He says all these words, but he's still kissing my lips, my cheeks, my neck, and the tops of my breasts as he says them. He can't stop touching his lips to various parts of my body, and truthfully, I don't want him to. I need some answers, though.
"On the plane, you said you didn't know where you want this to go. I'm okay with no titles, or definitions of what we're doing, but are we going to be exclusive?"
"Hell, yeah. I don't want anyone else, and to be honest, the thought of someone else kissing or touching you is making me feel a little ragey right now."
"I feel the same way."
"So, second date for breakfast?"
"Yes."
He stands up, placing me on my feet, and pulling my dress back up. He looks a little sad at covering me up again, and I can't say I blame him. If he put his shirt back on right now, I might cry.
"One last kiss goodnight before my cold shower?"
"If you let me kiss you somewhere other than your mouth, you wouldn't need that shower," I remind him.
"Patience is a virtue."
"No one's ever called me virtuous."
"I like being your first."
I roll my eyes as I laugh. "Of course, you do."
"Goodnight, Grace."
"Goodnight, Keir."
Our final kiss of the evening is sweet, and almost chaste; just a soft, quick press of lips. I like this man who makes me feel valued, and special. I'm still not completely sure I should, but I do.
3
Keir
Breakfast is at another restaurant owned by the same guy, but it’s completely different. It's a French bakery theme, and as a breakfast lover, I'm pretty stoked to be here. Having to order different things on the menu does not feel at all like a job. I get a basket of pastries, fruit, Quiche Lorraine, crepes, and three kinds of breakfast potatoes. Grace settles for an omelet and toast, but I'm pretty sure I can entice her into tasting some of my food along with hers.
"You look like a kid on Christmas morning," Grace tells me, with a smile.
"This menu is gold, Gracie. Pure gold."
"Gracie, is it now?"
Oh shit. "Sorry. Is that okay?"
"Yes. Only for you, though, and not when we're in the office."
"Rest assured, I'm not going to share my special name for you with anyone."
"Men," she says, shaking her head, but she's still smiling, so I know it's not a complete insult.
"You can call me whatever you want."
"Keir isn't exactly the easiest name to derive a nickname from."
"I believe in you."
"Hmm. What did your family and friends call you?"
"My mom and dad call me Keir, and my sister calls me different variations of 'asshole' depending on how annoyed she is with me." That earns me a snicker, which reassures me she'll get along great with Ainsley, if they aren't already friends. "My friends call me Keir, K-Man, KM, or Martin."
She looks thoughtful for a moment, and then she smiles. "How about Kei?"
"Because I've unlocked your heart?"
"Keir, it is."
I can't stop myself from leaning over the table to kiss her. "Kei. Please."
"Isn't that supposed to be my line when you finally drop your pants for me?"
"I won't make you beg, unless you want me to."
"We'll see."
Our food arrives, interrupting our flirting, but this time it's not an intrusive interruption. I'm firmly on my side of the table after the short kiss, and our waitress has been prompt and professional since we walked in. If the food's as amazing as it looks and smells, this place could be a total win.
"You realize how ridiculous you look, right?" Grace asks, motioning to the food that's covering both my side of the table, and most of hers, too.
"I'm a growing man."
"Are you now?"
I stop the fork I'm holding, before it makes it to my mouth. The crepe looks good, but the woman across from me is temptation personified. "I'm trying to be honorable over here."
"And I'm trying to send you onto the path of debauchery. Sorry."
If it wasn't for the mischievous glint in her eyes, or the fact that her foot has been creeping up my leg for the last thirty seconds, I might believe she's really sorry. As it is, I'm having trouble remembering why I want to wait to ravish her. Why I shouldn't take her back to the apartment after breakfast, and work up an appetite for lunch?
My phone rings, and now I remember. "It's my boys," I explain before answering. "Hey, Connor."
I know it's him, because it's his turn to talk to me on the phone first. With two kids, it's always about being fair, and making sure they each get equal time, and equal turns.
"Hi, Daddy! Do you miss me?"
"All day, every day."
"I tackled Uncle Zack this morning. He said I did good."
"I bet you did." While Trevor likes to throw, and run, Connor likes to tackle.
"I can't wait to see you, Daddy. I love you."
"Love you too, Con."
He passes the phone to his brother, and now it's the other love of my life on the line. "Daddy, Isa came and helped me with my spelling."
Thank God Ainsley's surrounded by geniuses, since she had to work late, because while Zack is smart, he can't spell for shit. "Good. I was a little worried last night."
"Me too."
"I'm glad you'll be back tonight, even if I'll be sleeping."
"So am I. I love you, Trev."
"Love you too, Daddy."
I put my phone on the table, and look back to Grace. "Sorry about that, but I always take their calls, no matter what."
"You don't have to apologize for being a great dad."
No, I don't, but I'm not sure every woman out there would accept my sons. Honestly, I'm not sure if Grace is going to accept them, which is why I'm taking things slow. The boys and I are a package deal, and I'm really hoping she'll take that deal. If she doesn't—or I even have an inkling she can’t handle them—I’ll walk away, because I'll have no other choice.
Grace
Is it wrong that I found it sexy to hear Keir talking to his sons on the phone? Maybe, but it so totally was. The way his voice changed, and I could hear the love—it was a major turn-on. Could be because I'm so close to my parents, or just because love in any form is beautiful. Whatever the reason, I liked hearing the short exchange more than I probably should have.
"This food is spectacular, but I'm thinking there's another reason you're being so quiet."
"Just thinking."
"Is it too much for you? My boys and me?"
"What? No. The opposite, actually."
"Really?"
"I think I like you even more after hearing you talk to them on the phone."
"You should see me in person with them."
"I want to. When you're ready for that."
"It's more about them being ready, but I want it to happen."
It should scare me to know two little boys hold the keys to everything, but it doesn't. I don't know what kind of idiot walked away from Keir, but I know his sons are lucky to have him. And, so am I.
We flirt some more during breakfast, and I let him talk me into sharing some of his breakfast buffet. It's utterly ridiculous how much food he ordered, but also completely adorable. The food is great, the service is great, and I have to resist the urge to tell Miles this place is a definite buy. We still have two more places to try today, and I need to give them a chance before making my recommendations. I can choose more than one place, but I want to try them all before making my final decision.
In between the two meals, Keir surprises me with a trip to the Phoenix Zoo. It's got all the usual animals, plus a mini farm. I'll admit to having too much fun petting, and brushing, the goats. They nip at my sundress, but that's just cute, too.
"I was kinda hoping that goat would chew right through your dress," he tells me with a smirk, when I finally tear myself away from the littles.
"Scandalous."
&
nbsp; "We both know you're going to debauch me sooner rather than later."
"Play your cards right, and I might let you use your teeth to take it off after lunch."
"Alas, I have something else planned for the time between lunch, and dinner. Raincheck?"
"Raincheck, suncheck, whatever works. And yes, I know that sounds desperate, but you apparently bring out the wanton woman in me."
“I don’t remember complaining.”
No, he just keeps shutting me down, and I feel bad, because I keep pushing him anyway. It's not a good look, no matter what he says, and yet, I don’t feel any shame. I know I shouldn't push him, but I don't feel bad about wanting to find my pleasure with him.
"I need to apologize, because I feel like I'm acting like the high school quarterback, trying to get the cheerleader to put out."
He throws his head back and laughs. "I've been called a lot of things, but never a female cheerleader. FYI...I was the quarterback, Gracie, and I want into your panties as much as you want into my boxer briefs."
I groan, because did I really need him to divulge his underwear preferences? I was pretty sure he was wearing something under those jeans, but I didn't know what. I'm already trying to figure out what color they are, and just how snug he likes to wear them.
"You shouldn't have told me that."
"What?"
"You wear boxer briefs. I didn't know, and now I do," I blurt out.
"Shit. Do you want to torture me with what you wear?"
"Today? Because it varies."
His eyes light up, and he licks his lips. "Oh man, I'm going to get a surprise every time?"
"Yes."
He pulls me into his arms, and hugs me. We're in a family area of the zoo, so he just hugs me, although there's nothing just about it. Keir's arms offer a comfort like I've never known before, even from my loving parents. I feel vulnerable, and powerful at the same time, as his heart beats with mine.
"We have time for a couple more animals, if you want."
"Can we see the lemurs? The memes of them are always so cute."
"Let's go."
We hold hands as we walk to the exhibit. The lemurs are even cuter in person, and I fall in love with them at first sight. Before leaving the zoo, Keir leads me into the main store, and buys me a stuffed one, while I help him pick out gifts for the boys. It's probably my best date ever, and the day isn't even over yet.
4
Keir
Lunch is at a Japanese restaurant, and it's nothing to write home about. Both the service and the food are good, just not great. I’m not sure the guy who owns all these places should’ve decided to try every kind of cuisine there is, instead of sticking to one, but that’s not my problem.
Being with Grace makes it better than it would've been without her, and I find I'm liking her more every minute we spend together. I drive us back to the apartment after lunch, so we can change for dinner before the afternoon adventure I planned for us.
She puts on a green, off-the-shoulder minidress with a gold pattern all over it. The top curves up, so there's no cleavage, but she's still sexy, because she's her. She's let her brown hair go natural, with curls bouncing over her shoulders, and down her back. Being in the sun earlier has made the red highlights in her hair more prominent, and I can't help but smile at the image in front of me.
"I know, I know...I look like the Little Mermaid."
"Maybe just a little."
"I like green."
"I like you in green."
"You're not looking so bad yourself."
I've changed into charcoal grey pants, and a black button down. No tie, because I prefer not to wear one when I can get away with it, and the restaurant for tonight isn't quite formal enough to require it.
"Thanks. Are you ready for the next part of our date day?" I ask, leading us down to the rental car.
"Yes, because I don't know how you think you're going to outdo the goats and lemurs."
"Is that even possible?"
"Probably not."
"I'm hoping to wow you in another way."
"Maybe I shouldn't tell you this, but I'm good with wherever you want to go. I like spending time with you."
"Even without the sex?"
"Yes," she says, bowing her head.
I immediately feel like an ass, because she told me she feels like she's pressuring me, and I haven't assured her quite enough that it's really not the case. I've never been one to hold back, and in fact, before I got married, I was a pretty promiscuous guy. Then, there was Jacky. We had sex after meeting at a kegger in college. Not even a first date. So, it's not about wanting to wait for moral reasons; I just have this weird urge with Grace. I simply suck at explaining it properly to her.
I start the car, and turn to look at her. "Gracie, I have never waited with another woman. Ever. I don't know why it's so important for me to wait with you, but it just feels like it is. You being hurt, or embarrassed, because you want me, is killing me."
"I used to be shy. I didn't ask for what I wanted. At home, I did, because I was comfortable with my parents, but only there. Then, when I graduated, and got my first job, I tried. I stood up for myself, and I was shot down, and called a pushy woman."
"Whoever said that was a moron."
"It was a lot of men, for a lot of years. I let them beat me down, until one day, I decided I was tired of hiding myself, and I spoke up. Luckily, the right person heard me roar, and actually listened."
"Well, I consider myself a feminist, and I love that you're telling me what you want."
"Really?"
"Yes, and you're working for the best company you could possibly work for, because I know Miles and Matt are all about supporting women."
"Oh, I know. When I saw the job posting, I decided to take a chance on applying, but I didn't think I'd get it."
"Miles and you seem close."
"We just clicked during my interview, and his wife has become a good friend as well."
"Alex is great."
"You've met her?"
I should tell her now about Ainsley being my sister, but while she has her issues with being taken seriously as a woman, I have mine about my kid sister getting me this job. So, I tell a half-truth. "I've done some stuff with the Foundation in the past."
"The women who work there are beautiful."
"Yes, they are."
"You weren't interested in any of them?"
"Not really an option since most of them are married."
"So, yes."
"I'm not going to lie and say I was never attracted to any of them."
"Sometimes, the truth sucks, but it's better than lying."
Which I'm doing, and I know I shouldn't. I could argue, I'm just not supplying all the info, but it's lying by omission, and I know it. Not knowing who my sister is won't hurt Grace, but I need to tell her sooner, rather than later. Just not now.
"It is."
We drive the rest of the way to our destination in silence, simply enjoying each other's company. When I pull into the parking lot, Grace looks at me in surprise.
"The art museum?"
"Unless you totally hate the idea."
"I love museums."
"There's a cool exhibit I want to see with you," I tell her as I open her car door, and help her out.
"I really appreciate you thinking things out, and planning stuff for us to do. This day has been one of my best ever."
I pull her to me, and kiss her. "Mine too."
Grace
The exhibit Keir got us tickets to has a timed entry, so we have time to explore the permanent collections first. I love the fashion area, and the Impressionists, while he's engrossed in the Modern Art collection. It's fun to walk through the different rooms, holding hands and kissing.
When it's time for us to enter our exhibit, I'm completely blown away. I wasn't expecting a room full of mirrors. It's called an Infinity Room, and when the lights go off, it's like we're in space. Keir has his phone ready, and
we take selfies, and straight on photos. Smiling, kissing, cuddling...whatever we can think of to commemorate this experience.
It's over in minutes, the time flying because, yeah, we're having fun. There's a little time to go through the gift shop, and despite my protests, Keir buys me a necklace I fall in love with. I could buy it myself, and it's pricey, but he insists. Honestly, I love that he's buying it for me, even though I can't wear it tonight.
Our final restaurant on this trip is another Mexican restaurant, owned by the same guy whose other places we've been sampling. It looks identical to the one we were at last night, but the service is a thousand times better. This time, Keir slides right into the booth next to me, and we share our burritos, empanadas, nachos, and enchiladas with each other. The food here is as great as the service, putting us both in a good mood.
This place also offers a live salsa band, and we join the couples on the dance floor after dinner. It's fun, but we can't stay late, as Keir promised to be home tonight. His sister is dropping his sons at his house, and waiting there for him. It's not fair to any of them if we come back too late.
Despite all of that, we make out against my car for several minutes back at the airport in Vegas. "You need to go," I tell him, deciding to be the sane one for a moment.
"I know. Have lunch with me tomorrow?"
"As platonic co-workers, yes."
"I'm going to find a way to kiss you."
"Maybe one kiss in my office, with the door closed."
"Maybe two."
"Go see your boys."
He gives me one more lingering kiss. "Sweet dreams, Gracie."
"You too, Kei."
I don't float home on clouds of love, but I'm happy. Happier than I've been in a very long time, if I'm being honest with myself. It's almost too good to be true, but I'm living it, so I know it's real.
I call my mom when I get home, because I promised to tell her I arrived safely back in my city, because I need to talk to someone about Keir. She answers on the first ring, even though Manhattan is three hours ahead of Vegas, telling me she's waited up for my call.
"Grace, my love, how was your trip?"
Unexpected Company: #2 of Company Men Page 3