After Joey is dried off, I drain the water and place the bath toys in their basket. I’m about to help Joey brush his teeth when Miles returns, holding out a black t-shirt. Taking the garment, I mumble, “Thank you.”
“I’ve got Joey now. You can change in my room. It’s the last door on the left.”
“Thanks.” I bow my head once. Skating past him, awareness hums through me. Every atom in my body stands at attention as I absorb the contemplative manner in which he’s looking at me. And every part of me likes it, even though I have no business doing so.
Once I’m in the hallway, I draw in a ragged breath and trek toward his room. Stepping inside the open doorway, I flip the light switch on and pause to take in the masculine space. Tan walls surround me with shades of brown covering the bed and windows. If a woman ever lived in this house there’s no sign of it now.
Moving forward, I set his t-shirt down on the bed and run my fingers across the thick comforter. I want to lie down and see what it feels like. Is his mattress hard or soft? I’d close my eyes and inhale his manly scent that’s sure to permeate his sheets. Visions of his bare chest over me and his lips lowering toward mine assault my mind. I shake my head to rid myself of the inappropriate thoughts.
What am I doing? I’m acting like a smitten schoolgirl, not an almost twenty-year-old. Frustrated with my behavior, I tear my shirt over my head and unhook my bra. Lowering my arms, I let the undergarment fall to his bed. Tugging his t-shirt over my head, I shove my arms through the sleeves and pull the long material down. The hem falls to mid-thigh and the soft cotton feels wonderful against my chilled skin. Yanking the elastic from my hair, I scrape all the strands back and refasten them into some semblance of order. Collecting my wet clothing from his bed, I scan the space a final time. I’ll never be in here again, and that’s for the best.
The bathroom light is out as I walk past. I peek my head inside Joey’s room and find him sound asleep. I’m not surprised he went out in record time after playing at the park. I’m fairly tired myself.
I jog down the stairs with every intention of getting out of here as soon as I possibly can. Miles isn’t in the living room, so I amble to the kitchen, my stomach tied in nervous knots. I don’t want things to be awkward between us. I’m pretty sure he’s as attracted to me as I am to him. We’re going to have to deal with that fact and be adults about it. In other words, pretend the attraction doesn’t exist.
8
Miles
Sophie finds me scooping ice cream into two bowls. I look up, a grin twisting my lips. “I thought you might want dessert after that fiasco. You definitely deserve a treat.”
“Is that double chocolate ice cream?”
“Yes, it is. I have whipped cream, too, if you want some.”
She licks her lips as if she’s salivating at the thought, and my cock twitches letting me know just how much of a fan he already is of her.
Fuck. Don’t look at her lips. Or any other part of her. Focus on the freezing cold ice cream.
“There goes my plan to get out of your hair. But double chocolate ice cream… I think I might love you right now.” She frowns as if she regrets her word choice.
Is this the way it’s going to be with us? Are we going to trip over awkward moments and never be at ease? That’s not what I want. As attractive as I find Sophie, she’s in the no-fly zone. I think the more time we spend together the more comfortable the two of us will be in each other’s company. At least that’s my plan.
“Do you want to sit out on the back deck? With the cooler temps tonight the mosquitos shouldn’t be bad.”
“I’d love to. We have to take advantage of the low humidity every chance we get. Oh, before I forget, do you have a bag I can put this stuff in?” She gestures to her wet clothing.
I can’t see the lacy bra, it must be wrapped inside her t-shirt, but the image of her in the white see-through material will haunt me for weeks.
Rummaging under my sink, I find a plastic bag and hand it to her. I watch as she stuffs her clothes inside, pathetically hoping for one final glimpse of the bra. She sets the bag on the floor in front of the cabinets and reaches for the bowl of ice cream that I hand over. She grabs a spoon from the counter and some napkins.
“Follow me.” I tip my head toward the back of the house, leading the way. We pass the dining room, which I never use, and also my office.
“I haven’t even seen these rooms before, or been out in the backyard.”
“You don’t have to stay inside all the time.” I open the French door and usher her in front of me. She steps onto the brick patio and gasps, “You have a pool?”
“Yeah. I figured you probably knew that already.”
“I don’t come over until after dinner when it’s almost time to put Joey to bed. I haven’t had a chance to check out this area until now.”
“You’re welcome to swim anytime you’d like. Joey loves the water and I have a life jacket for him to wear. There’s a bunch of floats in the pool house that he likes.” I gesture to the cushioned loungers. “Have a seat.”
Gracefully sinking down onto one, she folds her lean legs up beneath her and digs into the ice cream. I place my bowl down on another chair and wander over to the propane patio heater I bought on sale at Home Depot last fall. It takes me a minute to turn it on, but with the chill in the air picking up, we might need it. This will give off the perfect amount of heat.
When I turn around, Sophie’s eyes are fastened on me, but she darts them toward the eight foot tall heater. “That’s awesome. Between the pool and the heater, I might never want to leave your backyard.”
I laugh. “I know what you mean. I’ve been spending more time out here since school let out for the summer.”
“Technically school didn’t let out for you,” she points out and pushes another spoonful of ice cream between her lips.
“Yeah, you’re right. But class a few nights a week is nothing when you’re used to teaching all day.” I take a scoop of ice cream, spearing it into my mouth.
“Do you like being a professor?”
“Mhm.” I lick the remnants from my lips. “I’ve always liked to teach others how to do things or explain something they didn’t know.”
Swirling her spoon through her bowl, she licks the white cream from the metal, testing my fucking resolve. Jesus. I’m a thirty-three-year-old man who hasn’t had sex for one extremely long year. That has to be at the root of my reaction to her. I’ve never been a guy who can’t control his dick… until now. But I’ve also never been a guy who went without sex. Sandy and I were together for so long and always had a healthy sex life. She didn’t skip out on our marriage for lack of sexual satisfaction. That was one area we were rock solid.
“I’d imagine it can be frustrating at times, though. Explaining something repeatedly to someone when they don’t understand must take a lot of patience.”
“Just like with any job, there are times that I like it more than others. But I have Joey and he’s definitely made me a more patient man. I no longer punch holes in doors or break remote controls. I still swear, though, so don’t go thinking I’m a paragon of good behavior.”
She snorts. “Right.” And rolls her dark eyes. “Joey is so freaking cute and you love him. I bet it’s impossible to get mad at him.”
“Don’t be so sure about that. Cute or not, he can do some things that have me clinging to my last thread of patience.” Jutting my chin toward her, I ask, “You didn’t get the slightest bit heated when he soaked you?”
“No, I really didn't. He’s so young, he doesn’t understand the consequences of his actions.”
“Oh brother. Don’t let him fool you with that school of thought. He knows exactly what he’s doing. He’s an almost three-year-old master manipulator. I have to say no to him from time to time on principle alone. I refuse to have an entitled, spoiled brat for a son.”
“If it’s any consolation, I don’t find him to be bratty at all. He’s really good about
listening when I refuse to give him something he wants. In fact, he’s better than both of my brothers and they’re grown men,” she says and laughs.
“Do your brothers live at home?” I bet they’re protective of her.
“No, they’re both a lot older than me. Chaz is focusing on his career and Luca, the oldest, is busy sleeping around.”
“Gotcha. Do they live nearby?”
“Yeah, they share a townhouse in Arlington. I don’t see them that much. Unless they want a free home cooked meal. And when they do, my mom is more than happy to provide it for them.”
“Does that bother you?” She seems put out about it.
“Not really. Sometimes it seems like my parents let those two do whatever they wanted because they’re boys. And you know the old saying, “boys will be boys,” that’s pretty much been my parents’ philosophy when it comes to them.”
“Do you think they expect more from you?”
“Most definitely. It’s unavoidable. Because I’ve never acted out or gone through a wild phase, they expect me to be on my best behavior all the time.”
“And you don’t want to?”
“No, it’s not that I want to do wild and crazy things. I don’t. But let’s just say I’m looking forward to spreading my wings a little at college.”
“When you say spread your wings, what are you thinking of?”
“I’m not going to sleep my way through freshman year.” She shakes her head and rolls her eyes as if I’m ridiculous for thinking such a thing. “I’m going to come and go as I please and not have to answer to anyone but myself. It’s going to be fantastic.”
“I’m sure you’ll enjoy yourself immensely.” Why do I sound like an old curmudgeon? Am I annoyed that Sophie will be off at college, hanging out with people her own age? Guys her own age? Young and intelligent, with the best years of her life still in front of her, she deserves whatever she desires.
Sophie shifts on the lounger, stretching her legs out in front of her. “This is so comfortable, but I better get going. I have to open the bookstore in the morning.”
“Do you like working for my sister?”
“Yes. Miranda’s an awesome boss. Everyone wants to work for her.”
“Will you continue to work there once you start school?”
“I’m not sure. I guess it will depend on my class workload. But I’d like to, if it’s possible.” She spins to the side, placing the soles of her sneakers flat on the brick pavers.
“Before you go, I wanted to ask you something.” Her eyes go wide. “Relax, you’re not in any trouble. I have an Alexandria University faculty picnic that I’m supposed to attend on Sunday. I realize it’s short notice, but do you think you’d be able to come with me and watch Joey? I’ll pay you for your time.”
“Wouldn’t it be better if we stayed here and then you could do whatever you wanted without us being in the way?”
“Ideally, yes, but because it’s a family picnic, we’re strongly encouraged to bring our kids. I need to be able to rub elbows with higher ups, and having a toddler with me isn’t really conducive to doing that. I can’t be watching him run all over while I’m standing still having a meaningful conversation with one of the university bigwigs.” She nibbles on her berry-red bottom lip, looking conflicted. “What’s wrong?”
“I was going to get together with some friends, but it’s nothing we can’t do another day.”
“Are you sure? I’m not trying to ruin your weekend.” Shit. I need her help, but I don’t want to be a selfish bastard either. Actually, that’s not true. I do want her to come with me, but it’s only to watch Joey. At least that’s the half-truth I’m feeding myself.
“Yeah, I am. What time do you need me to be here?”
“The picnic starts at one so how’s twelve-thirty work for you?”
“It’s all good.” She rises. “Thanks for the ice cream and the conversation. I’m going to head home and catch some z’s.”
I stand and take the empty bowl from her hand, stacking it inside mine. “Come on. I’ll walk you out.”
She follows me to the kitchen, grabbing the bag with her clothes from the floor while I rinse off the dishes in the sink and then add them to the dishwasher. Wiping my hands on my pants, I walk beside her to collect her canvas bag in the living room. She pauses, digging through the contents for her keys. My eyes glide over her feminine features, committing them to memory until I see her again in two days.
“Aha, here they are,” she states triumphantly, shaking the ring in front of her. “I knew they were in there.” She steps toward the door, and my hand lands on her back, gently guiding her along. My pulse picks up its pace, surging and jumping under my skin, but my hand remains just above her waist as we walk down the porch stairs together.
Night has rolled in and the dark sky is littered with bright stars. I wish we were still out on the back patio. We could talk some more and gaze up at the constellations. I could point out the ones I recognize. Anything to keep Sophie here a little longer. She’s good company and I’m beginning to realize how lonely I’ve been. I’m sure that’s part of this unexpected attraction I feel for her. As starved for company as I am, I’d probably be the same no matter who it was.
We reach her car and I open the door for her.
“Thank you.” She smiles, sliding onto the seat. I close her inside and take a step backward. She starts the engine and rolls her window down. “If anything changes for Sunday, text me.”
Tucking my hands in my front pockets, I nod. “I will. Oh, I almost forgot, here you go.” I hand her the money I owe her for watching Joey this week.
She takes the folded cash from me, our fingertips brushing. “Thank you.”
“Drive safe.”
“Okay, Dad.”
“Hey, I kept you later than usual. I don’t need a guilty conscience if anything happens to you,” I make excuses for my concern.
“I’ll be fine.” She waves dismissively with a quick flick of her wrist, backing down the driveway and into the street. A quick beep of her horn precedes her driving off and I raise my hand until she disappears from sight. My arm falls to my side and I shake my head as I trek along the path to the house.
First, I found her attractive, and now I’m worried about her driving home? The hour’s not even late. Whatever this is, whether it’s an attraction or just mild curiosity, I need to get a grip on its neck and strangle it before this can go any further. Sophie is too young for this divorced father, no matter how much my heart is beginning to disagree. I listened to my heart once before and look where it got me. This time I’m leading with my head and I’m going to make the right decisions for both myself and Joey, before it’s too late.
9
Sophie
“How do you like working for my brother?” Miranda questions as she sits across from me at the break table in the back room.
My shoulders twitch in a quick shrug. “It’s good. Joey is adorable.”
“I’ve been wanting to ask you, but I didn’t want you to feel pressured in case you don’t like Miles. I know he comes across as a bit intense and might not be for everyone.”
“He’s been fine.” I try to keep my tone light. I don’t want to talk about Miles with her.
“Why does it sound like you’re trying to be nice, but you want to be honest?”
I laugh. “I think you’ve got an active imagination.”
“No, I just realize how my brother can be. He wasn’t always like he is now.”
“What changed him?” I ask, and then want to kick myself for doing so.
“His ex-wife happened. I knew she was trouble from day one, but you know how guys are.”
“No, not really. I know how my ex was, but that’s about it.” Most guys are a mystery to me.
Miranda leans her forearms on the table. “He’s always been a sucker for a pretty face, but then again, isn’t every guy?”
I nod. I’m a sucker for a handsome face. Does that make me shallow
or naive? I’ve always assumed it was just human nature to be drawn to things we find attractive, whether it’s people or an item.
“Sandy, Miles’ ex-wife, was always self-centered, but he never wanted to admit the truth. He and I butted heads many times over her and, God knows, she and I never got along. I found her manipulative and narcissistic to the core. But how do you make someone see the truth when they already have their mind made up? He thought I was being unfair to Sandy and she played the ‘boo hoo your sister hates me’ card. She was a source of contention between us.”
“Are they divorced?”
“They’ve been split up for a bit over a year and the divorce is finally complete. Hallelujah, the wicked witch is dead. She left him for his best friend. I probably shouldn’t have told you that, but it’s all worked out for the best. Good riddance to that shrew.”
Miranda’s words about her ex-sister-in-law surprise me. She never has a bad word to say about anyone.
I shake my head. “That’s horrible. I guess he has a reason to be intense.” What does that kind of hurt do to a person? It has to alter them in many ways.
She points at me. “See, I knew you’d notice.”
“It seems weird to be discussing him. Can we talk about something else?” As much as I want all the information I can get on Miles, this isn’t the way I want to learn those things. Maybe someday he’ll want to confide in me. And if he doesn’t, I’m fine with that too. The best thing for both of us would be if we didn’t share personal information and all of our interactions have to do with Joey.
The more time I spend with Miles, the more I realize what a great guy he is. I enjoy his company, maybe too much, and that’s not good for either of us in the long run. I need to focus on school and he should keep working on healing from his divorce. Everything I’ve learned from Miranda makes so much sense. No wonder he’s a bit closed off. He has reason to be.
DEPRAVITY: KING UNIVERSITY Page 7
