by Nora Blake
“You can sit up front. She always sits in the middle.”
"No! Stay back here, Uncle Nick," Kallon begged.
Nick laughed. "Guess I'm staying here. The bosses have spoken."
I laughed and turned to look at them in the backseat. “You’re a great Uncle. Right, boys?”
They both nodded.
When I pulled up to Sarah’s, the boys started unbuckling themselves.
“We’re coming with!” Kallon said excitedly and started pulling on his door handle.
I got out of the truck, got the boys, and we went to the door and knocked.
Sarah opened the door with a bright smile. "Hey!" She smiled down at Keeton and Kallon. "Nice hair, guys!"
They both grinned up at her.
“You ready?” I asked, after kissing her forehead.
The boys giggled, and I think I even heard a whispered ‘ewww’ from Kallon.
"Yup." She locked the door and put her keys in her purse before following us to the truck.
I opened the doors for her and the boys and, after I was in, Sarah moved to the middle seat.
"This is okay, right? I mean, with the boys," she whispered.
I wrapped my arm around her shoulders. “It’s more than okay.”
She nodded and her shoulders relaxed.
"Hi, Sarah. Remember me? I exist, too," Nick grumbled from the back.
Sara laughed and looked over her shoulder at him. "Hi, Nick."
"Tell me you missed me," he said in a small voice.
She laughed harder. "Pushin' your luck, buddy." Sarah looked at me as I started to drive. "Should I have brought something? I didn't even think to ask."
“No, Mom would throw a fit if I had asked you to bring anything.”
"She cooks for an army anyway. She'll force you to bring home leftovers, too. Aaron and I have declared Mondays after dinner at Mom's left-over night. We wouldn't dare let them go to waste because she'd find out, I'm sure of it," Nick said from the back.
I chuckled. “She’d have all our heads.”
Sarah smiled at me, and as always, it was beautiful. So beautiful. "Monday leftovers? That sounds fun."
“Then consider yourself invited. Right, Aaron?” Nick said.
“She’s always invited.” I winked at her before looking back at the road.
Sarah rested her hand on my thigh, making my mind spiral into places I couldn’t control, which was beginning to be a welcomed habit when she was around. A constant battle between being a complete gentleman and wanting to kiss her like mad until all of our clothes were off. She was so many things all at once, making my mind a complete mess in the best way possible. My jeans were now a bit tighter, and I had to think about something, anything, to avoid walking into my parent’s house with a full-on boner. Nick would never let me live it down. I tangled my fingers with hers, hoping that our hands clasped together on my thigh would be better than hers alone, leaving my imagination dreaming of all the places it could go, and I could focus.
This reminded me of the time Sarah and I went swimming in a lake we liked to hang out at as teens. We didn’t have swimsuits, so she stripped down to her bra and panties. I had to bolt for the water before she looked at me or I would’ve blown my cover of the feelings I hid then. I was always so attracted to her, but always too scared and dumb to admit it. Thankfully, the water was freezing that day.
“W-what are you doing?” I asked as she unzipped her jeans and started tugging them over her hips.
“You don’t think I’m swimming in my clothes, do you? That’d be stupid, Aaron.” She took her jeans off, having to bend at the waist to get them past her ass and down her legs.
Of course, I checked her out between pulling my shirt over my head, trying to be as sneaky as possible. I unbuttoned my jeans and paused when she lifted her shirt over her head. I always imagined what she wore under her clothes, was she a lace girl or sports bra. Or just your average normal bra. Black lace and a push up at that. Her full breasts and ass on full display dressed up in black lace. My god …
Lost in admiration, it took me a bit to realize my dude was at full attention. Sarah was busy pulling up her hair into a messy bun as I bolted for the water. She looked at me over her shoulder, with a humorous grin.
“Damn, couldn’t even wait for me, huh?”
The water was freezing, and I thanked my lucky stars. Freezing water was always a good buzzkill. It didn’t change how amazing her body was or my mind about all the things I’d like to do to her.
She raised both brows as she put her feet in the water, in the shallowest part. She gasped and wrapped her arms around her stomach as she inched further in, starting to touch all of her most sensitive skin.
“It’s s-s-s-o c-c-cold,” she shivered. She splashed some water at me. “You’re being weird.”
“Weird? How’s that?” I put on my best smile. “I’m trying to get used to the water.”
She didn’t look convinced but nodded anyway. “As hot as it is outside today, you’d think the water would feel amazing, but it’s so flippin’ cold!”
“Give it a minute, you’ll adjust. It’s getting better already.” And with my body adjusting to the temperature, I was hard as a fucking brick again. I’ve seen her in a swimsuit plenty of times, but this was different. Something about it was more intimate and it turned me on in ways I’d never be able to admit.
I felt Sarah squeeze my hand. “You’re quiet.”
I laughed and kissed the back of her hand before returning our hands to my thigh. “Just thinking.”
“About?”
I grinned. “Just the past.”
When we got to my parents, they were outside on the porch waiting for us. Mom came over to the truck and went to the back to get the kids. I got out, and Sarah slid out of my door. Nick went to the porch and started talking to Dad.
As soon as Dad spotted Sarah and me walking over, he smiled. “We’re so happy you could make it! What’s this I hear about my son keeping Rod Stone’s daughter out until two in the morning on their first date?”
“Technically, I took her home, then picked her back up. So, it was more like our second date.” I grinned.
Mom opened the door so the boys could go in. She raised a brow at me. “I’m surprised he didn’t kill you.”
Sarah laughed. “My parents trust him.”
“Mistake,” Nick teased.
I shoved his shoulder a little.
Dad chuckled and motioned for us all to go in.
“Hey, Lisa,” I said with a mischievous grin.
Mom rolled her eyes at me. “Do I need to go into the details of your birth again?”
I burst into laughter and kissed her cheek. “I love you.”
She hugged me. “Love you too, son.” She looked at Sarah. “Remember when he went through that phase when you were kids calling me and his dad by our first names?”
Sarah laughed and nodded. “Oh, yeah. I thought he finally grew out of that by the time we hit middle school.”
“Oh, he did, but the turd still does it to get a rise outta me.” Mom shook her head but kept a smile on her face. “Food is already on the table. Come on before it gets cold.”
We all followed her to the dining room. She called for the boys who were playing in the playroom and they came barreling in toward the table. Nick sat down at his normal seat, and Keeton and Kallon sat on either side of Mom. When here, they stayed glued to her side. I pulled a chair out for Sarah making the boys giggle.
“Daddy likes Sarah,” Kallon said in a sing-song voice.
Everyone laughed as they got situated in their seats. After Sarah and I sat down, everyone started fixing their plates.
“We’re gonna work on finding sponsors this week,” Nick told Dad while scooping a shit ton of mashed potatoes on his plate.
Sarah’s eyes lit up as she looked at me. “That reminds me! I need you to meet my bosses, Stacey and Dirk. They own several vape shops. They are interested in sponsoring you.” She took t
he plate of bread that was being passed around. She put a roll on her plate and passed the plate to me. “They thought it’d be a great way to promote their business and help you out.”
“That’s great! What’s the name of the vapor shop?” Dad asked her.
“309 Vapors. They’re great people.”
“That would be amazing! I’ll go talk to them sometime this week.”
Sarah smiled and nodded. “I’ll let them know you’ll be coming by.”
I kissed the side of her head and smiled at her. Her eyes stayed on mine, and, for a moment, it was like we were the only two in the room.
Mom cleared her throat. “All right, you two, stop making googly eyes at each other. Food’s getting cold.”
We both laughed and started eating.
“This is great, Mrs. Lisa,” Sarah said after a bite of Mom’s famous fried chicken.
Mom’s smile was always the biggest when someone complimented her cooking. She took pride in making delicious meals. “I’m glad you like it. It’s been a while since I fried chicken, so I’m glad it tastes alright.”
“It’s perfect. Thanks for inviting me. It’s really nice to see you all again and hang out at your house. It’s been so long.”
“You’re always welcome here, Sarah. We have missed you dearly. Aaron was so sad after you guys moved away. It took me a whole month to get him to leave his room when he wasn’t being forced to go to school,” Dad said before taking a bite of his food.
“You would’ve thought someone died,” Mom added.
Sarah’s smile turned to a frown. “I hate that. I guess I wasn’t much different, though. It was so hard leaving and trying to navigate life in a different place without Aaron by my side. I’m just glad our paths crossed again.” Her eyes found mine and her smile was back.
Again, we were the only ones in the room. I felt myself gravitating closer and closer to her until I felt something hit the back of my head. I rubbed it and looked to the floor to see what rudely interrupted an almost-kiss. A fork. I immediately eyed my brother.
He threw his hands up and pointed at Dad. Dad’s whole body shook with his deep laughter. I looked at the boys who were covering their mouths as they laughed, too. I looked at Mom and Sarah, both laughing. I chuckled and rubbed the back of my head.
“Jerks,” I mumbled.
“Let’s finish eating,” Mom said as her laughter faded.
I laughed and shook my head. “Children. A bunch of children,” I teased.
I hoped every single Sunday would be spent just like this from now on. I had never been happier in my entire life. Every person I loved more than life itself sat at this table. Life was complete for once.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Sarah
I followed Aaron out to his truck after he got done meeting with Stacey and Dirk. It was official, they were going to sponsor him, and the excitement on his face made me ridiculously happy. When we first reconnected, he had this sadness to his eyes that I didn’t really notice until I saw how happy he was when he had his kids. Slowly, I saw that sadness completely fading away with each day that passed. Whatever hurt he had been through, he seemed to be healing, but I knew he’d never be complete until his boys were with him every chance he got.
He leaned his back against the truck, and I inched my way over to him until I was close enough to stand on my tiptoes and kiss him. He put his hands on my hips and held me close to him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and beamed up at him.
“You look happy today.”
He kissed my lips softly. “I am happy today.”
“And that makes me happy.”
His eyes grew serious a moment as he watched me.
“What?” I felt myself starting to blush.
He shook his head, staring at me like he was trying to figure out a puzzle.
“Speak,” I said through a small laugh.
“It’s just ... I’ve missed you. I keep having this weird feeling since this morning I’m going to lose you. It’s stupid, but you ever get so excited about something that you start thinking it’s all gonna be ripped away from you because it’s that good?”
“I try not to think like that, but I understand what you’re saying. I’m not going anywhere, though.” I moved my hands until my thumbs were at the corners of his mouth and pulled them up into the best smile I could manage.
He laughed and moved his head to get me to stop. “What the hell are you doing?”
“Making you smile.”
“Babe, you don’t have to do that to make me smile.”
My mouth fell open. “Awww, you called me babe. We’re official now.”
He chuckled. “Is that what it takes to make us official?”
“Sarah Stone, you do realize you still have a job, right?” I looked over my shoulder and saw Dirk with the door open and wearing a playful smile.
I put my head to his chest. “Dammit. I guess I do have one of those …”
Aaron rubbed my back and his deep laugh was low enough for only me to hear. “I have one of those, too. My lunch break is almost up anyway.”
“Fiiinnneee.” I pulled away and pouted as pitifully as I could.
“Stop or I’ll never leave.”
“Promise?” I grinned.
He laughed some more and shook his head. “What am I gonna do with you?”
I shuffled my feet and batted my eyes at him. “Dirty things I hope.”
He threw his head back laughing and grabbed my hand. “Come here,” he said quietly and pulled me into a hug.
I looked up at him. “Want to hang out after I get off? Nick mentioned finishing up the new paint job, and I’d love to come help.”
“I’d like that.” He kissed me slowly.
I pulled back, making him pout this time. “You’re sure? I feel like I’m being clingy. Tell me if I am.”
“Total stage-five clinger.” He dipped his head for another kiss.
I put my hand on his chest to push back a little. “Oh, stage five, eh?”
He burst into laughter and wrapped his arms around me again. He kissed my forehead. “You’re not being clingy. And if I had my way, you’d never leave me.”
My smile returned. “I like the sound of that.” I stood on my tiptoes again and kissed him. “I better head back in. I’ll come over after work.”
“Can’t wait.”
I kissed him one more time, and as I went to walk off he held onto my hand. I laughed as I tugged a little. “Aaron.”
He slowly let go of my hand. “See you later.”
“You bet you will.” I turned around and, as I walked inside, I swung my hips in an exaggerated way.
“Okay den. Work it, girl,” I heard him say followed by a cat call whistle.
Stacey was cracking up when I came inside. “What?” I asked.
“You two are a complete wreck for each other.”
I laughed and walked to the counter. I leaned against it, all dreamy eyed. “I’ve got it sooo bad, Stacey. It’s almost scary. Giving your heart to someone and trusting them with it … I mean, it’s Aaron, we were best friends, but now it’s a whole new level and moving so fast.”
“Oh, I know. I was the same way when Dirk and I started going out. It’s crazy how you feel so out of control.”
“It really is. My biggest fear is losing him. What if we don’t work out? I know I shouldn’t even go there and just enjoy the right now, but when you have something this special ...”
“I get it.”
“Thanks again for sponsoring him. He really appreciates it.”
She waved her hand in the air. “Girl, it’s no problem. We’re excited about it. Be sure to let us know when the races are and we’ll come.”
I nodded.
Dirk came from the back with some boxes of new shipments. “You girls ready to start putting up stock?”
We both nodded.
“Oh, and Sarah?” Dirk said with a sideways grin.
I took a box from him. “Yeah?”
“He’s a keeper.”
“Looky there, Dirk approves. I was so afraid you wouldn’t and I’d have to dump him.” I rolled my eyes and Stacey and I were laughing.
“You wouldn’t have to dump him if I didn’t approve. I own a shovel and know how to cover up a murder scene.”
I set the box down. “Then you’d just have to bury me right along with him.”
“You really do love him, don’t you?” Dirk asked as he cut open my box with a pocket knife.
I did. With all my heart.
###
When I got to Aaron’s, I parked behind Nick’s truck. I noticed an unfamiliar car there, thinking maybe it was someone else here to help. I knew painting a car took a lot of extra hands. I started for the garage when Nick came rushing out.
I frowned and stopped walking. “What’s wrong?”
“Melany’s here. Her and Aaron are talking in the house.” He walked over to my car and motioned toward my passenger side door. “Unlock it. Let’s drive around until he tells me she’s gone. He doesn’t want you in the crossfire.”
My hands shook as I unlocked it. I hated how I was instantly pissed and worried. I couldn’t have expected her to never get in the way, right? I mean, they had two kids together.
“Okay.” I opened the door and got in. After starting it up, I backed out of the driveway. “You guys could’ve just texted me and told me to not come. I would understand.” My heart fell to my stomach as I drove around. I wanted to ask why she was there, but knew it wasn’t my business.
“She literally just got there or he would have. Go ahead, ask me what’s going on. I know you want to.”
“If Aaron wants to tell me, he will.” He was right. I wanted to know, but I didn’t want to get into something that Aaron might not want to tell me, as hard as that was.
“He won’t mind me explaining things to you.”
“Okay, then …”
“Apparently, Kallon told Melany about you.”
I furrowed my brow. “But she already knew about me.”
“That you were a friend, not that you two were dating.”
“Oh.” I had the worst pain in the pit of my stomach.