Chapter Twenty
Dean
I’ll admit: I’m the poor sucker who sat beside his phone and waited for it to ring.
After putting Bri to bed and reading a quick bedtime story, I opened a beer and tried to relax. Of course, relaxing came after I started a load of laundry, emptied the dishwasher, picked up what was left of Mom’s dinner that she started and left on the stove when she had to run out. Then I sent a quick text to Payton to thank her again for accompanying us to dinner.
And then I didn’t hear anything.
My mind went everywhere. She’s painting her toenails. She’s in danger. She fell asleep watching HGTV. Her phone’s dead. Her sister’s cat got loose and the entire family is looking for it. She changed her mind and doesn’t know how to tell me.
God, what a lovestruck sap I turned out to be.
And that’s the truth. I’m falling for her. I can feel it.
I’ve been staring at the same channel for the last forty-five minutes but have no clue what’s actually on the TV. The beer is keeping me company, but it isn’t strong enough to numb my mind. If she’s looking to end this before it really begins, then I’ll let her go. I wasn’t looking for a relationship when I met her anyway, so no harm no foul.
Except even I know that’s utter bullshit.
There’s something about her that demands my complete attention. I couldn’t let her go even if I wanted to. She owns a piece of my soul without even really realizing it. I’ve known her for about eight months, and in that time, I’ve grown to care a great deal for her. She’s feisty, energetic, and passionate. Her curves and those damn green eyes have me firmly by the balls, and I know I’d do just about anything she asked of me.
Taking another swig of my beer, I glance back down at my phone. As if knowing that I need to hear her voice, it lights up with her name displayed on the screen.
“Hello?” I ask, setting the beer bottle down on the coffee table.
“It’s late.”
“It’s very late. Why are you still up?”
“Lexi stopped by tonight and we drank booze and laughed. Next thing I knew it was midnight, and I realized I didn’t get to say goodnight.”
“I’m glad you called,” I tell her honestly.
“Sorry it’s so late, but I wanted you to know I got your message.”
We’re both quiet for several moments, though the silence isn’t uncomfortable. I can picture her lying on her bed, wearing nothing but the shirt I left at her place. “Are you wearing my shirt?”
“Yeah.”
Getting up, I head into my bedroom and close the door, making sure to lock it behind me. “Thinking of you wearing it right now makes me want to do crazy things to you.”
“What kinda crazy things?”
“Dirty, filthy things. Things that I shouldn’t even say out loud.” My cock thickens to the point of pain in my sweatpants. It takes every ounce of self-control I possess not to grab a hold of it.
“Maybe you should show me then, since you can’t say it.”
“I would like nothing more than to show you, sweetheart, and if I were there, that’s exactly what I’d do. Do you think you can follow my directions? Then it would be like I’m there with you, touching your gorgeous body.” I’ve never done anything like this before, but my blood is pumping to one concentrated area, and the thought of knowing she’s about to touch herself on the other end of the phone makes my body flush.
“Tell me.”
“Is my shirt buttoned up?”
“Yes.” Her words are already raspy. I can feel the desire coursing through the phone.
“Slowly unbutton it. Start at the top and work your way down to the bottom.” My words sound stern, demanding, even to my own ears. A smile spreads widely across my lips as I sit back, close my eyes, and picture her fingers toying with the small buttons.
“Okay. It’s unbuttoned.”
“Spread it open, but don’t take it off. I want my shirt to be able to touch your skin, even though I can’t. Have you ever had phone sex, Payton?”
“N…no.” I can feel her excitement and nerves through the phone.
“Me either. Are your nipples hard for me?”
“Yes.”
“Put the phone on speaker, then touch them. I want you to close your eyes and pretend it’s my hands caressing your breasts. I want you to picture my fingers pinching them gently. Imagine that my mouth is on them, licking and sucking on each one. Can you feel it?”
Her response is a long groan.
“Good girl. Now keep one hand on your breast but slide the other down your stomach to your panties.”
“I’m not wearing any,” she whispers, breathing heavily enough that I can hear it through the receiver and it goes straight to my rock-hard erection. I start to throb in a way I only experience with this woman, and the only way I can think to alleviate the ache is to grab my cock and give it a gentle squeeze.
Now it’s my turn to groan. I grab my t-shirt and rip it off my head as quickly as possible.
“Touch yourself, Payton. Are you wet for me?”
“I already know the answer to that question without touching myself, but yes. God yes, I’m wet for you. So wet.”
“Slide your fingers through the wetness. I want you to touch your pussy for me. Imagine it’s my fingers,” I instruct, my grip on my dick tightens, my hand starts to move on its own.
“Dean.” My name is a moan and the sexiest fucking thing I’ve ever heard.
“I’m right here, Payton. I want you to fuck yourself with your fingers.”
“I am. It feels so good.”
“Go slow, sweetheart. I want to savor this moment. If I were there, I’d draw out the pleasure as long as possible.”
“I need to come,” she pleads.
“You will. I promise. Spread your legs wide for me. I want you to rub your clit with your opposite hand while you slowly fuck yourself with your fingers.”
“Dean…”
“Do you know what I’m doing, Payton? I’m stroking my cock while you finger yourself. I’m so fucking hard and ready to explode just listening to you take your pleasure.”
“I’m getting so close,” she pants between noises.
There’s no slowing either of us down now. I’m racing full-speed ahead towards an epic orgasm, and listening to Payton get off is only making the entire experience that much more magnificent.
“Touch your clit. Pretend it’s my tongue.”
That does it. She erupts, crying out my name over and over again. It’s music to my ears as I stroke myself off at the same time. Warmth shoots across my stomach and I damn near drop the phone as my body convulses and shakes in the aftermath.
“You still there?” I ask, panting and trying to regain my composure.
“Wow.”
Chuckling, I reach for my shirt and swipe it across my stomach. “I made a mess,” I say absently.
“Me too. I need another shower.”
“Damn, I wish I were there to help.”
“Me too,” she whispers, yawning as she grabs the phone and brings it to her ear, turning the speaker off.
“Go to sleep, sweetheart. I’ll see you Saturday night.”
“Pottery. The Beaver.”
Again, I chuckle. “You’re lucky I know what you meant by that or I’d think you were ready for round two.”
“Class starts at seven. The other guys should arrive around eight. They’ll hang out and wait for us. I’ll introduce you.”
“I look forward to it. Sweet dreams, Payton.”
“Good night, Dean,” she whispers, the smile on her lips heard through the phone.
Hanging up, I smile at not just what transpired, but also the prospect of meeting her family Saturday night. I’m a bit nervous since I haven’t really met someone’s family in several years, but I’ve seen most of the Summer sisters around town and they seem pretty easy-going.
Tossing the soiled shirt in the hamper, I stretch out in bed, anxious for Saturday night.
* * *
From the moment I graduated college and started working in the real world, I drifted from the few friends I had made in school. After a few years of hard work and keeping my nose to the grindstone, I met Brooke and our social life revolved around her and her friends.
So when my buddy Greg calls me up Saturday morning, saying he’ll be in town for the weekend, I jump at the opportunity to meet up with him. I’m supposed to take Bri to Mom’s house mid-afternoon, which means I have plenty of time to get together with Greg, have dinner, and catch up before I need to head to The Beaver to meet Payton.
We decide to meet at Joker’s Wild because they serve the best steaks on Saturday nights. When I walk through the front door, I make my way through the bar to the back room, which serves as their restaurant. I spot Greg right away at a back table with a large mug of beer sitting in front of him.
“Hey, man. Good to see you,” he says as I approach.
“You too. Having that MD behind your name looks good on you,” I quip goodheartedly.
He laughs and takes a drink from his full mug. “It better look good on me for all the sleep and social engagements I sacrificed putting myself through medical school.”
“How’s life?” I ask, grabbing a menu.
“Good. Busy. I joined a small practice in Virginia Beach two years ago when I completed my residency and met a woman who doesn’t complain about my crazy work schedule.”
After ordering a beer for myself, I reply, “That’s great, man. Congrats. Are we going to be doing the YMCA and the Casper Slide at your wedding soon?”
“Actually, that’s why I’m here. I’m hoping you’ll make a weekend out of coming to Virginia Beach on August thirty-first and standing up with me while I profess my love to one woman for the rest of my life.”
I blink several times, surprised at his request.
“I can tell I’ve caught you off guard. I wasn’t expecting to start off our dinner with this, but that’s where it went.”
“No, I’m happy for you. I’d be honored to stand up with you.”
“Thanks,” he says sheepishly. “I’ll admit that we haven’t stayed in touch as much as I would have liked over the last decade since college, but I’ve always considered you one of my closest friends. And with my work schedule, I haven’t made too many friends who aren’t work colleagues, so I made an exception and asked you.”
I can’t help it, I laugh hard. “Well, even if your options are limited, I’m honored. I’ll be there.”
“Thanks, man. Let’s order so we can catch up.”
Greg and I each order the prime rib, baked potato, and vegetables and are on our second beer before we turn the conversation from his upcoming wedding to me. “So, what’s new with you? Last time we spoke Bri was getting ready to start school.”
“She’s in kindergarten and loves it. The geek in me loves it that she wants to read books every night instead of video games or something like that.”
“Oh, I get that. Keri loves those dirty romance novels. Reading those things before bed is better than porn,” he says with a cocky smile.
“Well, thankfully she’s a little young for that, but I get what you’re saying. I’m glad you found someone who has the same interests as you.” Back in school, Greg was your typical bookworm like me. We spent many weeknights studying together in the campus library. Even though our fields of study were different, it was nice to have a buddy to hang out with, even if the majority of the time was spent on homework.
“What about you? Anyone beating down the door to become Mrs. McIntire?”
My face flushes instantly as Payton’s picture comes to mind. “No, not really.”
Greg looks at me with a critical eye and must notice my hesitation. “No?”
I give my friend a small smile and wait him out.
He sits back and gives me his own knowing smile. “I’ve got all night.” Apparently, he’s going to wait it out too.
Finally, after three or four minutes of both of us just staring at each other with stupid smirks, I concede. “Fine. There’s someone. It’s new, but I have high hopes.”
“This is big,” he says as the waitress delivers our food. “I mean, you haven’t dated much since Brooke.” He makes a face like he bit into something sour when he says her name. Greg wasn’t a fan of Brooke’s the few times we all hung out. No, it’s not something he confessed, but I could see it on his face and read his body language well enough to know that he didn’t care for my girlfriend. And I’m certain the feeling was mutual.
“That was a polite way of saying single loser.”
“No way. You have been a committed dad for five years, most of them as both mom and dad. You’ve done something very commendable, my friend. I hope to be half the dad you are someday.” He offers me a warm smile that tells me he means every word.
A blush creeps up my neck at the compliment. “Thank you.”
“Anyway, back to this woman. Who is she?”
“She owns a business here in town, and I’ve known her since I moved here. We’ve…been friendly for a few months now, but recently decided to date more publically. Frankly, she’s amazing and I love spending time with her.”
“Nice. Sounds like a great woman. You know, you’re welcome to bring her to the wedding in August.”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” I say, finishing off my steak. “She met Bri earlier in the week by accident.”
Greg pushes his plate away and tosses his napkin on the table. “By accident? How does that happen?”
Again, I feel myself blush. Thank God the lights are fairly dim in this joint. “She was at my office when Mom stopped by with Bri. I had no choice but to introduce them. Bri fell in love with her right away, which makes me happy, but I’m still a little worried that she’ll get too attached. Not that I don’t see this going further with Payton, but it’s still new, you know?”
“I hear ya, and that makes sense. I’m glad to see you smile again, buddy.” As the waitress delivers our check, he continues. “I hope it works out for you. You deserve this more than any man I know.”
“Well, thank you. I’m heading over to a local pub tonight to meet up with her and her family. It’ll be my first time officially meeting them as the boyfriend.”
Greg smiles widely. “Good luck. If you can survive the family, you can survive anything.”
I hope he’s right. Just hearing a few of Payton’s stories about her family, and those from a few residents around town, I know her family is extremely close and maybe a bit whacky. Honestly, that might be the aspect I’m looking forward to the most. I’m an only child so there’s a huge thrill at getting to see the camaraderie they share, firsthand.
“You’ll bring Keri by soon so I can meet her, right?” I say as we step outside of the bar. The night air is crisp and you can feel the rain coming in.
“Yes. We’re going home for my mom’s birthday in May so we’ll make arrangements to get together. Maybe I’ll be able to meet your Payton,” he says with a smile.
“Maybe,” I agree with my own grin.
We do that customary bro hug that all guys seem to know and agree to be in touch soon. As I quickly make my way to my car, I run through a few pieces of our conversation. It was great to catch up with my friend, but I’m anxious to get to the next part of my night. I shoot a quick text message to my mom and make sure everything is good with Bri, and after receiving her confirmation that everything’s great, I jump in my car and head towards The Beaver.
I head towards Payton.
* * *
The Beaver isn’t crowded as I make my way inside and towards the front bar. There’s a handful of stools open, and fortunately one right beside Ryan Elson. I’ve not officially met him, but I’ve seen him around town enough to be able to pick him out of a crowd. He’s incredibly tall with brown hair and brown eyes and has one of those tans guys get from working outside.
“Hey, is this seat taken?” I ask before sliding on the stool.
“Nope. It’s yours,” he says with a friendly smile. “You must be Dean. I was told to be nice,” he adds as he extends his hand.
I can’t help but laugh as we shake hands, instantly feeling at ease with my new situation. “I am Dean, and you must be Ryan.”
“That’s me. Josh should be here any minute. Actually, I’m surprised he’s not here yet. He usually beats me to these things.”
“These things?” I ask as I order a beer from the bartender. Payton says these nights last pretty late so I should be okay to have one or two before switching to water. Then I’ll be good to go and hopefully can talk her into coming home with me.
“Sister nights. They do them every month. They’re supposed to be girls only, but Josh and I always crash them. Some of them complain, but it’s all goodheartedly and not meant to offend. Payton used to be the biggest offender actually, which is why I’m loving the shit out of her inviting you tonight.”
“I see. Well, since it sounds like a big deal that I’m here, I guess I’ll take that as a positive sign.”
“You should,” he says before taking a drink of his beer. “They’re in the back room, but I’ve seen Payton look out the window no less than a half dozen times.”
“Really?” I ask, looking just off to my right and noticing the window for the first time. There’s a handful of brunette women all clustered together, staring and smiling. Every once in a while, one of them says something that makes the others cackle.
“We’ve had an audience since you sat down. I’m surprised one of them hasn’t come out to refill drinks.” Ryan nods toward his bottle of beer. “This’ll be my last one and then I’ll switch to non-alcoholic. One thing I’ve learned about these sisters is when it’s time for girls’ night, they love to drink.”
“I figured as much. I’ll have one and then switch to water.”
“You can help chauffeur. It’ll be like your initiation into sisters’ night. But be ready. They love to talk about sex. Like all the time. They get all embarrassed when Grandma and Grandpa talk about it, but they’re just the same. The apples definitely didn’t fall too far from the tree.”
As he looks over at the window where the girls used to be standing and smiles fondly. Even though we can’t see them, it’s like he knows his woman is on the other side of the wall. My heartbeat picks up at the notion that I could be in the same boat as Ryan. I can picture her standing in front of whatever project they’re working on, with paint smeared across her cheek. I give my own involuntary smile, knowing that she’s there, and I’m right here thinking about her, waiting for her.
I’m falling in love with her, this I can no longer doubt. Shit, I’m probably already there, and that thought is both scary and exciting. I haven’t considered the possibly of falling in love after the mess Brooke left behind, but now? I’m anxious to see what transpires next.
We chat for the next hour, both switched to something other than alcohol long ago. Ryan fills me in on one of the jobs he’s working, as well as some of the home improvement projects he’s doing in his spare time at the home he purchased last fall with Jaime.
The lights flicker a few times as the storm outside picks up intensity. It’s been coming down in buckets for the better part of an hour, but I haven’t noticed much. I’ve enjoyed hanging out and talking with Ryan, though he was a little concerned that Josh hadn’t arrived yet. He also filled me in on Lexi’s husband, Chris, who rarely attends family functions, let alone sisters’ nights.
All and all, it’s a pretty good night.
It only gets better when the door opens to the backroom and the woman I’ve been fantasizing about walks into the bar, a wide smile across her face.
Yep, I’m pretty sure my heart is already gone.