Just One More

by Heather D'Agostino

  “You’re gonna be great dad someday.” I reached over and squeezed his hand. “You’re so natural with her.”

  “She’s a great baby.” He shrugged. “She makes it easy.”

  “I can’t argue with that. So, what made you want to come out here?” I placed my hands behind me and leaned back, stretching my legs out in front.

  “I just remember that this was one of your favorite places when we were little. I thought maybe it could be one of hers too,” he mused as he stared out at the water. “We used to come here for everything, good or bad. This was where I found you when Jimmy Andrews got the whole bus saying that you smelled.” We both got a laugh out of that memory.

  “I remember coming here when I started dating him. I’d ask you for advice. That must have been hard.” I glanced over at Max just as he looked at me.

  “Do you remember the day you told me you were thinking about having sex with him?” His face contorted in disgust.

  “Yes.” I rolled my eyes. “Thank god that never happened.” I lay back on the blanket and stared up the sky, peeking through the trees above us. “I always thought it would be you.” It was almost a whisper, and I wondered if he even heard me.

  There was a bit of silence, and I thought I’d ruined the moment, but in true Max fashion he saved it. “Jimmy wasn’t really my type, Hails.” His head rolled to the side as he copied my position. We laid there staring at each other, too afraid to say what was really on our minds. Max broke the moment first. “Would you have wanted it to be?” He rolled onto this side and propped himself up on his elbow. “You and me.” He motioned between us. “Is that something you wanted back then?”

  “I can’t believe we’re doing this right now.” I groaned as I glanced at Nora to make sure she was still asleep. I’d wanted to have this conversation so many times, but now that it was actually happening it was scaring the crap outta me.

  “Just answer the question.” He tugged at where my arm was now draped over my eyes. “Would you have gone on a date with me back then?”

  I peered out from under my arm, swallowed, and then sighed. “Yes, Max. If you had asked, I would have said yes.” I lowered my arm back over my eyes to block out his stare.

  I heard the crunch of the ground as he moved, and then felt the heat of his body as he rolled closer. “Can you look at me for a minute, Hailey?” I moved my arm so one eye could peek out as embarrassment flooded me. “What about now? If I asked you out now, would you say yes?” His eyes softened as he shifted from his side to his back, giving us some space. I could still feel the heat from his body, but it wasn’t as potent.

  “I…” I watched his eyes as he stared at anything but me. “I don’t know what to say.” I wanted to say yes. I’ve wanted this for years. I loved him when we were kids, and those feelings never really went away. I loved Jared, that’s not what this is about, but Max was different. Now, I wonder if my love for him is the same, and if he’s doing this because of what I said and not how he feels.

  “Don’t worry about it.” He rocked forward so he was now sitting. His legs were bent, and his arms rested on his knees.

  “It’s not that.” I sat up and tugged at his arm to get him to look at me. “Is this because of what I said?”

  Max’s eyes closed for a brief second, then I saw resolve wash over his face. He turned to face me, looked me right in the eyes, and swallowed before forcing the words out. “No. I wanna take you on a date. I’ve always wanted to take you on a date. Our timing has just sucked, but you know what? I’m tired of waiting for the perfect timing.” His eyes darted between mine. “So, what do you say? Go to dinner with me?”

  My eyes filled with tears as I pinched my lips together to keep from crying. My head bobbed vigorously as his lips curved into a signature Max smile. He started to lean closer and I thought I might finally get a real kiss from him, but Nora had other plans. She’d slept as long as she wanted, and was ready for our undivided attention. “Looks like someone is ready to go swimming.” Max chuckled, effectively breaking the tension between us.

  ooooooooo

  Max

  God, she’s beautiful. I couldn’t help but stare as Hailey waded into the pond with Nora on her hip. I’d grabbed a few things when I was at her place last week, and had been hiding them at my place. I finally got a place of my own. I’m renting a house right on the edge of town. It works for now, but my dad promised me part of the farm to build on. Once I’m ready to settle down, he’s going to give me a few acres, this pond included. I haven’t told Hailey yet; I don’t want to scare her. I still can’t believe she said yes to a date. I’ve been trying to find a way to ask her for weeks.

  “How did you get a bathing suit for me?” She bent her knees, dipping Nora into the water.

  “Did you really think that I was at your place to clean?” I snickered. “It was recon work.”

  “So, you were snooping?” She twisted her lip as she stared at me.

  “Something like that.” I shrugged before flopping backwards and sinking under the surface. The water felt heavenly, and with Hailey occupied with Nora, it really gave me a chance to watch her.

  Since Nora’s birth, I’ve really been able to see how she’s matured. She has the body of woman, one that makes my hands ache to touch. Her hair is longer now, and streaked golden from the sun. Her hips are curvier, and her tits… I can’t even tell you what watching her bounce around in a bikini is doing to me right now. I’ve managed to hide the constant semi that she seems to bring to life whenever she’s around. Jeans are good like that. Swim trunks… not so much.

  “I’m gonna take her up on the blanket. I don’t want her getting too much sun,” Hailey called out as she started wading toward the shoreline.

  “Ok. I’m gonna cool off for just a little longer, then I’ll join you,” I shouted before sinking below the surface again. “Stop looking at her. Think of the time you caught your parents having sex,” I muttered to myself. Yep, that did it. The image of Dad on top of Mom seems to always work.

  I began wading to the edge of the pond. When I reached the soft grass, I looked up to find Hailey leaning over Nora, talking to her. Big mistake. All my hard work was gone. There she was in that little black bikini that she thought covered her ass, with said ass was sticking right up in the air. I don’t even think she realized what she was doing. I flopped down on the blanket as she continued to coo at Nora.

  “You’re such a pretty girl,” she spoke in a baby voice. “Wanna play with this?” She handed over a toy before sitting back on the blanket herself. “This was a good idea, thanks.” She grabbed a towel and began rubbing herself down. “Could you get my back?” She glanced over her shoulder at me.

  I thought I was gonna swallow my tongue with the way she was looking at me. “Sure.” I choked the words out. I took the towel she was holding out and began to gently rub it over her back and shoulders. “Better?” I handed it back.

  “Yes, thank you.” She turned to face me. “So, what now?” She began staring at where her fingers were picking at a fuzz ball on the blanket.

  “I honestly don’t know.” I sighed. “I’ll tell you what I do know though.” I placed my hand over hers, gently squeezing it, and waited for her to look at me. “I know that the idea of you and me scares you. I know that you’re questioning if it’s even a good idea. I know that you and I are probably the only thing that has ever made sense in my life. I know that the idea of you being with anyone else feels like a kick in the gut. I know that you deserve to be happy, and I want to try and be that happiness for you.” I moved to cup her cheek. “I’ll go as slow as you want Hails, but I gotta go. I can’t stand still any more. It’s killing me.”

  Without thinking too much, I leaned in and pressed my lips to hers. It was the first time we’d ever kissed on the mouth, but I sure as hell hoped it wouldn’t be the last.

  Chapter 20

  Hailey

  Yesterday was one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. I don’t think
I’ve been this happy since Jared asked me to marry him. After our day at the pond, Max drove Nora and me home. Before I could invite him in, he backed away from my door, claiming he wanted to give me space to really think about what we’d discussed. Looking back, I should have told him that I’d been thinking the same things as him, but I’d chickened out.

  Tonight, was going to be our date. Just saying that makes me giddy. I’ve thought about what it would be like to go on a date with Max since I was just a kid. He didn’t tell me where we were going, just that food was involved. I’ve been standing front of my closet trying to get dressed for the last twenty minutes.

  “Honey?” Mama called from the living room. She’d come over tonight to watch Nora. I wasn’t sure when I’d be home, and this way Nora could fall asleep in her own bed.

  “In here.” I sighed as I reached for a simple blue sundress. “Does this make me look fat?” I twisted my lips in frustration.

  “What?” Mama shook her head as if she thought she heard me wrong. “What on earth are you talking about?”

  “I don’t know what to wear tonight.” I pouted.

  “Honey,” she soothed. “This is Max we’re talking about. That boy is not gonna care what you’re wearing as long as you wear something.”

  “You’re not helping,” I grumbled as I shoved the dress back in the closet, and grabbed a white skirt. “What about this?” I held it in front of me.

  “I think you should wear that green dress in the back.” Her head tipped toward the maxi dress I’d shoved in the back last summer.

  “That’s from my engagement party.” I sighed. “I haven’t worn it since… It was his favorite.” I swallowed as the words attempted to get stuck in my throat.

  “Don’t you think a pretty dress like that should be worn, and not shoved in the closet?” Her hands went to her hips as a sad smile spread across her face. “He’d want you to wear it, honey.”

  “I don’t know if I can.” I backed up, and turned to sit on my bed. “Why does this night have to be so complicated?”

  “It’s not, you’re just thinking too hard about it. Stop worrying about what Max will think, what others will think, and do what you want. What is going to make you happy?”

  “I do love that dress.” I motioned to the closet. “I think that’s why I kept it.”

  “So, wear it. Show Max what he missed all those years ago, and give that dress a fun night out.”

  “Thanks Mama.” I leaned in to hug her.

  “No problem, baby. Now get ready so I don’t have to stall him when he gets here.” She laughed as she patted my thigh before leaving the room.

  After slipping the dress on, I ran a brush through my hair one more time. I’d straightened it earlier in the day. Wearing it down was probably a bad idea in this heat, but it made me feel pretty. I checked my makeup one last time, grabbed my purse, and then slipped on a pair of sandals. Just as I was walking out of my room, there was a knock at the door.

  “Hey, Max. She’ll be right out.” Mama’s voice trailed down the hallway.

  “No problem, Mrs. Sullivan.” Max’s deep voice caused me to shiver slightly. I was acting like a sixteen-year-old. This was homecoming night all over again only this time, I was the one on Maxwell Stanton’s arm.

  “Ready.” I stepped out of the dark hallway and into the living room. Max was standing there in a pair of khakis and green button down, sleeves rolled up his forearms. His hair was styled, and clasped in his right hand was a bouquet of lilies.

  “These are for you.” He stretched out his arm, and handed them to me.

  “Thank you. They’re beautiful.” I sniffed the flowers before turning to Mama. “Can you put these in water for me, please?”

  “I suppose I could do that.” She grinned. “You two kids have fun tonight. Don’t worry about us girls at all.” She motioned to where Nora was playing happily under a play gym.

  “Thanks, Mama.” I knelt down next to Nora and tickled her belly. “You be good for Grandma, ok?” Nora cooed back before yanking at the little elephant hanging above her and kicking her feet.

  “Ready?” Max held out his arm for me.

  “Ready,” I nodded as I let him lead me out the door, and over to his truck.

  “You look absolutely stunning tonight,” he murmured next to my ear.

  “Thank you.” I couldn’t help but blush.

  He opened my door, and helped me in before closing it, and going around to his side. After situating himself, he cranked the engine and began backing out of his parking space. “You can relax.” He smiled at me. “It’s just me.”

  I blew out a deep breath slowly. “I know. I’m sorry. This is just a lot to take in right now.”

  “It’s dinner, Hails. Just dinner. I’m not asking for more than that right now.” He reached over and squeezed my knee before putting the truck in drive, and turning onto the highway.

  ooooooooo

  “Where are we going?” I glanced in his direction before turning back to watch out the window.

  “Not far.” He laughed as we slowly made our way closer to downtown. “You never were one for patience. I see that hasn’t changed over the years.”

  “You are so not funny right now,” I grumbled. Max was always one to keep surprises from me.

  After a few more turns, he pulled into the parking lot of The Gas Light. It was a new place that had only been open for a few years. I’d never been, and it was more than Jared and I were willing to pay for dinner.

  “What’s wrong?” Max parked, and then turned in my direction. “Is this not ok?”

  “What? No, this is fine.” I swallowed.

  “Then what is it?” His eyes softened as he searched my face.

  “Nothing.” I shook away the nerves and reminded myself that he didn’t know all the things about my marriage and the struggles we’d faced over money and such.

  “No.” He shook his head. “You need to talk to me. I promised myself that I wouldn’t push, but I’m sorry; I can’t do that.”

  I turned away slightly, took a deep breath, and then moved back to face him. “I’ve been wanting to come here since the place opened. Jared and I couldn’t really afford it. He promised me we’d come here for our anniversary the next year, and then he died.” I pressed my lips together. I would not ruin this date any more than I already had.

  “I’m sorry, Hails. We can go somewhere else.” He reached for where his keys were still hanging in the ignition, and started to crank the truck back up.

  “No. I want to eat here. You promised me a date, and I want it to be here.” I grabbed his wrist to stop him.

  “You sure?” He leaned back and appraised me.

  “Yes. I want to eat here.” I pointed at the restaurant through the windshield.

  “All right then.” He nodded before pushing open his door. I watched him as he rounded the front of the truck, shaking this head and muttering something to himself at the same time. When he reached my door, he smiled and offered me a hand to get out. “After you.” He motioned for me to make my way in front of him. When we reached the door, he held it open like a gentleman.

  The inside of the restaurant was just as nice as I imagined it. It was quiet, intimate almost, giving the ability to have a conversation and not need to shout over music or other patrons. The staff was dressed in all black, and moved about efficiently. Each table had a white tablecloth and formal place settings with a small gas lamp burning in the center.

  “Good evening, sir.” The hostess smiled as we approached.

  “Reservation for Stanton.” Max smiled back as he placed his hand on my lower back possessively.

  “Right this way.” She reached for two menus, and then turned for us to follow her. Max guided me through the maze of tables until we reached a glass door. When we stepped outside onto the patio of sorts, I thought it would be hot, but surprisingly it wasn’t. “Your server will be right with you.” She placed the menus on the table and left us.

  “L
et me.” Max stepped around me and pulled my chair out. Once I was seated, he pushed me in. It was a small gesture, but meant the world to me. Since Jared died, I was always doing everything for myself. It was nice to be taken care of.

  “Thank you,” I murmured as he moved to sit across from me.

  “You’re welcome. Would you like to share a bottle of wine?” He handed me a wine list.

  “Um.” I took it, but froze when I opened it up. There were no prices. “There are no prices on here, Max,” I hissed.

  “Get whatever you want. Don’t worry about it.” He shrugged.

  I hadn’t had a glass wine in what seemed like forever. With the pregnancy, and then breastfeeding, I’d given up alcohol. I weaned Nora last month, but I was still pumping. Guess it was good I still had some saved in the freezer so I could indulge tonight. “Are you sure?” I scanned the list, looking for something sweet.

  “Positive.” He chuckled before going back to his menu.

  When the server came back, I ordered a bottle of Riesling, and then sat back to really look at the place. It was like sensory overload tonight, and I didn’t want to miss anything.

  We were sitting at a metal table with outdoor chairs. There was an arbor overhead that had grapevines wound all over it. Large fans were mounted above us that circulated the air enough that it wasn’t hot or sticky out. A stone fireplace was in a far corner with decorative candelabra. Edison lights hung sporadically across the area. A large stone fire pit with several oversized couches was at the far end, and a service station for the staff was hidden behind a small half wall.

  “It’s really pretty out here.” I smiled as I picked up my menu and began to search for what I truly wanted. I was nervous, and didn’t really have an appetite.

  “It is.” Max set his menu to the side. I could feel his eyes on me the entire time I made my selection. They burned like a slow caress and caused every hair on my body to stand on end. My heart was pounding under the nerves, and I wondered if ordering wine was such a good idea. What if it made me say something that I wanted to keep to myself?