When wrong feels so right

by Mia Ford

  “You did good.” She smiled as I watched Ella like a hawk as she ran to her rock. “What’s wrong? I figured you’d be floating after that kiss.”

  “I am. It was a surprise but the other day at the beach, a big wave got Ella and me. I managed to grab her, but it was close, Em.” My sister looked at me with wide eyes. “We were both so freaked out. I don’t want her by the water anymore.”

  “You can’t keep them, away. You can just keep them safe and Ella doesn’t look too scared.” I saw her smiling as she ran around with Jada and Ally and nodded in agreement. I glanced up to the deck to see James and Nathan talking by the grill and met his eyes as he smiled down at me. I smiled back and moved with my sister towards the kids. They had a blast running around until we heard someone call our names. I looked up to see James and Nathan waving at us, touching Emery’s arm to let her know that dinner was ready.

  We gathered the girls and headed up, finding the deck aromatic and empty. Emery took the girls inside to wash their hands and I headed to the kitchen to get the salad ready. I paused, watching Nathan toss is with the dressing with a beer beside him. I smiled as he glanced up at me, a crooked smile on his face. Emery told me that it was obvious he was crazy about me down at the beach, making me realize that I felt the same way.

  “Thanks.” The meat was plated along with the veggies and I went to get plates for all of us. I got the kids new drinks, pouring Ella’s into a sippy cup for her. I topped off my wine along with Emery’s glancing over to see James gesture that he was fine. I asked if they wanted to eat outside and everyone thought that buffet style worked before we all sat out there.

  James got the girls their plates while I fixed Ella some food. We got them settled at the table before I went back in to get myself some food, standing beside Nathan alone in the room. The others were already outside.

  He pressed his body against mine as I laughed, reaching for a plate.

  “This looks amazing,” I assured him as he leaned down for another kiss. “You’re incredible, Nathan.” I watched as something passed through his eyes for a moment.

  “So are you,” he told me as our eyes locked for a long moment. We heaped food on our plates and joined everyone outside, laughing through dinner above the chatter of the girls. It was perfect. When we finished eating, we all went down to the beach in time for the sunset and just to walk around. When it was dark, we walked back upstairs and into the house, so Emery could cut her banana cream pie for us.

  “Damn, that’s good. Does she know how to make it?” Nathan gestured to me and Emery smiled.

  “We both know Mama’s recipes.” I smiled at my sister as he reached over to place his hand on my leg for a quick squeeze. Emery and I had another glass of wine while the kids watched a movie though James declined. He was driving home, and he knew how crazy it got during the day for my sister when he was at the office. We chatted for another couple hours and I could see that James and Nathan were forming a bond as they discussed sports.

  I carried Ella to bed as they prepared to leave since she’d been asleep for about an hour. I hugged everyone goodbye and walked them to the car for more hugs. Emery told me that she loved me and Nathan together in my ear before helping Jada and Ally into the van. Nathan shook hands with James and told him to come over again soon.

  We locked the house up and left the dishes for tomorrow at Nathan’s insistence. He pulled me up to his room, kissing me hungrily. I gave it right back to him, having missed his touch the entire evening. I let him carry me to bed, dropping me to my knees and slipping his tongue in my mouth. He found the hem of my shirt and lifted it over my head, tossing it aside before he released my bra.

  “So beautiful,” Nathan murmured as he cupped me with his hand. I was aching for him and I reached for the button of his shorts, watching them fall before he stepped out of them. He leaned down to kiss me again before I moved to sit on my ass, leaning forward to take him in my mouth. I sucked him slow and tight, moving my mouth up and down as he moaned my name. I kept going, needing his taste in my mouth tonight. He gripped my hair before shooting his release down my throat as I swallowed it all.

  I moved away and stood on trembling legs to drop my skirt. When I was naked, Nathan told me to lay back as he took off his clothes. He crawled between my legs, tasting me until I was coming, and he was hard again. Nathan pulled back and moved up to suck my nipples in his mouth slowly, teasing my sex with his cock. He took my feet, pressing them against his chest before he entered me. I gasped, arching my back as he traced his fingers over my chest. He took me slowly, burying himself inside of me with each thrust. I knew that it was partly the wine that was making me feel so good as well as his thick cock, but there was more.

  I was falling for this man, helplessly and fast.

  We fell asleep tangled together. I was exhausted and happy as I slipped my legs through his.

  I woke up with Ella in the morning, needing some water and coffee. I made her some toast and got milk, setting it at the table before I poured a cup of coffee. She ate happily, looking refreshed after a good night of sleep. Nathan joined us and sipped his coffee as I checked my magazine.

  “The zoo is tonight. Did you still want to go?” I asked as he nodded. He looked as happy as I felt and more than that; content. He went on his laptop to get tickets, so we’d get in and I went to make us some breakfast.

  We enjoyed a leisurely afternoon in before dressing for the zoo. I picked some jeans and a fitted shirt that buttoned up over a sexy red lace camisole. Nathan wore his fitted jeans and a shirt that clung to his body as I stared at him. We dressed Ella in pretty purple leggings and think, long-sleeved shirt. He led us to the car, heading into San Diego and the zoo. We had an easy dinner of pasta nearby before going to will call to get our tickets.

  The event was perfect. There was music, tons of food and a zoo that brought us around the entire place. Ella loved the animals, and we hit the gift shop to get her favorites before going home. She fell asleep on the way home and we repeated the night with my family, including the part where we made love.

  I was so addicted to this man. I slept in his arms, bare and safe as he kissed my hair before I passed out from exhaustion.

  Chapter 20: Nathan

  I liked Riley’s family. Her sister and husband were just as she described, and it was great to talk to a man that understood my world. I hoped to spend more time with them, especially since the kids got along so well.

  I knew that we’d have them over again soon, but I needed to deal with my family’s visit. We got the guest rooms ready and cleaned the bathroom that they’d be sharing since the maid came earlier in the week.

  I sensed Riley’s growing worry with every day that passed. She knew Carli but not Mom. I tried to tell her that they were similar, and she’d be fine, holding her in bed the night before they arrived. The weeks were flying by now with work and home stuff, but I went to sleep happy every night.

  “Should I sleep in my room?” Riley asked as she looked at me in the moonlight. I laughed at her and she frowned at me.

  “They know I have sex, Ri. Carli has already called me out about you several times, even though I’m not confirming a thing.” I kissed her hair, and she smiled. “This is much better than Brenda. Trust me. Mom wasn’t thrilled about that art first.”

  “She got over it?” She brought her chin to rest on her hands on my chest. God, I loved her being here like this.

  “Ella won her over much more than anything I chose to do in that time. I think that she’ll like you and if she doesn’t, we know that Carli does.” I smiled and stroked her hair away from her face. “You’ll be sleeping with me. We’ll just have to be quiet.”

  “Nathan!”

  “They will be downstairs. Don’t worry.” I laughed at her as she turned her head to the side. We planned to take them out for a seafood dinner after they arrived if they felt like it. We were open. I was going to cook to home Saturday like I did for James and Emery and keep it casual. Mom loved t
he beach and would be happy never leaving the house.

  I knew that she wanted to spend time with Ella. There was never enough of that particularly since she was my daughter’s only grandparent.

  Riley shifted and moved to rest her head against me like she did when she was tired.

  “Sleep well, baby.” I whispered as she told me the same. I was going into the office in the morning to tie up some loose ends and coming home by lunch. We were picking Mom and Carli up at four at the airport and going from there. They were leaving at two on Monday, so I took that entire day off.

  I woke up and showered, leaving Riley in bed until she woke up with Ella. They were down in the kitchen getting breakfast and I ruffled Riley’s messy hair before leaning down to kiss Ella’s cheek.

  “I’ll be home by lunch. Don’t fret, Ri.” She smiled at me over the rim of my coffee. “It’s going to be great.”

  I left for the day, leaving them to their own devices. Work was crazy, and I was in the middle of emails when Mark tapped on my door. I gestured for him to sit down and finished my call.

  “What’s up?” We hadn’t spoken too much in the last few weeks.

  “We’re going to a basketball game tonight. Drinks and dinner beforehand. Want to come?” He looked at me expectantly as I frowned.

  “I have the family coming in town. I can’t.” I told him as Mark nodded. “What is it?”

  “Things are different. You’re different.” I sighed.

  “I have a daughter, Mark. She’s old enough to miss me now and after all that we’ve been through, I don’t want to be away that much.” He nodded and checked his phone as it chimed.

  “I heard you were at the zoo with her and that nanny. Riley, was it?” He watched my face closely as I nodded. “Leanne saw you there. She was working a booth. She said you two looked close.” Leanne was one of his regulars and I shrugged one shoulder. “You’re fucking the nanny. That’s classic.”

  “It’s nothing like that. I am not married and she’s amazing with Ella. That is what matters in my life.” I knew that my voice was low with anger and he sat back.

  “Jesus. Okay. I was just joking.” I sipped my coffee and glanced at the picture of Ella on my desk. He mentioned something about a campaign before leaving the office and I knew that something just changed with us. I wasn’t his best friend, but I didn’t hate him. I think we were just drifting apart as one does in life with people as they grow. I could still go to the games and events with Riley and Ella, maybe even invite Emery and her family. I had box seats to damn near anything with my connections.

  I ended my day at eleven and shut everything down. Riley hadn’t called or anything, but I knew she was nervous. I locked my office and walked to the elevator, briefcase in hand. People told me to have a great weekend, and I replied in kind with a grin on my face. Judging from the reactions of my staff, it had been a while since that happened.

  I just wish that my fucking friends understood that even a little. Life was not all about bars and women.

  I drove with the news station, trying to keep up with current events. The world was a mess with recent events, but I should know about it. I made it home in record time and drove into the garage, shutting off the engine before closing the door. I saw Riley in the kitchen, cutting up some fruit for Ella’s lunch. She smiled at me and I walked over to kiss her before greeting my daughter in the living room.

  “I think everything is ready. I asked for all their favorites for meals. It’s clean. Ella is beyond excited.” I watched as she brought a plate to the table, carrying Ella over and getting her in her seat. It was a sandwich and grapes and Riley gave Ella her milk. She smiled, but it was shaky, and I reached for her hand.

  “It is going to be okay. Let’s get her down for a nap after lunch and I’ll relax you.” Riley blushed and laughed, and I grinned wickedly at her. We did just that, making love for the entire hour and a half that Ella slept. It only got better with is and I told her to take the first shower when Ella woke up.

  I took the second and dressed in jeans and a t-shirt after I was dry. I let my hair go messy and looked at Riley as she walked downstairs with Ella wearing a long maxi dress in a dark purple. She looked so conservative and I shook my head as I joined them in the living room.

  We drove to the airport in silence as Riley stared out of the window. I just held her hand to calm her, chatting with Ella about the plane bringing Grandma to us. She was excited and kept asking where they were. I parked the car and took her hand as Riley took the other one to guide her across the street. We walked inside and joined the throngs of people waiting for loved ones. I lifted Ella up in my arms to see them first. Riley wrapped an arm around my back and leaned against me as I took in her sweet citrus scent with a deep inhale, making her smile.

  Ella saw Carli first and called her name, waving as my sister spotted us. My mom was right behind her and her face brightened when she saw us. I made my way through the crowd, allowing Ella to run to them as I grabbed Riley’s hand. Mom hugged her, looking like she was crying as Carli kissed her hair. They walked over, and I pulled Riley forward as Carli glared at me.

  “You’re an asshole. You could have told me.” Her voice was low as she hugged Riley and I greeted Mom. She smiled at me and clutched Ella close to her, waiting for her turn to meet Riley.

  I introduced them. Riley reached out her hand, but Mom hugged her, careful not to crush Ella in the process. Carli talked a lot. That much was clear. I got their bags as the girls talked and then we walked to the car, loading up the back before I got everyone settled.

  “Are you guys up for dinner?” I asked as they told me yes. I was taking them to their favorite place, and they always looked forward to that. Mom sat close to Ella and got to know Riley over the meal, smiling the entire time. I knew that she liked Riley and approved when she saw how much her granddaughter liked my girlfriend.

  We used that word last night, making it official.

  We finished dinner, and I paid the bill before we left. We headed to the house, and I took their bags inside while Riley took them to the kitchen, offering them wine. They already enjoyed some with dinner and I was a bit worried about how much they all enjoyed wine. That could be dangerous. We stayed up talking and once Mom and Carli excused themselves to their rooms after hugs, I carried a sleeping Ella to her bed. I came back down and pulled Riley upstairs with me, wanting to take advantage of how giddy wine got her.

  I closed the bedroom door after making sure that Ella was secure for the night, closing my door and walking her over to the bed. Riley forgot her previous worries about sleeping in here and slipped her dress off before pulling me to the bed. She was hungry for me as much as I was for her. We tumbled to the mattress once I was stripped where I worshiped her gorgeous body with my mouth. I reminded her to be quiet as she came against my tongue, gripping my hair. I moved up her body, kissing her nipples as I slid between her legs. I was so fucking hard for her and I sucked her into my mouth. Riley widened her legs, and I found her wet and warm, slipping inside. Jesus, she felt good. I made love her hard and slow, trying to tell her how much she meant to me without scaring her. She returned it, rocking with me as I felt myself explode along with her.

  The next morning was great. We both heard Ella, but Mom assured us that she had her and to sleep in a bit. I smiled and kissed Riley, pulling her over me as she laughed. We never got the chance to do this in the morning and I took full advantage of her willingness. I made love to her once she came on top of me, pushing her to her back so I could fuck her hard. I came with a hiss, wanting to roar her name as I collapsed on her.

  She took the first shower, dressing in clothes that she’d moved upstairs. The rooms that she previously slept in were used as an office for the few projects that she still had with regular clients. Riley brushed her wet hair and braided it quickly before kissing me. She headed downstairs, and I jumped under the hot water, wishing that she was brave enough to shower with me with them here.

  Baby ste
ps.

  I finished and pulled on jeans and a t-shirt, walking downstairs in bare feet for coffee. Riley was sitting with Ella on the couch, coffee cup by her side. She was laughing at something that Ella whispered to her. Mom was sitting across from them, looking pretty in a flowered sundress as she smiled at my girls. Carli was in the kitchen and I went to pour coffee as she grinned at me. I gave her a hug, and she held me tightly for a moment.

  “You look so happy. I knew that it was coming around for you, Than. You deserve this.” Carli let me go and I watched her for a moment, taken aback by the tone in her voice. We always gave each other a hard time over being serious but I heard her joy in her voice. I carried my coffee to the living room and hugged Ella before catching up with everyone. There was food left over from the big breakfast that Mom made, and we heated it up before taking them down to the beach for a long walk.

  Ella ran ahead with Carli as I walked hand in hand with Riley. Mom stayed with us, watching closely ahead as she laughed at them. I knew that I should talk them both into moving here to be closer to us. Ella adored them both, and she was growing fast. I’d been keeping an eye on homes for sale casually, seeing what was out there that they might like.

  I touched on the subject over tri tip that I cooked on the grill. We were eating outside, and it was beautiful. Mom looked at me, then Ella before wiping at her cheeks. She was getting ready to leave her job at the library anyway since she was sixty now. It was time.