Her lips were velvety, and she tasted of mint and soda. One of my hands lifted to her cheek and the smooth skin I found helped me understand why she seemed to spend so much time stroking it herself. I could spend an entire day just kissing and caressing her lips and face alone – okay, well I doubt I’d be able to stop myself there. As my other hand reached to tangle in her hair, I tested the seam of her lips with my tongue and she parted without further encouragement, granting entrance to my tongue so it could taste hers.
I could feel her body shaking a bit, out of nerves or excitement I didn’t know and I couldn’t have cared less at that moment. But her tongue eagerly dueled with mine as I turned her toward the wall and pinned her there. My thigh found its way between hers and I pressed. My cock stood at attention as I ground into her leg with the finesse of a fifteen-year-old.
This girl was driving me crazy. I couldn’t stop myself from bringing a hand from her cheek down her side and resting with my thumb just under her breast. She made a little gasping sound as she pulled her mouth away slightly to draw in a breath before moving back in for more. One of her hands drove into the back of my hair while something cold pressed into the small of my back.
Huh? Before I could comprehend what it could be it was gone and a loud clank came from behind me. Laney came to attention abruptly as she pulled back from me, a surprised look overtaking her eyes while the rest of her face remained flushed and her lips swollen from our kisses. She couldn’t pull back far since I still had her pinned to the wall and her breasts rose and fell as they remained pressed into my chest. She tried to look around me but my height prevented it.
“What’s wrong?” I ground out, focused on getting my mouth back on hers.
“Um.” One hand came to her cheek and her eyes darted away from mine. “I think I spilled my soda on you.”
I stepped back from her and, sure enough, the can lay on the ground in a small puddle and a hand to the ass of my jeans revealed a large wet spot.
“This is so embarrassing,” Laney mumbled, still leaning against the wall, both hands to her cheeks now.
I couldn’t help but smile at her. “Totally worth it.”
She returned my smile, hers a bit smaller, then disappearing completely. “Shit. Rocco.” Her eyes darted to the hall entrance.
Mine followed but no one was there. I admit I had completely forgotten about the kid, my attention had been focused solely on her and getting my hands on her. In retrospect I suppose my timing could have been better.
“I’m so sorry,” she began again and darted around me toward the kitchen. “Let me get some paper towels and try to clean you, I mean this, I mean you know– up.” She came back with a roll and tore a few sheets off, thrusting the rest of the roll at me. I wouldn’t have minded her trying to clean me up herself.
“If you want, I can lend you some of Gavin’s jeans and run yours through the washer,” she offered from the floor where she was bent wiping up the mess. I had to force my gaze from her perfect backside.
“No thanks. I’ll be fine.” No way was I borrowing her brother’s clothes. Just, no. “I’ve got to get going in a little bit anyway. I’ll just swing by my place and change there. It’s not far.”
“I didn’t realize you lived close by.” She rose from the floor.
I could see her hardened nipples through her shirt and I lost focus for a moment.
“Yeah, I’ve got a little apartment between here and New Garden. It’s pretty crappy, really, but it’s just temporary so I don’t mind.”
An indecipherable look crossed her face. “Well, at least let me feed you or get you something to drink before you go. I can’t let you work for free.” Her smile was mostly back, some of her discomfort had dissipated.
“I won’t say no to a soda, but this time you can just hand it to me.” I followed her to the kitchen.
“Ha ha.” Her cheeks began to pink again. Damn, that look was good on her.
I wanted to see how else I could get her to turn pink.
“I’ve got Diet Coke and Mountain Dew.” She reached into the refrigerator.
“Mountain Dew. I’ve had enough Diet Coke already today,” I teased again.
“You take classes on how to be a smartass?” The sass was back.
I just took the soda and smiled at her. She seemed to like that because she just stared back at me for a silent moment.
Rocco skipped into the kitchen, ending our little moment, and a double take confirmed that while he still had on the shirt from earlier his pants appeared to be missing.
Laney’s hand covered her eyes for a moment and then she shook it off and smiled at me. “Did I neglect to tell you we have a pants optional policy in our house?” She seemed to realize exactly what she’d said a moment too late and I couldn’t help bursting out into laughter.
“Good God.” She covered her eyes again but then smiled and threw a dish towel at me. “Shut up.”
“You shouldn’t say ‘shut up’, Mommy,” said Rocco, opening the pantry door. Squeak.
“I know, baby, I’m sorry. Nate was being very naughty and I forgot. I’m going to make you some lunch so we can head over to that playdate soon, okay?”
The kid didn’t respond. But I noticed his nose twitch again. Did he have a troublesome booger or something?
“That sounds like fun,” I offered, leaning against the counter and opening my soda.
Still no response.
“I’ll bet you’ve got lots of new friends in the neighborhood, huh?”
Just a shoulder shrug and a nose twitch. Should I get him a tissue?
“I’m gonna play Ninja Turtles.” And he was gone.
“Was it something I said?” I asked Laney who had her head in the refrigerator pulling out lunch fixings.
“No, not at all. He’s just having a rough time making friends his own age and there have been a lot of changes recently so he needs time to catch up.”
“Oh.” I was a bit relieved to not be the cause of any upset. I was also curious about these changes but didn’t want to pry too much. “So, I assume moving here was a recent change,” I hedged.
“Very,” she confirmed, now at the counter making a PB&J. “Until a few weeks ago we actually lived with my parents, but they decided to move to Virginia and it was time anyway, you know.” She rested the knife and looked up at me.
No, I didn’t know, but it was sounding like the baby-daddy wasn’t in the picture. I wanted to know more so I stayed silent hoping she’d elaborate on her own.
“It was great having all the help with Rocco, especially when he was a baby, but five years is a long time and it’s nice to be on our own now.” She looked around the mismatched kitchen with a smile. “I love it here.” Her eyes landed on mine and must have seen the skeptical look on my face. “Don’t start!” She pointed the jelly knife at me. “It has its flaws but it’s just quirky.”
“Well, I’m happy to help with those ‘quirks’ if you’ll let me come back next Saturday,” I offered, hoping she’d accept. The memory of that scorching kiss was urging me to push for sooner than next weekend but maybe I should tread lightly.
Fuck it. “In the meantime, you could let me take you out to dinner.”
“Oh.” she set the knife down and, yup, the hand went to her cheek. Why did I find that so fucking appealing? “I don’t know, Nate. You’re Gavin’s boss and…”
“So, we’ll leave him at home. He’s a big boy and can get his own dinner.” I tried to win her over with the smartass thing. That got a smile.
“Can I think about it?” she asked.
“I guess that’s better than ‘no’. Let me give you my number so you can call me when you decide to say ‘yes’.” Okay, a little cocky, but at least I’d get her number.
We exchanged numbers and she called Rocco in for lunch.
“You know, if you’re so excited to hang out with me, you should come to this playdate with us,” she said with a mischievous spark.
“Playdate?” I’
m sure my expression was equal parts confused and apprehensive.
“Yeah.” Her smirk was in full force. “The – what did you call it? Oh, right, the ‘mommy-and-me troop’ is getting together to strategize how to terrorize the big bad construction company.”
My face completely fell. Shit.
“Oh, get that look off your face, Sparky. I’m just joking. You were getting too cocky and I had to knock you down a peg. I’m just going to tell them what you’ve told me so far, omitting the sarcasm of course, and explain that you’ll do your best to keep us informed. And I’ll even try to convince them not to TP your trailer or leave flaming bags of dog poop on your steps. Happy?” Her smile was stunning. I had to get myself in check or I would haul her off to her bedroom, kid or no kid.
Able to breathe normally again, I approached her and tugged on a stray lock of hair. “Not yet, but I’m getting there.” Her cheeks colored again.
“Heh, dog poop!” Rocco chuckled from the table.
She lowered her face. “Let me walk you to the door.”
I followed her after waving goodbye to Rocco.
“Wow! This works so well. I love it.” Laney turned the new knob and swung the door open easily. “Thank you, Nate.” She tilted her head to smile at me. Hell, if fixing her doorknob could inspire that look I could only imagine what other things could do.
We stood a bit awkwardly for a moment, looking at each other, both of us aware of how close Rocco was and how close we both were to saying “screw it” and proceeding to, well, screw it. So I chose to bend down and kiss her cheek. “You’re welcome. And don’t forget to call me.” She smiled but didn’t respond so I turned around and stepped off the porch.
Halfway to my car she called out behind me, “Hey, Nate! Tell your dad to give fishing a try. It’s relaxing while still being manly. And it involves both sharp things and motors – what’s not to love?”
I did a half turn and pointed to her. “You just may have something there.” I smiled. She certainly did have something.
Chapter Ten
When in Doubt, Choose Burgers over Sushi
Laney
Holy. Balls.
Nate Murphy has the power to make a woman forget her name. How does he do that? It’s like his scruffy jaw and his dimple are my kryptonite. One moment we were having a nice little conversation and the next I had my tongue down his throat and was pouring soda down his back. This was actually fortuitous since in addition to forgetting my name I had forgotten that my five-year-old was twenty feet away! I had been ready to tear my clothes off and beg him to take me right there by the front door. What was wrong with me?
Oh God, and then he’d asked me out!
Squee!
But not squee.
Shit.
There was Gavin’s job and there was Rocco and the last thing we needed was some guy who was only in town temporarily.
Ugh.
Not to mention it had been so long since my last date I’m pretty sure dinosaurs had still roamed the earth. I mean, a girl has needs and I’d been sort of satisfying them by myself for the most part. I’d dated a couple guys since Rocco was born, but nothing had stuck and the fact that I wasn’t all that disappointed about it just went to show that those relationships were way wrong. But with the way I was reacting to Nate right from the start, I was pretty sure this guy had heartbreak written all over his too-handsome, too freaking perfect face. And arms. And ass. Jesus, I was starting to sound like Fiona with all of my scattered thoughts. Get a grip, Laney.
I had to set this incredibly sexy and tempting topic aside and focus on something else. Another date, in fact – the playdate. I peeled myself off the back of the door and headed back to Rocco. But I penciled in a good-old-fashioned phone gab with Fiona on my mental calendar. I may have also penciled in a good-old-fashioned fantasy session with my vibrator, but I’ll never tell.
***
Charlotte’s house was just as I’d imagined it to be – warm, comfortable, and wholly Southern. There were fresh flowers and sweet tea and, most importantly, welcoming hugs and greetings all around. Rocco suctioned himself to my leg but gradually loosened up as he saw some of the other kids organizing a few games. He eschewed the round of tag in the backyard – which, unsurprisingly, involved plastic knives and guns – and instead wandered over to check out the X-box battle that was launching in the next room over. However, he made sure to maintain an open line of sight to me the entire time. I considered it a small win anyway.
Once I got a moment alone with Charlotte, I told her (mostly) about my visit with Nate on Friday and the information he’d shared. I explained to the best of my ability the cause of his rude behavior and told her he wanted to apologize to her. When I asked for her permission to pass on her number to him she graciously accepted, as I knew she would. It seemed all was already forgiven in her eyes and she turned them to me speculatively.
“So, do I sense a little chemistry goin’ on here?”
“What? No, of course not!” I replied, totally unconvincing in my hasty denial.
She just smiled and raised her eyebrows. “Even if he was a class-A jerk, I’d have to be blind not to see the sparks lightin’ up the air around you two.” She was way too smug in her demeanor.
“Oh, shut up,” I told her, and she just giggled. Damn her cute little ass.
My job was done. I’d shared my pertinent information, my kid was slightly engaged with others his own age and I had a glass of real Texas sweet tea. Ugh, why do people like this stuff?
***
“Remind me. Why are you always over here when you could have a totally awesome night life of hot guys and no responsibility?”
Instead of the phone call, Fiona had elected to come by my house for our girl gab. Seriously, she could be out doing anything she wanted at any time. She had money to party or go on vacations or buy out the entire SkyMall catalogue – hey, some of that stuff is cool – but she chose to spend the majority of her time with me and my dysfunctional little family. To say she came from money was like saying Ghirardelli double fudge brownies were kind of okay. The bitch was loaded. Luckily, she was completely missing the actual “bitch” gene. She held rotating jobs mostly out of boredom and, I suspect, to generate stories to share with me when we got together. That’s real friendship for you.
Truthfully, though, I don’t think Fiona knew what she wanted to do with her life so it was easier to just keep busy and keep postponing life decisions. With her family’s wealth she didn’t actually have to work if she didn’t choose to.
In direct contrast to all the rich snob stereotypes, her parents were wonderful people who were in full support of any decisions Fiona made – and I mean any decisions. She could decide to move to some inner city to teach underprivileged kids, or tour Europe on a three-year luxury excursion, or tattoo her entire body and pose naked for a magazine spread. Nothing but love and encouragement would come her way. It was, in effect, the simplest and most authentic relationship between parents and child I’d ever seen.
When Fiona had been nine years old she’d received a death sentence in the form of an aggressive leukemia diagnosis. Through bottomless funds, prayer, and a wealth of medical miracles she had survived, and not only that, she’d thrived beyond basic remission and into adulthood as a healthy, happy, and wonderful person.
Sure, the aggressive treatments had resulted in her short stature and a slightly increased risk of developing a possible subsequent cancer during the course of her life, but she was our shining star and everyone who knew her and her sunny spirit reveled in it and called themselves lucky to know her.
Unfortunately for me, on this particular evening, the sunny spirit was hiding behind the complete exasperation in her expression.
“What?! It’s just not a good idea. But believe me, I comprehend the sheer hotness of that man even more than you do. I swear there was a moment when he was kissing me that I thought I’d forgotten to put on underwear this morning.”
She gave m
e a puzzled look. We both knew I was no commando girl. Not with my generous booty.
“But of course I’d remembered – they had just spontaneously combusted under the force of his testosterone. Holy hell, he was that good!” I fanned myself at the memory.
We both giggled like idiots.
“Where are Rocco and Gavin?” she asked after we settled down.
“They went to the batting cages with Brett.”
“Aww. That’s actually really sweet.”
Sometimes I forgot to appreciate the time Gavin spent with Rocco and the experiences he provided that a dad should be doing. It was definitely time to lighten up on him.
“Yeah, unfortunately Rocco has a pretty un-athletic mother and a musician for a father so Gavin’s dreams of living through Rocco may be dashed early on,” I said.
Not to be deterred from the main topic of the evening, Fiona persisted, “So you’re really not going to go out with Nate?”
“Ugh. Believe me, I’m totally tempted, but what happens when we get in a fight and Gavin gets stuck in the middle? Or, more likely, what happens when Rocco and I both fall in love with him and he takes off for his next adventure? Because he will, you know. As soon as his dad is back on his feet, he’s gone. I can’t do that to any of us. And even if, by some miracle, he decided to stay, why would he want to saddle himself with a single mom and a kid? I’m sure he’s just looking for a fun distraction to pass the time and I’m not up for that.” The feeling of sadness that overtook me was disproportionate to the brief involvement I’d had with Nate to this point. I could already feel myself getting in over my head and we’d only shared one kiss. One earth-shattering kiss, but still.
“But you deserve an awesome guy and a hot sexy love life, Laney! Every guy I suggest is all wrong – he’s too short, he has a weird accent, he wears a fedora, he sweats too much – whatever! I can’t sit around here and watch you spend another Saturday night watching The Mentalist on Hulu and fantasizing about Simon Baker – he’s too old for you anyway. You need a real live date with a real live penis - your penis fly trap needs a snack! No offense.”
The Fix (Carolina Connections #1) Page 8
