Dad's Best Friend: An Older Man Younger Woman Romance

by Mia Ford

  There was a wait… an insufferable wait, during which Kurt sensed Beatrice bristling and dying to cry out to her daughter to say something. Had he put her in an unworkable situation or was the penny just taking so long to drop that he actually meant it?

  It happened. The penny dropped.

  Darlene’s face softened into a smile and he could read on her features that she knew he meant it.

  ‘Kurt, I’d love to, you incurable romantic,’ she said and relief washed over him like tidal waters over the driest desert.

  There were cheers, hugs and congratulations all round. Clive must have shook his hand a dozen times and all they could say was how beautiful it was that the two families had yet another reason to feel such close bonds.

  There was some comment about the fact that Earl and Brenda were not present, but they all agreed that, on the morrow, they would head to Pacific City and bring some joyous news to the poorly father and worried wife.

  At some point during the merriment (which the unintroduced neighbor insisted on hanging around for as if a part of) Kurt saw that Jefferson had risen and was skulking off back to his jeep. His walk had the air of a dejected person who had given up on something. If so that was best for him and everyone and, if not, he would be by Darlene’s side through whatever problems she faced.

  Before they went inside for refreshments his fiancée linked arms with him and whispered, ‘That was incredible; I had no idea you were in love, I just thought you wanted to sleep with me.’

  ‘Now what on earth gave you that impression?’ he asked.

  So, it was a happy end for the seaman who had found his mermaid after all. Although, as superstitious folk might say, the sea is a cruel mistress.

  Exclusive excerpt to hot selling - breaking rules (Older man younger woman romance - 1st 2 chapters only)

  I was driving around the curve that overlooked the gorgeous Santa Barbara cliffs when the phone rang in my Escalade, making me roll my bright blue eyes. I didn’t even have to look to know that it was Dad wondering when I was going to be arriving home.

  I graduated from college two months ago, and took my time leaving Harvard, attached to the city after living there four years. It was beautiful in Massachusetts and so different than California, but I knew what I was coming home to as I answered on the speaker with a smile. “Hello, Daddy.”

  “Hi, Vie. Where are you at?” His voice echoed through the car, filled with love and concern as I silently adored my only parent. Mom left when I was five, presumably for another man if you believed the rumors around town. All I knew is that I never saw her again, though I looked like her with my eyes and chestnut colored curls. I wasn’t as thin as she’d been with my more than generous curves but I embraced them and worked to keep them neat and tidy as opposed to sloppy. I had a penchant for walking and running as well as a little bit of yoga when I had the time.

  “I’m just driving in. I should be there in about twenty minutes,” I replied, slowing down for a light.

  “I’m glad that you’re coming home, sweetie. I missed you being around the house,” he told me warmly as I smiled. “I am going to grill for dinner and Payne is coming over. He missed you, too.”

  I missed Payne more than anything else. Dad’s best friend was forty-five just like him, but he looked a lot younger with his naturally dark hair that he wore cropped close to his head. Payne had dark blue eyes that penetrated a woman and offered all kinds of carnal sin, not that he’d ever directed that towards me. I saw him in action at some of the parties that we had though and Payne had women falling at his feet.

  He was gorgeous and had a charisma about him that was hard to find in a man. Even if I weren't obsessed with him, I would have saved myself for Payne. The boys at school were nothing but a lot of awkward pick-up lines and bad kisses that made me want to go no further with them. I had a thing for older men growing up around him my entire life and the crush had set in along with my hormones.

  “That sounds great. I can’t wait to see both of you.” I smiled as we kept talking about my drive that I’d spread out over a few days to enjoy the sights, despite Dad’s concerns. I’d graduated Harvard in Law, and I was twenty-four now, an adult. I was careful and kept a watchful eye on my surroundings, having gotten quite addicted to true crime podcasts in the last year or so. I suppose it came with studying law, though I didn’t know if I was going to pursue an actual career as an attorney or something that involved research and more behind the scenes. Dad and Payne both worked for separate firms, and they were both partners in their respective places, being best friends since they met in college.

  It seemed only natural for me to follow since Dad was the primary person in my life as well as the fact that Payne made a sexy attorney. I loved when he used to come over after a hard day in the courtroom and talk shop over dinner, looking so confident and making my teenage lust drip out of my pores. I’d pretend that I was studying as I listened to them talk and occasionally peek, memorizing his set jaw and flashing eyes.

  I took that to my room that was private in the big house, getting myself off over and over as I played his voice through my head and imagined his mouth between my legs. The idea made me hot, and I shifted in my seat as I felt my skin flushing with desire.

  “Dad, I’m home!” I told him as I waited for the tall iron fence to slide open. We lived in Hope Ranch, one of the best areas that was secure and gated since Dad was also a prosecuting attorney. I looked over the brick two-story home that was large for just the two of us, but also luxurious and comfortable. Each of our rooms was the size of a generous master bedroom in addition to the three guest rooms that we had, an office, gym, and den for nights that you wanted to watch some television in something smaller than the spacious living room.

  The kitchen was the best feature, in my opinion. It was a chef’s kitchen with upgraded appliances and room to work. I was looking forward to having time to cook real food, bake and just spend time overlooking the gorgeous backyard that offered a pool, spa, generous grilling area, and a table to eat at on the good nights. This was California, so that was often. Glancing out of the window at the sky, I assumed that’s where we would be eating tonight.

  I got out of the car as my father stepped out onto the porch with a smile on his handsome face. Dad was young looking like Payne and had dark blonde hair with brown eyes, although I could never view him as I did Payne. It was bad enough that I was lusting after his best friend, something that would never happen in a million years. He stepped over and hugged me tightly as I closed my eyes and thanked God for him. Dad supported everything I did, more than just financially. He was one of my best friends, mostly since I was a good kid and didn’t cause a lot of trouble. I focused on school, kept my grades up and didn’t get caught up in boys like my friends did.

  How could I? They’d never compare to Payne.

  “I am so glad to be home,” I whispered as I wrapped my arms around his neck and squeezed tightly.

  “Me too, kiddo. I’m so proud of you.” He pulled away slowly and looked at me. “Harvard just like me. I never dreamed that you’d choose to go into law like I did.”

  “I guess being around you growing up rubbed off on me,” I teased him as I walked over to get my two bags out of the back of the car. Dad grabbed them, making me laugh as I opened the front door and followed him inside. He walked up to my room and put them on the bed as I looked around with a broad smile. I came home for holidays and summers, but now, I was here to stay. “I am going to take a quick shower and change before dinner,” I told him as I looked at the pretty blue sky and bright sun. It was July here but warm enough out for an outdoor meal.

  “Sounds good. I am going to work on some veggies. See you soon,” Dad told me before he left the room and walked down the stairs. I threw my closet door open, walking inside to check the hangers for a dress to throw on after I was done. I found a purple dress and a thong in my drawer, smiling as I walked into the bathroom and stared around with a happy gaze. The bathroom in my
apartment in Boston was smaller than this, and I stared at the large tiled shower, the soaking tub and all the counter space as I drew my lip between my teeth.

  I couldn’t count the times that I’d masturbated in here to the man that I was going to see in just a short while. I just might do it again right here and now, since it was doubtful I’d ever get to sleep with him.

  That was all kinds of wrong, wasn’t it? He was older and my father’s best friend. Payne wasn’t married anymore since his divorce after a very brief relationship, but that didn’t make my fantasies any better.

  I showered and worked out my lust under the multiple streams of water, imagining Payne’s handsome face. I came as my head dropped back, taking deep breaths of the steamy air around me. I needed to get this out of my system with someone but Payne had always been the ideal man to do it with for me. It was what I wanted and I wondered if it wasn’t worth going for now.

  I dried my hair and twisted it on the side of my head, highlighting the caramel and red highlights that I’d recently acquired. I put on just enough makeup to even out my skin tone and bring out my eyes without looking like I was trying too hard before I slipped into the dress. It was perfect; comfortable enough to dine in outside while still being sexy. It clung to my full breasts while being close around my waist, dropping all the way to my lower calves. I felt like a woman with my thong on and no bra as I added some clear gloss to my lips and smiled into the mirror.

  I made my way downstairs to find the kitchen empty and the sliding glass door wide open as voices carried in from the backyard. I walked over to the fridge and found the wine that I loved, pouring a large glass before I strolled out and took a long look around. I loved Massachusetts but this was home to me. This was my peace and where I found so much comfort. Dad and Payne were standing near the grill, dressed in board shorts and solid blue t-shirts as they talked and laughed.

  Holy shit. Payne was hotter as he got older. I felt the stirring between my legs start all over again as I strolled down the steps in sandals with a soft smile. Dad saw me first and grinned as I drew closer to them, making Payne glance over as his eyes took me in slowly. “Vie, you look great. Harvard was good to you, I trust?”

  I remained calm as I hugged him and felt his lips brush my cheeks, even though it felt like my face was on fire. This attraction was not going anywhere and I pulled back to gaze into his eyes. “I loved it but it’s nice to be back home. There’s a lot to miss here. How are you?”

  Payne sipped his beer and told me that everything was basically the same. His firm was busy and kept him going, which was good because he was single after a recent fling. He laughed when he said that but I was drinking all the wine in my glass to stay calm as I listened. He and Dad were handsome men that got the ladies, always had. I knew that but somehow Payne talking about it bothered me, alerting me to a new jealousy inside. Great. “Was there anyone special at school?” Payne asked as I stared over the pool and drew my lip between my teeth.

  “No, I focused mainly on my classes. I’ll be back. I am getting some wine. Want anything?”

  “Can you bring the veggies that are marinating in the fridge?” Dad asked as I nodded and let my eyes pass over Payne again. I made my way up the steps and poured more wine, grabbing the bag of food before I went outside again. Dad was grilling some tri tip and chicken on one side of the massive grill while Payne talked beside him as he looked at me. Glancing at the table, I saw a selection of things to nibble on before dinner and walked over to the table to grab a carrot.

  I dipped it in ranch and took a bite as someone moved beside me. “It’s good to have you home again. Your dad missed you.”

  “Just Dad?” I asked as he gave me a curious look before shaking his head.

  “No, of course not,” His voice sounded suspicious as warmth washed over my skin, making me look down at the table. “You know how much I care about you.”

  “I hope so,” I responded vaguely as I reached for another carrot stick. I was hungry after driving and eating a lot of fast food along the way. I couldn’t wait to eat what Dad was cooking and I drank a bit of the wine to wash the snack down. I knew how much I wanted Payne to care for me and stood quietly beside him as we took in the cooling evening air.

  I could feel something between us, but I didn’t bring it up. There was a good chance that I just wanted there to be and it didn’t need to be addressed, at least not yet.

  We sat down to eat, our plates piled high with meat and a variety of vegetables. I took small bites as I watched them talk, listening closely as I felt the familiar feeling of home sinking into my bones. It was nice.

  I perked up when Payne started telling Dad that his assistant gave immediate notice to him that day, newly married and finding out that she was pregnant and moving all in the same week. He acknowledged that she was good, though she’d only worked for him for three years. Some significant cases were happening right now, and Payne seemed worried about what he was going to do during the process of interviewing and hiring. Dad chuckled as he looked at me and Payne followed his gaze with a knowing smile. “I apologize, Vie. I didn’t even think about you, Vie. I know that you want to pursue something more than assisting, but how would you feel about helping out for a while?”

  “It would look amazing on a resume,” I said, more excited about working closely with him than any experience. I just couldn't talk like that. “I’d love to.”

  “Perfect. I think it will be a great opportunity for you,” Payne said as he glanced at Dad.

  “You don’t mind starting up so soon after getting back, do you? I know that you just had a long drive,” Payne checked with me as I shook my head.

  “You know that I don’t like idle time,” I chided both of them as they laughingly agreed. I was never the kind of girl to enjoy shopping all day with friends, though I did enjoy lunch or dinner out with the few that I’d kept in close touch with. I liked seeing movies or plays with them as well. I was just too rushed for them when it came to shopping, preferring to get what I needed right away over searching through racks for hours. It stopped being relaxing about an hour or two in for me, personally. “I will go out and get some things to wear that are appropriate for the office this weekend and start on Monday, so you can get me up to speed. How does that sound?”

  “That sounds wonderful, Vienna. I look forward to it,” Payne told me as we grinned at each other and raised our drinks for a toast. I didn’t come here expecting this, much less with Payne, but it was a great opportunity on several levels.

  I took the dinner dishes inside and brought out slices of cheesecake to the men with a fresh glass of wine for myself. I was feeling the alcohol and happy about the job, so I laughed and chatted with them easily. We stayed out late that night, both Payne and Dad cursing as they realized the hour. They both had to work early tomorrow, since it was Friday and their staff would be there. On the weekends, they kept looser hours along with the others that needed to get a little extra work done.

  I hugged Payne goodbye and locked the door behind him, smiling widely. Dad was already upstairs and I did a small spin around in the spacious foyer. I was going to work with Payne for at least a few weeks and I knew how much time I’d be in his office with him. There would be a lot of chances to try to seduce him and let him know my feelings for him. It was risky and I knew it, but I was no longer the shy teenager that I’d once been. I was a woman and I wanted to fulfill my needs with Payne and only Payne, and I wasn’t going to hide from that any longer.

  I took time the next day to go to a few favorite stores alone, picking out some outfits that I knew would be fitting for the job. I bought several fitted pencil skirts in hues of black, gray, brown and a beautiful one in a dark plum color. In addition, I found a variety of shirts to compliment those, tops that were professional but also hinted at cleavage and flirted with danger.

  The next stop was at a lingerie store for bras and panties in lace and satin, and I bought several in the hopes that he would get a chance
to see them. I also found a few pairs of heels to tie everything together and left with my bags and a smile on my face. A few men had hit on me during the shopping trip but they weren’t Payne.

  I got some lunch at my favorite cafe before going home and putting my clothes away in the closet so they would stay ready to wear. I wanted everything to be perfect and I changed into a bikini and went to sit in the spa, relaxing before I started some stew for dinner. I wasn’t sure if Payne was going to come or not, but I certainly hoped so. I leaned back and stared up at the blue sky and smiled as I considered my future.

  I dozed off for a while before I came to dizzy from the heat of the water. I slid slowly out of the water and grabbed my towel, wrapping it around me to go inside and change.

  I was in the kitchen chopping vegetables and adding them to the broth I’d started that morning with some beef bones. It would only take an hour or so for everything to be ready. I was wearing some denim shorts that weren’t obscenely short but enough to tease with a tank top. It was warm in the house today or perhaps I was just too used to East Coast summers now.

  I stirred everything together and placed the lid on the pot before I reached for my glass of wine. “I think you’re turning into a lush being home.” I jumped at Dad’s voice and giggled as I looked at him.

  “I became an alcoholic while I was at Harvard,” I quipped as Dad set his briefcase down just inside the door of his office off the kitchen. “How was work?”

  “Good. I think I’ll only have to put in a few hours tomorrow from home.” Dad looked at me as he reached inside of the fridge for a cold beer. “How was your day?”

  “I got some clothes for the job,” I smiled as I spoke and glanced at him. “Is Payne going to be working tomorrow?”

  “In the morning.” His voice scared me as I turned to look at him walking through the living room. “I heard there was food being prepared here. I hope you don’t mind because I am tired of take out.” Payne was always here, and that’s just how it was. I knew that he had a beautiful condominium by the office but that he preferred the family setting here more than he did his bachelor pad. I never saw it since he was here so much.