“Don’t blame yourself for that,” Sutton interrupts me. Her hand moves to my cheek, and I close my eyes for a moment. I wish I had a clear view of her face, but it’s somehow easier to speak about this in the dark.
“I was a mess. I was a hands-on father before, but when I saw myself as a full-time parent, I didn’t know where to begin. Suddenly, the house was closing in on me, and I couldn’t remember where Penny’s diapers were. Silly things that I knew like the back of my hand. I eventually moved in with my parents. They helped me like crazy to raise her, as did the rest of my family. Abbie was an angel, and I’ll never be able to repay her for the support she offered.” My heart beats fiercely.
“I had no idea. I’m so sorry you went through that. I know that apologies are empty coming from me, but I can’t even imagine what that felt like.”
“It was hard. It still is some days,” I admit with heaviness.
“What about Hadley’s parents. Doesn’t Penny know her other grandparents?”
I shake my head. “They were in a freak car accident a couple of years after we got married. Hadley was never the same after that. I believe that influenced part of her leaving.”
“Wow, I bet that was hard. Losing your parents so unexpectedly.”
“Yeah,” I sigh. The past is heavy to visit.
“Thank you for talking to me about this. I know you don’t have to tell me about your past.” Her body shifts as she sits up.
“I want you to know the truth instead of making assumptions. Penny doesn’t remember her mom, and she never asks about her. In her eyes, having one parent is as normal as having two. I’m sure that will change as she grows up.”
I dig for my phone in my front pocket and turn on the flashlight app, closing my eyes for a second at the brightness. Sutton covers her face with her hand and laughs.
“Sorry, but I wanted to see your face and didn’t feel like going to the front of the car to turn on the lights.” I place the phone in a corner, so it’s not pointing directly at us but still illuminates the bed of the truck.
“I wanted you to know about this, so you understood me better. I’m new to all this. In a sense, I feel like I’m inexperienced when it comes to dating. I was with Hadley for ten years before she left. And these last five years have been solely focused on Penny and healing our lives.”
Sutton tilts her head, and the corners of her lips move up the slightest bit. “Gavin, I don’t care if you’ve been with one hundred girls or none. I’m not here to judge your dating record.” Her hands hold my face. “I like you. Nothing else matters. Well, unless you didn’t like me because this would be really awkward right now.”
A deep chuckle vibrates through my chest, and my hands land on her waist. How she can make me laugh while talking about this is beyond me. “You already know, I do.” I pull her closer to me. My body tenses and my cock pulses, wanting to feel her.
I sit up and feel her breath against my lips a second before I press them to hers. Sutton sighs as her hands move around my neck. I kiss her softly, exploring these new sensations. I growl when Sutton’s tongue swipes my bottom lip and deepen the kiss.
I didn’t know how it’d feel to kiss someone again, but she’s perfect against me, all soft curves, full lips, and quiet sighs.
“Gav…” she trails off as my tongue strokes hers. I kiss her fast and hard, tasting every bit of her.
I rein in my control before I go wild, needing to feel every inch of her. I slow our kiss, swiping our tongues together before I peck her lips. Pressing my forehead to hers, I close my eyes and focus on the sounds of our heavy breathing.
“God, I want you,” I whisper.
“God or me?” Sutton replies with a laugh and hides her face in the crook of my neck.
A hoarse laugh leaves me, and I lift her head, so she’s looking at me. “That’s a way to break the tension.” I kiss her swollen lips, holding her chin.
“Terrible timing for my joke, huh?”
“Nah, it was perfect.” I keep her close to me as I inhale the fresh air and calm my racing heart.
Sutton makes me want to forget the world and get lost in her. It may not be possible, but right now, I plan to do just that.
I kiss her again and say, “Dessert time. Be right back.” I step off the truck and switch on the light on the rear panel that illuminates the bed. I grab our dessert from the basket in the back seat and adjust myself in my jeans. Fuck if I don’t want to strip her naked and have her for dessert.
I take a calming breath and head back to the bed.
“What did you bring?” Sutton asks, sitting up and facing me. She bites her lower lip in anticipation.
“It’s not cupcakes, but I promise you’re going to love it.” I place the clear, plastic container in front of her and stretch my legs out.
“Oh. My. God. What is that?” Her eyes pop open, and she flicks her gaze toward me.
“It’s Oreo cake.” The huge slice of chocolate cake is frosted in Oreo buttercream and then drizzled with chocolate ganache. Whipped cream and an Oreo rest on the top.
Sutton licks her lips. “It looks freakin’ mouthwatering.”
I smirk, happy I chose a good one, and snap open the container. “The cake has pieces of Oreo, too.”
“Goodness.”
She takes the spoon I hand her and goes straight in for the kill. I smile as I watch her taste it and moan. “This is delicious,” she says as she covers her mouth.
“It’s one of my favorites.” I take a bite and savor the flavors.
“Does Mrs. Engle make this, too?” Sutton asks between bites.
“Yeah.”
“Oh, I know what I’m ordering next time instead of a cupcake.”
I chuckle. “I’m glad you like it.”
I wipe a bit of chocolate that’s on the side of her lip and lick my thumb.
“That was hot.” Sutton stares at me, her eyes darkening. I bet she’d taste better than this cake.
We finish eating dessert and lie back down on the bed and look at the stars. I like talking to Sutton. She’s funny and smart. One moment she’s making me laugh, and the next, she’s engaged in deep conversation.
I made the right move in asking her out. Not just because I want her in my life, but because I made sure to take my happiness in my own hands and not let the past continue to dictate my future.
Sutton
I’ve been walking on a cloud for the rest of this week. Gavin and I have spoken every day, sending text messages throughout the day and phone calls at night after Penny’s in bed. Since Sunday, we’ve been on track toward something meaningful.
When he told me about Hadley on Tuesday, I was surprised. I didn’t expect him to open up so quickly. Although it was our second date, we had slowly been spending time together, even if the attention had been mostly on Penny during those times.
Sigh.
And when he kissed me, sparks lit up inside of me like the wild firecrackers we used to light when I was a kid to scare the neighbors. I still feel the memory of his lips moving across mine and his short beard scratching my skin.
This week was busy with recording songs, meeting with Matthew and Grady, who came to Everton to meet in person, and local radio station interviews. I was on the go a lot, so I didn’t get to see Gavin. I’m hoping we can change that this weekend.
“I’m heading out,” I call out into Knox and Ainsley’s kitchen as I make my way up from the studio.
“We’ll see you at Clarke’s tonight?” Ainsley asks.
“Yeah,” I nod. I’m hoping Gavin would want to go as well. Penny will probably be asleep or getting ready for bed by the time we meet at Clarke’s.
“Sutton,” Knox calls out as I’m turning away from the kitchen.
“What’s up?” I turn to face him.
“Matthew just called me. One Harbour Entertainment released the statement announcing we’re on the soundtrack for the movie.”
“No way!” My eyes open wide, and I squeal. Biting my
lip, I shake my head in disbelief. Being associated with them will definitely get my name in front of more people, not just those interested in country music.
“I emailed you a link so you can read it. Get ready for what this will mean.” Knox smiles. “Being part of a highly anticipated Hollywood movie is huge.”
“This is so amazing. Thank you. I owe it all to you and Harris.” I hug Knox.
“And me!” Ainsley yells. Knox and I laugh, and I look over at her behind him with wide eyes.
“Definitely you! What would I do without my social media guru?” I wink at Knox, who chuckles softly. Thanks to me, he got what he wanted by having Ainsley working with the label’s marketing team.
“You’re going to be extra grateful for me. From what Knox tells me, it’s going to get crazy with fans wanting to know more about you.” She walks up to us.
I take a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for all this could mean. A million scenarios run through my mind, but I can’t grasp on to any. Not until I live through this and experience it for myself.
“Thanks.” I squeeze her arm. “I’ll see y’all tonight.”
Before I drive away, I open my messages and shoot Gavin an invitation to Clarke’s. Then, I roll down the windows and drive through a back road that Knox taught me leads to the bed and breakfast. With one arm out the window, I sing to the music playing on the radio.
Sparse pine trees grow on the open land, the grass tall and wild as it mixes with small yellow flowers. Ever since Knox taught me this route, I’ve taken it as long as it’s still daytime. A sense of peace washes over me as I drive through the middle of the country, only nature and me.
My waving hand freezes outside of the window, and I slam on my brakes. I turn up the volume. My eyes bug out at the sound of the familiar tune. Tears cloud my vision as I bring a hand up to my mouth.
My heart pounds against my ribs as my own voice begins to sing to me through the speakers. This is incredible. I knew my single was starting to play on the radio, but I had yet to hear it myself.
I wipe my cheeks as I listen, an odd sensation hitting me. Scrunching my nose up, I throw my head back against the headrest and laugh. Only I would get weirded out by listening to myself on the radio.
I continue to wipe my cheeks and take a deep breath. Grabbing my phone, I open my Instagram app and record a video of my radio as the song plays and post it in my Story with the caption, First time listening to myself on the radio! So weird and utterly amazing. Thank you for all the support, y’all! This is because of you.
As soon as it posts, I put my car in gear and drive again, singing along as the song comes to an end. Every dream I had is coming true, including the one about meeting a great man.
The car rocks as I drive through the gravel. I barely hear the ping on my phone, and I smile, knowing it’s probably Gavin responding to my message.
I hope to see him tonight. Our talks have been great this week, but I want to see him in the flesh and feel his arm wrapped around me.
“Crap,” I yell and slam on my breaks. Daydreaming is going to get me killed. I look at the bear crossing the road with three cubs. I sit still and give them space to cross. I don’t want to be in the papers with the headline, Death by Bear, next to my picture.
Once the bears have crossed and gone into the tall grass, I head home with a careful eye and racing heart.
Finally home, I check the message Gavin sent and smile.
Gavin: Are you asking me out on a date, country girl?
Sutton: I sure am ;)
Gavin: In that case how can I say no?
Sutton: You don’t
Sutton: Obviously you can if you need to stay home with Penny. I don’t want her to think you’re gone all the time now
I bite my lower lip as I wait for his response. Flirting is fun, but I don’t want to cross a line when it comes to his daughter and his responsibilities. We may be young, but Gavin’s life is different. He’s got a major role to play—Dad.
Gavin: I’ll pick you up at 8:30 after I put Penny to bed. She’s always exhausted on Fridays after a week of school so she’ll be out fast
Sutton: Take your time. I’ll be waiting
Gavin: I like the sound of that
Sutton: Oh yeah?
Gavin: Yup. I’ll see you tonight, beautiful. Duty calls
Sutton: See you soon
I place my phone on the kitchen counter as my body tingles with his words. Beautiful. Unable to conceal my smile, I head into the bathroom to take a shower.
Warmth spreads through my chest as I replay every conversation we’ve had since Tuesday night. Gavin gives me butterflies like I haven’t gotten in years. They buzz wild in my stomach.
I get out of the shower with a couple hours to get ready before Gavin arrives. After drying and styling my hair, I search my cabinets for something to eat.
Pasta, chicken, frozen peas—nothing calls my attention. I could make a dish with what I have, but I don’t have a ton of time to get creative right now, and I don’t want to smell like food when Gavin picks me up.
I turn around in my kitchen and open another cabinet. I could have cereal. I reach for the box and look at it. Not exactly what I want. I could make a grilled cheese. It’s fast and easy.
Distracted, I go into my room to choose an outfit and put a pair of jeans and a long-sleeve silk blouse on my bed. A loud knock echoes through the house as I’m putting on my earrings.
My eyebrows pinch together, and I laugh at my reflection in the mirror. Relaxing my face, I grab my phone and look through the peephole.
“Hey,” I say in surprise when I open the door. Gavin stands before me, holding a box of pizza. I look at my phone and back up at him. “Um, you’re like an hour and a half early.”
His eyes travel down my body and stop at the hem of my cotton shorts.
“Looks like I’m right on time." His brown eyes darken to molten chocolate, and I shiver.
“Come in.” I open the door wider, and Gavin steps in.
“Penny fell asleep earlier than planned, so I figured I’d grab a pizza and bring it over before we head out. She might be up at five tomorrow, but it would’ve been worth it to spend more time with you.” He gives me a crooked smirk, and my insides melt.
“You’re trouble speaking words like that.” I point my finger at him. “I’m starving and didn’t feel like cooking. It’s like you read my mind.” We walk further into my kitchen. While Gavin places the pizza on the counter, I grab plates and a knife.
“Do you want a beer?”
“That’s great, thanks.” Gavin looks around the house. “This place came out really nice,” he comments.
“It’s gorgeous. Averly told me it was hard to leave it,” I laugh. “I’m sure it was an easy decision to move with Eli, though.”
“Yeah,” Gavin nods. “Their relationship was unexpected, and yet they work really well together.”
I walk around the peninsula counter and stand in front of Gavin with a smile. I pull my lower lip into my mouth with my teeth, making a quick decision. Getting on my toes, I put my hands on his shoulders and press my lips to his.
“Hi,” I whisper. His hands are on my hips instantly.
“Hey,” his husky voice washes over me.
“Thanks for bringin’ dinner.”
“My pleasure.” His thumb skims against my hip underneath my long-sleeved T-shirt.
My skin breaks out in goosebumps, and I lean back. “Let’s eat, or we’ll be late.” I wink with a mischievous smile.
Gavin laughs and agrees, sitting on a stool at the counter. While we eat, he tells me about his day at the ranch. I love hearing about his work. It always reminds me of home. I tell him about the announcement One Harbour Entertainment released.
“That’s amazing. Congrats,” he says between bites of pizza.
“Thanks. I’m excited. Oh! And today, I heard my song on the radio for the first time. I also almost hit a family of bears.”
“What?” G
avin almost chokes on his beer. His eyebrows furrow, and the lines between them deepen.
I laugh. “I was driving down a dirt road that Knox taught me that leads me straight here, and suddenly a bear and her three cubs were crossing the road.” I tell him about how it scared me when it caught me by surprise.
“Be careful.” Gavin’s face grows serious.
“I will be,” I promise with a soft smile.
Full from pizza and beer, I stand and collect our plates to drop them in the sink before getting dressed. As I pass by Gavin, he turns and reaches for my waist, stopping me. I turn and look at him with a raised eyebrow.
Lifting a hand from my waist, he grabs the plates and places them on the counter. Then, he pulls me toward him until I’m standing between his legs.
Gavin squeezes my waist before running his hands up and down my back. His eyes lock on mine, and my nipples harden against the cotton of my shirt. My core clenches and lips part in a soft breath as the tension between us grows with unspoken desire.
His hands land on the top of my butt, his thumbs hooking into the band of my shorts. My breath hitches, and I reach out for his shoulders at the same time that Gavin pulls me closer to him.
His dark eyes flicker down my body and back up to my eyes. “Gorgeous.” His hoarse voice gives me chills.
I shuffle my feet even closer, completely encased by his strong thighs. I move my hands around his neck and brush my fingers through the longer strands of hair there.
“And you’re handsome,” I whisper. “Kiss me,” I demand.
The smile that crawls on his face is full of mischief, danger, and adoration. His eyes brighten, and his lips press against mine softly at first, taking his time to explore. My lips meld with his, moving together.
When Gavin moves his hands further down, cupping my ass, my wetness spreads.
I moan, and Gavin takes the opportunity to seek my tongue with his, stroking and tangling them as we deepen the kiss. We go from zero to sixty in a matter of milliseconds, both of us gripping each other as we swallow our moans.
A fire is blazing inside of me. He feels so right. The way his hands tease me, his lips kiss me, and his heart pounds in tune with mine as our chests are flushed together.
Then I Met You: A single dad romance (Love in Everton Book 6) Page 14
