Wait For Me

by K. L. Grayson

  “We’ll know in a few weeks when I take a pregnancy test.” Jessa sighs, and I hear Nick murmur something to her. “I’m just trying not to get my hopes up,” she says.

  “It’s okay to be hopeful. It’ll happen soon. I just know it.”

  “Thanks, sis. I really miss having you here.”

  I laugh. “I’ve only been gone for, like, four hours.”

  “We should all get together for dinner on Friday night,” Nick suggests. “Me, Jess, You, Grayson, and the kids.”

  “That sounds fun.” When my phone vibrates, I pull it away from my ear and look down at it. “Gotta go, guys.”

  “Bye.”

  “Call me!” Jessa says.

  “Will do.”

  I wait for them to hang up, and then answer Grayson’s call.

  “Hey.”

  “Oh, good, you’re still up. I was afraid you might’ve fallen asleep after your shower.”

  “Actually, I haven’t had a chance to take one yet. I unpacked all of my bags, had a bite to eat, and then Nick and Jessa called. They offered to watch the kids while we go to LA—if we go to LA. Well, I’m going to LA. I mean, if you go to LA.”

  Oh, God, I’m rambling. Make it stop!

  Grayson laughs. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Can you come down to the house in about ten minutes?”

  “Is everything okay with the kids?”

  “The kids are fine. They’re already in bed.”

  A quick glance at the clock on the wall shows that it’s eight fifteen. “I didn’t realize it was that late already.”

  “Are you about to go to bed, because if so—”

  “No, no, no. Nothing like that. I’m a night owl.”

  “I didn’t know that.”

  “I’m used to staying up late. Most of my concerts don’t end until ten or eleven, and by the time I help the crew break down the stage, I don’t usually get back to the bus until two or three o’clock in the morning.”

  “Night owl,” he says softly, as if he’s cataloguing the information. “So, ten minutes?”

  “I’ll be there.”

  We hang up, and I run into the bathroom to do a quick hair check. As soon as I look in the mirror, I flinch. That won’t do. I tug the elastic band from my hair, pull it into a bun, wash my face, and then stare at the clock for the remaining seven minutes.

  It’s the longest seven minutes of my life.

  When the ten-minute mark hits, I walk downstairs and across the side of the yard. With each step, my heart beats faster and harder in my chest.

  I will it to calm down, but it’s no use. I’m excited to see Grayson. I knock softly on the door so I don’t wake up the kids, and when he flings it open and smiles at me, a giddy feeling ripples through my body.

  Lorelei was a fool for letting this man go.

  A gray T-shirt stretches tight across his chest, leaving little to the imagination. Black sweats hang low on his hips, and he’s barefoot.

  I just want to eat him up.

  “Hey.” He pulls the door open wide. “Next time don’t knock, just come on in.”

  “Okay.”

  I step over the threshold and notice immediately that all of the toys in the living room from the other day have been cleaned up. The lights are turned low, and the TV is on, but the volume is muted.

  “Nick and Jessa want us and the kids to go to dinner with them Friday night.”

  “The kids will like that.”

  I smile and wait for him to tell me why he asked me to come down, but when he doesn’t, I say, “You wanted to talk to me?”

  “Right…” Grayson rubs his hands together and glances down the hall. “This seems a little awkward, now that I’m actually doing it.”

  “Doing what? Are you blushing?”

  “No.” He shakes his head. “I have a surprise for you.”

  “Really?” I feel a grin stretch across my face. “No one has ever surprised me with something.”

  Now it’s his turn to say, “Really? Not even on your birthday?”

  I shake my head. “I’m usually touring.”

  But not this year. This year I’ll get to celebrate it here, with my family.

  “What’s the surprise? Show me. And it better not be a poopy diaper.”

  “I’m not that cruel.” He grabs my hand and leads me down the hall.

  A soft glow emanates from the bathroom, and I gasp when we step inside. “Oh my. What is all of this?”

  “You mentioned earlier that you’d like nothing more than to take a nice, hot bath, and then Emma told me you wanted to take a bubble bath in here, so…” He sweeps his arm across the giant bathroom.

  “I—I don’t know what to say.”

  The toys from the other day have been cleaned off the edge of the tub, which is now lined with candles, all lit and burning bright. The tub is filled with water and a thick layer of bubbles. Steam billows from it, calling out to me, and I kick off my shoes, anxious to get in.

  “Is it too much?” Grayson tilts his head.

  “No.” I shake my head. “It’s amazing, and quite possibly the best thing anyone has ever done for me.”

  “I figured I’d pamper you a little since you’re going to be taking care of my kids for the foreseeable future.”

  My eyes widen. “Is that a yes? You’ll go with me to the premiere?”

  He nods, and I throw myself into his arms.

  “Thank you so much! I can’t believe you’re saying yes.”

  Grayson wraps his arms around me and holds me close. “I would’ve gone to the premiere without you agreeing to watch my kids. All you had to do was ask.”

  “I know you would’ve.” I pull back but keep my arms around his neck. “Because you’re that type of guy, but I couldn’t let you do that. This works out perfectly for both of us.”

  “I’ll still have to work on finding someone to watch the kids after you leave, but this way I won’t have to rush.”

  “Are you going to have Nick and Jessa keep them while we’re gone?”

  “No, my mom is going to do it.”

  “I love your mom.” I hug him again. This time I hold on a little tighter for a little longer, because his body feels wonderful against mine. He’s hard and warm, and I don’t want to let him go.

  “You might change your mind when you meet her, because I’m pretty sure she’s already planning our wedding.”

  I pull back, eyes wide. “What?”

  “My mom’s a little dramatic.” Grayson releases me and takes a step back. I shiver. “You should get in the bathtub before the water gets cold.”

  “You don’t have to tell me twice.” I peel off my socks and reach for the bottom of my shirt.

  “I’ll, uh…” Grayson points to the door and walks out, closing the door behind him.

  I giggle to myself, strip out of my clothes, and sigh in contentment as I step over the edge and dip my right foot into the sudsy water.

  I sink down, allowing the water to engulf me. This is heaven. I forgot how amazing a hot bath could feel. Bubbles cover me from my toes to my neck. I close my eyes, breathe in the soft, lavender scent, and smile when it immediately reminds me of Emma.

  I’ll have to remember to thank that little stinker later. She has one heck of a memory.

  I curl my toes on the edge of the tub and sink a little lower. All I need now is some music, or maybe my Kindle, and I’d be golden. Or a hot single dad, particularly the one whose bathtub I’m currently in… I wouldn’t mind if he stripped down and joined me.

  “Knock. Knock.”

  Speak of the devil.

  “Come in.” I tilt my head back and watch the bathroom door open. Grayson has a glass of wine in his left hand and his right is covering his eyes.

  He shuffles slowly into the room, and I laugh. He looks so adorable.

  “You can open your eyes. I’m covered in bubbles. I promise you can’t see anything.”

  He lowers his hand and his eyes flare to life when h
e sees me in the tub. My body burns with an unfamiliar heat, as a strong tingle settles between my thighs. I’ve never had this strong of a reaction to a man, and it’s exhilarating.

  I rub my thighs together, hoping he can’t see the movement.

  “Is that for me?”

  Grayson looks at the glass of wine as though he forgot he was holding it.

  “Yes. You didn’t seem to like beer, so I picked this up at the grocery when I ran into town this morning. It’s a rosé. I don’t know much about wine, but the clerk says a lot of women buy it.”

  “I love rosé.” I reach for the glass, and he hands it over. “Mmmm…” I hum, taking a sip.

  I hold the glass above the water and close my eyes.

  I can feel Grayson staring at me. The thought of him catching a glimpse of my body through the bubbles causes my breathing to pick up.

  My nipples tighten, and I take a breath before opening my eyes.

  Grayson’s eyes are locked on mine. They’re hooded and a little foggy. “How’s the bath? Are you relaxed?”

  “Extremely.”

  “Good.”

  I push my toes out of the water and prop my feet up on the edge of the tub. Soap suds run down my legs, and Grayson swallows hard.

  “That’s…that’s good.”

  “The only thing that would make this better is a pillow.” And you in here with me.

  Grayson grins. He holds up a finger, disappears from the room, and comes back a minute later with a small white pillow.

  “It’s made for the tub. Lean forward just a bit.”

  Grayson squats down beside the tub and secures the pillow. “Okay, lean back. How’s that?”

  “I’m never leaving. I’m staying right here forever.”

  “Just wait—I can make it even better.”

  “Impossible.”

  He winks and presses a small button on the side of the pillow. The amazing piece of fluff begins massaging the back of my neck.

  “Oh. My. God.”

  “Pretty great, huh?”

  “I’m keeping it.”

  He laughs, still squatting down beside the tub. “It’s yours.”

  “No take-backs.” I set the wine glass on the edge of the tub and drop my hand into the water. The movement causes bubbles to splash on Grayson’s face.

  We laugh, and I reach up to wipe the suds away. A zap of electricity pulses through me when my hand touches his face.

  Did he feel that too?

  The air around us thickens, and I struggle to take a breath as I swipe a finger along his cheek.

  Grayson’s smile falls. His lips part. I blink and watch my hand glide along the side of his face and down his stubbled jaw. His skin is so warm, and we’re so close.

  So close.

  And then I realize I’m practically feeling the guy up, seconds away from pulling him into the tub with me.

  I move my hand, but Grayson catches my wrist in midair.

  17

  Grayson

  I’m going straight to hell.

  I promised Nick that Nora and I are only friends, and we are, but I want us to be so much more.

  And now I know she wants it too. Nora does very little to hide her emotions, and when she looks at me the way she is now—with a thick hunger in her eyes—I can’t ignore it.

  She has a way of making me feel like I’m so much more than just a single father. When I’m around her, I feel like I’m fourteen again and crushing on a girl for the first time.

  I want her more than I should, and I don’t have the strength to walk away. Not when she blinks those big doe eyes up at me and licks her bottom lip the way she is now.

  “What are you thinking about?” she asks.

  A million answers race through my mind, but the truth is what comes out. “How beautiful you are. And how badly I want to kiss you.”

  Her chest rises as she drags in a deep breath. Soapy water slides from her body, giving me a glimpse of the smooth, soft swells of her breasts.

  I let go of her wrist to keep from yanking her out of the tub and into my arms, but Nora has other plans. She dips her fingers into my hair and plays gently with the strands as she glides her fingers to the back of my head.

  “Do it,” she breathes.

  Two words grant me permission to do what I’ve been dreaming of the last few nights. Desire swells between my legs. Nora’s eyes are hot and commanding as she looks at me. I’ve never been stared at like this by a woman. It’s like she wants to devour me.

  In all of my years with Lorelei, she never looked at me with a quiet intensity like this.

  I move from my haunches to my knees as she lifts herself out of the water. Suds slip from her breasts, revealing tight, pink nipples. My pulse is erratic as I lower my head and brush my lips against hers.

  A woman like her could ruin a man in the best possible way. I’m not sure how I feel about that, or if I’m ready for it, but I don’t have any other choice. With one kiss, she brands me.

  “Nora,” I growl softly against her lips.

  Her eyes flutter open, peering deep into mine. They’re filled with desperation and longing, and when she parts her lips and tilts her head, I dive in.

  I sink my tongue into her mouth, push my hands into her hair, and kiss her.

  Soft, slick skin meets my palm when I drag my hand along her neck and down the front of her chest.

  “You’re so beautiful,” I say, moving my lips to her ear as my fingers glide over her nipple.

  Nora’s head falls back, giving me access to her neck. I kiss along her wet skin, relishing the taste of her. Her body is so responsive, and when I nip playfully at the base of her neck, she pushes farther out of the water and onto her knees.

  My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth as my eyes roam her naked body. She’s stunning. But it’s more than just her body. She’s funny and sweet and has the biggest heart. Her body is just icing on top of the cake.

  “Touch me, Grayson.”

  Fuck if that doesn’t get to me. I love that she’s not scared to ask for what she wants.

  I trace her jawline with my knuckles. “I am touching you.”

  Her smile is shy and vulnerable, but there’s a determined glint in her eye. When I continue to touch her face and massage the back of her neck, Nora puts her hand on top of mine and pulls it down the front of her body to her left breast. I knead the supple tissue, tweaking and pinching her nipple until she continues our descent, pushing our hands farther down her body.

  There’s a quiver to her belly as we pass over it and when our fingers dip below the water, into the crevice between her legs, I stop.

  Lowering my head, I hover my lips over hers. Her breath is coming in short little pants, and she arches toward me. I brush my lips against hers. When I pull away, she exhales.

  “I’m afraid if I touch you there, I won’t have the strength to stop.”

  “Please.” The urgency in her voice does me in. “Please, I need you to touch me.” She curls her fingers around mine and guides our hands between her legs.

  I can’t see a damn thing because that part of her body is still underwater, but I can feel everything—the soft patch of curls, the slickness between her folds, and the swollen bud that grows as I swirl my finger over it.

  “Yes,” she moans softly, staring into my eyes.

  I circle her clit again, and when I push a finger into her pussy her body clenches around me.

  “Nora.” I drop my forehead to hers as I slowly fuck her with my finger, praying I don’t come in my pants like a teenage boy when he sees a naked woman for the first time.

  “That feels so good.” Her wet breasts press against my chest. My shirt is soaked, but I don’t give a damn. All I care about right now is bringing this woman as much pleasure as I can.

  Nora rolls her hips, and they move faster and faster as I push her closer to the edge. I slide my finger out of her body, over her clit, and when I push back in, I add a second.

  She gasps, her
eyes widening as she stretches around me. She’s too tight, too sensitive, and in the back of my mind I wonder briefly if she’s a virgin, but there’s no way. She’s sexy and perfect, and it’s impossible for me to believe a woman this seductive and beautiful hasn’t been with at least one man.

  “Am I hurting you?” I whisper.

  She shakes her head and urges me on. “It feels good.”

  “How good? Tell me how it feels.” I’ve never been one to talk much during foreplay or sex, but Nora seems to like it, and it’s working, so I go with it.

  “Tight. It’s so tight,” she breathes. “I feel full and oh, yes, right there.” Her words turn to a moan, and when her body spasms around my fingers, I cover her lips with mine.

  Our tongues push and taste as she grinds her hips forward, searching for friction against my palm. I continue to stroke and tease until she sags against me.

  “That was—”

  “Daddy!” Emma yells. “Daddy!”

  Nora’s eyes widen.

  “Shit,” I hiss, rushing across the bathroom. I push the door shut just as Emma tries to open it, and quickly lock the door.

  Now my heart is beating for a completely different reason. I can’t believe I forgot to lock the door. I was so consumed with lust, it didn’t even cross my mind.

  In my defense, I didn’t plan on that happening.

  Although I’m damn glad it did.

  “Daddy?” Emma knocks softly.

  “Hey, baby,” I say through the door. “Let me finish up, and I’ll be right out.”

  “I can’t sweep. I had a bad dweam.”

  “Okay, sweetie. Go lie down, and I’ll be there in a minute.”

  I listen as the footies of Emma’s pajamas shuffle down the hall, and only then do I take a breath.

  Nora looks shocked from her spot in the tub, and I can’t help but laugh.

  “I’m so sorry,” she says.

  “I’m not.” I shake my head and stride back to her with purpose. “Watching you come apart for me was the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.”

  “Grayson, your daughter could’ve walked in on us.”

  “But she didn’t.”

  “She could’ve.”

  “It’s my fault. I should’ve locked the door.”