If I signed off to marry him, just on paper, I could open a new lab all to myself. I could get a different place. He didn’t tell me when this court date was, but it seemed like an urgent matter. I could see the concern for Riley in his face as he explained the situation. It was hard for me to picture her away from her dad.
I liked her, too. I really did.
I leaned back in my chair and considered my options. My lab was gone and the insurance company was taking their sweet time with my case. I knew that I wasn’t insured for the amount that Max was offering me and would have to work hard to get ahead of the game.
With just one million, I could find a new location that would better serve my needs. I could get a small staff and start working towards what I loved. I’d have to play the part of a doting wife and stepmother, but would it be that hard? I liked them both.
I blushed. If I weren’t a virgin that feared men, I might jump on the second part of the offer. Max was hotter than ever before and just the idea of being under him made me shiver.
I heard a knock at the door and jumped, falling on the floor. I was a hot mess. I stood and peered through the curtains on the side window, seeing Mrs. Hastings. I opened the door with a bright smile, leaning against the door. “Hi.”
“I went to see my sister yesterday and she sent me home with too many leftovers for me to ever eat. Would you like to come over and have an early dinner with me?” Her voice was sweet and my stomach growled since I had walked away from my delicious hamburger.
“Sure,” I told her, hoping that it was too early to run into Max and Riley. I grabbed my key and walked downstairs with her, entering the house to see several Tupperware containers on the table. “Wow. Did you guys have a party or something?”
“Just a get together. Virginia always goes overboard,” Mrs. Hastings told me as she got a plate from the cupboard. She went to work, opening everything as I licked my lips. We both made a plate before we took turns heating them up in the microwave. “Let’s sit outside.”
I wanted to protest, but it was gorgeous out. That was one thing I’d taken notice of earlier. Max and Riley might not be home until later. I hoped they wouldn’t be. We got some tea before we went out to the table on the front porch, talking about her trip and her family.
I heard a car door and a small giggle. I froze with a piece of chicken in my hand. Mrs. Hastings was already calling out to Riley, telling her to come get some food. I took a deep breath and picked up the same piece to take a bite as Riley came over and wrapped her tiny arms around my back.
If I said yes, she’d have a better chance of staying with her father. It was just a ceremony that I could reverse when the time was right. I looked up at Max as he approached, surveying the area warily as Mrs. Hastings told him about all the food. She took Riley inside and I stared at him awkwardly as he shifted on his feet. “Should I apologize?” he asked. I shrugged.
Max and Riley joined us at the table and I pushed my food around before excusing myself, saying that I had an early morning to prepare for. I took my plate upstairs and tossed it into the trash before taking another shower and dropping into my bed.
Max would know how to make me feel good. I was certain of that. I knew that he wouldn’t want to harm me. I could probably confess my past to him and he’d find a way to show me how to enjoy myself. He knew how to kiss – then and now.
If it was short enough, my family would never find out. It would be over before it really began, although he did want me to have his baby. Would Cam kill me if I made that call to him?
I was in my late twenties now, and he didn’t need to protect me. It was absurd that I was still a virgin at my age, but life had taken a toll on me. If I had normal girlfriends, they would suggest letting go and having fun, but I kept to myself. I had acquaintances in the field, but no friends that I couldn’t go without talking to. I was a self-professed workaholic.
A hot mess is what I was. I turned on the television and tried to pay attention to the sitcom playing while I got lost in my thoughts. Maybe I should find out more about this before I just turned the idea away. It could help us both. I tossed and turned all night and watched the sky lighten through my blinds as I sighed. I got up and made some coffee, tossing the idea that formed in my head last night as I sipped it.
I waited a few hours until I showered and then went to ask Mrs. Hastings where Max worked. I told her that I had a question for him and she waved her hand in the air and told me to call his cell. She jotted down the number and handed it to me before going off to the market. I sat at the table on the porch and reached for my phone in my jeans. I took a deep breath.
Me: It’s Lucinda. I was hoping to meet you for lunch today. I’d like to talk.
It took a few minutes, but Max got back to me as I was heading back up to my apartment.
Max: Lucinda? Are you sure?
Me: Yes. What works for you?
Max: How about one o’clock at the same place?
Me: I won’t walk out on you this time. See you there.
I kept the jeans and peasant shirt on as I left the apartment and got into my car. I drove into the city and parked across from the diner by a stroke of luck, walking in early. I looked around and noticed that the same table was empty. I sat down and pushed my heavy hair over my shoulder.
I had to be crazy to be there, but I wanted to look at it as an opportunity. I would also get to be married to my childhood crush in secret for a little while.
I looked up, seeing Max walk in as he looked around. He raised an eyebrow as he walked over and took the seat across from me, shaking his head. “Should I be worried that it’s the same table?”
“It just worked out that way,” I said as I tapped my finger on the table nervously.
“Why are we here?” Max asked as he looked at me. The waitress came by and I was relieved that it was a different one. I ordered the same thing as yesterday and Max glanced at me in surprise as he did the same.
“I have been thinking about your… offer,” I admitted. He looked curiously at me, leaning forward with interest and staring at me. “I don’t want Riley taken away from you, first and foremost. You two are good together. I also want my life back. We can work together to get all of that.”
“You’ll marry me?” He asked in a low voice as I held up my hand.
“I have a weird condition,” I said as I blushed. “I will do all of this as you want, but I want to wait until after we’re married to have sex. It’s silly, but it means a lot to me. I want to get to know you first.” I looked at the frustration in his eyes. “When is the court date?”
“It is in four months,” he replied as I gulped. “Yeah. This is a worst-case scenario. Blake has been pulling out new things to make the judge favor her. This was Liam’s idea. I wouldn’t think of getting married again if it weren’t for him and my meeting a woman like you.”
“A woman like me?” I asked as he smiled at me.
“You’re a good person. You don’t have an agenda and my daughter likes you. She can see it, too. I’ve been so intent on believing that a woman couldn’t be like that, so I found everyone that wasn’t. Blake scarred me when she proved who she really was.” He looked past me with pain in his eyes as I sipped my tea.
I took a bite of my burger and it was delicious. I wanted to finish it today. “Did you love her?” I asked him as he swirled a fry in ketchup.
“I loved the idea of having a family, but no. I didn’t love her. I just didn’t think she couldn’t love Riley like I did. That’s why it tears me up that she’s fighting for her when she doesn’t really want to be a mom.” He looked at me. “You told me no when I offered you money the first time. You need it and your first answer was no. Blake is willing to lie to get more of it from me.”
“So, how does this work?” I asked as he looked thoughtfully towards the window.
“We’ll get married in a couple of weeks after what we’ll tell everyone was a whirlwind relationship. Love at first sight.” A pang h
it my heart as I thought back to our first kiss. I would have married him back then, but he didn’t remember it. “You can stay over for appearances. Your stuff is next door.” He shrugged. “We need to look like we’re happy and in love. Spending time together is the only way we can achieve that.”
“Just without sex,” I reminded him. Darkness clouded his eyes.
“Not for too long,” he said as I bit into a fry and met his gaze. “We’re getting married soon.”
Chapter Eleven – Max
We made a plan over lunch before I returned to work. Was it bad that I was obsessing about Lucinda even while I looked at other women? I finished by six and went to Mom’s to pick up Riley, hugging her a little tighter today. I had hope now. Mom asked me how my day was and I looked at her as I smiled.
“I had lunch with someone today. I’ve known her for a couple of weeks, but we got together for the second time today.”
“A date? Who is she?” Mom asked as she sat down at the table with a quizzical look in her eyes.
I glanced at Riley, who was playing nearby. “She’s a neighbor. I just saw her and we got to talking. She’s cool.”
“Has Riley met her?” Mom asked as I nodded. I went on to tell her that Riley didn’t know that we were dating yet but liked her a lot. As did I. I felt guilt when my mom smiled happily at me. This was all she had wanted since I split up with Blake. I hoped that there was a chance that this did work out. Lucinda was a great woman.
I went home after dinner and noticed that nobody was outside. I took Riley home for a bath and read a few books to her before bed. I felt anxious about seeing Lucinda. Once Riley was asleep, I went to my bedroom window to see hers open but the bed empty.
I looked at my phone that was charging on the table beside my bed, grabbing it to see if she sent any messages. I had a few from patients, but I pulled up Lucinda’s information and asked her if she wanted to come over.
Lucinda: I’ll be over in a few minutes. I’m just cleaning up the kitchen.
I slipped the phone into my pocket and headed out to the living room. I had another bottle of wine in the fridge – we could sit outside and talk. I thought her condition to this arrangement was a bit absurd given the way that she kissed and got herself off in front of me. Those were bold moves and I knew that she wanted me. If we spent time together regularly, how long could she deny that? It was human nature.
I heard a knock at the door and went to get it, seeing Lucinda in a flowing pink dress. She smiled at me as I leaned down to peck her lips in the light of the porch, sucking in her breath. “Appearances,” I reminded her as she nodded, a dazed look in her eyes. I brought her inside by the hand and closed the door. Lucinda followed me as I poured her a glass of wine and invited her outside.
We walked to the table and sat down as she looked over the yard. “This is perfect for Riley.”
I nodded. Most of my friends told me to buy something in the city closer to work and the night life, but I was a father now.
“I kept this house for her. It’s quiet and we have great neighbors. It seems a lot healthier for a kid than living in Manhattan. We can go into New York if we want to, but here we have some balance.” I glanced back at the house to see if there was any sign of Riley looking for me, but she was tired tonight.
“That’s perfect. You’re a good father, Max. I think you should be able to win in court without me. You’ve provided her with so much stability.”
“Thank you. I try,” I told her with a smile. “We just want the perfect plan. If she goes to Blake, then it’s another battle.” My smile faded as I thought about life without Riley and I shook my head. “I couldn’t handle that.”
“What if you offer her some visitations?” Lucinda asked me as I sipped my wine.
“I offered that to her through her lawyer. That was when I knew that she just wanted money. If she wanted to see Riley, she would accept my terms. This is more.”
I was surprised when Lucinda covered my hand with hers. “I know that you’ve tried everything. It’s obvious. I want Riley to stay with you.”
“She likes you as well. Actually, she loves you.” I told her and she smiled.
“Do you want me around her?” Lucinda asked me. I gave her a serious look.
“She likes you and I trust you with her. Besides, they might ask her about you and it will look better if you’re here.” I squeezed her hand. “I like you being here.”
We talked about her lab for a while and what she wanted to do with that. I admired her persistence. She reminded me of a buddy’s little sister and that memory made me smile as I sat down. “What’s that for?”
“You remind me of someone. Same name, though she went by Lucy.” I looked at her as she stared at me. “I suppose you look a little like her, too, but I don’t even know where she is these days. Her brother doesn’t live here anymore.” I heard a sound at the door and looked over to see Riley tapping on the glass. I stood up and walked over to her, picking her up to bring her outside. She should be sleeping, but screw it.
“Hi,” Lucinda said as Riley reached out her arms to go to her lap. I smirked as I passed her over, seeing how natural their relationship was. Riley hugged Lucinda as she told her all about her day. She asked Lucinda to bring her back to bed and I watched the girls walk in together.
I knew that this could be dangerous, but it made Riley happy. That was my life goal. I’d deal with the consequences if things ended with Lucinda.
I brought everything inside as it got darker and set up in the living room. Lucinda came out looking sleepy and I grinned at her. “Did you fall asleep?”
“Close. Why did you give her a full-size bed?” Lucinda asked as she sat beside me and took the glass of wine that I offered her.
“Mom bought it for her as soon as she grew out of her crib. She wanted her to have plenty of room, but I can’t count the amount of times I’ve fallen asleep in there with her. I make a point of locking the door every time I close it now.” I laughed as I remembered the mornings that I woke up in her bed, pissed off that I didn’t make it to my own room.
“I can see why,” Lucinda told me as she looked at me for a moment. I gazed back at her, seeing the softness in her eyes as she licked her lips. I smiled and leaned closer to her.
“No sex. What about other stuff?” I asked softly as she smiled. ‘
“Other stuff is okay. We need to practice, right?” I claimed her mouth with those words. She pressed against me, our tongues sweeping together. We kept it to kissing, but my body ached for her as I ran my hands over her figure and felt her curves. Lucinda was gorgeous. She finally yawned and pulled away from me with a sleepy smile. “I should sleep.”
“Here?” I asked before kissing her softly. “I’ll be a good boy.”
“What about Riley? I would think you’d want to keep this away from her,” Lucinda asked as she looked at me in the dim light from the lamp.
“She’s three. I don’t think that she’ll do the math and I usually can keep it from her. You’re going to be my wife, though. You can go home before she wakes up if you’re worried about it.” I kissed her again and she moaned against my mouth.
“Okay,” Lucinda agreed as adrenaline surged through my veins. I shut the lights off and locked up the house before leading her to my bedroom where she walked over to the window. It was dim, but she shook her head. “You really could see everything.”
“It was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen,” I admitted as I reached into my dresser for a shirt. “Want a shirt to sleep in?”
“Sure,” she told me. She took it and met my eyes. She walked into the bathroom and shut the door while I closed the curtains and pulled on some boxers to sleep in. I was sitting on the bed when she came out wearing my t-shirt that fell to her thighs, laughing. “This is crazy.”
We got settled under the covers and I pulled her against me for a soft kiss. “Why the wait for sex? Is there a particular reason?”
I felt her shift beside me as she sighed.
“I guess I wanted it to be the right guy at first, and he ended up leaving. I was a teen, so I assumed that someone would come along at some point. I went out with a few and they didn’t fit the bill either. And then I met my ex.” Her tone went serious and I held her closer to me. “He was charming at first but difficult in the end. He was controlling and tried to make me do a lot of things that I didn’t want to do… Some things that worked out in his favor and others that didn’t.”
“He didn’t force you?” I asked her as she pressed her lips to my chest. It was gentle, but my heart started racing at the contact.
“No, it never got that far. I didn’t talk about the girls that he cheated on me with because I was relieved that he was mostly leaving me alone.” Her voice was sad. I slipped a hand into her hair to kiss her.
I felt her relax against me and stroked her back until she fell asleep. I wondered how extensive the other abuse in her relationships was as she breathed deeply. It surprised me that she was even here in some ways, but there was something so familiar about her.
I gave in to sleep finally, feeling like things were going to work out. I’d been so stressed about the custody issue that I was feeling like I was going to snap. Now I had the answer – or at least a little bit of hope.
We woke up and made breakfast for Riley before I went to work. It all became a habit. It got around that we were seeing each other in the neighborhood and everyone loved it. We spent time together on dates with Riley doing family activities. Dinner at Violet’s became a thing.
I surprised her with a ring a week later and proposed outside. I knew that it wasn’t real, but I liked her smile and the way she looked at the delicate diamond ring. I put it on her finger and we went to bed, moving dangerously close to making love as I pressed her to the bed. I sensed Lucinda’s growing trust in me and even some feelings as we moved apart, taking deep breaths.
This was getting harder for me.
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