Chapter Nineteen
Payton
Five texts.
Five messages, and all of them are pretty much the same.
Jaime: You’re having sex!?! Lots of sex???
Meghan: Who’s the guy?! Heard he’s sexy!
AJ: You are holding out! I need deets!
Lexi: Hooker. ;)
Abby: Yay! Can’t wait to meet him!
There’s only one explanation for this onslaught of annoying text assault: Grandma. Five bucks says she didn’t even make it out to her car before she sent messages to my sisters. Hell, she probably had Grandpa drive home so she could enact the phone tree. I’m sure by the time our harmless little dinner got around to the last sister, I’m probably married with a baby on the way.
I blink rapidly, swallowing emotions I can’t even deal with right now. The point is that as the conversation went down the line, I’m sure it was exaggerated immensely. Grandma won’t even care either. She’ll just stand there with her big spoon, stirring and stirring that pot, with a sweet little smile on her face.
Ornery ol’ woman.
“Everything okay?” Dean asks beside me, glancing down at my phone.
“Well, Grandma wasted no time in calling all of my sisters and letting them know she saw us together. So now my sisters are texting, wanting all the dirty details of our sordid love affair.”
“Are we having one of those? A sordid love affair?”
Beneath his glasses, his eyes are the brownest I’ve ever seen. They’re dark and stormy and convey something I never expected to want again. But here I am. Staring at the first man I’ve considered something more with. Meeting his daughter today was a shocker. Part of me was ready to throw on my running shoes and take off like the devil was nipping at my heels.
Instead, I felt drawn to her, to him.
My life was stalled, but now? Everything is brighter, louder. I’m sure that has something to do with the little girl going to town on the button that controls half of the bumpers on the Pinball game. I’m struck by the look of excitement and fierceness in her matching brown eyes and something in my chest starts to flutter.
That lump in my throat returns as my heart rate picks up. This thing between us, between Dean and me, can easily turn into something more. I feel it. It causes exhilaration to bubble in my chest, making my heart beat even faster. But just as quickly, fear sets in, wrapping around my entire body like an old worn blanket.
How long am I going to let that fear control me?
“Everything okay? You slipped away for a few moments,” Dean says, pulling me out of the trance I was lost in.
“Yes,” I reply automatically. “I was just thinking about what I’m going to say to my sisters.”
Dean studies me, and I can see it in his eyes. There’s a look that tells me he doesn’t believe me. He doesn’t call me out on my lie though, instead gives me a quick smile before turning his attention to Brielle. Yeah, I know I should confess what I was thinking about, but I haven’t even come close to coming to terms with the revelation myself, let alone tell Dean that I’m starting to fall for him.
And I am.
Falling.
It’s a startling admission. I may not be able to say everything that’s brewing in my head and in my heart, but I can admit one thing to him. “Yes.”
“Yes?” he asks, glancing up from the game to give me his full attention.
“Yes.” I swallow hard. “This might be the start of a sordid love affair.” My words are hushed because of little ears, yet they sound like they’re blasting through a megaphone all the same.
He smiles at me, one of his full-watt grins that starts slow and ends up lighting up his entire face. The results are the same every time: my panties are wet. “Yeah?” he asks, as if seeking confirmation. Of course I know why. I’ve been back and forth since the moment we met. Push him away, only to grab a hold of him and hold on tight. I’ve turned into one of those women who uses men as toy things.
Only this isn’t a game to me. I’m legitimately torn between holding him close and running away. I think Dean gets that, gets me, and that’s why he’s not pushing me further than he already has. Convincing me to date him is already something of gargantuan magnitude, so maybe he recognizes my fear and is picking his battles.
Smart man.
We help Brielle play and win points on the Pinball machine, but before long, she’s yawning. Dean must notice at the same time and glances down at his watch.
“Wow, I can’t believe it’s already seven thirty. Someone’s already late for her bath.”
“Daddy, I want to stay and play with Payton som’ore!”
He gives her a pointed, very stern look. “Not tonight. It’s getting late and you have school in the morning.”
“But Daddy…” Brielle whines, her gorgeous brown eyes filling with tears.
Dean’s about to open his mouth, most likely to reprimand her for her fit, when my own mouth opens involuntarily. “Sorry, sweet girl, but it’s getting close to my bedtime too. Us girls have to have our beauty sleep, you know?”
She gazes up at me with big, wide eyes. “Okay,” she whispers, sniffling before any tears can fall.
I turn to head back to our table to grab my things when I feel her small hand slip into mine. Looking down, I’m in awe at the sight. Her little hand fits perfectly inside of mine and suddenly, I’m fighting off my own tears. She stares up at me with so much trust and innocence that it makes my heart lurch and slam into my rib cage somewhat painfully.
Slowly, I glance over my shoulder and come face to face with Dean’s equally surprised face. He glances down and stares softly at our entwined hands, the faintest of smiles creeping across his lips. Me, on the other hand, suddenly feel like I’m about to have a heart attack.
“Come on, Payton,” Brielle says, taking a step forward and pulling me towards our table. I follow willingly because I’m pretty sure, in this moment and every one that would follow, I’d do whatever this little girl wanted.
We’re all quiet as we grab jackets and get ready to head out into the night. Dean settles the bill and refuses to let me pay for half of dinner. I argue my point that this wasn’t a date, but it falls on deaf ears. Dean is adamantly shaking his head, refusing to listen, and Brielle is watching our exchange with a smile. Realizing I’m not getting anywhere, I settle for leaving the tip.
Outside, there’s a slight breeze blowing off the Bay. Together, we all make our way towards the small lot beside the pizzeria where I parked my car beside Dean’s. When we get there, I’m not sure what to do. He seems to be hesitant to say goodbye, and Brielle’s grip on my hand tightens when we reach the vehicles.
“It was very nice meeting you, Brielle. I hope to see you again soon,” I say, giving her a smile.
“Tomorrow? Can you come to my house and play with my stuffed animals?”
“Not tomorrow, sweetheart. It’s a school night. I’m sure we’ll see Payton soon,” her father chimes in while opening up the door to the back where her booster seat is located.
Bri stomps her foot on the concrete and crosses her arms. “When?”
Dean mimics the move and stands his ground. “I don’t know. This is not how a polite little lady behaves, missy.”
Defeat pours from her little body like a faucet as her shoulders droop. Bri turns to look at me, wrapping her arms firmly around my waist. “Bye, Payton.”
“Goodbye, Bri. I had lots of fun with you tonight,” I say, hugging the little girl.
“When it’s not a school night, you should come over and play with my animals with me. We can color and draw too. I love to draw kittens. And my daddy can make grilled cheese sammiches ‘cause those are my favorite.”
Giving her another warm smile, I respond, “Those are my favorite too.”
As if my simple statement satisfies her, she climbs inside the car and sits in her seat. Dean helps secure her in the seatbelt before turning back towards me. “I’ll walk you around to your car.”
“You don’t have to do that. She’s ready to go,” I say, nodding towards the little girl already playing with some stuffed animals in the back of the car.
“Bri, I’ll be right back. I’m going to walk Payton around to her car. I’ll be there,” he says, pointing to my car parked right next to his.
“Okay.”
Without saying a word, he places his hand at the base of my spine and leads me towards my driver’s door one car over. Warmth spreads up my back and makes all my limbs tingle. My reaction to him is weird. I’ve never felt this instant connection with someone before, this all-consuming desire that steamrolls my entire being when he’s around. And I’m not talking about sex, even though that’s pretty freaking spectacular. I’m talking about him. Just his presence.
“Thank you for coming to dinner with us.”
“Thank you for inviting me. Well, for agreeing after your daughter invited me,” I add with a laugh.
“She has great taste, what can I say,” he says with a smile. When it falls from his lips, he steps forward, completely invading my personal space. “I wasn’t planning on introducing you to my daughter like this, but I’m glad it happened.”
Air lodges in my throat. “Me too.” It comes out a croak and a bit scratchy.
Dean leans forward, taking both of my upper arms in his hands and placing a kiss on my forehead. My entire face flushes under his warm lips and breath. “I wish I could kiss you properly.”
“I wouldn’t mind that.”
“But we have an audience.”
“I know.”
“Drive safe, Payton.”
“I will. You too.” I notice he hasn’t let go of my arms.
“Can I text you after she goes to bed?”
“I would like that.”
Even though his eyes are burning into me, he quickly glances over my shoulder once before he’s moving and his lips are on mine. The kiss is simple and quick, yet still ignites my blood all the way to my core. I almost whimper when he pulls back and drops his hands. “Good night,” he whispers.
I try to reply, but the words just won’t come. A simple good night is just gone from my vocabulary. Stupid hormones.
He holds open my door as I slide in and slip my key into the ignition. As soon as I’m belted in, I glance back in his direction. He gives me a knowing grin before shutting the door and heading towards his own vehicle.
My pulse is hammering in my neck and I’m breathing harder than I should be. Why do I always feel this way around him? The kiss was the simplest of kisses, one that you’d give a friend. Yet it sent desire and lust racing through my body as if it were qualifying for the pole position.
A racing metaphor? Really?
Sighing, I slip my car into reverse and pull from my parking spot. Dean’s still there in his car, waiting for me to exit first. When I’m on the road, I continually glance back and watch his headlights in my rearview mirror until he reaches his turn, and suddenly, his lights are no longer behind me.
I can already tell I have company before I even reach my driveway. Lexi’s car is on the street, but I don’t see her inside, which tells me she’s already made use of the spare key hidden on the porch. Gathering my belongings and my wits, I head inside to face one of my baby sisters.
Reaching the front door, I throw it open, knowing it’s already unlocked. “Honey, I’m home,” I holler. The light above the sink is still on, as well as one of the lamps in the living room.
I see her as soon as I step into the living room. She’s sitting on the couch after helping herself to a glass of wine. “Mind if I get one of those before the inquisition begins?” I ask, dropping my purse and bag on the table.
“It’s not my wine. Though, I’m already on my third glass so there’s probably not too much left. Oh, by the way, you’re almost out of wine.”
“Noted. I only keep that stuff here for you guys anyway,” I state and head into the kitchen to grab myself a glass. My plan was to use the time to collect my thoughts before having to go back inside the living room and explain Dean, but I quickly realize that no amount of time in my kitchen will give me the answers I need.
Grabbing a glass and the rest of the bottle, I join my sister in the living room.
Pouring myself a small amount, I ask, “Chris working late?”
“Of course.”
“How’s the baby making going?”
“Not. Rumor has it you have to have sex to make a baby. My husband would rather work himself into an early grave so that we can buy the perfect piece of land and build the perfect freaking house and have our finances in perfect fucking order before we try the fucking part.”
“Ouch.”
“Yeah, well, I have a plan,” she says before taking a big gulp of wine. “I’m going to get him drunk, tie him to the bed, and screw him until he puts a baby in me. People have been making drunk-sex babies for decades. That’s the only way I’m going to get knocked up, Pay. He thinks the mood has to be just right, but I’m here to tell you it doesn’t. You just have to have a stiffy with plenty of swimmers to make it work.
“Remember that girl in high school who got pregnant our senior year? She doesn’t even remember it. Too much to drink at a party and bam. Knocked up. That’s what I’m going to do. Saturday night at sisters’ night, I’m getting sloshed. I’ve already told Chris he’s meeting me there this Saturday, no excuses. If I was as limber as I was in high school, I’d make him get naked in the car in the parking lot, but we’d probably never fit in the backseat anymore.”
“And don’t forget what happened to Ryan and Jaime when they went parking in old man Gerard’s bean field.”
“True. My luck someone would see the car rocking and call Barney.”
“So, make sure you get home before you strip his clothes off and make him blow.”
“See, that’s the thing, Pay. I shouldn’t have to make him do anything. He should want to get naked with me. I mean, isn’t the best part about having a baby all of the practicing? Why doesn’t he want to do that anymore?”
“I don’t know, Lex,” I reply softly. It’s the honest to God’s truth.
“I miss the practicing. We used to practice a lot. Now he gets home from work after I’ve gone to bed. I try to snuggle up against him, but he’s virtually asleep the moment his head hits the pillow. And when we do have sex, he’s not as thorough as he used to be. I mean, we both still get off, but, I don’t know. It’s just missing something.”
“I’m sorry, Lex. I wish I knew what to say. It’s not like I have a lot of experience in life lessons on love.”
“Speaking of, let’s not talk about my crappy sex life. Let’s talk about yours. Apparently, you have one and didn’t share.”
I sigh loudly. Dammit, Grandma.
“Oh, don’t act so surprised. You should have known she would call us before the cheese started to cool on her pizza. This is the woman who knew perfectly well where Jaime was that first night with Ryan and still called all of us, claiming she was kidnapped.”
“God, why did I have to run into her tonight? It’s…it’s not really what you think.”
“So you’re not sleeping with some gorgeous nerdy man with eyes that make women everywhere quiver between the legs?”
“What? Gross.”
“Her words, not mine. Let’s come back to the fact that your boyfriend makes your grandma’s lady parts quiver, okay? Let’s go back to the beginning and focus on boyfriend.”
“I’m going to need therapy,” I grumble, taking another healthy gulp of wine, effectively draining the glass. I could use another refill, but I know the longer I draw out this conversation, the more liquored we’ll both become, subsequently, the more dirty details I’m liable to give. “What do you want to know?”
“Everything. Start at the beginning.”
Sighing, I do as instructed. “Last summer, the accountant I used retired and turned over my business, along with his other clientele, to a new man. Dean McIntire.”
“You’re screwing your accountant?” Lexi interrupts, practically shouting it across the room.
“Stop yelling. I don’t need the senior citizens in the next county to hear, okay? Anyway, when I met him for the first time, he was…wow. He was gorgeous. Every time I had to take my monthly profits and losses statement, and all of my employment and income tax documents to him, he was always there, waiting. I tried to just drop them off with their secretary, but she always said he wanted to see me.”
“I bet he did,” she quips quietly.
“One night last fall, I was his last appointment. One thing led to another, and then next thing I knew, we were going at it on top of his desk.”
Lexi’s eyes are as round as saucers. “Nice.”
“He went home with me that night, but was gone before the sun came up. We both determined it was a one-time thing, but then it just kept happening. It didn’t matter if it was his office or if he stopped by the flower shop, we couldn’t keep our hands off each other, even though we both decided it was wrong.”
“I don’t get it. What’s wrong about it? I mean, you were having great sex, right?”
“Yeah, it was amazing, but he is my accountant. I am his client. There is a professional line that has been crossed, and in a big way.”
“Pshhhh. Professional shmessional. It’s not against the law, is it? No. I say there’s nothing holding you back.”
“Wait, there’s more. When I went to my trade show last week, they lost my reservation. I tried several different hotels in the area and no one had availability because there were multiple conferences in the same vicinity. I was at the last one before I said forget it and headed home, and Dean was there.”
“Where? At the hotel?”
“Yep. I was standing there being told that they had nothing available when he walked up to me and offered me half of his room.”
“Shit.”
“It was my only option if I wanted to stay in Richmond, so I took him up on it.”
“And fell right into his bed.” My sister giggles with the assumption.
“Well, not the first night. He slept on the pullout couch, so we didn’t sleep together that first night, but the second…” I let my words trail off. There’s no need to finish the statement. She knows.
“Nice,” she says, drawing out that word as she lifts her wine glass in the air to salute. “And it was…” she eggs on.
“It was…better than nice.”
“I bet it was, if that smile on your lips is any indication.” I’m smiling? I didn’t even realize.
“Anyway, we spent two nights together and, yes, they were amazing. We’re talking toe-curling, can’t remember my own name, best sex ever kinda nights.”
“Damn,” Lexi groans, fanning her face with her hand.
“When we got home last week, he kinda convinced me to give this whole dating thing a try. As you can imagine, it wasn’t an easy pitch for him, nor easy for me to accept.”
Lexi rolls her eyes. “No shit. So, you’re dating this guy?”
“Yeah,” I whisper so quietly that even I barely hear the answer. Clearing my throat, I turn to look at my sister’s matching green eyes. “He has a daughter.” Sweat starts to break out under my arms.
“Wow, okay. He’s probably, what, in his early to mid-thirties? Most adults that age have kids by now. Was he married before?”
“No, she was his client, which is one of the reasons we’ve avoided getting intimate since we met. They dated for a short period of time, got pregnant, and left shortly after their daughter, Brielle, was born.”
“What a pretty name,” Lexi says softly, sadness filling her expressive eyes once more.
“She’s a gorgeous little girl. When I stopped by his office today after work, she dropped by with his mom. There was an emergency with her sister so she dropped off Dean’s daughter on her way out of town. We ended up going for pizza, and I’m pretty sure I fell in love with that little girl tonight,” I say, lifting my glass, only to realize I’ve already drained it.
“And that’s a problem?”
“Well, it’s not expected. I’ve been working at keeping feelings out of this relationship, but then I met his daughter. She pretty much stole my heart with her big brown eyes, and that was before she put her hand inside of mine. What do I do now?” I beg. This is not what I wanted at all, but I don’t think I can backtrack at this point, either.
“What do you mean? You don’t have to do anything. You date Dean. You hang out and spend time with Brielle. You enjoy their time and company. If things progress between you and the hot accountant, then you’ll deal with it then. Otherwise, why get yourself all worked up on something that may or may not happen?”
“When did you get so wise?” I ask, smiling across the room at Lexi.
“I have an amazing older sister. She taught me so much about life, and shared her wisdom and knowledge with us mere young’uns. Her name’s Jaime,” she coos, deadpanned.
Without thinking, I toss a throw pillow and hit her straight in the face. We both bust up laughing, and together, finish off the rest of the wine. Before I know it, the clock is approaching midnight, and our yawns are nonstop. Lexi stands and walks towards the front door, grabbing her jacket and purse from the table on her way. I meet her at the door and wait for her to get ready to go.
Throwing my arms around her neck, I say, “Thank you for coming over tonight and spending time with me. I love you.”
“I love you, too, big sister. I’m very happy that you’re having all the great sex with the hot accountant.”
“He’s going to be there Saturday night, so you can’t call him the hot accountant.”
“I can call him whatever I want,” she smirks and steps outside. Before she gets to the bottom of the steps, she turns back towards me. “So the ass prints on your steel table were yours, right?”
Dammit, Grandma!