Long Road Home

by Kate Stacy

  A couple of weeks ago, when Hailee told me that she’s open to more, it took all I had not to turn the wheel on my Peterbilt and head straight home. I knew she’d come around eventually—I wasn’t going to give up until she did—but, I never thought it would be this soon. Granted, she wants to take things slow, but I can do slow.

  We’ve been talking to each other a lot over the past few weeks since I left. I make it a point to call or text her at least once a day. I want her to know that I’m thinking about her. I need her to know that even though I’m not there physically, that she and Elijah are a priority to me.

  My job isn’t ideal for relationships, especially new relationships with a girl that most would consider damaged. She lacks self-confidence, trust, and a plethora of other things, I’m sure. All those things only make this harder for both of us. The divorce rate among truck drivers is something like twenty percent. The job is brutal, and not just on the driver.

  I’ve never dated a girl that could handle it. My last girlfriend ended up cheating on me because she got lonely and couldn’t handle the weeks that I was on the road. She insisted that I wasn’t faithful. Said I probably had a different girl in every state. I guess she was just projecting her own shit onto me, because I came home one day to find her riding some guy’s dick...in my house...in my bed.

  Cheating on her never even crossed my mind. I’m not that guy. I can be an asshole, sure, but I’d never cheat. I’m not perfect, not by any means, but when I’m in a relationship I’m faithful. I grew up knowing that my dad had several women on the side. I never understood how someone can betray the person they love in that way. To each his own, I suppose, but not me. Never.

  I broke things off with her immediately. She slipped up and got caught. Tried to get me to forgive her, but that’s unforgivable. There’s never an excuse to cheat. It’s been a few months since that went down. I’m not heartbroken over it, especially now that I’ve got Hailee in my life.

  I’m close to home. I’ll be there tomorrow afternoon and I want to give her a heads up, so during my mandatory rest break, I decide to give her a call.

  She answers quickly. I can hear the smile in her voice.

  “Hey, Drake!”

  “Hey there, darlin’. What are you and the little guy up to?”

  “Just got home, actually. We had dinner with my parents.”

  “That’s cool. Any other plans for the night?”

  “Not at all. Gonna get Elijah to bed soon, then work on an assignment for my class.”

  “You work too hard. You need a break.”

  She laughs. “You’re right, which is why I’m only working half the day tomorrow. My parents offered to keep Elijah for the night, so I can have some time for myself.”

  I smile. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. As much fun as it is to hang out with the little one, I’m looking forward to spending some time with Hailee alone.

  “Well, I hope you won’t mind a little company during your ‘me’ time. I’ll be home sometime tomorrow.”

  “Of course, I don’t mind! Any idea what time you’ll be getting in?”

  This is the hard part. Nothing is ever set in stone. I hope she’s able to handle that. I sigh before responding to her question, “Not sure. Nothing is ever on time with my job. The trucker motto seems to be ‘Hurry up and wait.’ It won’t be until at least tomorrow afternoon, but probably closer to dinner time.”

  “That’s okay. But really, though? Hurry up and wait?” Her laugh brings a smile to my face.

  “Oh yeah, darlin’. We get rushed and hurried to make sure our loads get to the receiver on time, but then we spend forever waiting for them to do their thing when we get there.”

  “That would drive me insane. I’m not patient. Like, at all.”

  “I’ve learned to be patient. Not much choice in this industry.”

  “I guess that means I’ll have to learn to be patient too.”

  I fucking love when she says shit like this. It only shows me that she’s serious about giving things between us a chance.

  “Absolutely. I might not always be on time, but I’ll always come home to you.”

  She doesn’t reply. I know she’s blushing and damn, I miss seeing it. I know she’s still not used to the things I say to her. She’s never had a man care for her the way I do. She’ll eventually trust the words that leave my mouth. I just have to hold steady and show her that I mean every single one of them.

  “I’m gonna jump off of here. Break is almost up and I wanna grab a quick bite before I get back on the road.”

  “Okay. I won’t keep you. Be safe, Drake.”

  Always so sweet.

  I hear Elijah jabbering on in the background.

  “Always am. Give my little buddy a hug from me and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Goodnight.”

  “Goodnight, darlin’. Sleep sweet.”

  I end the call and do exactly what I told her I was going to do. I go inside the truck stop to grab some food and use the bathroom. Once I’m finished, I head back to my truck and get back on the road. Counting down the miles until I get back to her.

  HAILEE

  I swear the past three weeks have lasted forever. I’m eager to see Drake today. It’s been a couple weeks since I told him that I’m open to more. I really surprised myself with that, but I meant it. I’m obviously not as ‘in love’ with Grayson as I thought, but even if I was—it’s not like I have a chance. Let’s not even get into the overprotective asshole incident. That helped me realize that things weren’t exactly the way I saw them in my head this whole time. It’s time for me to move on.

  I really want to give things between Drake and I a chance. He’s never hesitated to tell me just how much he likes me, and I’m finally starting to trust his words. I’m working through my shit from the past. I hate it, but it’s hard to get over being made to feel that you’ll never be good enough.

  My exes have been horrible. Every guy I’ve ever been with has cheated on me. Not just one, but literally every single one. I don’t know if that says more about me or them. Maybe I just make shitty choices when it comes to guys. I don’t know.

  The worst was Elijah’s father. We were together for a little over two years and the last six months or so of our relationship were awful. I suspected he was cheating, but of course, he denied it. He started treating me like crap. He never hit me, but sometimes words can be more damaging than fists. I constantly heard that I was fat, ugly, stupid, and worthless. Sadly, after hearing it so often I really started to believe it. He always told me that I was lucky that he’d settle for someone like me, that no one else could ever love me.

  I finally caught him with his pants down, literally. We shared an apartment and I came home from work early one day to find him in our bed with some skank. He didn’t even bother to stop when I made myself known. I just started packing my things and got the hell out of there. He wasn’t worth fighting for, and I didn’t have the strength anyway.

  He knew I was pregnant, too. We were supposed to get married and had already started planning our wedding. He told me that if I left him, I’d be raising the baby alone.

  Accused me of cheating and said the baby probably wasn’t his.

  Said that I’d never find another man like him.

  None of it changed my mind.

  Elijah and I are both better off without him.

  I’m finally off work for the day and headed for the door of the bakery with a box full of donuts that I made this morning. I’m trying to hurry, but I’m not quick enough. Madalyn stops me before I get too far.

  “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. You trying to make that boy fall even more in love with you?” Her mouth tips in a devious little smirk.

  My eyes roll. “I’m just being nice, Mads. I know he loves donuts, so I thought I’d be a good roommate and take some home for him.”

  “Uh huh, sure. I don’t believe that for a second.”

  “Believe what you want.
It’s the least I can do after everything he’s done for me.”

  I haven’t told Madalyn that I’ve decided to try with Drake yet. I don’t want to get her hopes up. Especially since she and Jaxson are such good friends with him too.

  “I know, dollface. I’m just teasing because I love ya!”

  I give her a side hug since one arm is full. “I know, babe. I love you too. I’m gonna go, because I wanna stop and see Elijah before I head home. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

  “Go on then! See your boy then go wait on that sexy mother trucker!” She smiles from ear to ear, then bursts out laughing. “Damn, that was a good one.”

  The few customers in the bakery hear her and laugh while shaking their heads. They’re used to our antics. I think that’s half the reason they keep coming in.

  “You’re ridiculous. I’m glad you amuse yourself.” I try not to laugh, but it doesn’t work. “Later, girl.”

  I walk out the door, still laughing as I make my way to my car. I’m gonna spend an hour with Elijah, then head home to cook dinner for Drake. Like I told Madalyn—it’s the least I can do. He’s done so much for me. If my cooking makes him like me even more...that’s just a bonus.

  I’m nervous.

  I have no idea why I’m nervous. I’m always so relaxed and comfortable around Drake but waiting here for him to get home has me on edge. I don’t even know for sure when he’ll be here. I keep pacing and checking myself in the mirror. I’m not dressed up or anything, but I decided I wanted to look good when he got here. He’s pretty much seen me at my worst and still wanted me, so I don’t know what I’m so worried about.

  I decided to skip the yoga pants, choosing to put on my favorite jeans with rips in the thighs and my lace trimmed, handkerchief-hem halter top. I’m not wearing makeup and my hair is up in a messy bun, but at least I’m comfortable. I’ve never been one of those girls that have to be dressed up with a face full of makeup at all times. Don’t even think about trying to get me to wear heels. I have absolutely nothing against those girls, but it’s not me.

  Maybe a glass of wine will calm my nerves. I head back to the kitchen, double check the enchiladas in the oven, then grab a bottle of wine from the refrigerator. I’m reaching for a glass in the cabinet when I hear the front door open.

  Here goes nothing...

  DRAKE

  Home sweet home.

  I open the front door, dropping my duffle bag inside. I can’t see around the corner into the kitchen, but something smells amazing. I head toward the kitchen, unable to control the smile that takes over my face when I see my girl standing there looking completely irresistible.

  “Welcome home.”

  Damn. That smile.

  “Thanks, darlin’. What smells so damn good?!”

  “Oh! I made dinner. Chicken enchiladas, refried beans, and rice.”

  I walk around the island to where she’s standing and pull her to me. I look down into her eyes for a minute before I tell her, “You don’t have to cook for me, baby, but thank you. It’s nice to walk in the door to a home-cooked meal.”

  I don’t give her a chance to respond before I kiss her forehead and wrap my arms around her. This girl belongs in my arms.

  “If you don’t mind, I’m gonna go jump in the shower real quick and wash the road off me. You can go ahead and start eating. Don’t feel like you have to wait for me.”

  “I don’t mind waiting. Enjoy your shower. I’ll start making our plates.”

  “Thank you, darlin’. Be back in a few minutes.”

  I go back to the door, grabbing my bag to haul it to my bedroom with me. I take the quickest shower I possibly can before pulling on a pair of jeans and a clean t-shirt. I run my fingers through my hair and look in the mirror.

  That’ll have to do.

  I’m back in the kitchen in less than fifteen minutes. She’s got plates of food waiting for us at two of the bar stools at the island. I look to see her bent over digging in the fridge for something.

  That. Ass.

  I swear, I always thought I was a breast man, but this girl’s ass is the stuff that wet dreams are made from.

  She stands and turns around. The blush spreads from her cheeks down her neck.

  Busted.

  I just smile and wink. No shame for checking her out. She’s gorgeous. I want her to know that I enjoy looking at her. I can’t help but wonder how far down that blush goes.

  It takes me a minute to even realize that she’s got a beer in her hand. It happens to be my favorite and I know she doesn’t like beer. I cock my head to the side, then nod toward her hand, raising my eyebrow in question.

  “When I went grocery shopping, I asked Jax what you liked.” She shrugs like it’s no big deal, but it is to me.

  “Thank you, baby.” I take the beer from her hand, kiss her cheek, and ask, “Ready to eat?”

  “Yep.”

  We both sit down, and I dig in.

  Damn. Jax was right—she can definitely cook.

  “This is really good,” I tell her between bites.

  “Thanks. I’m glad you like it. I wasn’t sure what you like to eat, and everyone seems to love these, so I hoped you would too.”

  “I do. I’m not picky. I’ll eat pretty much anything.” I take another bite, almost moaning at how good it tastes.

  “Good to know.”

  We keep talking while we eat and as usual, our conversation flows effortlessly. By the time my plate is clear—I’m stuffed. Thank God for leftovers because I’ll definitely be wanting more.

  I take our plates to the sink and start running the water, letting it heat. I fill the sink, so I can wash the dishes, but Hailee tries to stop me.

  “I’ll do those, honey. Don’t worry about it.”

  “I’ll be damned. You cooked, I clean. Take your wine, go put your feet up and pick out a movie for us to watch.” I point her toward the oversized couch in the living room.

  “If you insist.”

  “Absolutely.”

  She smiles, kisses my cheek, and heads for the living room.

  “And darlin’...”

  She looks back at me without turning around. “Yeah?”

  “I love when you call me ‘honey’.”

  She doesn’t say a word, just winks and keeps walking.

  Little flirt.

  I wash up the dishes and put the leftovers away before joining her in the living room. She’s laid back, totally relaxed and comfortable. I sit and pull her feet into my lap.

  “What are we watching?”

  “You’ll see.” She grabs the remote, starting the movie.

  “The Fast and the Furious? Really?” She must have remembered me saying it’s one of my favorites.

  “I love these movies. I told you I like sexy cars!”

  This gets a chuckle. “Fair enough.”

  Once the movie starts, we don’t talk much. She’s watching the movie. I’m watching her. I know she doesn’t get a lot of down time, so I want her fully relaxed. I start giving her a foot massage. It’s not long before she starts making these sexy as fuck little noises that have my dick rock hard.

  “That feels so good.”

  I can’t get any words out. I’m too focused on trying to find some semblance of control. She pushes all of my buttons without even trying.

  I keep massaging but focus more on the movie. My hands eventually tire, so I just wrap my hands around her calves and leave them there. The movie gets to the scene where Dom and Letty are in the garage and start kissing before he picks her up by her ass. I glance at Hailee, noticing that she’s flushed, her chest is rising and falling rapidly, and her thighs are squeezed together tightly.

  Looks like I’m not the only one turned on tonight.

  I slide my hand from her calf to her thigh but stop there with a gentle squeeze. I run my thumb back and forth through one of the rips in her jeans. I want her to know that I’m aware, but I won’t push. She looks at me and smiles but goes back to watching the mov
ie without saying a word.

  We both focus back on the movie. It’s not much longer before I hear light snores. I don’t wake her. I know she’s exhausted. She works full time. When she’s not at work, she’s taking care of Elijah and doing all the work for her classes. She needs the rest.

  I finish watching the movie, then slowly slide out from under her legs. I turn the TV off before turning to look at her again. She’s so damn beautiful. I bend, carefully lifting her from the couch, hoping not to wake her. I head down the hall toward her room, so I can put her in bed. I really want to carry her to my bed, but I know it’s too soon for that.

  As I’m laying her down, she stirs a bit. She opens her eyes and looks up at me. “I’m sorry I fell asleep.”

  I whisper, “No worries, darlin’. Sleep sweet.”

  “Goodnight, honey.” She barely gets the words out before her eyes close and she’s back asleep.

  I kiss her head, tuck her in, and head for the door. I turn to look at her one last time wishing that I could climb in her bed and wrap my arms around her. Not yet. Soon. She said slowly. That’s what she’ll get.

  I’d give her anything she wants.

  HAILEE

  I really didn’t mean to fall asleep last night.

  I barely remember Drake taking me to bed.

  My life doesn’t exactly give me a lot of downtime. Work, school, and a toddler mean frequent late nights and early mornings. I only have one day off a week—that’s the day I use to catch up on schoolwork and cleaning, which is always difficult with Elijah running around. I do what I need to do. I don’t have a choice.

  It was really nice to have a night to relax and not worry about anything. Having Drake there made it even better. He drove me crazy all night with his little touches and looks. That foot massage! Oh my god, I’ve never had anyone massage my feet before. It felt incredible.