by Aria Ford
“Yeah?” Mandy asked.
I nodded before kissing her. I was just getting ready to deepen it when I heard my name being called.
“There’s Kevin,” I pulled away and kissed her nose before turning to find him. He smiled widely, walking up to hug me before he turned a curious gaze to Mandy. “Kevin, this is Mandy Miles. She’s new to the office.”
He shook her hand as I gave Terry a warm hug, then introduced the two women. They each ordered a beer, and we chatted for a little while. They warmed up to Mandy immediately, and we were all laughing by the time we made it to our seats. Kevin got us all a hot dog, and a fresh beer for us and I smiled at Mandy as she bit into it. She looked happy.
The game started and I asked her if she liked baseball, sliding an arm around her waist. She told me that her father loved all sports and they watched them all together. As the game progressed, Mandy and Terry bonded over shared interests and music. They danced in their seats to the popular songs that were played and cheered for the home team as Kevin gave me a long, curious look. “She’s amazing, Stephen. You know that, right?”
I looked at the women and nodded slowly, meeting his eyes again. “Brandon likes her.” Kevin whistled and shook his head.
“This seems like it might be getting serious,” He told me from his seat beside me. The girls decided to sit together after an hour so they could talk.
“Maybe so. I guess only time will tell.”
Kevin and Terry went to get something from the snack bar, and I pulled Mandy against me. “I think you’re perfect.”
“You need to talk to my mom,” she quipped and looked into my eyes. “You don’t think I’m young and silly, acting like this with Terry?”
“No. I love hearing you laugh and seeing that smile.” I brushed my lips against hers for a soft kiss, wanting so much more as she leaned into me. I knew that I was falling for this woman and my heart raced in my chest. I heard my brother and scooted over to let him and Terry sit beside each other, needing her to myself for a while. Mandy snuggled into me, and I held her close, kissing her hair while we cheered on the team that won by five points. They were a great team, and I looked forward to coming back with Mandy and Brandon for the day, spending some time together.
I could see a future with Mandy, which was crazy. It was way too damn soon to get my hopes up.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Mandy
I watched the last man slid across home base, cheering loudly along with Terry. She was so nice, and the brothers looked so much alike. I sensed their closeness as well as the guilt that Kevin felt about the situation with his nephew.
It seemed like my presence eased that somehow. It was obvious to all of us how well Stephen and I got along. I had bonded immediately with him and Brandon.
We waited in our seats after the game ended, letting the crowd thin out a bit before we wandered out of the stadium. Kevin and Terry were going to grab some dinner and invited us, but we both wanted some alone time.
Stephen led me to the car, and we got in as he leaned in for a deep kiss. “Can we go to your place?” I asked against his lips as he sighed.
“I think they’re all there right now,” he told me softly, kissing me again.
“I wanted to taste you tonight,” I whispered against his kiss, my desire rising as he froze.
“Shit. I want that,” Stephen said as he started the car. “I know a spot. Want to park with me?”
“I haven’t heard the term in years,” I said before laughing.
“Hell, I haven’t said it in years.” He smiled over at me before pulling out of the parking lot.
Leaning back, I watched him pull onto the main road and then take a right that led us off the beaten path. He parked, and I looked to the right to see a lake in the moonlight, grinning at him.
“This is a nice, private place. Good job, Stephen.” I leaned in to kiss him, our lips parting and tongues sliding together. I reached down to cup his cock as he groaned against my lips.
“I feel like a fucking teenager right now,” he moaned as I started stroking him. “I’ve been thinking about you every day since our night together.”
“Me too.” I leaned over my seat, glancing up at him with a wicked smile on my lips. “Tell me if I do it wrong, okay?”
“I highly doubt that’s going to happen.” His face was filled with white-hot lust.
I reached down to unbutton his shorts, releasing him as I gripped him in my hand. I took a quick look around before I ducked down to suck him into my mouth. Stephen groaned as I sucked his tip into my mouth, teasing it with my tongue as he gripped me by the hair.
“Feels so good,” he told me as I moved down, easing him all the way to the back of my throat. Stephen was one of the largest men I’d slept with, but knowing that I could take him turned me on so much.
I moved up and down, sucking slow and deep as I felt him grip me harder. I wondered how long it had been for him as he let out noises with my every movement and hardened further.
“I’m going to come, Mandy. I’m so fucking close,” he whispered roughly.
I responded by sucking him deeper as he let out a low, guttural moan. His orgasm was explosive and filled my throat, spilling over into my mouth before I swallowed. I loved the feeling and the power of doing this to him. I sank down on him, getting every last drop of his release as he stroked my back and let out a long sigh. When I moved up and stared into his eyes, his face wore an expression of wonder.
“Lean back,” he ordered.
I moved in the seat and watched as he leaned over to slide his hand under my shirt, cupping my breast over the bra that I wore. I moaned, my body wanting all of him as I wondered about the size of his back seat.
Stephen lifted my shirt and freed me from it and my bra before he slid his hand inside of my jeans. I spread my legs apart and leaned back, closing my eyes as I let the sensations take over. He stroked my clit as he bit my nipple gently, and I felt pleasure start to wash through me.
“Stephen,” I cried out as he slipped a finger inside of me, pressing his palm against my swollen nub. The pants were tight and didn’t offer him a lot of room, but it was enough. I was going to come soon and I jerked against him as he moved to my other nipple.
I cried out as pleasure washed over me, jerking forward while he kept playing with my clit. Stephen made the orgasm last with his hand, and I felt tears come into my eyes as I pressed back against the seat. It wasn’t just a hot moment in a car, not for me. It was the beginning of something beautiful between us.
Something dawned on me, and I opened my eyes. “Vanessa’s at the theater tonight. We’ll have the place to ourselves for a while.”
Stephen pulled back to look at me, his eyes heavy with lust. “Your place?” he asked.
I nodded. “My place.”
Stephen fixed my clothes, kissing me softly in the process. He pulled his shorts up, and we got back in our places for the ride back to my apartment. A torrent of emotion raced through my veins, and hope filling my heart. The night had been perfect so far.
He pulled into the parking lot and we headed to the apartment, and I realized that my hands were shaking as I unlocked my door. Stephen helped me inside and pressed me against the wall as he kissed me, his tongue sweeping my mouth. I’d swallowed him not that long ago, but Stephen didn’t seem to care. He tasted me hungrily.
I dropped my keys and purse onto the ground before I pulled him closer to me. Stephen gripped my hair, tilting his head to deepen the kiss even further. He pulled away from me as he lifted me against his body, pressing his forehead to mine. “I want to spend the night. I think I can tell Danielle that I’ll be home early tomorrow morning. Do you want that?”
“Yes,” I replied as he leaned down and picked me up before carrying me to my room.
I laughed and wrapped my arms around his neck, smiling up at him.
“God, you’re beautiful. Did you know that?” He nipped at my lips.
“No, but thank you for tel
ling me.” I found my footing as he set me down beside the bed and reached for me.
“No thanks needed, Mandy.” He pulled me close and worked to strip me down as I returned the favor. He leaned in and pressed his lips against mine as he wrapped his strong arms around me. The feel of his naked body pressed to mine was almost too much.
“I want you,” I moaned against his mouth and lifted my leg to hook it around his hip.
“Good. You’re going to get me.” He glanced down between us and stroked his cock once before pressing his thick head against my clit and dragging it down my wetness. The sound of his phone buzzing somewhere down the hall had us both pulling back like two school kids caught in the act.
I sank down to the mattress in disappointment as he moved back and turned, looking down the hall as if lost to indecision.
“You should get that,” I told him softly.
The phone rang again, and he got up and walked down the hall to get it. I could hear his muffled voice, but not what he said. By the tone, I knew it wasn’t good. I pulled my legs to body, knowing that our night was ending.
He walked back down the hall and moved to the bed, giving me a sorrowful look. “That was Danielle. Brandon is sick with the flu or something and wants me home. I’m so sorry, Mandy. I know that this is a tough situation, and I wish that I didn’t need to leave.”
I forced a smile on my face. “It’s okay. He’s your son. I’d never ask you to think of me before him.”
He was a single father, and I had to respect that. I knew that it would be hard as hell. There was no way I could raise a kid alone. I couldn’t resent him.
“Are you sure? We’ll do this another night, all night. We can wake up together and make breakfast. Next time. I promise.” Stephen leaned down to kiss me softly, sweetly pressing his lips to mine. “I am so glad that you’ve already come tonight. I hate the idea of leaving you hanging.”
“I’m happy. We had the car time,” I assured him, hiding all of my disappointment as he kissed me again.
I dressed and walked him to the door, kissing Stephen goodbye before I locked the door.
I poured some wine and changed into a big T-shirt with some clean shorts. I sank down into the soft couch and stared blankly at the TV. I was supposed to be with Stephen in my bed, snuggling together after we’d made love, but instead I was sitting on the couch.
“Shut up. His kid has the flu. Get over it.” I downed the glass and forced myself not to think about it. I was being selfish.
Stephen couldn’t just be mine, and I wouldn’t want him to put me before Brandon. He was a sweet little boy and so eager to learn, making me smile as I thought about how much fun he had a camp.
I wondered if this could work as I sipped my wine. Was I ready to think about being serious with someone that had a kid? Yeah. I was. I could do this.
For Stephen and the promise of us being together, I knew I would try.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
One week later
Stephen
I dropped my head on my desk and groaned. How the fuck had it been a week since I’d spent any time with Mandy? Between Brandon having a serious stomach bug for half of the week to the point that I stayed home with him, followed by catch-up time on a project revolving around a large business that we wanted to take on.
I’d been swamped, and it was all about work and spending time with Brandon. There was no time for anything else, no matter how many times I thought about Mandy when I was finally in bed to get a few hours of sleep.
I couldn’t call her during those times, though. It was too late to text, knowing that she worked as well and had a life beyond that.
My cell rang, and I grabbed it to see if it was Danielle. Brandon was on his second day at school, and I was so worried that he’d get sick again. It was a violent flu bug that he had and wore us both out.
It was my brother. I answered the call, knowing that I hadn’t seen him either.
“Hey, Kevin. What’s up?” I asked as I leaned back in my chair. I was relieved as hell that my son was better and getting back to his schedule.
“I was making sure that you were still alive. What gives, Stephen?” he asked me as I sighed. I didn’t have a minute to call anyone, much less see them. “You don’t have any kind of social media account for us to stalk. Are you okay?”
“I am busy as fuck. Brandon got sick for a few days and only wanted me, and then we got this project at the office that has been brutal.” I didn’t have any social media accounts because I wanted to keep Brandon’s life private. I didn’t want Lacy to have the chance to see what she was missing and had asked my family to respect that.
“I thought you might be busy with Mandy,” Kevin said, reminding me of what an ass I’d been. “You guys looked so good together at the game.”
“I haven’t had time for anything. I haven’t even called her,” I admitted. “It was a shit move, but I’ve been drowning at work and home.”
“Did you sleep with her?” he asked me since we hadn’t discussed it yet. I really hadn’t had time to talk to anybody.
“I did. Before the game,” I confessed as he let out a low curse.
“Damn it, Stephen. That’s a long time. I know that girls like a little mystery, but a whole week? I think I tried that shit on Terry in the beginning for something like three days, and she rode my ass up and down.” He paused, and I frowned at the numbers on my computer that were starting to blur before my eyes. “Mandy is a special girl. You’re going to lose her, Stephen.”
“I probably already did,” I replied, feeling like we didn’t even work at the same company for as little as I saw her. “I don’t know what the hell I’m even doing, Kevin. I don’t know how to date.”
“I know that the thing with Lacy hurt and I will always feel bad about that. I know that you don’t take dating lightly with Brandon and everything going on, but you looked happy with her. She looked happy with you.” I couldn’t see his face, but I could hear the serious tone in his voice.
“How am I supposed to balance it all?” I asked him as I closed my eyes.
“I don’t know, but if it’s worth it, you need to find a way.” Kevin’s words were honest at least.
“I know, Kevin. I hope that this all ends soon. I feel like I’m losing myself.” We talked for a little longer, arranging a tentative dinner for that weekend with Mom. She missed Brandon and me, and I needed to see her.
I left to get some coffee after the call, needing to move. I looked down the hall to see Mandy leaving Stella’s office and coveted her gorgeous legs in the red dress that she was wearing. My cock stirred back to life as I stared at her, forgetting why I left my office at all.
Coffee. I needed coffee.
I saw her turn her head and meet my gaze, a frown marring her pretty face. I waved her over, and Mandy looked back toward the door as if someone was telling her something. She looked back at me and headed my way as I ducked into the break room to make that coffee. I looked back to make sure that Mandy was waiting for me as I started the machine, tapping my foot.
We walked to my office quietly, ignoring the curious looks that everybody sent our way. The night at happy hour had started some talk about us being in a relationship, though I was sure that my lack of being seen anywhere but my office working my ass off. When she walked inside of my office, I closed the door and watched as she sat down, smoothing her skirt with heavy hands. “I’m sorry, Mandy.”
She stared at the floor, the pain on her face was clear to me. “It’s been a week, Stephen. It’s not that I expected you to be knocking at my door the second you were free, but a call would have been nice. A text would have been great. I certainly didn’t think I would end up feeling used by you.” Her voice was soft, but I could still hear the pain in it.
Fuck me for being an idiot.
“I’m sorry, Mandy. Brandon was sick, and then this goddamn project has kept me going for hours every day. I barely have time to see him after work and before school. I’ve be
en on my own with him for so long that I don’t know how to balance anything.” I sank into my chair.
“I don’t date a lot, either. I don’t know what I’m doing, but no contact for a week doesn’t seem right.” She finally looked up at me, changing the subject. “Is he feeling better? Brandon?”
“He had the flu. He was so sick for a few days that all he did was sleep in my bed with me. It was relaxing and exhausting all at once.” I knew how tired I sounded, but it was only a fraction of how I felt. “Then there’s this project that’s been keeping me here for long hours. I’ve been so tired, and I was thinking about you, but my free time was always so late at night. I’m sorry. Again.”
She sighed as she leaned back. “Apology accepted.”
“Look, it's Friday tomorrow. Let’s get dinner after work and catch up. I want to take you out.” I smiled at her, and she nodded.
“I’d like that.” Mandy took a breath. “I would like to see Brandon again as well. I mean, apart from camp.” I stared at her, both touched and shocked at her words.
“Get your sexy ass over here,” I told her, loving the sound of her laugh.
“All right, but only if you promise to not be an asshat again.”
“I promise.” I reached for her as my heart lightened a little.
She got up and walked over, climbing into my lap as her dress slid up her legs. I kissed her as I slipped a hand into her hair to pull her closer. Our lips met hungrily as I forgot all about the time apart and I tilted my head to deepen the kiss.
