Reed actually looked relieved when I said that. “If this all goes down as we just discussed then we’ll focus more on you after his fight. You’d be working your arse off during his prep. Then you’ll still have about four weeks of really solid training after that. The eight weeks before with Xander will get you really fit and sharp. The last four weeks we’ll really up the intensity.”
I groaned inwardly thinking about it. Why was I even considering this?
Surely I had to be nuts. On top of that I hadn’t even factored in Arianne. My life was suddenly full of a lot more complications and all of them were of my choosing.
Chapter 8
Arianne
Just as Dane predicted the weather turned ordinary around lunchtime on Saturday. He said he’d be over later when he called in briefly this morning to make sure we were okay. I’d tried to tell him we were fine and he didn’t need to do that¸ but he said he’d rather know for himself, that was the case.
Now, I was in a bit of a flap.
Before he’d been just Dane, a really nice guy that had sort of appointed himself as our protector and saviour. Now the scene had shifted and he’d mentioned the “D” word.
Truth was, I’d never really dated anyone. More like I happened to kind of merge with Marcel because of our families’ long association. I didn’t call it friendship because I wasn’t actually convinced that was the case.
My early memories were quite different to what Marcel and his family insisted had happened. As with many things, on that point we begged to differ.
The house was tidy and I’d taken a shower and dressed in fresh jeans and a T-shirt that hugged my body. It wasn’t over the top but it made me feel a little more feminine and flirty.
And this was the problem I had warring in my head.
I didn’t know whether dating or seeing Dane was a good idea.
Sure, I didn’t want to be alone for the rest of my life. By the same token I didn’t want to put Isaac through any further stress that relationships often caused. Plus, as much as I tried to rationalise it, there was the other elephant in the room.
The one starting with V.
I was going to try. I really was.
The comments from Mark about Dane had really been the tipping point. He’s obviously known him for a long time and thought he was trustworthy and solid. Surely personal recommendations didn’t come much better or safer than those from a police officer? Ahhh, it was so confusing!
“Mum, I’ve finished all my homework and I’ve finished my reading project. Can I have my iPad? I want to build a new island in Minecraft to put my dinosaurs on, so I can show Dane when he gets here.”
“Okay, you know where it is. Isaac please try not to be too full on with Dane, okay. I know you love dinosaurs and he seems to as well, but sometimes you take love to obsession and no one else gets a chance to say anything. Okay?”
“Sure mum, but I really want to make sure that I have all the dinosaurs in the island so I can point them out to him in the movie. He might not know all the names and I do.” I took a deep breath.
“Isaac, that’s exactly what I’m talking about. That would be taking things too far. When people are watching movies the polite thing to do is watch in silence so that everyone can hear what’s happening without being interrupted. Do you understand what I’m saying?” As exasperating as it was, at times I had to try. It was the only way.
A frown crossed his face and I could tell he wasn’t happy about it. Isaac was all about the detail. “Well, at least try for me please, Isaac?” I asked him, or was it just short of pleading with him? At times, it was often difficult for me to tell the difference.
He took off to his bedroom in search of his iPad. More often than not, it was only when he disagreed with me that he was actually quiet.
I did a last sweep around the house before I decided it was as good as it was going to get. Then I sat down to flick through the latest happenings in the world via Facebook. My newsfeed was populated far more with posts from pages I liked than friends.
Dane’s knock at the door came just as I was searching for his profile. It surprised me that I hadn’t thought to look for it before. I put the iPad aside and moved to open the door. Right from that day in the car park I knew he was handsome but today, just looking at him almost took my breath away.
Had something changed in my outlook that caused him to have this additional impact on me, or was he just looking particularly handsome today?
“Hey, Ari,” he said as I opened the door for him to come in. Since all this rubbish with Marcel I’d been much more particular about making sure all the doors were securely locked at all times. I would put nothing past my ex-husband. He was the sort that would do anything to get what he wanted. Right or wrong be damned.
He moved through and dropped an unexpected kiss to my cheek. “You look gorgeous. I love that T-shirt. The colour looks great on you.”
I felt the heat rising to my cheeks. What he’d said with words, was perfectly respectable but what he said with his eyes was a whole different matter.
No two ways about it, that look he gave me had a far more significant affect on my traitorous hormones than just a few simple words. “Thank you,” was all I managed to mumble in response.
That was when I noticed he had a couple of bags in his hand. My attention had been too glued to his face, broad shoulders and chest up until then.
“What have you got there?” I motioned at his hand.
“I stopped by the mall for a junk food run. Just some munchies. A movie marathon wouldn’t be complete without a major stash of munchies.” It certainly looked like he had the bases covered, judging by the extent of the bags.
Then he presented me with a bunch of very cheerful sunflowers. “I saw these as well and I immediately thought about you and smiled, so I figured they were meant for you.”
My heart beat faster and a little piece melted. Yellow I could do. “Oh Dane, that’s very sweet and thoughtful of you. You didn’t need to do that.”
“No I didn’t, but I wanted to.” There was an intensity in his gaze that I hadn’t seen before. He was a man who knew what he wanted and seemed intent on going after it.
I felt more heat rise to my cheeks and pool in other places less mentionable. “I like seeing that blush in your cheeks, Ari. Puts all sorts of wicked ideas in my head.”
I didn’t quite know what to say to that. Fortunately, Isaac chose that moment to come bursting down the hallway. “Dane. Dane. You’re here,” he said and threw himself at Dane. I’d never seen Isaac respond to anyone like this before. There was none of the shy or awkwardness that normally categorised every new meeting.
Dane seemed cued in to Isaac and easily scooped him up, before depositing him back on his feet. “Whoa there, little mate. I get the feeling you’re pleased to see me. Ready for some dinosaurs?” He didn’t miss a beat or appear the least bit awkward with Isaac.
What’s more I could tell it was genuine enthusiasm and not for my benefit. There were no sideways glances to see if I was looking or giving feedback. His attention was on my son, and Isaac was lapping it up. His little elfin face was aglow with happiness.
“Yay! Let’s start watching Jurassic Park right now. We need to close the blinds so there’s no reflection on the screen.” He raced to the front windows. “Mum, can you close the blinds over there? We need it really dark.” Excitement was coming off him in waves and I couldn’t help but grin.
Dane looped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me into his side. It was unexpected, affectionate and somehow it felt as if I’d stepped into a happy family meme after what I’d just witnessed.
“I think he’s excited about watching these movies. We’d better get them going. Want to throw some popcorn in the microwave?”
Before I could even answer Dane, Isaac was jumping up and down. “Yay, popcorn. I love popcorn.”
“Isaac, that’s enough of that. How about you get the first movie sorted out while I get the popcorn
?” I suggested before Isaac’s exuberance got completely over the top.
A few minutes later we were all perched in front of the television. A quality TV was something I had splurged on. I often felt guilty about it, but sometimes I just needed a little time out and I knew I could always keep Isaac entertained with one of about half a dozen movies he was excited to watch anytime. It was my emergency kit, when I just needed a little time out from his intensity.
Isaac lounged on a giant bean bag that had a velour T-Rex cover, right in front of the TV. I’d managed to get the cover online last year as a stocking stuffer for Christmas.
Personally, I thought it was ghastly, but he loved it, and that was all that mattered. Dane and I sat on the sectional sofa I loved because it kind of cuddled your body when you sat in it.
The movie started and Isaac was a study in constant motion. He remained on the beanbag although his little body wriggled and tensed as he stayed glued to the action on the screen. From time to time he couldn’t resist giving us a secondary commentary of the action. He did mostly stop talking when I reminded him that he needed to be quiet and watch the movie.
After the third time I’d reminded, him I looked across at Dane expecting him to be annoyed by the constant disruptions. “I’m so sorry,” I whispered.
He chuckled quietly and scooted across the space that was between us until his thigh was running down the side of mine. My body immediately started to tingle from the feel of him. He smelt so good, when he leant in close and whispered in my ear. “Stop worrying. He’s just being a kid that’s really into something. I’ve seen it more times than I can remember anyway. It’s no big deal.”
My heart had started to race and my skin felt like it had suddenly been super sensitised. Following his example, I leant in and whispered in his ear, “He just gets so excited and engrossed in the movie. He doesn’t know when to shut off. It’s all part of the deal with Asperger’s.”
“I told you before don’t worry; it’s not a problem for me.” Then he reached for my hand and laced his fingers through mine, before resting our joined hands on his rock hard thigh. “Besides, it might actually work to my advantage. If he’s busy watching the movie then he won’t notice that I’m holding your hand.”
My mind raced. How did I feel about that? I wasn’t a prude. But I wasn’t sure how to play this.
“Relax, if he says anything, I’ll just say you got scared and grabbed my hand. Everyone knows, girls get scared when there’s ferocious dinosaurs involved,” he whispered into my neck. His breath tickled my skin and all I could think about was how hot he was making me feel.
“Why do I get the feeling you’ve had a little practice at this?” The background music from the movie was loud and I had to turn my mouth directly over his ear for him to have any chance of hearing.
He turned to me. “I might have seduced a few girls on the sofa before but never a woman like you, Ari. There’s a whole other set of rules where you’re concerned and I think I’m going to enjoy learning exactly what they are.” This time he pressed his lips to my ear in a kiss and flicked his tongue across my ear lobe before he pulled back and turned his attention to the movie once again.
I hadn’t been this turned on in years and we were basically sitting here innocently watching a movie. He hadn’t done more than hold my hand or whisper in my ear.
Hell, he hadn’t even said anything suggestive.
What would happen if he got serious?
We watched the remainder of the movie in silence, except for the frequent outbursts from Isaac. When that one was finished, Isaac took a quick bathroom break and cued up the next one. A little way into it he wanted more popcorn. I got up to go and get some. As I was taking it out of the microwave, Dane came up behind me and pressed his body up against mine. His arms came around me and pulled me back tight against him, as he leant his chin on my shoulder.
“What are you doing, Dane?” I asked nervously in a hushed whisper.
“Pushing my luck.”
I couldn’t help but giggle. There were no apologies or hesitation. He just stepped up, staking his claim and it was so sexy.
“And exactly how lucky were you hoping to get?”
“Well that’s a loaded question to ask a man, Miss,” he said pushing his hips tight to my back ensuring there was no way I could miss his arousal. “You’ve been slowly driving me mad on the lounge. But I’d be happy with a kiss to start with.”
My tummy was fluttering and my feminine centre tightened at his words. The microwave dinged and I opened the door and pulled out the packet and placed it on the bench. As I turned to get the bowl he used that opportunity to turn my body in his arms and pin me against the bench.
“What’s your answer, Ari? Can I have that kiss now?” His hazel eyes, were more green at the moment with desire and his voice had a huskier edge to it’s depth.
I didn’t answer. My voice on the other hand, wasn’t feeling like it was much up to working. Instead I turned my face up to him.
Dane did the rest.
His lips met mine and lightly pressed against them. The first thing that registered was how soft and velvety they felt. Then he started to nibble on my bottom lip and slip his tongue along teasing me to give him more access.
He broke away.
“Open your mouth for me, Miss”, he whispered against my lips, before he claimed my mouth again. I didn’t protest. I was fast realising there was no sensible where Dane was concerned.
My arms wrapped around his body tightly and I kneaded my hands over the hard muscles of his shoulders. His tongue slipped into my mouth and I sighed into him at the sensation. It was as if that was enough to release the tensions that had been holding me for too long. I was giving him all of my troubles, my fears and what I realised now, my hopes.
One of his arms was wrapped around me holding me tight to him. The other hand was cradling the back of my head and belatedly, I realised I was wriggling against him as if trying to get closer. His lips broke from mine and he kissed a trail across my cheek towards my ear.
“Mum, Dane where are you? We’re just about at the good bit,” Isaac called from the family room.
I jumped back, reminded of reality.
“Just a second Isaac, my man. We’re just getting your popcorn sorted and a drink for you.” Dane didn’t miss a beat. I was flustered and felt like a teenager that had been sprung. Not him. He just carried on as if nothing happened, filled the bowl with popcorn and grabbed some cans of soft drink from the fridge.
“You right, Miss?” he said as he gave me that smile which I was now calling his meltdown in my head. The corners of those luscious lips turned up, his eyes danced and his left eyebrow rose up as if in humour or was it suggestion? Not that it mattered. The combination was lethal to my female heart and panties.
Finally, I managed to move over to him and head to the family room. “What’s with the “Miss”?” I asked him quietly over my shoulder. He didn’t answer. Instead he deposited the popcorn in front of Isaac and passed him a can of soft-drink.
“There you go, man.”
“Thanks, Dane,” Isaac said with a grin.
“You’re welcome, mate.”
Dane came over and sat down beside me, leaving no gap between us. Just like before he took my hand and laced his fingers with mine before laying our hands over his thigh. A few seconds later he turned his face into my ear and whispered. “I’ve always had a thing for the teacher. You’re now front and centre in all my sexy teacher fantasies. Did I pass kissing 101, Miss?” He didn’t give me time to reply, instead he snuck a kiss to my throat.
I was a hard marker and I thought over our stolen kiss. I couldn’t think of anything I’d change or have him do differently given the situation.
That had to be a ten then didn’t it?
The look on his face told me he knew how good I thought it had been.
Dane
“What was your favourite dinosaur, Dane?” Isaac asked excitedly as we walked back to m
y truck after watching Jurassic World on the Vmax screen. He was bouncing along beside me excitedly.
“I think I like the Velociraptors mate.”
“Really?” It wasn’t hard to pick the surprise in his voice. “I would have thought you’d love the T-Rex like me.”
“Well I like the Mosasaurus,” Arianne offered. “She saved the day.”
“Mum, everyone knows the T-Rex is the top of the food chain.”
“Well, that wasn’t the case today buddy.” She ruffled her hand through his hair.
“How come you don’t do that to Dane?” I watched her mouth fall open and I couldn’t resist.
“Yeah, Ari how come you don’t do that to me?” I added playfully.
“Because I can’t reach that high.” She looked satisfied with her answer, until I leant down to takeaway that as an excuse.
“Go on Mum, do it,” Isaac encouraged.
Next thing I know her palm was ruffling up my hair. I loved having my scalp massaged and stroked. It was something left over from my childhood. She pulled her hand away, but not before I let out a groan of pleasure.
“Well, don’t stop at that!” I protested.
A smile danced along her lips, the ones that I was so desperately looking forward to kissing again very soon. “Something tells me you’d be happy for me to do that all day.”
I winked at her. “I wouldn’t be complaining.” That gave her something to think about as I got them into my truck and headed back to Arianne’s place.
“Who wants ice-cream?” I asked as we headed off.
“Me!” squealed Isaac. His shrill voice in the enclosed space caused both Ari and I to wince.
“Right, I can organise that. What about you, Miss?”
“Well I shouldn’t, but I will.” I chuckled at that. “Yeah I won’t say no to a chocolate either.” I’d be sure to keep that in mind.
Twenty minutes later we all had ice creams and were sitting in the park not far from Arianne’s. It had a really great kids adventure type playground in it. I figured Isaac might want to have a go on some of the climbing equipment. There was a really big pyramid that looked like a lot of fun for a kid his age.
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