by Nora Blake
Aaron didn’t say a word, he just watched.
I was almost done when Nick came into the garage.
"Sarah, you do realize my brother is checking out your ass, right?"
I jerked up, hitting my head on the hood.
“You okay?” Aaron asked worriedly.
I set the tools down and rubbed my head as I laughed. "Yeah, fine." I raised a brow at Aaron.
Aaron smiled. “But … it’s there, and it’s so nice.”
I rolled my eyes and laughed.
Nick came over and looked under the hood. "You showin’ Aaron how it's done?"
Aaron shoved his brother’s shoulder. “Shut up.”
I listened to them laugh and banter back and forth as I finished up what I was doing, and then smiled proudly at Aaron. "There," I said as I handed him the tools.
Aaron looked it over and smiled. “Good job, Dirt Queen.”
"I guess once a dirt queen, always a dirt queen."
He handed me a rag to clean my hands. After I wiped off what I could, I sat it on a nearby stool and shut the hood.
I put my hands on my hips and looked at Aaron. "So, race this Saturday, right?"
“Yep. Hopefully, this time I don’t tank.”
"It's way different driving than it is watching from the sidelines, huh?"
“Yeah, a bit.”
"He'll have the kids this weekend. You can sit with me and the boys," Nick offered.
“The boys will love that. I’d really like you to meet them. They’re the best part of my life.”
I nodded, not letting my reservations of meeting them get in the way. "What time is it?" I asked Aaron.
“The race or right now?” he asked, looking at his watch.
"Now."
“Almost ten.”
"I should probably head home. It sounds like the rain picked back up and you know how those back roads are. Don't need to end up in another ditch."
“You can take my truck. It’s safer. I can drive your car to you at work tomorrow,” Aaron offered.
"I'll be fine, but thanks." I smiled at both Aaron and Nick. "I'm gonna head inside and grab my purse and keys. I'll see you guys later."
“Message me when you get home safely.”
Nick chuckled quietly. It was apparent he knew something I didn’t with the way he was smirking at his brother. I heard him whisper something that sounded like, walk with her, but couldn’t tell for sure.
I smiled a little in Nick’s direction and looked at Aaron. “I will.” I told them bye and headed inside to get my purse and keys. On my way out of the house, I swear I could hear Nick and Aaron arguing about something, my name even came up, but I ignored it and got into my car and left.
I didn’t want to leave, though. I wanted to stick around and hang with the guys. I don’t know if it was the mention of meeting his kids again that made me feel the urge to get away, but I just knew I needed to head home, the roads being a legit reason for my abrupt exit, but I could feel deep in my gut it wasn’t the entire reason.
CHAPTER NINE
Aaron
My stupid mind wouldn’t shut off so I could sleep. All I could think about were Keeton and Kallon and how messed up everything was. They deserved a mom and a dad, not a broken home that led to missed goodnight hugs and kisses from their dad. I almost called Nick, but I knew he had to be getting tired of me venting to him about this.
My mind also went to Sarah. She used to be my favorite person to talk to. I remember her being the best listener and always gave advice straight from her heart. She never bullshitted with me, and if she didn’t know what kind of advice to give me, she’d give none at all until she knew she had the right thing to say. I picked up my phone.
Me: I know it’s late, and you’re probably asleep, but I’m in desperate need of one of our late-night conversations.
I was shocked to get an immediate response.
Sarah: I can’t sleep either. You okay?
Me: I’m okay, just a lot on my mind. I don’t want to keep you awake, though.
Sarah: Give me just a second okay?
Me: K
After waiting nearly 45 minutes since hearing from her, I was about to text her again when I heard a knock on my front door. I got out of bed, put on a pair of sweats over my boxers, and ran my fingers through my tousled hair.
I peeked through the curtain on the door and grinned when I saw Sarah standing there. My heart sped up as it always did. I opened the door and stepped back to let her in.
“What the hell are you doing here? It’s a nice surprise, but it’s late and the roads are bad. It’s why you left so early tonight.”
She set her purse down on the couch once we made it to the living room. “You said you needed to talk. So, I’m here.” Her eyes roamed my bare chest before meeting my eyes again. I forgot I was in just a pair of sweatpants. She cleared her throat. “Our famous late-night conversations were never through text; they were always in person.”
The way her eyes roamed my body excited me in ways I probably shouldn’t allow. Not yet. “Thanks for coming, Sarah.”
She smiled brightly, blushing a little when she noticed I had caught her staring at my chest again. "Ummm, yeah … that's what friends are for. So, where do you want to talk?"
I motioned for her to have a seat on the couch. “I’ll go put a shirt on and be right back.”
She looked a little disappointed, but quickly neutralized her expression. She dipped her head, I'm assuming to cover her blushing cheeks, and went to the couch.
I chuckled. “I could not put a shirt on if you want.” I grinned when she couldn't make eye contact with me.
"Shut up and go put on a damn shirt." She covered her face with her hands when she started smiling.
I laughed and hurried to my room. I grabbed an old t-shirt and pulled it over my head as I walked back to the living room.
“Stop being so embarrassed. I check you out all the time. It’s not a big deal, Sarah.”
"You are so not helping the situation right now, Aaron." She tucked her feet under her as she got more comfortable on the couch.
I sat down with the biggest grin on my face. Just her being here for a few minutes was driving away all my sadness.
"So … what's going on?"
I sighed and ran my hand through my hair. “I miss my boys. The situation fuckin’ sucks.”
"How often do you get to see them?"
“Only every other weekend.”
She tilted her head a little and frowned. "Why’s that?"
“Melany has ‘reasons’. Also, I don’t want to upset the boys any more than they already are by fighting it out in court. But lately, I think about fighting more and more.” The smile that had appeared with her presence faded, and unshed tears filled my eyes causing me to look away from her. “I really miss them. They were the only reason I tried to stay with Melany for so long. Sometimes I wish I could go back and just end things sooner. The boys would’ve been younger, and all of this would be worked out by now … I think.”
She reached over and touched my arm, and I looked at her. “The boys would want you to fight for them. I know I haven’t met them, but what kid wouldn’t want their dad fighting for more time?”
I looked at her. “You don’t think it would cause them more grief?”
She let go of my arm, and I immediately missed her touch. “It seems to be causing you a lot already. I think it’d be worse on you and the boys if you don’t. Do they ask to see you more?”
I nodded. “Yeah. All the time.”
“Then I think they’d wonder why you didn’t fight for more time. Especially, the older they get.”
“You’re right.” I sighed and leaned back against the couch.
“I’ve never been in a situation like this. So, I hope I’m saying the right things, but if I were in your shoes, I’d fight for more time. They’re not just her kids, they’re yours, too, Aaron.”
“No, it’s good advice and what Nick has
also been saying. My parents, too.”
She rested her arm on the back of the couch and laid her head on it, smiling at me. “I’ve missed you so much.”
I smiled. “I’ve missed you, too. Very much.”
“Is that all that’s on your mind?”
I let out a nervous laugh. “Mostly. My mind tends to revolve around my boys a lot. Well, it used to be all I thought about, but lately I’ve been thinking about something else.”
“What’s that?” She yawned.
“That’s a conversation for another time. You sure you’re good coming out here? You look so tired.”
“I’m fine. I promise.”
“Okay, well if you get too tired you could always crash here or I can drive you home.”
She smiled softly. “Aaron, I’ll be fine.” She picked her head up then stood and stretched her arms above her head, revealing the slightest bit of skin as her shirt rose up. “Got any good snacks?” She went to the kitchen and started raiding the fridge before I could answer.
I got up, laughing, and followed her into the kitchen, attempting to shake off the dirty thoughts swirling around in my head as I watched her every move. I kept picturing fucking her right here in the kitchen, and it was causing the man downstairs some issues. Sweatpants wouldn’t hide a boner. “I have some stuff the boys snack on in the pantry.” When I pointed to it, she went over and opened it, and I had a silent pep talk with myself to get my hormones in check. It wasn’t working. Not in the slightest. Fuckkkk.
After a few minutes of rummaging around, she found some marshmallows. “Got any graham crackers and chocolate?”
I got out the graham crackers and chocolate and handed them to her, doing my best to stay behind the bar in the middle of the kitchen to hide the tent in my pants. “You making s’mores?”
She glanced at the microwave with a devilish grin. “Want some?”
I wanted more than s’mores. “Mmmhmm.” When she looked at me, I tried to act cool and smiled.
She laughed through her nose. “You okay?”
“Just peachy.”
She scrunched her nose and eyes, shrugged, then started making them. “Remember that time we skipped school in the ninth grade and made s’mores? We blew up my mom’s microwave, and that’s how we got caught skipping. Damn microwave blew our cover. Literally,” she chortled.
“One of the best days of my life. The night was a pain, though. Mom beat my ass.”
“I remember she bought my parents a new microwave, too.”
“Actually, I bought it.” I smiled when she looked at me. “Mom, made me mow the lawn for three months.” Talking about this was helping my boner situation a little.
She laughed. “You never told me that.”
She got the first plate of s’mores out of the microwave and set them on the bar.
“You would have insisted on paying me back.”
She nodded. “You’re probably right.” She hopped on the countertop of the bar and took a bite, marshmallow goo going everywhere.
It felt like we were back eleven years ago and time had never passed. I went to get a s’more, and as soon as I wasn’t paying attention, she wiped melted marshmallow all down the side of my face. She hopped off the counter in a hurry and took off running. I laughed so hard as I ran after her. I caught her in the hallway, slung her over my shoulder, and started tickling her.
She was laughing so hard she snorted. “Stop!” she squealed.
I laughed as I lowered her to the ground, noticing the way every curve of hers felt as it slid down my body. “Yeah, I should’ve seen that coming. I remember you doing this same thing to me when we were kids.”
She made a face. “And you made me lick it off. Not doing that this time.” She laughed. “It was either lick it off or you were gonna tell the whole fifth grade I liked Cory Sanders.”
“Hmm … I don’t seem to remember that,” I said, playing dumb.
“Liar.”
I laughed. “Okay, maybe I remember it, but I was just jealous.” I froze when I realized what had just come out of my mouth.
“What?”
Was that hope in her eyes or fear?
“I should go wash this off,” I said, pointing to my face.
She followed me into the kitchen and stared at me while I cleaned my face at the sink.
“Why were you jealous, Aaron?”
I shrugged.
“I swear to God, Aaron, if you don’t—”
“Because you had a crush on him and not me,” I said quickly. I sighed and leaned my back against the counter.
She froze. “What is that supposed to mean?”
Was that a smile trying to form? I wasn’t sure.
“It means I’ve had a crush on you since the fifth grade, Sarah. Well, it turned into more than a crush over the years. Way more.”
She picked up a bottle of water, and I didn’t bother telling her that was mine. She took a long slow drink. I think she was wishing it were something a little stronger than water. I kind of wished I had something strong, too.
“More?”
I furrowed my brow. “More water?” I asked, noticing she downed the whole damn thing.
She shook her head and rubbed her forehead. “No … You said you had a crush, but it turned into more. What is ‘more’, Aaron?”
“With the way you’re acting right now, I’m scared to say anything else.” I frowned.
“No, just say it, Aaron. What is ‘more’?”
Before I could talk, she held up her hand. “Wait, don’t answer that. I … I need to go.”
And just like that, her purse and keys disappeared from the counter and she was gone.
CHAPTER TEN
Sarah
“Third cup of coffee?” Stacey asked as I walked out of the office and sat on a stool.
“I was out late with Aaron.” I took a long drink of my coffee.
“Oh, really?” She wiggled her eyebrows. “And why have you been here for a few hours without telling me this?”
“Yeah, not what you’re thinking. I screwed up, Stacey.”
“Oh, no. You told him how you feel!”
Dirk poked his head out of the office. “You told him?”
I laughed. “Whoa, no. I almost did. After he admitted to having a crush on me since the fifth grade and how it turned into more. I freaked the fuck out and left. I didn’t say a single word, I just ran out of his house like a fucking idiot. Who does that? I’ve been wanting this for forever now.” I groaned at my stupidity.
“You had the perfect opportunity to tell him, and you didn’t?” Stacey sat on a stool next to me.
“That wasn’t a perfect opportunity. I was about to confess my secret love for him, and what if there would’ve been a ‘but’ to everything he was saying. There had to be because I couldn’t get this lucky. I left before I could open my big dumb mouth.” I looked at my phone when another message from Aaron came in. “He’s been messaging me non-stop. I don’t know what to say back.”
“Aren’t you going to the race this weekend and meeting his kids?”
I nodded. “Yeah. My plan is to just avoid him and deal with it then. Maybe he’ll forget he said it and that I freaked out. We can just pretend it never happened.”
Stacey rolled her eyes and laughed. “Because that’s a great idea.”
Dirk came all the way out of his office. “So, hold up a second. You’re telling me the guy you were into forever admitted to having feelings for you and you now think it’s best to avoid him until Saturday night?”
I took another drink of my coffee. Avoiding his question seemed like my smartest move at the moment.
Dirk shook his head. “Sarah, that’s stupid.”
“Yeah, well …” I shrugged. “I don’t know what else to do but be stupid until I see him Saturday. I figure his kids will be there, his brother, and my dad. We will be forced to avoid it.”
“You can’t avoid it forever, though.” Dirk looked like he wanted to strangle
me. “Poor guy is probably losing his mind, Sarah.”
I was thankful when a few customers rolled in and we had to stop talking about it. Ever since I told them about Aaron and me reconnecting and how I felt, they hadn’t left me alone about it. They were always pushing me to date more, and now they were having way too much fun with my current predicament.
I downed the rest of my coffee and got to work.
I stared at myself in the mirror trying to convince my feet to walk out the door to head to the races. I let two days pass without answering Aaron’s messages or calls. Dad was waiting on me, but I was freaking out. Aaron finally stopped messaging me, and I felt terrible. He probably thought I wouldn’t come tonight, and how dare me leave him hanging all week wondering.
“Sarah, let’s go,” Dad said from the other side of the bathroom door.
“Coming!” I took a deep breath and walked out into the hall.
I followed Dad out to his truck and got in. On the way, I debated on texting Aaron to tell him I was coming. It would be unfair of me to just show up and have him acting all weird in front of his family. I sighed and pulled my phone out of my purse.
Me: I’m coming to the races. Sorry I’ve avoided you. I freaked out.
Aaron: This is Nick. Aaron is showing the boys around and left his phone by me.
Me: Oh… Hey. Please let him know I'm coming.
Aaron: Will do
Me: Thanks, Nick.
Aaron: yeah yeah
Me: How pissed is he?
Aaron: Let’s just say he was hoping you would come.
Me: Okay… that doesn’t answer my question.
Aaron: I’m not sure he’s capable of being angry with you. Don’t sweat it. See you soon.
“Why do you look so nervous?” Dad asked, glancing in my direction.
“I’m not nervous,” I lied.
“Sarah, I’m your dad, I know when something’s up.”