by Delisa Lynn
“I sure will. Thanks for the coffee,” I say as we walk toward our cars.
“Welcome, love.” She waves as she climbs in her Jeep.
Sliding in my car, I enter Kole’s address in my GPS then decide to call let him know I’m on my way.
“Hey, babe,” he answers. “You on your way?”
“Hi, yourself. Yeah, I’m leaving the coffee shop now. Are you ready?”
“I am. Did you pack an overnight bag?”
“I did, just in case,” I tease.
“Good, I’ll see you when you get here.”
“Okay, bye.” I toss my phone back into my purse. This is going to be fun.
“This drive is beautiful,” I say to Kole, who took over the driver’s seat when we stopped for gas and coffee.
“It is. I’ve lived in Ohio all my life and have never been out this way.” He squeezes my hand. “I was thinking… Maybe we can stop at that bed and breakfast on the way back.”
“I’d like that. My grandparents had mentioned us staying there, but I told them we had to get back tonight.”
“Are we staying with your grandparents for the night?” Kole asks.
“No, I want to stay with you tonight. I love my grandparents but after a few hours, I’ll be ready to go.” I laugh. “They’re great, don’t get me wrong. They’re my dad’s parents, by the way. Do not mention my mom; it’s still a sore subject. She left when I was a baby, but it’s always been tough on them.”
“Good to know. Do you ever speak to her?”
“Nope, not at all. To be truthful, I wouldn’t even know her if I saw her.”
“I’m so sorry, babe.” He lifts my hand to his lips.
“Don’t be. I’m all grown up now. She’s the one who missed out. I was a good kid, graduated with honors, and always did well in school. When I was younger, I wondered what it would be like to have her around, but it doesn’t even bother me anymore. I was a baby, and she chose drugs and men over me and my daddy.” I don’t feel a hint of sadness; however, if this conversation would have been years ago, I would be sobbing by now.
“I admire you. You’ve been dealt a lot of things in your life, yet you’re always so positive.”
If he could’ve seen me two years ago, he sure would have a different opinion.
“Thank you. I’ve learned that, in this life, not everyone sticks around. Hell, the first chance I got, I skipped town and haven’t been back since. I guess that’s not saying much, but I knew leaving helped me push forward, away from my past with Lucas, away from the memories of my mom. It helps me get where I am today. Everything and everyone who disappointed me has made me stronger.”
“I’m glad you’re here. I’ve been hiding since Sherrie’s death. The job switch, the drinking, the women—none of that was me. I loved my job, but the day she was killed, I lost a piece of me. I never knew I could feel again…” He pauses, his grip on the steering wheel turning his knuckles white. “I never knew I could feel anything, until you. You’ve opened my eyes so much in the last few weeks. Before you came into my life, I worked, drank, and fucked. I didn’t smile… I haven’t been this happy in a long time, babe.”
“Me either. I’m really glad you ran into me that day.” I lean over, placing a kiss on his cheek. “I think you turn up here, at the light.”
“Are you excited? It’s been a while since you’ve seen them, hasn’t it?”
“Yes, I’m excited. It’s been too long. With work, I never really made time to come out here. I guess I should do it more often.”
“I’ll make this trip with you anytime you want. You just say the words.”
“Okay, you’re on!”
It’s been a few weeks since Roe and I have been seeing each other—well, officially, that is. The visit with her grandparents was great. After spending the afternoon with them, we stopped at the little B&B on the way to the city. The night there was fantastic. It all ended way too soon, though, and now it’s back to work.
Roe is taking her last fire test tomorrow, and I know she’ll pass. She’s been studying so hard. Personally, I think she’ll be a great firefighter.
I’m on my way to talk to my dad since I was going to bring Roe to dinner last week but she got called into work. I’ve wanted to talk to him anyway, get his thoughts on my newfound relationship.
“Damn, son, it’s great to see that smile on your face,” Dad says as I step out of the truck. He’s sitting in the garage drinking a beer, as he does most days.
“Thanks, sir. I want to talk to you about the reason for the smile.” I’m almost forty, yet I still want my father’s guidance. What can I say? We’ll always need our parents.
“It’s that woman, isn’t it?” He reaches into the mini fridge and hands me a beer. “Kat told us about her friend you’ve been seeing. She seems to really like you with her, and seeing as she and your late wife were the best of friends, it’s good to hear she thinks highly of your new lady.”
“It is her. I was going to bring her to dinner, but she had to work. This weekend for sure, though. When I lost Sherrie, I lost myself too; I never imagined I’d be happy again. Roe… She makes me feel, Dad. When we aren’t together, I miss her so much I crave her. I loved Sherrie, and will always hold a place in my heart for her. Her memory is right here.” I place my hand over my heart. “But I need to move on, to be myself again. And for the first time in a long time, I feel human. I feel like my purpose is having a life, with Roe. To make her happy.” I take a pull from my beer and watch my father’s face.
“That was deep, kid. You got it bad for this broad already?” he asks, and I nod. “Look, your mother and I, we were together for two months before we got married. You know the story. My point is that time doesn’t matter. If you have these feelings you say that you do, then I’m so happy for you, son. It’s so damn good to hear that you’re back. You scared us all. Your mother would cry and pray for you every day. You and Kathy are the world to us, and when you hurt, we hurt. You know we loved Sherrie, and we’ll always love her. But we’ll welcome Roe with open arms, no questions asked.”
“Thanks, Dad. I am so happy to hear you say that. I was afraid I was moving too fast with her. She was engaged once, and it had a rocky ending, so she moved here from Michigan. She was raised by her dad after her mom left when she was a kid. She really doesn’t remember much about her.”
“You know we’re always in your corner. Never forget that. You better get inside and see your mom. If she hears the whole story from your sister, she won’t be happy that I knew and she didn’t.” He stands up walking toward the door with me.
“Good point. You coming in?” I ask as I hold the door open.
“No, go on in and talk to your mom. I’ll be in soon.” He pats my back. “I’m really proud of you. Just know that, okay?”
I smile. “I know.” And I do. My parents have always been a great support team. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like without them—hell, I never want to have too. They’ve always worked so hard to take care of our family. My sister and I never really wanted for anything; we always had the best growing up.
“Boy, you better get in here and give me a hug. I talked to your sister and she told me you have a new lady friend.”
“I missed you, Mom.” I embrace her then pull back to see tears in her eyes. “Why are you crying?”
“It’s so good to hear and see you happy, son. We thought we lost you too. When Sherrie died, we all mourned her, but we were mourning you too. You were lost, son, and I prayed to God that He would heal you, heal your broken heart. Now this girl, she has you smiling and actually living.” I watch as her face softens. I can tell by her expression that she’s happy for me, that I’ve finally moved on. My mom and I have always been close, but the last few years I’ve pushed her away.
“I love you so much.” I squeeze her again. “I’m back for good. I hate that I put you all through that. Losing the love of my life broke me, but I’ve managed to find my way back. Roe… She does that.
Her smile, her laugh, her persona is beautiful. You’re going to love her, Mom.”
“I already know. Kathy has spoken very highly of her. Now you just need to bring her over. She works for the firehouse?”
“Not mine, she’s a paramedic for North County. She’s actually taking her fire exam tomorrow.”
“That’s great! I have to ask, as your sister said she’s a little younger….”
Jesus, did Kathy tell them everything?
“She’s twenty-five. Soon to be twenty-six.”
Her mouth gapes open then she closes it real quick, thinking about what she wants to say. “Well, nothing wrong with that. As long as you’re both happy, then we’re happy for you. You already discussed this with your father, I’m assuming.”
“Yeah, she knows everything. I’m going to bring her by this weekend. I met her grandparents a few weeks ago. They live in Yellow Springs. Good people.”
“Her parents still together?”
“No, ma’am. Her dad raised her.”
“Oh, I see. Well, we’ll be happy to have her for dinner. You need to start coming around more. I know you work like crazy, but we miss you.”
“I miss you too, Mom.” Looking at my phone, I see that that it’s getting late, and I need to get going. “I better head on out. I’m meeting Roe for dinner. We’ll see you this weekend.”
“Sounds good, sweetheart.” I kiss her one last time and wave at my dad on the way out to my truck.
After spending the afternoon with my parents, I came home and picked Brutus up. Kathy’s demanding he stay with her tonight. She works from home, editing for a magazine, so she works at her own pace and when she wants to.
“It’s about time you brought me my dog. I missed my editing partner,” Kathy says, kissing my dog on the head. “He’s my buddy when Lopez works all that overtime.”
“Why don’t you just get your own dog?” I ask, grabbing a beer from the fridge.
“Oh, brother, you’re so silly. You see, he’s your dog, so you pay for him. I just get to snuggle him, and he keeps me company, then I send him home.”
“You’re evil. So, you want me to have the expense of the dog, but you can play with him when you want?” I take a pull from my beer.
“Bingo!
“You’re an ass.” I toss the beer cap in her direction.
“Are you picking Roe up?”
“Yeah, I’m going there after I leave here. So, you told Mom and Dad about her?”
“Sorry about that. I hope that’s okay. I didn’t tell them much. It’s just so good to see you happy, and I needed to let them know that you’re back to your old self. I really like Roe.”
Sliding my arm over her shoulder, I say, “It’s all good. I talked to them today. I’ll be bringing a date to dinner this weekend.”
She kisses my cheek. “Good. Now, go get your girl. I have some work to do, and now that I have my partner in crime, I can get it done.”
“You’re so weird.” I toss my empty beer bottle in the trash. “I’ll be back for my dog in a few days. I’m not leaving Roe’s tomorrow.” I wink at her.
“Good Lord, spare me the details, please.” She laughs.
“I’ll see you later, sister,” I say as I leave. Now to pick up Roe. I send her a quick text before I pull out of the driveway.
Me: I’m heading that way now. Are you ready?
I see the little box pop up, letting me know she’s typing a response.
Roe: Yes! I feel like I haven’t seen you all day. I’m all dressed up. I hope that’s okay.
Me: I miss your fine ass. I’m sure whatever you’re wearing will be perfect.
Roe: Still not telling me where?
Me: Nope. I’ll see you soon, though.
Roe: Meanie! Okay, drive safely.
Me: See you soon, babe.
Tossing my phone in the cup holder, I head toward her house. I don’t even need to use GPS anymore; I know the fastest way to get there. In less than ten minutes, I’m pulling into her driveway. She must hear me pull up, as she’s waiting at the door. When I approach her, I see she’s wearing a black dress, with royal blue heels. Her hair is flowing down each shoulder.
Holy fuck, she’s breathtaking.
“You look… Hot as fuck, babe.” I say brushing her lips with mine. “You taste just as good as you look too.”
“You aren’t too bad yourself. Where are we going?”
She just won’t give up with that question.
“Is it really that important?” I ask as I lead her off the porch.
“Not really, I just like to know,” she admits. “Am I dressed okay?”
“We have reservations at a restaurant downtown. That’s all you’re getting.”
“Fine,” she pouts. “I missed you so much today.”
“I missed you too. Once we have dinner, I’m bringing you back and making love to you all night,” I say, realizing it’s the first time I’ve used that term. Making love. With her.
“Sounds like a great night to me.” She smirks as I help her in the truck.
“This dress and those shoes have my dick so hard right now.” I lean over and fasten her seatbelt. “I’ll be adjusting myself the rest of the night.” Jogging over to the driver’s side, I climb in and see that her face is flushed. “What are you blushing about?”
“You… I just get embarrassed sometimes.” She blushes even more.
“Never be embarrassed about your beauty. I love looking at you, at your body, the way your skin flushes when I make you come.”
“Jesus, Kole! Let’s go before we end up in bed.” I’m sure more than her face is flushed now. “I’m hungry. I skipped lunch.”
“All right, doll. We’ll be there soon.” I reserved us a table at Se’Langs, one of the most popular restaurants here. Thankfully, it’s not far from her house.
“How was your visit with your parents?”
“It went really well. I hadn’t been there for a few weeks, so Kathy had already told them about you. They’re anxious to meet you this weekend.”
“I’m looking forward to meeting them too. I’ve heard so many great things about them, from you and Kathy.”
“They’re pretty awesome.” And they truly are.
“I talked to my dad earlier. He’s thinking about driving out for a visit. I also told him about you.” I watch as her face pales. I know this is a huge step for her as well.
“I would love to meet him. I thought maybe we could go there if you want,” I say, and see her squirm a little.
“Yeah, I would rather him come here.”
“You haven’t been back since you left?” I ask, and she shakes her head. “Why not?” I push.
“I just don’t like going back. Too many bad memories.”
“I can understand that.” I place my hand on her leg. “Okay, this is it. I know you’ve never been here, and I wanted to be the first to bring you.”
“I’ve heard so many amazing things about this place. Thank goodness, I’m super hungry; I heard the portions are as big as my head.” She giggles.
“Yeah, they’re known for the largest doggie bags.” I park in the lot across from the restaurant; the weather is nice and breezy, and it’ll be good to walk a little.
“It’s a beautiful night, perfect for walking,” Roe says as I help her from the truck.
“You read my mind. You’re perfect.” I kiss her softly. “Shall we, my lady?” I ask as I take her hand. We walk the short distance across the street and reach the restaurant in a matter of minutes.
“Thank you. You’re not too bad yourself.” She leans her head on my shoulder. She’s much shorter than me, and I love that my body fits so perfectly around hers.
“Is your last test tomorrow?”
“Nope, it’s actually in two weeks. I had the dates wrong. I’d added it to the calendar on my phone and totally forgot about it.”
“Good, I didn’t want you to leave me this weekend. Kathy is keeping Brutus the whole time.”
“I’m yours until 4:00 a.m. on Monday.”
“Good. I’m actually off Monday, too. I have some vacation time I had to use.”
“Maybe I should use a sick day on Monday.”
“Don’t tease me, woman,” I say as we walk into the building.
“I could. Depends on how good you are.” She winks.
Leaning over so only she can hear me, I murmur, “Oh, baby, I am going to be so good. You’re going to come on my face, in my mouth, and on my cock.” She sucks in her breath, and I can see the blush spread across her face and neck. She’s turned a very bright shade of pink.
“Yeah, totally taking a sick day.”
“Welcome to Se’Langs. Reservation for two?” the older lady at the podium asks.
“Yes, ma’am. The name is Harris,” I reply, keeping my arm around the small of Roe’s back.
“I see you reserved the vineyard table. Right this way,” the woman says.
Every time I’ve been here, I always wondered what the vineyard was, so I asked a buddy of mine, as he and his wife come here all the time. As we approach the small table, I hear Roe gasp, and I see why. The table sits along the window, which opens up, and you’re truly in the vineyard. There are grape vines and strawberry plants with benches that sit along the grass.
“This is beautiful, Kole.”
“Your waiter will be with you shortly. Here are some menus, as well as the wine selection.” The hostess smiles and walks away.
“I can’t get over the view. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
“I’ll admit I haven’t either. I’d often wondered what it was when I was here in the past. After talking with a work buddy, I knew I had to reserve it for us. You deserve nothing but the best.”
“You know, I hated you when you killed my car, but I’m starting to fall hard for you,” she says before kissing me. “You’re a wonderful man, with a heart that any woman would be lucky to have.”
I don’t have any words, so I kiss her again. After she slides into her chair, I make my way to mine. I have very strong feelings for her, but is it love? I’ve fallen so damn hard that it scares the shit out of me.
I was with Sherrie for eight years. After I lost her, I never thought I’d feel this way again. Here it is almost three years later, and suddenly I’m falling for a girl a hell of a lot younger than me, who I’ve only known for two months. Good going, Kole.