She caressed his shoulder. “Todd and I tried for another. It didn’t work out, but I studied the monthly cycle. We’re okay.”
That was a relief, but he still didn’t want to take that chance again. “Have I told you that you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on?”
Her cheeks flushed.
“I love the way we are together.” Neil brushed her hair behind her shoulder.
“I’m happy too,” she said.
“Good. I want you to be. I want to give you everything.”
She stared at him with need. “Is this real?”
“Yes, it is.”
She lightly pressed her lips to his then pulled back and stared at him. “I’m scared.”
He knew exactly what she was talking about. “I am too, but maybe that’s a good thing.”
Krista’s gorgeous smile formed, the one that gave him that butterfly feeling. “Let’s eat, I’m starving.”
“Do you promise to stay naked?”
She laughed. “What if your secretary comes back?”
“She won’t be back for a while.”
“It’s a deal, but let’s get your shirt off of you first.”
Krista climbed into her car two hours later. A grin plastered on her face and she wasn’t sure she could ever get it off. Things were definitely looking to be on the bright side with Neil. This was happening.
A few weeks ago she didn’t even know him; now he dominated her life. She expected him to want to play with her a bit and then toss her to the side. But the way he looked at her and spoke to her, it was like he wanted the same thing as her. Love.
Oh yeah, she was in this deep. Love was entering this equation. Sure, she was lusting him majorly. Never in her life did she think she’d show up to a man’s job with no panties and bra on and seduce him at lunch. But she had and loved it.
Then again, the only man she’d ever really been with was Todd, and he hadn’t loved her. They’d married for EJ. They did their best to make it work and tried to fall in love. She’d achieved the feelings more than he had. And before long, sex was non-existent. He’d told her he didn’t see her that way.
They tried the marriage thing a little longer, but they had needs they couldn’t find in one another and Todd thought it was best to part ways. The way Neil made her feel—she’d never gotten that with Todd.
Which was another reason she didn’t understand why Todd suddenly found her so desirable. Her being with someone else, did it cause some sort of reaction in him? Jealousy maybe? There was no way he could just begin loving her after all this time.
She sighed. It was too much to think about. She started the car so it would begin to cool down and then dug through her purse. She found her phone and turned it off vibrate. She had a next text message from Todd.
Call me as soon as you can.
That had been forty-five minutes ago.
She called him back. “Hey, Todd.”
“Where are you?” he demanded.
She did not like this side of him. For the most part, he was a friendly guy, but when he was mad, he was irrational. “I just had lunch.”
“I know. I called the house to talk to EJ and Jamie was there. I assume you were with your boyfriend.”
“Is that a problem?”
He huffed. “When do I get to meet him? I told you I wanted to.”
“And what, I can’t see him until you do? You’re being ridiculous.”
“You better not be bringing EJ around him.”
She’d had enough. “I’m not. I know you want to meet him, and fine. You will. I’ll introduce EJ to Neil when I’m damn ready to, got it? Now butt the fuck out of my life. You don’t get a say so in who I date and when I date them, got it?”
“Whatever. Let’s see how you feel when I start flaunting women in your face.”
She was about to argue back but what was the point. Todd wanted to ruin her mood and he’d almost succeeded. “I hope you do find someone. We both deserve love and happiness. I’ll be in touch soon about this meeting. Neil’s going out of town for a few days on business, so perhaps when he gets back.”
She ended the call, not caring what else he had to say. He wasn’t going to control her.
Tossing the phone into her purse, she pulled out of the parking lot and headed home.
Chapter Ten
Neil placed a kiss on Krista’s cheek. “There’s nothing to worry about.”
She stared up into his kind eyes. With him by her side, she almost believed it, but she was still scared about the lunch. “Do you think we should’ve gone out though? Here things could get heated.”
“Why would they?”
She’d been seeing a side of Todd she’d never experienced before. Having him in her home might not be a good idea. “I never know about Todd. At least in public he wouldn’t want to embarrass himself.”
Neil chuckled and brushed a strand of hair from her face. “You’re overreacting. From what you’ve told me about him, he never deserved you. He did right by you for EJ and that’s all.” He stepped closer. “I intend to step in now and show you what it feels like to be cherished.”
Krista’s heart sped up, only this time not about the lunch. “You’ve got to stop making me swoon. I’m barely holding on to the edge of not falling completely for you.”
He kissed right below her ear. “I’ve already fallen.”
Did that mean? Did he…?
“I love it when I silence you.” Neil grinned. “Now, what can I do to help?”
Krista glanced around. “Everything is ready. I didn’t want to go all out because I have no idea how long this will last. Luckily, Jamie isn’t only taking EJ to lunch, but a movie as well. So we have plenty of time.”
“Maybe this will get over quickly on good terms and you and I can have some time together. I missed you while I was away on my trip.”
She loved hearing that he missed her. “We talked every day.”
He gave her a playful look. “Yes, but I didn’t get to kiss you.”
She moistened her lips. “You can kiss me now.”
Neil pulled her to him. “I plan to.”
Their lips met slowly. Krista could feel her body already revving up and ready to go. A simple kiss from this man kept her on the verge of release. Maybe they had time for a quick romp, right there on the kitchen table.
Before her thoughts could take her any further, the doorbell rang.
“He’s got awful timing,” she whispered as she stepped away from Neil.
Taking Neil’s hand, she led him through the house to the front door. Was she ready for this?
Krista opened the door and Todd stood there with a bouquet of flowers in hand. She pushed the glass door open and Todd stepped in.
The two men looked each other up and down and Krista realized she was supposed to be the one talking.
“Todd, this is Neil, the man I’m seeing. Neil, this is Todd, EJ’s father.”
They shook hands, but neither spoke to the other.
It was time to get this show on the road. “Lunch is in the kitchen. Grilled chicken wraps and homemade potato wedges. Hope that’s okay.”
“Sounds perfect. I always liked your wedges,” Todd said and handed her the flowers. They were yellow and white daisy’s. Her favorite.
In the kitchen, she set the flowers down on the counter. “I’ll get those in a vase in a bit.”
“I can help. Are the vases still in the same place?” Todd asked.
Krista nodded. She had a feeling Todd was trying to show Neil that this had once been his home and she’d been his woman. But as Neil had reminded her, Todd had never wanted to spoil her the way Neil did. If she’d let him, she was sure the sky would be the limit when it came to his money.
She set the food on the table, grabbed a pitcher of sweet tea, and then set it on the table as well. She stood by her chair and waited on both of the men. Neil walked over and rubbed her lower back.
“You’re doing great.”
“Thanks.”
Todd came over and they all sat down. Once everyone had food on their plates, she wondered where this would go. This was new territory for all of them, so how to approach this?
“I’d like to start, if that’s okay.” Neil took a sip of his drink. “I want you to know, Todd, that I understand I’m not EJ’s father and I’m not coming in here looking to take your place. Krista has expressed wanting me to wait to meet her son and I respect that.”
Todd sipped the tea before he spoke. “I appreciate that. Neither of us have yet to introduce EJ to someone we’ve been seeing, so I’m not sure how it will affect him.”
Neil nodded and picked up a wedge. “Understandable. I don’t want her to feel pressured. In fact, I’d prefer if she waited until she knew for sure about her and me. I don’t plan on going anywhere. I hope in the future that you and I can possibly team up together with EJ.”
Todd set his wrap down. “I don’t know about teaming up. I’m his father and I think I can handle that role without any help.”
“Todd.” Krista gave him a stern look.
“It’s fine,” Neil said, not seeming upset at all.
“In the event you actually stick around, I get that you’ll be in my son’s life. But I don’t give my permission for you to be any more than a friend to him.” Todd turned his attention to Krista. “You’d feel the same way if I had a woman in my life.”
She nodded, because really, what could she say? She’d not been in the position that Todd was currently sitting in. So she couldn’t say how she’d feel or react. “This is new, for all of us. I think it’s best we take this one day at a time.”
“Do you not have any children?” Todd asked.
“No.” Neil picked up his glass for a drink.
“Can I ask why?”
Krista tasted blood in her mouth and realized she’d bitten her tongue as she waited on Neil to answer.
He set the cup back down. “Kids haven’t come into my life equation yet.”
Todd laughed. “I’m guessing you’re in your forties. Have you even been in a serious relationship?”
“One.”
Krista took a sip of her drink. She really should’ve served wine…or maybe tequila.
Todd leaned back in his chair and stared at Neil. “So all these years, you’ve just been doing what?”
“Running a successful business.”
“And having a different woman in your bed whenever you want.” Amusement laced Todd’s tone.
“Todd. His personal life isn’t up for review,” Krista snapped, having enough of her ex’s questioning.
He shook his head with irritation. “It should be if he’s going to be around my son.”
“Krista, it’s okay. I don’t mind answering his questions. And yes, Todd, I haven’t been looking for a relationship. In fact, I never planned on falling in love again. I was hurt badly years ago and vowed I would never give my heart to a woman again.” He reached under the table and took Krista’s hand. “But then I met Krista and that changed. She doesn’t even know the extent of my feelings for her. She isn’t a fling. She isn’t someone I’m just having fun with. She’s my future.”
Oh. My. God.
“I can’t change my past.” Neil picked up a potato wedge with his free hand.
Krista waited on Todd to say something, but he was silent. She wasn’t even sure what to say after what Neil had just said. But she was pretty sure he’d just confessed his love for her. Neil loved her. He loved her! How the hell had she gotten a man like Neil Clark to fall for her?
“I wish you two the best,” Todd finally said as he pushed his chair back. “I’m sorry to eat and run, but I’ve got to get back to work.”
“If you’ll excuse me a moment,” she said to Neil as she stood, then followed Todd out of the kitchen.
Todd stopped at the front door and turned to her. “This is real then, huh? There really won’t be you and I again. You’re moving on.”
A sadness to tell Todd no formed, but at the same time she was filled with joy to know Neil loved her. “I think so. I didn’t see this coming and it’s happened so fast.”
“As weird as it is to say this, I’m happy for you.” He grinned.
“Thank you.”
Todd raked his hands through his hair. “I just hope everything he said in there was the truth.”
So did she, because of what Neil had said at lunch, she’d now fallen off the edge and was head over heels in love with the man.
“We’ll talk soon.” Todd turned and left.
Krista took a deep breath and went back into the kitchen where she found Neil typing away on his cell phone. She stood there watching him. He was a handsome man. And even though he was years older than her, and she never thought she’d find love in an older man, she couldn’t be happier.
Neil was kind, loving, a good listener, and very understanding. On top of that, he had an excellent body to look at it. She was happy that she’d taken this chance on a man that was from out of her world. A man who could give her any kind of life that she might want.
“Did you mean everything you said?” she asked, needing to make sure he hadn’t said those things out of jealousy.
He gazed at her, his expression full of longing. “I did. I love you, Krista.”
Her eyes moistened. “I…I love you too.”
“Then get your sweet ass over here and kiss me.”
It didn’t take her long. She sauntered over, climbed up in his lap, and kissed the man who had fallen in love with her.
“So this weekend?” Jamie asked, plopping down on the couch next to Krista.
“Yup. He’s got tickets to the baseball game. It seems like the perfect way for EJ to meet him. No pressure and they can kinda just get to know one another.” Krista sighed, already nervous for this to happen. “Is it too soon? Am I making a mistake?”
Her friend tightened her blonde ponytail. “If you’re ready, then go for it. Obviously the man loves you and isn’t going anywhere. Things are moving fast, but sometimes that’s just how it happens.”
Krista nodded. Fast. That was for sure. “I need to see EJ and Neil together before this goes further. I don’t necessarily have to tell EJ that I’m seeing Neil. But what if it’s really awkward or EJ hates him?”
Jamie laughed. “Don’t over think. Jeez, here I thought you were getting past that when you got involved with Neil.”
Not over think it, ha! How was the even possible? “I don’t think I’ll ever stop, but at least I’m living a little, right?”
“I guess. What’s Neil up to tonight?”
She smiled, thinking about him calling her earlier, nervous about asking for a guys night. “It’s poker night at The Gentlemans’ Club and he asked if I was all right with him going.”
“You are?” Jamie raised an eyebrow.
As best as she could be. “I’m not crazy about the idea, but I also don’t want him to change his life for me. It’s an adjustment for us both to be in a relationship. Besides, it’s a poker game and I trust him.”
“Want me to go keep an eye on him? I could look for my own man at the same time.”
Yes, please. Wait, did that mean she didn’t trust him? “No. Stay away from there tonight.”
“If I must.” Jamie groaned. “I’m never going to meet a man of my own.”
“Stop trying so hard. After all, I wasn’t looking and I found one.”
Neil grabbed his brandy from the bar and glanced around for the table Ian had told him to sit at. Several of his friends were there and they planned to have a good time playing poker.
He spotted Keith and went his way.
“Hey, man.” Keith stood and put his hand out to shake it.
“Good to see you. It’s been awhile. How’s life?” Neil shook his hand and took a seat.
“Great. Enjoying a night out. Work has been hell.”
“I hear ya. But in the end it’s always worth it.” Neil took a sip of his beverage
. “Hopefully this is a good game. Time for a little fun.”
“Oh yeah, and the women. Man, they are hot tonight.”
Two hands slammed down on Neil’s shoulders. “This man is spoken for.”
Neil chuckled as Ian released him.
“You’ve been wrangled in?” Keith asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.
With pride, he said, “I have.”
“Next round of drinks are on the house,” Ian called out. “My man here is spoken for. A love connection found right here at my club. Let’s celebrate!”
An hour and several drinks later, Neil had won a few rounds of poker and couldn’t wipe the grin off his face. He didn’t usually drink more than one, maybe two drinks when he went out, but since this was a celebration, he’d gone a little overboard and now was feeling the effects.
“Can I get you another?” the waitress asked.
“No, no. I’m good. Real good.”
Keith laughed. “I think we’re all real good right about now. Between you and Ian buying rounds, we’re all toasted.”
Neil agreed. The mood in the club tonight was happy. A few poker games were still going on, but for the most part everyone was mingling. Ian had said several times that they needed more nights like this one. It was much more laid back. The alcohol helped.
“I think I’ve lost enough money tonight. Think I’ll start looking for a lady.” Keith got up. “Congrats, man. Perhaps I’ll be next to celebrate.”
Neil smiled and wondered what kind of celebration they’d have if he actually married Krista. Things were moving in that direction. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, but the marriage part was slightly scary.
He couldn’t wait for this weekend when he got to meet her son. If this went well, he knew they were on their way to a happy life. As much as he hated to admit it, he was nervous about the kid. Neil was an only child, and didn’t have much experience to date with kids. EJ was older, so maybe it wouldn’t be too hard.
“I hate to hear you’re taken. I never even got a chance with you.” Beth plopped down in the seat next to him. “We could change that. She never has to know. My lips are zipped—well, only for telling, otherwise my mouth is wide open.”
What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 9) Page 59