His kiss is aggressive and my girly spots tingle and twitch, liking it when he gets a little rough. He bites my neck, teeth far from breaking my flesh but intense enough to scrape the surface. I sigh, squeezing him between my thighs.
Nathan pulls back, eyes swirling a peaceful ocean color. “Mmm, Sparks. Your hips, with that ass, in these jeans. With that face, and this . . . hair.” He twists a curl around his finger. “And those lips on mine, making that noise. We’re not going to make it through this.”
I beam; glad he’s as attracted to me as I am to him. “I think you’ll make it. Let’s go. We’re late.”
He clenches his jaw and a low rumble sounds from his throat. Squeezing the sides of my butt, he reluctantly lowers me to the floor. “Now that is a restriction,” he drawls, opening the door.
I laugh, backing out of his room.
NATHAN AND I GREET my small family. Mom and Dad are ready to go, dressed up for the evening. Dad, dressed in a long-sleeved, black button-down shirt tucked into blue jeans, and some black loafers. He rounds the corner of the kitchen, smiling.
“Hi, Dad,” I greet, hugging his middle.
“Hey, Ladybug.”
“Hello, Mr. Warren.”
“Hi, Nathan.” They shake hands.
We wait in the foyer for Mom. Not short of Dad calling her, she comes down the stairs, heels clacking on our tile floor. “Hi, you two.” She hugs us. Her pretty, knee-length, dark orange dress goes great with her three-inch nude colored heels. Honey blonde hair drapes her shoulders, always bringing out the intensity of her stone gray eyes. Letting it hang bone straight, it still has a way of flowing flawlessly as she moves.
“Hi, Mom. Are you two ready to go?”
“We are. We thought you were going to be here thirty minutes ago?”
“We’re just running a little late is all. Sorry.”
“That’s alright, Ladybug.”
“Mr. Warren,” Nathan starts. “How was your commute?”
Giving Nathan a side-eye, Dad blandly states, “Thank you for asking. It was long.” It’s clear, more than clear, he didn’t want to answer him and seems annoyed by Nathan’s address.
Nathan notices. He clears his throat and avoids looking back at Dad. I’d like to scream “awkward,” but we’re already scheduled for discomfort for the next few hours. And awkward may be an understatement.
Mom and Dad trail us to Nathan’s house. Nervous worms squirm around in my stomach. The closer we get, the worse they become. I just want Dad to keep cool and be on his best behavior. “If my dad starts acting up, can you put him to sleep?”
Nathan chuckles. “I can’t put people to sleep, only you. That’s Scott’s ability.”
“Remind me to talk to him.”
This day is a little overwhelming. And for some stupid reason, Roehl keeps appearing in the back of my mind, forcing me to think of him and replace Nathan seated next to me with his image. It’s an appealing thought, to have his hand in mine, readying him for my father.
What am I saying? Don’t be stupid, Tracey. Get your shit together! My heart thumps hard in my chest, hoping these thoughts are private.
Nathan reaches over and grabs my hand. “Sparks, everything will be fine. Just relax.”
His touch clouds my mind with vacant thoughts, and the fog clears my head. I stay quiet the remaining ten minutes to Nathan’s house.
Dad parks behind us in the driveway. I let down the visor, looking at their dumbstruck expressions. Huffing, I push it closed, and lean back in the seat, trying to maintain my nerves.
Nathan opens the passenger’s door. “Okay?”
“Just don’t let go of my hand. I think the one thousand and thirty-two butterflies are going to come flying out if you do.”
He laughs once, extending his hand. I take it, getting out of the car and motion for Mom and Dad to come on. After thirty more time-wasting seconds and the trading of a few words, they get out.
“Long trip?” I ask for conversation’s sake.
“It was okay, honey,” Mom answers, keeping my polite conversation short.
I nod.
“Nice house your parents have here, Nathan,” Dad compliments.
“Thank you, sir,” Nathan replies, reaching for his keys.
Before Nathan can grab the doorknob, Taylor’s pulling open the door. Her smile’s bright and bubbly. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Warren, did you two have a good ride over?”
“Hello, Taylor,” they respond.
“Please, come in.” She steps aside, and the three of them head in without waiting on us.
I follow them in with Nathan behind me. He grabs my butt. I look over my shoulder, shooting him a disapproving eye. He shrugs, looking over my head. His soft smirk makes his attempted blank expression so wolfish. You had better stop, I think to him.
I told you, you needed to change. But noo, he emphasizes in a whine. Now I’m forced to sit next to you with that body of yours and the thoughts of us in my head. Including what I want to do to it.
Unable to hold back my smile, I tell him, You’ll get over it.
He bites his bottom lip, glaring at me. Then he looks away. No, I won’t.
THE SILENCE BETWEEN MY parents, Taylor, Nathan and I is overbearing. Our steps are all somehow in unison, everyone right foot—left. I wonder what they’re all thinking, and if they feel as awkward as I do. Dad’s shoulders are relaxed, Mom’s arms loosely hang at her sides, Taylor has a perky bounce, and Nathan, lately, has been very focused on staying focused. This is odd for him, and I’ve already orchestrated a plan to find out why at a better time.
To fill the awkward quiet, I say, “Dad, we’re going to their great room. Imagine the size of our entire house in one room.”
“It is not that big, Mr. Warren. But it is the biggest room we have to hold our family.”
“I understand, Nathan,” Dad replies, sounding a bit intimidated by the great room.
Mom chuckles. She twists her arm around Dad’s, and without the slightest acknowledgment of her or her action, his hand automatically grasps hers.
I bump Nathan’s arm. Did you see that?
He nods. Out of their years together, they should know each other that well.
I guess we bypassed learning each other that way?
No, we zipped through it. Helped by mating.
I think for a second. I would’ve loved to get to know you that way. Build on years and unconsciously studying you.
Should’ve thought about that before you decided you wanted to bond, he fires back insolently.
Ouch, I say, feeling the sting of my pushiness; of his statement. You hate this, don’t you?
No. But I wanted to take our time. We rushed it, and I would’ve preferred counting hours instead of minutes. I take that in, and it strikes me in an unfamiliar spot.
The glow of the bright lights from the great room shines into the hall. A TVs on and chatter within the room’s more comfortable than our silence. Everyone’s sitting but acknowledges our entry with turns of their heads and soft smiles. I’m grateful they didn’t bum rush us like they did me. Dad might do his own form of spazzing out if too many people approach him at once.
Dad takes in the multitude of people and the size of the room. He came from a small family, like me, and it’s many people to take in all at once. To think one person can stand to be around tenths of people, I know takes me aback a bit. But I’ve grown used to it; I love them.
Taylor leaves us and sits with Justin. Nathan takes over the introductions, and I stand at his side, nodding and smiling as he starts with his mother. Dad’s able to shake hands with Natalia, Mrs. Waturstrom, and Nathan’s grandmother without them being shocked. That surprises me. My assumption is, maybe because Mrs. Waturstrom and Natalia are no longer mated, their husband’s death broke their bond and diminished their mating, making them available. I’ll have to ask about his grandmother. It could be because it’s how she sees, through touch, leaving the restriction to being touched by another man open
for her sense.
The three are the only exception, as they continue, the women no longer make themselves available to shake hands with Dad, nor does the men with Mom. It’s weird to my parents, but they catch on quickly without questioning them.
Dressed in ties and dresses the children greet my parents with soft hellos and gentle handshakes before rushing over to hug me. Seeing Nick, Cindy, and Curtis makes my day. Their smiles will brighten anyone’s gloom.
Dad looks overwhelmed as if he’s at one of his big business meetings. At least they aren’t hugging them.
At some point, Natalia left for the kitchen. No sooner than Taylor sparks small talk, she’s announcing dinner’s ready. And good thing it is, Dad’s going to pop soon.
Nathan and I stay behind with my parents, allowing them a break from the cheerful mob.
“You cool, Dad?” I ask, holding back my laugh.
His eyes are wide, and chest swelled out to the point it’s in line with his chin. He sighs, releasing a deep breath that seemed like he’d been holding this entire time. Straightening his spine, the line of his shoulders even out. “Yeah . . . I’m good.” As if none of it bothered him. “You do have a big family, Nathan.”
“Yes,” Nathan agrees with a soft grin.
“And all of them live here?”
“Olar doesn’t live here at this moment. He just needs some place to stay. Glen and Scott just moved in. But, yes, they all live here.”
I shoot him a glower, letting him know that he just threw a rock at a beehive.
“Glen and Sc—”
“Are you all coming to eat?” Natalia asks, accidently cutting Dad off.
Yes! Saved! I love this woman. “Yes, we are!” I pull Nathan with me, heading for her. “Come on, Mom, Dad. Let’s go eat.” When we reach Natalia, I wrap my free arm around her shoulders and kiss her cheek. You just don’t know how much I love you, I tell her.
She hugs me. I had to do something with Nathan’s big mouth. Thank you. I love you in return.
I drop my arm, and she walks ahead of us. Nathan’s silent bore burns a hole in the side of my head. What? I ask.
We’re still leaving, no matter how close you and my mom get.
Nate, you don’t mean that.
He presses his lips in a thin line, dragging his gaze away from me. An expression declaring we’re gone, and that’s that. I want to push on, but us waiting in the doorway of the great room for my parents to catch up isn’t the place. It’s obvious it’s a lot for him, especially with his family, but he’s never wanted to turn his back on them. I have to find out what’s changed; it can’t just be Taylor.
My plastered smile is back in place when I leave Nathan for Mom. I hook my arm around hers. “Hey.”
“I like your shirt, honey,” she says, walking ahead with me.
“Thanks, Mom.” I look down at my shirt covering my flesh up to my collarbone. “I like it too.”
She nods. “Something Nathan bought you?”
And here we go. “After we leave, Mom?” I entreat.
“Just asking, Tracey.”
“Yes,” I answer.
“Okay.” She grins. “How long is the walk to the kitchen going to be? I can see why you wore flats.”
I laugh. “Not far. A few thousand feet to go and it’ll be around the corner to our left. But we’re eating in the dining room, not the kitchen. It’s too small to fit everyone comfortably.”
She laughs with me. I look back at Nathan peacefully chatting it up with Dad. I expel a relieving breath. This couldn’t be going better!
Mom sighs. Whatever it is she’s biting back, I see it’s bugging her. “You know I am going to ask.”
“Go ahead, Mom. Just ask it before we make it in front of everyone,” I say, defeated.
“When did Glen move in here? And why?”
“Oh.” I wasn’t expecting that question. “She moved in with Scott months ago. His house was burglarized, so they moved in here. The Newcombs have this thing about family sticking together.”
“Why did she move in with Scott? What did her mother say?”
“You know how Glen’s mom is. She doesn’t care what Glen does. Glen moved in because she wanted to, I guess.”
She gives, nodding. “Can I see where you sleep when you come over here?”
“If you want.” At least she’s accepting of me sleeping over.
“You and his mom are close?” This woman is full of questions today.
“Not that close.”
“Oh.” Her interjection sounds dead, and I can tell she wants to dig further into how close or not close we are. But fortunately, the dining room’s less than a foot away.
Dad and Nathan meet us, and I trade Mom’s arm for Nathan’s.
“After you,” Nathan invites, extending his hand toward the entrance of the dining room.
Rested and happy faces smile back at us as we enter. The room’s packed with positive vibes and contentment. Nothing like people died this morning; one person was out to capture three of us, and two people tried to kill or take Glen and me last night.
We sit at the round, twenty-seat table with prepared plates sat before us. It looks delicious and smells better. At a separate table, sat a few feet away from us, the children sit, laughing. Nicholas says grace and everyone dives in.
Small talk comforts the room for a while. I listen to the even breaths of Mom and Dad; just to be sure they’re calm and are enjoying themselves.
Mom wipes her mouth to say, “Your house is beautiful, Natalia. We thought Tracey was exaggerating.”
“Thank you.” Natalia grins, patting her lips with her napkin. “We’ve been living here for a long time. All of my children grew up here.”
“That’s lovely,” Mom replies, picking up her glass.
I feel good, no more butterflies. I’m finally comfortable. This is going to be fine.
At least. . . So I thought. . . But, as Murphy’s Law states, anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Dad clears his throat. “It is a very beautiful house,” he compliments, admiring the room. “We won’t get used to the space. This is our last time over here. We’re moving in a couple of short months.” Three or four people choke on their food.
I lean back in the chair, staring at Nathan. I’ve lost my appetite and my good mood’s vanishing. Nathan grabs my hand and offers me an encouraging smile. I’m speechless, staggered by Dad bringing that up right now, and of all places. I snatch my napkin from my lap and toss it on the table, thinking twice about staying quiet.
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that,” Natalia states. “Where are you moving?”
“Tennessee,” Dad answers with pride.
“Oh, going the distance,” she says lightheartedly.
Dad nods once. “You could say that.”
Everyone’s eyes shift around the table as we listen to their exchange. I’m getting sick, cuss words and insults charging around in my belly like vile stomach acid, ready, at any moment, to spew in Dad’s face. Mom separates us, set evenly between our chairs. It was a great decision for her to do so.
“When are you moving?” Natalia asks after taking a drink from her wine glass.
“We’re going to wait for Tracey to graduate. We don’t want to interrupt her school year.”
“Oh.”
Her ohs are killing me. Nathan rubs my knuckles easing a yielding comfort through me.
Natalia nods. “Tracey’s moving with you I suppose?” She knows better than that.
Dad’s lips spread and his eyes lighten. “Of course! She hasn’t registered in school yet, and she has no place to live here.” Little does he know, all those bases were covered months ago. I wish he’d just stop.
Mom sits back, removing her napkin from her lap. She, too, sees where this conversation is going. Good ole Dad, out to ruin another great day.
Natalia looks at me then down the table, gaze slicing over all the faces as if she internally spoke a single word to everyone. Finding that of my dad’s, she smiles
and says, “Tracey’s always welcomed here.”
I look down at Nathan’s hand sitting in my lap, praying he keeps me calm, and I don’t turn into fire girl at this table. There’s no way I’d be able to explain that to Mom.
“No, Natalia. We wouldn’t impose on you that way. Your family’s big enough.”
I keep my gaze fixed on our clasped hands, refusing to look in Dad’s direction. Because if I do, Mom just might wake up tomorrow morning a widow.
Calm down, Sparks, Nathan tells me.
Make him stop, Nate. Why does he have to bring that up in front of everyone? The entire family is sitting here! My shoulders jerk as I angrily think to Nathan. I feel Mom look at me, but I won’t meet her eyes.
Calm down. If you get upset, I get upset. And that will not be good for anyone. Accept my calm and relax.
Sigh. Everyone’s eyes stay on Natalia and this man I’d call my father if he acted like him. My dad is laid-back, joyful all the time, finds humor in everything and cares. He genuinely cares about everything and is so cordial it makes Mom and me envious the way he can hold up a kindhearted, casual conversation with anybody. But this man. . .
Natalia offers me a kind smile and says to him, “Oh, yes, James, I understand. We do have a house full. But in our family, we stick together. And Tracey is just as much a part of our family as my daughters. If she needs someplace to stay, our doors are always open.”
“Thank you for the offer, Natalia. However, it will be better for Tracey to venture out and visit new places, see new things, meet new people. She’s never been outside of the state, and the move will be good for her.”
“Okay.” Natalia leaves it. “Anyone ready for dessert.”
Dessert? The majority of the plates are still full. Let’s bypass dessert and call it a night. Standing, I say, “Excuse us,” pulling Nathan with me.
“Ladybug?” Dad scoots his chair back as if he was invited. “Where are you going?”
“To the bathroom.” I blurt out the first thing that popped into my head.
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