Familiar Ground

by Michelle Lynn

  She thanks all the girls and instructs them to practice before Tuesday. The giggling girls pass me, each taking their own sweet time looking me over, as though judging my worthiness of their teacher. Leah picks up her towel and presses it against her forehead, blotting it down her face and neck. As she’s taking a sip of water, I notice the sweat drip down below her leotard. God, what it would be like to be that droplet of sweat as it dips down the crease of her more than a handful breasts.

  “Dani is in Vivian’s office. Come on.” She motions her head toward the door. Being the gentleman I am, I allow her to go in front of me. It’s not my fault I get blessed with such an amazing sight.

  She guides me to the small office, where Dani is kneeling on the floor coloring and a middle-aged lady sits behind a desk.

  “Dani,” Leah calls out to her, and she turns around, her lips turning up. This little girl does things to me I never thought possible.

  “Uncle Adam!” she exclaims, standing up and rushing over to hug my legs.

  “What a nice greeting,” the lady says, taking off her reading glasses and laying them on the desk. She stands up from her chair and walks over to us. “Hi, I’m Vivian,” she introduces herself.

  “Hi, I’m Adam,” I reply, and she nods.

  “I know who you are.” She looks at Leah, and Leah rolls her eyes. “Well…I mean Dani just said your name.” She quickly changes course, and I’m feeling pretty good that my name has been topic of conversation around here lately.

  “Oh…of course,” I agree. “You ready, little girl. Grandpa and Grandma want to see you, and then we’re off to my house.”

  “Pumpkins?” she asks, and Leah and I laugh.

  “Maybe we’ll do something else this time,” I mention, and her shoulders slump. “Or, we can stop on the way and buy some more,” I add and the two women laugh.

  “She already has you wrapped around, doesn’t she?” Vivian remarks, through snickered laughter.

  “You have no idea,” Leah adds, and I scrunch my eyebrows.

  “Those who live in glass houses—”

  “I never said, she didn’t have me too,” she retorts.

  “That’s what I thought,” I tease, and she pushes my shoulder. I’m beginning to love that reflex of hers, but I’m waiting for the day, I can pull her into me and kiss her head. I fight the involuntary reflex every damn time.

  “You’re going to your parents?” she asks with no hint of anger but maybe a tiny bit of jealousy.

  “Yeah, are you okay with that?” I question out of courtesy, not that her wishes don’t mean anything, but we’ve already introduced Dani to my parents, so I don’t think it should be an issue.

  “Yes,” comes out in a rush, but then her response calms. “I mean, of course.”

  “You want a ride home?” I press my hands over the door frame, and I catch her eyes on my exposed stomach. When she finishes drooling over my body, her eyes meet mine, and I give her a smirk in confirmation that I did indeed see that.

  “Sure,” she answers quietly, and I release my arms and motion for her to lead the way.

  Holding my hand out to Vivian. “It was a pleasure meeting you.”

  “Oh, sweetie, I’m glad I got to meet the infamous Uncle Adam,” she remarks, a small smiling crossing her lips. Leah’s head snaps back, and Vivian quickly recovers. “Dani loves her uncle,” she says, beaming down at the little girl. When her eyes move up and meet mine, I’m smirking. She shrugs and raises her eyebrows in Leah’s direction. Yep, I’ve been talked about, and it feels pretty damn awesome.

  We say a quick goodbye to Darcie, the receptionist, who Leah introduces me to again, and I watch her devour my body with her eyes—again. It’s nice for everyone to be so enamored with me, but I’d really prefer the hot blonde that’s currently walking out of the studio with my niece’s hand in hers.

  I open the car door, and Leah slides in, drawing her seatbelt across the tight leotard that clings to her sweaty body. “Uncle Adam, strap me in,” Dani calls, diverting my attention from thoughts of Leah’s curves out of her clothes. Refocusing my eyes, I shut Leah’s door and buckle Dani into her contraption.

  Climbing into my own seat, my eyes automatically focus on Leah’s thin legs crossing over one another. Taking her all in, committing every inch to my memory, so later tonight the image of them wrapped around me as I thrust into her will be vivid.

  “Adam.” Her voice so soft and light, it takes me a while before I allow my vision to reach hers. She arches her eyebrow at me, and I lightly chuckle.

  “Sorry, but you can’t blame me,” I tease, and she giggles.

  “Why would that be?”

  “After that performance in the studio, I just can’t stop myself. You should cover yourself up,” I say, taking one last look before starting the car.

  She begins digging through her bag and pulls out her sweatshirt. “Oh, I forgot.”

  “Don’t do it on my account,” I remark, begging my brain to tell my eyes to stay on the road.

  “I have to do it especially for your account,” she jokes, unclicking her seatbelt to put it over her head.

  “Aunt Leah, your belt,” Dani reminds her from the backseat.

  Leah quickly scrambles to get her sweatshirt over her head and refastens her belt. “I know, Dani, thanks for reminding me.” We share a look of humor at the little girl noticing.

  The rest of the drive is quiet. Even Dani’s attention is focused outside the window. When I pull the car up in front of her building, Leah’s boyfriend is outside. He stands up and walks over to the car, and I’m having déjà vu from the last time. This guy is either terrified I’m going to steal his girl or just possessive to the core. I’m thinking a little bit of both. The fact he might feel threatened by me brings a smile across my face.

  “Thank you for the ride,” she says, unbuckling her belt and turning my way.

  “You’re welcome,” I reply, watching the boyfriend’s steps come closer to the car.

  “So, what time do you think you’ll be back tomorrow?” she asks, her own hand on the door handle.

  “Three or so?” I ask.

  “Okay, well, call me with any problems.” A moment of silence lingers, and she appears to be resistant to leave the confines of the car.

  “Have a good night, Leah. We’ll be fine,” I assure her, and she nods.

  “All right. I’m just going to say a quick goodbye to her.” Before she can pull the handle open, the door flings open and her arm is yanked while half of her body leans out the door.

  “Babe?” his authoritative voice rings out.

  “I’m coming, Jason,” she says to him and then composes herself, grabbing her bag.

  “Well—have fun, you two.” She glances briefly my way and then steps out of the car. I wait until she opens the back door to say goodbye to Dani.

  “Bye, Dani. Have fun with Uncle Adam, okay?” Her voice shaking, signaling she’s struggling letting this little girl go for just one night.

  “Okay,” Dani says, smiling my way as I peer back at the two girls.

  Leah reaches her arms around her and holds her tight against her. “Bye. Love you,” she whispers faintly, but I catch it.

  “Love you,” Dani mumbles back.

  Leah backs out of the car and shuts the door, placing her hand on the window one last time. Then the boyfriend pulls her back into him and wraps his arms around her waist. She waves, and the little girl waves back while I place the car in gear, pulling out into traffic.

  I can’t shake the smile off my face at the knowledge she waited and watched me leave. I’m sure it was partly because of Dani, but there was more to it than that. Every sign tells me there’s a good chance she’s as in to me as I am to her. She’s fidgety around me, and she moves quickly anytime our bodies brush against the other, as though I scorched her with my touch. One could mistake it for uncomfortable or hatred, but the intrigue is warming her eyes. I see the way she looks my way when she thinks I’m not paying atte
ntion. How her cheeks turn that slight shade of pink when I make a sexual innuendo toward her.

  I shake my head back and forth. Just stop it, Adam. Even if she does want to jump your bones, you know it can’t work out in the long run. It’s just my luck that the one girl I’ve been dreaming about for the past month has become untouchable. Leaving me no choice but to rid thoughts of Leah from of my mind. Lucky for me. I have a three-year-old that will help me with that.

  “Uncle Adam, what are we gonna do?” The little girl questions from the back seat of my Challenger.

  “What do you want to do?”

  Dani shrugs her shoulders. “I don’t care.”

  “We’ll go see Grandma and Grandpa, and then how about dinner and movie with popcorn?” I grin, looking in the rearview mirror, since we’re stopped at a red light.

  “Good,” Dani says with a smile on her face. I’m starting to become addicted to those smiles. The more she does it the more I crave more from her. The taste of laughter I got a few moments ago could easily become my addiction. I want her to turn into a normal three-year-old toddler, who says funny things and laughs all the time. Not the closed off, expressionless one I met last week. Imagining the things she’s seen has me so furious my body is shaking.

  We spend the afternoon with my parents, who spoil Dani with toys they purchased this week for her. I keep my distance, even running out to the store, so they can have some alone time with her. Since, I’m going to be selfish and take her home with me tonight, I want to give them time as well. My mom tries to plead with us to stay, but I appease her when I say that we’ll come early and go shopping in the morning.

  Dani and I order in some Chinese. It turns out, she loves sweet and sour chicken. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone eat so much of it, not even an adult. I’d stopped at a movie rental kiosk outside the convenient store and picked up the latest kid’s movie, even checked twice to make sure it was G rated. After dinner, I pop in the movie and make some popcorn, which to my surprise Dani reaches over and takes a few handfuls. Where does all this food go in that little body?

  Midway through the movie I feel Dani’s head drop down on my shoulder, she’s zonked out. Pausing the movie, I’m happy I changed her into her pajamas before we started it. I put my arms under her and carry her into my bedroom, tucking her into my queen bed. Grabbing my sweats and t-shirt on the way out, I’m content. I had already prepared the couch to be my bed tonight.

  Trying to give my mind a rest, I flop on the couch, turn the television off, and stare at the ceiling. Last week, I was a single man dreaming of some hot college girl that walked by me every day. Now, I’m a single uncle that can’t stop thinking about his niece’s aunt who has a boyfriend, who has his hands on her and is doing things to her right now that I wish I was. As hard as I try not to, I fall asleep picturing that beautiful angel, hoping one day she’ll be laying next me.

  Jason’s hands are on me immediately when we enter my apartment. Dani hasn’t been gone for fifteen minutes before he’s unbuttoning my shirt and his lips are exploring my neck.

  “Come on, Leah, it’s been all week,” Jason begs while nipping at my ear.

  “I know, but Adam took her for the night, we have time. Do you want to eat?” I pull away, walking to the kitchen. Usually, I enjoy his hands and lips on me, but I must be tired because I just want to eat and go to bed.

  “We can eat after, come on, babe.” He grabs my hips, leading me to the couch.

  “I haven’t even showered after dance. We left right from the studio.” Jason positions me so I’m straddling him on the couch.

  “I noticed, I hate it that he saw your ass in these leggings.” He grips my ass with both hands, pushing me into him more.

  “Jason, I’m sure he barely noticed.”

  “Oh, believe me, Leah, that guy notices everything about you.” He brings me closer to him.

  For the first time, since I’ve been with Jason, I’m thinking about another man as he kisses my neck down to my collarbone, and his hands roam my body. God, I’m a horrible girlfriend.

  I couldn’t deny what Jason said; he’s right when it comes to Adam. There’s something there. Adam’s attraction to me is clear. But it’s slim that it could ever work out. Almost like we’re the Hatfields and McCoys in the sense, our families would always be separated by a sinkhole. The only difference is Dani. She’s bonded us all together, and I’m not sure how we’ll all fit together into one puzzle. One thing is for sure, though, Adam and I together would only make it worse. His anger can’t be disguised when my brother’s name comes up. He blames him for his sister’s overdose, and I’m a hundred percent sure his parents do, too. I’m ready for my life to get easier not harder. Jason is easy. He comes from a great family, and his parents love me as much as he does. I love his parents in return. They’ll never take the place of my own, but they treat me nicely and think I’m good for Jason.

  Jason and I end up lying down on the couch and, although my thoughts drift to Adam’s short dark hair and lean muscular build, I’m very aware of Jason as well. Jason’s body is different with his large frame and big muscles, but just as desirable to any female. My mind shifts back and forth between the two men. When my eyes flutter open, I’m filled with Jason. But, as soon as my eyelids shut, I imagine it’s Adam’s hands touching me and his soft lips kissing me. I hate myself for it; I wish I could go back to before when Jason was my sole interest. Adam has already began to fulfill my thoughts and dreams. Fortunately, Jason didn’t notice my dual companions during our afternoon delight, because, when we finish, he tells me it was the best we’ve had in a while. I desperately want to curl up in the fetal position and cry due to the feelings of deceit and cheating that guilt’s me.

  Later that evening, Jason and I sit down at the breakfast bar for dinner. One plus to Jason, he’s an excellent cook. He brought all the ingredients to make my favorite dish, Chicken Tetrazzini.

  “Jason, this is amazing.” I put my fork down from my second helping and take a sip of my chardonnay wine that he brought as well.

  “I knew things had been hard for you this week, and I wanted to make you feel better.” He grabs my hand, pulling me over to him. “I’ve missed you so much, come sit on my lap while we eat.”

  I take a sip of my wine and twirl some pasta around my fork, placing it up to Jason’s mouth. “Here you go, babe. You’re an incredible cook.”

  “Hummm,” he moans while finishing chewing. “Not to brag, but I think you’re right.” He cockily agrees with me on his cooking. I’ve never minded Jason’s arrogant side, but for some reason a distaste to it comes over me this time.

  “Give me a break, you love to brag, especially about your cooking.” I laugh as I nudge my elbow into his ribs playfully.

  “You have me there.” He laughs while placing both arms around me, squeezing me tightly across my stomach. “Speaking of my awesome cooking skills,” he winks at me and slaps my ass to get up off his lap, “I have dessert.”

  “Oh, you know me so well, Mr. Bridges,” I say.

  “You know I don’t bake, so I have to admit I bought this from that new bakery by my house.” He places the pink bakery box in front of me, and my mouth begins to salivate.

  “Oh, babe, they look amazing.” I pick up one of the three éclairs in the box. Facing him, I situate myself on Jason’s legs, and place it at his lips.

  “Please, ladies first.” He seizes it from my hand and turns it around, holding it out in front of me now.

  “Don’t mind if I do.” I take a conservative bite.

  “Oh, Leah, come on. I know you can do a lot better than that.” He waggles the éclair in front of my lips.

  I lean forward and encase my mouth over it taking a much larger bite, leaving custard on the outside of my lip. Wiping it off with my finger, I place it up to Jason’s face. He smiles at me and encases my finger in his warm mouth, sucking the cool custard off.

  “Round two, baby.” Jason tosses the rest of the éclair in the
box and pulls me closer by my wrists, enveloping me in a hug. The chocolate goodness spreads between our mouths as our tongues mingle together. His hands find my ass and scoop me up into his arms as I swing my legs around his waist.

  “Wait, not without these.” I bend down and grab the box of éclairs before Jason carries me to my bedroom.

  Jason and I sleep until nine the next morning. Panic hits me when I wake up and see Jason sprawled across my bed without any clothes. Once I finally fully wake up, I remember she’s with Adam. Oh…Adam. He hadn’t entered my thoughts after dinner last night, but now as much I hate to admit it an eagerness to see him flutters to life. As I stare at Jason still sleeping soundly, guilt starts to resonate in my heart. I hate that Adam brings these new found feelings out in me, but maybe it’s more Dani than him. Her reaction to him that makes me yearn for him so much.

  Adam has a special connection with Dani that I can’t seem to match with her. He gets her to uncontrollably laugh and smile in a matter of a couple hours; whereas, I still struggle to get Dani to giggle. I’m not sure why I’m surprised, Adam brought just as much of a comforting sense to me as well. There’s no pressure, no expectations, no judging with him. He is who he is, and he takes everyone else as they are with no criticism or opinions.

  Jason swings his arm over me and starts massaging my breasts. I know this move all too well. This is his least exciting let’s have sex again move. Would it kill him to seduce me a little? Maybe inch toward me, start kissing my neck or earlobe. Then again, am I judging him a little harshly because of Adam? Since I don’t know when Jason and I will have this time again, I play Jason’s game of touch and feel. I’ve only had to fake it a hand full of times with Jason in the past, but Adam’s face keeps flashing through my mind, and I know if I let Jason leave this morning without having sex, he’ll just be short and curt with me. I have enough going on right now than to deal with his childish reactions. We have sex, and I fake my orgasm, so it ends quicker. And, really, who does it hurt by making him believe I got off just as much as he did?