My phone started to ring which pulled us apart. I wanted to ignore it, but with my baby gone, and my sister in another country, I needed to check it. Her eyes were still sparkling as she bit her puffy bottom lip. She told me to answer it. I laid another quick kiss on her before pulling my phone out of my pocket and taking a few steps away.
Desiree's name was on the screen. "Hi, Daddy. I missed you, so Mommy said I could call."
My heart sank at the sound of her voice. "Aw, baby. I miss you too. I'm glad she let you do that."
She let out a cute sigh. "I wish you could come for Christmas. Grandma’s making ham. Mommy said I could help make pumpkin pie."
"What? I miss out on ham and your homemade pumpkin pie?"
She giggled. "Mommy’s making it. I'm just helping."
I grinned like a goof. "Well, I'm sure everyone will be able to taste the love. Don't forget that part, okay? Love makes it taste the best."
"Okay, Daddy. I'll put lots of love then save you some."
My sweet girl. "Oh, baby, I’d love that. Then I'll have a piece when I pick you up after New Year's, okay?"
She sighed again. "Okay." I heard Desiree's voice in the background. I didn't want our phone call to end so quick. "Mommy said she needs to use the phone. I love you."
"Love you too, sweetie. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay, Daddy. Bye."
After staring at my phone for a second, I turned back to Emilia who looked horrified. "What?"
Her arms crossed as her eyes narrowed. "You told me you don't have a girlfriend.”
I blinked, not enjoying her newfound possessiveness. "I don't. That was my daughter."
Her eyes widened. "A daughter? You have a daughter. Wow. How old’s your daughter?"
Not any of her business, but I answered anyway. "Six."
"Oh, my god." She looked away from me and ran her fingers through her hair, obviously freaking the fuck out. "Oh, my god. You have a child." I didn't say anything. Her eyes found mine again, they weren't sparkling anymore. "We should get back."
She stepped off, leading the way back from where we came. I still didn't say anything, unsure of what I could say. She had no right to be angry with me over my personal shit, but I was still the selfish one here. Children would freak out any woman, no matter their age. It wasn't surprising Emilia would react this way. I just wished I cared a little less about it.
She was too young. I shouldn't like her. We shouldn't have had sex. I shouldn't have kissed her in the woods. She was legal, but she was still a kid, and it was starting to set in how wrong and dirty this whole thing was.
She flipped back around as we reached the edge of the complex, causing me to almost collide right into her. Determination flashed in her eyes as she huffed out a sigh. "Sorry. I don't mind that you have a daughter. I was just surprised."
My lips formed a thin-lipped smile, preparing to reject this beautiful young woman. "Don't worry about it. I needed to remind myself anyway of your-"
"Don't say it."
I did anyway. "Age. I have to keep your age in mind." Her eyebrows came together as hurt and shock stretched across her face. I felt like shit. "It's actually very irresponsible of me to start something with you. Selfish, really."
She full-on frowned. "So… you're like breaking up with me or what?"
My smirk was a bit condescending. "I wouldn't call it `breaking up' since it wasn't really anything in the first place."
That obviously offended her. Sighing, I ran my fingers through my hair, avoiding looking directly at her. "You have doubts, and I have doubts, so it's better to leave us as neighbors, and nothing more."
Her arms crossed over her chest as she thought for a moment. Her thoughtful face was so cute. The way her lips somewhat frowned, and the way her eyes looked up and to the right. I needed to stay away. This was the best decision for both of us. "Neighbors is fine," she finally said.
The breath I didn't realize I was holding released. "Good. Thanks. It's just… with my daughter… it could become complicated."
She put her hand up to silence me. "I get it, Stephen. No further explanation necessary." She took a few steps back before turning around again.
We didn't say anything as we waited for the elevator. We didn’t say anything when we parted at my floor. I couldn't help but miss her once the elevator doors closed behind me.
Chapter Nine
Emilia
Ending it before it ever really began was for the best. My attraction to Stephen was inappropriate and only grew as we got to know each other. Not only was he the sexy man from my dreams, but he now seemed dependable, sweet, and caring. The way he comforted me through all my insecurities was the stuff of my dreams. The way he talked to his daughter on the phone brought chills up my spine because now I liked him ten times more.
I knew I shouldn't. I'm only eighteen. I’m still a kid in most people's eyes. There was no way I could ever meet his kid and have her see me as some sort of respectable adult. I was hardly an adult at all. She'd see right through that then judge her father who does nothing but love her. I couldn't put any of us through that.
Also, who said I had to? So we had sex once then made out in the woods. Big deal. Whatever. There was no way we were ever gonna be more. I could go ahead and stop beating myself up over it. You know, maturity and all that.
That was one thing I didn't like about Stephen: how young he actually made me feel. Before, my age had never bothered me. I'd always thought I was smart, independent, and mature. Being with him made me realize I wasn't. I was still a kid playing grownup. My inexperience with life, sex, and relationships would have gotten in the way.
Not that I'm saying we would have been like boyfriend and girlfriend or anything, but whatever was happening between us still would have been some form of a relationship. It was best to leave it in the woods.
Why did I feel I empty, though? I may have crushed on him from afar for years, but I didn't know him at all. I shouldn't have slept with him in the first place. It's just his eyes were so goddamn mesmerizing, and his lips were so goddamn tempting. His flustered look burned into my memory. When he asked me all those sexy questions, I almost lost it. Almost melted right there in his living room. I needed to stop thinking about it, or I was gonna go crazy.
"Sure are quiet tonight." Dad finally noticed over our dinner at Flannigan’s.
Mom was busy with some special event in North Miami where she'd be gone until late. Dad thought this might be a great chance to spend some quality time together. We hadn't had a night to ourselves in a long time.
So we were out and about with a screen close enough to never miss a moment of the Texans game. My dad made sure of it when he asked the hostess to place us in this area of the restaurant. We were together, yet I still felt ignored as I messed with my napkin, avoiding his eyes. "Just tired."
He barely glanced at me when he took a buffalo wing from the basket between us. "Oh? Staying up late?"
If he took the time to actually look at me, he'd notice something was different, but he didn't. I took a wing for myself. "Yeah, something like that."
He finally looked up at me then beamed. "You're such a sweet girl. You know that, right?"
I rolled my eyes. "Right. I mean, if my dad says it, then it must be true."
He gave me that 'Quit it' look. "No. You are. Most girls your age wouldn't watch a sick cat for their downstairs neighbor, especially during their vacation from school. Girls your age are out partying or hanging with boys or something." Your age, your age, your age. Each time he said it kept ringing in my ears, reminding me of Stephen. "You're a good girl. We raised you right."
Guilt crept over me. "Thanks, Dad." I wasn't a good girl at all. I was 'hanging with boys' when I should have been watching Jasper. I was slutting around the building with older men. Okay, only one man, but I still felt guilty about it. My dad would flip out if he knew. He already vowed to beat up Tony for cheating on me mo
nths ago. I couldn't deal with him finding out.
Dad's eyes narrowed at mine. He knew something was wrong. As he opened his mouth to say something, his phone buzzed on the table. He glanced down, and I recognized the number. Work. He gave me an apologetic glance. He picked it up and scooted out of the booth, leaving me there alone to stare at my half-eaten burger. I had to stop moping around. I needed the holidays to end and fast.
❣❣❣
Christmas morning was same as usual. The only part missing was Tony, and my family didn't skip a beat in mentioning him a million times. Tony, Tony, Tony. I expected they'd notice. We were together for four years, but I wished my family would keep their opinions to themselves.
"You two were so right for each other," were my grandma's exact words. She went on to elaborate how stupid it was to throw a relationship away over a simple hiccup. Horrific stories of all the shit my grandpa had put her through started pouring out of her mouth. I didn't want to hear it.
I didn't even respond. I pretended I didn't hear her and rushed into the kitchen.
Mom and Amy stood near the stove, giggling like children. An empty wine bottle next to another half-empty wine bottle explained their giddiness.
Normally, my mother hated Christmas. She hated presents, buying or receiving. She hated my grandparents. Sometimes it even felt like she hated me. The only person she loved to be around during the holidays was Amy. She was the family drunk, and Mom found it acceptable to get trashed with her if it was a holiday. Fucking hypocrite.
Christmas lunch was over, presents opened, and my dad disappeared for an afternoon nap. Nothing left for me here. I needed to get out and away. I needed to see Stephen. Stupid, right? I couldn't get him out of my head over the last few days. I felt guilty knowing he was two floors down, lonely as hell.
I stood behind my mother, anxious to find some excuse she'd find reasonable to leave. I know, I'm an adult and should be able to leave when I wanted, right? Wrong. "Mom?"
She and Amy stopped whispering abruptly. She spun around and looked at me with her glazed-over eyes. Trashed. "Yes, honey?"
Clearing my throat, I tried to rid my voice of any shakiness. I didn't lie to my parents often, so I needed to sound convincing. "Mrs. Petterman has a neighbor who won't be spending Christmas with his family this year. I wanted to bring him a plate since I'm sure he's hungry and lonely right now." Okay, so I didn't lie exactly, but stretching the truth was a borderline crime against my mother.
I waited for her to notice something odd about my behavior, but she didn't. She couldn't have cared less. "Sure, baby. Whatever you need to do. Don't forget to check on the animals too, okay?"
I nodded, a little taken aback by her mention of animals without a grimace. "Yes, ma'am."
Unsure of what Stephen actually liked to eat, I grabbed a paper plate and loaded it with a little bit of everything before wrapping it up. Mom pinched and kissed my cheeks, telling me how sweet of a girl I was before I wiggled away and out the door.
I wasn't sweet or innocent or a little girl anymore. I was a woman desperate for the sexy man downstairs who had no interest in her as more than neighbors. I knew it. I could admit it to myself. Didn’t mean it changed how bad I wanted to be near him again.
My heart was pounding once the elevator doors opened on his floor. Breathing was all I could hear as I walked down the hallway and stopped in front of his door. My hands shook as I reached up and knocked.
He had to have the day off, right? It was Christmas. I didn't know for sure. I just really wanted to see his handsome face. I wanted him to be home. I’d hand over the food. He'd say 'thanks' and give me one of those that charming smiles of his. Then I could go back upstairs. Nothing inappropriate about it at all. Nope. Super casual and friendly.
The light through the peephole darkened. My heart sped up. He was home. The peephole lightened again as he unlocked the door and swung it open. His hair was all messy like he had just gotten out of bed. His soft eyes were droopy as he yawned before speaking. "What are you doing here?"
His eyes fell to the plate as I offered it forward. "I thought you'd like some home cooked Christmas food. My dad’s like the best at making ham."
He had that stupidly stunning smile. It haunted my dreams. He was incredibly handsome, completely out of my league. "Why do you have to be so sweet?" he asked, surprising me. He opened his door all the way and stepped out as he took the plate from my hands. "You have no idea how much this means to me. I'm bored out of my mind."
I gestured to the plate. "And hungry, I'm guessing."
His head tilted as his lips stayed turned up. "And hungry. Thank you, Emilia. Really." He looked down at the food before looking to me again. "Well, I guess I'll release you back to your family."
There it was. He made it easy for me to turn around, and go back upstairs. Our neighborly interaction was over. I could say `Alright, see you later,' and go back upstairs. I'd have to listen to my aunt and mother giggle. My grandparents would continue to ask a million unwanted questions. I didn't want to go back upstairs. I wanted to be back in Stephen's arms. I wanted to kiss him. What was wrong with me?
I finally shook my head. "I'm actually thirsty. Can I have a glass of water?" Alright, I knew the excuse was lame, but it was something, something to get us alone in his house again.
He blinked, thrown off by my self-invitation. "Uh, sure. Come in." He stepped back, allowing me to walk inside then closed the door behind us. I caught a whiff of his sexy manly scene as he walked by me and straight to the kitchen.
Charlie came up and greeted me. I petted him and scratched his ears before following behind Stephen. He placed the plate on the counter and reached up to a cabinet to grab a glass.
I watched as he poured water from a pitcher into my glass then handed it over. I mumbled a 'thanks' before taking a sip. He watched me carefully, and I watched him, our eye contact never breaking. I pulled the glass away and licked my lips before placing it on the counter. I needed to fill the silence. "Why aren't you with your parents?"
His brow furrowed. "They're dead."
My body jolted as my voice came out rushed. So embarrassing. "Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't know."
His face softened as his lips turned into a light smile. "Don't be sorry. It happened a long time ago." His arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against the counter. "Why aren't you with your parents?"
A devious smirk appeared as I quickly looked away. "Okay, you caught me. My mom and aunt got trashed, my dad's taking a nap, and my grandparents keep asking about my ex-boyfriend."
He nodded as he took in the information. His eyes darkened a bit as he stepped closer, hovering over me in that way I was starting to really like. "So you'd rather be two floors down with your thirty-six-year-old lonely neighbor?"
My breath caught as I searched his eyes. They were so goddamn mesmerizing. God took his time when he made Stephen. "Something like that."
He chuckled then bit his lip, still staring in my eyes. "Stop looking at me like that."
"Like what?"
He licked his lips. "Like you want me to kiss you."
"I don't."
"Then stop looking at me like that."
"Okay, maybe I do want you to kiss me."
"You shouldn't."
"I know." Glancing at his lips, I bit my own. When my eyes found his again, they hooded. "You're giving me the same look," I joked, my voice coming out soft, almost a whisper.
A small smile tugged at his lips. "Only cause you did it first."
I liked him. Too much. I wanted whatever adult thing this could be. "Do you want to kiss me?"
"Only if you want me to kiss you."
"I already told you I did."
He chuckled again. "Okay, then maybe I'm nervous about it."
I snorted. Totally unattractive, but him being nervous over me? "Why would you be nervous?"
His face grew serious as he took another step closer. "Because once I start,
I don't think I'll be able to stop."
I thought over his answer, searching his beautiful eyes. I came down here with the hopes of seeing him again, but that wasn't enough. I wanted to be more than neighbors. I stepped forward, wrapping my arms around his neck, praying my hands would stop shaking. "I wouldn't want you to stop."
His arms wrapped around my back, holding me close. We continued to stare at each other. We both had this stupid grin on our faces as Stephen swayed us back and forth in this really romantic way I hadn’t expected. I closed my eyes and stood on my toes to push my lips against his. He stopped swaying and parted his mouth, letting me glide my tongue in. He held me closer, my toes barely touching the floor, and hungrily rubbed his tongue against mine.
One of my hands slid down his body, and I stopped at his hardness. My palm was firm as I rubbed against his shaft, making him moan against my lips before he pulled his mouth away. I bit my lip as my eyes fluttered open to look into his captivating ones. He seemed concerned as he asked, "Are you sure?"
My body pushed against his as I kept rubbing. "Yes. I want you." My other hand gripped around the collar of his shirt. I tried to sound confident as I said, "I need you."
Chapter Ten
Stephen
How could I say no to the beautiful woman in my arms? The way she looked up at me with her sexy hooded eyes. The way she was grinding her body up against my thigh, her soft hand grazing my hard cock. She drove me crazy, and she knew it. Days without seeing each other didn’t dim the spark between us at all. If anything, it was more charged than before.
I knew better. She's upset, or bored, and she came down here searching for a distraction. I was lonely, and also super bored, and wanting a distraction myself. And that was it. She was an adult. I was an adult. This was how adults acted when they couldn't stop thinking about each other. When they couldn’t keep their hands to themselves.
No Expectations Page 6