by ChaShiree M.
“Good morning, Sir.”
“Good morning Armando. Thank you for bringing River home last night. I understand you two know each other.”
“Yes sir. She and my daughter Gabby go to high school together. They have had regular study sessions at my house in the past.”
“Well please, now that River is living here, please invite your daughter over. She and River should have girl nights. Don’t you think?”
“How generous, Sir. I will let the girls know.”
“You know, Armando, I was thinking, would you be offended if I made you River’s driver? You have been amazing for me and I am sad of course to not have our conversations, but this way, you can take your daughter to school as well. How would that be?”
“Sir, wow. Thank you, sir. Yes sir. That would be amazing.”
“Excellent. Let’s begin on Monday. Carlos has been on standby for quite some time. Looks like he is finally going to get his shot.” I hired a secondary driver for when Armando had an emergency or was sick. Which is hardly ever. He finishes thanking me and then I call my attorney.
“Brock. Been a while. What can I do for you?”
“Good day to you to Clay. There are a few amendments I need you to make to my will.” He is silent for a moment. Clay Burrows has been my lawyer for over ten years. He knows more about me than anyone. So, I am sure at this moment he is confused as to what I could possibly be adding.
“Ok.” he says clearly waiting for me to continue.
“I met my future wife, Clay, and I need her taken care of now.” My matter of fact statement is not lost on him, nor is he intimidated by my demeanor.
“Let me get this straight. You met a woman; you like her, and you want me to add her to your will. Are you ok, Brock? You ill? Something wrong with your head and I don’t know about it?” Smart-ass.
“No. But you know once I make up my mind about something, it’s done. So just do what I said. Good day.” I don’t have time for his shit. I already sent my secretary a message to have my accountant come to my office before my meeting so I can add her to everything. People may think I’m crazy and they may be right. But, now that I have found her, nothing else matters.
Chapter 10
Delta
I was up, getting coffee downstairs after Brock fucked my brains out for the umpteenth time this morning, knowing that I needed to get my head on straight, when I heard the car pulling into the driveway. Luckily, I had thrown on some yoga pants and a top because sure enough, it was his brother Jesse bringing home the kids. I barely made it to the door before they were running in the house.
“Hi, Delta,” his daughter Railynn says as she ran to me and hugged me like she had known me her whole life. His son was a bit more standoffish, but I totally get it.
“Is my brother still asleep?” Jesse asked me as he ruffled Jasper’s hair.
“Uh. No. I am not sure what he is doing right now.” was all I could say without saying too much. He winked at me, nodded his head, hugged the kids and left. It had just dawned on me that I was the only adult down here and this is technically why I am here. Turning toward them, I sucked it up and got used to doing my job. “So, who wants pancakes?”
“Can you make chocolate chip ones?” Rai asks, clapping her hands.
“I can if there are chocolate chips here.” I then set about trying to scope out all the ingredients it took to make pancakes. Thankfully, I found everything and as I was finishing up, the lord and master of my body himself walked into the kitchen and I literally had to face the stove to not fall apart and beg him to take me against the fridge. After filling me up, talking to his kids and deciding he is going to go to the zoo with us in a couple of hours, he leaves for work. Now, here I am, with his kids staring at me waiting for me to do something and for once in my life I am so confused.
“So, do we call you Delta?” Jasper asks me, as he is building with his Legos.
“Please call me Delta. So, tell me something, what do you two like to do for fun?”
“I like to play with my dolls.” I look at her and smile. I loved dolls when I was little. Not that I really had any, but my friends did.
“What about you Jasper?” He doesn’t answer me right away. I get the feeling he is going to be the one I have a hard time reaching.
“He likes to build things and to draw.” Railynn tells me so matter of factly.
“Awesome. I love to draw. I can show you some of my drawings sometime, if you like.”
“Sure.” He answers still not looking up. At least it’s something.
“Any place you guys like to go?”
“We love the zoo, museums and parks.”
“Awesome. I love those two. Well, since we are waiting for your dad to come home before we go to the zoo, anything else you would like to do today?”
“Can we go swimming?” Jasper shocks me and asks.
“Absolutely. Uhm... do you two know how to swim?” Shit. I should have asked him that instead of screaming all night and morning as he made my body come alive. I am still shaking as I think about it.
“I can. Rai just needs a floaty, they are in the pool house.” Thank goodness.
“Great. Well why don’t you two go change, let me clean up down here and we will go swimming.” They both hop off their breakfast bars and run upstairs. I take a second look around me, taking in how much has changed in barely 24hrs. I wash the dishes and put everything away. Walking up the stairs to see if the kids are ready it hits me; I don’t have a swimsuit. Crap. Not sure what to do, I go to River’s room and am stunned to see Jasper and Railynn already in it.
“What’s going on in here?” I ask walking further into the room. I notice that Rai is on the bed looking at a book filled with pictures of Queens and Princesses. When I look over at Jasper, he is simply staring at my sister like she holds the secret to life. I can’t help but smile. I love sweet crushes.
“The kids came to ask me if I was going swimming with you all. I told them of course. Then Rai here saw my research binder and as you can see, she is quite intrigued.” I nod my head agreeing with her.
“Are you two all set?” I ask trying to break Jasper’s trance.
“Yes.” he whispers his concentration never wavering once. I shake my head and tap him on the shoulder.
“Very well. Can you two give River and I a chance to change and we will be right with you.” Reluctant and with much groaning they both leave the room. As soon as the door is closed, I turn to River. “I don’t have a swimsuit or anything. For that matter neither do you.” She laughs at me and gets off the bed shaking her head.
“Really, Delta. You think a man like Brock wouldn’t be ready for stuff like this? The kids say in the pool house out back there are brand new suits and such. Jasper said something about their old nanny telling him he should stock them for parties or something.” That makes sense. I guess. But then why is my stomach rolling around at the thought of other women being here in barely anything with him? Oh boy. Am I already this into him? I need to get a grip. “You coming?” River brings me back to the present. Nodding, I follow her out of the house. The kids are already out back, putting on their life jackets.
“Alright guys. I am going to go inside and find a suit to put on. River would you sit out here with them?”
“Sure thing.” She ruffles Jasper’s hair and I can’t hold in the chuckle as his face becomes the shade of a tomato. I am so not shocked when I walk into the pool house and it is basically a store. I mean there are any and every swimming toy you can think of on racks on the wall. Turning to my left, I then see racks of swimming gear as well as suits. Diving gear, bikinis, one-piece suits, two-piece suits that cover more. Anything you can think of. After putting on a one piece, I grab a floating chair, two noodles, some goggles and sunblock and walk out.
“All set. Thanks River. You can go and change now. Are you two ready?” I ask the kids as my sister walks into the little house.
“Yes.” They both answer the excitement evid
ent.
“Excellent.” The three of us descend the stairs into the pool and a sigh escapes my mouth. The water is unusually and invitingly warm.
“Do you know how to swim?” Rai asks me as she puts her face in the water. She comes back up and spits water at her brother who smiles at her before continuing to walk further in.
“I do actually. I was on the swim team in high school.”
“That is cool. Can you show me how to swim?” So stinkin’ cute looking at me like I hold the answers to the universe.
“I sure can sweetie.” I answer walking over to her.
“She really can. She taught me when I was your brother's age.”
“Thank you.” I smile at River before turning back to Railynn.
“Awesome. Can we start now?” I laugh at how darn cute and anxious she is.
“Absolutely.”
“Yay!!! I like you, Delta. I wish you were my mom.” She lays that on me and walks toward the wall leaving me speechless and trying to fight back the tears.
Is it crazy that I wish I was her mom too?
Chapter 11
Brock
“Mr. Phillips, Mr. Granger is on line 1.”
“Thank you, Lacey.” Turning toward my phone I answer.
“Brock.”
“Sam.” I use his same tone of voice letting him know I don’t appreciate the chastisement I hear coming.
“I don’t think you should do this. At least not without us going over the potential threats and consequences.”
“Don’t you think I know the threats. I haven’t gotten to where I am by not thinking before I do anything, Sam. Your job is not to second guess me. It is to do as I say and make sure my money is protected.”
“I get that, Brock. But as a good friend, I am also to look after you. I was there, remember. I watched what you went through with Karinna. Both times. I saw how it fucked with your head trying to figure out how to be a single father and not lose your business.”
“Sam.” I try to warn him once again, really not trying to ruin the mood I came into work with.
“I know you don’t want to hear it, Brock, but what do you know about this girl? You met her what, once at an interview that was supposed to be about her being a nanny and suddenly you have decided she is going to be your wife. I mean, I have to ask, are you ok?” My eyebrow goes up, not that he can see it. I clear my throat hoping he gets that he is walking dangerously close to the edge. A warning he obviously doesn’t heed if his next comment is any indication. “For all you know she could turn out to be just like…” I can feel my body beginning to tense up. He doesn't even get to finish his sentence and I know what he is trying to say.
“ENOUGH!” I yell into my speaker phone. I know my staff can hear me through the door, but damn it, I am not in the mood for this. I want to get this morning over with and get home to my family. My whole family. “You will watch what you say about her. Delta is nothing and I do mean nothing like Karinna. She is kind, sweet and I know she is going to be a great mom to my kids and the ones we are going to have together. Hell, she was 17 raising her little sister in a fucked up home and took her out of it the first chance she got at 18. You and I both know Karinna never gave a shit about anyone but herself. Let alone our children. So no, Delta is nothing like her my friend. Let me be clear. You would do good to remember she is now mine and we both know how I am about things and people who belong to me. Don’t we?” I ask him, knowing he will remember the actor who tried taking Karina from me not too long after we first got together. Well needless to say last I heard he was working as a garbage man. “So, I am done with this discussion. You know what I want you to do.”
“Very well. Do I need to call Lars or will you?” he asks about my attorney.
“I will call him. Is there anything else?” I am getting anxious ready for this conversation to be done so I finish what I came here to do and go home to my family.
“No. Just don’t forget to have Lacy send a courier to pick up the check for next week.” It takes me a minute to realize what he is talking about.
“Damn it.” I forgot about the award show I have to attend because I am donating to the charity being sponsored. “Ok. I will tell her today. Talk to you later.” Hanging up, I immediately buzz Lacey.
“Sir?”
“Lacy please have Vera Wang’s assistant come to my place tomorrow afternoon with several evening gowns in a size ...10. Also, please have the courier go to Grangers Accounting to pick up the check for the charity for next weekend. That will be all. As a matter of fact, cancel the rest of my meetings. I am done for the weekend. Enjoy yours!” I say to her meaning it as I hang up not waiting for her response. I have wasted enough time. I shut my computer down, grab my suitcase and walk out the door with nothing else on my mind but getting home.
The entire drive is like torture. My body is flexing and tightening, my cock needing to be inside her, planting my kid in her stomach so she is stuck with me. It has been barely 36 hours and I already know she is it. I know by how she has been there for her sister, still young herself, doing the things a woman with a husband should be doing. She has been doing it...alone, with no complaints. A woman like that will love my kids like her own and bare me plenty more. “Shit.” I say adjusting myself behind the wheel. I need to get a grip.
Pulling into the driveway, I can hear a bunch of laughter and noise from the back of the house as I get out of the car. Deciding to go and check, I sneak around back and am more than happy to see her, River and my two angels splashing and playing like they have known each other forever. To be truthful, I am not surprised by Rai. She is my flutter princess. She flits from person to person conversing with everyone. Jasper, however, is my watcher, my thinker, my ...one who doesn’t trust as easily. He sits back in the cut and says nothing. So, seeing him enjoying this is something. It also gives me an idea. Walking back toward the front door, I pull my phone out and call my brother.
“Big bro. What’s up?” I shake my head. Ever since he could talk, he has refused to call me anything other than big brother. Once he got preteen it was big bro. Annoying is what it is.
“Jesse. I was wondering if you and Conner wanted to come over tonight for a BBQ? Say ...4?” My mind is whirring trying to figure out what I would need from the store.
“Sounds good. Do you need me to bring anything?” Shit. I have lived through Jess trying to cook. Can we say disaster?
“Nope. Just yourselves.”
“Cool. See you in a bit.” We hang up as I make it into the bedroom and begin changing. Once I get my trunks on, I take a second to look around the room. Trying to see what Delta might see. I certainly didn’t think of having a family when I bought this house, but not too long after Jasper was born and then Rai.
“Daddy!!!!” The kids yell as I walk out to the back. I smile at the two of them even though my eyes never leave Delta. Standing over the far wall next to River, she looks like an exotic angel. Her eyes glance my way before going back to the kids. Even from here I can see her gaze change as she looks at them, letting me know I am making the right decision. “My babies. How was your morning? Were you good for Delta and River?” I ask each of them kissing their heads.
“Uh huh. I was really good. Right, Delta?” Rai asks her, wrapping her arms around my waist. I lean down and pick her up planting a kiss on her cheek as she snuggles in my arms like she used to as a little bitty girl.
“They were both great.” So fucking sexy with her face turning red. I feel ten feet tall knowing she can’t even talk to me without blushing.
“Good.” I answer before jumping into the pool splashing everyone. They all shout and laugh as they get re-wet and the rest of the afternoon is spent playing, splashing and enjoying one another, while I sneak touches every chance I get. At about two, the kids begin to get tired and I can tell they need to get out.
“Come on, sweeties. Let’s go shower and get dry and then we can get ready for dinner,” she says as she corrals the kids out of the p
ool. It isn’t until she mentions dinner that I remember the BBQ.
“Crap. I am so sorry. I came home and totally forgot to let you know. I decided to invite my brother and his son Connor over for a BBQ at four. I figured we could have hotdogs, hamburgers, and steak. I have mac and cheese in the cabinet, but not much else. I should probably run to the store.”
“Oh, I can do it. Please. I have been dying to get out of the house.” River is bouncing up and down on her feet. I cover my mouth to hide the chuckle. This is the first time I have seen her act her age and I find it makes my protectiveness grow. This is the first time it has hit me full on that she is also now my responsibility. My new little sister and I take that seriously.
“I’ll tell you what...” I start. “If your sister says it is ok, then I will send you and the kids to the store, but…” I stop as she starts saying yay and then she realizes there is a but. “But I am not letting you drive by yourself. I will send you and the kids but only with Armando driving you. Deal?” crossing her arms and hiding a smirk of her own she responds.
“Fine. Deal.” She turns to go and change.
“Wait. I can go. I mean you did hire me to take care of your kids and home. It’s not fair to send them with River. Just let me throw on something and I…” I am about to interject when River beats me to it.
“I don’t mind. I love hanging out with them.” she flees up the stairs with the kids, leaving her sister and I downstairs. I find my hand twitching, and my fingers flexing, itching to touch her again. It’s been too many hours and I am losing control. She looks over at me and bites her lip.
“I’m going to go and…”
“Stay.” I say a bit harsher than I mean to, but fuck if I can help it. I am seconds away from telling her to turn around and bend over so I can take what has been calling me since she walked into my life.
“But…” she looks unsure and as much as I don’t want her to be afraid of me, I need her to not move more.