I check my back pocket for my wallet and grab my car keys off the desk. “Stop reading into everything, Faye.”
She points at my hand. “Where are you going?”
“Out.”
“You played hooky yesterday, too.” She crosses her arms. “Does this have something to do with Towel Girl?”
I walk around my desk toward the door and she blocks my path. “Faye.”
“You never did tell me how your night with her went,” she says.
“I never intended to.”
“But you’re an open book, remember?”
“About some things? Sure. Play-by-plays of my nights with women? Not so much.”
Her eyes roll. “No one’s asking for a gross play-by-play, Ira.”
“Then, what do you want?”
“For my friend to talk to me?” She looks me up and down. “I’ve known you for a long time; long enough for me to take notice when something is wrong and something is clearly wrong.”
I pause as my shoulders sag.
“So, come on!” She pats my arm once. “Talk to me. What’s up? What happened with Veronica?”
I slide backward and park it on the edge of my desk. “Okay. You might have been a little right before.”
“That happens a lot.” She nods. “Which part?”
I chuckle. “The part about her and me taking things to another level.”
“Find out her last name, did you?” she jokes.
“I did, yeah,” I answer. “That and the fact that she’s officially moving here to Vegas.”
Faye’s eyes widen. “To be closer to you?”
“No. For work.”
“And to be closer to you.”
I bite my cheek. “I’m not so sure about that.”
“I am.” Faye smiles. “Ira, you’re crazy to think the thought didn’t cross her mind at least once in debating whether or not to pack up her life and move to the middle of the friggin’ desert.”
“You might be right.”
“Might be wrong, too, but I really don’t think so. The girl’s crazy about you. I can feel it.” She smirks. “And you’re crazy about her, too,” she says.
“How can you tell?” I ask.
“Because you’re a Botsford boy.”
I frown. “What’s that mean?”
“Try snapping your fingers lately?” she quips. “That’s usually how you guys get everything you want.”
I open my mouth to refute it, though I don’t really have a counter-argument. “Okay.”
She smiles. “You care about her. A lot. You wouldn’t let her affect you this much otherwise.”
I exhale hard. “Point taken.”
Faye steps out into the hallway, then quickly turns back around. Her eyes fall downward and she lets out a heavy sigh. “Goddamn, you look good in jeans,” she says.
I raise a curious brow. “You sound almost disappointed.”
“Eh. Just that I didn’t see it before now.”
I push off the desk. “Well, that’s a different tune. In my dreams, remember?”
“I’m just saying…” She shrugs. “If things don’t work out with Towel Girl, lemme know. Those jeans might look good on my floor, too.”
I smile. Hey, a compliment’s a compliment. “I’ll pass,” I say.
She points a finger at me. “See? Another girl threw herself at you and you turned her down. You are clearly head-over-heels.”
“Or you’re just not my type,” I argue.
“Oh, please.” She scoffs.
I smirk. “Besides, the rumor mill around here has you paired up with a certain barten—”
“You shut your mouth, Botsford,” she snaps, clearly offended by the allegation.
I laugh and step around her as I close my door. “I’ll see you around, Faye.”
“Bye, Ira.”
I head toward the parking garage, casually peeking behind my shoulder to check if she’s watching me walk away. I catch her for a split second before she whips her head in the other direction, a deep smile carved into her face.
My phone chimes in my pocket. I reach for it as I skip down the stairs but come to stop at the bottom.
Just forwarded Nigel’s report. Check your email.
A text from Stella. About Derrick. Yesterday, I would have rushed to the nearest computer to dive into this but today, I’m not so sure.
Veronica trusts him completely. I can’t say that I do yet, but she’s a smart woman. She’d never put Michelle in danger and I might cause unnecessary drama if I keep acting like I don’t trust her. I do trust her. And Derrick… well…
What I’ve seen so far is good. Honestly, my hang-ups about him are exactly that: my hang-ups. He’s done nothing wrong.
I’ll check my email later.
Now, I have a bedroom to paint.
Ten
Veronica
I dunk the roller into the pan again, slathering it with a layer of fresh, heather paint. The wall is almost halfway done now but I can already tell that this shade is perfect. Thanks to Ira.
I realize I’m smiling. I’m painting my bedroom and smiling like an idiot.
Because of him.
I usually sleep better than ever after a night with Ira but I spent last night tossing and turning between bliss and terror.
Because of him.
How did Randall find me?
Why was I so sure he wouldn’t?
Am I even really sure I saw him in the first place?
I drop the paint roller into the pan and abandon it in favor of my coffee mug. A caffeine buzz might not be the best thing for my nerves right now but it’ll at least distract me for five seconds or so.
I stare at my wall and hope my smile returns.
Use me.
Oh, there’s a start.
I close my eyes, letting my mind wander back to Ira’s bed. Nothing before. Nothing after. Just me and Ira with his hands on my body and his voice in my ear begging me to use him. To pleasure myself as I see fit.
That’s certainly going to be my go-to happy thought for a while.
I look at Michelle lying in the pack-and-play set up in the corner by the open window and my smile officially returns.
“Hey, girl,” I say, walking over. I take in a breath of fresh air and lean down to kiss my baby on the forehead. “You want to take a walk?” I ask as I scoop her up. “Let’s take a walk and distract Mommy from bullshit, eh?”
I stride into the hallway with her, gently bouncing her on my arm and making funny faces to entertain her. My gaze drifts into various corners, locking on little cameras that I’m sure I’ll get used to eventually. Not that I’m not happy to have them. After spotting Randall in the lobby last night, I’m more than a little grateful for them.
I pause in the living room and look out the window. I chose this neighborhood because it was safe but now I’m not so sure there is a safe place for us anywhere. Fortunately, we’re already packed. It would be so easy to call the movers and tell them to drive elsewhere. Throw a dart on a map and call it home. Somewhere far away from where I’ve been.
But that wouldn’t be so easy anymore. Not now that Ira’s met her and held her. He’d never let me leave with her but if we stay here, it’s only a matter of time until Randall…
Fuck.
How deep have you stepped in it now, V?
A car turns into my driveway and my gut clenches instantly. My lips part with the urge to shout for Derrick but as the car comes to a stop and the driver’s side door opens, I bite down and exhale.
Ira.
Ira… in jeans and a t-shirt?
That’s new and… pleasant.
Very pleasant.
Michelle coos to herself and I nod.
“Oh, yeah,” I say. “That’s Daddy...”
Ira strides up the driveway and I shift away from the windows to meet him at the front door. He knocks twice before I get there and I feel my smile digging into my face before I open the door.
“Hello, s
tranger,” I greet him.
“Hey, V,” he says, his eyes dropping from mine to hers. “And Michelle,” he adds. “Sorry if I’m too late. I had some work to catch up on.”
“You’re not,” I say, stepping back. “I haven’t done much yet. She’s been… kind of emotional today.”
Ira feigns a pout and steps inside. “Poor thing,” he says.
He presents his pinkie finger and grazes the back of Michelle’s hand. I watch his eyes as she raises her hand and her little fingers curl around his. His eyes light up, making my heart race in my chest. I can’t believe how much he adores her already. And vice versa, I’m sure.
“She likes you,” I say, smiling.
“You think so?” he asks, still gazing at her.
I nod. “It’s gotta be the beard,” I joke.
He laughs. “Like mother like daughter, then.” He looks at me, his finger still tethered to her hand. “How about you? Are you feeling emotional today?”
“You mean after last night?” I ask.
“Yeah.”
“Sort of,” I answer. “But the good way. Mostly.”
“Mostly?” he repeats.
I lick my lips. “Boy, I sure do love being put on the spot like this.”
“Sorry.” He chuckles. “I didn’t mean to.”
“I’m looking forward to tonight,” I say. “Let’s put it that way.”
“Me, too.” He studies my face, eyes slipping down to my lips. “Looking forward to it enough to let me kiss you right now?”
I nod once. “Mostly.”
Ira raises a devious brow and he leans in. I hold my breath and close my eyes, waiting for the moment his lips find mine. They kiss the edge of my mouth, giving me an instant smile as heat travels all the way down to my toes.
The back door opens and closes. My heart skips twice but fear recedes quickly as I hear Derrick’s familiar stride echoing through the empty kitchen.
“Oh…” He stops in the foyer doorway as Ira takes a quick step back. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt.”
I shake my head. “No worries. What’s up?”
“Nothing. Taking a break,” he says. “Figured I’d come down, see if you needed help...” His eyes shift back and forth. “Everything all right?”
“Yes,” I answer. “We’re fine here. Thank you.”
Derrick clears his throat. “All right, well… I’ll be in my room.” He looks at Ira. “Nice to see you, Ira,” he says.
Ira nods. “You, too.”
“Good call on the periwinkle blue, by the way.”
“You’re welcome,” Ira says, blinking twice.
Derrick spins around and disappears into the kitchen again. Ira stays quiet as the refrigerator door opens and closes and Derrick exits through the back door again.
“I thought the blue was for the guest room,” he says to me.
“It is,” I say. “The one above the garage... that Derrick is living in.”
Ira nods slowly, letting it sink in. “All right,” he says.
I eye him with suspicion. “Is that a problem?”
He shakes his head. “Sounds like a good arrangement.”
“It is. It’s convenient.”
“I was gonna say. It takes a village, right?”
“It’s also nice having a guy around,” I say.
He nods again. “We can be pretty handy sometimes.”
I squint. “This doesn’t bother you?”
Ira slides his hands into his pockets. “Nope,” he says.
“At all?”
“Not at all, V.”
I point a finger at him. “Bullshit.”
He cracks up. “Veronica, really. He’s here to help you and I’m fine with that. It’s not what I’d call a picture-perfect ideal but it’s not my place to say otherwise. I respect your decision.”
“Okay, then,” I say, lowering my hand to Michelle’s back again.
“Now…” he smiles and turns away, “give me a brush and point me at a wall.”
“Whoa, hold on.” I shift forward, closing the gap between us. “That wasn’t much of a kiss.”
Ira stops. “No,” he says. “No, it wasn’t.”
I stand still and wait, leaving the ball entirely in his court. He wavers, playfully inching back and forth with sinister eyes before he finally leans in. I tilt my head up but Ira pauses an inch away and looks at Michelle between us.
He blocks her eyes with his hand. “Sorry, kiddo,” he whispers. “Adult moment.”
I laugh and he kisses me full on the mouth. His lips purse, molding mine to move with his and I can’t stop myself from kissing him back.
After a few seconds, Ira turns his head, putting distance between us. “Better?” he asks with smiling eyes.
I nod slowly, doing my best to remain standing. “Yes,” I answer.
He hops backward. “All right! We’re burning daylight! Let’s paint.”
My heart throbs again as he skips down the hall toward my room.
“Yup,” I say, peeking down at Michelle’s curious face. “That’s Daddy.”
Movement catches my attention from outside as I look up. I tilt my head to see through the open window blinds at the slow-moving car passing by the house.
I focus on the driver and a shiver rides down my spine.
That black hair and even blacker eyes.
Him.
I hug my daughter closer, too scared to move. The car suddenly speeds up and bolts down the street.
Did he get spooked by Ira’s car?
Did he see Derrick through a windows and bail?
Or is my mind really playing tricks on me?
Eleven
Ira
I am absolutely in love.
I have no idea how much time has passed. The bottle in my hand is empty. The baby cradled in my arm is full and fast asleep but I don’t want to move. I’m almost tempted to wake her just so I can look into those little, brown eyes again.
My daughter. My baby girl.
“I think this is the most content I’ve ever seen you.”
Veronica’s whisper easily catches my attention but I don’t look away from this tiny face. She stands up off my bed and silently stacks her empty plate on the room service tray by the door.
“This is the most content I’ve ever been,” I say. “Thank you for letting me do this.”
“You’re a natural,” she says with a smile in her voice. “Has your arm fallen asleep yet?”
“Oh, yeah.” I grin. “Long time ago.”
She chuckles softly. “It won’t fall off. I checked,” she jokes. “Spent so long doing this in the beginning just… sitting still with her and wondering if I was about to wake up. But, no. She was real.”
I turn my head up and feel a twinge in my neck from looking down for so long. “I can’t even imagine what that must have felt like,” I say.
Veronica shrugs. “It sunk in eventually.” She turns and gestures to the travel bassinet on the bed. “Ready to put her down?”
I nod. “Probably should.”
She steps toward my chair and leans down with carefully positioned arms. I ease forward slowly to pass Michelle off to her, immediately missing her as Veronica takes her and walks back to the bed. My arm tingles so I flex my hand as I stand up to get my blood flowing again.
As soon as Veronica sets Michelle down, she eases onto her side next to the bassinet and rests her head on her elbow. “Thanks for this,” she whispers. “Tonight was fun.”
“As fun as last night?” I ask.
She bites her lip. “Not quite.”
I follow her lead and lie down on the other side of the bassinet. “Well, there’s still time.”
Her eyes drop as her cheeks flare. “I should probably call it a night and get her downstairs, actually,” she says.
“Why?” I ask.
Her lips twitch. “Because she’s cute and cuddly right now but one wrong move and she’ll scream for the next three hours.”
I look
down and nod. “Well, that’s one thing she and I have in common.”
She smothers her laugh as she pushes up on her hand.
I rest a finger on the edge of the bassinet. “Stay,” I whisper to her.
Veronica stops. “Stay?” she repeats.
“Yeah, stay here with me tonight.”
Her eyes bounce between me and Michelle. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.” I smile. “Give Mr. Nanny the night off. I want to try out the daddy experience.”
She slowly lowers back down. “All right,” she says. “If that’s really what you want.”
“It is,” I say, feeling it in my bones. “We got this. You and me.”
I gaze at her across from me, getting completely lost in her all over again. Veronica is stunning, in every sense of the word and I want nothing more than to take her in my arms and do all sorts of things to her.
My eyes fall to the sleeping baby between us and I bite my devious lip.
“Come with me,” I say as I slide off the bed.
Veronica hesitates. “Where?”
I tug her with me but she doesn’t resist. She follows close behind me, casting a glance at sleeping Michelle as I guide her toward the bathroom. We pass through the doorway together and I silently close the door behind us. As soon as it’s closed, I pull Veronica in and kiss her on the mouth.
Her lips curl against mine and she laughs with her palms resting on my sides. “You had to drag me into the bathroom to kiss me?” she asks.
“No,” I answer. “I had to drag you into the bathroom to do this.”
I lift her up and set her down on the counter by the sink. Veronica covers her mouth to smother her laughter as I push her knees apart and settle between them. I kiss her hard and she kisses me back as soon as her laugh allows. I feel up her body and her muscles soften beneath my touch. Letting her smile and laugh and relax with me feels more exhilarating than I thought it would. Knowing that she’s comfortable enough to relax around me is just the cherry on top.
“You’re amazing,” I whisper in her ear.
“Thank you.” Veronica hums. “What’d I do?”
I laugh, kissing the edge of her mouth. “Michelle, that’s what.”
“Ah. That was nothing.”
Just a Fling: A Heartthrob Hotel Novella Page 8
