At Last

by Mindy McKinley

  Lula,

  I am so sorry this email took me so long to write. I wanted to make sure I answered your question the best I could but it’s been nearly 30 years, so you’ll have to forgive my memory.

  Your mother and I were roommates all through college, she was like a sister to me. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss her, but I’m sure you of all people know what I mean.

  I remember your father but only in small bits, Madeline never really brought him around. They met at the club your mom sang at. I remember begging to meet him—it was important to me that she was with a decent man. He needed vetting, I used to say.

  She always had an excuse. He was older, busy, had too much to do to worry about meeting her college friends. But one night, I happened to run into them at the movies. What I remember most was that your father was very tall, with dark hair and a dangerous air to him. He didn’t appreciate having to talk with me.

  That’s really all I remember but your grandmother is right, your mother called him Joe. It was a pet name, a corruption of his real name: Giovanni. He went by Gio. I can’t for the life of me remember his exact last name but I know he was Italian. His family owned one of the restaurants down in Little Italy. I wish I could remember the name.

  Lula, I appreciate that you are trying to find your father and any family you might have from his side but I do believe your mother kept you from him for a reason. Madeline was never petty or jealous and I would be lying if I told you I liked him when we met, however brief.

  I hope this information helps you in whichever way you wish it to and I hope you are doing well.

  My Best,

  Jacqueline Hope

  Lula trembled as she read and re-read the email. Gio. Not Joe. And he was Italian. No, she was Italian. At least partly. Her head spun with all the possibilities. This was information that could actually get her somewhere.

  Her first thought was to tell Dom, so in quick succession, she fired off a thank you email to Jacqueline and a text to tell Dom.

  His response was quick and not the overt excitement she expected.

  DOM: What exactly did she say?

  Trying not to let her spirits fall, she answered.

  LULA: I’ll send you the email.

  She forwarded the email and waited impatiently for him to respond, watching the last few minutes before her next class arrived tick by.

  His answer came just as the bell rang.

  DOM: I know you’re excited, Lu, but aren’t you the least bit worried?

  She answered as quickly as she could.

  LULA: No, I want to find him. I need to.

  She wasn’t irritated, it made sense that he didn’t understand; he had family all around him. He couldn’t possibly know the vast sucking loneliness that losing your entire family created in your core. It was an elemental need, one she couldn’t really control or rationalize.

  After a few seconds passed, he answered her.

  DOM: Okay, I understand and I’m happy for you but you need to promise me that you’ll let me help you. That you’ll let me go with you when you meet him. If you find him.

  Her heart rocketed into her throat and her fingers shook as she typed. Her students were starting to come in and greet her. She had never texted so furiously in her life.

  LULA: You’ll help me?

  She could barely believe he would do that for her.

  DOM: I will. But you have to promise you won’t do anything or meet anyone on your own. Just in case.

  She smiled at how overprotective he was being. It was sweet, really, unnecessary she was certain, but sweet.

  LULA: I promise.

  DOM: Thank you.

  She managed to slide her phone into her desk drawer just as the final bell rang and teach class as though everything was normal. During the next passing period she found another text from him.

  DOM: Now about tonight ...

  She laughed.

  LULA: I’m going to stop by Nan’s. My place later?

  DOM: I’ll bring pasta and CR.

  She beamed.

  LULA: Perfect!

  Chapter 21

  Dominic

  MASON: Heads up, man, mom is planning a dinner with Steve.

  “Fuck.” Dom threw his phone across the desk. It skittered into a stack of papers he needed and upended the whole pile. He swore again.

  He had just been getting into his research, precious time he needed if he was planning on spending all of his evenings with Lula. They had been together every evening for a week and they still couldn’t keep their hands off each other.

  Conducting the first meeting of the Lit Club without staring at her ass or drooling on her tits the whole time was not a task he easily managed. But he had had fun; the kiddos were awesome and even though he was a distracted mess, Lu was incredible. She engaged with them with such passion that he couldn’t help but be pulled into her enthusiasm. It was addicting.

  But then, it seemed everything about her was addicting. Most especially the way her pussy gripped so fucking tight on his cock. It was mind-blowing. The most exquisite pleasure.

  The text from Mason made him push up from the desk and pace around the room. He thought he had come to terms with this. Lula had given something to hold on to. His father had wanted his mother to be happy no matter what.

  So why was he still fighting it?

  He growled when the phone rang and swiped it up from the floor. Mom.

  “Hi, Mom,” he said, trying to keep his voice even and disinterested.

  “Dom.” Her voice was sweet but had a defensive edge to it, as if she expected him to explode at any moment.

  He just might.

  “How are you?”

  “I’m good, Mom, just buried in research. How about you?”

  “Oh, I’m fine, you know me.” She took a breath. “I’m just calling because I want you boys to come to dinner on Sunday.”

  “Mom ...” He didn’t want to hear the next sentence but didn’t know how to stop it.

  “I know it’s short notice, but I think it’s time you met Steve. He will be there. And I want ...” This breath sounded shakier. “I want everyone I love to be in that room, okay, Dominic?”

  He didn’t answer.

  “I’m not asking you to accept it, just be civil, just try to get to know him. Okay? Do you think you can do that?” she added, “Seb and Mace will be there.”

  He stretched his neck, trying to ease the tension that was digging into the base of his skull. “Okay, I’ll come, but—”

  “Oh, Dom,” she cried, cutting him off. “Oh, I’m so happy.”

  “You didn’t let me finish.”

  “Of course, dear.” He could hear her try to compose herself. “Please continue.”

  “I’ll come, but...” And then he blurted the most unimaginable thing, “I’m going to be bringing someone with me.”

  It was her turn to be silent.

  He cringed but kept going. “Her name is Lula Stanley ... I haven’t been seeing her very long but ...” But what? How did he finish that statement?

  “Oh, I think that’s wonderful, Dominic,” she breathed, excitement pushing up the pitch of her voice. “Of course, she’s welcome.”

  He let out a breath of relief. He had no idea why he blurted that out, especially because he should have checked with Lula first, but having her with him was the only thing that might make the night bearable.

  “Seven,” she told him. “Sunday.”

  He sighed and ran a hand down his face. “We’ll be there.”

  “Thank you, Dom, it means so much to me.”

  He knew it did, but, Christ, this was hard. “You’re welcome. Love you, Mom.”

  “Love you too, dear. I’m so excited to meet Lula.”

  He hung up and the realization of what he had just done hit him in the gut. In one fell swoop he would have to meet his mother’s boyfriend and introduce a girl to his family.

  He sank into his chair, half stunned.
/>   Shit. Shit. Shit.

  Why did he do that? Did he really want to complicate things by introducing Lula to his entire family? He blew out a breath. The truth was, he needed her there with him. And as selfish as it might seem in the long run, he couldn’t imagine surviving the night without her.

  Worried that she might say no, he took a deep breath and sent her a text.

  DOM: Hey beautiful, you busy?

  She responded quickly as was her norm. It never ceased to make him smile.

  LULA: Ugh, unfortunately. Essays were due today.

  DOM: I could always give you a massage when you’re done.

  LULA: Mmmm, yes please!

  Her little “mmmm” made his dick hard.

  DOM: Done, I’ll bring supplies.

  LULA: Ooh, supplies, I like the sound of that!

  DOM: I think you’ll like the feel of it too.

  Before she could send a response, he typed out what he really wanted to ask and sent it without re-reading it. He actually held his breath.

  DOM: Also, I was wondering if you were free Sunday evening? My mom is having a dinner. She wants us all to meet her friend. I’d like you to come with me if you can.

  It took a few minutes for her to respond and his heart crept into his throat while he waited. It felt like everything hinged on this one request and her response to it.

  LULA: I’d love to go, Dom. Thank you for asking.

  He let out the breath he didn’t know he was holding. Something very warm spread through his chest and stomach.

  DOM: I can’t promise it will be fun.

  LULA: Will you promise we’ll have fun afterwards?

  He laughed.

  DOM: Now that I can promise.

  LULA: Then we have a deal.

  He collapsed backward in relief and then smiled when she added.

  LULA: Don’t forget that massage. I’ll be ready at 9.

  DOM: Oh, beautiful, I couldn’t forget that. I’ll be there.

  Lula

  Lula set her phone down, mildly shocked.

  She knew enough about the situation to understand that he wanted her there primarily for moral support, but still. To meet his family? It was as terrifying as it was thrilling.

  A new set of fears rolled over her.

  What if they didn’t like her? She knew Seb would be easy, but she didn’t know much about Mason and meeting their mother ...

  Besides, how would she compare to the other women Dom had brought home? Her stomach lurched slightly at the thought of a parade of super poised, super-models who knew exactly what to say and when all the while she didn’t even have anything appropriate to wear. She loved her sweaters, maybe too much, but they were not going to be good enough for a dinner with Dom’s family.

  “Amy,” she said out loud. Amy would save her. Amy would love to save her, especially if it meant shopping. She sent a quick text to see if she would take her shopping on Saturday.

  While waiting for a response, she looked down at the papers that she had been grading, let out a sigh, and stuffed them back into her bag. There was going to be no more concentration from her. Probably for the entire weekend. Fahrenheit 451 reflections would have to wait to be graded another day.

  She let out a breath of relief when Amy called her back instead of texting.

  “Lula,” she demanded, “are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.” She laughed.

  “No, my best friend, Lu, Tallulah Stanley, does not shop nor does she ever want to shop. Believe me, I’ve tried. For years. So tell me who you are and what you’ve done with my best friend.”

  “It’s me, I promise.” She took a deep breath and told her about Dom and the dinner and what she thought she needed something new to wear all in one extremely long run-on sentence.

  “Ames,” she said after the silence on the line stretched for a while. “Amy?”

  “Uh, yeah, I’m just processing all that. He wants you to meet his family?” Her confusion was clear. Lula knew the feeling. “This weekend? You’ve only been dating for like a week.”

  “I know, and we’re not even really dating.”

  “Wow,” she breathed. “Lu, how are you feeling about it?”

  If that wasn’t a question with a thousand answers, she didn’t know what was. “I guess I don’t think it’s that big of a deal.” But she said it with a question mark. “He’s told me about the situation, and I think he just wants me there for moral support, so I don’t think I should read too much into this.”

  Amy was quiet for a moment before she pointed out, “But you’re going to.”

  Exactly. “I know, that’s why I need you to keep me sane. I know Dominic Adams doesn’t date for real. I know he’s with me now because I caught his eye at Mo’s. I know he’ll tire of me eventually—"

  “Lu,” she interrupted, “slow down. First of all, I’m glad you’ve thought everything through. And I mean, really thought it through, but maybe you should also trust that he might not tire of you. Men change, and last time I checked, you are the type of woman a man might change for. You are the real deal, Lu. One of a kind.”

  Tears pressed against the back of her eyes and stomach betrayed her by thrilling at the idea of Dom falling for her. She willed it to stop. She needed to keep her head together. “Oh, Ames, thank you, and for the record, I agree, but I just don’t want to get ahead of myself. Let me get through this dinner and then see.”

  Amy let out a sigh. “I suppose that’s the smart thing. Okay. What kind of outfit do you think you need?”

  “I don’t know,” she wailed. She was impossible at this, a total train wreck. “Something casual but nice—something that doesn’t say ‘I’m a kindergarten teacher,’ or ‘Here, look at my vag.’”

  Amy laughed. “How about a nice pair of jeans, a killer pair of boots, and a pretty, slinky top?”

  A vision of it formed in her brain and she smiled. She nodded even though Amy couldn’t see her. “Perfect, see, how could I survive without you?”

  “Easy, you wouldn’t. Your gravestone would say ‘I should have listened to Amy.’”

  She giggled, feeling miraculously more relaxed now that she had a plan. “It’s true, thank you for always saving my ass.”

  “It’s a good thing it’s such a nice ass.”

  “Okay, good night, weirdo.”

  “I’ll pick you up tomorrow at noon.”

  “Perfect, love you. And thank you!”

  “You too and you’re welcome.”

  Chapter 22

  Lula

  On Sunday evening, Lula stood in her hallway in her new outfit, nervously walking in circles while waiting for Dom. They had chosen a dark pair of jeans that Amy promised made her ass look phenomenal, gorgeous cognac boots, and a deep purple blouse that was feminine and delicious on her skin.

  Amy had also taken control of her hair and make-up, and though she felt like she might just survive the evening as far as looks were concerned, whether or not she’d be able to put two sentences together remained to be seen.

  Her heart skipped a series of beats when Dom arrived. He unfolded his long, lean body from his car looking devastatingly handsome in jeans and a long-sleeve Henley that clung to his abs in a way that ought to be outlawed.

  She could only hope that her appearance had a tenth of the effect his did. He was a modern god. And Lord, did she want to do dirty, dirty things to him.

  “Hey, beautiful,” he said with a smile when she pulled the door open, quickly stopping in his tracks when he got a good look at her. “Wow, Lu, you look amazing.”

  She beamed at him, her heart filling. “Thank you, you look pretty good too.” She ran a finger down his chest and abs. “This shirt makes me want to do very naughty things to you, Mr. Adams.”

  He grinned and stepped closer. “Is that so, Miss Stanley?”

  She leaned into him and dropped her hand lower, brushing her fingers against his cock. “That is so.” She felt him harden against her hand and he kissed her with a gr
owl.

  “You keep touching me like that and we won’t be going to my mom’s,” he told her, nipping at her neck. “I’ll just throw you over my shoulder and have my way with you.”

  “Promises, promises,” she said coyly and slipped away from him and onto the front step.

  “You kill me, Lu,” he said, gripping onto the doorframe.

  She laughed and took his hand. “Come on, I don’t want to be late.”

  “I do,” he grumbled as she locked the door and pulled him toward the car. “I’d much rather bury my tongue in your pussy than meet Steve Richardson.”

  She giggled. It still amazed her that he wanted her so badly. Her. It didn’t make sense but it thrilled her all the same. “Lucky for you, there’s a good chance you can do that when we get back home later. But”—she waggled a finger in his face—“you have to make it through this dinner without misbehaving.”

  He pouted. “Can’t I misbehave just a little bit?” he asked, eyeing her with a challenge dancing in his eyes.

  “Just a wee bit,” she answered and then kissed him on the lips before he pulled her car door open and helped her in.

  “Fine,” he said, shutting her door. When he climbed in next to her, he added, “But I get to eat your pussy all I want when we get back.”

  She flushed all the way to her toenails. “I think that’s a fair deal, Mr. Adams, now drive.”

  He grinned and put the car in reverse.

  Dominic

  Something about having this beautiful woman by his side as Dom headed toward his mother’s house made him feel like he could survive the worst.

  Before he saw Lula smiling at him from her doorway that evening, he had been an absolute mess, a jumble of nerves. His stomach had tossed all day and he hadn’t been able to sit still for any productive amount of time. He felt like he was losing his shit.

  And then there she was, gorgeous and calm and smiling at him and everything felt better.

  He loved the way she smiled, that single dimple that appeared, the way her lovely eyes shined at him. It shifted something significant in him every fucking time.

  As they got closer to his mother’s he felt his heart rate pick up again, but she immediately calmed him by threading her fingers through his.