“Why thank you,” Hannah told her, as she popped off the lid and began dumping the dressing and croutons on the bed of lettuce.
“No problem. You know I got you.” Leila stuck out her hand to do a fist bump.
Hannah chuckled. "It looks like you're in a better mood today.” She raised her brows at her friend. “What’s the catch?”
With Leila there was always a catch. She was one of the moodiest people she had ever known, but also the kindest and most loyal.
“I figured it would just be best not to argue with you. I know it’s not going to make a difference, so I may as well be supportive.”
Hmm … that was too easy, Hannah thought.
“Plus, I'd rather know what's happening and get to hear all your stories.”
There’s the Leila she knew. She wanted the dirt, and she knew she wasn’t going to get it if she was acting like a brat.
“Gee thanks. So the only reason you’re being nice is because you want the juicy gossip.” Hannah paused to take a bite of her lunch. “This has nothing to do with you wanting to know about Aaron too?”
Leila stopped chewing and practically spit her food out of her mouth. “Just because you and Adam are talking again doesn't mean I have to talk to his brother. I think it'll be better if I don't get involved. Other than the juicy gossip, of course.”
Hannah had to decide what she wanted to tell Leila about what had happened between her and Adam the night before. She really had to consider whether or not to tell her the truth about Adam’s son. She had no idea how Leila would react.
After some chitchat about the week's activities at school, Hannah finally decided it was best to tell her closest friend everything she came to find out about Adam, and all that had happened between them.
“Lei, there is something I need to tell you.”
“Shoot,” she replied before gulping her soda.
“I saw Adam last night.” Hannah rubbed her hands together with worry. She couldn’t believe how easy it was to be thrilled and nervous at the same time.
Leila continued chomping on her salad. “I knew that,” she said, through a mouthful of food.
“How did you know?”
“I tried calling you several times last night, and you never answered. Even if you were watching Monday Night Football, you’d still answer my calls. Or at least call me back during a time out. So tell me what happened?”
“Well.” She paused. “We had an interesting conversation. Adam told me some things about him that neither one of us knew.” That was one thing Hannah was sure of. Leila couldn’t have known about Danny. She would have told her long ago if she had. She’d never keep something that big from her, and Hannah surely couldn’t keep that kind of secret either.
Leila looked at the blank stare on her friends face and said, “Just tell me already. What happened?”
“Adam … Adam … he … he … he has a son.”
“What?” she shouted.
Hannah put her index finger to her mouth to shush her friend. “Yeah, you heard me. Adam has a son. He's thirteen and his name is Danny.”
She watched as Leila whipped her cell phone from her pocket. She immediately began tapping frantically on the keyboard.
“What are you doing, Lei?”
“I'm texting that son of a bitch.”
“You cannot text Adam. I didn’t tell him I was going to tell you about Danny.”
“I'm not texting Adam.”
“Then who are you texting?” Hannah was confused.
“Aaron!”
“Why on earth are you texting Aaron?”
“Because I can't believe he didn't tell me something so important. How can he not tell me that his brother had a son considering my best friend has been pining away for him for the last half of her life?”
Hannah stared at her friend, speechless. She watched her slide her cell phone shut with such force it felt like she was shaking the whole office. Damn. She felt bad for Aaron knowing he was going to catch a wrath of shit because he held on to that little—well not so little—secret.
Leila was about to take a drink of her soda when her cell vibrated. She watched her read the text.
“What does it say?”
Leila turned the phone around for Hannah to see.
It read: HOW COULD I TELL YOU IF YOU WOULDN’T TALK TO ME??
She almost laughed at her friend who was so annoyed, but she couldn't bring herself to let out the giggle.
Leila looked at her sternly. “Now is there anything else that you wanted tell me?”
She needed to tell her friend. She knew she couldn't keep something so big from her and she was dying to tell someone. She had to tell her just like she told her so many times before about everything she shared with Adam. It was just something she needed to do. That’s what friends were for, right? She could tell her anything. She could tell her all about how she kissed him the moment she saw him. She could tell her all about how her body still tingled with the slightest feel of his touch. She should tell her about how he still looked into her eyes and she felt the same love that she felt so many years ago. She could tell her everything.
So she looked at the woman sharing lunch with her and said, “I slept with him.”
Leila had a blank look on her face and Hannah wondered what she was thinking.
She watched as Leila’s face went from complete anger at Aaron for not telling her about Adam’s son to a look of sadness. Tears welled up in Leila's eyes and Hannah wondered what she had said to make her so sad.
“Lei, are you okay? Why are you so upset?” She put her hand on her friend’s.
“I'm just happy for you, Hannah. I know this is what you've always wanted. You're finally getting your happily ever after. You were right. I'm really sad about Aaron. Knowing you and Adam are getting back together makes me think about him. I know it's not possible for us so it just makes me sad.”
“Honey, you don't know it's not possible for you and Aaron to reconnect. If you want him back as much as I wanted Adam, things are always possible.” Hannah truly believed that.
“I don't know. You've always wanted to get back together with Adam. I’ve never even tried to contact Aaron since I broke up with him. He tried to talk to me and I just blew him off. He probably hates me.”
Leila planted her hands on her knees. “You know what? Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Let's concentrate on your happiness. So when do you get to meet the little tyke? Should we go shopping for a toy?”
“Lei, he's not a little kid anymore. He’s a teenager. He’s thirteen.”
“Well then should you give him an iPod or something?”
Hannah laughed. “Now you’re sounding like a crazy person. I’m not trying to buy him off with electronics. Give me a break here.”
“Well, you're going to meet him, right?”
“I’m pretty sure I will eventually. I really don't know when though. We didn't get that far.”
“Too busy getting naked?”
Hannah felt her cheeks get hot. “Something like that.”
“Okay, well let me know when it happens. I want to hear everything. Please don't hold back for me, Hannah. Please tell me everything just like you would with anybody else. I can handle it. I really can.”
“Don't worry. I'll tell you all the dirty details.” She hoped making light of everything would make Leila feel better. She had no idea that all of this was going to bring up unresolved feelings for Aaron. She’d always thought Leila was over it. She sure put on a good act. Until now.
Leila stood up, straightened out her pant suit, and left Hannah’s office.
Hannah was putting all their stuff away from lunch when she got a text from Adam. They had moved beyond FaceSpace messages and she’d broken down and given him her cell phone number. It’s not like she was trying to hold back anymore. She did sleep with him.
Thinking of you
Hannah smiled and texted back.
Thinking of you too.
; What are you doing after work?
Nothing much
How about we grab a cup of coffee? I’m free. Danny has football practice till 6.
I’d love to.
Adam watched her as she breezed through the door, sunglasses covering her eyes, and her hair pulled back into a messy ponytail. She put a smile on his face, and a twitch in his pants, without saying a word or a touch. Just looking at her made him want to ravage her right there in the coffee shop and it didn’t matter who watched.
“You’re looking at me like you want to eat me,” she whispered in his ear when she reached him and he bent to kiss her.
“Thank you for the idea.” He encircled her with his arms for a moment before he let her sit down.
She placed her bag on one empty chair and sat in another. “As if you needed my help. I know what you were thinking.” Her sexy grin made him wish he’d asked her to meet at her place or his. But then again, if he wanted more from her than just sex, public places were probably a good call. It’s not like he didn’t want her underneath him, over him, and any which way he could have her. He just thought it would be nice to talk more first.
“I got you a vanilla latte, although you might want some more cream. This place has some strong stuff,” he said, before taking a sip of his own black coffee. He didn’t do frilly drinks with whipped cream and ice. If he was going to have a girlie drink, it was going to be one with plenty of alcohol.
She took a drink and made a face. “You’re right. I’ll be up for two weeks if I don’t water it down a bit.” She stood. “Be right back.” He studied her movements. She walked with pure confidence. Her bottom in those tight jeans made him want to send her back to the counter for sugar or something just so he could enjoy the view again.
“So Danny plays football?” she asked when she got back to the table. She took another drink and nodded this time. It must be okay.
“Yes. It’s flag football. He plays for his school.” He kind of figured she’d want to talk about his son some more. They really hadn’t talked much about him the other night. Not that he was complaining.
“Is he good? Will he play in high school?” The warm look of interest in her eyes made his heart squeeze. He knew she was going to fall in love with Danny once she met him.
“Yeah. He is pretty good.” He smiled, thinking of his boy. “He’s quick on his feet, and has a good sense of the game.”
“What position does he play?”
He laughed. “This is just junior high ball. They kinda move all over. But if I had to guess where he’d be a star, I’d say corner. He’s fast, good with his hands, and he can read his opponents really well.”
She put her hand on his, and he ran circles on the back of her hand with his thumb. The slightest touch of her soft skin made his gut tighten.
“I bet he’s tall like his daddy,” she said, smiling up at him with those doe-like eyes.
He nodded. “He’s a big boy. He hasn’t caught me yet, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he did by the time he graduates high school. I feel like he grows an inch or two every year. Just when I think we’re done shopping for clothes and shoes, he’s outgrown them and we need to get more.”
Adam noticed her watch him intensely as he spoke of his son. He wondered if he was scaring her off yet. She was quiet all of a sudden and it was making him nervous.
“Hannah, are you okay? Is this weird for you?”
She shook her head, as if to clear her thoughts, and gave him a smile. “I’m fine. And yes, it’s weird. In a good way. I love the expression on your face when you talk about Danny. It’s endearing.”
He winked at her. “Really, maybe I should talk about him some more.”
She relaxed into the back of her chair with a quick laugh. “You’re too much.”
There were a few things he wanted to know about her too. And he thought right now was as good as any to fire away. “Hannah, how have things been over the years? You know about my biggies. Do you have any of your own?”
“Well, I don’t have any kids, if that’s what you’re asking.”
He shook his head. “Any relationships?” She had said she didn’t love anyone like him but that didn’t mean she didn’t love anyone just a little. And although she hadn’t been his in fifteen years, the thought of her being anyone else’s made his body stiffen with unease. He couldn’t say he’d be angry, but it sure as hell wouldn’t make him happy either.
“I’ve dated. But when I told you the other night, there hadn’t been anyone. I meant it. I think the longest relationship I had was six months and that was totally pushing it. It should’ve been over in half the time, but I was starting to think I wasn’t going to get any better offers. How about you? Anyone else other than Danny’s mom?”
“No, not really. A few dates here and there, but nothing that ever lasted. I was too wrapped up in Danny. I didn’t want to bring just anyone home to meet him. I didn’t want women coming and going. It’s been important to me that he learn respect for women even though his mother had such disrespect for him.”
“Do you actually say that to him? About his mom?” She’d been around enough kids to know it was never good when one parent trash talked another. But she didn’t need her counseling credential to know that. It seemed like common sense.
“No, no. I’ve never said one bad thing about Danny’s mom to him. I wouldn’t do that to the kid. But, I’m sure he’s old enough now to form his own opinions.”
Hannah nodded. “I bet he is.” She watched as Adam looked down at his coffee and then brought his eyes back up to glance at her. “What’s on your mind?” She knew that look. He had something to say and didn’t know how.
“Danny really wants to meet you.” He took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
“I’d love to meet him. But the look on your face tells me you’re not so sure.” She knew him well. She still couldn’t believe that it felt like such little time had passed between them now that he was here.
He took his hand out from beneath hers and held it. “I can’t wait for you to meet Danny, but I don’t want to rush it. We need to be sure this is going to work out for us. Right now, it’s new and feels good but what if something happens in a week or a month, and you decide it’s not what you expected or wanted? I can’t bring you into Danny’s life without caution. He already had one woman leave him without a second glance. He’s a growing boy with a huge heart. I can’t let that happen to him again.”
“Come here,” she said, leaning toward him and tipping her chin. A grin spread slowly across his face and when his mouth reached hers, she kissed him gently. She closed her eyes, and with their lips joined together, she let her heart and soul pour through. It was like fireworks were bursting from different pressure points all throughout her body. When she was sure he felt it too, she backed away from him slowly. “Adam, I’m not going anywhere, honey. Danny could be the devil child, which I’m sure he’s not, and I’d still be here listening to your stories, holding your hand, kissing your lips, and sleeping in your bed. I’m scared and nervous about meeting Danny, but I’m ready whenever you are. I love you so much, and I’m sure I will love him too.”
She saw the tears in his eyes. She didn’t mean for him to get all emotional but she needed him to know she was here to stay. She didn’t wait all this time for him to just let him slip away, again. There had been many guys her friends had fixed her up with and none of them would do. Leila would get pissed at her saying she wasn’t trying hard enough. But with Adam, she never had to try at all. It was as natural as breathing. Even when she thought about Adam with other women, she wasn’t even motivated to sleep with someone. She knew he was a man, and probably had sex on a regular basis but it did little to fuel her desire to jump into bed with another man. She hadn’t told him that yet. She wasn’t hiding it. That it had been fifteen years since she’d made love. She thought maybe he would notice, but the other night, he had her slick with desire and ready for him.
Adam had to take a m
inute to breathe before he spoke again. The things she said to him made him believe her. There was no reason he shouldn’t. What did he ever do to deserve her? He had to be the luckiest man alive to let go of his one true love and then get her back. Did that kind of thing really happen outside of a movie?
He looked into her big eyes, and took a deep breath before he spoke. “Thank you so much, honey. You always seem to know exactly what to say.”
“They’re not just empty words. When I say something, especially to you, I mean it with all my heart.”
He knew that. There was never a doubt in his mind. She wasn’t the type of woman to just tell you the shit you wanted to hear. “Oh, I know. I could feel everything you said, right here.” He touched his chest. When his hand fell, he looked at her with a raised brow. “Why are you nervous, honey? About meeting Danny?”
She let out a soft chuckle and raised her hands, palms up. “Why wouldn’t I be? He’s your son, Adam. And if he doesn’t like me, I’m tossed out like yesterday’s garbage. I couldn’t be with someone who my kid didn’t adore, and I know you couldn’t either.”
He laughed off her worry. He knew Danny was going to love her. In fact, he thought Danny already did. He saw the sweet expression on his son’s face when he saw Hannah’s picture, and when he talked to him about her. Adam thought his son was really happy for his dear old dad.
“He’s going to love you, or adore you as you said. I don’t doubt that for a minute.” Adam stood and held out his hand to his one and only love. “Come on.”
Hannah stood, grabbed her purse, and let him guide her out of the coffee shop.
What was he thinking? Well, he had known what he was thinking, but it hadn’t been his plan. When he felt her kiss and listened to her assurances, he was confident he didn’t have to wait to let Hannah meet Danny. It still made him nervous, but he couldn’t keep sneaking away from work to see her before Danny got home, or going to bed early so they could talk. He needed to find some kind of balance and making her part of his and Danny’s life sooner than he expected was going to do just that.
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