Ample & Alluring

by Mary E Thompson

  Was that something you ever stopped thinking about?

  Noah moved toward Tara and took her free hand. He knelt on the ground next to her and Becca. Tears ran down Tara’s cheeks. Mine, too.

  “I know we’ve only known each other a little less than a year, but I don’t want to go another year of my life without knowing you'll be a part of it. I feel like I’ve loved you forever. And I wanted to make sure you knew that I’ll never stop loving you. If you’ll have me, I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?”

  Tara nodded. Noah leaned over to kiss her, with Becca still in her lap. I tried to choke back my tears, but I struggled to do so.

  I wanted that. I wanted someone to want me so much that he pledged to love me forever. I’d never felt like I was missing something in my life. But my sister and a close friend both getting engaged showed me I was missing something. I was missing someone.

  Maybe Wyatt wasn’t that one person for me. I hoped he was, but it was very possible he wasn’t. The thought of him one day walking away was getting harder and harder to imagine.

  A wave of nausea swept over me. I just wanted to get out of there. Part of me wanted to go home because I knew going to Wyatt’s would only make it harder if things ended, but I wanted to be with him.

  Everyone congratulated Tara and Noah. Sawyer said they should get married in Hawaii over the summer. Surprisingly, Tara agreed.

  “I guess we’re all going to Hawaii,” Olivia said with a big grin. “I’ve always wanted to go there.”

  “Maybe you can talk your boss into giving you a little extra time off,” Ethan said, eyeing Wyatt.

  “I’m sure that can be arranged,” Wyatt said.

  Everyone started talking about Hawaii and wedding plans. I didn’t mind at all when Wyatt whispered, “Are you ready to get out of here?”

  I nodded.

  We said our goodbyes and headed out. We were almost to his house when Wyatt said, “Do you want to get married?”

  Chapter 23

  “What?” I blurted.

  “Do you want to get married? Someday, I mean.”

  “To you?” What was with the word-vomit?

  Wyatt chuckled and shrugged. “Maybe. I don’t have a ring so I’m not asking you now. Just talking. Everyone is getting married. I sort of felt like the odd one out back there.”

  Panic vanished and disappointment swept in. I wasn’t sure which was worse.

  “Yeah, I know what you mean. I realized Sawyer and I were the only ones who hadn’t been in a proposal before. At least, I don’t think he’s ever proposed to anyone.”

  Wyatt didn’t say anything for a second. “Graham's never been married.”

  “Oh, yeah. I sort of forgot he and Abby aren’t married.”

  “Sometimes it feels like if we didn’t get together they would have kicked us out.”

  “Is that why you asked me out?”

  “What? No. Of course not.”

  “Okay,” I said, hoping it was true. Wyatt never made me feel like anything between us was short of genuine so I had no reason to doubt him.

  We were back at his condo and inside quickly. One of the great things about small towns was how quickly you could get from one part to another. Wyatt started a fire and I put my bag in his room. When we settled onto the couch, he asked, “Does it bother you that I was engaged before I met you?”

  I shook my head. “Not really. We both have a past. It would be unfair of me to be upset about yours. You can’t change it, and I don’t think I’d want you to. It made you who you are.”

  Wyatt nodded. “Every time I’m around Olivia's kids I’m reminded of that. You’d never know Ethan wasn’t their dad. He took to them quickly.”

  “I imagine it helps that he makes toys. He’s probably used to kids.”

  Wyatt shook his head. “Nope. He’s like me. He never wanted kids.”

  “You’d be a really good dad.”

  Wyatt shrugged. “I’ve been a dad. When mine died, I was dad for my brother and sister. I missed out on being a teenager so I could be a dad.”

  “I think it’s different when it’s your kids.”

  “Probably, but I don’t think I want that life. I love the idea of going to Hawaii for Tara and Noah’s wedding. Or taking a business trip when I need to. Or doing anything without the guilt of leaving my kids."

  “I’ve always felt that way, too.”

  “But?”

  I shrugged. “I don’t know. I never wanted any of that. Marriage. Kids. Any of it.”

  “And now you do?”

  I shook my head. “Not necessarily. I guess the thought is less unappealing than it used to be.”

  “Promise me something?”

  “What?”

  “If you change your mind, we can talk about it. Just don’t blindside me. Okay?”

  I hated the pain I saw in his eyes. I wanted to ask him if he still loved his ex and if they’d be together if she hadn’t decided she wanted kids. I knew better than to voice any of that. I just nodded and snuggled against his side, hoping all my Christmas fantasies would come true.

  My head was pounding like a freight train was running over bumpy tracks through it. Nothing was helping. Medicine. Cool cloths. Dark room. Nothing.

  I knew if I could go home and get some sleep it would help, but that would also make things worse.

  Stress.

  I was behind. There was no way to overlook it. The afternoons leaving on time, the mornings getting in later than usual. None of it was adding up for me.

  I loved it, but it made my issues even more apparent.

  I needed help.

  “You still have that headache?” Laura asked, bringing me a glass of water and more pills.

  I nodded and accepted both. “Yeah. Hopefully this round will make it better.”

  “Are you going out with Wyatt tonight? Maybe you should just go home.”

  “What I should do is stay here and get all this work done. I’m behind on everything. I need to finish up notes for yesterday. I’m getting further and further behind every day.”

  “You should be having fun. Don’t turn this into an excuse to walk away from him.”

  I shook my head. “I’m not. I’m actually working on a proposal to bring on another doctor.”

  “What?” Laura gasped, falling into the white leather chair opposite my dark wood desk. “You’re joking, right?”

  “No. I’m serious. Vicki getting engaged made me realize that I’m not around for her enough. Or for myself. I like Wyatt. I’m in love with him. And I don’t want us to fizzle out because I work too many hours.”

  “Wow. I never thought I’d see the day.”

  “Yeah, well, you might not. Did you hear back from that hospital yet?”

  “How did you know about that?” she asked, her light eyebrows tugging closer to each other.

  I shrugged. “I might have called them.”

  “Why would you do that?”

  “Because you should be happy, too. You want to work there. They said they want you to have more infusion experience, but I told them they won’t regret it if they give you a chance. Did they call you?”

  Laura pursed her lips and nodded. “Thank you. And yes. I have a phone interview next week. If it goes well, I’ll go up there for an in person interview.”

  “Good. I’m sure you’ll wow them.”

  “Am I crazy for doing this?”

  “No. Not even a little. I wish I had your guts.”

  “Oh, please. You could do anything you wanted.”

  I shook my head as my phone buzzed. “Nope. I’m terrified of change. I’m having a hard time imagining this place with someone else involved. Oh.” I read my phone.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. Sorry. That was Wyatt. He has to cancel our plans for tonight. He’s swamped at work, too. Said he needs to get some stuff done for the winter festival next weekend. You’re going to that, right?”

  Laura nodded. “I am. Probably
my last Winterville event. Why don’t I stay late tonight and help you finish up everything. I’ll order some dinner and we can knock all this out.”

  “I can’t ask you to do that.”

  “You’re not asking,” she argued, rolling her eyes. “I’m offering. Besides, going home to an empty house is as much fun as going home to a boyfriend who barely knew I existed.”

  “I’m sorry, Laur.”

  She shrugged and tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder. “Not all of us fall for the right guy the first time out.”

  “I don’t know if Wyatt is the right guy.”

  “Why not? What happened?”

  “Nothing. That’s not what I mean. Just that we’re still getting to know each other.”

  “But you’re in love with him.”

  I nodded. “Sometimes love isn’t enough.”

  “Don’t I know it. Alright.” She stood. “What do you want for dinner?”

  I dug in my purse. “Whatever you want.”

  “Let me pay,” she argued.

  I shook my head. “Business expense. It’s on me.”

  She groaned but took the money. “I’ll be back soon.”

  Laura and I worked until almost midnight, but we got everything done. When I got home, I had a text from Wyatt asking if I wanted to grab dinner. I text him back when I got to my room, letting him know I didn’t see the text earlier. He called me right back.

  “Are you just getting home?”

  I yawned. “Yeah. Laura stayed and helped me finish up a bunch of paperwork.”

  “You sound tired.”

  “I am.” I put the phone on speaker so I could change for bed.

  “I won’t keep you. I just wanted to know if you were busy tomorrow night.”

  “I have a date with this really sexy guy I know. He’s the mayor. Maybe you know him?”

  Wyatt chuckled. “Yeah, yeah. I know that guy. Real nice guy. Enormous dick.”

  “He is not an enormous dick. He’s a nice guy.”

  Wyatt snorted. “I meant he has an enormous dick.”

  “Oh, well, yes. I’ll agree to that one. But I’m curious how you know.”

  Wyatt laughed with me. “I missed you today.”

  “I missed you, too. But I really needed to get some work done so it was good.” I crawled into bed, vowing to get up later and brush my teeth.

  “You’d rather work than spend time with me? I’m hurt.”

  “I didn’t say that. And besides, you were the one who canceled because of work.”

  “I did. And I’m sorry.”

  “No need to be sorry. We both have careers.”

  “Thank you for understanding. So how was your day?”

  “Ah, pretty shitty. I had a migraine all day. It finally went away after Laura brought us Chinese food and coffee.”

  “Sorry, Pey. Are you feeling better now?”

  I yawned again. “Yeah. Just tired.”

  “I can tell. I’ll let you go. Text me when you’re off work tomorrow and I’ll come over.”

  “You want to come here?”

  “It’s up to you. I can stay there or I can pick you up. Either way, you’re mine for the weekend.”

  “The whole weekend?”

  “The whole weekend. Good night, Peyton.”

  “Good night, Wyatt.”

  Wyatt walked into my house Friday night carrying more bags than any normal person could handle. “I didn’t want to make two trips,” he explained when I tried to take some of his stuff.

  We set everything near the kitchen because I had no idea what it all was. Wyatt wrapped me up and kissed me before he explained.

  Then I no longer cared. I just wanted him to kiss me again.

  “I’m cooking you dinner. I figured since you had a rough day yesterday that staying in was a good idea. Is that okay with you?”

  I nodded, touched that he was thinking of me. “Thank you. That sounds perfect.”

  “Are Vicki and Hunter here?”

  I shook my head. “They said they’re staying at his place tonight. They do most of the time.”

  “Then I have a request.”

  “What?”

  “Go get comfortable.”

  I laughed and did as he requested. No bra, comfy sweats, and an old t-shirt from an ex-boyfriend. It was my go-to hanging around the house outfit.

  I accepted the glass of wine Wyatt had waiting for me. The first sip brought a little ease to my shoulders, releasing some of the tension I’d built up. It was nice to be taken care of.

  “Do you need help?” I asked.

  Wyatt shook his head. “Nope. Not because I don’t think you can do it but because I want you to chill out.”

  “You’re the mayor. Shouldn’t you be chilling out?”

  He shrugged. “Right now I’m just Wyatt.”

  I smiled. “I like that.”

  He kissed me once then went back to cooking. Slowly, I figured out he was cooking pizza. “Are you actually making homemade pizza?”

  He nodded. “Yeah. Is that okay?”

  “Heck yeah. That’s awesome.”

  “Good. Want to try the sauce?”

  I sipped the tomato sweetness from the spoon he offered. I didn’t know much about cooking, but I knew a lot about eating. That sauce was amazing. The blend of spices and just the right amount of sugar made it perfect.

  “Wow, that’s good.”

  “Thanks. I make it myself.”

  “Is there anything you can’t do?”

  He thought for a second. “I’ve never been able to dunk a basketball.”

  “Oh, that’s it!” I said, standing up. “You have to leave. I can’t be with a guy who can’t dunk a basketball.”

  He caught up to me halfway to the door and slid his arms around my waist. One hand shot up under my shirt to cup my naked breast.

  “Damn. No bra?”

  “They’re not that comfortable.”

  He teased my nipple, pinching it lightly and brushing over the tip. I gasped and melted into him.

  “I think you like that. Maybe it’ll make up for me not being able to dunk a basketball.”

  “I think I can overlook that one shortcoming,” I teased.

  “Good,” he said, kissing my neck and going back to the kitchen.

  “Hey!”

  “Hey what?”

  “Where did you go?”

  “I’m cooking you dinner, woman. Sit your sexy ass down and let me cook. We have all night to play.”

  “All night? I like the sound of that.”

  “I’m going to make good use of every single minute.”

  And just that easily, I was wet and ready for him.

  Chapter 24

  “Where did you get that shirt?” Wyatt asked when we sat on the couch.

  I shrugged. “Old boyfriend. It’s really soft.”

  Wyatt calmly took my plate and set it on the table. He urged me forward and ripped the shirt off me. Then he took his off and put it over my head.

  “No stuff from old boyfriends while I’m around. If you want to keep it, I won’t tear it to shreds, but I really want to right now.”

  “Ooh, I’d love to watch that,” I teased.

  He stared at me with heated eyes. His lips twitched. He grabbed the shirt from where he’d put it behind him and put both hands in the collar. His muscles flexed and bulged. He gritted his teeth. The shirt finally tore, the harsh rip of the fabric snapping turning me on.

  When it was ripped down the middle, Wyatt tossed it behind the couch. “Wear my shirt.”

  He turned to the TV and picked up his plate. I just stared at him.

  “That was really hot.”

  “Oh, yeah?”

  “Definitely.”

  “Good. Eat your dinner. You’re going to need that energy tonight.”

  With an uncomfortable, needy tingle between my thighs, I ate my dinner. Between the two of us, we finished off the pizza. Then Wyatt stared at the TV, more or less ignoring me. I was
starting to get annoyed. He was there to see me. Not my television. What the hell?

  He even promised naughtiness, and all he was doing was watching TV.

  “You ready for bed?” he asked when whatever show he was so into was over.

  “Seriously?”

  “Yeah. Why? Is there something you wanted to watch.”

  “Nope. I’m good.”

  I pushed off the couch and went to my room. I closed the bathroom door so I could brush my teeth and use the bathroom. When I came out, he was looking at something on his phone. I took off my pajama pants and slid under the covers, hurt and annoyed.

  Love sucked. My emotions were seriously heightened. I never cared if a guy wanted to watch TV instead of talk to me. Usually I had other things on my mind. I needed to get over it and not let it bother me. Wyatt was there. He cooked me dinner. I didn’t need his undivided attention constantly.

  He crawled under the covers with me, slipped his arm around my waist and pulled me close to him. He kissed my shoulder and rested his lips there.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “For what?”

  “Sitting there and ignoring you. I shouldn’t have come over here tonight.”

  “Why?” I asked. I did not like the tone of his voice.

  “It’s been a long week. I think these events are good for the town, but they’re tough on me and the staff. I don’t think Olivia has been home before six all week, and her kids are off school. I feel like a shitty boss.”

  I looked back over my shoulder so I could see him. “You’re not a shitty boss. Sometimes you have to do what’s best for the most people instead of the fewest. It’s hard when the fewest are the ones you’re in the closest contact with.”

  He rubbed my belly. “True. I’m sorry I ignored you though. My brain sort of shuts down on Friday night sometimes. Especially after a week like this.”

  “You don’t have to apologize. I get it.”

  “Yeah, but you’re pissed.”

  I laughed. “I was. But it’s unreasonable for me to expect you to be constantly ‘on’ with me. We can chill out on the couch and have it be perfectly fine.”