Breaking Rules

I had saved my v- card for the right man….

I knew who it would be

He has mesmerized me with his looks,

Intoxicated me with his taste.

I know it is forbidden,

And can’t do a thing about it.

It’s so hard to fight my feelings,

And then…

He makes me pregnant!

What do I do now?

Should I tell the world and my dad, in spite of the age-difference….

In spite of the fact that he is Daddy’s Best Friend and that I am BREAKING ALL RULES to get him!

CHAPTER 1

I was driving around the curve that overlooked the gorgeous Santa Barbara cliffs when the phone rang in my Escalade, making me roll my bright blue eyes. I didn’t even have to look to know that it was Dad wondering when I was going to be arriving home.

I graduated from college two months ago, and took my time leaving Harvard, attached to the city after living there four years. It was beautiful in Massachusetts and so different than California, but I knew what I was coming home to as I answered on the speaker with a smile. “Hello, Daddy.”

“Hi, Vie. Where are you at?” His voice echoed through the car, filled with love and concern as I silently adored my only parent. Mom left when I was five, presumably for another man if you believed the rumors around town. All I knew is that I never saw her again, though I looked like her with my eyes and chestnut colored curls. I wasn’t as thin as she’d been with my more than generous curves but I embraced them and worked to keep them neat and tidy as opposed to sloppy. I had a penchant for walking and running as well as a little bit of yoga when I had the time.

“I’m just driving in. I should be there in about twenty minutes,” I replied, slowing down for a light.

“I’m glad that you’re coming home, sweetie. I missed you being around the house,” he told me warmly as I smiled. “I am going to grill for dinner and Payne is coming over. He missed you, too.”

I missed Payne more than anything else. Dad’s best friend was forty-five just like him, but he looked a lot younger with his naturally dark hair that he wore cropped close to his head. Payne had dark blue eyes that penetrated a woman and offered all kinds of carnal sin, not that he’d ever directed that towards me. I saw him in action at some of the parties that we had though and Payne had women falling at his feet.

He was gorgeous and had a charisma about him that was hard to find in a man. Even if I weren't obsessed with him, I would have saved myself for Payne. The boys at school were nothing but a lot of awkward pick-up lines and bad kisses that made me want to go no further with them. I had a thing for older men growing up around him my entire life and the crush had set in along with my hormones.

“That sounds great. I can’t wait to see both of you.” I smiled as we kept talking about my drive that I’d spread out over a few days to enjoy the sights, despite Dad’s concerns. I’d graduated Harvard in Law, and I was twenty-four now, an adult. I was careful and kept a watchful eye on my surroundings, having gotten quite addicted to true crime podcasts in the last year or so. I suppose it came with studying law, though I didn’t know if I was going to pursue an actual career as an attorney or something that involved research and more behind the scenes. Dad and Payne both worked for separate firms, and they were both partners in their respective places, being best friends since they met in college.

It seemed only natural for me to follow since Dad was the primary person in my life as well as the fact that Payne made a sexy attorney. I loved when he used to come over after a hard day in the courtroom and talk shop over dinner, looking so confident and making my teenage lust drip out of my pores. I’d pretend that I was studying as I listened to them talk and occasionally peek, memorizing his set jaw and flashing eyes.

I took that to my room that was private in the big house, getting myself off over and over as I played his voice through my head and imagined his mouth between my legs. The idea made me hot, and I shifted in my seat as I felt my skin flushing with desire.

“Dad, I’m home!” I told him as I waited for the tall iron fence to slide open. We lived in Hope Ranch, one of the best areas that was secure and gated since Dad was also a prosecuting attorney. I looked over the brick two-story home that was large for just the two of us, but also luxurious and comfortable. Each of our rooms was the size of a generous master bedroom in addition to the three guest rooms that we had, an office, gym, and den for nights that you wanted to watch some television in something smaller than the spacious living room.

The kitchen was the best feature, in my opinion. It was a chef’s kitchen with upgraded appliances and room to work. I was looking forward to having time to cook real food, bake and just spend time overlooking the gorgeous backyard that offered a pool, spa, generous grilling area, and a table to eat at on the good nights. This was California, so that was often. Glancing out of the window at the sky, I assumed that’s where we would be eating tonight.

I got out of the car as my father stepped out onto the porch with a smile on his handsome face. Dad was young looking like Payne and had dark blonde hair with brown eyes, although I could never view him as I did Payne. It was bad enough that I was lusting after his best friend, something that would never happen in a million years. He stepped over and hugged me tightly as I closed my eyes and thanked God for him. Dad supported everything I did, more than just financially. He was one of my best friends, mostly since I was a good kid and didn’t cause a lot of trouble. I focused on school, kept my grades up and didn’t get caught up in boys like my friends did.

How could I? They’d never compare to Payne.

“I am so glad to be home,” I whispered as I wrapped my arms around his neck and squeezed tightly.

“Me too, kiddo. I’m so proud of you.” He pulled away slowly and looked at me. “Harvard just like me. I never dreamed that you’d choose to go into law like I did.”

“I guess being around you growing up rubbed off on me,” I teased him as I walked over to get my two bags out of the back of the car. Dad grabbed them, making me laugh as I opened the front door and followed him inside. He walked up to my room and put them on the bed as I looked around with a broad smile. I came home for holidays and summers, but now, I was here to stay. “I am going to take a quick shower and change before dinner,” I told him as I looked at the pretty blue sky and bright sun. It was July here but warm enough out for an outdoor meal.

“Sounds good. I am going to work on some veggies. See you soon,” Dad told me before he left the room and walked down the stairs. I threw my closet door open, walking inside to check the hangers for a dress to throw on after I was done. I found a purple dress and a thong in my drawer, smiling as I walked into the bathroom and stared around with a happy gaze. The bathroom in my apartment in Boston was smaller than this, and I stared at the large tiled shower, the soaking tub and all the counter space as I drew my lip between my teeth.

I couldn’t count the times that I’d masturbated in here to the man that I was going to see in just a short while. I just might do it again right here and now, since it was doubtful I’d ever get to sleep with him.

That was all kinds of wrong, wasn’t it? He was older and my father’s best friend. Payne wasn’t married anymore since his divorce after a very brief relationship, but that didn’t make my fantasies any better.

I showered and worked out my lust under the multiple streams of water, imagining Payne’s handsome face. I came as my head dropped back, taking deep breaths of the steamy air around me. I needed to get this out of my system with someone but Payne had always been the ideal man to do it with for me. It was what I wanted and I wondered if it wasn’t worth going for now.

I dried my hair and twisted it on the side of my head, highlighting the caramel and red highlights that I’d recently acquired. I put on just enough makeup to even out my skin tone and bring out my eyes without looking like I was trying too hard before I slipped into the dress. It was perfect; comfortable enough to dine in outside while still being sexy. It clung to my full breasts while being close around my waist, dropping all the way to my lower calves. I felt like a woman with my thong on and no bra as I added some clear gloss to my lips and smiled into the mirror.

CHAPTER 2

I made my way downstairs to find the kitchen empty and the sliding glass door wide open as voices carried in from the backyard. I walked over to the fridge and found the wine that I loved, pouring a large glass before I strolled out and took a long look around. I loved Massachusetts but this was home to me. This was my peace and where I found so much comfort. Dad and Payne were standing near the grill, dressed in board shorts and solid blue t-shirts as they talked and laughed.

Holy shit. Payne was hotter as he got older. I felt the stirring between my legs start all over again as I strolled down the steps in sandals with a soft smile. Dad saw me first and grinned as I drew closer to them, making Payne glance over as his eyes took me in slowly. “Vie, you look great. Harvard was good to you, I trust?”

I remained calm as I hugged him and felt his lips brush my cheeks, even though it felt like my face was on fire. This attraction was not going anywhere and I pulled back to gaze into his eyes. “I loved it but it’s nice to be back home. There’s a lot to miss here. How are you?”

Payne sipped his beer and told me that everything was basically the same. His firm was busy and kept him going, which was good because he was single after a recent fling. He laughed when he said that but I was drinking all the wine in my glass to stay calm as I listened. He and Dad were handsome men that got the ladies, always had. I knew that but somehow Payne talking about it bothered me, alerting me to a new jealousy inside. Great. “Was there anyone special at school?” Payne asked as I stared over the pool and drew my lip between my teeth.

“No, I focused mainly on my classes. I’ll be back. I am getting some wine. Want anything?”

“Can you bring the veggies that are marinating in the fridge?” Dad asked as I nodded and let my eyes pass over Payne again. I made my way up the steps and poured more wine, grabbing the bag of food before I went outside again. Dad was grilling some tri tip and chicken on one side of the massive grill while Payne talked beside him as he looked at me. Glancing at the table, I saw a selection of things to nibble on before dinner and walked over to the table to grab a carrot.

I dipped it in ranch and took a bite as someone moved beside me. “It’s good to have you home again. Your dad missed you.”

“Just Dad?” I asked as he gave me a curious look before shaking his head.

“No, of course not,” His voice sounded suspicious as warmth washed over my skin, making me look down at the table. “You know how much I care about you.”

“I hope so,” I responded vaguely as I reached for another carrot stick. I was hungry after driving and eating a lot of fast food along the way. I couldn’t wait to eat what Dad was cooking and I drank a bit of the wine to wash the snack down. I knew how much I wanted Payne to care for me and stood quietly beside him as we took in the cooling evening air.

I could feel something between us, but I didn’t bring it up. There was a good chance that I just wanted there to be and it didn’t need to be addressed, at least not yet.

We sat down to eat, our plates piled high with meat and a variety of vegetables. I took small bites as I watched them talk, listening closely as I felt the familiar feeling of home sinking into my bones. It was nice.

I perked up when Payne started telling Dad that his assistant gave immediate notice to him that day, newly married and finding out that she was pregnant and moving all in the same week. He acknowledged that she was good, though she’d only worked for him for three years. Some significant cases were happening right now, and Payne seemed worried about what he was going to do during the process of interviewing and hiring. Dad chuckled as he looked at me and Payne followed his gaze with a knowing smile. “I apologize, Vie. I didn’t even think about you, Vie. I know that you want to pursue something more than assisting, but how would you feel about helping out for a while?”

“It would look amazing on a resume,” I said, more excited about working closely with him than any experience. I just couldn't talk like that. “I’d love to.”

“Perfect. I think it will be a great opportunity for you,” Payne said as he glanced at Dad.

“You don’t mind starting up so soon after getting back, do you? I know that you just had a long drive,” Payne checked with me as I shook my head.

“You know that I don’t like idle time,” I chided both of them as they laughingly agreed. I was never the kind of girl to enjoy shopping all day with friends, though I did enjoy lunch or dinner out with the few that I’d kept in close touch with. I liked seeing movies or plays with them as well. I was just too rushed for them when it came to shopping, preferring to get what I needed right away over searching through racks for hours. It stopped being relaxing about an hour or two in for me, personally. “I will go out and get some things to wear that are appropriate for the office this weekend and start on Monday, so you can get me up to speed. How does that sound?”

“That sounds wonderful, Vienna. I look forward to it,” Payne told me as we grinned at each other and raised our drinks for a toast. I didn’t come here expecting this, much less with Payne, but it was a great opportunity on several levels.

I took the dinner dishes inside and brought out slices of cheesecake to the men with a fresh glass of wine for myself. I was feeling the alcohol and happy about the job, so I laughed and chatted with them easily. We stayed out late that night, both Payne and Dad cursing as they realized the hour. They both had to work early tomorrow, since it was Friday and their staff would be there. On the weekends, they kept looser hours along with the others that needed to get a little extra work done.

I hugged Payne goodbye and locked the door behind him, smiling widely. Dad was already upstairs and I did a small spin around in the spacious foyer. I was going to work with Payne for at least a few weeks and I knew how much time I’d be in his office with him. There would be a lot of chances to try to seduce him and let him know my feelings for him. It was risky and I knew it, but I was no longer the shy teenager that I’d once been. I was a woman and I wanted to fulfill my needs with Payne and only Payne, and I wasn’t going to hide from that any longer.

I took time the next day to go to a few favorite stores alone, picking out some outfits that I knew would be fitting for the job. I bought several fitted pencil skirts in hues of black, gray, brown and a beautiful one in a dark plum color. In addition, I found a variety of shirts to compliment those, tops that were professional but also hinted at cleavage and flirted with danger.

The next stop was at a lingerie store for bras and panties in lace and satin, and I bought several in the hopes that he would get a chance to see them. I also found a few pairs of heels to tie everything together and left with my bags and a smile on my face. A few men had hit on me during the shopping trip but they weren’t Payne.

I got some lunch at my favorite cafe before going home and putting my clothes away in the closet so they would stay ready to wear. I wanted everything to be perfect and I changed into a bikini and went to sit in the spa, relaxing before I started some stew for dinner. I wasn’t sure if Payne was going to come or not, but I certainly hoped so. I leaned back and stared up at the blue sky and smiled as I considered my future.

I dozed off for a while before I came to dizzy from the heat of the water. I slid slowly out of the water and grabbed my towel, wrapping it around me to go inside and change.

I was in the kitchen chopping vegetables and adding them to the broth I’d started that morning with some beef bones. It would only take an hour or so for everything to be ready. I was wearing some denim shorts that weren’t obscenely short but enough to tease with a tank top. It was warm in the house today or perhaps I was just too used to East Coast summers now.

I stirred everything together and placed the lid on the pot before I reached for my glass of wine. “I think you’re turning into a lush being home.” I jumped at Dad’s voice and giggled as I looked at him.

“I became an alcoholic while I was at Harvard,” I quipped as Dad set his briefcase down just inside the door of his office off the kitchen. “How was work?”

“Good. I think I’ll only have to put in a few hours tomorrow from home.” Dad looked at me as he reached inside of the fridge for a cold beer. “How was your day?”

“I got some clothes for the job,” I smiled as I spoke and glanced at him. “Is Payne going to be working tomorrow?”

“In the morning.” His voice scared me as I turned to look at him walking through the living room. “I heard there was food being prepared here. I hope you don’t mind because I am tired of take out.” Payne was always here, and that’s just how it was. I knew that he had a beautiful condominium by the office but that he preferred the family setting here more than he did his bachelor pad. I never saw it since he was here so much.

“Of course not,” I assured him as I watched him loosen his tie and drape it over a kitchen chair. “Do you need help tomorrow?”

“You’ve been home for a day and change. You’re allowed to rest,” Payne reminded me as I shrugged and got him a beer.

“It’s quiet on the weekends, so I thought it would be a nice chance to catch up is all.” Payne seemed to consider that idea as I felt Dad looking at me.

“She’ll make an excellent attorney someday,” Payne said as Dad nodded. “Come in at ten. You know where the building is?” I nodded. “I’ll be waiting out front for you.”

“Perfect,” I agreed as I heard the bread maker beeping. I shut it off, letting the sourdough bread inside cool as I glanced at the clock. We sat down to eat about forty-five minutes later after watching some of the scores on television while I played around on my phone for a few minutes. I was thinking about contacting some friends to see who was around as much as I was looking at Payne every few moments as he argued something with my dad.

They’d been friends for years, probably since before they were my age. They were as close as brothers, which worked out well because they were both only children. My grandparents died when I was fifteen and Payne’s lived near Harvard, so he didn’t see them often. They were lovely though, and fed me a few times during my life there. They were like my own grandparents and it made me wonder of what I was doing here was terrible. They wouldn’t approve of their son with me from what I understood about them.

They were thousands of miles away. It didn’t matter.

I looked at him across the table inside of the kitchen, seeing his eyes pass over me a few times throughout the evening. They weren’t long or particularly heated gazes, but he was aware of my presence.

Payne left after dinner, claiming that he needed his beauty sleep for work tomorrow. I knew that was code for him being there before I arrived and asked what I should wear. “The weekends are casual. Jeans are fine or anything comfortable.” Payne looked at me before he walked towards the door and called out a goodbye to Dad, who was in his office. I locked the door as always and scurried up to my room as I played back the brief night.

I felt like something was brewing between Payne and I, but there wasn’t anything sexual yet. He was still treating me as kindly as he always had and seemed to notice that I’d grown up over the years. I pulled out some skinny jeans and a bronze t-shirt to wear in the morning with some Cons. I was looking forward to wearing my new clothes next week but there was no need for overkill. Not yet.

I crawled into bed around midnight, stroking myself as I bit my lip to stay quiet. The house was big, but I didn’t want to get caught as I came hard and fast. I rolled onto my side and looked out of the large picture window at the moon as I caught my breath. I was excited about the next day.

CHAPTER 3

I showered and dressed in the morning, wearing a black camisole underneath the shirt that hung a bit off one shoulder. With the jeans, it looked cute and clingy and I slipped my feet into some shoes before I smiled and walked out to my car. I knew the building well, having been there several times along with Dad’s building and I parked in the lot across the street as instructed. I slipped my purse over my shoulder and walked out to the sidewalk, crossing as I saw someone come out of the glass doors. Payne was wearing worn jeans and a button up shirt that brought out his eyes as I smiled and called out to him. He nodded at me, smiling as we walked back inside and he pointed out some of the features of the building. There was a coffee stand on the first floor that was open during the week that everyone used as well as several places close by for food or coffee. We took the elevators up to the tenth floor and got out as he led me down the hallway. There were a few people scattered around but it was quiet as I followed Payne, eying his tight ass as I licked my lips.

He walked through an open door, past a large black desk that he indicated would be mine. Payne’s office was big and had a wall of windows that overlooked the ocean a few miles away from the office. It wasn’t walking distance but it was a great reminder of the beauty of the area. I looked for a moment, lost in the Pacific that was truly my home. “Love the view.”

“Your desk is right there. You’re welcome to take advantage of it anytime,” Payne said as I turned my hungry gaze towards him. I hoped that it was dark across my face with so much sun behind me, but I saw the furrow of his brows. His words reminded me of my growing need for him, almost uncontrollably as I pressed my thighs together and took a trembling breath.

“I might take you up on that,” I replied as I walked back towards him and looked into his eyes. “Show me the ropes.”

He showed me the programs on his computer that I would be using, explaining that they would also be available on the computer at my desk. There was a calendar that kept track of his meetings with clients as well as potential ones, usually involving lunch or dinner. He also guided me through the updated Word and instructed me where and how we would use it here, making me admire his organization as he leaned into me.

His scent filled the space; musky with a hint of peppermint. I inhaled slow and soft as I thought back to the terrible cologne that boys used in college. I knew that some of them were pretty expensive due to the area and cost of the school. This just smelled natural to me and reminded he of how masculine Payne was.

We’d been camping many times as well as boating. He was very athletic and loved the outdoors, making the summers special for Dad and me. When I was younger and growing up around him, Payne seemed more like an uncle to me. Now he was…everything. I wanted to sleep with him, to fuck him. I also wanted to know him on another level entirely, as something more than family. I wanted to know his deepest fantasies and what turned him on.

Did he want to know any of that about me?

Payne pointed to another program where he logged in clients and the details of their cases. I could see how he became a partner within a matter of years as I listened, memorizing the feel of his body close to mine. I could feel the heat in the room around us, wondering if he could as well.

Payne set me up with some notes to type up into a file to save for reports later. He kept his door open and I sipped coffee from the break room machine as I typed, listening to Pandora low on my phone as I worked. I knew that it was emptier than usual today, but I imagined a good busy vibe to the space during the week. I sensed that Payne ran a tight ship as much as he could just based on the way he kept everything straight on the computer. I knew that he was focused on work, not inclined to lose his mind to distraction. Despite seeing Payne and my father go through their fair share of women, it always seemed to be kept away from the office. I wondered if I had the chance to seduce him here in this setting, at least to lay the groundwork. We’d surely spend time together working and building on the close relationship that we’d already built together. I’d seen the way he looked at me a few times since I returned home and I knew that I was much different than the girl that he knew years ago. I knew that I was attractive because of the way other men reacted to me, intending to use what I’d learned with Payne.

“How are you doing?” Payne asked as he stood in his doorway, holding his cup in his hand.

“Close to finished with the first one,” I replied with a smile as I glanced at him. “When did you get here today, Payne?”

“Seven. I like the quiet,” Payne replied as I gave him a long look.

“That’s early. What time were you planning on leaving?” I asked as he raised an eyebrow, making me want to drop down into my seat. The attraction was growing by the minute now that I was older and mature enough to appreciate a man like Payne.

“When you’re hungry for some lunch?” His eyes found mine, twinkling as I licked my lips slowly. His gaze darkened a bit as his eyes followed the movement of my tongue and I let out a sigh.

I looked at the clock on my monitor, determining that I was going on my third hour here. Knowing how long Payne was here before me, I decided that he deserved to leave and get a few hours of his weekend outside in the sun.

“In that case, where am I taking you?” I asked as I saved my edited report and clicked out of the program.

“There’s a nice seafood place on the water a few blocks away that I was going to take you to. Not that you didn’t eat great stuff in Massachusetts, but I know how much you love this coast,” Payne told me as I nodded with a small smile.

“Guilty as charged,” I admitted as I powered down the computer and grabbed my purse. “I’ll work full days during the week, but I want you to have some personal time on the weekends.”

Payne led me to his car, parked near mine in the garage. He opened the door to his brand-new Range Rover for me and I slipped inside, inhaling the scent of the leather upholstery. It was a beautiful vehicle and I leaned back as he got inside and started the virtually silent engine with the push of a button.

I looked over the streets as we drove, enjoying the charming stores and restaurants. The weather was cool and the sun bright as I looked over at Payne, admiring the confident way that he held the steering wheel and controlled everything about the situation. Was he like that in bed? Heat washed over my face as he looked at me at an intersection and I raised my eyes to meet his gaze.

I knew that my thoughts were apparent in the pink of my skin and I bit my lip. Payne took it all in quietly before the light turned green, pulling forward when someone honked behind us.

He parked in a small parking lot and I took in the worn building that rested right over the beach. Payne opened my door and ran a hand through his hair as I got out, close to his body. It was longer now and curling slightly around his face, but still looked professional. I started across the parking lot as the wind blew through my hair, forcing me to tuck it behind my ear. Payne moved in front of me to open the wooden door and lead me to the hostess with his hand on my lower back, sending searing heat to my skin and between my legs as I nearly stumbled.

I was relieved when we were seated and ordering drinks, his iced tea and mine a cocktail to try and sort the thoughts in my mind. I tried to read the menu and only saw the primary words that jumped out at me. I blindly ordered the shrimp and crab plate while he asked for steak and shrimp before looking across the table at me. “I am going to give you a raise over the past salary that Carly received from me,” Payne said as I tilted my head at him.

“Why?”

“She didn’t have your degree. Carly was in school when she got the job, but it seems that she blew that off with this marriage,” Payne remarked as I gave him a wide-eyed stare.

“There’s nothing wrong with getting married. You did it once upon a time,” I told Payne as he looked out of the window for a moment.

“I was working towards being a partner then, and you see what stuck. I’m not good at marriage and relationships,” Payne told me as my heart sank, even though I wasn’t certain why. “I work and play when I have a little time, but it’s nothing serious for me.” Payne shrugged. “How about you? There had to be someone over the last four years while you’ve been gone.”

“I was studying,” I explained as he frowned.

“It’s college. You’re supposed to let loose, Vie. You’re a beautiful girl, and I know you had men knocking down your door.” Payne sipped his tea, and I scowled.

“Boys. They were boys, and I don’t want that,” I murmured as he looked at me. “I think that I need someone a little older than college.”

Payne shifted in his seat as something crossed his face. “I can understand that.” That made me chuckle since he was always into younger women. “Dating at your age can be so hard with the way some men act. Boys, as you seem to call them.”

“I was around you and Dad my entire life. I had the best example, and it feels like I’m settling or something. I want someone to rock my world.” I bravely met his eyes as he pressed his lips together.

Payne took me back to my house after the meal, telling me it was because of the drink I enjoyed. He opened the gate with his remote and pulled into the driveway as I looked ahead. “I need my car.”

“Get it later. I don’t want anything to happen to you,” Payne argued lightly as I rolled my eyes. “I hope you weren’t drinking and driving at school.”

“Did you hear me when I said that I had you as an example in life?” I asked before I got out of the car and strode to the front door.

CHAPTER 4

I was fuming when I walked into the house, sensing that it was empty as I closed the door firmly. Sure, I enjoyed some drinking but I wasn’t stupid enough to drive afterward. Dad set a good example for me as well as Payne, making me learn from them that there was a time and place for everything. I knew that with the food I’d eaten and the water along with it, I was fine to get home. Payne was being overprotective and annoying.

I had to admit that it excited me even through my anger. Payne claimed that he didn’t want a relationship, but he’d always cared for me so fiercely. There had to be a part of Payne that wanted something with a woman, something more than just a night.

I stomped upstairs and changed into some leggings before I dropped into my bed. I played back every comment that I’d made to him and replayed his reactions. I suspected that Payne noticed my attraction and hints, but it seemed to throw him off.

I had a day or so before I had to be at the office again and I planned to use that time to relax. I wanted to drink a bottle of wine, but Payne might frown on that as I closed my eyes.

I wish I were the kind of person to go to a bar, picking out a guy just to get this out of my system. It just seemed so futile now that I’d waited this long for Payne. It would be a disappointment to give that to someone else.

Dad came home from his office in the afternoon, asking if I was hungry. I was, and we decided to go grab a burger at our favorite diner. I asked him to get my car on the way home, and he laughed at the story about Payne. “Dad, he was acting like I was five or something.”

“He has known you since you were a baby. He’s protective is all,” he protested, turning my lust into something twisted and wrong in seconds. What was I thinking?

“Yeah…I know,” I replied as my shoulders slumped. “I’m an adult now. I guess it’s annoying.”

“You’ll always be a kid to me and probably Payne as well. Get used to it. If something happened to you…” His face darkened as we pulled up to the garage where my car was parked. “I don’t know what I’d do. You’re all that I have.”

“I am not going anywhere, Daddy.” He smiled at me, and I reached for his hand. “I’ll see you at home?”

“Sure. Coming right back?” His voice was light as I nodded, thanking him for the meal as I slipped out of the car and walked over to my parking spot. I found the Escalade and started it, pulling it out to pay and get onto the main street. I enjoyed the drive home as I wound through town and up the hill into our neighborhood. I thought back to the comments about Payne, realizing that he was something of a father figure to me. There was no blood relation to him whatsoever, so my feelings were okay, weren’t they?

I pulled in and parked in the big garage next to Dad, getting out to head into the house. He was outside on the phone, laughing and I kept going up to my room. I wasn’t feeling so good now that reality crept into my brain, the food settling at the bottom of my stomach. I was aware that I was more attracted to Payne with every moment that we spent together. I knew that I’d built this up in my head to some degree, trapped at school with fumbling boys. You’d think that since it was Harvard, I’d be among mature and intelligent people. That was true in some ways but in the bedroom, it was still awkward. I’d kissed a few people and tolerated their efforts to bring me to a climax over clothing, stopping anything further after that. I had my own fingers and a fantasy in my head that was perfection.

It was too early for that now, barely dark and I grabbed my laptop and sat down on my bed. I pulled up my chat program, messaging some local friends about lunch tomorrow since I was going to be a working girl after that. It was just three, since so many people had moved away to places like New York and San Francisco to pursue big dreams. I’d seen that happening to me as well at some point, but I needed to be here to pursue my dream right now. I needed to be close to Dad. Everything would fall into place.

With lunch plans set, I changed into my pajamas and went downstairs to give Dad a hug goodnight. He was on his phone, looking focused and I kissed his cheek. “Stop working. Relax.”

“It’s a client that needs some advice,” he mumbled as I shook my head. He worked hard, sometimes too hard. He provided me with a beautiful home and life from all that work, something I’d always appreciate. I just hated seeing him always on the clock, making me wonder if I’d be happy as an assistant in law. I didn’t want to have a family down the line and always be at work.

“Good night. Get some rest.” I knew that a family seemed like a faraway reality but being twenty-four also did once upon a time. I walked up the stairs back to my room, dropping onto the bed as I let out a slow breath. Wanting Payne the way I did, first as a curious teenager and now as a needy adult, was exhausting. I needed to figure out how to just settle for something else, a future.

The next day was fun, filled with laughter and stories of college. The other girls had a lot steamier romance stories to share than I did, making me blush as I realized that it was all things that I wanted with Payne.

“There had to be someone, Vie. You were at Harvard, and there are some brilliant men there.” Kim was looking at me curiously, and I laughed.

“I was studying all of the time. Everybody was.” I shrugged. “I had a couple moments, but it wasn’t what I expected.” I’d never admit that I was a virgin in this group, so I lied a little bit. “Now is our time. We’re graduates and going on to jobs!! This is when it will happen for us.”

We all toasted to that, and I sighed with relief. The attention was off of me, and we moved on to other topics for the next hour or two. It was great seeing everyone again because they were good friends to me a few years ago. We were all going to go places, regardless of the fact of where we lived, and I had a glimmer of hope for the future.

I agreed to a bit of shopping after lunch and found a few more outfits for work. I grew up with money, and I could always buy what I needed, and I loved Dad for that. Like him, I still shopped for the best deal on the things that I wanted to buy, and it made my friends laugh. I went home with a smile and started a hearty salad for dinner with fresh bread since I’d eaten so much today. I knew that Dad would be hungry, though.

I put my clothes away while the bread was baking, smiling at all my new pretties. I pulled out a black skirt and a crimson blouse that was fitted around my waist and ruffled on the top with just a hint of cleavage, placing it gently on my dresser.

We ate as Dad asked me about the job, making me laugh. He had an assistant as well and knew my days inside and out, so I didn’t know why he bothered asking me anything. “He’s your best friend, Dad. You know how organized Payne is. He’s going to be great to work for.”

“I know that you’ll be safe there.” I smiled at him. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. If you choose to be an assistant, that would be a good career move. I know that I work too much and always have. Once your mom left, I think I threw myself into it and left you at home too much. I am sorry for that.”

I reached out to cover his hand with mine. “It’s okay. I know that you were trying to take care of me. We’re so close from all of it that none of that matters.”

“We had great help back then. I am glad for that, and you’ve grown up to be a wonderful woman.” I smiled as a tear slid down my cheek. “I wish that she was here to see you.”

“Her loss,” I said as we held hands.

I went to bed early since work started at eight sharp. I rose early enough to shower, do my hair and makeup before I got dressed and be in the car with plenty of time to make it there. I used the same parking lot, making my way across the street and walking inside with all the other employees of the building. I stopped at the cute little cafe and ordered a coffee from the sweet red-haired girl that took my order, smiling as I walked towards the elevators.

I went right to my floor and my desk surprised at how welcoming everybody was. I knew some of them casually just from being around a lot when I was younger but tried a little harder today since we were going to be coworkers.

Payne’s door was open when I went to my desk to set my things down, making me glance inside to see him dressed in black slacks that fitted him perfectly, along with a crisp blue shirt and black tie. He was looking at his computer and raised his gaze to meet my eyes, making me weak in the knees.

CHAPTER 5

“Good morning,” Payne said as I walked into the room and smiled. His eyes took me in, and he licked his lips slowly. “You fit in well, Vienna.”

“Thank you. There’s a lot of beautiful women that work in this building, so I’ll take that as a compliment.” I looked outside, towards the water where we ate dinner a couple of days ago with a smile.

“They don’t hold a candle to you.” Payne’s words caught me off guard, and I turned my eyes to him.

“Do you mean that?” I asked as he nodded.

“You have grown into a beautiful woman,” Payne assured me as I blushed. “I see a lot of Melinda in you.”

“How much does Dad hate that?” I quipped as I strolled over to the window.

“There’s plenty of him as well. I’m sure it doesn’t bother him because you were worth all that comes with it.” Payne smiled at me, and my heart melted inside of my chest along with the apex of my thighs. Yeah, the wanting wasn’t going anywhere soon.

“I hope so,” I replied as I headed towards my desk. “I’m going to finish those reports today for you. Let me know if you need anything, okay?” I had an arsenal of technology locked in my desk from him; including a laptop, tablet, work cell phone and extensive calendar to match to the program on the computer. I warmed up my computer and pulled out the phone, powering it up and leaving it on my desk in case Payne chose to use it.

I met some more people in the time that it took for me to get started and turned up the volume on my phone a little more to hear my music. The blue tooth speaker that I brought from home helped and I typed away as I hummed along to the songs, trying not to think about my sexy boss behind me. His door was closed now, but he sent random emails about reservations that needed to be made and case notes to add to a file here and there. He was even magnetic during those exchanges, and I cursed myself for my crush. There was no way that this was going to end well.

I saw us growing closer over the next few weeks, just as I expected. We worked closely together a lot with a few prominent trials, and he still had dinner at the house with us a few times a week.

I wanted him more each week.

Each night at dinner, it felt like we lingered longer just to talk. I was an adult now, and we talked about real things, as desire swirled all around us. At least, it did in my head. I couldn’t decide if Dad noticed, but I wasn’t about to ask, making me appreciate the evening that we grabbed dinner alone after working late.

We were both keyed up, and I probably drank too much wine. I’d more than proved myself at this point, throwing myself into the job as if I were the attorney. I had the workaholic blood in my veins and thrived on it, just like Payne. He was even drinking whiskey as we ate and planned, pumped up as much as I was. The flirting increased as the days got longer since I couldn’t help myself. Tonight, I was running on adrenaline and wine, and we were both feeling it when we left the steakhouse.

“Jesus, I should have skipped the drinks. I’m glad court isn’t tomorrow,” Payne said as I giggled and looked up at the sky.

“If it were, you would have stayed sober,” I said as he nodded and glanced towards our building.

“Want to get an Uber and head home or keep working?” Payne asked as I tried to imagine leaving him alone tonight. “We can cut out early tomorrow and crash on the couch for a bit later if I can sleep.”

“I’ll stay. I think I am too full of adrenaline to go to bed right now,” I knew how my voice sounded as I spoke and I felt his gaze on me.

Payne was quiet as he led us inside the building, greeting the night guard before he pushed the button for an elevator. “You’re just like me, aren’t you?”

“In what way?” I asked as we stepped into the car alone.

“Driven. Determined.” He replied as the car started moving up.

“Two peas in a pod,” I murmured as I leaned back and took a long breath. I’d worn a plum dress today, clingy in all the right places but comfortable to work late in. I wore heels to work but kicked them off inside of his office. I stepped off the car first and walked towards his door, trying to keep the pressure of my attraction from building any further. There were a few lights on in offices right now, but Payne closed his door, giving us privacy as he paced. “You seem upset.”

“Who changed you? You went to college a sweet, beautiful girl that I needed to stop thinking about. I believed that this was done, but now you’re back…older and fucking beautiful. You know just what to wear, what to say and you’re the best assistant that I’ve ever had. I want to throw your ass out of here but I can’t.” Payne said as my eyes widened.

“You see that?” I whispered as he nodded with a pained look in his eyes. I didn’t think that I succeeded at all some days because he kept his walls up so well much of the time.

“I’ve watched you grow up. I’ve known you since you were little and Matt would kill me if he knew what I thought about you,” Payne admitted, showing me that all of the flirting and the hints worked. “You’re so fucking sexy, Vienna.”

I stepped towards him as his eyes darkened. “Don’t. I’m running on adrenaline and whiskey right now. I don’t want to take this too far with you.” Payne warned me as I stared into his face. It was dim in here, lit only by the lights from outside of the window and I licked my lips.

My inexperience flooded me as I stood right before Payne, raising my hands up to his shoulders. I was tall already, so I just leaned up slightly and met his lips with mine. It was awkward at first, but the heat between us was incredible as he stilled for a moment. Payne slipped his hands over my hips and yanked me closer as he returned the kiss, tilting his head as he teased my lips with his tongue.

Passion surged through my veins as he took control, sweeping my eager mouth as he moved one hand around to cup my ass. This was nothing like the fumbling kisses at school or the light gropes with uncertain hands. This was a man holding me, kissing me, and making my body his property.

I was lost in it when he pulled away, taking a deep breath, and staring into my face. “What the fuck just happened?” I heard the raw edge to his voice and knew that this was the version of Payne that I hadn’t seen before.

He took my hand and led me to the couch in the room, telling me to sit as he watched. “That was the best kiss that I’ll ever have.”

“How do you know that?” Payne dropped to my side and kissed me again as he gripped my face, tilting his head this time as he deepened it. I moaned into it as I was pressed back into the leather, wrapping my arms around his neck to pull him closer. Somehow, I wormed my way onto his lap, feeling the hardness of him on my thigh as I pressed closer to his muscled body. Payne groaned against me as he slid his hands over my ass. He let his fingers sink in again, digging into my skin as heat flooded my thighs. He was rough and hard as he held me, making my nipples pebble painfully against the lace of my bra. My heart was beating inside of my chest as our lips met clumsily again and again.

I jumped as his hands slid under my dress, brushing against my bare skin as he moved them over my legs. My pussy was throbbing with need as I lifted my hips to offer him access, moaning as he paused. “God, I want to touch you so badly. I'd like you bare for me,” Payne’s voice was rough as he slid his hands over my back and up to the back of my bra. “I want to fuck you.”

I moved to lift the material over my head with shaking hands as he stared me down, taking in my curves that were covered sparingly in the lace. His gaze penetrated me as I shivered and moved my hands to cup his face. “I’m yours, Payne.”

He crushed my lips with his as he pulled me back over him, his erection hard against the lace of my underwear. This kiss was hotter if that was possible, our moans mingling together as we kept kissing fervently. My bra came off first, as his lips moved over my jaw and down my chest hungrily. I wanted to cry with the sensation as he brushed my skin with his lips, moving towards the place that I needed him most.

Once he had me in his mouth, I rocked against Payne slowly. I could come just from this, and I closed my eyes and pressed myself against him. Oh, God. The pressure burst, and I cried out as he bit me gently. “Fuck, Vie. Are you coming?” He asked as he held my shaking body close to calm me down.

“It’s never felt that way. Oh, God Payne. That was amazing.” I murmured as he stroked my skin gently and kissed my face.

“Vienna, have you slept with anybody before?” His voice was shocked, and I froze as I took a slow breath, angry with myself for babbling so much.

CHAPTER 6

There was no avoiding the truth and I raised my head to look into his eyes. “I haven’t. I didn’t want anyone at school…it’s always been you.” I watched as emotions crossed his face, sensing the end of this incredible experience. “I’ve been touched, kissed. I just haven’t let anyone inside of me.”

“Jesus. I can’t be your first, Vienna.” My heart sank as I rolled away from him and curled up to hide my body. “This is so wrong…he’d hate me.”

“Dad would hate both of us. This is consensual, Payne. We both want it, and we’re both adults.” I protested as I looked at him.

“How has nobody had you? You’re beautiful,” Payne told me as I heard my body screaming for him.

“I wanted you.”

Payne let it sink in as I watched in tortured silence. “Me. You came back home wanting me. Was it your plan to get me, Vienna?” His voice was low and cold as I bit my lip.

“No, not like you’re saying it. I didn’t realize that I wanted you so much until that night that I saw you at my house the day that I came back. It just built from there,” I explained as I turned towards him, revealing my body as I reached for him. “It’s just how I feel. I don’t know how to change that, and I don’t want to.” Payne told me that he wanted me as well, so why was he rejecting me?

“I want you as well, but it’s wrong. I don’t think that once will be enough for me and you’re like family to me. I don’t know how to look Matt in the eye if we sleep together and he’s been my friend for years. He’s like a brother to me.” Payne ran his hands through his hair. “That’s what my heart is telling me, but my cock is the devil on my shoulder. I want to bury myself inside of you to hell with the consequences.”

“I won’t say anything. This can be between us,” I suggested as I ran my hand over his legs, feeling Payne tense. “You can teach me what to do.” I moved over his cock, feeling him jerk under the material of his pants. He was hard, and it made me wet all over again. “I want to do everything.”

“I haven’t done that in years, Vie. The things we could do…” His voice faded as I grasped him as he jerked up into my hand. “Fuck me. I’m going to hell.”

I took this as permission to move forward and unzipped his pants to release him. Payne was large in girth, and I didn’t know how he would fit all the way inside of me with that length. I stroked him, watching his face as he dropped his head back and moaned, guiding me with a ragged voice. He was warm and hard in my hand, and I kept stroking him before I licked my lips. I gave one guy a blowjob at school, and it was a mess, but I was motivated this time. I was determined to please Payne and make him want more.

I lowered my head to lick him gently as he slipped a hand into my loose hair. “Vienna,” I lifted him and slid my lips over the tip of him, moaning as I took him inch by inch. This wasn’t going to be a deep throating, not yet. This was a first time of many. I crawled over him, taking him further into my mouth as I whimpered.

I was on him when he came into my mouth, swallowing all that I could. It was a lot, but it was Payne. I would do anything for him.

Afterward, he told me to get on my back while he moved to the floor. Payne tugged the panties off me, taking in my glistening, bare pussy for a long moment. I thought he might like that and judging from his eyes, he did. He moved forward to lick me just on the outside as I cried out. I felt his fingers spread me open and his tongue stroke me over the hard nub that gave me so much pleasure. This was new for me, since I didn’t want anyone this intimate with me before now. Payne slipped a finger inside of me, making me groan at the tight fit as he started to suck on my clit with his tongue and teeth.

Oh, God. His teeth. They dragged against me as he filled me slowly, pulling out and sliding his finger back inside of me.

I came with his finger curled inside of me and his mouth locked over my clit. It was as fierce as before, and I dropped back against the cushions in exhaustion when it was done.

Payne dropped into my lap and rested silently for a moment as we both took deep breaths. “I want to take this slow, I want to enjoy every minute with you.”

Part of me was disappointed, but I latched onto the fact that he mentioned a future between us. “So, this is a thing?”

“You know it is, Vie. I might go to hell for it, and we have to do everything to hide it from your dad.” I nodded as he stared into my eyes, his forehead creased with determination.

Somehow, we finished the work that night after a time of rest. Dressing back in our clothes, we returned to the task and smiled at one another when our eyes would meet. He asked me if I wanted to go home or stay at the office, even offering for me to stay the night at his place.

We’d promised to keep this quiet, so I told him that I would go home. I was very sober now after all that we’d done, as was he and he kissed me for a long time before we left the building. Once outside, we didn’t touch or so much as walk close together.

I drove home in shock to what happened with Payne tonight. I wanted more, so much more, but he wanted to make it special for me. I was fine with that if it didn’t end. I’d do anything to prevent that from happening.

I showered and dropped into bed, not needing any release tonight. Still, I grabbed my phone and masturbated while I filmed it, sending it to Payne once I was done. I deleted everything, reminding him to do the same before I took it as far as to change his name in my contact list. I wanted to protect Payne, and I went to sleep laughing about his curses sent back in response to the video.

He wasn’t pleased and threatened me with punishment the following day. I got up early and went for a quick run, feeling energetic and happy. I showered quickly and did my hair in low ponytails with some dark liner around my eyes. I chose a black skirt and gray silk shirt to wear, slipping on the shoes that never left my feet the night before. Payne told me that they turned him on.

The drive was quick today as I sang along to the radio, parking and hopping out to walk across the street with the crowd. I knew that I should be tired, but I’d slept well once in bed. I still got my favorite coffee from the first floor and sipped it on the ride to my floor with a small smile. I’d started making some friends at the office now, and while I liked that, it gave me more people to hide the relationship from.

I made small talk on the ride, laughing about the late nights before I headed to my desk for the day. Payne’s door was closed and the office dark, so I took the work we’d finished and started a report from it. We had a good system, and I didn’t need to ask what to do or when to do it. I never did since we flowed so well together.

I glanced up at the sound of his voice a while later, seeing him on the phone as he moved towards me. He grinned at me as he unlocked his door to walk in and I nodded as I got back to the report. This needed to be subtle. He sent me a text on my personal phone to come in, and I slipped the device into the drawer with my purse to lock it before I left my desk. I tapped on his door, entering when he said to do so and closing the door with a smile. “Good morning.”

“You wicked wench, sending that to me last night. You made me oversleep this morning with the way that it affected me.” Payne shook his head as I giggled. “How are you here on time?”

“I got up and went for a run. I feel great. Maybe you’re too old for me,” I joked as his eyes darkened and Payne rose from the edge of his desk to grab me. “Come here. Sit down.” He led me to his chair and sat me down in front of his phone that was propped up against his keyboard. “I want you to watch this.” Payne found the video from last night and hit the screen as I sucked in my breath. He stood right behind me as we fell silent, watching it. My cries were weak but raw over the speakers, and I shifted in my seat. “We’re going to work today and later tonight, I am going to watch you do this before I go down on that sweet pussy again. Sound good?”

“Are we working late?” I asked breathlessly as the room went quiet.

“That’s what I told your dad, but we’ll be at my place. I’ll order in, and we’ll be all alone.” The idea made my heart pound as I dropped my head against his erection and moaned. “Jesus.”

I turned to face him, pulling his cock out to suck it and give him some relief. He came after a few moments, thrusting into my mouth as he held onto the back of my head. I cleaned up and asked him what he needed in the way of work as he fixed his clothes with a wicked smile on his face.

I ended up back at my desk working on reports as he made calls pertaining to the case that was going to court in a couple of days. I knew that it was going to tie him up, agreeing to meet my friend Melody for lunch. We went to the deli on the corner as she talked about her fiancé that proposed just over the weekend with glee in her voice. When she asked me if I was seeing someone, I merely shrugged and explained that it was casual.

A part of me wondered if I’d ever be at that level with Payne, but I doubted it. There was so much wrong with us in society’s eyes as well as the eyes of the man that we both loved more than most anything in our life. This would never get out and with that truth, I knew that it would more than likely fade away. I went back to my desk a little somber but excited about later, doing everything that I could to assure that we’d be able to leave at a reasonable time tonight. We walked out together at six, chatting with everyone else lightly as we headed to our separate cars as if we were just going home. I had his address in my phone before we even left the building and followed the directions to get there as I tried to calm down my beating heart.

I always knew that Payne lived in a condominium but never saw it before now. Our house was always bigger, and seemed more welcoming to him before now. Now we’d grow to love this place as it gave us the privacy that we needed. I parked inside of the gate that I had the code for, walking up to his door in the back as I took a careful look around. This was a very luxurious complex and there had to be more attorneys and people that might know both my father and Payne. I felt better once I was inside of his foyer, in his arms as I kissed him.

Payne told me that he picked up some Thai food on the way home and that it was in the kitchen as we kissed our way there. The place was big, so it wasn’t an easy feat at all, but we managed better once I kicked my shoes off.

We ate at the island in the middle of the chef’s kitchen, talking between bites as we sipped wine. The condominium was beautiful, and he told me it had a great view of the water in the daylight as I wondered if I’d ever be here to see it. We cleaned up and stuck the leftovers in the fridge before he took my hand and led me to his room. We had our phones with us since there was a good chance that Dad might call either one of us tonight. We’d both talked to him today and discussed working late to lower the likelihood of that.

Once I walked into the bedroom and looked around the space, I knew that I never wanted to leave. There was a fireplace, though in Southern California that was more for looks than heat. The bed was big and against the wall opposite the mantel and the large screen television that was mounted above it. It was comfortable and just begged to wrap me in the warmth forever. I walked across the floor to the bed to try and see out of the windows on either side of it, but only saw the reflection of the moon on the water.

Payne clicked on the fire for the glow as I watched and stared at me from across the room. “I can’t believe that you’re here. I’ve wondered what it would be like to have you in my bed before but…this is amazing.” He removed his tie as he walked back over to me, dropping it on the nightstand closest to him with a wicked smile on his face. “I am going to memorize every moment of this,”

He told me to get back on the pillows, removing my skirt once I was there. He told me how much he thought about removing my clothes all day as he leaned down to kiss me, cupping my breast with his hand as I moaned his name. He made me want him badly but reminded me that I was touching myself tonight as he drew back and sat between my legs. I blushed at the intimacy of it despite having sent him a video of the same thing last night.

Still, I needed the release. I dropped back and spread my legs wide to move my hand over my panties slowly as I closed my eyes. Once he demanded that I take them off, I kicked them across the room and found my needy clit with my hand. It was hotter than I thought it would be as I watched him at the end of the bed, leaning forward as his eyes darkened and his hand dropped over his crotch. I came as he stood to drop his pants, releasing his cock as he started to stroke himself. “So fucking hot,” Payne said as he moved down to take my hand in his, sucking on my fingers as I stared at him.

He moved his face down to taste me as I gripped his head, pulling him more into me. I was addicted to the man’s mouth now, and I groaned as he held me still with his arms wrapped around my thighs. It was torture not to be able to move as he licked, nibbled, and sucked on me; pulling back when he knew I was close. I smacked his head, and he laughed as he moved closer, not stopping this time as I screamed his name in sweet relief. “I need you, Payne. Please.”

He asked if I was protected, reaching for his drawer when I shook my head. “We’re going to get you on something soon. I hate condoms and want to feel you bare.” He knelt beside me as he sheathed himself, looking me over slowly. “Are you sure about this?”

I nodded, knowing that I could not wait.

CHAPTER 7

Payne moved his body between my thighs, spreading my release around before he positioned himself in front of me. “This will hurt, so we’ll go slow. Tell me everything that you’re feeling.” I nodded as he slipped forward, barely inside of me. “You’re so tight.”

“Will it fit?” I asked as he chuckled and rocked slightly forward.

“You’re soaked, so yes. It will feel good at some point as well, just give me time.” I knew what he was talking about as he moved further, though slowly. Payne didn’t only fill me, he stretched me, and I whimpered underneath him as he leaned down to kiss my neck. “I’m sorry, Vie.”

“It’s okay,” I assured him as he found my lips, tasting myself on him. That was when he moved further, nearly all the way and just remained there as our tongues danced together. There had been some sharp pain in the beginning but now I was feeling horny, and I moved slightly. “I want you.”

We moved together until we found a rhythm, then our bodies slapped together roughly as I cried out with every thrust. Payne was so deep inside of me and so big that I felt it everywhere.

I was fucking Payne, so much faster than probably either of us planned. I tried to remember it in my head, knowing that this was the best first I would ever have. I had come seconds before he did, feeling him grow inside of me before he roared my name and jerked against my thighs.

Payne had rested against me before he pulled out carefully, staring down at my face. “How do you feel?”

“Complete,” I replied as he left the bed to go through a door that I assumed led to a bathroom. He came back with something in his hand, shocking me when I felt the warmth between my legs. “Do guys do this normally?”

“It’s your first time, so you deserve it but no. I don’t think so. I just want you to be comfortable.” Payne wiped gently as I relaxed and smiled at him, frowning a bit. “You bled, just a little. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” I told him as he dropped the cloth to the floor and slid his hands under my shirt.

“I can’t believe that I didn’t take this off. Can you? I want to feel your bare skin against mine.” I did, and we snuggled together naked, our skin hot as we pressed together. He was wearing his shirt when he was inside of me, though it was slightly unbuttoned. I preferred him this way as we snuggled together. I wanted to fall asleep like this, but I kept looking at the clock to see what time it was. I knew that I had to leave soon.

Once it got past ten, and we’d dozed off a few times and kissed a lot more, I cleared my throat. “I shouldn’t stay late.”

“I want you to stay,” Payne said as I sighed. “I know that can’t happen.” He kissed me slowly as I wrapped my arms around his neck until I insisted on leaving. I dressed and went around the house twice to get all my stuff before I looked at the front door. “Can I walk you out? Where did you park?”

“Probably not a good idea, but it’s well-lit there. You live in a great area,” I assured Payne as he frowned with concern. “You’re an attorney and know it’s safe here.”

“I do, but I still worry.” He pressed his lips to mine firmly before unlocking his door. I went to my car, wanting nothing more than to sleep in his arms all night long. I was glad I lived close and pulling into the gate within ten minutes, parking in the garage.

I jumped when I saw the television on and Dad watching some game. “Oh, hi.” I straightened my hair with one hand and thanked my lucky stars for the dark room.

“He’s working you pretty late,” Dad said as he stretched and yawned, apparently tired.

“We’re both workaholics. It’s not just Payne,” I assured him as I looked at him. He could never know what I did tonight, not ever. We walked towards our rooms together, saying good night before I took the stairs slowly and focused on the throbbing between my legs. I didn’t shower and just crawled under the sheets, missing Payne’s body, and scent. I made a note to steal one of his shirts to sleep with soon as I closed my eyes.

I didn’t want to get up to the alarm, but I knew that I would be seeing Payne. I chose a red skirt today with a black shirt that had a vintage flair to it. I even managed a curl in the front and some red lipstick before I left the house. I wasn’t seeing a lot of Dad these days with our busy hours, but I swore that I’d be home for dinner. Payne even agreed to come, though we weren’t certain how that was going to go.

We worked together in the office today since he had court in the morning. There were several kisses throughout the day, and we even got away for lunch together, using the excuse of the upcoming trial to Melody. She understood since we had the same position for different attorneys. We made a point of leaving at five to go to the house for dinner. I arrived first and pulled the salmon out of the fridge to season it before I put it into the oven. Dad and Payne walked in together laughing as I looked over with a forced smile. “Hey, sweetie. What are you making?”

“I was thinking baked salmon, some Brussel sprouts, and a salad? It’s weird not being home during the day now.” I met Payne’s gaze for a fleeting second, blushing as I turned towards the food again.

“Payne is pleased with your work,” Dad said as I blushed further.

“Good. I like the job,” I replied as the oven beeped. I used that one for the fish and warmed the other one for the vegetables, shaking them with oils and seasonings before shaking them out on a cookie sheet. While those cooked, I prepared a salad and poured some wine.

The men were outside and I stared dreamily at Payne when they weren’t looking. I couldn’t help but wonder what it might be like to cook him dinner in his kitchen as we talked about our day together. I watched as he glanced over a few times, keeping it short. This was so hard, and I focused on dinner as I realized the tragic side to this affair.

I was quiet throughout the meal as they talked and Dad glanced at me. “Are you okay?”

“I guess I’m just tired,” I lied as I took the last bite of dinner and set my fork on the plate. I stood and grabbed it, emptying the food into a container and stuffing it into the fridge. I glanced outside to see both of them looking towards the house, but I grabbed my purse and walked up the stairs to my room. I changed into pajamas and rested against my pillows as I stared at my ceiling. I didn’t feel like a grown up right now. I felt like a girl who was facing a broken heart.

I fell asleep and didn’t wake up until my alarm went off. Neither of them came up last night, but I did see the light flashing on my phone indicating some messages. They were from Payne, and I read them with a soft smile. He missed me last night and hoped that I was okay. He wanted to kiss me good night.

After I showered and dressed to go downstairs, I found Dad sipping coffee. “Morning, Vie. Were you all right last night?”

“I was tired. I didn’t think I’d fall asleep going upstairs to change but then I woke up to my alarm. I guess I am adjusting to working.” I poured my own cup and sipped it slowly as I considered my words. “Did you enjoy dinner?”

“It was good to be around you two again. You’re both at the office so much now, and I miss the dinners here. I know you need to work, that you want to work, but I liked that. I’d like to make it more of a habit. Can we?” He asked as a lump filled my throat.

Dad wanted to spend time with us, and we wanted to spend time fucking each other now. How messed up was that? “Of course, Dad. I think it’s better to be home relaxing more too.” I went over to hug him, telling Dad that I’d be home earlier tonight. I knew that Payne wanted to go to his place again and continue with what we were doing and I fought internally with myself as I drove to work with tears in my eyes.

I walked to my desk, arriving before Payne as I set my purse into the drawer. I got the same coffee that I always did, but there wasn’t the joy in it today. The night and morning had been awful, making me want to find a way to fix it and soon. I warmed up my computer and sat down to get logged in so I could just work on some reports on some research that I would be heavily involved in. I knew that Payne was in court this morning so I’d get some peace.

He came in after lunch looking drained and a bit overwhelmed. His eyes were wild as they searched for me, making me feel the guilt about keeping my phone tucked away today. I was only using it for music today, and every other noise was on silent. “Are you okay?” Payne asked softly as he walked up to the desk as I stared at him.

“Yes. I was tired just like I told Dad this morning,” I snapped as my hand slipped over my mouth in shock. “How was court?”

“Intense. I’m going back tomorrow for more, but it was tough on the jurors as well as…everyone in the room.” The case was a public murder trial of a family, and even I woke up at night gasping from the nightmares I’d been having. The research was brutal, and this was not a time to act like a bitch towards Payne. “I was going to go home, but I wanted to see you.”

He stared at his door and we both walked in before he closed it and crushed his lips to mine. I knew he needed this as I pulled him closer and met my tongue move rough against his. It didn’t take long for me to be on his desk, first sitting as he finger fucked me into an orgasm before shoving his cock into my mouth. Somewhere through that act, Payne told me to her on my knees on the surface as he found a condom in his desk drawer. He eased in but once I was ready, Payne fucked me hard and deep. We both came with hard breaths since I couldn’t scream right now and he slipped his hands over my body slow and firm. “Go to the doctor this week. I don’t want to use those with you anymore.” I was all too familiar with the tense atmosphere, having seen my father through some tough cases. This affected me more and I nodded as I slipped my underwear back on. “Want to leave early and come to my house? I can’t be here with all of the pictures and words today.”

“Dad is noticing my absence. I need to be there more,” I blurted out softly as he gave me a long look while he zipped his pants.

“I heard that myself last night,” he told me as pain crossed his eyes. “We’ll just have to be careful.”

“Should I quit?” I asked as his eyes darkened.

“No, you are the best assistant that I’ve ever had, and I need you near me now. Now, more than ever.” Payne protested as he draped his tie around his neck. “I am going to go to the condo. Leave in an hour and meet me there. I still need to be inside of you.” He grabbed his briefcase and left, making me walk over to his desk to watch him leave before I dropped into my seat.

I worked for another hour and slowly gathered my things to leave for the day. It was only three, so I had time to spend with Payne as well as Dad. I could make this work since they both meant so much to me.

I went to the condo and found him drinking whiskey in a pair of workout shorts, freshly showered and getting drunk. I remembered being little and asking Dad if he needed another job because his made him sad sometimes. The look on Payne’s face reminded me of that, and I dropped all my things onto the couch before I clutched his face to kiss him.

I felt all his stress in the kiss, deepening it to try and pull it from his soul. I sensed his darkness at the bleakness of the crime that he was trying to prove in court and welcomed it as our clothes were thrown to the floor.

Back in his room, Payne tied me up with one of his ties, binding me to the headboard as he went down on my pussy rough and carelessly. I came hard twice in the process, weeping through it as his hands gripped me painfully. This was going fast, but I couldn’t stop it, nor did I want to. I just wanted Payne. He pulled away and crawled between my legs as he took me with one thrust. “Payne, fuck,” I moaned as his heat singed my walls.

“I am clean. I am going to pull out and come on your stomach…I just need you.” I slid my hands down over his back, gripping him as he thrust deeper. Payne wasn’t worried about me today, and I screamed for more as he drove himself inside of me again.

His teeth nipped at my breast as I tightened around him, coming with a small keen before he pulled out and shot his warmth on my stomach and breasts. Some of it even hit my face and Payne rolled on the bed beside me, panting loudly. I had stared at him before I looked at the mess on my body, more turned on than ever. Payne got up slowly and went to get a towel to clean me off before he pulled me to him.

We rested quietly for a while before I started to suck him, reaching for a condom to roll over him with shaking hands as I met his gaze. “We have to be careful, Payne.” I straddled him, staring down at his cock before I lowered my body on it, craving him again. I groaned as I sank down, taking all of him as his hands soothed my hips for a moment before one hand strayed to rub my nipple. I rocked against him, finding the best angle before I started to ride him. I didn’t understand wanting someone so many times in a day but there was no getting enough of him today. He was everything and we made love again before I forced myself to leave and eat dinner with Dad.

Even if I lied and said that I was dating someone, Dad wouldn’t want me to be vague. He was close to me, and I always told him so much that the idea would immediately be suspicious. We needed to be careful, and I spent fifteen minutes in the bathroom cleaning myself up. My hair was the hardest part, and I struggled to make it look as it did when I left the house as Payne watched.

I kissed him and ran to my car to hurry home.

CHAPTER 8

I arrived home at half past five and hurried inside with a bright smile on my face. Dad was fixing chicken on the counter, and he looked past me. “No Payne?”

“He had that trial today, and I think it took a lot out of him,” I replied as Dad frowned.

“That’s why I thought he’d be here. Payne always comes over after that. I wonder if he’s seeing someone now. Do you know?” Dad asked as I reached into the fridge for wine to cool off my heated skin.

“I don’t think so? I haven’t noticed anything,” I replied as I poured it, thinking back to the way Payne looked at me while I was on top of him. “Want a beer?” I got one when Dad said yes and told him that I was going to change. I hurried up to my room and pulled on some yoga pants and a comfortable t-shirt before I went into the bathroom and pulled my hair up into a messy bun. When I returned to the kitchen, Dad was at the grill cooking and I searched the fridge for a vegetable to have with dinner. I steamed some frozen corn and heated up some French bread to go along with it. I got both in serving dishes and brought them outside as I asked Dad if he wanted to eat out here.

He did.

We settled at the larger bistro style table together and he said that he called Payne, who sounded drunk. I feigned surprise as he looked worriedly at me. “How are you handling the cases? Are they getting to you, Vie?”

“A bit but I expect that will pass. I’ve been exposed to this stuff for years. It’s just the family killing that is disturbing to me,” I replied as he nodded.

“That doesn’t go way but Payne normally lets things roll off his back easier. He handles it well and loves it enough to keep going.” I could see the worry in Dad’s eyes and I smiled reassuringly.

“This is a tough case. I’ve been helping with the research so I get it. He just needs to rest with all the late nights and the work. He’ll bounce back.” I knew that I would be the one to help him, through sex and companionship but I couldn’t say that.

“Yeah, you’re right. I’ve been there myself.” The food was delicious but I was nervous as I ate and kept drinking wine. Dad seemed to relax and discussed some of his cases, none that were currently as bad as the one that me and Payne were going through. I kept taking bites because under the anxiety, I was also starving from all the activity this afternoon. We cleaned up together and watched some television before I told him I was exhausted.

I went up to bed and sent Payne a text to check in on him, but there was nothing sent back. He’d sent a few earlier that were suggestive and a little sad, making me long to go and crawl into his bed with him. I curled up under my covers and slept fitfully that night, tormented by Payne’s obvious suffering.

This is either going to be the best thing in my life or the worst…perhaps both.

I managed a run just to chill myself out before work, glad that it was Friday. I wondered if Payne would take the weekend off and with that thought, I grew curious as to what he would do. We couldn’t go away for the weekend, at least not without lying. I knew that he had a long day in court today as well, so I kept myself busy and decided to have lunch with Melody.

“So, Brad is dragging me to a bar tonight to watch some hockey game with his friends. I like the sport but they’re…insane over it. Come join me and let me be a girl from time to time? Please?” Her green eyes begged me and I hated that I wondered what Payne was doing.

“Sure. Which bar?” I asked as she clapped her hands. It was one close to work and popular with the building and I agreed to meet her right after work. We headed back to the office and I noticed that Payne wasn’t there, so I assumed that he was going home after he was done.

I met them at the bar and Melody was thrilled. I chatted with her a lot but some of the friends seemed to take an interest in me as well, coming near me to start a conversation. I was friendly but I didn’t encourage anything even as she told me who the better guys were. They just made me miss Payne and I answered his text in the bathroom, telling him where I was. He was home and wanting me to come by, so I promised him that I’d make a polite exit soon and take an Uber to his house. I’d been drinking to release some of my tension today and instead of helping, it made me miss Payne.

I stayed for another hour before I pretended that I got a call and needed to leave. I hugged Melody and told the guys how great it was to meet them before I hit the bathroom and got my ride set up. I walked outside and leaned against the building as I looked over the city that I loved so much, realizing how much it changed.

I was sleeping with my father’s best friend and a man that was something of an uncle to me. He was also considerably older than I was as well as my boss. Despite all of that, I knew that I was falling in love with Payne. I was for years before this but now it was heavy in my heart as I watched the yellow Focus pull up to the curb.

I walked over to it, greeting the woman behind the wheel as I buckled up in the back seat. We headed off towards the condo and I wondered what to do about my situation. I knew I wasn’t going to leave him and I was certain that he didn’t want that either. I thanked her when we arrived and keyed in the code to get into the gate before I walked up to his place. Knocking on the door, I waited as I listened to the game on the television through the thick wood. It was loud.

Payne finally answered in some shorts and a t-shirt, pulling me inside before he kicked the door closed. I loved him when he kissed me, his tongue hot and eager in my mouth. I loved him when he pulled me to the couch to strip me, worshiping my body as I gave all of myself to him. I promised him that I had a doctor’s appointment the following week as he reluctantly slipped a condom on in his bedroom.

He took me on my knees that night as I held on tightly to his intricate metal headboard. It was gorgeous and rough as I rocked with him, surprised when he smacked me lightly in between thrusts. I cried out, dampening around his cock as he struck me again. I never imagined that I’d enjoy something like that but I cried out as he did it for a third time, coming forcefully over him.

Payne told me that he loved doing that and had plans for me in the future, as I dropped onto my stomach. My entire body felt like it was pulsing and I took several deep breaths as Payne went to get some cold bottled water. I sipped it, holding my head up weakly before I collapsed back onto the bed. My feelings were pounding in my brain as he slipped closer to me.

We met up as much as possible over the next few weeks, fucking every chance that we could get. I wasn’t fucking Payne though, I was making love with him. I was falling for him more with each time together.

I went on birth control pills, taking them for the required time before he threw away the box of condoms. It was better to have him inside of me like this, along with the experimentation that we had going on together. I was learning that I appreciated light pain and that nipple clamps made me come when they were played with. I liked being spanked with a variety of items as well and Payne loved shopping for different things.

Before I knew it, Christmas was right around the corner. I planned a meal to cook for Payne and Dad, a tradition that we’d been keeping for years. This year, it was so different because I was madly in love with Payne. We’d been seeing one another for a few months now and it was real to both of us, though we were reluctant to share it with anybody.

He told me that he loved me by his Christmas tree one night after we’d made love on the rug between that and the living room fireplace. I smiled and told him the same and we both agreed a few moments later that we still couldn’t tell anybody.

We made love again and I went home to sleep, as I’d been doing the entire time we’d been seeing one another.

The good thing was that Dad met a woman at his office that he was dating. Her name was Lauren and she was a blonde that I got on with well. More than that, he was spending a lot of time with her and I could see Payne more. Lauren was at our house for dinner some and he seemed distracted by that, so me and Payne took advantage of it.

I went to see him on Christmas Eve, using the excuse of getting a few errands done to Dad and Lauren. They were watching a movie on the couch since we all had it off. Oddly enough, she was an assistant to an attorney at a separate firm than any of us. I went right to his condo and from there, right to his bed where we made love for two hours.

We rested together after, breathing heavily. Payne was coming over for dinner later and he was going to be over the following day for breakfast and dinner as well. This year, we were both feeling the strain of our ongoing relationship and struggling with the new obstacle in the tradition.

I’d suggested just telling Dad a few times, but Payne hesitated. Even with him being happy with Lauren, Dad was still Payne’s best friend and someone that he trusted. He was reluctant to break the bond and I was admittedly scared myself. I just wanted the freedom to sleep with Payne at his house, to wake up in his arms to make breakfast together. He told me repeatedly that he wanted the same thing but his fear held him back and today, I think that we were feeling that more than usual. It was Christmas and you were supposed to be with those that you loved.

I returned home and told Dad that the stores were out of the last-minute items that I was looking for with a forced laugh, assuring him that he had some great gifts underneath our massive tree in the corner of the living room. I hadn't had a lot of time to shop but I knew that Dad loved gadgets.

Lauren watched me from the couch, sipping coffee as a knowing look passed over her face. She was taking him to meet her family after our early dinner just an hour or so away, possibly to spend the night. They hadn’t decided. I was just going to make homemade pizza for dinner along with a big salad to keep it easy for everyone.

CHAPTER 9

Payne arrived at four and Dad let him in, clapping him on the back as he wished him a Merry Christmas. Payne gave Lauren a brief hug and came into the kitchen to hug me and kiss my cheek before he whispered that he loved me. He pulled away and grabbed a beer from the fridge before joining them in the living room. I made sure that everything was good in the oven before I went to sit on the couch with everyone with my wine. I hesitated on drinking any with the possibility that I could spend the night at Payne’s, but knew that was risky.

Lauren got a call from her parents and hung up with a wide grin. Her blue eyes twinkled as she told Dad they could spend the night, asking me if it was okay if they got home after breakfast. Her parents were in their eighties with Lauren just being thirty-three herself and she valued all the time with them that she could get. I told them not to worry at all, meeting Payne’s eyes across the room as he smiled at me.

We ate the pizza and opened a few gifts between ourselves, and I loved the gift card for the book store along with the new summer scarf. Those were from Lauren and Dad, and I accepted a small gift from Payne with the knowledge that he had something later for me. That was a gift card for the coffee stand in our building and I laughed and thanked him as I leaned against the couch.

Dad and Lauren got some things together and left with hugs, telling us that they would see us in the morning. Payne and I told them to have fun and walked back into the house, still until we heard the gate closing behind them.

I launched myself into his arms, kissing him hungrily. This rarely happened here and I was going to enjoy every moment of it. Payne reached over to lock the door and set the alarm before we ran up to my room, leaving the door open.

The guest room that he would use was down the hall from my room, so it was possible to escape there if necessary. Payne pulled me to him again for a slow, deep kiss and unzipped my gray slacks to drop them to the floor. I was wearing a deep purple thong, something I’d changed into since being at his place. Payne’s hands ran over my bare ass slowly as he made love to my mouth, finally slipping inside as he eased his fingers towards my wet pussy.

That was the first way that I came, kissing him as he stroked my eager clit. The second was when I was sucking him off while sitting on his face, something that I loved. I was feeling especially horny these days, but I contributed that to the fact that I didn’t get to see Payne as often as I’d like to.

We made love in my bed, needy and rough. I collapsed with a happy giggle beside him afterward, feeling my stomach growl. I went to get us some water and a plate of the Christmas cookies that I’d made with some of my free time, though not as many as I normally baked. I’d also made some for Payne on one of the stolen afternoons at his house, pretending that we lived together free and happy as I hummed around his kitchen.

We ate in my bed and talked about holidays past, both agreeing that this one was the best. He stroked my stomach as we spoke, making me shiver as my nipples pebbled in the dim room. “Someday I want to be at our place on Christmas like this.”

“I want that as well,” I told him as I looked at his handsome face. I was young and had time for all of that, but I wasn’t certain where he was at in his life. Though Payne was married briefly, he had no children and didn’t seem to miss that in his busy life. I wasn’t set on having children yet, but I’d tossed the idea around a few times. Dad would love it and I loved seeing the babies that friends were having when I could. “How, though?”

“By next Christmas, we’ll tell everyone. Hopefully, it will all have blown over by the holiday and we can just be together like we have every other year.” Payne gave me a hopeful smile, followed by a kiss as his hand trailed down my stomach. “I love you, Vie. I love you so much.”

“I love you,” I responded as I felt him move closer to me.

We fell asleep together with the door still open. I knew that I would sleep lightly, worried that someone would come back for an odd reason and that we’d be caught. I didn’t want to ruin Christmas that way. I suspected that Lauren knew that something was going on by the looks that she gave me more and more. She was a smart woman and it wouldn’t surprise me, though I worried that she would be the one to tell Dad and get the issue started.

I mostly dozed against him, waking up to every noise with a smile as I felt Payne beside me. I was up early and making coffee when I felt my stomach growl and a feeling that I needed to eat come over me suddenly.

It was almost violent the way the nausea came over me and I held my hand over my mouth as I grabbed a cookie from the plate. It soothed me and I brewed coffee but it seemed to turn my stomach further as I frowned. I opened the fridge and pulled out orange juice as my mind raced with possibilities.

I’d been feeling off lately, though it wasn’t as obvious as it was this morning. Things that I loved didn’t agree with me anymore, like wine and coffee. I was hungrier and made a point to eat a hearty lunch and make dinner nearly every night. I was tired and fell asleep on Payne often in bed when we relaxed together.

I was new to sex but had a lot of friends that experienced pregnancy scares and the real thing. All the things that I was feeling were textbook as I thought back and I sipped the juice slowly. I was on the pill. I had been for over half of the relationship, but there had been a few times when we were careless together. I hated myself for taking the chance and I closed my eyes as I heard footsteps on the stairs. “You made coffee! Are you having any?” Payne asked me as he kissed me gently. He went to pour a cup and waited for my answer, one that never came. “Vie?”

“I need to go to the store,” I told him as he slipped an arm around me and kissed my hair.

“Something for today?” Payne asked as I turned my eyes to him. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

“I need a pregnancy test. I’m so sorry,” I started to cry as he set the cup down and took me in his arms. “I didn’t plan this and I am so scared.”

“Get dressed and we’ll go,” Payne said to me as I ran upstairs. We both knew that we had precious time to figure this out and pull ourselves together. I pulled on jeans and a shirt while he changed into jeans and a shirt in the bathroom downstairs.

Payne drove us in his car, finding an open corner drug store and rushing inside as I sat stunned in his car. We talked about next Christmas being different, not this one. I wasn’t ready for so much at one time and I sipped the juice that I’d brought along with me. What would I tell Dad? What would happen? I rested my face in my hands as I felt a headache coming on as the door opened to my left.

“I got a few. Let’s get home,” Payne told me as I looked over at him with heavy eyes. He looked nervous as I was, but there was a smile on his face. “You might be having my baby.”

“Is that okay with you?” I asked as he looked at me at the green light. “It’s sudden and accidental.”

“It will make us face this, once and for all. If you are pregnant, I am making you mine no matter what the consequences.” Payne opened my gate and we pulled in, relieved to see that Dad and Lauren weren’t back yet. I went inside to my bathroom, needing my private space as I opened boxes and read directions before doing the deed.

I walked out to see Payne sitting on my bed, staring at the bathroom door. I sat beside him, wrapping my arms around him as I cried softly. I needed to pull myself together for Dad, but the emotions were hitting heavy right now and he held me tight. After I heard my phone chiming through the open door of the bathroom, Payne stood and offered me his hand.

Together, we learned that we were going to be parents. There were smiles, tears, hugs and kissed before I took a shower to get all the crying out. I was determined to make today as normal as possible for everyone. I cried and let the steam clear my eyes as best as it could before I got out and dressed in black slacks and a festive red sweater.

I joined Payne downstairs once I had some make up on and felt a little better, though I was still reeling from the news. I made breakfast though he ate far more than I did, feeling his gaze on me from across the table. “I knew that you looked different. I knew that you looked beautiful and like you were glowing, but I never guessed why.” I smiled at his words. “This is going to work, Vie. I loved you before this but now I want to go house shopping and get ready for our future. I want to do it all.”

“Let’s get through Christmas first,” I bit into my bacon and stared at him. “Will I still work for you?”

“There’s nothing saying that you can’t. There are a lot of couples that work together and since I’m handling trials, you’re not involved in anything much more than the research. However, you wouldn’t need to work. You could stay home or pursue something else, no worrying involved.” Payne smiled at me. “The future is open.”

We both heard the gate and I wished that I could drink as I looked out the window to see Dad pulling in. “We’re telling him later. Alone.” My voice was firm and Payne nodded as he stole one more kiss before sitting across the table again.

“Merry Christmas!!” Their voices called as they came inside of the house. Lauren popped into the kitchen first with a big smile as she looked at us. “Thanks for being so understanding about this. We had such a good time and brought you goodies.” I exchanged a look with Payne that made her frown. “Are you okay?”

“Of course,” I replied as I stood to hug her as well as Dad, who walked in a few minutes later. “Merry Christmas. I am guessing that you don’t want any breakfast?”

“Her mother made a feast. I’m not eating until dinner,” Dad told me as he looked at both of us. “I’m glad you stayed here, Payne. I don’t know how much she likes being alone these days. It used to bother you.” He smiled at me.

“It was good, but I never sleep well the night before Christmas,” I joked as they laughed around me.

I washed the dishes for some time alone to gather myself together while they sat by the tree and talked about the night before. Lauren was glowing over a diamond necklace Dad gave her last night and Payne gave me a wide-eyed gaze for a moment. He was going to give me something but we got distracted and he flashed me an apologetic smile as I looked away.

We went to the tree and finished opening gifts. Mine were all beautiful but I was so distracted by what was happening that the day was a blur. I excused myself to take a nap before I started dinner, closing my door as I dropped onto my bed. It still smelled like us and I closed my eyes as I turned to my side, picturing a future with Payne. Next year, we’d have an infant that wouldn’t quite know what Christmas was. We would, though.

I woke up later, realizing that I’d slept longer than planned. I hurried downstairs to find everyone in the kitchen getting the turkey and sides done, apologizing as I grabbed another cookie. I was suddenly starving and I pulled out the vegetables that I’d purchased to snack on as Dad offered me some wine. I looked at Payne and declined, grabbing a cold water instead. That was always the part in the movies where people guessed that a woman was pregnant and I waited for it, relieved when the conversation just carried on.

Dinner was delicious and I felt a lot better when I sat down to eat. I felt the love that always surrounded me at Christmas with my small family. This year, as scary as it was, I knew that I had a promise of something better to come.

We were up late watching Christmas movies before Payne headed home with a long look at me. I knew that we’d be telling Dad soon so we wouldn’t have to be apart too long. It was too sad when I was carrying his baby. I hugged him a beat longer than normal and watched him drive away before I excused myself to go to bed.

CHAPTER 10

I texted Payne all night as we planned our future. I was still scared to death, but he was a good man and Payne would give me a great future. It would be stable and full of love and he would cherish this baby once he or she was here.

I reminded myself of all of that when we met Dad for dinner at his favorite steakhouse. We wanted to tell him in a public place to try and make it a reasonable discussion. I parked and walked in, touching the diamond drop necklace under my shirt as I entered the building and glanced around. Dad was already there, sipping a beer and smiling as I hugged him. I sat down and looked through the windows as I sipped the water. “I have a feeling that we’re here for something serious.” I looked at my dad and licked my lips. Should I start this so soon?

“Hey,” Payne said as he took over the room and sat down in between Dad and me. I looked at him with a warm smile and he gave me a look before we both gazed at Dad. “Thanks for coming.”

“What’s going on?” Dad asked as Payne looked at me.

“Let’s order some drinks and food. We’ll get to that,” Payne said, knowing how hungry I was. Over the last week, I’d been snacking constantly and he provided anything that my heart desired. Luckily, the waiter came by and we placed our orders before Payne looked at Dad. “Matt, you know that you’re my best friend and have been for years. You’re like a brother to me.”

“Absolutely,” Dad agreed as he leaned back and looked at Payne.

“I…I am in love with Vienna,” he jumped right in and I watched as Dad narrowed his eyes.

“She’s like a daughter to you. What are you talking about?” He asked as his face started to redden.

“Vienna is not my daughter. I have watched her grow up into a lovely, smart woman and somewhere along the way, we fell for each other. We didn’t want to tell you for a while because of so many things, but it’s time. I want to be with her out in the open and we want you to accept us.” Payne was direct and I appreciated that as I reached for his hand.

“You’re sleeping with him, Vienna? He’s your boss and so much older than you. Why would you do this?” Dad demanded of me as tears slid down my cheeks. “I thought you got the job to pursue your degree, but you were there to just be with him, weren’t you? You just wanted to do what you did in his office. I thought more of you.” Dad’s words hurt and I looked down as I struggled with a response.

“I’ve always loved Payne, Dad. It’s transitioned over the years and now it’s in a way that I can’t be without him. It was never an agenda with me as far as the job, but it reminded me how much I did want him in my life. I’m happy, Dad. Just let it be.”

“There’s more, Matt.” Payne looked at me for a long moment. “We’re having a baby.”

“Holy shit. I can’t believe this.” Dad finished his beer and stood as he glared at both of us. “What the hell are you thinking, Payne? She’s barely out of college.”

“I am an adult!” I yelled as everyone around us stopped talking. Dad sighed and set his empty beer bottle down before he left us there, and I started to cry. I wanted him to be involved in my life, our lives, the same way that he always was. He’d seen me through every first and took to the challenge when Mom left us. We grew close due to the circumstances and my heart was breaking right now, but I prayed that he came around.

Payne calmed me down and we managed to pick at our meals as I listened to him talk about how good things were going to be. It sounded like a bright future though a lonely one without my Dad involved and I went to Payne’s that night to stay. I slept in his arms worrying about everything as he soothed me and told me that our baby needed me to rest. I had some clothes over there in anticipation of the dinner going wrong, so I could manage work and life.

He didn’t call Payne or me for weeks and I grabbed clothes while my house was empty in that time. I was living with Payne and loving it as we looked at houses online after work, but I missed Dad. We ate out and I cooked at the condo and slowly started to act like a couple out in public.

The doctor confirmed that I got pregnant before we started with the pills, during one of our careless moments. I was two and a half months along when I found out and it seemed like forever until the baby was here, even while it flew by. Payne went to every appointment with me and soaked up every bit of information like a sponge, buying all the books that he could to read.

EPILOGUE

It was one of the most exciting times of my life, yet I felt alone until I saw Dad’s name on my phone. I sat down at my desk and answered softly, scared to hear his voice. “I’ve already spoken to Payne,” Dad said as I frowned and glanced at the closed door to his office. “He explained a lot of things to me, including how much he loves you and the baby. He’s jumping in more than I have seen him do with anybody before you, Vienna. I won’t say that I’m not upset, but I am willing to see this through. I don’t want to be without either of you and I miss my daughter.”

“I miss you, Dad. It’s been so hard not talking to you.” I wiped a tear from my eyes as I heard the door behind me open. We talked about coming over for dinner this week and the houses that Payne and I were looking at. We both cried when we talked about my moving out, at which point Dad said he might look for something with Lauren. They were getting serious and I was happy for him, since he’d dedicated so much of his life to me.

I hugged Dad when we arrived for dinner, crying all over again. I made a roast and vegetables in the oven as the guys kept me company and we just talked about everything. It was all out in the open now. That felt good as we laughed and spoke freely in the room.

I kept working at the firm since I was as addicted as Payne and my dad to law. I still took good care of myself and got a lot of sleep, which was easy when I was going to bed with my love every night. We made love easily, knowing that I didn’t have to leave anymore. I was as happy as I’d ever been.

We found a house that overlooked the ocean in about six months. We wanted it before our daughter was born and I fell in love with it just looking at pictures. Payne took care of all the moving and made me rest, which wasn’t hard with my growing belly and increasing fatigue.

He proposed on our first night there, right in the master bedroom that overlooked the water. I cried and accepted as I pulled him into my arms for a long kiss.

Our new home was four bedrooms and three bathrooms with a large garage. The nursery would be upstairs with us and the other two bedrooms would be on the first floor. Dad and Lauren came over for dinner to celebrate the engagement with us, showing us pictures of the homes that they were looking at on our laptop.

Payne made the decision to start his own law firm once Nola was born. He could run it and not work as many trials that way, being home a bit more. He had a great name in the industry and soon had a great staff and a partner in my father. Lauren and I would help but we would have time to be at home as well. I had a baby now and she was planning on one after they got married in six months.

Payne and I just had a small wedding on a beautiful beach in Santa Barbara. We wanted small and just to be married after knowing one another for so many years. I wore a sapphire necklace that belonged to my grandmother, a light, cream dress, and ballet style shoes. My hair was down and curly. I looked radiant and happy as I kissed him for the first time as my husband and we left Nola with Dad and Lauren for the night to go to a hotel for the night and enjoy some time alone.

Within three years, I had a son named Nathan and the law firm was doing very well. I never thought that I’d find love with Payne when I returned home from college but I couldn’t be happier. I loved him more than anything, thrilled that I’d decided to wait for him.

He was worth the wait.

Turn ahead to read “Dad’s Best Friend” which starts from next page!