by Tia Siren
Once Janice had taken in the bedroom, we quickly went through the rest of the upstairs before heading back into the kitchen. Jake was making coffee.
“Coffee?” he asked Janice.
I grinned when the woman suddenly looked nervous. Jake’s naked chest had thrown her off. It was funny and proved she was human under that cold exterior.
“Yes, please. I have a few more questions that weren’t covered in our earlier interviews,” she said.
“Let’s go out on the patio and enjoy our coffee,” Jake said, each of us taking our cup and heading outside.
We sat at the shaded table area. I was uncomfortable to be having the conversation in my pajamas, but asking to be excused to change seemed like admitting I was doing something wrong. My pajamas weren’t anything revealing. Hell, I’d seen women in Walmart wearing similar outfits.
“What can we answer for you?” Jake asked.
“This woman, Sally, who you mentioned as being a possible fill-in babysitter for Iris, I haven’t met her,” Janice stated.
I smiled at the obvious statement. “No, you haven’t.”
“I’d like to.”
I looked at Jake and then Janice. “I could give her a call and see if she can stop by. I can tell you she is probably at church or visiting friends.”
“Please do. If she is going to be spending time with the child, I would like to vet her as well.”
“Will you be interviewing the nanny we hire as well?” Jake asked.
I looked at him and smiled. He said it in a way that wasn’t offensive, but the point was made.
Janice shrugged, clearly not the least bit bothered by his direct question. “Assuming you get guardianship of the child, there will still be regular visits and check-ins. If something arises that gives cause for concern, yes, the nanny will be interviewed.”
Jake looked at her. “I guarantee you if something happens to Iris while she is in the care of the nanny, you won’t need to worry about interviewing her. She’ll be fired, and I’ll make sure the nanny never works again.”
“When can we start the adoption process? I’ve been doing some research and Arizona favors family adopting orphaned children,” I said, wanting Janice to know we weren’t entirely at her mercy. “Kinship adoption, I believe it’s called.”
Janice smiled. “The home study and criminal background checks must be completed first. I’m glad you’ve done your research.”
“Are the background checks done?” Jake asked.
She shook her head. “They can take a month or more.”
I could see the frustration on his face and reached out a hand to touch his forearm. “It’s okay, babe. Neither of us has anything to hide, and considering I’ve only lived here my entire life, it should be quick, right?” I said, looking at Janice.
She nodded but didn’t give a straight answer.
“All right. I’ll go call Sally and see if she’s around.”
I left the table and quickly called Sally. She didn’t answer her phone. I left her a voice mail. I knew the woman wouldn’t be sitting around waiting for my call. She was very active and had a busy social calendar. Janice would have to schedule an appointment with her if she wanted to meet her. Not everyone was going to jump when she came knocking.
I returned to the patio. “I’m sorry. She isn’t answering her phone. I left her a voice mail. Like I said, she tends to go to church in the mornings and then spends the day with friends.”
Janice sighed. “Fine. I guess we’ll have to schedule a time to talk.”
“That works best. She is a busy woman. Would you like her phone number?”
“She can call me,” Janice shot back.
I took a deep breath, biting my tongue. “Fine. I’ll have her call tomorrow.”
“Well, I think I have all I need for now. I’ll let you two get back to your relaxing Sunday morning,” she said, once again looking at my attire.
I gave her a big cheesy smile, not caring a bit what she thought about my pajamas. At least I had clothes on. I could only imagine what her reaction would have been if I’d answered the door naked or she had caught me sunbathing in the nude on the patio. She’d probably have had a stroke.
We said our good-byes at the door. Jake and I turned to look at each other and burst into laughter.
“I’m going back to my book.”
I headed into the living room and flopped down on the couch.
Jake leaned over the back of the couch, his face close to mine. “Babe?” He repeated the word, making a joke about the way I had called him out of the den.
We started laughing again. “I wasn’t sure what to say. I went with what I thought she would expect.”
He was grinning. “I thought it was code for being mugged at the door or something.”
“It was basically the same thing. I did not expect her on a Sunday morning. They weren’t joking when they said surprise visit. I’m glad we were at least somewhat clothed. And you, poor Janice is going to have to go home and scrub her eyes. You gave her quite an eyeful,” I said, shaking my head.
“I wasn’t expecting anyone, and it isn’t like you haven’t seen it before.”
“I’ve seen it, but I think she was surprised by the tats.”
“Oh well. I spoke with the lawyer on Friday just to give him an update. There is no reason I shouldn’t get custody. This is all a formality. Janice has to know I have a lawyer. I dare her to bring up the tattoos.”
I laughed. “I don’t think she will ever be able to speak of your body without blushing.”
“Good.” He smirked. “I like to keep my women off guard.”
He leaned down, dropped a quick kiss on my forehead, and walked away.
It was the first kiss since the night I let him take me over and over again. I had been worried he’d had his way with me and was no longer interested. I shouldn’t have been worried about it at all. I had already decided it was a one-time thing. I had wanted to scratch the itch, and we had. I couldn’t let myself get caught up in our fake marriage and think about spending time with him. The adoption would be fast once we were approved to take custody. I had a feeling Jake would be moving back to California and only making visits.
He wasn’t the kind of guy to settle down with a family. He wanted Iris, and I believed he loved her, but I didn’t see him giving up his lifestyle. That was fine with me. I went into the marriage with my eyes wide open. I wasn’t going to be sad when he left us.
At least, that was what I was going to keep telling myself. I needed to remind myself on the daily that this whole thing wasn’t real. I shouldn’t get used to coming home to a gourmet dinner every night. I was figuring I would come home to a somewhat messy house, a box of mac and cheese, and Iris. That worked for me. I would probably be lonely, but Iris would be there to keep me company and very busy.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Jake
One time with Avery and I was a wreck. I couldn’t seem to sleep or do anything without thinking about the woman. It was driving me crazy. I was looking forward to Drew coming into town today. We had a lot to discuss, and I needed someone to talk to about Avery. I wasn’t the type of guy who usually wanted to do a lot of talking, but my head was a mess. Drew would tell me if I was being ridiculous. He would set me straight. I needed his no-nonsense advice.
I drove to the small airport where my jet would be bringing Drew. He had said he would fly commercial, but the least I could do for the man was let him use the jet after all the work he had been doing in my absence.
“Hey!” he said, walking into the small building.
“How was the flight?”
“Luxurious, although I only got one drink. What’s up with that? You getting stingy or what?”
I laughed. “It is the middle of the day.”
He shrugged. “So?”
“We have work to go over. I’ll give you a drink when we get back to the house.”
“Fine.”
I drove home, and we went
into the dining room where we could spread out the various files he’d brought along. We talked shop for a while until he asked me about how things were going with my wife. It was the only invitation I needed to unload my burden on my one and only friend.
“I have no idea what I’m going to do,” I said with a heavy sigh. “I feel like I’m being cut down the middle, and I don’t like it.”
“Why?”
I gave him a look that said he knew why. He smiled.
“Would you be willing to relocate here, to Phoenix?” I asked, choosing to be direct instead of dancing around what was really on my mind.
“Seriously?” he asked, surprise written all over his face.
I held my hands out. “I want the business, but I want this too.”
He nodded. “I thought the plan was to get custody, do the adoption, and then file for divorce and take Iris back to California. What’s changed?”
“Everything,” I said, feeling miserable.
“Like? Are you and the wifey doing more than playing house?”
I ran a hand through my hair. “I don’t know. I feel different. Being back home has reminded me of the future I thought I wanted before I started making millions. Up there, in California, I’m just living day to day. There’s no real joy or excitement. I’m bored. I didn’t realize I was missing something until I came here and got to meet my niece. I’ve been getting visits with her. I know I’m going to get custody—there’s no doubt in my mind—but Avery loves her too. I don’t think I can take Iris away from her.”
He nodded his head and seemed to understand my predicament. “You’re falling for her.”
“What?” I asked with shock.
“You’re falling for your wife. Obviously, you guys have been sleeping together, and it’s fucking with your head. You can say you’re this carefree playboy type, but deep inside, there is a guy who wants the steady girl and the family.”
“We’ve been sleeping together, literally. We share a room and a bed in case there are any surprise visits, which there was on Sunday morning,” I said, offering an excuse.
“Do you mean to tell me you haven’t fucked her since you’ve been here?”
I looked down at the table.
“That’s what I thought.”
“It was only one time,” I defended. “I don’t fall in love with someone because we’ve had sex. Come on, give me some credit.”
He grinned. “Normally, you don’t. This time, you did. Look at you. You’re kind of a mess, and now you’re talking about moving the company down here so you can be with her.”
“It makes sense,” I said, trying to use an excuse. I knew it didn’t make any sense.
“Well, it’s your company. Most of our dealings tend to be online or over video conference. If you want to do it, I’ll back you up. You know I will. Besides, I’ve been in California most of my life. I mean, how many times can you go to the beach before it gets boring? A change of scenery could be a good thing,” Drew said.
I smiled. “Thank you. I’m probably jumping the gun here. Avery is still in this marriage with the goal of getting Iris. I don’t think she feels the same way about me as I feel about her. She is kind of hard to read.”
Drew laughed. “It sounds like you’ve met your match. I’m sure that’s part of the draw. She’s a challenge. She’s not falling at your feet, hoping you’ll marry her or be her sugar daddy. That has to be refreshing.”
“I don’t know. Maybe it’s being here in the house with her. We have this comfortable routine. I guess it gives me security. She isn’t about money and all that. She is independent. I feel like I’m in way over my head. I know how dangerous that can be.”
“Dangerous or really good. I would ask when the wedding is, but I guess I’m a little late for that. Leave it to you to do things your own backward way.” He smirked.
I groaned. “I think I’m reading way more into this than I should. Maybe I want it so bad, I’m making shit up in my head.”
“Quit trying to sabotage your own happiness. If you want her and you want a real relationship with her, make it happen. You’re not the kind of guy who sits back and pines over a woman. You’re being all weird and moony.”
I laughed. That was the blunt Drew I was used to. I knew he would tell it to me straight. I looked at the clock and realized Avery would be home soon.
“I didn’t make dinner,” I said aloud, but more to myself.
“What?” Drew asked with confusion. “It’s not even five.”
I shrugged. “I usually make dinner every night and have it ready for her when she gets home from work.”
He raised an eyebrow. “You make dinner every night? Holy shit, you really have gone over to the domesticated dark side.”
I chuckled. “It’s not so bad. I love that I get to use those cooking lessons, and as it turns out, I am a really good cook.”
“Good. I’m happy for you. I’ll expect you to make me dinner when we get back. I guess I should say if you get back.”
We wrapped up the business we had and were just putting things away when Avery got home.
“I should be going,” Drew said. “I’ll call a car.”
“No. Let’s go out,” I suggested. “All of us.”
“I don’t want to intrude. You two go ahead,” Avery said.
I shook my head. “No way. You have to come.”
“Please,” Drew said, batting his eyelashes.
She laughed. “Let me run upstairs and change.”
She left the kitchen and then returned a few seconds later. “Where are we going? I mean, can I wear jeans, or do I need to class it up?”
I looked at Drew. “Let’s go big and fancy. Class it up, babe.”
She smiled and nodded before leaving the kitchen once again.
“Babe?” Drew asked.
I shrugged. “It’s easier to stay in the habit of calling each other babe so we don’t forget to use the term when our caseworker is around.”
He winked. “Whatever you say. I’m going to use the bathroom and freshen up. You may want to do the same,” he said, taking in my T-shirt and jeans.
“Oh shit. I’m so used to always wearing a suit I forgot I went casual today. Being out of the office for so long has made me get out of a lot of my old routines.”
“Good. Dressing down once in a while is not a bad thing. It proves you are mortal like the rest of us.”
I jogged upstairs and opened the door to our room just in time to see Avery step out of the bathroom in a short black cocktail dress.
“Wow. You look amazing,” I blurted out.
She grinned. “This old thing?” she joked. “You said class it up. Are you going to change? Were you teasing? I’ll change into something more casual.”
“No! Don’t change. You look hot. I’m going to throw on something, and I’ll be right down,” I told her, not able to take my eyes off her smoking hot body.
“Okay. See you in a few,” she said and left the room.
I took a few minutes to get the libido in check. That dress was amazing. No, the woman wearing the dress was amazing. I couldn’t wait to take her out and show her a good time. I wanted Drew to see what was making me think about uprooting my entire life.
As I walked downstairs, I decided it would be best if we called a car. I knew there would be wine involved and didn’t want to risk a DUI when I was trying to prove I was a good father.
I found Avery and Drew in the living room, chatting away like they were old friends. That was a good sign.
“I called for a car. It will be about twenty minutes. How about we have a drink before we go?” I suggested.
“It’s about time. I thought you were going to make me dry out while I visited,” Drew complained.
We enjoyed a glass of wine while we waited for our car. I had called ahead and used my name to get us a table at the best restaurant in the city. I wanted to impress Avery and show her what it would be like to be with me.
At dinner, Drew and A
very really hit it off. I wasn’t jealous. I was glad. I wanted Drew to like Avery. I knew it shouldn’t matter what he thought, but I wanted him to see how happy she could make me.
It took everything I had not to hold her hand or slide my hand under the table to rest on her thigh at dinner. We chatted about Iris and the business before Avery filled Drew in on her job.
“So, when do you guys find out if you get Iris?” Drew asked.
I swallowed a bite and answered. “Hopefully in a week or so. We’ve done the home study, and Janice has pried into our lives in every way possible. I don’t think there is much more for her to learn about us.”
Avery laughed. “She has a thing for Jake,” she told Drew.
Drew looked at me and wrinkled his nose. “I thought you said she was a shrew.”
“She is. I don’t think it’s a thing. I think the woman has probably never been with a man or seen a man up close and personal.”
Avery laughed as she told Drew about the surprise visit on Sunday morning. I rolled my eyes when she exaggerated Janice’s reaction to my bare chest. It hadn’t been quite so extreme. Avery sounded a tiny bit jealous, which made me very happy.
It was after eight and the wine had been flowing freely throughout dinner.
“Are you guys ready to go?” I asked.
Drew nodded. “I’m beat.”
“We’ll drop you off at the hotel.”
“I can take a cab.”
“No reason for that. It’s only a couple minutes out of our way.”
Once we dropped off Drew, we headed home. I loved that we were heading home to the place we shared. The sense of comfort the word brought was something I had never felt before.
When we walked in the door, Avery kicked off her heels and walked to the kitchen.
“I need some water. I do not want to wake up with a hangover,” she said.
I laughed. “I better drink some too.”
While she pulled out a couple bottles of water, I headed for the bathroom medicine cabinet and grabbed the Tylenol.
“Here. Pop a couple of these,” I said, handing her the bottle after taking two myself.