Then There Was You: A Single Parent Collection

by Gianna Gabriela

  Say goodbye to your heart, Rayne.

  You keep giving it away a piece at a time.

  5

  Travis

  I don’t think I’ve taken someone out on a date since high school and I can’t remember ever being as nervous as I am right now.

  This feels bigger. More important.

  Like I promised, this past week I called Rayne every night and texted her throughout the day several times. We spent a lot of time getting to know one another through those texts and calls. I learned Rayne’s favorite color’s pink, even though she doesn’t wear it, her weakness is donuts, and she’s always wanted a puppy, but can’t have one in her apartment.

  There was such an ease in getting to know her this way. No questions were off the table and while many of our conversations were light and fun, a few of them delved into deeper subjects.

  I throw my car into park and head up to Rayne’s apartment. When I reach her door, I dry my sweaty hands on my jean clad thigh and then knock.

  The door swings open leaving a vision standing before me. “Hey, Travis. Let me grab my purse and we can get out of here.”

  Rayne turns and takes a few steps to grab her purse. All I can do is stare. Her ass looks amazing in the black jeans which fit her like a second skin.

  “Really?” Rayne asks when she spins around.

  Not ashamed in the least, I shrug. “What? You have a fabulous ass.”

  “What’s the plan for tonight?” She chooses to ignore my last comment. “You never told me where we were going. Just that it’s casual.”

  “If it’s okay with you, there’s a little pub I want to take you to. They have a great menu and a live band tonight.” I wait as she locks the door and then place my hand on the small of her back as we walk down the hall.

  “Sounds great to me. I’m game for low key. It’s been a crazy work week and I don’t think I can handle any more than that, if I’m honest.” She yawns which punctuates her point.

  “Are you sure you’re up for this?” I lightly stroke her back with my hand. “If you’re too tired, we can do this another night.”

  “No. I’ve been looking forward to this. It’s been forever since I’ve gone out.” She leans her head on my shoulder. “I’ll catch a second wind soon, I promise.”

  Without thinking about it, I place a kiss on her forehead and then on her nose. “Promise to tell me if it becomes too much.”

  “Promise.” She lifts her head off my shoulder and continues walking toward my car.

  The conversation flows easily on the way to the pub and all throughout dinner. There’s an ease between the two of us, like we’ve known each other forever. And when the conversation halts, there’s no awkwardness.

  “This band’s great.” Rayne bounces her foot in rhythm with the music. “This is exactly what I needed tonight.”

  The song ends and the band slows things down. Couples flood the dance floor.

  “Let’s dance.” I raise from my seat, grabbing Rayne’s hand. “I’m dying to have you in my arms.”

  I lead her to the crowd and pull her in close, my arms wrapped around her waist. She lays her head on my chest and her arms lightly drape on my shoulders.

  We sway to the music and the current song turns into another and then another. When the song changes again, but into a fast one this time, we return to our table.

  “It’s getting hot.” Rayne fans her neck.

  Peeking at my watch, I notice the time. “Let’s get out of here and cool off. It’s getting late.”

  “Do you have to get back to Riley?” Rayne’s throws her purse over her shoulder and squeezes through the crowd toward the entrance.

  “No.” The cool night provides a nice relief from the sauna inside of the pub. “Cass told me she was kidnapping him until tomorrow morning.”

  “If you’re in no hurry, would you like to come to my place and have a drink before we call it a night?” Rayne asks shyly, which surprises me. I would never describe her as shy. “I mean you don’t have to if you don’t want to, but I figured we’re having a good time and I’m not ready for the night to end.” The words rush out of her in a flurry of nerves.

  Stopping my steps, I spin her around and lift her chin to be sure she understands everything I’m about to say. “Rayne, I would love to spend a little more time with you and there’s no reason for you to be nervous. I’m a big boy and I understand coming up to your place for a drink is just that. I know it’s not an invitation for more. I told you we would take this slow.”

  She releases a deep sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

  I pull her into my arms and kiss the top of her head. “No need to thank me. One of these days you will realize my words match my intentions.”

  “Travis, can I ask you something?” Rayne hesitantly asks.

  “Anything.” Curiosity grabs me.

  “At the shoot, why did you say those things to Cass?” She rests her forehead on my chest and speaks into my shirt. “You know, when she asked about the possibility of the two of us. Why did you say them when, according to you, you always say what you mean?”

  It’s about time she brought this up.

  “I’ve been wondering when you were going to be ready to talk about it. I know it’s been bothering you.” I take a deep cleansing breath before I explain. “At the time, there was a speck of truth to my words. I didn’t date, never had the time. Then Riley came into the picture and my world shifted. You’re young, and it wasn’t so much I thought you were too young for me. I was more concerned as to what you would want with me. You’re in your prime. I’m fourteen years older than you with a son to take care of and big responsibilities with my company. I felt like I would be tying you down.”

  Rayne

  Man, I read the situation entirely wrong.

  “So, you didn’t think I was a gold digger looking for some sugar daddy like a pretty little puppet?” The words sounding stupid as they come out of my mouth.

  “That’s what you really thought?” Travis growls. “Baby, I didn’t think it then, neither did Cass, and I don’t think it now.”

  Decision made.

  “Travis, take me home.” I whisper, my voice holding all sorts of promise.

  “Are you sure?” His words speak of hesitance, but his eyes scream nothing but lust.

  “I’m positive.” I grab his hand and walk to where the car’s parked.

  The drive from the pub to my apartment seems to move at a snail’s pace and Travis’s thumb rubbing slowly, teasingly, on my upper thigh builds anticipation.

  When Travis parks the car, we both throw decorum out the window as we fling the car doors open and practically run through the building to my apartment. As we approach it, I dig through my purse to find my keys.

  Keys in hand, I unlock the door in a fury and push it open. Before I’m fully through the entryway, he grabs my purse and tosses it on the floor as he shuts the door.

  “I’m going to ask one last time,” Travis picks me up and my legs wrap around his waist. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, I’m sure.” I place my lips against his.

  He allows me a moment of control and then takes over. This kiss is nothing like the ones we’ve shared to this point. It’s aggressive. It’s demanding.

  It’s so fucking hot.

  While we kiss, he carries me through the living room and into the hall. The bedroom’s easy to find in my tiny apartment and without warning, Travis tosses me onto the bed.

  “I’d like to say I’ll be able to go slow, but I’ve been dreaming of this day since I saw you in your tiny ass bikini.” He pulls the stilettos off my feet and tosses them over his shoulder. “Do you know how many times I’ve given myself relief with my own hand to your image, baby? Do you know all the dirty things I’ve imagined doing to you?”

  Oh, holy hell!

  I may come from his words alone.

  A whimper escapes my lips as he reaches the zipper of my jeans and lowers it. Slowly he peels the denim off my
legs, watching with rapt attention as, inch by inch, my skin is revealed to his gaze.

  With the barrier of pants out of the way, he kisses his way up my legs, alternating between the left and right until he reaches the hem of my panties.

  “I can smell how wet you are for me, Rayne.” He rubs his nose over my fabric covered pussy. “I can’t wait to taste you, but I’m going to finish undressing you first.”

  “Please.” I press my thighs together searching for some relief.

  A dark chuckle escapes him. “Patience, baby. I’m going to make this good for you. I promise. The anticipation’s the best part.”

  Can one die from too much anticipation?

  “Fuck, you’re cute.” Resting his head on my now bare stomach, he pauses in the removal of my shirt. “But, no. I’ve never personally known anyone to die from too much anticipation.”

  Okay, I said that out loud.

  My embarrassment flees as Travis lightly places kisses on my bare stomach. He continues kissing up my torso as he lifts the shirt over my head and up my raised arms.

  Once I’m laying in only my bra and panties, Travis lifts himself off the bed and removes his clothes piece by piece. His eyes hold mine as he tortures me with the most delicious strip tease I’ve ever seen.

  Watch out Magic Mike.

  Losing my patience, I lower my arms and release the front clasp of my bra. After tossing the unwanted article on to the floor, I shimmy out of my panties.

  “Now that’s a beautiful sight and I want to explore every inch of your porcelain skin, but I’m afraid if I touch you right now, I’m going explode like a thirteen-year-old.” He slides his boxer briefs down his thighs releasing his long, thick erection. “Condom?”

  Knowing he didn’t come prepared, confirms my decision in letting my guard down tonight.

  I point to the side table drawer. “In there.”

  I lick my lips as I watch him tear open the wrapper with his teeth and my pussy tingles at the visual of him rolling the latex onto his length.

  Travis climbs onto the bed between my legs. As he positions himself at my entrance, he leans in and kisses me. I rub my hands up and down his back, needing to touch him. The kiss becomes frantic as he rubs the head of his cock up and down my pussy, lubricating himself in my wetness.

  He pulls back from the kiss and lowers himself onto his elbows. His eyes never leave mine as he pushes his cock inside me. We continue our stare as he moves at a slow, deliberate pace.

  The only sounds to be heard are our panted breaths as Travis makes love to me. There’s no rush. There’s no dominance. It’s only two souls reaching out to each other and coming together in a tender moment.

  As Travis picks up the pace, the pressure inside builds. “Yes, Travis. I’m going to come. Don’t stop.”

  “Let go baby. I’m right there with you.” He rests his forehead against mine as we both let go and let our orgasms take us.

  We lay there connected, panting to catch our breath, and I take in the magnitude of this moment. Somehow over the last week, this man stole my heart.

  I love him.

  “I know it’s soon, but I’m all about honesty and it wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t share this with you.” Travis pushes his weight off me and leans in for a tender kiss. “I love you, Rayne Meadows.”

  I brush my fingers tenderly against his beard covered jaw. “Good, because I love you too, Travis Dawson.”

  Epilogue

  Travis

  “Babe, get your pretty little ass down here already.” I place my shaking hands into the pocket of my shorts. “Cass is going to be pissed if we’re late.”

  “I’m coming. How did we get conned into another photo shoot with her?” Rayne looks even more beautiful than the first day I met her, if it’s even possible.

  “You know I can’t control the beast and I rarely know what her plan is. All she told me is she’s doing a shoot with all the original stranger couples.” I attempt to steady my voice to keep the nerves at bay. I pull at the collar of my shirt which suddenly got too tight.

  Man, it’s hot in here.

  Rayne places her palm on my forehead with concern in her eyes. “Are you feeling okay? You look really flushed.”

  “I’m fine. You know how much I hate being in front of the camera.” With a shrug of my shoulders, I place my hand on the small of Rayne’s back and direct her toward the front door. “How did dropping off Riley with your parents this morning go?”

  “It went fine. You know how much his Nana and Papa love him and spoil them. He barely gave me a second glance when I said goodbye.” She places a kiss on my cheek as she grabs her purse on the way out to the car.

  It’s been a year since I first met Rayne while reluctantly doing the stranger shoot for the online magazine and what a year it’s been. While we have our disagreements from time to time, our relationship flows effortlessly. Loving her is easy.

  Six months after we officially started dating, Rayne moved in with Riley and me. She’s the best mother to my son I could ever wish for. He adores her as much as I do and I’m grateful every day I found her.

  When we pull up to my cabin, the same one from a year ago, Cassidy waves at us like a crazy woman from the front porch.

  “Uhm. Cass seems extra excited today.” Rayne stares out the windshield watching Cassidy and I roll my eyes at the scene I’m witnessing.

  If Cass blows this for me, I will be searching for a new best friend.

  “You know Cass, baby,” I say as I open Rayne’s door. “She’s passionate about her work and over-the-top on her worst day.”

  Placing her hand in mine, Rayne steps out of the car with a chuckle. “That’s so true. God help the man who manages to tame her.”

  I pull Rayne into my side and place a kiss on the top of her head. “I know what you’re thinking and no. Just no. The last time you tried to set her up was a disaster.”

  “I only want her to find what we have,” Rayne says as she places her arm around my waist.

  “I know, baby, and she’ll find it one day.”

  “Will you two get your butts over here already? I’m ready to get this show on the road.” Cassidy yells from her place on the porch steps.

  “We’ve been summoned.” Rayne chuckles and my nerves skyrocket to a whole new level.

  “Okay. The game plan’s a little different than last time. I found a little clearing off the backyard. It’s perfect for what I’m trying to accomplish, and I’ve already staged it with props,” Cassidy explains as she walks us to the back of the cabin.

  With every step, it takes more and more effort to get my legs to cooperate. By the time we reach the area for the shoot, I’m a mess.

  “Wow. This is gorgeous, Cass.” Rayne takes a moment to appreciate the setting.

  White lanterns and fairy lights hang from the trees. A soft, white blanket covers the ground. Dozens of vases full of white roses surround us. The entire area screams romantic.

  Exactly like I asked Cassidy to set-up for me.

  “Let’s get started.” Cassidy’s eagerness does nothing to calm my racing heart. “I want you barefoot for this shoot. Go ahead and take off your shoes. We’ll take with some pictures of the two of you standing first, and then will have you sitting.”

  Rayne and I follow Cassidy’s directions as she furiously snaps her camera. The minutes pass at an excruciating pace as I wait for my cue.

  “These are perfect.” Cassidy glances at the display on her camera. “Rayne, I want you to turn your back toward Travis.”

  It’s showtime.

  As Rayne turns her back to me, I reach into my pocket and drop to one knee.

  “No. I don’t like this after all,” Cassidy grumbles. “The lighting isn’t good. You can turn around, Rayne, and we’ll do something different.”

  Rayne’s hand fly to her mouth in shock when she spins around and finds me on one knee. Her eyes sparkle with unshed tears.

  I reach out and grab one of her hands with min
e. “Rayne, a year ago today we met at this same cabin. Two strangers thrown into each other’s orbit by a crazy lady with an idea. The attraction was obvious from day one, but we both had built walls around our hearts.”

  Bringing her hand up to my lips, I place a brief kiss on the back and continue. “The problem is the universe had different plans for us. It kept throwing us together. Well, that and a meddling best friend.”

  Rayne chuckles. A smile lights up her beautiful face as tears stream down her cheeks.

  “I didn’t know what my life was missing until you entered it. Riley and I need you. You’re our missing piece. Marry me, Rayne. Be Riley’s mama and be my partner in crime.”

  Rayne

  “Say yes, Rayne. Let’s be a family and have more beautiful babies. Will you marry me?” With those final words, choked out through emotion, Travis presents me a ring. A beautifully simple ring with a large center stone.

  “Yes, I’ll marry you,” I whisper through my tears. Throwing my arms around his shoulders, I plaster kisses all over his face.

  I take a step back and jump up and down squealing, “yes, yes, yes.”

  “Get back over here, crazy girl and let me slip this ring on your finger.” Travis slides on the gorgeous princess cut diamond.

  With the ring in place, he stands and pulls my body into his. “So, how soon do you think until I can get you to tie the knot? I’m eager to knock you up.”

  “Travis,” I scold as I lightly smack his chest. “Can you be any more crass? Maybe I need to rethink this whole marrying you thing.”

  Little does he know…

  “Can’t blame a man for trying.” Travis gives me his signature smirk and sets my libido ablaze, like it did a year ago.

  We’ve come a long way and I have no doubt in my mind this is the person I’m meant to marry.

  Travis is my forever.

  He’s my soul mate.

  My happily ever after.

  “Well, about that…” I search around Travis’s shoulder at Cassidy who hasn’t stopped snapping pictures. When her glassy eyes meet mine, she nods her head in understanding.