I spent years working my way up from doing windows and interiors, to drying and vacuuming, to management. He has always said that he’d be happy for me to take over the place when he’s ready to retire, and last year he started hinting that his retirement wouldn’t be far away.
It’s one of the reasons it took me so long to pay off all the debt I was left with. I could’ve put more toward it, and less in savings to pay it off quicker, but I knew this day was going to come. I’ve seen what Jetsky’s nets per month, and it’s far more than I’ll ever make as a manager.
The biggest draw about this plan is that when George sells, it won’t just be the business. He built the car wash right across the street from his home. He plans to sell both and move to be closer to his kids and grandkids, so I’m hoping to make an offer on both. If Jetsky’s continues to do well, I’ll have no problem paying on both mortgages. If it doesn’t, I’ll be filing bankruptcy and back on Violent Circle, but I have to try.
“Neal, good to see you,” George exclaims, as I take a seat beside him at the bar. He spends a few evenings a week at this little tavern, so I wasn’t surprised when he had me meet him here.
“You too. What trouble have you been causing?”
Laughing, he tips a wink at the thin, pale skinned bartender. “Just trying to convince this beautiful lady here I still have some fuel left in the tank.”
“I don’t doubt you have gas, you dirty old man. Go blow it somewhere else,” she says, wiping down the bar.
Turning to me, he takes a drink of beer. “That woman loves me. Hates it when I’m not here.”
“You’re never not here, George,” she says, setting another beer in front of him.
“I’ll have the same, thanks,” I tell her. I’ve been here a couple of times so this isn’t the first time I’ve seen the good natured exchange between them. George is a likable guy who gets along with everyone. Every now and then, he’ll cross that line into raunchy territory, but if anyone gets offended, the I’m just a feeble old man who doesn’t understand what he’s saying act seems to work for him. It’s hilarious because the guy is sharp as hell.
“You said you wanted to talk. If you’re here to tell me you’re quitting, just turn your ass right around now.”
Ice cold beer hits the spot today, and I’m ready to celebrate a little. “Actually, I came to send you off to pasture. You’re looking a little ragged, George. You need some of your daughter’s home cooking to set you straight.”
He cocks his head to look at me, suddenly a lot more interested in what I have to say. “It’s about damned time. Not the home cooking. My girl can’t boil rice without setting the house on fire. But I was wondering if you’d ever shit or get off the pot.” George laughs his wheezy laugh.
“Are you still asking the same amount?”
“Yup. Papers are all drawn up. Been collecting dust in my desk drawer for the last few years.”
“Are you okay with me sending a home inspector over to make sure there’s nothing major wrong?”
“Knock yourself out. I wouldn’t want the roof to fall on your ugly head once you’re in there.”
“Then you’ve got a deal.”
It will take a couple of months to get everything ironed out with the handover of the business and house, but George calls me a few days after our meeting to tell me the inspector found no problems and I’d be getting paperwork to that effect in the mail.
“I’m taking a trip in a couple of weeks down to see my daughter and find a nice apartment.”
“Be careful, old timer.”
“Fuck off. I’m in my prime.”
“Tell that to the cop when he sees your driver’s license
is written in hieroglyphics.”
His cackle rings through the air so loud, I have to hold the phone back. “You know you’ve got a month’s worth of vacation time coming to you. You should take some time off and use it. Once you’re the boss, you may not get the chance again.”
It’s not a bad idea. I’d love a little free time, especially because I know once I take over, I’m going to be working my ass off to make this a success and to pay off the loans. “Are you sure you can do without me?”
“I’ll get Jim to cover your shifts. So, go away. I don’t want to see you for two weeks.”
“I guess I could take Bailey to visit my parents.”
“Or go to Vegas and get laid. They have escorts who won’t care about your unfortunate face.”
“Fuck off, old man. Call me if you need me. Try not to kill the business before I get back.”
We trade a few more insults before hanging up. I really am going to miss that guy.
I’m thrilled to see Veronica’s car is home when I turn onto Violent Circle. I didn’t want to tell her about the business or house until everything was final in case it all fell apart for some reason. Now, I can’t wait to tell her everything.
“V?” I call out, tapping on her door.
“Come in!”
I step into the living room and she emerges from the hall in a pair of shorts and a thin, clingy t-shirt, her hair wrapped up in a towel on her head. “Sorry. I just got out of the shower.”
“Don’t be sorry,” I murmur, running my hands up her sides, over the soft material. She hums when I lean down to kiss her neck.
“Don’t start anything we can’t finish, you tease. Bailey’s bus is going to let off any minute.”
“I’m aware. But you can’t come out here looking like that and expect me to keep my hands off of you.” I settle for giving her a quick kiss, then take a step back before I end up dragging her into the bedroom, kids be damned. “I have some big news.”
“Yeah? Good, I hope.” She takes a seat and whips the towel off her head, using it to dry her long locks.
“Really good. My bank approved me for the loans I told you about.”
Her mouth falls open. “You’re buying Jetsky’s?”
Sitting beside her, I nod, a wide smile on my face. “In a month or so, I’ll be the owner.”
Her squeal fills the room, and she throws her arms around me. “I’m so happy for you! I know how long you’ve worked and saved for this.”
I can’t remember the last time I felt this happy. My life is finally heading in the right direction, and I have someone who is genuinely happy for me. Of course, my parents will be thrilled too, but this is different. I know my feelings for V have surpassed any kind of friendship, but our little arrangement makes it difficult to know if she feels the same. I’m terrified I might be falling in love with her, but at this moment, with her arms wrapped around me, and her words of approval and happiness in my ear, I don’t care.
Life is long, wonderful, and horrific. If you can find someone who makes the bad parts bearable and the good parts better, you should hold onto that person with everything you have because it’s a rare gift not everyone is given.
“I’m also buying his house. I don’t know exactly when yet, but we’ll be moving.”
Her smile is a little reluctant, and I understand. If it were the other way around, I’d be disappointed too. “That’s so amazing. Does Bailey know yet? She’s going to be thrilled.”
“Not yet. I’m going to talk to her when she gets home. George also gave me the next two weeks off, so I can sneak in a little rest before everything gets crazy. I’m going to take her to visit my parents in Illinois. We’ll probably stay a couple of days.”
“There’s the bus now,” she points out, and I get to my feet. “This doesn’t change anything, V. We’ll still see each other all the time.”
A quick shadow seems to cloud her face before it’s replaced by a smile. “Damn right. I know where you’re moving to. Now go tell your girl and make her day.”
* * *
“Grandma!” Bailey shrieks, nearly knocking my mother over with her hug.
“Lordy, girl, you’re taller than me!” Mom hugs her and kisses the top of her head before coming over to hug me.
“You have to bring this girl to visit more often. She’s growing up too fast!”
“I tried to stop feeding her, but she still kept growing.”
“Oh, hush.” She slaps me on the shoulder. “Come on in and sit down. We were just talking about your wonderful news.”
“The new house has a screened porch where I can play my guitar,” Bailey tells her excitedly, after hugging her grandpa as well.
“I’m in the middle of making a roast for dinner. Why don’t you come help and tell me all about it,” Mom offers, and Bailey follows her back to the kitchen.
Dad sits in his usual spot in the recliner. He reaches down to the mini fridge he has wedged between the chair and the wall, and pulls out two beers, tossing me one.
It’s only been a few months since I’ve seen them, but it hits me how much they’re starting to age. I really should visit more often.
“Congrats. I always wanted to own a business. Just never worked out,” he says, flashing me a smile. “Don’t fuck it up.”
“Yeah, thanks, dad. Once I get moved, I’ll have two extra bedrooms. You and Mom will have to come and visit. I plan to put a pool table in the garage.”
“We’ll be there.”
“How have you and Mom been doing?”
“I’m good. Your mom is as batty as an underground cavern, as usual.”
He complains, but they have one of those rare relationships people dream about. They met in high school, married a few years after, and just celebrated their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary last year. “I meant your health. Any more problems?”
“Nah, healthy as a horse. Thanks to your mother’s paranoia, though, I have to eat like a damned rabbit. One little heart attack…”
The small heart attack he suffered last year scared the hell out of all of us, and I’m glad Mom is making him stick to his diet. “That rabbit food stole some pounds from you. You look good.”
“Yeah, I haven’t been this light since I was your age.” He eyes my slim build. “Don’t know where you got your genes from. We did have a skinny mailman for a while.”
“I heard that, you codger,” Mom says, stepping into the room. “And that better be your only beer before dinner.” She turns to me. “Bailey is going to walk down to the corner store with me. She needs some feminine items.”
Shit. I forgot. I should be keeping track. I’ll have Veronica show me how to count the days since I’m sure there’s some female secret involved. I know they don’t just start on the first of the month like a utility bill. “Thanks, mom.”
As soon as the back door shuts, Dad turns to me. “Have you heard from that bitch you married at all?”
“Not a peep.”
“Girl needs a mother.”
Sighing, I sit back and take a few swallows of beer. “Not that kind of mother. It’s been over five years. Bailey barely remembers her anymore.”
Dad nods. “No mother beats a bad mother any day, but there are a lot of fish in the sea, son. Reel one in for your girl.”
After considering it for a moment, I ask, “Can you keep a secret? Even from Mom?”
“Of course.”
“I’m seeing someone, but things are kind of at a standstill. Her name is Veronica and she has a five year old son. We spend a lot of time together. The kids get along and Bailey loves her.”
“Is the boy’s father in the picture?”
“No, he doesn’t see him. And he’s a great kid. We just…neither of us is willing to take the risk.”
He sits back, giving me the same scrutinizing look that has always made me weigh my words. “What risk?”
Is he kidding? “Both of our kids have had a parent abandon them. They need to know they’re the most impor
tant thing to us. I need Bailey to know she always comes first, that she’ll always have me.”
“I don’t see how seeing another woman would negate any of that. You stepped up from the beginning with Bailey. And you’ve sacrificed years of your life raising her alone, which is damned commendable, but it doesn’t mean you have to be alone forever. What’s your real worry?”
“The same as Veronica’s. If we get together, then things fall apart, Bailey loses another female in her life, and Veronica’s son loses another father figure.”
“But both kids are fine with you dating?” His forehead crinkles.
“Ah…they don’t know. They think we’re friends. And Aiden is too young to pay much attention.”
Dad gives me the same stare he’s given me for years when he thinks I’m being stupid. One of the last times I remember seeing it was when I told him I was going to try to get Bailey’s mother back, right after she ran off. “Let me get this straight. You two sneak around and see each other to keep it hidden from your kids, even though her son likes you, and Bailey likes Veronica?”
Running my hand through my hair, I sigh, “It’s not that simple.”
His scrutinizing gaze takes me right back to childhood. “Do you love her?”
“I’m afraid I’m getting there.”
He huffs and leans forward, his eyes on mine. “Don’t bullshit me, kid. Do you love her?”
“Yes, damn it.”
“Does she feel the same?”
“I think so, but I don’t know if she’d admit it.”
“Then don’t be a coward. Life’s a risk, and kids learn that lesson too. Don’t let the worthless bitch you married make you afraid to try again. Bailey is a smart kid. She can handle it.”
“And if the kids get attached, then we break up after a year or even longer?” I snap, aggravated at the way he’s breaking everything down.
He shrugs and pops open another beer, handing it to me. “Then you act like adults and let the kids visit the ex. They’d still benefit from it.”
He makes it sound so simple and obvious.
