by M. C. Decker
“Yes. I know I’m being ridiculous, but we haven’t been apart for more than a day since we met. She’s the only constant I’ve had in my life since …” I said, trailing off.
“You don’t have to explain, Ireland. I wasn’t making fun of you for being upset. I truly just want to make sure you’re OK.” I looked into his eyes and saw his sincerity.
“I really have missed you,” I said, as I stood on my tiptoes to place a chaste kiss on his cheek. It was the first time I’d taken the initiative to kiss him. It may have only been on the cheek, but I hoped he could tell I was trying.
Bentley insisted on driving to the coffeehouse and was I ever relieved when we drove up only to find a street filled with nothing but parallel parking. I’d never been able to master the skill myself, always trying to pull into the spot, but leaving the rear of my car crooked and sticking out in traffic. I didn’t care to recount all the times I’d been honked at while struggling to park before finally giving up and driving off.
Bentley pulled up next to the car in front of the space and effortlessly backed into it as if the car were on autopilot. I laughed out loud without even saying a word.
“What’s so funny?” he questioned, shifting into park and removing the keys from the ignition.
“You just made that look so simple.”
“You’ve lost me. Made what look so simple? All I did was park a car,” he shrugged.
“You didn’t just PARK a car. You parallel parked a car. And, it only took you one shot!”
“Please tell me that you’re kidding,” he chuckled.
“No, I’m not kidding. You have skills.”
“Those aren’t the only skills I possess, Shamrock,” he said with a wink.
“You’re such a flirt,” I sassed, slapping him on the shoulder.
“Kevin taught me how to parallel park before I was even sixteen. He told me then that it would impress the ladies. I guess having an older brother does pay off. Remind me to thank him the next time I see him.”
“I’ll do that,” I joked. “Seriously though—parallel parking has never been my forte.”
“It’s not that hard. I’ll teach you sometime. In fact, I’ll teach you all my skills.”
“You’re incorrigible.”
“You love it,” he said, before opening his door and sliding out, leaving me in the car alone.
“Probably more than I should,” I mumbled to myself as Bentley came around and opened my door.
“Oh, such a gentleman,” I said, stepping out of the Range Rover.
“Just call me Prince Charming,” he said with a grin. Bentley’s smile alone was enough to melt my panties right off. His teeth were perfectly straight and dazzling white.
I bowed my head, hoping he hadn’t just caught me staring. “My breakfast is stuck in my teeth isn’t it?” he asked, rubbing his front tooth.
I laughed, “No, quite the opposite actually. I can’t get over how perfect they look.”
“Oh, well Staci’s father is an orthodontist. Her entire family takes great pride in oral hygiene,” he said, rolling his eyes.
“Oh, I—I didn’t realize.”
“Shit, sorry, I probably shouldn’t have brought up my ex-wife on our first date.”
I took a deep breath before speaking. Did he really just call this a date? I didn’t have time to worry about all the logistics right now. I just needed to focus on having a good time with Bentley over a cup of coffee. That should be simple enough, right?
Taking my silence as something more than it was, Bentley spoke, “I really am sorry, Shamrock. I won’t bring her up again. I promise. Way for me to kill the mood before we even step foot inside,” he said, putting his hand on the small of my back, ushering me into the coffee shop.
“It’s OK, Bentley. I want to get to know you again. She’s been a major part of your life for so many years. You share a son. I would expect you to talk about her,” I said, reassuringly.
Before opening the door, he stopped in front of the shop and pulled me into his chest. As if I’d been doing it my entire life, I instinctively leaned my head back on his chest.
“I love how easy this feels between us,” Bentley whispered before placing a soft kiss on the top of my head. “I know eventually we’ll have to talk about the hard stuff, but today I just want to keep it about us. Deal?”
“Deal,” I promised before reaching for the door handle.
“Uh-uh,” Bentley said, stopping me. “Prince Charming, remember?”
I gave Bentley my order before scoping out the coffeehouse to find us some seats. Being that it was a Sunday afternoon, the place was fairly empty minus a few summer school students feverishly typing on their laptops, presumably working on final papers before the upcoming holiday. We pretty much had our choice of seats, but it was the U-shaped booth lined with pillows nestled in the back corner that caught my eye. It was probably too cozy and intimate for two friends reconnecting, but I couldn’t help but fall into the seat.
I’d scooted into the middle, propping my feet up beside me. Grabbing one of the pillows, I held it against my chest as Bentley came over with our beverages.
“It took me a minute to even find you over here,” he said, sitting down in the booth. “Looks like you’ve already made yourself at home though,” he added, pointing to my now bare feet.
“What? I like to be comfortable and I hate shoes and socks,” I shrugged. “But, you already knew that because it’s definitely not a new trait. Now hand over the caffeine,” I said, taking one of the cups from his hands.
“Shit! That’s hot!” I blurted out as some of the liquid sloshed over the side and onto my wrist.
“Serves you right for having grabby hands,” Bentley said in mock disgust.
Putting my wrist to his lips, he cooed, “But, I suppose I can find it in my heart to kiss it and make it better.”
In that moment, I felt my heart flutter inside my chest. How was it than in just twenty-four hours, Bentley had succeeded in weakening the impenetrable walls that I’d built around my heart?
“So, tell me about Jamie?” I interrupted, hoping to get my mind back on track.
He looked puzzled. “I thought you were refusing to call me that. You’ve only called me Bentley since we were reintroduced at the wedding.”
“You’ll always be Bentley, but I already know Bentley. I guess I want to get to know Jamie—even though I’ll still call you Bentley,” I laughed. “Did that make sense? Because it totally made sense in my head before I said it out loud.”
“It made perfect sense. What do you want to know?”
“Everything. You played football for the University of Tennessee?” I asked, taking a sip from the cup sitting in front of me.
“Blech. What the hell is this shit?!? I yelled, spitting the liquid into my napkin.
“It’s coffee, drama queen. I can already tell someone was a thespian in high school,” Bentley said, rolling his eyes.
“Actually, yes, and in college too. I’ll have you know that I played Alice in Alice in Wonderland and Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Now take your black coffee-shit and hand over my caramel-crème latte.”
He swapped cups with me before answering, “I don’t know how you drink that sweet shit. I feel like I’m wearing a sweater on my teeth.”
“It’s better than a cup of dirt like you’re drinking!”
“I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree about this one. But, back to a more important issue.”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“Please tell me you still have those ruby slippers because I’d love nothing more than to see you sprawled out on my bed wearing nothing but those.”
I felt my cheeks flush at his admission. “Is it—is it hot in here, or is it just—just me?” I stuttered.
“It’s a little warm—yes, but you’re the only thing in here that’s hot. And, that’s saying a lot since we’re in a coffeehouse.”
I couldn’t contain my laughter. “Well you d
id have me turned on until you said that. You’re so fucking cheesy.”
“At least I can still make you laugh,” he said with a smirk. Even under his day-old scruff, I still saw the same dimpled cheeks that I’d fallen in love with as a kid.
It wasn’t until the barista had refilled our drinks about ten times that I took a look at my phone to check the time. I was shocked when I saw that it was already nearly seven o’clock. We’d spent the afternoon reminiscing and catching up on our lives over the last two decades. I’d heard everything from Bentley’s time at the University of Tennessee playing football to earning his degree in architectural engineering.
Although Bentley said he wanted to keep the conversation just about us, the topic of Staci did come up again. The two had met as undergrads and after a year of dating Staci became pregnant with Tanner during their last year of college. Bentley graduated at the top of his class, but Staci didn’t finish and followed Bentley to Detroit where he’d obtained a job at a prominent architectural firm. The two got married and moved their small family from Tennessee to Michigan.
That’s where he met Greg and the two hit it off right away. After just three years, they both left the firm and made the decision to become partners in their own firm. I could only feel impressed with everything he’d been able to accomplish and overcome at such a young age.
I could tell he didn’t want to get into their actual marriage, or the way things ended between the two of them. I suppose if we were to continue doing whatever it was we were doing then that would be a topic for another day.
He talked about Tanner and how his son wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps and takeover the architectural firm someday. I could see the joy in Bentley’s eyes each time he told me a story about Tanner and could tell his son meant the world to him. I knew instantly that if he was anything like his father then he was a good kid.
I went on to tell him about my job as a counselor, working primarily with orphaned children. It had always been my desire to turn my negative experience into something positive and I never wanted children to feel alone and scared. I didn’t want them to blame themselves as if they’d ever done anything wrong. Although I was still living with my own fears and insecurities, I hoped I was making a positive impact on their lives.
As more time passed, I found myself cuddling closer into Bentley’s side. He had his arm propped up on the cushion behind me and I felt safer here than I had in years. It was like no time had passed between us.
“Hey, I have a crazy idea,” Bentley said, sipping his coffee. I still couldn’t believe he was drinking that shit black.
“Yes, you should try the flavored creamer,” I responded with a playful wink.
“You’re cute when you’re trying to be sassy, but that wasn’t my idea.”
“No? Well at least you still think I’m cute after a night of drinking and a five-minute shower. But, if hazelnut cappuccino isn’t in the plans then let’s hear your crazy idea.”
“You know what, never mind. It’s really too crazy,” he said, shaking his head.
“Would you seriously just tell me!”
“Nope,” he answered, making sure to pop the “p.”
“Fine, I suppose it’s time for me to get going anyways,” I said, placing my feet on the floor and sliding over in the booth.
“Wait. Always did know how to get what you wanted, didn’t you?”
“Maybe,” I paused, waiting for him to spill it. “So, are you actually going to tell me this crazy idea of yours, or do I need a lid to take this latte to go?” I said, pointing at my Styrofoam cup.
“My mom’s having knee replacement surgery on Monday and I’m leaving for Tennessee this weekend—just for a few days. I know it’s probably too soon, but I was wondering if you’d like to go with me. I thought maybe instead of getting a hotel, we could stay at the cabin.”
My eyes widened and I put my hand to my mouth. Bentley was right. This was definitely too soon. This was certainly a crazy idea. But, why if it was so crazy, did I actually want to go?
“Never mind. I told you it was insane. Just forget I even asked. Time to change the subject—tell me more about your job,” Bentley rambled.
“Yes,” I said, even surprising myself.
“Yes? Yes, you’ll go with me?”
There was nothing but pure excitement radiating from his eyes. I couldn’t change my mind now. I was all in. Just twenty-four hours ago, Bentley was still only a part of my past, but now all I wanted was a future with him. In just twenty-four short hours, this man had destroyed everything I’d ever believed about love and relationships.
I blew out a breath of air and rested my head back to look up at the ceiling. I’d forgotten I wasn’t alone until I heard Bentley ask me once again, “Ireland, are you OK? Did you really just say that you’d go with me? Or, am I imagining things?”
I raised my head and looked into his deep brown eyes once again, “No, you aren’t imagining things. I will go with you. What about Tanner? Will he be going with us?”
I don’t know why that idea petrified me even more. If I wanted to be a part of Bentley’s life then I would need to be a part of Tanner’s life, too. I dealt with teenagers on a daily basis at work, and got along well with many of them, but Tanner was different. His opinions of me would have an effect on my future—my future with Bentley. Of course I wanted to spend time with Tanner and get to know him, I just wasn’t sure if I was ready to do it quite so soon. After all, I was still just getting reacquainted with his father.
“No, school is out for a few more weeks and he wants to stay here with his friends. He’ll be staying here with Staci. I do hope you can meet him soon though.”
I gave him a weak smile, hoping he wouldn’t sense my fear. “I’d like that.”
Sensing my apprehension, Bentley leaned into me and grabbed my hand in his. Our eyes locked and he whispered, “Don’t worry, Shamrock. He’ll love you, you’ll see. After all, you aren’t very difficult to love.”
I was relieved when an incoming text on my phone took me away from our conversation. I didn’t really want to delve any further into what Bentley was telling me right now.
Katie: We just landed in Los Angeles. We’re here for two hours and then we’re off to Tahiti. With any luck we’ll get to Bora Bora before we’re both eighty. Why didn’t you tell me this flight would suck donkey balls? P.S. How’d it go with Jamie, or is it Bentley? And, did he ShamROCK your world?!?!?!
I chuckled at Katie’s way with words.
Ireland: OK! Safe travels! We’ll talk next week! Love your face!
I was hoping she would take my curt response as a sign that I was still busy with Bentley and would let it go. My phone vibrated on the table once more. Wishful thinking.
Katie: OK, I knew I was going to have to pry it out of you, but I thought you would give me a little more of a tease than that … Wait a minute! Are you still with him?!?!?!
Ireland: I am not! Now go and enjoy your honeymoon!
Katie: You so are! You know you’re a terrible liar! I can tell you’re lying to me over text!
There was really no use arguing with her. Just when I was about to reply, I saw Bentley’s phone light up on the table.
“Let me guess—it’s Greg,” I said.
“Actually, I think it’s Katie using Greg’s phone. It’s not like Greg to ask me how my date went,” he laughed.
“She’s never going to hear the end of this from me,” I sighed.
“Maybe I should get you home so you can call her before she drives you crazy.”
“Sadly I think you’re right,” I said, scooting out of the booth.
“I’m going to be busy the next few days finishing up a project, but will you have dinner with me on Wednesday,” Bentley asked, as we pulled up next to my car. “We can talk more about next weekend then.”
“Dinner sounds good, but let me cook you something at my place.”
“Are you sure? I’d be happy to take you out.”
> “I know, but I figured we’d have more privacy at my place and I’d love to cook for you. Hard to believe, but I’m actually pretty good at it. I took a few culinary classes as extracurricular back in college. Greg and Katie can’t cook to save their lives, so I figured someone needed to learn. And, please, don’t tell her I told you that,” I chuckled.
“Your secret is safe with me. Truth-be-told, I always suspected that was the case since I’ve worked with the guy for over ten years and I’ve never once been invited to dinner at their place. But, dinner at your place sounds perfect. I’ll text you tomorrow and we’ll figure out the details,” he said, leaning over to peck me on the nose
Although the sun was already beginning to set, I didn’t want my time with Bentley to end. I couldn’t believe I’d spent the entire day with him. It felt so natural—so easy. Like we’d spent every day together for the past eighteen years.
As if reading my mind, Bentley leaned into me once again. “I’ve missed you, Ireland.”
I didn’t have time to respond before Bentley captured my lips with his. He didn’t start slowly like he had yesterday on the dance floor. Today his lips were punishing mine, and I was enjoying every minute of it. He consumed me. It was raw—carnal even. After what seemed like several minutes, we both pulled away gasping for air. I wasn’t sure if the stars I saw were from the kiss, or from lack of oxygen to the brain. It took everything I had not to strip naked in the front seat and let him violate me in his car.
As if he could sense my desires, “You need to get into your car and leave before I throw you into the backseat. And, I’d rather our first time not be a quickie in my Rover.”
I blushed—either from his ability to read my mind, or from his mention of our first time. Instead of speaking, I put my hand on the door, struggling to find the handle.
“I don’t know how you do it, but you’re cute when you’re flustered,” Bentley said, pulling me back to steal one more kiss. This one was sweeter, but still left me heated and aching for more.
“I’ll see you on Wednesday?” I asked, stepping out of the SUV.
“You better believe you will. I’ll text you tomorrow with a time. Drive safe, Shamrock.”
