“Not–not at your sisters?”
“No. Not at Caitlin’s.”
“Oh.” She offered me a weak smile as a shaky sigh escaped her lips. “I don’t think I could handle a clown and your family today.”
She looked at me again, panicked. “You don’t think he’ll do any door-to-door sales stuff, do you? The clowns won’t wander the neighborhood?”
I buried my hand into her thick curls, leaning over the console. “Do you think I’d let a clown come near you, Sprite? That fucker would find his big red shoes up his ass and be face first on the road before I’d let him close. No door-to-door. No clowns. Period.”
“Really?”
I kissed her. Hard. “Really.” I kissed her again. “Better?”
“Yeah.”
“Now, are you ready to come meet my family? I assure you, they may act like clowns, but none of them look the part.”
Reassured of no ninja clown attacks, she relaxed a little, the color returning to her cheeks. I exhaled in gratitude that the blanket probably was not needed.
She reached into her purse and dug out a mint, popping it into her mouth. “Okay. Ready.”
I had to laugh. I wasn’t sure what made her more endearing, her strange aversion to clowns, or her addiction to mints anytime she was nervous.
I kissed her once more, almost pulling her over the console and onto my lap. I wanted a mint as well, but not one from her purse. The one she had in her mouth would taste much better, and it was highly enjoyable to seek it out. I loved kissing my girl.
I grinned as I drew back, my prize caught between my teeth.
“You took my mint again.” Avery huffed. “You could have asked. I have plenty.”
I tucked the candy into my cheek. “Not with Avery flavor added.” I winked.
A slow, rosy blush infused her cheeks as she unwrapped another candy, but the curve of her lips let me know she was fine with my candy-stealing tactics. Good thing, since I didn’t plan to stop.
Now with color back in her face and her greatest fear laid to rest, she looked much better. Glancing down the street, I decided it was time to go inside before the clown appeared to get something from his van. I wasn’t sure how Avery would handle that situation. I didn’t want to have to take someone out for wearing too much makeup and a costume, but for her I would.
“Ready?”
She squared her shoulders. “Ready.”
Avery’s eyes were huge with apprehension as I introduced her to my family.
My parents looked relaxed and happy, and they beamed at Avery in welcome. My mother’s short hair was still dark with a touch of gray scattered through it, and her blue eyes sparkled behind her glasses. She had passed on her bad eyesight to me. There was still a youthful air about her; her gentle humor and patience were evident in her expression. Beside her, my father’s shoulders were still broad, his hair, more salt than pepper, gleaming under the lights. His eyes, a darker shade of blue than my mother’s, were friendly, his gaze open.
Only those of us who knew him could see the underlying pain in his expression, or would notice the furrows in his brow when he walked or moved a certain way. He was strong and stubborn, and I had inherited both of those traits.
My mother hugged Avery far too long, and my father stepped forward.
“Let the girl breathe, Julie.” He smiled at Avery. “I’m Daniel’s dad—Sean Spencer. Sorry about my wife—she’s a bit exuberant.”
Avery held out her hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Spencer.”
He shook his head. “Just Sean and Julie.” Then he took my mother’s place, engulfing Avery in a hug that lifted her feet right off the floor.
I had to roll my eyes at their enthusiastic greetings. It wasn’t as if I’d never brought a girl to meet them until today.
Luckily, Steven behaved himself, smiling and welcoming her with one of his firm handshakes. Until he spoke. “Happy to see you again, Avery,” He winked. “You’re looking a little less rumpled than the last time I saw you.”
Caitlin burst out laughing, and even my parents snickered.
I knew the teasing today would be nonstop.
So far, it was a normal brunch.
As everyone went down the hall, Avery glanced up at me. “I feel as though I’ve stumbled into the land of the giants. All of you are so tall!”
I had to laugh. She was right. My mother was the shortest of us all at 5’7”. Caitlin was three inches taller than she was, and my dad and I were both 6’4”, and Steven a couple inches taller. Avery was only 5’3”, she had told me, so no wonder she felt as though we towered over her. I slung my arm over her shoulder, escorting her to the kitchen. “It’s okay, Sprite. Chloe’s shorter than you. By a lot.”
She turned her head and pressed a kiss to my arm, right over my tattoo. “She’s nine months old.”
“Yep. Think about it. You’ll tower over her for years.”
Her low laughter made me smile, and we joined my family.
I was wrong. They didn’t like her. They moved right past that to adoring her completely. She had them under her spell in less than ten minutes. All of them. I liked watching her interact with my family and seeing how they had taken to her. It warmed my heart.
An hour after we’d gotten there, Chloe was on her lap, Avery cooing at her, as they played peek-a-boo.
My sister was so busy patting herself on the back she burned the pancakes, causing Steven to run around, opening windows to let out some of the smoke.
My mother sat beside me, asking in a not-so-quiet voice, when Avery and I could give her another grandchild, since we’d make beautiful babies.
My father leaned back, smirking, as he informed me I got all my moves from him, and no wonder Avery had been unable to resist me.
There was laughter and teasing, and in the midst of it all, Avery glowed.
“Daniel tells me your parents live in B.C., Avery,” my mom stated. “You must miss them?”
Avery nodded, her eyes misty.
I slipped my arm around her shoulders in comfort. I knew how much she missed her parents and how lonely she was at times.
“I do. They visit every year, and it’s where I go on my holidays, but it isn’t the same as having them close all the time.”
My mom patted her arm in sympathy.
“The climate suits them, and they love it there.”
“I am sure they miss you, as well.”
“They do, but they are happy, and that’s all that matters.”
My mom caught my eye, her eyebrow lifting slightly. I had a feeling she would be happy to fill the void Avery felt in her life. I could already see how easily she would slip into that area of my life as well, and become a part of us. She had already slipped into my heart.
My parents knew how we met. The wagers Caitlin and I made with each other had grown bigger every passing year. Avery laughed the hardest when Caitlin told her of the bet I had lost, and the fact I had to attend an all-male review, sit in the front row, and tip some of the performers. Caitlin sat beside me the entire time laughing uncontrollably and shoving money in my hand, pointing out the next moment of embarrassment for me.
Then Caitlin told her the story of the bet she lost. “I had to hold a snake and a spider.” She shivered. “They scare me.”
“Don’t you have to deal with them at the clinic, as well?”
“No,” Daniel explained. “There’s an exotic pet veterinarian closer to Toronto. I recommend him for people with unusual pets.”
Avery’s eyes were sympathetic as she gazed at my sister. “So what happened?”
Caitlin chuckled over the memory. “Daniel took me to the shop, all prepared to make me go through with it, except when he saw how scared I was, he held them. I did touch them though, and he called it done.”
Avery gazed at me tenderly. “You’re too sweet.”
I shrugged. “It wasn’t fun when I saw how scared she was—I mean, so petrified she was shaking. I thought she was going to pass out
just having to touch them. I made her eat a jalapeno popper at lunch though. She hates spicy food.”
Avery leaned close, kissing my cheek, her lips lingering. “You’re a good man, Daniel Spencer.”
I ducked my head and grabbed my coffee. I liked knowing she felt that way.
My dad cleared his throat. “I think this is perhaps the best wager of them all, yeah? I think we all won.” He gave Caitlin and me a stern look. “Maybe it’s time to call an end to the wagers.”
I reached for the coffee pot. “Dream on, Dad.”
He laughed, deep and rumbling in his chest.
“Worth a shot.”
“Good try.”
Everything was going great, aside from the embarrassment that was my family, until Caitlin set down the plate of remade pancakes on the table. “Oh, Jeanne and Chris invited us over after. It’s Emily’s birthday—they have a whole circus set up in the backyard! We can go over after we’re done eating!”
In one smooth move, I was down on my knees in front of Avery, catching Chloe before she could drop her, gripping her hand. Everyone stopped what they were doing and watched as I shook my head at Avery. “No clowns,” I assured her in a hushed voice. “Not happening.”
Avery nodded, remaining calm but pale.
My mother leaned over, stroking Avery’s shoulder sympathetically. She looked at me, brow furrowed. “What is it, Daniel?”
“Avery, isn’t, ah, big on clowns. You guys can go. We’ll hang here.”
My mother looked between Avery and me, and she shook her head. “I’ll stay with you,” she whispered conspiratorially. “Those little fuckers are creepy. They’re sort of like the devil in drag with all that makeup. God only knows what they’ll yank out of their pocket next!” She shuddered a little. “Your father loves them. He can go.” She kissed Avery’s forehead and took Chloe from my arms, walking over to Caitlin.
My father chuckled and raised an eyebrow at us as he shrugged.
Watching the adoration that crossed Avery’s face, I’d never loved my mother more than at that very moment.
I also wasn’t sure I’d ever get over hearing her say the words “little fuckers.”
We sent everyone over to the Wilsons’ while we cleaned up the kitchen. Listening to my mom and Avery chat and laugh as they did the dishes kept me smiling. My mom had a way of drawing things out of Avery without her even realizing it. I groaned as I wiped down the table while she advised Avery of her availability for babysitting services, and of course, daycare when he or she was older, once we had children.
“Give us a break, Mom,” I grumbled. “You’ll scare her away.” Tossing the cloth on the counter, I tucked Avery into my side, kissing her forehead. “I just found her.”
Avery looked up at me, her eyes filled with emotion. “She’s not scaring me away. It’s all good.”
“Yeah?” I tried not to grin like a madman. I had no idea why I wasn’t running away scared. I had only known her for a few days, and yet, somehow, the thought of Avery glowing, carrying my child—our child—made me almost giddy. With her, everything seemed to fall in place with such ease, and I could see it all. Living, loving, and growing old together in the house I built that would become a home once she was there with me. I could see children running around in the open fields, teaching them to ride a horse, telling bedtime stories, and kissing chubby cheeks.
I wanted it. All of it. With her.
And with the way she gazed at me, I thought she wanted it, as well.
With fresh cups of coffee in our hand, we sat talking to Mom at the table, waiting for the others to return from the mini-circus.
Avery’s phone rang, and she slipped it out of her pocket with a frown. Glancing at the screen, her eyes grew large with distress. “Oh, shit,” she whispered.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s Beth.” She shook her head. “I forgot. I totally forgot!”
“Forgot what?”
“I was supposed to have coffee with her today.” She stood up. “Please excuse me; I have to take this call.” She slipped out the door, closing it behind her with the phone to her ear and apologies already spilling from her mouth.
I ran my hand through my hair, knocking off my glasses. I grabbed at them, setting them on the table. “Oops,” I muttered.
Mom grinned at me. “I think you’ve clouded her mind.”
I watched Avery pace around, talking fast, her free hand gesturing wildly. I hoped her friend wasn’t too upset with her.
“Ugh, yeah, it’s my fault. She came over yesterday for a horse ride, and I couldn’t let her go.” I glanced sheepishly at Mom. “I had to drive her to her place this morning so she could change. She didn’t want to come over dressed in my stuff.” I waggled my eyebrows. “Not that I would’ve objected.”
“You’ve fallen hard, Daniel.”
I didn’t deny it, only nodding as I sipped my coffee.
“I’ve never seen you act like this with another woman.”
I pointed toward the door and the woman I couldn’t take my eyes off. “I’d never met her.”
“Do you think you’re moving too fast?”
I met her gaze—tender, loving eyes that had been there my whole life. They were filled with understanding and patience. The corners crinkled deeply when I shook my head.
“No. We’re moving exactly right for us.”
“You sound like your father. He bought me an engagement ring a week after we met.”
I laughed, knowing the story. “He waited two weeks to ask, though.”
“Yes, that man has the patience of a saint.” She chuckled with a wink. “I thought Caitlin was my impetuous child. You’ve always been the more cautious of the two.”
“I can’t help it with her, Mom. I can’t control it; it’s like a freight train.” I paused to think about everything that was going through my head, and my heart. “I’ve never felt anything like it—with anyone. It’s right, and it’s real, and I don’t want it to stop.”
She covered my hand with hers. “Then don’t.”
I glanced back to see Avery had stopped pacing. Her head was down and she appeared to be listening intently to whatever Beth was saying to her. I stood, worried.
“I’m just going to go check on her.”
If Beth were angry with her, I would take the phone and make sure she understood that it was my fault. I didn’t want Avery taking the blame. I knew I had overwhelmed her. We had overwhelmed each other. She’d made a simple mistake and forgotten. I’d drive her to meet Beth, if it was what she needed. I would hate giving up the afternoon with her, but I’d do it.
I slipped out the door and walked behind Avery, who was talking and shaking her head. “No, Beth. I won’t.” She sounded more exasperated than upset. I hesitated, wondering if I should leave her to sort it out between them. “I am not saying it.”
She listened for a few seconds, then suddenly threw her hand in the air. “Fine! Yes! Yes, okay? Daniel’s big feet live up to your expectations! She lowered her voice. “His . . . penis is huge! Is that what you wanted to hear?”
I stepped back in shock, while I grinned with a touch of pride at the declaration. I had to clap my hand over my mouth to stop the laughter at her next statement.
“Okay, fine. His cock, Beth. Is that the word you wanted? His cock is huge. He filled me like no one ever has and I came so hard I saw stars!” She huffed. “Now, are you satisfied?” I could hear Beth’s laughter from where I stood, and Avery shook her head. “I’ll see you tomorrow for lunch.” With an impatient sigh, she ended the call and whirled around, stopping dead when she saw me there. Her cheeks bloomed with color, her eyes huge.
“I, ah, came to see if you were okay. I was worried Beth was angry with you,” I offered, trying desperately not to laugh.
“Um, no, she’s fine. I’m meeting her for lunch tomorrow.”
“Good.”
“How long have you been standing there?”
I shrugged. “I only came out as
you were hanging up.”
“Oh, okay.” Her relief was evident.
I held out my hand. “Ready t-to,” I stuttered, the laughter starting to escape, “come inside, Avery? There aren’t any stars to look at right now.”
“You heard!”
I covered the distance between us in two long strides and yanked her into my arms. Burying my hands into her thick hair, I pulled her mouth to mine and kissed her. Hard. Deep. Wet. Until she was panting, clinging to me as though I was the only thing keeping her upright.
“I need to take you home . . . now,” I insisted through another kiss. “Me and my cock need you alone. We want you to show us how hard we can make you come again.”
“Your family—”
“Is fine. Home. Now, Avery.”
“Okay.”
“We need to go to bed, Sprite,” I groaned and stretched. “It’s late and we have to work in the morning.”
“We are in bed, Daniel.”
I pressed my mouth to her neck, flicking her damp skin with my tongue. “Right. I meant sleep. We need to sleep.”
“Then stop doing that.” She moaned as my fingers drifted up her leg, slipping between her thighs to her warm center.
I caressed her, teasing and stroking. “I can’t.”
She arched her back, a small gasp of want escaping her mouth. “You could . . . if you tried.”
“I can’t. I’m addicted,” I admitted as I slid one finger in her softness, reveling in her desire.
“Oh . . . God . . .”
“More, Avery?”
“Yes, yes!”
I added another finger, pumping slowly as I pressed my thumb against her bundle of nerves. I lowered my head to her rosy nipple, drawing it into my mouth as my tongue skimmed the hardened peak. Another keening moan spurred me on, my already hard cock pressing in the mattress, wanting, needing to be back inside her.
After hearing her confession to Beth, I had been desperate to get her alone. It took all my patience to take her back inside and explain to my mother that I had to drive Avery somewhere to meet a friend. My mother didn’t know the friend was already there, desperately trying to get out of my pants and into Avery. There’d been hugs and promises of next week’s brunch at their place. Then I got her in the truck, kissing her senseless, before I drove us back to my place as fast as I could without being pulled over.
It Started With a Kiss Page 11
