by Leslie Pike
“You’re too smart for your own good,” I say, holding back my chuckle.
The fact I didn’t deny his suspicions makes Bing happy.
The three of us make our way onto the property and down the side yard. Glad I brought the macaroni salad over last night. I’m carrying enough gear: towels, the requisite sunblock, swimsuit, and trunks. Bing has McFly’s traveling bag, with everything needed for the day.
My stomach is twisted, and I know why. Thankfully, I have a few hours to adjust to being around Maxen before Ken shows. Time to casually mention the fact my date is more acquaintance and less of a “boyfriend.” Not in the strictest sense of the word anyway.
Of course, when Ken gets here, he will immediately sense something’s up. I’ve been candid with him. He’s under no illusion that our relationship is going to be anything other than what it is. But he thinks if he holds on long enough, I'll change my mind. Come to a different conclusion. It’s been six months.
We’re buddies, basically. Friends without benefits. But it’s pretty obvious he would like to change our status. My libido wants more, but damn, I can’t talk myself into having sex for sex’s sake alone. My own ability to bring myself to climax has had to do.
Rounding the corner of the house, I almost run into July’s mother and father.
“Whoa!” November says, laughing.
“Hi! Oh, I was hoping you’d be here,” I say, exchanging hugs.
“We’re playing a game. You’re it now!” Asher says, removing the tall 4th of July hat and placing it on Bing.
“Cool! What do I do?”
“Next time you see someone arriving, you have to pass it on. Whoever the last guest to arrive is has to sing the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ before we start the fireworks.”
July is always coming up with holiday games. She’s started new traditions for not only her family but many of her friends.
“We forgot to bring the sparklers, so we need to make a quick trip home. We’ll be right back,” November says, taking her husband’s hand.
“Yeah, the sparklers,” he says, sounding like there’s a private joke between them.
As they walk away, I catch him giving her a love pat on the ass. Those two still act like they just met. It’s inspiring to a woman who hasn’t been around long-term love for awhile. When we reach the backyard, I spot July. She gives a wave and calls us over with a sweep of a raised arm.
Wes stands, dancing with baby Becca. But as he moves to the right, I’m rewarded with the sight of Maxen and his nephew. He’s looking directly at me, and he’s smiling. And he’s wearing swim trunks. Holy guacamole. My body goes on high alert.
“There’s July. Let’s go sit with them.”
“I’m going in the pool,” Bing says, peeling off his t-shirt and handing it to me.
I stop his forward motion with a hand on his shoulder. “Wait. Meet Hunter first. Maybe invite him to join you. He’s got his trunks on.”
“Okay.”
As we approach the group, I start to feel my confidence wither. It’s an unusual reaction for my personality. Men don’t define me. There’s barely been time for a personal life since Robert died. I define myself and know my worth. I try to teach Bing to be that kind of person too. But today, at this moment, someone else’s opinion of me counts more than usual.
“Bing, you’ve got the hat!” Wes calls. “I’m sure my father-in-law was happy to get rid of it. I would have liked to hear him sing, though.”
“Come, sit,” July says, making room between her and Maxen. What are friends for?
“Hi,” Maxen says with a warm smile. “This is my nephew, Hunter.”
“We’ve met. Hunter brought Boomer in a few times.”
The boy casts his eyes downward and mumbles something I can’t make out. Sounded like a hello, maybe.
“And this is my son, Bing.”
“Hi.”
There’s no conversation between the boys at first. I let it play out. I know my son, and he’s preoccupied at the moment. Bing’s eyes watch Maxen’s watch me. Only I can interpret the lift of the corner of his mouth. Little stinker. He has figured out who the mystery man is. The one I care how I look for. Once he’s satisfied the mystery has been solved, he turns his attention.
“Want to go in the pool?” Bing asks a surprised Hunter.
“Yeah. Okay.”
The dog bag and top hat are discarded, and the boys are off.
I take the seat offered and put my bags to the side. Wes’ attention is drawn to the pool, where his boys, James and Dean, are having a splash/shoving fight. It’s a little aggressive with the smaller kids in the water. July’s boys may be only six and seven, but they’re a handful.
“Boys! Stop that!”
His gruff tone sets the baby off. Her mouth stretches wide, followed by an ear-piercing shriek.
Without taking a beat, Wes kisses her head then hands Baby Becca to Maxen. He heads for his sons.
“Oh! A baby. Yeah, I can do this,” Maxen says mostly to himself.
It’s funny how he holds the wailing, wiggling nine-month-old child. It’s as if she’s been skunk sprayed. Out and up. July and I are about to laugh. But he’s one hundred percent real. This turn of events has thrown him.
“So I see you’re very relaxed around a baby,” I tease.
“Not funny,” he chuckles. “I have no idea what I’m doing here. Help!”
July lets us work it out. She is enjoying being our audience. I reach over and take Becca from his hands. She cuddles against my shoulder and begins to calm herself. Ah, the scent of a baby.
“Thank God,” he says. “She’s cute and all, but I’m out of my comfort zone here.”
“I’ve got her. It isn’t rocket science. You just make her a comfortable place in your arms.”
He stops fidgeting and holds my stare. That’s when the rest of the scene kind of dulls.
“I could do that.”
Silk and steel. His voice.
Chapter Four
Maxen
The sun is low in the sky. I’ve been in the pool so long my fingers are beginning to shrivel. Watching wet Dominique is the best thing about the holiday. Trying not to stare. But the woman is fine. The shyness makes it all the better. She bites her lip whenever something embarrasses her. When July’s mother complimented her figure, I saw the proof.
Maybe Dominique doesn’t know her own beauty. How could that be? There’s lots to like there. It’s not just the natural breasts that sit high or the amazing ass filling out the bikini bottom. It’s her face, framed by long, wavy, sun-kissed hair. She outshines every woman here.
Saying she has green eyes doesn’t do them justice. They’re dark, with a scattering of light that reflects off golden amber flecks. I’ve spent the afternoon studying them whenever I could get away with it. Her mouth. Oh hell. That thing is a masterpiece. And when she smiles at me, I feel a warmth. She laughs, and I love it. I sound like a tool. Or maybe a teenager lusting after the girl everyone wants to be with. What are the chances?
She takes a stroke, moving gracefully through the water, right past where we play a vigorous game of Chicken. I’ve got Hunter on my shoulders while Wes lifts Bing. It may not be the best circumstances for ogling the bathing beauty, but I’m good at multitasking. The only flaw in my plan is I’m in danger of getting an erection.
Coming near the edge of the pool, she turns over, floating close by. Oh fuck. Stop looking at her tits.
Bing grabs Hunter’s hands, and the fight is on. Having a thirteen-year-old on my shoulders is a whole different thing than when he was younger. Testosterone is in play now. He’s stronger and heavier. It’s more fun for them and really for Wes and Bing laughing with the effort.
I see Dominique stand and wave to someone, but I can’t look. Shit.
Is she getting out? My change in focus lets Bing get the advantage. My grip releases as Hunter slides off my shoulders and into the water. I go under too. When I come up, I get an eyeful and a strong reacti
on that contradicts the short time I’ve known Dominique. I don’t know her at all. But there’s a gut feeling, a visceral reminder; I want to.
She stands on the side of the pool, dripping water, her arms on a man’s shoulders. There’s a cheek kiss exchanged. Does he know how sensual the scene is? That’s a stupid question. He’s looking at her like she’s candy. Who is that prick? And how can I get rid of him? I wave off Bing’s calls for a repeat match and enlist Asher to take my place. My excuse for having to take a piss is accepted easily. Now I can do some recon.
Making my way up the steps and out of the pool, I grab a towel. My arms are better than his. So is my prick. Just fact. Now I can take all the time in the world to watch my competition. And her as well. Is she into this guy? He’s okay looking. Maybe better than okay. I guess a woman might like that all-American, preppy thing he has going for him. White bread wasp. Can’t picture this dude on a Harley. Maybe riding bitch. Just the thought makes me chuckle.
The question rises. What does this mean? If this is Dominique’s type, I’m screwed. Then something happens to give me hope. Her eyes lift to mine, and she takes her hands off the man. It’s just a moment, one beat in a twenty-four-hour day. But it’s all the encouragement I need.
Stretching out on a chaise, I take in the scene. Bing didn’t get out of the pool to greet the guy. July gave him a wave from where she sits, and he returned it. Nobody is too excited he’s arrived. Especially Dominique. She dried herself off quickly and grabbed her shorts. I’ve never seen a woman get dressed so fast. It’s all covered now. Good. I don’t want his eyes on her. Oh, here they come.
I make sure to lift my arms behind me and rest my head in my palms, so she can see the biceps. I’ve worked hard for them, and it’s about to pay off. I hope he can see I’m into her. I want him to know. She may not be into me yet, but I’m going to work on that.
“Ken, this is Maxen,” she says, taking the chair across from where I lay.
“Hi. Nice to meet you.” I offer the lie hoping he can see through it.
“You too.”
He extends a hand and a smile. But I sense just as much truth in his words as mine. Fucker.
The guy pulls a chair closer and starts talking, barely taking a breath between topics. Think he likes the sound of his own voice. Every so often, Dominique’s gaze lands on mine. There is a whole other conversation happening there. The unsaid but not missed.
As he begins a soliloquy about the benefits of a saltwater pool, she and I are somewhere else. Above and away from this bullshit neither of us is interested in hearing about. Every minute or so, she throws in a response, so the guy knows his date is still listening.
“Really? How interesting,” she says.
I can’t help but be amused, and my smirk confirms it.
“Tell me more about the cost,” I say, knowing it will buy me more time to imagine myself on top of Dominique.
She understands exactly what I’ve done. Now our communication reaches another level. We know we are on the same page. At the most opportune moment, Wes comes over and greets his latest guest. Ken’s attention is diverted. He looks away from Dominque and me to where Wes stands behind him.
“Hi, Ken. You hungry? We’ve got all kinds of good things.”
I bet everyone who asks Ken a question is punished by the answer. He starts talking, and I take my opportunity.
When Dominique’s eyes lock on mine, I mouth a message. ‘Want to go out with me?’
Her lips press, and her eyes widen in surprise, followed by a nod. Hell, yes, woman. When I look at Wes, he’s watching us. He saw what just happened and smiles.
“Hey, come with me. I want to introduce you to a friend.” Wes says it so smoothly, as if he really means it. I know better, and I would guess Dominique does too. He’s giving us some alone time.
Ken rises. “Yeah, sure. I’ll be back,” he says to Dominique. As he does, there’s a light touch on her shoulder. She stiffens. Good.
The two men walk off, and we are left alone. The background doesn’t change. People splashing in the pool, barbecues cooking the last of the burgers and dogs. Some of the guests are staging a fireworks pit. Dogs are lazing. Off in a corner of the yard, McFly and Cali tussle over a pull toy. My girl dwarfs the Terrier, but he doesn’t seem bothered.
It all pales next to what is happening here.
“Yes, then?” I say.
“Yes. I think we should.”
“What about your Ken doll?”
“What about him?”
“I don’t like him. He’s too tame for you.”
“Oh, really? How do you know?”
“Because I see the wild.”
She’s biting her lip, but she isn’t contradicting my statement. So, I continue.
“There’s fire in your eyes. I like the look.”
“You’re imagining more than what’s there. I’m just an average girl. A little fire, a little ice.”
“You’re far from average.”
“So, where are you taking me? And when?”
“Do you ride?” I say it with a grin, knowing the double entendres lands.
“I can ride. I’ve even got a helmet.”
“Really? Good. You into picnics? I know a great spot.”
A wide smile lights her face. “Yeah. I love a picnic. When?”
“How about next Saturday? I’ll come by around noon.”
The next few hours pass quickly. In reverence to the animal guests, the 4th of July celebration consists of sparklers for the kids and a few small fireworks. Overhead the nearby park puts on a better show. It’s great lying on the grass on big blankets. Dominique and I keep our distance. She’s respectful of her date, and I’m respectful of her. Besides, we have already said what needed to be heard.
A minute ago, Ken tried to put an arm around her, but she wasn’t having it. For the first time, I see a kernel of doubt. The guy is beginning to get the message she’s been sending since he arrived. Of course, that goofy looking hat Bing passed on to him isn’t helping. He looks like a dork. When he sang the ‘Star-Spangled Banner,’ I’m pretty sure the Statue of Liberty hid her face in embarrassment.
A softness settles over the scene as tired toddlers nestle in welcoming arms. Even the animals have gotten quiet. As I pet Cali’s coat, McFly is tucked into his new friend’s belly. Didn’t see that coming. Then McFly lets my girl know who’s boss. When Cali moves to reposition herself, it pisses McFly off. He was very comfortable, and his eyes were fighting to stay open. His lip curls, and he bears sharp teeth in an unmistakable message. Doesn’t matter that he’s outweighed. McFly doesn’t let that stop him. In a surprising response, Cali acknowledges who the alpha is by turning over and showing her belly. I swear there is a smug expression on McFly’s face.
Hunter and Bing lay on July and Wes’ blanket. After looking around for witnesses, Bing shows him something hidden in his hand. When Hunter sees what it is, his mouth opens, and the boys become co-conspirators. It makes me happy. I don’t give a shit what they’ve found. He’s got a new friend. Then Bing motions for Hunter to follow him, and they get up and move across the yard. I lose them when they round the corner of the house.
It only takes a minute. Just after the oohs and ahhs over the huge red, white, and blue starburst in the sky, it happens. The loud explosion of a bottle rocket shakes the trees, the ground, and our peace. Fuck!
The dogs react with barks and howls and general mayhem. Cali gets up so fast she knocks McFly over. It’s a shitshow now. The younger kids are startled and crying. Screaming, actually. Sounds of the adult protests rise. Wes can be heard over them all as he stands and heads for the side of the house.
“Bing! Get your ass over here!”
The fact he knew without looking who the culprit is, tells a story.
Chapter Five
Dominique
“All right, let’s go over my instructions. You are not to let anyone in the house that hasn’t been cleared by me. When Hunter gets here,
make sure...”
“Woman!! We’ve gone over this already!”
My expression changes in an instant. If that boy thinks he can talk to me like that, he’s about to be set straight. I lock eyes with my son and send him a clear message.
“If you call me woman one more time, there will be consequences.”
“You liked it when John Wayne said it to that red-haired lady in that movie.”
“You’re not John Wayne, and this isn’t a movie.”
I don’t have to actually name the consequences because Bing knows I don’t randomly threaten punishment. I am a woman of my word. The cell phone will go immediately. Wisely, he quiets.
“As I was saying, I’m letting you have your band practice here while I’m gone. That does not mean you can act the fool or behave in any way that you know I would disapprove of. Got it?”
“I got it,” he says, emptying an entire bag of chips into the big bowl.
“And I want you to respond when I send a text or call. Don’t make me cut my picnic short just to make sure you’re not setting the house on fire.”
He puts the chips down and does the thing. Ever since Bing was a little boy, he has known how to make his mother melt. It works every time. Opening his arms wide, he says, “I think you need a hug, Mom.”
It started as an authentic offer from a five-year-old son to his mom. The first time was because a movie I was watching made me cry. Then at eight or so, it became a deeper act of compassion if he’d catch me crying about his father. Now it’s a new thing. The last few times he did it was to get out of something. He’s tried using it to manipulate me, but we both laugh when he does it. Nobody is unaware that change is happening on a daily. Finding the humor in it has been helpful for both of us.
“I think I do need a hug, Bing.”
A smile accompanies my words. He wraps his arms around me, and suddenly I’m faced with how tall he is. Another few inches and we’ll be the same height. A lump rises in my throat. Pretty soon, my tight control over him will start to wane. If I’m honest with myself, it’s already begun.
