Single Dad’s Mistake

by Destiny, Sam

  I wrapped her in my arms as I kissed my way up her neck and nibbled on her earlobe. “Bedroom, I assume? Unless you prefer the kitchen. Or the living room. Any place really. Just pick…fast.”

  She swallowed audibly. “Because you have to go?”

  I pulled back to look into her eyes. “Because I have to get you naked and kiss every inch of you, maybe leave a love bite or two so no one doubts I’m your fiancé.”

  “Fake,” she corrected, her voice quiet. I was certain she was going to turn me down, but finally kicked off her heels and took my hand, leading me upstairs. Maybe I should’ve been more curious about the way to her bedroom, but all I could focus on was the naked skin of her back.

  “Are you wearing a bra?” Why hadn’t that thought struck me before?

  She opened a door, then glanced back at me, a smirk on her lips. “Haven’t all night, kind sir.”

  I followed her into the room, closed the door, then stepped toward her, brushing my fingertips across her back until they vanished inside her dress, sliding across her chest. I cupped her breasts, reveling in her surprised gasp. Her nipples were hard peaks, and I twirled them between my fingers while kissing her neck, biting and nipping until I felt her tremble against me.

  “If you plan on driving me crazy by standing behind me, fully dressed, you’re doing good, but it’s totally not satisfying any of the needs I currently have,” she rushed out, her voice low. I chuckled against her skin, rubbing my nose along her neck. She smelled like caramel and coffee, a tempting mix that made me want to take a bite.

  “What do you need, Sar? Tell me.”

  “I need to take that suit off you, to unbutton your shirt and run my fingers across your chest. Let me undress you, Knox, because I’ve wanted to do that since you walked in tonight.”

  Her tone was pleading, and as much as I wanted to keep my hands on her skin, I couldn’t deny her that wish. Stepping back, my hands suddenly feeling empty, I watched her turn.

  “Stay where you are,” she ordered, and I nudged off my shoes as she walked around the room, lighting candles before flicking off the light switch by the door, bathing us in a warm and pleasant glow.

  I watched her lick her lips as she walked closer. I brushed my hand across her cheek, stealing a kiss while she pushed the tuxedo jacket, which she’d given back before we’d gotten into the car, off my shoulders.

  She loosened my tie and pulled back, dragging it off my neck. I swallowed around the need making my throat dry. Her movements were unhurried, different than mine had been, and I loved the way she took the time to appreciate me.

  The satin dropped to the floor next to her feet, then she started opening the buttons of my shirt. One by one, they slipped free. Damn, I couldn’t remember ever having felt so turned on by a woman undressing me.

  Each time her skin brushed against mine, my heart skipped a beat. “I might come in my pants if you keep that up,” I threatened in a strained voice, but she just giggled.

  “Perfection can’t be rushed. Now hush. I’m almost at the good part.”

  I shook my head as her gaze swept across my chest. She pulled the shirt out of my pants and made that drop from my shoulders, as well. I smirked when it got caught around my wrists because she had forgotten to undo the button on the cuffs. She blushed.

  “I’m a great seductress,” she muttered, freeing me of the material. I raised each hand and framed her face. I needed to kiss her, needed to taste her—needed to be gentle with her like she was with me.

  “You’re the best,” I assured her, then felt her fumble with the button of my pants, her fingertips brushing against a part of me that was just too eager for her touch. “Need help?” I asked, then realized she did it on purpose.

  Sarah already had the pants unbuttoned, but clearly enjoyed the way I twitched each time she brushed up against me.

  “Oh, this is… I… Knox…”

  I grinned. “Yes?”

  She cleared her throat. “You forgot your underwear.”

  I nodded against her shoulder, licking my way up her neck while drawing her dress over her head.

  It fell to the floor in a cloud of soft satin, and I stepped back to look at her.

  “God, you’re beautiful, Sarah. So much. I… Jesus.” I lifted her, and she wrapped her legs around me while I claimed her lips. I needed her on her back, needed to kneel above her so I could run my hands across her skin.

  I placed her on the bed and knelt at the edge of it, watching her. Her chest lifted with trembling breaths, yet I knew I had to take a moment or this would be over before it even started.

  * * *

  SARAH

  Turning off the light had been a bad idea. Although there were candles, Knox’s face lay mostly in shadows. I wanted to see what he was thinking, be able to look into his eyes and see what I was doing right or wrong.

  He was handsome, his chest sculpted. The tattoos I’d gotten glimpses of before were tribals demanding to be followed with fingertips—or lips. His six-pack was a row of plains and shadows, and I wanted to lick each and every single one. When I reached out for him, he grasped my hands and held them on the pillow on either side of my head.

  “Gimme a fucking second, Sarah,” he whispered. I started to worry.

  Did he need a moment because he had someone somewhere after all? Was he trying to talk himself out of this? If someone had a reason to not go through with this, it was me. He’d been honest about not being here in the morning, yet here I was…naked.

  “O-Okay,” I muttered. He rested his forehead against my chest, chuckling.

  “Please tell me you’re not currently worrying that I’m going to walk out right now,” he ordered.

  “I’m…not.” He bit my nipple gently, causing my back to buck off the mattress. Damn, I wanted more of that, and I wanted it now.

  “You’re the worst liar ever, Sarah. No wonder you work for the police instead of the crime bosses,” he explained, slipping off the bed to take off his pants.

  His dress pants hit the floor, his erection bobbing in front of him, making my mouth water. Damn, I wished he’d allow me up because I wanted to lick up his length, then suck it in until he was writhing, begging for me to either stop or finish what I started—but sadly, he’d caught my hands next to my head again, immobilizing me.

  I wanted him weak and a panting mess, not me, but that didn’t happen.

  When he released me to start licking and kissing my skin, I ran my hands through his hair. I hoped he wouldn’t realize how out of practice I was.

  Fuck, I couldn’t believe I was in bed with a guy more handsome than any I’d ever seen, yet was overthinking every little detail. I tried to focus on the way his lips teased my skin.

  He suddenly shifted, sighing. “You’re totally stiff, Sarah. God, what do I need to do to make you realize I’m right here with you because there’s no one else I want as much as I want you?”

  I sat up, wanting to pull a robe over me, anything to cover my nakedness, but he drew me back onto the bed, wrapping his strong arms around me.

  “Talk to me, Sar.” I couldn’t believe he’d given me a nickname, and each time he repeated it, my heart sped up more. “Please, just let me take the worries from you.”

  I hesitated, then decided on honesty. “I might as well be a virgin for how long it has been since…” I waited with baited breath for him to laugh, but he kissed my neck, humming in appreciation.

  “Good. I don’t like sharing, and I love knowing that the amazingness that is you is almost pure for me. It’s all mine.”

  Lines… We were blurring the lines. Then again, did we have any left?

  You’re both grown up, Sarah. Just enjoy the moment. Then let him walk out and hope that one day, he’s ready for you the way you wish he would be right now.

  Turning my head enough to meet his lips, I blindly reached for the nightstand, pulled open the drawer, and took out the small foil pack Mitch had insisted on leaving with me.

  I shifted, pus
hing him onto his back and straddling his lap, turning the kiss from sweet to heated. I knew the slower we went, the higher the chances of me losing my nerve.

  He groaned into my mouth, his arms drawing me closer. His straining erection rubbed against my core, causing me to moan. “I think we’ve had enough foreplay, Sar. Put the condom on and let me be inside you. Please,” he stated, his voice rough with need.

  I nodded, ripping open the packet and sliding on the condom. The way we were positioned, I was indeed going to ride him just like I’d promised earlier.

  When I slid down on him, he moaned. “Shit, you’re tight,” he muttered as I bit his shoulder, pleasure making my body hum in the best way possible. He was big, stretching me, teasing me, hitting all the right spots. He placed his hands on my hips as I slowly started to move.

  “God, Knox…” I had no idea what I had wanted to say, but with each movement, each thrust, I lost all ability to speak. I grasped his shoulders as he held my gaze, moaning when I started moving faster, chasing a high I couldn’t remember ever having reached.

  “Yes, Sar. Take all you need. You can have it all from me,” he whispered.

  I threw my head back as a tingling started at the base of my spine. My nails dug into his shoulders and I cried out, sparks igniting behind my closed eyelids.

  Breathless, I came apart, my heart ready to jump out of my chest. I didn’t know what it was about him, but everything seemed so much more intense.

  He leaned up and bit my shoulder, muffling his moans as he pulsed inside of me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, holding him tightly while circling my hips to help him ride out his orgasm.

  Once we had both calmed, I lay next to him. He kissed me softly, making me wish he didn’t have to leave.

  “Wow,” he whispered. I chuckled softly.

  “Yeah, that’s what I think.” As much as I didn’t want to move, I felt the need to use the bathroom. “There’s another bathroom downstairs, if you…” I didn’t finish, not knowing why I didn’t offer the en-suite.

  He kissed the side of my head. “Okay.” Knox padded out of the room, naked. For a second, I got lost in the sight of his amazing ass when I remembered he didn’t know which door.

  “Right under the stairs.”

  I heard his chuckle as he walked down the stairs. I dashed into the bathroom, turning on the light. I did my business, then washed my hands, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My cheeks were flushed and my eyes alight, but even after everything we’d done, I was still missing one important thing.

  My smile.

  * * *

  KNOX

  I splashed water on my face before walking into the kitchen to get myself a glass of water, then made my way back upstairs.

  I stood in the hallway, all doors closed, and tried to remember how far we’d gone when coming up here. Unfortunately, I’d been too focused on her. I opened the first door to my right—and froze. The shadows already told me all I needed to know, but I still turned on the light next to the door.

  A nursery, and one that looked like it was regularly cleaned.

  I remembered her having lost a child, but I didn’t think she’d had another one. I would’ve heard that, right?

  “Knox?”

  Sarah’s tone was guarded as I turned. She had put on a bra and panties, making me wish I’d worn boxers.

  “It’s a nursery.”

  She snorted. “Aren’t you a bright one?” She crossed her arms over her chest defensively.

  Seeing light coming from her room, I walked through the next door, grabbing my pants from the floor. “Yes, but…” There was no easy way to say this, and I definitely didn’t want to upset her.

  Jesus, I should’ve known she’d been too perfect. Beautiful. Kind. Smart. Brave—and definitely not quite right in the head.

  “But?” Her voice changed, her face going passive.

  “You don’t have a child, Sarah. I mean… I remember what the crows said. I’m sorry.” I reached out, wanting to cup her cheek, but she stepped back, angry tears in her eyes. “You need to let go. It’s been years.” I didn’t know how many, didn’t want to ask in case she’d mentioned it before, but I’d heard enough about her to know it hadn’t been recent.

  “Wow.”

  Oh boy, I know that tone.

  Sarah bent and started to gather the rest of my clothes.

  Yes, I knew what that meant, too, but couldn’t she see I cared about her?

  “I think it’s good you made it very clear where we stand. It’s probably best if we’re just neighbors who see each other on the street every now and then. It’s time for you to go, Knoxley. As it is, you don’t know me or anything about me.” A tear slipped down her cheek, but her voice didn’t waver.

  I ignored the way she called me Knoxley.

  “Kicking me out doesn’t change a thing, Sar,” I whispered softly. God, I’d planned on holding her until she fell asleep at least, but it looked like it wasn’t going to happen.

  “I’m not kicking you out. You wanted to leave after this was over anyway.”

  I walked down the stairs before turning back to her. She forced my jacket, my dress shirt, and my shoes into my hands.

  “You need help, Sarah. A psychologist or—”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Now I am kicking you out. Get out, and don’t think about coming back. I don’t need a judgmental asshole in my life.”

  Maybe I should’ve given her a chance to explain, but as I watched the tears stream down her face, I knew it was too late. She needed time to cool off, and I needed an idea of how to make this better again, possibly get her the help I was sure she required.

  “I just—”

  She pushed my chest, making me stumble. I caught myself before I fell. Damn, she was strong when she was angry. “If you say that you only want my best, I’m gonna kick you where it really hurts.”

  She brushed her hair back from her shoulders, exposing a love bite. I wanted to caress my thumb across the small patch of red skin on her shoulder. God, I actually wanted to draw her close and hold her tightly.

  “Sarah…” The words caught in my throat as she closed her eyes and more tears clung to her lashes before falling down her cheeks.

  “I thought you were different. That first time I saw you, I thought there was something special about you, about your smile…about your hopelessness. It doesn’t matter now. Just go.” She wiped at her cheeks.

  Despite everything, I stepped forward, pressing a kiss to her forehead. She didn’t fight me, didn’t react. I let myself out, dressing on her porch before sitting on the steps.

  The moon shone brightly, illuminating my surroundings in a silver glow. I listened to the silence of the neighborhood, realizing I could hear Sarah sobbing. Sighing, I stood and walked toward my car, looking up to where I expected her bedroom window to be. I saw her shadow sitting there, but the way she’d drawn up her knees, her hand in her hair, I saw the pain I’d caused her.

  What I could also see was how much I’d come to care in such a short time, but I knew that when I’d walked up to her door today.

  Hell, I’d known it the night Callum had challenged me about her. Sarah had touched me, my life, and my heart when she’d shown up with pizza and that beautiful smile.

  There was something true about love at first sight. It could happen. It had happened to me. However, that shouldn’t keep you from getting to know a person, wanting to know their secrets—hurting when it didn’t turn out to be the way you expected.

  Then again, maybe expectations were exactly what caused problems.

  This wasn’t about her, though. This was about me, about what I’d expected myself to do when around her.

  I’d not only disappointed her tonight, but myself. I’d judged her, just like I’d judged most of my clients as a lawyer. Granted, they had confessed to a crime, but I’d either been right and solved the problem or wrong and still solved it.

  This time, though, I didn’t think I’d get a chance to sol
ve anything.

  SARAH

  Four days had passed since I’d last seen Knox. I shouldn’t be hurting so much over a guy I barely knew. In fact, I also shouldn’t have been upset by him assuming I had a problem instead of letting me explain why I still had a nursery.

  A nursery I used quite a bit, but that clearly didn’t matter to him.

  “All units, there’s trouble down by the skatepark. Some kid was seen with a spray can, wearing a hoodie, hood up, blue skateboard in his hand.”

  Working nights in a town like Eden was boring most of the time. Teenagers causing mischief were usually the biggest of my problems.

  I grabbed the radio. “Burke here. I’m nearby. I’ll check it out,” I answered, not bothering with my badge number. Technically, I knew we should, but…

  “Thanks, Burke.”

  “No problem, Denise.”

  I started my cruiser, pulling into the skatepark minutes later, surprised to find it empty.

  It was strange. Most of the time, there were teenagers around, sometimes even younger kids, who played obnoxious hip-hop music and insulted people walking by, but tonight, there was one lonely skater sitting there. From what I saw, he wasn’t doing anything except shaking the paint can.

  The moment he spotted the cruiser, he got to his feet and walked over to a wall were his backpack lay. Even before getting out, I knew who it was.

  I grabbed the walkie and told Denise I’d be taking the offender home, then I got out of the car, walking over to where Callum stood in front of a spotless wall.

  “Hey, Lanky. What are you doing here?” I asked, glad he wasn’t in real trouble. However, it was close to midnight, and I doubted Knox knew where his son was.

  “Weird lady,” he replied, a smirk in his voice. I couldn’t see his face, since it was still covered with a hood, so I reached out and tugged the material back until I could see his blue eyes, so much like his father’s. I was surprised to see him smiling. He was already as tall as I was, and I knew he’d end up towering over his father.