“Seriously, Mama? I don’t really have the time or energy to entertain,” Kalia said into the phone.
“Kalia, ma chérie. He’s only in town for a few days. And he’s a lovely young man. I can help with Mani,” Geneviève bargained.
Much as her parents seemed to accept her having a baby without marriage and a husband, her mom had become a tireless matchmaker. This was the third request for a blind date with a friend’s son or an acquaintance of theirs who would “be perfect.” Kalia had managed to deflect the first two, but something told her this time wasn’t going to be as easy.
Kalia struggled with the options. She didn’t really want to get dressed up and have a formal, fancy date. She didn’t want to leave Mani. She was a stickler for his routine and didn’t want to throw him off. She’d rather have a casual dinner at home, something informal and relaxed. The downside was getting the guest to leave when she’d had enough. Although she could always play the breastfeeding card. That seemed to clear a room fairly quickly.
She sighed. Is this what her life had come to? Trying to think of ways to dissuade dates? Maybe she did need her mother’s help. “Who is he, again, Mama?”
“His parents are Kathleen and Henry Stockwen. You’ve heard me talk of them. We play bridge with them three or four times a year. They’re a lovely couple. Cameron is their youngest boy. He’s an architect and making quite a name for himself. He was just awarded the contract for the new library in Rivermede. It was quite a coup for someone so young.”
“Have you actually met him?”
“Well, no,” her mother said hesitantly. “But Kathleen talks about him all the time. I feel I’ve watched him grow up.” She rushed on. “He’s in town for the month of March to meet with the engineers. And then he’ll commute back and forth as he still has projects in Emerson.”
“Sounds like a busy guy,” Kalia said, trying to stall.
“Mais, oui. But his mother said that he would be delighted to meet you.”
Great, Kalia thought. He was probably trying to dodge this, too. “Does he know I have a son?”
“Oh, I’m sure. I’ve certainly mentioned it to Kathleen.”
“All right, Mama. I’ll agree this time. But after this, I would like to do this on my own. No more blind dates,” Kalia said sternly.
“Of course, ma chérie.”
Huh. Fat chance.
Two weeks later, Kalia slipped on a pair of pale blue slacks and a long-sleeved white silk blouse, selected a simple crystal aquamarine pendant with matching earrings, and looked at herself in the mirror. She’d left her hair down, and it curled around her face. She looked lovely.
She sat down on the edge of the bed. So why did she feel so blue?
Cameron was coming tonight for dinner. She’d made a chilled cucumber soup and a quinoa salad while Mani was napping. She had salmon marinating and asparagus washed and ready to grill. The table was set with bright orange placemats and a simple gerbera daisy in a glass bowl. It looked fresh and informal.
It hadn’t been stressful. She had puttered in the kitchen and figured she’d have enough leftovers for another couple of meals. She’d even had time to take Mani for a walk. She glanced down at Mani playing on the floor in her bedroom. He was breastfed, bathed, and ready for bed.
So why did she feel so blue?
She missed Alex. This was the first date she’d had since Mani was born. She hadn’t thought it would be so hard. When she hung out with Mack, it was easy, probably because they weren’t dating.
He had been away for the last two weeks on his European tour. She missed him, too.
It’s not like she wasn’t looking forward to tonight, to meeting Cameron and having adult company. She sighed. Actually, she wasn’t looking forward to tonight, to meeting Cameron and having adult company. She wanted it to be Alex.
Her eyes filled.
Cameron was going to be there any minute and she needed to pull herself together. Focus on something happy, she chided herself. She looked down at Mani cooing and babbling. Out the open window, a child laughed and a bird twittered in the still evening.
Suddenly, the curtains fluttered as a warm breeze wafted in. She turned her head to catch it as it lifted her hair and brushed her cheek. It gently caressed her and dried the tears from her eyes.
“Oh, Alex. I love you, too,” she said softly, closing her eyes briefly and cherishing the warm softness that swirled around and soothed her. Everything was going to be okay. She could do this. More, she needed it. She needed to get out and connect with other people. Make friendships and become part of the community. For Mani’s sake and hers.
Kalia glanced at the clock. And this was a start. She reached down, picked up Mani, and cradled him close. “Time for bed, little man.”
She carried him to his crib, kissed his forehead, and tucked him in. After setting the music box to play Mack’s song, she left the room. Mani babbled for a bit, but by the time the music finished, the room was quiet.
Kalia went to the kitchen to finish preparing dinner. She grilled the asparagus, drizzled a simple dressing over top, and garnished the plate with raspberries and shredded gruyère cheese. When the doorbell rang at eight o’clock, she removed her apron, straightened her shoulders, and took a fortifying breath.
Cameron was dressed casually in a black T-shirt and beige slacks. He had a mop of red hair and a boyish grin. He offered her a bouquet of yellow roses and a bottle of chilled white wine.
“Thank you very much for the invitation to dinner,” he said, stepping inside. “It seems our parents were keen for us to get together,” he added a bit sheepishly.
Kalia chuckled. “Yes, I got that impression, too. But it’s a pleasure meeting you.”
“I hope it wasn’t too much trouble. I would’ve been happy to go out.”
“No, not at all. My son is only eight months old and this is easier.”
They opened the bottle of wine and sat down to enjoy dinner. Cameron wasn’t timid and wasn’t pushy. He listened to stories about her work and shared funny anecdotes about his. They found they shared a love of travel and laughed about their experiences that were similar. He was easy company, and the evening was pleasant.
But there was no spark. It was like spending an evening with her brother. Which was great. It was fun and low key, but likely not what their parents were hoping for. She wondered if her parents or his knew that he was gay.
Close to eleven o’clock, Kalia heard Mani whimper. “That’s Mani. I usually breastfeed him one last time before he settles for the night.”
“He’s been quiet.” Cameron checked his watch. “It’s getting late. I should get going.” He rose. “Thank you very much for dinner, Kalia. The food was delicious. When you’re more comfortable leaving Mani with a sitter, I’ll have to return the hospitality,” he said with a smile.
Kalia smiled back. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. I enjoyed the evening, too. Thank you for the flowers and the wine.”
“You’re welcome. It was really nice to meet you.”
Kalia held the door and watched Cameron skip down the stairs and fold himself into a little black BMW sports car. She waved good-bye as he pulled out of the driveway.
“Who was that?”
Kalia jumped and her heart skipped a beat. “Jeez, Mack. You scared me. I didn’t realize you were back.”
“Just got in. Was that your brother?” Mack asked.
“No. It was my date,” Kalia said impatiently, delight at seeing him again mixed with annoyance at his accusing tone.
Mack’s eyes widened. “Your date?”
“Yes.” Kalia laughed at the outrage in his expression. “What? I’m not allowed to date?”
“It was a guy,” Mack pointed out.
Kalia looked at him quizzically with her hands on her hips. “Of course it was a guy. If you must know, he’s the son of my parents’ friends. We had dinner. Look,” she said when she heard Mani cry, “do you want to come in for coffee? I need to feed Mani.” She turn
ed and raced upstairs.
When she returned to the kitchen with Mani in her arms, Mack was helping himself to a cup of coffee. Mani gave a happy gurgle when he spotted Mack and held out his arms.
“Hello, big guy,” Mack said as he stroked Mani’s hair lightly. “Do you want one?” he asked Kalia, pointing to the coffee.
“No, but I’d love another glass of wine. My glass is there.”
Kalia sat down on the sofa and lifted her blouse. Mani rooted for her breast and sucked hungrily. She threw a baby blanket over her shoulder as Mack walked over to hand her the wine. “Thanks. There’s a fruit tart there if you’d like some.”
“No, coffee’s good.” He took a sip and eyed her over the rim of the cup. “So, you had a date.”
“Yes,” she replied absently, adjusting the blanket over her shoulder.
“A date date. Like a dinner date.” He waved toward the table obviously set for a romantic dinner.
“Yes.”
“With a man.”
She looked up at him with a frown. “Yes,” she repeated. “With a man.” She shook her head and laughed. “Why do you keep asking me that?”
Oh. Mack thought she was gay. She hadn’t thought it mattered. But, um, apparently it might. Wasn’t that interesting?
“What does your gay partner think about that?”
“Oh, well, yes. Um, well actually …” She stalled. She burped Mani quickly and put him to the other breast. “Krista moved out a few months ago.”
“Really?” he drawled.
“Yes. And actually I’m not gay,” Kalia said, looking Mack in the eye.
“What?”
Kalia squirmed. “I’m not gay. Krista was, well, is,” she stammered. “But I’m not and never have been.”
“You’re not gay.”
“No.”
“You’ve never had sex with women.”
“No. I’m straight. Only have sex with men.”
“How many men?” Mack asked with chagrin.
Kalia laughed and looked at Mack with a smirk. “Mind your own business.”
Mani stopped sucking and drifted off to sleep. Kalia gently patted his back until he burped. She fleetingly wondered how Mani could sleep when the air was sizzling with Mack’s energy.
“I just need to put him in his crib again,” she told Mack as she lowered her blouse. “I’ll be right back.”
She carried Mani to his crib and gently laid him down. She covered him with a thin blanket and turned off his night-light. Leaving the door open a crack, she walked slowly back to the living room, where Mack waited.
He was sitting on the sofa with his legs outstretched, cradling his coffee, a brooding expression on his face. He set the coffee aside and stood up when she walked in the room. Kalia felt a tingle from her scalp to her toes at the look in his eye.
“I just have to try something,” he said as he ran his hands up Kalia’s arms, framed her face, and pressed his lips gently to hers.
Kalia groaned and pressed closer as his tongue danced and teased her lips apart. Zero to one hundred in ten seconds flat, she thought. Oh my. Oh my. She felt herself go wet, her nipples harden, her breasts become heavy. She tangled her hands in his hair. So soft and full.
“I’m so happy you’re not gay,” Mack managed.
“Me, too.”
He crushed his lips to hers and his hands roamed, leaving a trail of tingling skin in their wake. She ached to touch him, slipping her hands under his shirt, loving the feel of his rippling muscles and the smooth skin of his back. She pulled his shirt up, and he stopped and with a fluid motion, pulled it over his head. Kalia’s heart jumped at the sight of his naked chest.
She placed her hand on his heart and felt the wild beating. She raised startled eyes to his.
He gave a crooked grin. “That’s what you do to me.”
She reached for his hand and cradled against her chest. “Me, too.”
A spark flared in his eyes. He pulled her close, and his lips devoured hers.
“My bedroom’s upstairs,” she whispered between kisses.
He swooped her up. “Which room?”
She laughed. “First door on the left. But I’m too heavy.” She cradled her head against his chest. “Not that I want you to put me down … ”
He smiled with his eyes. “I want to hold you and cherish you.”
Emotion swirled in her chest. She couldn’t speak. She stroked his cheek, and he bent to kiss her.
He walked into the bedroom and set her gently on the bed. He stepped back and reached to unbuckle his belt.
“Do you have a condom?” she asked, unbuttoning her blouse.
“No. Shit. Good point. Shit.”
She looked at his stunning six-pack, the bulging muscles of his arms, and his beautiful eyes. Her shoulders slumped. She couldn’t do it. Been there. Done that.
Mack ran a hand through his hair. “I’m clean, but what about birth control? Are you on the pill?”
“No. Not with breastfeeding.”
“Right.” Mack nodded. He looked at Kalia’s breasts and swallowed. “Is sex okay?”
“Seems really good,” Kalia said, breaking the tension.
Mack chuckled, sat down beside her, and pulled her close.
Kalia rested her head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry.”
“Me, too.” Mack stroked her back. “But it’ll be worth the wait.”
Kalia pressed a kiss to his cheek.
“So how was your dinner date?”
Kalia grinned at the hint of jealousy in his voice. “It was nice. Cameron seems like a very nice guy.”
Mack pulled back a bit. “Nice and bland? That’s why he has to drive a fancy sports car. To make up for a lack of personality.”
Kalia laughed and stuck her tongue in her cheek. “Careful, your skin is turning green.”
“What? I’m just making an observation,” he said blandly.
Kalia laughed again. “When did you get back? And how did the tour go?”
“The tour was great. Went really well. I pulled in when the sports car pulled out.”
“You must be exhausted,” she said, reluctantly sitting back. “And Mani will be up at five o’clock to breastfeed. Look, why don’t you come for dinner tomorrow night?” She checked her watch. “Or rather, tonight.”
“I’d like that.” He rubbed his eyes. “Can I bring something?” He leaned in and brushed his lips to hers and softly kissed a trail along her jawline.
She gulped. “Condoms?”
He laughed. “Will do. Good night, Kalia. Think of me.”
She stared at him. “And get no sleep at all?”
“Welcome to the club.”
Chapter 20
Kalia fussed with the dinner, fussed with the table, and fussed over what to wear. It was Mack. She wanted it to be perfect. Or as perfect as you could get when you were working around an eight-month-old’s schedule.
Mani would not settle for an afternoon nap. She read him a story and put on his music. She laid him in his crib like she had every other day. But he babbled and fretted and then finally started to cry and sat up. And that was it. No nap.
So the menu for dinner underwent a few drastic changes as the day wore on. Spinach and feta-stuffed chicken breasts with maple-glazed carrots changed to chicken and cheese panini – well, basically, grilled cheese and chicken sandwiches – with a grated carrot salad. She was pretty sure she had ice cream bars in the freezer for dessert. Oh well. It was supposed to be about spending time together, and she doubted Mack’s priority was going to be the food.
She stood in the bedroom and looked at herself in the mirror, considering what to wear. Her breasts were definitely fuller and her curves a little more, well, curvy. But she didn’t have any stretch marks and her skin looked healthy and glowing. Except for the slightly frazzled expression on her face.
She hadn’t had sex since before Mani was born and wondered if the changes to her body would change that for her, too. She felt herself flu
sh, remembering the kisses the previous night. Desire and libido definitely weren’t a problem.
She slipped on a nude, barely-there thong and matching lace bra. She chose a pale, copper-colored silk mini-skirt that skimmed her thighs and sparkled when it caught the light. She added a matching top that hugged her breasts and draped to her waist. Sapphire and copper stones dangled from her ears. She kept her make-up light, with a dusting of copper blush and mascara, and was ready to go.
Mani fell asleep in his high chair when she fed him dinner. He fought to stay awake, but missing his nap finally caught up with him. Kalia wiped his hands and face and carried him to his crib.
By the time Mack rang the bell at six o’clock, Mani was fast asleep, the sandwiches were ready to grill, and the table was set.
Kalia took a calming deep breath and exhaled slowly as she walked to the front door. And still, as she pulled open the door and saw Mack’s smiling eyes, her heart raced. He was dressed simply in a short-sleeved shirt that hugged his broad chest, left muscular arms exposed, and dipped down to tuck into low-slung black jeans.
Kalia’s mouth went dry.
He leaned in to whisper soft kisses down her cheek and handed her a bottle of red wine and a baker’s box tied up in gold ribbon. “I brought dessert,” he said, smiling.
“Oh. Thank you.” She led him into the kitchen and set the wine on the counter. “What did you bring?”
“Open it.”
She fiddled with the ribbon, taking her time opening the box. She looked up at Mack and then peered inside.
She pulled out gourmet chocolate fudge sauce, whipping cream, and a party pack of assorted condoms. “Ribbed, smooth, scented, and flavored,” she read. “Covers all the bases.”
He walked up behind her and swept aside her hair to expose the nape of her neck. He pressed open-mouthed kisses along the sensitive skin. “I didn’t know what you planned for dinner, but I figured chocolate goes with everything.” His hand slid from her thigh, up over her belly, and skimmed her breast. “Your skin is so soft. I’ve wanted to touch it,” he whispered. He ran his tongue along the top of her shoulder. “And taste it.”
Kalia shivered and felt her nipples tingle and harden. She stood rooted to the spot as Mack stood behind her, trailing kisses down her back, moving from bare skin to silk. Kalia’s heart tripped and her breath caught as he continued lower. Mack’s fingers never stopped moving as they danced around to the front, slipped under the flimsy material, and stroked the sensitive skin.
Perfectly Unpredictable Page 11