His eyes drop to my legs then his gaze returns to my eyes. The heat in his stare is unsettling, it is intense, like an inferno waiting to singe every part of me. I need to cool things down. Especially with my son here.
“Let me.” He takes the bottle and the opener and I watch as the veins in his strong hands pop as he works to uncork it. He goes to pour the liquid in one of the glasses and passes it to me. Then he pours some for himself. “To new beginnings,” he smiles before taking a small sip. My mouth is watering and the wine hasn’t even touched my lips yet. I want to pinch myself because this level of attraction is something you read about in a romance novel. It isn’t something experienced by a single mom and teacher. My life is, well, boring.
Colton takes a seat beside me on the couch, his hand lightly brushing up against mine as we quietly watch my son finish up his Xbox game.
When Carter finishes his game, we all go to the kitchen. I had already set up the Thai red curry shrimp on the table.
“Carter, you like shrimp?” Colton asks, and I register the surprised look on his face.
“My dad is a foodie. He likes me to try a lot of different foods. It isn’t my favorite, but it’s okay.” Carter shrugs as he pops a shrimp in his mouth.
“A foodie, huh?” Colton repeats with a wry smile following my son’s motion of popping a shrimp in his mouth. “Good.” Colton nods as he chews.
“Wait until you taste Mom’s steak. She makes the best steaks. By the time you leave here you’ll be a foodie too,” Carter says and Colton gives me a warm look before tilting his head back laughing.
“I think all sons like their mom’s cooking. I don’t think there is anything special about my steaks,” I answer Carter by speaking but also by signing. I notice how Colton watches us intently.
“I’ll be the judge of that.” Colton winks down to Carter.
I get up from the table and pull the steak and roasted vegetables out of the oven. Then I place a steak on each of our plates followed by the potatoes and carrots.
“It looks delicious.” Colton grins while looking up at me to make sure I see what he said. I wonder if he feels odd having to make sure I understand him speaking all the time.
We all eat quietly since signing and eating don’t go hand in hand, literally. Colton is talking to Carter, but I don’t entirely follow the conversation because I’m partially looking down at my plate when I take a new bite. It seems they’re talking baseball.
“Mom,” Carter signs. Then he asks me if Colton can take him to a baseball game tomorrow afternoon. I nearly choke on my bite of steak. I don’t know that I’m ready for Carter to spend so much time with Colton.
“I told Grandma she could take you to the new Transformer movie. She’ll be disappointed.”
“Mom! Seriously. Colton has front row seats for the White Sox vs Cubs. That’s like epic. Who cares about a silly transformer movie.”
Colton looks at me apologetically. “I’m sorry, I should have asked you first before offering,” he says between bites. “And since I have your attention this steak is delicious. I’m walking out of here a foodie. In fact, I may be addicted to your cooking.” He winks placing another bite in his mouth.
“Thank you, and it’s fine, I mean you wouldn’t have known that I made plans for him already.” I brush it off. “Let me speak to Jake’s mom and see if we can switch Carter’s plans for Sunday.” Great. Veronica is giving me a hard time about Colton as it is. How am I going to explain that Carter wants to spend time with him too? And I can only imagine Jake’s response as well.
“I want you to join us at the ball game too,” Colton says looking directly at me. I know he can’t control the color of his eyes but at this moment, they are a piercing blue, and as he looks directly at me it feels like his penetrating gaze causes my heart to skip a beat. Damn him and his good looks. It makes it hard to deny him, but I have to.
“Oh…I…” My nerves bubbled to the surface. I’d be seen in public with the governor. I couldn’t help but think of all the headlines speculating numerous short-term relationships. I didn’t want to be another notch on his belt. What would the reporters write about the fact that I was a single mom? I wasn’t ready for that kind of exposure.
Carter places his fork on his plate. He polished off his steak. “May I be excused? I told Andrew I’d text him about my new Lego set.”
I nod. “Yes, go ahead.”
Carter walks away, and I wait for Colton to comment on the fearful look that came over me when he mentioned the ball game.
Colton places his hand on mine. “Don’t shut down on me. I think after last night we should be able to talk about anything.” His eyes are filled with concern. He has every right to worry because he wants to date a woman who becomes panicky at the thought of going into public with him. It was probably a first for him.
I shake my head. “I’m sorry. If we go out in public together, I become a media target. I’ve read the gossip columns, Colton. The people of Illinois are very interested in your private life. I don’t want mine and Carter’s life to be on public display.” Colton takes my hand and pushes his chair back then pats his lap for me to take a seat on him. I stand and slide into his lap.
Our faces are close. “I get it. I do.” He smiles, but I sense his worry. “Most women I’ve dated liked the attention. This is new to me. Forgive me if my reaction is off. I guess I’m used to the media following me. It’s my normal. Even though I don’t like it much either.” With his hand wrapped around my waist, I feel heated being this close to him.
I rest my arm on his shoulder and let out a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry. I love spending time with you. I truly do. I just…” my voice trails off. This issue has been eating away at me for some time now.
Colton’s eyes crease at the corners. “I don’t want to push you. This is new for both of us. My situation can be overwhelming. Don’t come to the game tomorrow. Let’s keep things private for now. Behind closed doors. Let’s navigate us. Don’t give up. Just please let me take Carter tomorrow. I don’t want to disappoint him.” The way he asks to take my son has me undone. This thoughtful, painfully handsome man who so happens to also be the governor of freaking Illinois is asking me to have a secret relationship with him. He doesn’t want to disappoint my son. I can only imagine he is thinking about the many times he was disappointed in his childhood. It warms my heart that he cares this much. It makes me feel all kinds of things that are scaring the wits out of me. I sure as hell can’t deny him, not now, not ever with those gorgeous blue eyes of his pleading with me.
“Carter will be ecstatic to go with you,” I respond, feeling like I’m holding my breath getting ready to dive into the deep end of a pool unsure if I know how to swim.
“Good.” He leans in to give me a chaste kiss on the lips. “And don’t worry, I have security with me in public places at all times. As long as a particular cream pie throwing bandit isn’t around, we’re safe.” He bursts into laughter. It’s infectious.
I throw my napkin at him. “I’m feeling great about us,” he says, and his eyes drop to my lips then lower to my breasts. “Carter is with his dad tomorrow night. Right?” he asks, looking back up at me and I can only imagine what dirty thoughts he’s having about tomorrow night because I bet my thoughts are just as dirty.
“Yes,” I answer a little breathless. The wicked gleam he has in his eyes has me curious.
“Good. I want to take you somewhere…for the night. If you aren’t willing to be seen with me in public then I at least want to spend some time with you outside this apartment,” he says, waiting for my response. By his mischievous glare, I can only imagine that he’s planning something big.
“Well, now I’m curious.” I scrunch my lips together.
“Good. Is that a yes?” he asks. I try to stay focused on his lips which at times is hard especially when his light blue eyes are electrified like they are now.
“That’s a yes.” I press my lips to his briefly then pull away worried about Carte
r coming back into the kitchen. I wouldn’t hear him if he were approaching.
I slide off Colton’s lap and begin to clear the table, my head fuzzy and my heart warm. I don’t remember having this feeling about anyone I’ve dated before, though at times I wished to have had those feelings for Jake because it would have made my son’s life a lot easier if both his parents lived together.
Colton taps my shoulder. “Mind if I hang out with you guys tonight?”
I’m smiling like a schoolgirl. “We’d love that.”
“Maybe you and Carter can start teaching me to sign,” he suggests, and I want to hate him right now for making me fall so hard for him. Why had I thought we wouldn’t be right for each other? I can’t even remember my original list.
“That sounds like a plan.” I continued to clean up the dishes. Colton was right beside me, drying dishes and asking where everything went. In between, he swatted my ass, and I couldn’t help the heat or the promise that his hand connecting to my behind did to my body.
The rest of the evening, the three of us hung out on the couch while Carter taught Colton some of the basics of ASL. Everything was as perfect as perfect could be. Too bad life was filled with ups and downs.
Chapter Twenty-One
Evie
The next morning, I was getting Carter ready for the ball game with Colton. I texted Veronica last night that Carter wouldn’t make it for the movie. She was disappointed, but her mood seemed to brighten a bit when I offered to meet her for coffee this afternoon.
At around noon, Colton arrived to pick up Carter. My son’s eyes bugged out of his head when he saw the black town car waiting for him at our doorstep.
“You’re like famous aren’t you, Colton?” my son asked.
Colton shrugged. “I guess that’s one way of looking at it.”
Carter waved him off. “Don’t worry; I won’t hold it against you.”
I felt a little embarrassed by my son’s words, but Colton thought he was hysterical as he broke into a full out laugh. I also couldn’t keep my eyes off him in the blue jeans that hugged his behind or the plain T-shirt that showed off his very muscular arms. I was kicking myself for not going. I was missing out on an afternoon of Colton Mathis eye candy.
“You have fun,” I said, hoping they could hear me as they entered the Town Car. They both turned to wave at me. Colton said he was taking Carter for lunch before the game. He said it was a perfect place for a foodie. I guess I’d hear all about it when my son came home later on.
With the house all to myself, I took some time to tidy up and change the bed sheets. By one o’clock I was ready to leave the house to meet Veronica. I had a lot of questions for her and this time I promised myself I wouldn’t hold back. Growing up I had lots of questions for Grandpa Jack about my father who I barely knew and about my mother too. My father was an engineering student when he met my mother. They dated for a while, and she got pregnant. My father was all about doing the right thing, so he married her. I came along, and things were tense between them. She wasn’t sure she wanted to be a mom, and my dad convinced her not to have an abortion. My dad got sick and died, and my mom was left with a kid she never really wanted. I think my deafness just made her role all the more difficult. I sometimes wondered if Grandpa Jack wasn’t a little biased against my mother because he didn’t think highly of her.
Those are answers I’ll never have. Maybe that’s why I’m digging for information for Jake. He should know the truth about his parents and his past. I received a message from Jake last night expressing his displeasure with me allowing Carter to go to the ball game with Colton. He’s worried about Carter getting too attached to Colton when things aren’t serious between us. When I told him things were serious, that we were in a committed relationship, he backed off, although I still sensed his displeasure.
I step out of the Uber along the curb at one of the posh coffee places in The Loop. Veronica is already here waiting for me outside.
She waves to me. I walk up to her and embrace her in a hug. When we pull away from each other, she signs how happy she is to see me.
“I’m glad you’re here too. I’m sorry about today, but Carter was so excited about the baseball game.”
“Not a big deal at all. I know how much he loves baseball. Although I thought baseball was something he did with Jake,” she says, and it feels a little like a dig. Her unease about Colton saddens me. I wonder if this is her way of staking a territorial claim for her son. Baseball has always been something Jake and Carter have bonded with over the years.
“It’s just one game. It doesn’t mean he won’t want to go to baseball games with Jake,” I retort as we walk into the coffee shop. The smell of fresh pastries assaults my senses and my stomach grumbles. There’s a long line of course. There usually is here. I guess it’s worth the wait for one of their biscotti or maybe I should have a warm croissant.
“Yes, but Jake doesn’t go on a field to pitch a ball or get front row seats. How can my son compete with that?” she says and it throws me off. I’ve never seen this side of Veronica. I mean I know she’s protective over Jake but never with me. I’m not a threat.
“Carter loves spending time with his dad. I don’t think he cares where he sits. This is just a different experience for him. A good experience. He’ll have a nice day. It shouldn’t bother you,” I say while eyeing her. Something seems off with her.
I watch her take a long breath. “I guess.” Her lips twist with displeasure.
“What are you having?” I ask looking back at her.
“Oh no I invited you for coffee today, it’s my treat,” she smiles. I place my order of a café au lait with a chocolate almond biscotti and Veronica orders an extra-large double macchiato.
With our coffees in hand, we take a seat by the window sitting across from each other.
“It’s so nice to have you here.” I smile at her wanting to ease the tension between us.
“I’m glad to be back. It’s been so long.” Her eyes seem tired and set with worry. “I missed you guys when I was out in California. I guess I just needed a change, or maybe a break. I don’t know.” She shrugs her shoulders. “My life isn’t interesting. Tell me what’s going on with you.” She takes a sip of her coffee and waits for my answer.
“Not much, everything’s the same. The school year will end soon. Getting the classes ready to write exams. I have a class first period this semester, so I feel like I’m always rushing to school.” I mutter matter of factly. Even though I sense that’s not what she wants to know.
“And you are in a new relationship.” She seems to want to pull the words out of me. Problem is I sense her disapproval which makes me want to shut down. It’s crazy though because this isn’t the first conversation I’ve had with Veronica about a guy. I remember back in high school when she gave me the talk about the birds and the bees. She said she couldn’t picture Grandpa Jack getting into specifics with me and she was right, Grandpa’s only words were ‘don’t date. Let’s just make life easy. Relationships are complicated. And with those last words, he went on to watch the six o’clock news. Veronica, on the other hand, knew about my first kiss, when I was dating someone and when we broke up. When Jake and I told her I was pregnant with his baby she cried and said she always hoped deep down that we would get together. She was disappointed when she realized we wouldn’t be getting together but she didn’t show it. She was supportive through my pregnancy and was a huge help when Carter was born. I wouldn’t have gotten through those first months without her. Especially since she babysat a lot which allowed me to finish my classes, do my homework, and get my degree. She loved living in LA, but she moved across the country to help out. Once we settled in, she moved back to LA.
“There’s that too,” I say about dating Colton while trying to keep the dreamy look I get out of my eyes.
“You don’t need to hide your feelings, Evie. I don’t want to make you feel that you have too. I’m just watching out for you,” she signs.
“I want that too, honey.” She squeezes my hand, and I feel the love in her gaze.
“I need to ask you something,” I wince and sign at the same time. She watches me expectantly. I hate to put her on the spot, but it’s been bothering me. “The scar Jake has on his right shoulder. He said he got it from a bike accident, but it looks like a scar more from a burn.”
Her eyes widen, and she gets a deer-in-the-headlights look before they turn back down to size, and she just looks at me like I’ve lost it. “What on earth do you mean, Evie?” she asks. And I hate to say that I’m not buying into her act. Problem is I need to know now more than ever why she’s lied about it.
“Veronica, I’m no medical expert. I know Jake has never questioned where that scar came from, but I think he has the right to know.” I’m pressing, and she could tell me to mind my own business but I can’t back off, not now.
“Why is it that girls pay so much more attention to detail than boys?” she asks. Then she heaves a long breath. “I guess I knew this story would come out someday. I just figured it would be a conversation I would have with my son, not my daughter,” she says, and it isn’t the first time she’s referred to me as her daughter. She started doing that when Carter was born, and it only strengthened our connection. “When I was younger I was in a bad relationship…” she begins.
“With Jake’s father?” I ask.
“Yes, with Jake’s father. Things had been in a bad state for a long time. His name is James Mathis…” she says, and as the name registers I can’t digest what she just said, and my coffee comes flying out of my mouth as I practically jolt from my seat.
“Here,” she passes me a napkin “Now you know how I felt the other night when you said you were dating the Governor of Illinois,” she says, her hands shaking her eyes red and swelling with tears and I can now imagine how she felt.
Mr. All Wrong Page 14
