Every Kiss

by Tasha Ivey

Wes has gone back to the hospital the last three days to spend time with Chesley. He doesn’t tell me much about what they talk about, but I do know it makes him happy. But then again, I’m pretty happy, too. After he finally admitted his feelings for me on Saturday night, he’s a completely different person. He wanted to spend all day Sunday with me, and then when he went back to work yesterday, he called me during his lunch break and as soon as he got home. I’m more than ready to see him, even if it’s for five minutes.

  “I’m taking the afternoon off tomorrow. You can stay with me tonight and sleep in as late as you want, and when I get home, we’ll get out and do something—go shopping, get some dinner, maybe see a movie. I want to take you out.”

  Interesting. “Well, Mr. Baxter, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were taking me on a date.”

  The soft huff of his laughter comes through my phone’s speaker. “I am. If we’re going to do this, Cal, I want to do it right. Not just have you come to my place so I can get you naked.”

  Oddly enough, that’s one of the sweetest things he’s ever said to me. It shows that he really does want this relationship to work. He really does want to be with me. “Well, I’m up for anything as long as it involves being with you. But on a side note, the getting naked with you is one of my favorite parts.”

  “Mine, too,” he says, low and gravelly. “I have to ask, though, what do your parents think about you staying the night with me? Have you even told them where you were Saturday night? Hell, do they even know about me?”

  “Umm . . .”

  “Callie.”

  I’ve never had a boyfriend—oh, wow, is he really my boyfriend?—that worried about my parents’ approval before. Once I went to college, they trusted me enough to make my own decisions, and they gave me the respect of not grilling me about it either. “They haven’t asked, so I haven’t said anything. They don’t worry too much about what I do. I’m a big girl.”

  “So what you’re saying is, when I come over to pick you up later, they won’t have a damn clue who I am?”

  He sounds a little irritated about it. Hell, I haven’t even told Makenna we’re together yet because I don’t want her to freak. “Not really, no. Before you even say it, no, I’m not ashamed of you or anything. They just both work a lot, and I don’t see them all that much. It just hasn’t come up.”

  He lets out a long sigh. “Will they be there around six?”

  “I doubt it, but maybe. It’s hard to know for sure.”

  “Call them. Find out. See if you can get them home by then. Otherwise, I’ll skip the hospital tonight and wait until they get home. I don’t feel good about them not knowing.”

  “Yeah, uh, okay.” What the hell is this all about? “But why? I don’t understand.”

  “Cal,” he begins, his voice softening, “I want to make a serious effort at this. I know it’s too early to tell what our future holds, but I’m going to give it everything I have. I love you. I want to be with you. And if, down the road, we become something more, I want to have your parents’ blessing . . . their respect. That starts right now. I don’t want them thinking this is just casual sex.”

  “Seriously, Wes, they won’t think anything about it.”

  “Call them, Callie. I won’t budge on this.” And the sharp determination in his voice tells me he won’t.

  “Okay. See you at six.”

  I hang up the phone, more than a little confused. I don’t really understand the urgency behind him needing to meet my parents today, but I also know him well enough to realize that he’ll get his way, one way or another, no matter what I think about it. Knowing that he’ll be meeting my parents makes me incredibly nervous. What if they don’t like each other? I know my mom will immediately spaz because I’ve never really brought guys home to meet them. Maybe I’ll get lucky, and neither of them will be home until really late. Then we can just postpone it.

  “Hey, sweetie. Something wrong?” Mom’s phone voice is overly chipper. Something that always makes me insane.

  “No, why?”

  “You never call me while I’m at work. Did you need something?”

  “Yeah,” I draw out longer than necessary. “When will you be home tonight?”

  “Well, I just saw my last patient, so I’m about to head out the door.” Her keys jingle when she picks them up. “Want me to pick up something for dinner?”

  Shit. Shit. Shit. “Uh, well, maybe. Have you talked to dad to see if he’ll be home for dinner?”

  “I suspect he’ll be there in time. What’s going on with you? You’re being weird.”

  I rest my head in my hand, squeezing my eyes closed. “I, uh . . . yes, bring dinner home. Enough for four.”

  “Well, jeez, Callie. If you’re having Makenna over, just say so. You know we don’t care. I’ll call something in and be home soon.”

  She hangs up the phone before I can tell her she’s wrong. At least, this way, she won’t be questioning me until Wes gets here. I’ll just let it be a surprise. I open my eyes again, taking notice of my grey yoga pants. Probably not the best thing to wear when a guy comes over to meet your parents.

  I throw a glance at the clock before I walk down the hall to my room. I can be dressed and get my room straightened up in plenty of time. I’m pretty sure my band t-shirts are out of the question, so I move to the back of my closet where all of my dressy—rarely worn— clothes are. My mom has been pushing me to wear dresses for years, so she’s always buying them when she sees one I might like.

  I slide hanger after hanger down the rod, snarling at each one. Yeah, this dress thing isn’t going to happen . . . oh wait, this one isn’t too bad. It’s a simple summery dress with thin straps at the shoulders. Its delicate pattern of pale blue flowers is offset by the black leather belt at the waist along with the leather piping around the bottom, making it feminine but a little edgy. After slipping it on, I shove my feet into a pair of black flats and check myself out in the mirror. God, I look weird. Good, but weird. Wearing dresses to a formal event is one thing, but wearing a dress for no reason is another. It does fit well, though, and it also shows off my curves better than a t-shirt does.

  I sigh. Fine. I’m wearing it.

  I run a brush through my hair, spritz on a little perfume, and put on another coat of mascara. I’ve never been one to wear a lot of makeup, so I know my mom will know something is up for sure if she sees me in a dress and full makeup. I do think I need a little jewelry, though, so I dig through my little box, immediately coming across the onyx earrings and necklace that Wes got for me.

  I put them on and smile. He’ll really like this. I like this.

  I’m just finishing straightening my room when I hear the door open. After taking one last look in the mirror, knowing how much my mom is going to freak when she sees this, I head toward the sound of rustling takeout bags.

  “Hey, baby, I picked up lasagna and salad. Is that okaaaa . . . whoa. You’re wearing a dress.”

  I shrug. “Yeah, I decided to start acclimating myself to dresses and slacks since I only have a year left of wearing yoga pants and jeans to classes.” Hmm, good save. And probably not a bad idea.

  Mom pulls a bag of rolls out and drops them onto the counter, staring at me in that sickening, motherly way. “My baby girl is growing up. Next thing you know, you’ll be bringing a man over here, saying you’re in loooove.”

  I immediately start choking on absolutely nothing, which gets me a strange look of concern from my mom.

  “I know. After college. Relax . . . I’m not naming my grandchildren. Yet.”

  Oh God. I’m going to throw up now. Knowing that Wes will be here soon is making me nauseated, and my mom is only making it worse.

  “Well, to what do I owe the pleasure of coming home to find the two most gorgeous women in the world right in my kitchen?” Dad strolls into the kitchen from the garage, immediately kissing my mom on the cheek. “And you made my favorite lasagna, too.”

  Mom screws up her face,
looking at him like he’s totally lost it. “I didn’t make it. This is from Venecetti’s.”

  “I know.” Dad winks at me. “It’s as close to cooking as you usually get, so I’m giving you credit for making the trip to pick it up.”

  She slaps him with a dishtowel before he circles around the island to hug me. “You look nice, Callie Lily. What’s the occasion?”

  I haven’t heard that nickname in a while, but I love it when he calls me that. It reminds me of being a little girl. His little girl. “Oh, you know . . . just being a girl for a change.”

  “Well, as much as it pains me to say it, you’re not just a girl anymore.”

  I just almost think about blushing, but the doorbell ringing halts every thought, every movement. This is it. I’m about to introduce my parents to Wes, and I’m scared out of my ever-loving mind. I just don’t know how they’ll react.

  “Callie, what is wrong with you? Go let Makenna in, you goofy girl.” Mom puts her fists on her hips and stares at me incredulously.

  Dad grabs a roll and pops a piece in his mouth. “Oh, good. I didn’t know she was joining us. I haven’t seen her in a long time.”

  The doorbell rings again.

  “Mom . . . Dad . . .” I turn to face them. “It’s not Makenna. Please be nice, okay?”

  They look at each other, silently contemplating on whether or not they’re going to admit me into a psychiatric ward somewhere, I’m sure. Taking a deep breath, I gather my strength to cross the room toward the front door, straightening my dress before I pull the knob and step out on the front step.

  As soon as I see him, as soon as I see his gentle smile, all of my worries fade away. I know that they’ll love him as much as I do because they’ll see what I do in him. He’s the most incredible man I’ve ever known.

  “Hi, beautiful.” Wes steps forward to kiss my forehead. “Wow. You’re gorgeous.”

  My eyes drift over him from top to bottom. He’s still in his suit, but without the jacket, and he looks as ridiculously delicious as he always does. “Hi, you’re not too bad yourself.”

  “Are they here?”

  “Yes,” I whisper, leaning in enough to catch a hint of his cologne. The dark, musky scent makes my heart skip a beat or two. “But I haven’t told them yet.”

  “Damn it, Callie.” Letting out an irritated sigh, he narrows his eyes before peering past me into the cracked door. “Throwing me to the wolves, eh?”

  “Oh, kiss my ass. You’ll be fine. Let’s get this over with.” Just as I’m turning back toward the door, he grabs my elbow and pulls me back just enough to snag my lips in a fiery kiss.

  He smirks when he releases me. “God, I’ve missed that big, opinionated mouth,” he growls hungrily, reminding me of when he told me that before.

  Before I get myself in big trouble by jumping him right here on my porch, I bump the door open with my hip and step inside, grabbing Wes’ hand as I go. I drag him toward the kitchen while Mom and Dad watch in astonishment. “Mom. Dad. I want you to meet Wes . . . uh, Wesley Baxter.”

  Wes reaches out to firmly shake both of their hands while they exchange greetings. He speaks to them easily, with an unnerving amount of confidence. “Please, call me Wes. It’s nice to finally meet you both.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, too. We’re just getting ready to set the table for dinner. I hope you like lasagna.”

  He rubs a thumb just under my wrist, sending chills all the way up my arm. “That sounds great. Would you like some help?”

  Mom’s mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water. I know the feeling. “Oh, no, but thank you. Callie and I will take care of all of that, and you two guys can sit here in the living room and talk.” A.K.A. I want Callie alone, so I can dig for details and so Dad can size him up.

  I barely turn into the dining room before Mom corners me just inside the door, gripping the tops of my shoulders. “Who is this guy? Are you dating him? Why haven’t you told me?”

  “He’s Wes. I think so. And I just haven’t thought about it.”

  Both eyebrows raise over her widened eyes. “You think so?”

  “I mean, yes . . . it’s sort of a new thing, so I haven’t really put a label on it yet. It’s not something we’ve discussed.”

  “Hmm,” she says, twisting her mouth to the side. “So when you didn’t come home Saturday night . . .”

  No sense in lying about it. “I spent the night with him.”

  “So it’s serious?”

  “Yes.”

  She sighs. “You’re going to give your dad a heart attack. He’s been dreading this day since you were born. He knows you’ve dated and all that, but this is the first guy you’ve really brought home. This is big.”

  “Don’t start naming your grandchildren,” I throw in her earlier quote. “Just give him a chance. If Dad gets to know him, I think he’ll be just fine. Wes is a good man.”

  “How old of a man is he exactly?”

  “Don’t freak . . . he’s twenty-six.”

  She just stares at me blankly.

  “Just five years older, mom. He has a great job, has his own house, and he has an amazing, supportive family. You’ve met his brother, you know. Shane? Makenna’s boyfriend?”

  Her mouth falls open slightly. “I like Shane. He’s a very polite young man, but he’s not twenty-six, Callie. Please just tell me he isn’t married with kids.”

  “Uh . . . he’s divorced.” I’m not even going to broach the subject of kids because I honestly don’t know the answer. I really need to talk to him about that.

  “Callie!”

  “Mom, just get to know him. Please don’t make assumptions.”

  “Okay, fine,” she sighs, closing her eyes and shaking her head. “I’ll try.”

  She doesn’t say another word while we set the table, but the deep murmur of voices echoing from the living room is reassuring. It seems like he and my dad are getting along, at least. I even hear my dad chuckle a time or two.

  When Mom calls them into the dining room, it all becomes a little too real. Wes sits next to me, and my parents sit across from us, like we’re about to be interrogated. No, I know we’re about to get interrogated. Polite conversation begins as soon as we’re seated, and continues while we’re passing dishes around. And I just almost start to believe they’re going to behave.

  “So Callie tells me you’re divorced.” Mom casually drops the bomb and takes a bite of her salad as if she just mentioned the weather.

  Dad, of course, completely drops his fork, and it clanks against his plate.

  Wes cuts his eyes at me, but looks back at my mom directly, resting his hands in his lap before answering. “I am. About seven years now. I was young, dumb, and thought I was in love. My wife left me before our first anniversary.”

  I reach over and take his hand, but I’m surprised when he squeezes. I know what a hard subject this is for him, and it means a lot that he’s enduring it for me.

  My mom, on the other hand, is playing hard ball. “So I guess in that short of a time that means you never had children?”

  Damn it. I should’ve told her this so he wouldn’t have to talk about it.

  He shakes his head ever-so-slightly. “No, ma’am. Not exactly. My child died before birth.”

  Her hand flies to cover her mouth. “I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s okay. It was a long time ago.”

  Dad finally comes to his rescue, clearing his throat. “So, what do you do for a living? You’re out of college, I’m guessing.”

  “Yes, sir, for a little while. I’m the CFO of Fields and Lehman Analytics. We design accounting software for several different industries, many of which are international.” He takes a deep breath and blows it out. “Look, I know you’re both wary of me, and it’s only because you’re being protective of your daughter. I completely understand that. I’m an open book, and I have absolutely nothing to hide, so if there’s anything you want to know, just ask. It doesn’t matter how ridiculous. Yes,
I’m a little older than she is, but it also enables me to be more settled and know what I want out of my life; although, I didn’t really know until Callie walked into it. I own my own home and I have reliable transportation . . . both completely paid for. I don’t smoke or do drugs, but I won’t lie and say I don’t drink on occasion. I have a lot of respect for Callie, and she’s helped me through some really tough family issues lately. I’m saying all of this to let you know that I care about her, I have the ability to provide for her, and even though I’ve only known her for a few months, I love her more than any man ever could.”

  Mom raises her eyebrows. Yeah, that’ll shut her up.

  “Well, son, I guess that answers all of my questions.” Dad nods with the slightest smile. “Let’s eat.”

  SOFT LIPS PRESS to my temple, rousing me from deep sleep. “Mmmm . . .” I moan and stretch.

  “Mornin’,” Wes mumbles sleepily, reaching out to pull me into his chest.

  I peek out one eye toward the window, not even a glimmer of light is visible. “Not morning yet.”

  “You can go back to sleep in just a minute. I’m about to get up and get ready for work, but it’s going to be awful hard to leave you in my bed all warm and naked.”

  “Well,” I begin, turning to face him and throwing a leg over his hip. “You can always just not leave. Work will be there tomorrow.”

  “You’re a bad influence, you know that? I have an important meeting this morning, but I’ll be home around lunch. Then . . .” He kisses just below my earlobe. “. . . we just might have to revisit the whole naked in bed thing before we leave. Better yet, don’t shower until I get home, and I’ll join you. Two birds, one stone.”

  “Multitasking. I like it.” I also like the idea of him all hot, wet, and soapy in the shower.

  He kisses me one last time, this time full on the mouth. “Good. Be thinking about that until I get back. But for now, get some rest.”

  He rolls out of bed and pads quietly into the closet, flicking the light on and giving me a prime view of his glorious, firm body. He’s all hard lines and sinew and strength wrapped in perfectly bronze skin. And he’s with me. I may not ever understand it.