by L. P. Dover
Caleb drapes his arm over my shoulders. “I promise I’ll have both waiting for you when you get to my house.”
“Sounds perfect to me.”
When we get to the town square, Jody is already sitting on the sleigh, dressed in my grandfather’s Santa suit. He waves at us, and we wave back. “Have fun tonight.”
I can feel the heat rise to my cheeks. “Oh, I already did. It was nice.”
Caleb leans in slow and gently presses his lips to mine. “Yes, it was. I just wanted you to know I’m ready for the next step.”
“So am I.” I’m ready for a whole lot more.
Eight
Caleb
“Daddy?” Alyssa says my name quietly as she sits on the countertop, swinging her legs back and forth, although her heels really have nowhere to go except to slap into the cupboard doors.
“Alyssa?” I’m standing next to her, tying and retying my tie. I can’t seem to get the knot right. I haven’t worn a tie in over a year, and I don’t miss it.
“Tonight is important, right?”
“Yes,” I say slowly, wondering what she has planned. “Why are you asking?”
“I’m just wondering since I’m wearing a really pretty dress.” She picks up the first couple of layers of ruffles. I never realized I was a dad who could pick up a dress for his daughter, but when I saw this one, along with the Christmas dress, I had to get them for her. Giving them to her and watching her face morph into surprise and elation gave me so much happiness. It proved I can do this single dad thing, even though I feel anything but. Bree and I have only started dating, but she’s slipped into a role as Alyssa’s caregiver. Last week when my daughter wasn’t feeling well, it was Bree she wanted to take care of her, and Bree did, without hesitation.
“And Bree is going to be there?”
I pause and glance at Alyssa. She’s not looking at me but everywhere around the bathroom. She’s a little schemer. “Yes, Bree will be there, but—”
“I don’t like your buts,” Alyssa says, laughing.
Setting my hand down on her knee, I squeeze it to get her attention. Alyssa finally looks at me, and for the first time since her mom passed away, I see a sparkle in her eye. Her brown eyes had dimmed so much when my wife died. “But,” I say as softly as possible. “Bree has to work. This is her job, and it’s how she pays her bills, so as much as you want to take up all her time, you have to let her work. You have to be respectful, polite, and the cutest little girl I know you to be.”
Alyssa nods slowly, which doesn’t send a wave of confidence my way.
“You know, I hear Santa might make an appearance at the show. You wouldn’t want him to see you acting poorly, would you?”
She shakes her head slowly.
“What happens if he does?”
“I get coal in my stocking.”
I nod, acting like I’ve had it happen before.
“But . . .” Alyssa holds her hand up so I don’t interrupt her. I can’t imagine where she’s learned this. “But if Bree wants to be with me or calls me over, I can go, right?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Okay, phew,” she says, wiping her forehead. “I’m not worried then.”
I can’t help but laugh. “What do you mean?”
Alyssa throws her hands up. “I’m irrestible.”
“Irrestible?” I question, and she nods. The smile I sport is so wide, my cheeks hurt. “You’re irresistible.” I make sure to enunciate the word so she can hear me say the word correctly.
“Yes, that’s the word. I’m irresistible!”
“That you are.” I tickle her. “But, and yes, I know you hate my buts, Bree is working tonight, and while I know she loves you and wants to spend time with you, I need you to show all those people tonight just how important Bree is to you and be on your best behavior. Okay?”
Alyssa smiles widely and nods. “She loves me?”
“Yeah, she does.” I don’t know if this is accurate or not, but every vibe I get from Bree says she does. I can’t imagine someone not falling in love with Alyssa, but on the other side, I can’t imagine what must go through Bree’s mind when she’s with her. Bree competes with my wife’s memory, someone Alyssa talks about often, and Bree embraces and runs with whatever Alyssa is saying. Not once have I heard Bree discount Alyssa’s feelings, only encourage them.
I give up on tying my tie and leave it dangling around my neck. Wrapping my arm around Alyssa’s waist, she scolds me for trying to wrinkle her dress but still loops her arms around my neck and allows me to help pull her off the counter. She links her hand with mine and looks at me.
“I love you, Daddy.”
My eyes mist and I crouch down, so we’re the same height. “I love you, Alyssa. More than anything in this world. You’ll always be my number one girl.”
“Forever?” she asks.
“And always.”
When Alyssa and I arrive at the gallery, there is a line of people waiting to get in. It’s damn cold out, and they’re waiting for Bree to open the doors to see what artwork she’s acquired for this event. Bree told me to walk right in, despite the sign on the door saying she’s closed. As soon as I set my hand on the door handle, panic sets in. These people are going to look at my photographs and judge me. They’re going to frown or smirk when they don’t like one, and I’m going to see their expressions because I have to be here. I have to stand there and pretend like I’m not full of nerves each time I see someone standing by one of my images and pointing. Of course, there’s the off chance that someone in this line will like my work, even love it. The few pictures Bree put out earlier sold instantly, which is surprising. In a million years, I never thought someone would find my vision through a lens worthy enough to pay for it. Bree has proven me wrong.
“Are we going to go in?” Alyssa tugs on my hand, bringing me back to reality.
Are we? I look over my shoulder, and through the front window, I can see the line of people. No one is focused on me. They’re huddled together for warmth or looking at their phones. I don’t understand why I’m afraid of them or what they might think, but I am. It’s a feeling that I hate. I’ve never been scrutinized before, at least not like this.
“Daddy?”
With my gaze back on Alyssa, I realize this is when I can set a good example for her. I can show her how to overcome fear, no matter how small or trivial it might be. “Yeah, we are.” My thumb presses down on the handle, and we walk in. The gallery is inviting, with some music playing, the perfect lighting, and the right amount of heat. Instantly, my chilled bones are warmed. But my body temperature changes when Bree struts toward us in a royal blue wrap dress with a silver bow tied on her hip. She’s like a present waiting to be unwrapped.
Earlier, when I was with her and doing things I haven’t done to another woman in many years, I expected guilt to take over, but it didn’t or hadn’t at least. I wanted to make love to her, but in her office or on her desk gives off the impression I only want to fuck her, and that’s not the case. I want to lay her out on my bed, one that hasn’t been shared with anyone else, and ravish her. I want to learn every inch of her body and discover what turns her on and what will drive her absolutely insane. Most of all, there isn’t a doubt in my mind that I want to be with her. I know people will have a problem with me moving on, but everything about Bree and us feels right. It feels perfect, and I’d be a fool to let these feelings go because someone out there thinks they know what’s best for my daughter and me.
“Wow,” Alyssa mutters.
“I know,” I say in agreement.
The seconds tick by slowly as Bree approaches us. I suppose I shouldn’t be jealous when she takes Alyssa’s hand and twirls her around. Alyssa’s giggle warms my heart even more. “Alyssa, I love your dress.”
“Thanks, Daddy bought it for me, and he says he picked it out all by himself, but I’m not so sure. I think you did it.”
Bree kneels and clutches both of Alyssa’s hands. “Your dad d
id it all by himself. He didn’t even show me until he bought them.”
“I love it,” my daughter replies with another spin. That’s when she sees my parents and goes running after them. Bree stands and straightens her dress. She eyes my tie, loose around my neck, and reaches for it. “I didn’t take you for a man who couldn’t tie his own tie.”
“I tried. It never looked right.”
Bree loops and pushes the fabric through the hole, then she tightens and wiggles it until it’s in place. “There.”
“Thank you,” I say before stepping closer. “I’d like to kiss you.”
She grins. “I’d like that as well, but the last thing I want is for the people outside to see us embrace. I don’t want there to be any doubt in their mind that you’re on these walls because you deserve to be here, not because you have something going on with the gallery owner.”
“Fair enough.”
“Are you ready?” she asks. I’m not, but I nod anyway. “I’m going to open the door and invite everyone in. All you need to do is mingle and wander around. If someone has questions or wants to compliment you, they’ll come up to you.”
“How will they know it’s me?”
“That’s my job,” she says. “I’ll greet every person who walks through this door tonight. I’ll find out what they’re looking for, direct them to the right painting or print, and when the time is right, I’ll ask if they want to meet the artist. You’re not the only one here, so don’t worry about being alone. Ross Sanders is over there in the corner, sipping a glass of champagne. He’s a retired police officer who started painting to deal with the things he saw when he worked in New York City. Talk to him. I think you two will hit it off.”
I glance over my shoulder and find him looking at one of my pictures. “Maybe when he’s done,” I say, shrugging. Bree rolls her eyes, takes me by the arm, and leads me over to Ross.
“Ross, I’d like you to meet Caleb, the man behind this image.” We shake hands, and before I say anything to Bree, she’s gone. Ross and I maybe get three words out before the doors open, and people flood into the gallery.
“First time?” he asks me.
“Is it that obvious?”
“Yes.” He laughs and takes two flutes of champagne off the tray when a waiter walks by. “This will help. Just sip, no gulping. The only time you gulp is when some pompous ass comes up to you and tells you how you could’ve captured the moment differently.”
“How do you deal with that?” I ask.
“You grin, thank them, and as soon as they walk away, you turn around and greet the next person. It’s their opinion and theirs alone. There isn’t anything you can say to change their mind, so don’t even try.”
“Got it.”
My parents come up to us, and I introduce them, along with Alyssa, to Ross. He and my father start talking sports almost instantly, and I take this as my cue to wander like Bree said I should. I’m the first to admit, I know nothing about art, but some of these paintings are beautiful. That is until I look at the price tag and gasp. I could never afford to put one above my mantle.
“I did the same thing when I saw the price, but I have the perfect place for a piece like this.” The woman says nothing else as she raises her hand and hollers out for Bree. I watch their interaction. Bree is soft with her, places her hand on her arm, and laughs at whatever the woman says. Within a minute, they’re walking toward the back, giving off the sense that Bree just sold this twelve-thousand-dollar piece of art.
As the night goes on, I spend time with buyers, answering their questions, and allowing them to get to know me. They ask for my website to buy more work, and I tell them I’m exclusive to Bree’s gallery and suggest they visit her website. I never thought about selling my work until Bree suggested it, and I can’t imagine offering it anywhere but here.
My parents approach, with a sleeping Alyssa in my dad’s arms. My mom kisses me on the cheek and tells me how proud she and my father are of me. “Thank you.”
“We’re going to take Alyssa home with us,” she tells me. “You still have a couple of hours here, and she’s exhausted.”
“Yes, it’s hard being the belle of the ball.” I rub my hand down Alyssa’s back. Every time we crossed paths, she was on her best behavior and accepting compliments from anyone who told her how beautiful her dress was.
“I’ll come to get her in the morning,” I tell my folks. After we say our goodbyes, I scan the room for Bree. Most of the people have come and gone, but a few remain. She mentioned those are the serious buyers, the ones who negotiate on multiple pieces. We lock eyes, and I head toward her. “Do you have plans when this is all over?” I whisper into her ear.
“A long, hot bath is the only thing on my agenda.”
“How would you like to take that bath at my place? I have bubbles and an empty house.”
Bree laughs, and then her eyes go wide as she nods. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the very successful evening my gallery had.”
“I can,” I say as I wink. I leave her there, with every speculation running through her mind.
Nine
Bree
The showcase was a success! We tripled the attendance from last year and sold out of everything. As I look around the gallery, I can’t believe how empty it is. Nothing but blank spaces on the walls and in the corners where several of the art sculptures stood.
“I just wanted to say congratulations,” Lindy says, hugging me tightly. “You were so busy earlier. I had to wait until everyone left to talk to you.”
My cheeks are sore from talking and smiling so much. “I know, right. I’m exhausted and happy at the same time.”
She lets me go and stands back. Her eyes shift to Caleb, who I know is standing behind me. There’s a twinkle in her eyes, and I know she’s holding back the inappropriate comment I know that’s waiting to slip out. “Try not to be too tired tonight. You have a lot of celebrating to do.” She winks quickly and smiles at Caleb. “Your photos are amazing, Caleb.”
I glance at him over my shoulder, and he smiles at me before focusing on her. “Thanks, Lindy. It was a great night.”
“All right, well, I’m going to let you two get out of here. I know it’s late.” She grins at me and winks again before turning on her heel and heading out the door. All I’ve been able to think about for the past thirty minutes is being alone with Caleb. Tonight is the night; I know it. I’m nervous, but also completely ready. It feels like it’s been an eternity since I’ve been fully intimate with someone.
Caleb comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist, his lips gently touching the side of my neck. Every time he touches me, it sends trembles throughout my body. “Are you ready to go?”
Smiling, I place my hands over his. “I am.” I turn around in his arms and look up at him. “I’m going to close up the gallery and take the rest of December off. We need a vacation after tonight.”
He chuckles. “That’s for damn sure. Plus, you also don’t have anything to sell.”
I look around at the empty gallery. “Yeah, you kind of have a point. It’ll be good to regroup and think up new things to paint.”
“And for me to snap new photos,” he adds.
This makes me happy. “You’re taking your cut of the money, Caleb. I made a killing off of you tonight.”
He shrugs. “Perfect. I’m happy to help.”
One way or another, I’m going to give him his money. “Come on, let’s go before I can’t walk anymore. My whole body aches right now.”
His eyes twinkle. “Guess that means you’re ready for that long, hot bath.”
“You have no idea.” And a lot more than that.
Caleb walks into the back room and brings out my purse, which I’m grateful for. My feet are killing me from walking around all night in high heels. However, nothing is going to stop me from enjoying the night.
Caleb and I walk outside, and I lock up the gallery door. “Do you want to just ride with me inste
ad of taking two cars?”
“Sounds good to me.” I slip the keys into my purse, and he takes my hand as we walk to his car. I’m on air tonight, and I can feel the excitement swirling around inside me. I don’t know if I could be any happier. We get in Caleb’s car and head on our way to his house. “I think I’m going to come up with some new things to paint. I’m hoping to get some inspiration after the holidays. Right now, my brain is fried.”
Caleb looks over at me. “It’ll come to you. You could always be like Bob Ross and put some happy little trees in your paintings.”
I smack his arm. “Hey, I loved Bob Ross and all his trees. I watched his show every Saturday morning. He made it look so easy.”
He chuckles. “That he did.”
We pull up to his house, and I tremble with anticipation. It feels like I’m about to make love for the first time. In a way, I am. Caleb doesn’t know this, but I do love him. I want to tell him so, but I want to make sure he’s ready to hear it. I’d give anything to hear him say he loves me too. What makes the situation even more unique is that I absolutely adore his daughter. I care for Alyssa as if she was my own.
Caleb shuts off his car, and he kisses my hand. “When we get inside, I want you to stay in the living room for a minute.”
I stare at him, wondering what he’s got up his sleeve. “Okay. What will you be doing?”
He winks. “You’ll see. Just promise me you’ll stay in the living room.”
“I promise,” I reply, laughing. We get out of the car and hurry up the front porch steps to the door. It’s so cold that my jacket doesn’t even help.
Once the door is open, I rush inside, and Caleb locks it behind us. He helps me take my jacket off and hangs it on the coat rack by the door. “I’ll be right back. Go sit down and relax.”
He watches me sit on the couch before disappearing down the hallway. I take off my high heels and walk over to the Christmas tree to plug in the lights. There’s nothing more beautiful than being in a dark room with only the Christmas tree lit up. I could sit for hours just staring at the lights and the glittery ornaments.
