by Becca Siller
“Great idea, I don’t know what’s scarier, the movie or the sounds Skylar is making.” He chuckles, following me into my room. When I turn to shut the door I see Scott and Darius staring at me quizzically. I glare at them. Do they honestly think I would jump into bed with Ian? I shut the door, leaning against it in irritation.
I see Ian standing by my vanity table eyeing the boxes sitting there. “I got them for Wyatt before we…” I trail off, unable to say the words out loud. “You can look at them if you want.”
Ian picks up the box with the necklace in it first, then the watch. His eyes go wide, looking at me with surprise. “This is a really expensive watch,” he sounds astonished.
“Like I said it was supposed to be a birthday gift. I had them engraved so I can’t return them or give them to anyone else. Riley is going to Scotland at the end of next week. I might send them with her,” I explain.
He nods, then places them back on the table. “Are you going to Scotland with her?” I can hear the apprehension in his voice.
“I don’t think so,” I reply, looking down at my feet. Ian walks over to me, lifts my chin and kisses me tenderly. I start to kiss him back but can feel my insides tighten with guilt. We slowly move to the bed. He lies next to me but only places his hand on my stomach. The kisses are gentle and slow. When I was on the fence with Wyatt that first night, he took what he wanted. He demanded it with the passion he showed. Wyatt kisses me with abandoned ardor. Ian seems to be holding back.
“Is this ok?” he asks, kissing my jaw and neck.
“Uh-huh,” I mumble through my tightened lips.
Ian stops and looks down at me. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, it’s fine.” I wrap my fingers around his neck, pulling him back down for a harder kiss. His body stiffens against me so I pull back, not wanting to do something he doesn’t like.
“Charlie, I can’t kiss you like that,” he rasps, sitting up quickly. He puts his head in his hands, breathing deeply for long moments. “I want you too much when you kiss me like that. I can’t go that far with you just yet. I just want to be sure that I don’t rush you.”
I sit up and run my hand up the back of his shirt, caressing his warm skin. He straightens and I see his jaw tighten on a rough moan. “I won’t break if you kiss me a little harder. I’ll stop you before it goes farther than I’m comfortable with. Now kiss me, Ian.” I don’t know why I’m pushing this. It isn’t something I really want.
He turns, pressing me into the mattress, and kisses me hard like he did the other night. I can feel my blood heating so I encourage him. I stop him before we take any clothes off. For at least an hour we make out like we’re teenagers again. His hands wander under my shirt to cup the underside of my breasts. His thigh rubs between my legs deliciously. I feel terrible because he’s turned on and I‘m sending him home like that. He grimaces when he stands, his jeans rubbing against his straining erection. He pushes his palm down on it hard for a moment. I cover my mouth but not before my giggle escapes.
“You think this is funny?” he says with playful eyes.
I shake my head violently but my laughter escapes. “I’m sorry, Ian. I didn’t mean to get you…well, you know.”
He groans, “Let’s not talk about what you did to get me like this or it will never go away.”
I look up at him innocently. He chuckles, then leans down to kiss me swiftly. “I hope there are no naked bodies in the living room.”
I jump up as he starts to open the door. I peek out, “It’s all clear. Is Olivia going with you?” I whisper as we walk quietly through the house. A loud shout comes from Skylar’s room.
“I’m guessing not. What time do you want me here tomorrow?” he asks, looking around the living room. Deputy pushes past us to go flop onto my bed.
“Anytime really, I get up pretty early. Maybe like tenish…” I say as we walk to the front door. Ian stops on the front porch, turning to face me.
“Tonight was great, Charlie.” He wraps his hands around my waist, lifting me up to him as he kisses me thoroughly. I’m breathless when he lets me go. I walk back through the house in a daze. Slightly aroused, guilty and really confused, I burrow under my blankets for what I hope is a deep sleep.
Riley
Blood-curdling screams and Deputy barking wake me. I fall to the floor before I can get my feet underneath me. Scrambling, I run for the door. Charlie is having another nightmare, a bad one from the sounds of it. Scott and Darius are fumbling with clothes when I run past their door. I open Charlie’s door to find her on her floor, her back arched and her mouth open in a silent scream. My heart breaks at the sight. “Charlie!” I shout loudly and slide on the floor next to her. She’s soaked with sweat, and tears are streaming down her cheeks; she looks so tormented. “Charlie! Wake up!” I shout louder, tears tightening my throat.
“Riley, don’t get too close,” Darius pulls me back as Scott scoops Charlie up, holding her struggling body against him.
As Scott murmurs nonsense in her ear, she slowly calms, then snaps awake. She sees our expressions and sags. “I’m sorry, guys.” Her anguished face makes me go to her.
“Listen, this isn’t your fault. You have no control over your nightmares.” She nods sluggishly, standing to shaky legs. I follow her into the bathroom. “I’ve got it from here, guys.” Scott and Darius turn, running into Skylar.
“You’re a little late, man,” Darius says, patting Skylar on the shoulder.
“I’m sorry, Leelee, do you need anything?” Skylar asks, looking guilty for being the last in the room. Normally, one of us stays with her at night but with company coming over there wasn’t anyone with her.
“I’m ok, I just need a shower.” Charlie starts to strip off her pajamas and climbs into the hot spray. The hot water beats against her skin, washing the terror of the night away.
While she finishes I go into the kitchen to make us two big cups of decaffeinated white chocolate mocha. I’m putting the whipped cream on when she sits in the chair at the bar top. “I’m really sorry I woke you up, Riley. I hate when I interrupt your sleep. You need it more than any of us,” Charlie says, looking at her knotted fingers.
“I’m fine, I know you feel guilty but it really isn’t a problem. It’s already almost seven anyway.” I set her cup of coffee in front of her.
“I was dreaming of when he cut my chest, I told him I loved Wyatt and he laid my chest open with a huge knife for it. I was so sure then, I would never want another man inside my body. I was positive Wyatt was going to be my forever. Last night I found myself wanting Ian almost desperately. I don’t even know what makes me hesitate.”
“Maybe because you aren’t sure that it’s really over between you and Wyatt?” I query softly. Part of me wants to urge Charlie and Wyatt back together, but at the same time Ian has been so good to her these last few days. Ian can protect her and would never leave her. Wyatt fucks other girls when he gets pissed. But the love that Charlie and Wyatt have is what poets and novelists write about. That timeless, endless love goes beyond wanting each other to needing each other. Charlie sighs, laying her head on the counter. She looks so defeated. I pat her hand softly, hoping to infuse her with reassurance. I don’t know what to do for her or how she’ll ever stop feeling guilty for enjoying herself and living her life. I think it has more to do with her and less to do with her and Wyatt.
Riley
Within an hour the house is in an uproar. Darius is running around trying to make everything perfect for Natalie. To be honest, I used to think Darius was scary and mean when I first met him in Vegas. But now that I’ve seen the way he takes care of Charlie, I know he’s truly gentle and must be an amazing dad. I’m excited to see his little one but he said his ex has to come in first to meet everyone and make sure the place is safe. Scott’s also very nervous because he isn’t sure how he’s supposed to act with Darius around Natalie. He doesn’t know if she’ll understand that they’re together. I can’t say I blame him for being ner
vous.
At a quarter to ten the doorbell rings. It’s Ian with two bouquets of flowers – a huge one that I’m guessing is for Charlie and a smaller one that he gives to Darius.
“I thought you could give it to your little girl when she gets here,” Ian explains. Darius claps him on the shoulder, thanking him for the nice gesture.
Ian sweeps Charlie up, giving her a tender kiss. He looks hot in his white and blue plaid swim trunks and loose button-down linen shirt. She giggles, dragging him into the kitchen to put her flowers in a vase and show him the huge pitcher of strawberry lemonade with real strawberries she’s made. Sebella starts barking and Deputy comes around to stand by the door.
“Someone’s here,” I say, taking Deputy to the backyard. I don’t want his size to overwhelm little Natalie.
Darius looks like he’s about to explode and Scott like he’s going to faint. When someone knocks on the door, Darius goes to answers it but then frowns. “Where is she?” he asks curtly.
“Did you think I was going to just bring her in? Really, Darius, I need to make sure this isn’t a crack house.” the catty woman says from the doorway. Charlie and I both share an oh shit glance.
“Clearly, it isn’t. Let’s not make digs at each other. I want to see my little girl.” Darius sounds stern and ominous.
Charlie and Ian walk around to the entryway. Charlie reaches out her hand to the woman. “I’m Charlotte. It’s nice to meet you.”
The woman looks at Charlie’s hand then looks her up and down, taking in her beach attire. She flips her ratty hair over her shoulder, making my hackles rise. “So are you Darius’s new ho’?” she asks stone-faced, and Charlie stiffens.
“No, that would be me,” Scott says, stepping up next to Darius, looking gorgeous as usual with his tight tank top and coordinated trunks.
The woman gapes, gazing at Scott with lustful appreciation. Darius’s lips twitch as he looks down briefly to stifle a grin. Ian steps behind Charlie, placing his hand at the small of her back protectively. I’m not about to get in this skirmish if I don’t need to. I’ve been known to be a scrapper in my day and now with my hormones raging, I don’t need much provocation to go off.
“Cut the shit, Shayla, I want Natalie. Bring her, now.” Darius’s tone is icy.
“Just tell me where she’s going to sleep, because it isn’t going to be with you and your…whatever.” Shayla flicks her wrist at Scott, who just rolls his eyes.
“No, Shayla, she’ll sleep with me, and Scott will sleep on the couch. Now, I’m losing my patience with you,” Darius demands, exasperated.
“Fine!” She pulls out her phone and barks an order into it.
A moment later little feet are pounding up the walkway and a little raven-haired angel breezes in. “Daddy!” she yells, launching herself into Darius’s waiting arms. The relief on Darius’s face is short lived when a disheveled man ambles in after her, making all of the other men in the room stiffen. Deputy barks in the backyard, prompting Skylar and Olivia to emerge from their cave.
“Damn, is this a Playmate shoot?” the guy says, glancing over me, then Olivia, his eyes landing on Charlie last. The lascivious stare he gives her make me shiver and not in a good way.
Ian steps in front of Charlie, gently pressing her into his back. “I’d appreciate if you didn’t eye-fuck my girl.” His voice is deep and intimidating but quiet enough so only those close can hear.
“Calm down, buddy, I was just looking.” The guy puts his hands up in a show of surrender. “Hey, baby.” He leans around to leer at Charlie again. Her hand shakes at Ian’s back. I rush to her side for additional support. All four men in the house take a menacing step forward.
“That’s enough, Jim, let’s go. I’m sorry about that,” Shayla says, glancing at Darius. “Come give me a kiss, baby.” Shayla reaches for Natalie, who kisses her mom, then wraps her arms around Darius’s neck.
The moment the pair leave the house the tension releases in a whoosh. Ian spins Charlie, enfolding her in his arms. I’m in awe at how gentle he is with her and how he’s able to calm her so quickly.
“How are you, baby?” Darius nuzzles the little girl’s hair. The love radiating from him takes my breath away and makes me miss Miles.
“Good. I missed you, Daddy,” Natalie grasps Darius’s cheeks and kisses him.
He laughs, squeezing her, making her kick her little legs. “I missed you. I want you to meet some people that I care about very much. First this is Daddy’s boyfriend, Scott.” She looks at him confused but when he just smiles at her, she shrugs and reaches her hand out to Scott.
“Pweesed to meet you.” I chuckle softly at her sweet little voice. Scott takes her hand and they share a few words. Darius walks around with her, introducing her to everyone. When they get to me, she wiggles to get down so she can pet Sebella. “She’s very pretty,” Natalie says sweetly. “And so are you.”
“Well thank you, but I think you’re definitely the prettiest girl here.” Everyone agrees, making her smile with her little baby teeth. She’s gorgeous, with her long straight black hair and sparkling gray eyes. Her skin is slightly tanned like her daddy but she is petite in every way. “How old are you?” I ask her.
“Almost four,” she holds up her fingers.
“Wow, you’re so smart.” I look up at Darius, who’s beaming with pride.
“Daddy teaches me how to read. I like books about princesses. You and Miss Charlie look like princesses.”
“That’s a very nice thing to say. We have a party planned just for you, so I think that makes you the princess of this castle.” Her eyes light with merriment. She spins to look at her daddy.
“You want to see?” he asks. Natalie starts jumping up and down. He leads her outside and I blink back tears with the realization that I’ll be a mommy soon. I’ll have someone like that for myself.
Charlie
Watching Darius and Scott with Natalie is so uplifting. They’re laughing and playing in the water with her like they’re children themselves. I laugh when Natalie slips, making Scott fall trying to catch her, then she reaches her little hand down to help him up. I can imagine Riley and Miles playing with their little boy or girl like that. Ian comes up next to me, handing me a big glass of lemonade, and leans in to kiss me tenderly on my neck. His soft lips are soothing and warm.
“She sure is cute,” he says, chuckling when Darius gets hit with a water balloon launched by a very giggly Natalie. “I would’ve never pegged Darius as such a relaxed dad.”
“He’s amazing.” Natalie runs up to ask me if I can take her to the bathroom. “Sure, sweetheart.”
She holds my hand as I lead her into the house. “I’m dripping,” she halts at the door.
“That’s ok, we’re all dripping. Come on, you can use my bathroom.” She goes in and does her business but needs a boost to the sink. When we head back she sprints by everyone else to tackle Scott. I sigh, pull off my cover-up and sit on the lounger next to Ian. He has opened his shirt and is reading a book. “Are we that boring?”
“Nope, just thought I should do something other than drool all over you,” he says, sliding in behind me. I hand him the sunscreen. Such familiarity in the way we are around each other. “She likes it here.” He motions to Natalie.
“She’s precious. I wouldn’t mind having her here all the time.” I moan slightly when he rubs the lotion into my tight shoulders.
“You’re tense, are you stressed?” Ian continues to work the muscles in my neck.
“I had a really bad nightmare last night. I fell off the bed,” Ian stills behind me, then drops a kiss on my shoulder.
“Livy told me. I’m sorry,” Ian says but before I can reassure him that it wasn’t a big deal, Riley saunters up.
“Don’t you two look cozy over here,” she says, then plops in the lounger Ian vacated. “Ugh, I love that little girl! She’s so damn cute and tiny. Who would have thought big ole Darius would have such a tiny little girl?”
“I think
Charlie would have pretty little girls,” Ian says absently, still rubbing my shoulders.
“Shit,” I hear Riley curse.
I smile at her with warmth. Yes, the thought of possibly not being able to have children stings but I can’t let it get to me now. I have too many other issues to deal with in the meantime. “Maybe one day.”
Later that night everyone was sitting outside eating the delicious food from the caterer Riley was trying out for the wedding, and joking around about stupid stuff. Natalie scolded Skylar several times for cursing. He cowered to her unlike he’s done to any other woman. Riley gave her a plastic jar and told her she could charge him a whole dollar every time he said a bad word. She giggled and told him to pay up the next time he said a curse. He always gave it to her with only mild objections.
“Who wants dessert?” Riley asks, carrying out several boxes of ice cream. Of course Natalie is the first to receive a giant bowl of every kind of ice cream we have. By the time Natalie is finished she’s a very tired and very sticky little girl.
“You need a bath, little one,” Darius says, scooping her up.
“I bought shampoo and soap for her. It’s in my shower along with a special princess towel,” I tell Darius, giving him a wink. He smiles and mouths a thank-you. The rest of us relax, trying not to move too fast to prevent bursting after all of the food we ate.
“So Scotty, what do you think about being a stepdaddy?” Skylar says from the chair. He has Olivia perched between his legs, rubbing her back.