by Rae Spencer
Arianna took a sip of her coffee, glancing around the room. She didn’t know what else to say. There were too many people around.
“Tom said your grandmother was good to you. Is that true?” Darren watched her carefully.
“Yes, she was wonderful.” Arianna smiled at him and rubbed her cheek against Tom’s shoulder.
“Your mother never told me about you. She never hinted we had a child. I would have… I’m sorry.” Darren‘s voice broke as his fingers gripped his knees tighter.
Arianna glanced at her father with a slight smile on her face.
“I understand a lot of things have happened since your grandmother died. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to help you.” Darren stared into her eyes.
Arianna snuggled closer to Tom, her cup resting on her knee. “It wasn’t your fault.”
Tom glanced down at her smiling. Arianna wouldn’t hold a grudge. It wasn’t her way. What decisions would she make? What choices would Darren offer her?
Arianna met Tom’s eyes. Something in his blue depths caught her attention but she couldn’t put her finger on what she was seeing.
Darren rubbed his finger over his lip. “I realize the events of tonight are a surprise to both of us and I missed out on your childhood. But I would like the opportunity to get to know you, if you…”
“If I…” Arianna prompted when Darren hesitated.
“If you’re interested.” Darren stared intently at her.
She noticed his shaking fingers. “I would like that.”
The other members of Simple Time visibly relaxed with her words.
Bob smiled at her. “Maybe you two can do lunch tomorrow and talk. There is a lot to take in. I think you need to talk privately. Distracted’s next show isn’t far away.”
Tom glanced down at Arianna. “I can make arrangements for a car to take Arianna to meet you then you can both come back for the show. Are you okay with that, Butterfly?”
“Yeah.” She didn’t want to talk to her dad in front of anyone, except Tom.
“Darren?” Bob said.
Darren smiled. “Are you okay with lunch with just me, Arianna?”
Arianna nodded.
Darren relaxed. “Tomorrow we'll have lunch. Tom, I’ll call you with where.”
“I’ll make sure she gets there,” Tom said.
Bob stood. “Darren, I think anything else can wait till tomorrow. It’s been a long day and I think you both need some time to think about what has happened.”
The other members of Simple Time followed and they walked toward the door.
“We'll go, too.” Clay stood.
“If you need anything, Arianna, just let me know.” Lily squeezed her hand before heading off the bus with Clay leaving Darren with her and Tom.
Arianna put her cup on the table. Tom stood next to her and Darren, her dad stood in front of them.
“You’re okay with having lunch with me tomorrow?” Darren asked.
“Yes, I am.” Her eyes devoured his face, trying to take in every detail, just in case she never saw him again.
“You’ll come?” Darren brushed her auburn locks over her shoulder.
“Yes, of course.” Arianna glanced into his eyes, so much like her own and her heart soared. She really believed he was her dad.
Darren stroked her cheek, smiling as tears formed in his eyes.
Tom loosened Arianna’s fingers as her dad pulled her against him into the tightest bear hug she had ever had. His face buried against her neck he said, “I’m so sorry.”
Arianna closed her eyes as her arms wrapped around her father hugging him tightly.
Darren pulled away his hands sliding to her face and cupping her cheeks. He smiled at the tears in her eyes. He kissed her forehead. “I will see you tomorrow.”
Arianna nodded as her tears ran across her freckles.
Darren slid his fingers over her cheeks brushing her tears away. He glanced over at Tom.
Tom nodded.
Darren released Arianna, watching her slip right into Tom’s arms. Darren walked off the bus, closing the door behind him.
“You okay, Butterfly?” Tom kissed her head.
Arianna glanced up at him. “I think so.”
He kissed her softly. “Why don’t you go lie down? I’ll make sure everyone gets where they need to go then be in as soon as the bus starts to head out.”
She turned and cupped his chin stretching on her toes she kissed him. “Don’t be too long.”
“I won’t.” He pinched her butt.
****
Tom walked into the bedroom and found Arianna sitting cross-legged in her little green nightie. He sat in front of her and reached out brushing hair behind her ear. “Are you really okay, Butterfly?”
She nodded. “Tired.”
“Me, too.” He kissed her before standing.
He changed out of his clothes into his shorts and crawled on the bed next to her. He lay down bringing her with him. “Let’s get some shut eye.”
Arianna curled up against him with her head on his shoulder and her hand over his heart. “Tom.”
Eyes closed he rubbed his chin against her head.
“I love you.” She brushed her lips above his nipple as she drifted off.
Tom tightened his arms around her. “I love you, too.”
Chapter 17
The alarm buzzed through Tom’s head. He didn’t want to wake up and face what today might bring him. He forced his eyes open and looked over at the clock. 9 a.m.
Arianna lay curled up against him sleeping. He brushed the hair away from her face. "Butterfly.”
She murmured against his chest her fingers grazing his nipple.
“We have to get up, Butterfly. We should be there in a little bit,” he whispered. Arianna didn’t panic this time. He felt no fear from her.
She rolled on top of him, her hands next to his shoulders. She slipped her legs over his hips, straightened her arms and lowered her head. Her mouth teased his. “Love me, Tom.”
His hands moved up her back then down to cup her butt. “I do and I will.”
He watched her lick her lips, before lowering her mouth to his again.
He gripped her butt as his cock throbbed against her stomach. Need raged through him. The fear of losing her ricocheted down his body. He gripped and rolled her on her back, never breaking the contact of their mouths.
His tongue stoked her lips trying to slow down the pace. The need skittering over his flesh made it almost impossible.
She ran her fingers over his shoulders down his chest. Her thumbs teased his nipples and he lost all control.
He plunged his tongue inside her mouth. His fingers tangled in her hair and pulled her head back.
She moaned. His need flowed over her, washing away her doubts. She clutched him to her ripping her mouth from his. “Now, Tom!”
He reared up on his knees. Grabbing the edge of her nightie, he whipped it over her head. His hands went to her breasts teasing them until her honey tips were hard.
She arched into the pressure of his thumbs, his fingers. Her mouth fell open as she gave herself over to his need.
Tom yanked her panties off followed by his shorts. He placed her legs on his shoulders and slid his fingers into her pussy. He made sure she was ready then slammed balls deep inside of her.
Arianna moaned and Tom groaned.
He spread his legs, leaning forward and bending her body. His mouth found hers as he slammed inside of her. His tongue surged and retreated with his thrusts.
She couldn’t move, only accept his powerful thrusts, nails raking down his back.
“Butterfly.” He arched his head back, tremors crashing through him.
Her muscles pulsated and her body exploded. “Tom!”
He pumped inside her with the last surges of his orgasm. His seed streamed as his head bowed. He pulled her legs down collapsing on top of her.
“God, I love you, Arianna.” He murmured against her neck.
; “I love you, too.” She rubbed her fingers over his back.
He came up on his elbows. He wanted to ask her… no, beg her to stay with him. But his mouth refused to form the words or ask the question. It had to be her choice. He prayed she choose to stay with him.
He moved them to their sides kissing her head staring into space.
After a few moments, he took a deep breath. “Come on, Butterfly. Let’s get a shower. I’m sure your dad is going to be waiting for you.”
****
Arianna and Tom walked off the bus hand in hand. Arianna smiling and Tom wary. “The car will be here in a few minutes.”
She brushed her fingers over her cheek. “Do I look okay?”
“You look beautiful, Butterfly.” He laughed softly at her apparent nervousness.
She glanced at him smiling and her dimple peeked out. “Thank you.”
They walked into the building where the others were gathered.
Lily smiled warmly. “Hi, Arianna. How are you?”
“I’m fine, thanks,” Arianna said.
“Tom, did you call the car?” Clay asked.
“Yes.” His lips were tight. He didn’t look at Clay. His eyes were on Arianna as she and Lily carried on a quiet conversation.
Scott walked into the room with Melissa looking over at Tom. “Lenny said the car is here.”
Tom nodded turning toward Arianna. “Thanks, Scott. Come on, Butterfly, I'll walk you out.”
Arianna wrapped her fingers around his elbow. Together, they walked outside to the waiting car.
Tom opened the car door then pulled Arianna into his arms. He kissed her savoring the taste of her lips. “Remember, Butterfly, your dad loves you and only wants a chance.”
Arianna brushed her fingers over his lips. “I will remember.”
His touch rough Tom turned her toward the car. “You better go. I'll be here when you get back.”
She climbed in the car. She could feel his tenseness, he was unsettled and she thought she knew why. “Tom.”
He took a deep breath leaning inside the door. “Yeah, Butterfly?”
“I love you,” she said.
“I love you, too.” He brushed his fingers over her cheek then straightened, closing the car door. He took two steps back as his hands fisted. He stood watching the car drive away with his heart inside.
****
Tom sensed someone behind him. He knew who it was but wasn’t ready to turn and face him. Clay.
“Are you okay?” Clay watched his friend carefully. His tawny eyes picking up his movements, his gestures.
“I’m fine.” Tom continued to stare at where he had last seen the car.
“Are you?” Clay said.
“Clay.” He turned around, his lips drawn tight.
“I know better.” Clay clearly saw the worry etched on his face. He had known Tom too long, they had been through too much together for him to miss it.
Tom walked past Clay.
“She’ll be back. You realize that, don’t you?” Clay called to Tom stopping him in mid stride.
Tom started walking again ignoring Clay.
“Did you tell her?” Clay followed him inside the building.
Tom stopped turning to face Clay. “Did I tell her what?”
“That you were afraid of losing her?” Clay’s eyes met his.
When Tom didn’t respond, Clay continued, “You should have. You need to. I’m sure Arianna saw your tenseness.”
Tom glared at Clay turning on his heel he stalked into his dressing room slamming the door behind him.
Clay stared at the door, a frown on his face. This was going to be a long, interesting day.
****
Arianna walked into the quaint little Greek restaurant filled with flowers and pastel colors. She glanced around, wondering if her dad showed.
She turned and saw him walking over to her.
“I wasn’t sure if you would come.” Darren dragged her into another bear hug.
She loved his hugs almost as much as Tom’s. “I said I would come.”
Darren smiled. “Forgive an old man his insecurities. Come on, our table is over here. It’s private so we can talk.”
Arianna walked next to her dad. His wrapped arm around her shoulder.
Once they sat, the waitress took their order for drinks. They both ordered iced tea.
“How are you today?” Darren rested his elbows on the edge of the table propping up his chin with his hands.
“I’m fine. And you?” She fidgeted with her shirt.
“A little confused.” Darren was surprised when her face relaxed and she giggled.
“Me, too. And nervous.” She confessed smiling.
“Me, too.” He returned her smile.
The waitress put their drinks down asking if they were ready to order. Darren asked for a few minutes.
“What’re you hungry for?” He opened his menu as Arianna did the same.
She glanced at him quickly. “I’ve never had Greek food before.”
“No? Why don’t we order some Dolmathes for appetizers? They’re one of my favorites. Do you like spinach? Moussaka is good, has beef and eggplant, too.” Darren glanced over at her.
“Sounds good.” She closed her menu laying it on the table.
The waitress approached and Darren ordered some Dolmathes for them and each a Moussaka. They spent the next fifteen minutes talking about little things. How she liked being on tour. Her favorite food. Then, her dad began asking her personal questions.
“Are you happy with Tom?” he asked.
She glanced at him smiling. “Yes.”
He stared into her eyes. “You’re sure? I have money and places where you can live or I could find you place wherever you want. You don’t have to stay with Tom.”
She was happy he offered, but she knew in her heart it wasn’t needed. “Thank you, but I’m happy with Tom.”
“I don’t want you to think you need to stay with him because of money or anything...” His voice trailed off.
She shook her head. “Tom loves me and I love him.”
He nodded smiling. “I had to ask.”
“Why?” she asked.
He propped his elbows on the table again. “You’re my daughter. It’s my responsibility to make sure you’re taken care of and happy. I may be late, but I don’t want you to do something or stay with someone because of money. I want you to understand if you need anything or want anything all you have to do is tell me.”
Her smile increased and her dimpled peeked out. “I appreciate that. I’m with Tom because I choose to be. Tom loves me. He wanted me when I was a waitress. He stayed with me through my fears and helped me overcome them. I couldn’t ask for more.”
Darren was pleased with the honesty in her eyes. The waitress brought over their Dolmathes and they began to eat.
Darren asked Arianna lots of questions. They laughed, giggled and their hearts were at ease with each other.
Darren never asked about Tom again. He had already realized Tom loved his daughter. The evidence was apparent in the way Tom treated and behaved towards her. He was content with the knowledge and hoped Tom would marry her.
Arianna asked Darren lots of questions hungry for information about him.
As their lunch date dwindled into the late afternoon, Darren found himself proud of the woman his daughter had become.
“You ready to go back to the arena?” He said noticing the time.
“Yes, you are coming, too?” She stood.
“Yes, I believe all the guys will be there, too.” He walked around the table to her.
Arianna wrapped her arm around his elbow, smiling up at him and together they headed back to the arena, chatting in the car.
****
“Wow, Clay, do something.” Scott stared at Tom in disbelief.
“What do you want me to do?” Clay snapped, turning to watch Tom.
Kevin walked up and stood next to Clay. “Talk to him, he’s too agitated.�
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“Can you blame him?” Clay said.
Scott sighed deeply. “No, but we need to get this sound check done.”
Clay groaned, arching his neck. It was up to him to talk to Tom. He took a deep breath and walked over.
Tom stood by the side of the stage, watching the guys run around like lunatics because he thought the sound was off.
“Tom,” Clay said.
“What?” Tom growled, glaring at Clay.
“We need to get the sound check done then we can go have a beer and relax. You’re worried over Arianna, but snapping at everyone isn’t going to help,” Clay said.
Tom narrowed his eyes. “The sound is off.”
Clay shook his head. “No, the sound is fine. Trust me. I’ve done the sound check with you hundreds of times before. The sound is fine. You’re just agitated.”
“Fine.” Tom turned and stalked off the stage.
Clay stared after him then turned to the sound guys watching him. “The sound is fine, guys.”
They all nodded a thank you.
Clay glanced at Scott and Kevin then followed Tom to his dressing room. He walked in and found Tom sitting in a chair. He had a beer in his hand and his head back with his eyes closed. He didn’t even move when the door closed.
Clay walked into the middle of room. “You need to relax.”
“Relax.” He laughed gruffly, gripping his beer tightly.
Clay sat on the chair across from Tom. “You’re worrying too much and it’s affecting everyone.”
“Go away, Clay.” Tom opened his eyes narrowly.
Clay snapped. “No, I’m not going to go away.”
Tom scowled. “Just leave.”
“No!” Clay said.
Tom took another drink of his beer.
“We'll wait together for Arianna to get back. And she’ll be back, but I’m not letting you get drunk before the show.” Clay glared as Tom took another drink.
****
Tom was annoyed with Clay. He kept taking his beer away. He gripped his legs, searching for control because he wanted to deck him. Clay was his best friend and he meant well but Tom wanted to be alone right now.