by Mia Ford
I left slightly early after hard days work, driving home with the radio on. I’d had women that I was with before that were pleasant to come home to, but it wasn’t until I had Ella that work took a bit of a step back as a priority. I knew that Brenda was home with her but didn’t seem to embrace her role as a mother. After that, she got sick, and I missed more work than I ever imagined. Brenda’s parents were both dead from a car accident and she was living on the inheritance when we met. It all went to Ella after she was gone once I persuaded Brenda to complete a will. I didn’t give a shit about getting any of it though I was listed first until Ella was old enough to handle it. I put it all into a trust fund for her, adding to it from my own money.
I pulled into the driveway, parking in the garage and stepping out of the car. Walking into the kitchen, I called out for Riley. She responded through the sliding glass door and I walked outside to see them sitting in the shade, reading books. Ella looked like her normal self again and I walked over to her, picking her up and hugging her.
“She did great today. Ate well and played like crazy at the park. Her nap was two hours, and I even took one.” Riley was smiling brightly, and I looked down at her, feeling something inside of my chest ache. We made our way inside and Riley cooked chicken tacos for dinner with some rice. Ella ate all of it and I watched her with a smile as we sipped wine. We walked on the beach when we were done, and I bathed Ella, wanting her in her own room tonight. She was worn out anyway and fell asleep during the first book.
I left her room and went downstairs to find Riley washing dishes. I slipped my arms around her waist, pulling her against me as she gasped.
“She’s asleep. Hard. Now I want us to do something hard… and fast.” I murmured to her as she chuckled.
“Pervert,” Riley told me as she slipped her hands over mine. I pulled her back and turned her around to claim her mouth with mine, hearing her soft moan. I could tell that she missed me too as she wrapped her arms around my neck, kissing me back.
“Let’s go to my room so I can be closer to Ella and still have you. I’ve missed you there.” I told her as she kissed me again. I secured the house, and we headed upstairs, locking the gate, and walking into my room after checking on her. I closed the door, pulling her against me as she wrapped her body around mine. “Fuck, Riley. I am dying to be inside of you.”
We made our way to the bed and fell on it, my body pressed between her thighs. I kissed her hard as she moaned against me, our tongues dancing together. Once she was naked, I kicked my pants off and grabbed a condom. I didn’t spend a lot of time with foreplay tonight, needing to feel her wrapped around me. Riley cried out as I positioned myself before her, lifting her feet to my shoulders. I slid inside of her as we both moaned, feeling complete.
“So good. So fucking good.” I grunted as I fucked her hard. She gripped the sheets and closed her eyes and I could tell that she was trying to stay quiet. When Riley dropped her head back, I felt her tighten around me and flood me with her warmth. I jerked one more time, coming hard as I forced myself to not cry out her name.
I dropped beside her and we both breathed in deeply.
“That felt so damn good,” I told her as she reached for my hand.
“I agree.”
“How did you sleep with Ella?” I asked her as she giggled.
“She’s tiny but moves all over the place. It’s worth it to wake up to that smile.” I had to agree.
“I know. It just makes my life worthwhile.” I removed the condom and walked into the bathroom to throw it away and get a cup of water. Returning to the bed, I gave it to her to drink from, watching her as she sat up. Riley had a gorgeous body, and I took in her hard nipples as she dropped back to the pillow. “Stay here with me?”
“Sure,” she told me sleepily as she turned to face me. “It’s so comfortable in here.”
“Just sleep in here every night. Move into the room,” I joked as silence filled the room.
“Nathan.” She said softly as she slipped her arm around me. “What are we doing?”
“We are moving at the speed of light because we are so attracted to each other. I’m scared and I’m sure you are, but I like the feeling of you beside me.” I told her as she pressed her lips to my chest. “I don’t fall for people easily, Riley.”
“I don’t either. This is… overwhelming.”
“Agreed.” I rested my head on my pillow. “But it feels so good.”
Chapter 15: Riley
We woke up too soon. I opened my eyes and saw the sun shining, groaning as I buried my face under the sheet. Nathan rolled over and cuddled me to him, laughing at me.
“I don’t want to get up,” I protested as he stroked me through the sheet.
We both heard Ella through the speaker and I smiled.
“I don’t think we have a choice,” Nathan told me as he threw the covers back to get dressed. While he went to get her, I pulled on my clothes from yesterday and ran a hand through my hair. I headed downstairs to make coffee, feeling very domestic as I closed the gate behind me.
His words played through my mind.
Move into the room.
Was that normal after a week of sleeping together? Nathan already rushed into something with his ex and could not possibly want to risk it again. She died, unhappy with him or not.
I started the coffee and looked out of the window. It was another gorgeous day, and I thought about meeting up with Emery somewhere. We could go to a park and get some lunch, let the kids get to know each other. Blinking as I heard them coming downstairs, I glanced down to see that one cup was ready. I set it aside for Nathan and made mine while I asked Ella if she wanted breakfast. She asked for eggs and I warmed a pan to cook them. I cracked one into a bowl and added some milk and cheese before cooking them. Nathan sipped his coffee before getting her some milk and took her to the table.
I fixed my own coffee as I listened to them, stirring in some cream. The last week played like a movie as I sipped it, smiling to myself. Nathan came back into the kitchen as she ran into the living room to play, kissing me before he said that he was going to take a shower.
I smiled and watched him walk away, my eyes on his ass. He was so perfect. I went to get the dishes from the table and glanced over at Ella playing with some blocks. All was well in the house again and I called my sister after I finished the dishes. We planned to meet at a park halfway between our respective homes and I killed the call, packing up stuff for Ella in a bag. I took her upstairs and dressed her in a cute outfit for the weather after slathering sunblock on her tender skin.
I started the engine of the SUV in the garage and marveled at the bells and whistles inside. I took a minute or more to type in the address of the park and then found that it came with Sirius radio, managing to find a good station. When I pulled out cautiously, I realized that they worked in tandem.
Perfect.
I drove out of the gate and through the neighborhood, adjusting to the car. It was smooth and virtually silent, and I swallowed nervously as I got to the main road. I pulled out and followed the directions of the woman telling me where to go, glancing at Ella in the back seat. She seemed to love driving, and I sang along to the song that was playing on the radio during a break in navigation. It took about twenty minutes to get to the park since it was late morning and I found a space and parked, looking around for Emery’s burgundy van. She must still be driving, and I looked over the park. It appeared to be newer and offered a million things for kids to do, most of them being safe for Ella. I trusted the girls to help her as they always seemed to while I attempted a conversation with Emery.
“Want to go potty?” I asked her before getting out, remembering that we were attempting that. It got lost in the shuffle with her being sick the last few days. Ella told me no, and I grabbed my purse and the backpack before getting her out of the car and letting her run over to the play area. It was colorful and appealing, and I took a seat at a table offering me an open view of the entire area.
I set the bags beside me and watched as she stood at what looked like an interactive wall, focused on doing something.
“Hi, sis.” Emery greeted be in a happy voice as I glanced away. “Where is she?”
I pointed as she looked over, softly explaining to the girls who Ella was. She sat down, and I looked over as they went to greet her with warm smiles. I loved those girls.
“I’ll forgive the lack of a hug for that. It’s so sweet,” I told her as she giggled.
“I remember being here with them at that age. You don’t know whether to sit down or follow their every step. This is the best of both worlds.” Emery looked at me and then Ella. “She’s gorgeous. She looks a lot like her dad.”
“She does.” I agreed as I looked at her. Between the two of us, the kids were safe. “Thanks for meeting me. It’s been crazy with her being sick.”
She nodded and looked closely at my face as her smile grew,
“He’s a good employer?” I nodded, sipping the coffee that I’d brought along in a travel mug. We hadn’t gotten far in, but he was the best boss I’d ever had. I knew that a blushed and her eyes widened. “Riley? Are you involved with him?”
“Em, no. Of course not. He’s just easy on the eyes and his daughter is pretty great,” I replied, hoping that I looked casual.
“I see more than that in your face. What’s going on?” She asked softly as I bit my lip, looking towards the kids for a moment. I didn’t need to tell her everything, did I? It made me sound like a slut or something. She was my sister though. The next best thing to Mom and my only confidante.
“We’re attracted to each other.” Warmth washed over my face and I knew that I was red.
“Okay. How is that going?” She pressed, knowing that I could be shy.
“We can’t keep our hands off each other, Emery. I’ve been there a week. What is happening?’ She widened her eyes and laughed. I took a look at the kids to catch a breath, smiling at Ella’s laughter carrying over to us.
“Instant lust. It’s a beautiful thing, Riley. Enjoy it.” She looked over and got a wistful look in her eyes. “I had that. We still have that but before kids… it was like a wildfire. Enjoy it.” She frowned and looked at the kids. “Although, you already have the kid. Who was sick recently.”
“In the first week I was there. I think I’ve seen how kids affect things, but she’s so sweet. Isn’t it worth it?” I smiled as I stared at them.
“It is. You balance everything and cherish that private time together. It works out.” She smiled at me with a nod.
We moved on to the house and the beach and how beautiful it was. I told her that I was sure he’d be willing to have a BBQ or something, then frowned. I was acting like it was my house. Was it in part due to the fact I was living in it with the owner, working for him? Could I incite family to visit me there? I took a long look at the kids, watching them play together on the second level of the structure. I was terrified to have Ella up there, but the girls were being so careful with her. I grinned and stood up, taking my phone towards them. I moved close, so he couldn’t tell that they were a few feet away from the ground, snapping it as all the girls smiled at me. I sent it to Nathan and walked back over to Emery, who was looking curiously at me.
“I needed to send a picture. He likes seeing those during the day.”
We let the girls play for a long time before Jada and Ally told us they were hungry. We talked for a few minutes before we decided to go to a local cafe with an ocean view. It was loud as we took the kids in to get seated and got them all settled before finally looking at the menu.
I was sitting by Ella and ordered her a chicken tender meal and myself the crap pot. I worked hard and could afford this now. I deserved it. I sipped my iced tea and watched Ella sip the milk that I poured into her sippy cup with a smile. Emery and I chatted and laughed as the kids chattered around us, eating, and enjoying the time together.
We all headed out after a long lunch and Ella fell asleep in the car. I smiled as I stopped at a light, hearing my phone chime. I waited until I was parked in the garage before I checked it, seeing a message from Nathan.
N: Cute picture. Your nieces?
R: Yes. They got along so well.
I unloaded Ella and carried her up to her room, placing her down gently. I returned to the car and got everything I needed out, bringing it back into the house. My phone was in my purse and I checked it again, seeing no more texts. I took a deep breath and looked around, deciding to rest for a while by myself. I dropped into the oversized chair in the living room and closed my eyes after turning on the monitor.
Ella slept for an hour and I snoozed right along with her. When she woke up, I stumbled up to her room and dropped onto her bed, chatting with her to wake us both up. I asked her what I should make for dinner, mulling over the ideas I had running through my head. It was tiring to spend the day with a toddler and then cook dinner, and I remembered that Nathan told me to use the meals that the chef cooked for them. I didn’t have to go to these lengths, but I chose to.
We went downstairs, and she went right to her toys as I walked into the kitchen, I glanced at the clock to see that Nathan should be home soon, debating if I should pour a glass of wine or not.
I made a dish that consisted of egg roll filling without the wrap and rice. It was easy and delicious, and I was going to serve the cheesecake that had been in the freezer since I moved in. It looked homemade and I couldn’t wait to dig into it. I played with Ella when the food was simmering, laughing at her as she chattered about her dolls.
I was happy in this busy life and finally felt like I found my home.
Chapter 16: Nathan
I kept thinking about that picture as I drove home. The kids did look happy together, and I considered the possibility that Ella might be developing a little family. I didn’t think that would happen so fast and smiled at the idea. When I walked into the kitchen, I smelled food and inhaled deeply as I looked around to see the girls in the living room. Ella was chattering to Riley about a doll and the smile on Riley’s face was beautiful.
“Hello, ladies.” They both looked over at me and Ella pushed herself up to run over to me. I hugged her as Riley joined us, kissing her lips as Ella wrapped her arms around my legs. “How was your day?”
“We had a great time. It was chaotic and loud but wonderful.” Riley grinned before kissing me again. “I made an easy dinner and there’s cheesecake for dessert. I found it in the prepared meals section of the freezer.”
“That’s some good cheesecake. I’ve had it before.” I told her as she walked to the fridge.
“I am going to have some wine. Would you like a glass?” I told her that sounded great and she poured for us as I held Ella. This felt like being in a family and I frowned, wondering how it could fall into place so easily.
We ate dinner, which was delicious, and she put the leftovers in the fridge for our nightly walk on the beach. Everyone dressed for the slight wind and we headed down, letting Ella run ahead. I glanced around, feeling like I was seeing this place for the first time. I liked the beach when I bought the place a couple of years ago but that was before Ella was active. It was also before I was in a happy relationship. I glanced at Riley to see a thoughtful look on her face. The fact that she was nibbling on her lip was a dead giveaway as well. I grabbed her hand, and she looked over at me in surprise.
“What’s on your mind?” I asked as she frowned at me before glancing at Ella.
“So, I talked to your sister a few days ago. Remember I told you that?” I nodded, not sure where she was going with this. “She was talking about your wife and let it slip that you were together for a short time. A really short time. How come you didn’t mention that?” I cursed Carli under my breath. I didn’t talk about that part of Brenda because it looked bad in my eyes. I knocked up a girl in the first year of hooking up and got married for the baby. It wasn’t even serious dating.
“I usually don’t. The fact that she died seems to be en
ough to tell people. I am not proud of what happened as much as I adore Ella.”
“It isn’t that unusual. It could happen to anyone,” she told me, squeezing my hand. “You’re an amazing father, no matter how you got there.”
I smiled. I wondered that a lot over the last several months when I was trying to balance everything.
“Thanks.” We walked a few feet as the sky deepened with color, not talking. We watched the sun set and took Ella back up to the house for the usual nighttime routine. I gave her a bath, wanting to give Riley a break after her busy day. I dressed her in clean pajamas and brushed her hair out before letting her go to get Riley for reading. We both got a chance to read tonight and kissed her good night before closing her door. I grabbed Riley by the hand and tugged her towards me for a long kiss.
“I like this,” I admitted as I pulled away briefly. I kissed her again, and we backed up into my room together, both wanting the same thing. We kissed slowly, listening for Ella to make sure she was asleep before I closed the door and returned to the bed. I pulled off her leggings while Riley removed the sweatshirt that she was wearing, burying my face between her legs. She cried out softly as I licked her, tasting her desire for me. “So sweet.”
“Nathan,” she panted, gripping my hair in her hands. “More.” I returned to her cleft, licking her folds before finding her clit. She responded eagerly, pushing against me as I stroked her firmly. She told me that she was going to come, and I sucked her between my lips as I slipped a finger inside of her, stroking her slick wall. When she let go, I attached my mouth to her to drink her in as much as I could. “Oh my God. You make life so perfect.”
