by McCoy, SJ
She just stared at him. He didn't know what that meant, so he pushed on. “I don't want to go off to start a life. I want to come here and start one. With you. I know it's too soon to be talking like this, and you don't have to say anything. But it's how I feel, it's what I want, and it's not going to change. So I need you to know. We can take our time getting there, if you want. I didn't mean to lay it on you like this. But honestly, if it were up to me, I'd have you both move in that house with me as soon as I can close on it. That's what I meant when I asked you to help me make it home, I meant by living there, with me. Like I said, a home is made from the people and the love that live there.” He pulled her closer. “And I love you, Missy.” He hadn't actually meant to pour all that out. Had intended to wait a while, build up to it, but saying it too soon didn't make it any less true.
Her eyes sparkled with tears. One big fat drop escaped and rolled down her cheek. Was that a good thing? He didn't know. She squeezed his hands as she smiled through the tears that followed the first down her face.
“It is too soon, hero.” He sucked his breath in sharply. Of course it was, but he couldn't take it back, wouldn't want to anyway. “It is too soon, but I love you too.”
His heart leapt and a huge grin spread across his face. “You do?”
“I do! How could I not love you? On paper we're all wrong for each other, but something about us just works. You're perfect, perfect for me and I do love you.” Her hands tangled in his hair as he she pulled him down to kiss her.
When he eventually lifted his head, he held her tight. “I love you, little Miss Missy. I don't know how love works, I might not be very good at it. It's not something I thought I was capable of, but then I met you.”
She smiled up at him, her eyes such a light gray, they looked like liquid silver. “I didn't think I was capable of it either, hero. I'm so glad we've proved each other wrong.”
***
Missy lay awake, staring at the ceiling. Dan slept on beside her. She'd never had a man spend the night in all the years she'd owned this house. It just hadn't seemed right. Whenever she'd dated a guy, she'd tried to keep them separate from her home, from Scot. No one had ever come close to being good enough for her to have them around her son. Dan was different. Completely different. He'd gotten close to Scot in his own right. Now she wondered if she was good enough. Dan shared a bond with Scotty that she didn't—they were both so damned smart. She'd always felt a little guilty that Scot didn't have a guy in his life. She believed a boy needed a male influence. Ben had always been so good with him, hanging with him and taking him fishing when he could. Pete too, spent time with him whenever he could, but it wasn't the same as Scotty having someone of his own. She hesitated to even think it out loud, but what he had needed was a father figure. Dan fit the bill perfectly. He was the only person she had ever known who could talk to Scot on his level, and not just about his computers. Not only did Dan understand the kid, he was even smarter than him and could teach him, challenge him, help him along. She turned to look at his sleeping face, long dark lashes rested on his cheeks. His full lips turned up at the corners, smiling as he slept. In some ways she couldn't have asked for a more perfect match. He was everything Scotty needed. Damn, he was everything she needed! He was gorgeous, thoughtful, fun, he cared about her. Last night he'd told her that he loved her! That had come as a surprise, but not as big a surprise as hearing herself tell him that she loved him too.
It was true though. Despite the fact that they were so different, they gelled perfectly. Their differences complemented each other and, as Ben had said, they brought out each other’s hidden qualities. It was all so much to take in. This time yesterday, she'd been thinking that all she could do was make the most of dating him for a while. Now he was saying he wanted to move up here. Buy a house, which just happened to be her dream house, and he wanted her and Scotty to move in with him! It was a lot to take in, for sure. On the one hand it was perfect. Perfect for Scot, and for her. But was it all just a little too perfect? Would the differences between them become more apparent over time? Would she drive him nuts if they did move in together? Would he be able to stand having her and Scotty around all the time? He was a loner, he needed his solitude. She was no fool. She believed he did love her, she knew she'd fallen for him, in a big way. But she also knew that might not be enough. Not when cold, hard, everyday reality set in.
If it was just about her, she'd happily be swept along by the excitement she felt, jump in both feet first and see where they ended up. But it was about Scotty too. She'd been so grateful to see his friendship with Dan grow these last few months. So happy to see the way he was growing in confidence, coming out of his shell more every day. The last few weeks, she'd noticed the way he'd been growing emotionally attached too. She hadn't missed all the hugs, or the way Scot turned to Dan whenever he was unsure of himself. She loved the relationship the two of them were building, but she was afraid of damaging it. If she and Dan got together and it didn't work out between the two of them, what effect would it have on Scot? Was it a risk work taking? She pursed her lips. What was the alternative? Her and Dan not getting together? Not even trying? That really wasn't an option. She loved Dan. Scot loved Dan. And he loved them. Between the three of them they'd work it out. It was a risk, but so was life. You didn't get anywhere good by not taking risks, she knew that much. If they were all honest with each other they'd be okay, whether it worked out or not. She hated the idea of Scot getting hurt, but more than that, she hated the idea of not even trying for something that could be so good for all three of them. All they could do was talk about it. She didn't like to hide anything from Scot; she felt it was important to involve him in decisions that affected him. He was smart enough, and after all he was becoming a young man in his own right.
Dan reached across and drew her towards him, sleepy eyes tender as his smile spread. “Good morning, beautiful.”
She found herself pressed against his warm body, looking into deep brown eyes. “Good morning.”
His hand closed around the back of her neck and she felt herself go limp. “C'mere little kitten, I need you.” His eyes may be sleepy, but his body was wide awake as he pulled her on top of him.
“I need you too, Dan,” she murmured as he ran his hands down her back. And it was true. She needed him in so many ways. As he rocked her against his arousal, she knew he could satisfy this immediate need. She could only hope that he might be able to meet her other needs even half as well.
Chapter Fifteen
“So, Mr. Planner,” Ben looked at Pete, “what's the plan for your bachelor party? I know you've got all the scheduling figured out for the big spring wedding, but I've not heard anything about the guys’ night. Please tell me we get to go to Vegas this time?”
Pete laughed. “Don't look at me. That's Jack's department. I'll go along with whatever my partner decides.” He grinned at Holly. “That way, my bride can't hold me responsible.”
Holly laughed. “Do what you like, Bigshot. Just don't ask about our weekend!”
Pete's cocky grin faded a little. “Weekend? What's the plan? This is the first I've heard!”
Holly was still laughing. “Never you mind. You take care of your own party.”
Dan liked Holly. She was fun and confident. Until Holly came along he'd never known anyone but Jack and Missy who could put Pete in his place.
“In that case,” said Ben, “my vote is definitely for Vegas. What do you say, Jack?”
Jack looked at Dan. “We'll have to watch this one if we go there.”
Dan smiled as the whole group turned towards him. With this bunch, he didn't feel uncomfortable, or self-conscious at being the center of attention. Missy looked up at him enquiringly. “We'd come home a bit richer.” He smiled.
“Oh, my God!” cried Holly. “You play the tables?”
He nodded. “It's just a numbers game.”
“Yeah,” said Jack. “And you should see the numbers he pockets!”
&nbs
p; Dan looked at Missy, hoping she wouldn't disapprove. Olivia had given him hell when she'd found out he and Steven had been spending their weekends at the Bellagio. They weren't exactly wild party guys—to them it had been an interesting exercise in math and probability. To Olivia it had been unacceptable—until she found out how much they'd won.
Missy wrinkled her nose at him, but said nothing. He needed to know that she wasn't cross with him. “Do you like Vegas?”
She shrugged. “I've never been. I always thought it would be fun though. I don't know how to gamble, but one day I want to go see the shows. That would be cool.”
She'd never been to Vegas? He'd have to fix that. She'd love it. He smiled at her, but the conversation had already moved on. Ben was trying to convince Jack that Vegas was the only option for Pete's bachelor party. She smiled back at him and leaned a little closer. He'd love to take her to Vegas, even take her to a show. Give her a chance to get all dressed up. He realized that this was one of their many differences. As much as he loved this place, the beautiful lake, the great group of friends, breakfasts out on the Boathouse deck like this, nights spent listening and dancing to the band, to him it was all new and novel. To her, it was her everyday life and she craved the chance to get away from it sometimes. He put an arm around her shoulders, determined to give her all the chances she wanted.
“Whatever you guys decide,” Pete was saying, “I'm up for it, but for now, we need to get going.” He and Holly were heading back to LA for a few days.
As they stood to leave, Dan rose too. He wanted to talk to Holly. He was relieved when Emma turned to Missy to ask her about some recipe. “I'll be back,” he said, and followed Pete and Holly out into the square.”
“S'up, Dan?” asked Pete.
Dan looked back over his shoulder to make sure they were out of earshot. “I wanted to ask Holly a favor.”
“Of course,” she said. “What can I do?”
Dan shifted from one foot to the other. He'd been so sure of this, but as Holly looked at him expectantly, he wasn't so convinced. Maybe it was a bad idea?
Pete saved him “Was it about the fundraiser?”
“Kind of.”
Holly raised an eyebrow.
“If Missy and I come, she'll need something to wear and I'd like to buy it. I wondered if you might help?”
The last of his hesitation dissolved at Holly's response. “Damn, Dan! You surprised me, sweetie. You're not as clueless as I thought!”
Dan grinned. This was why he liked her. She was straightforward, just like Missy. She wasn't mocking him, she was genuinely surprised, and pleased.
“I'd love to help, and I know her taste and what suits her. In fact I can probably get her into the store between now and then to try stuff on.”
“That'd be great,” said, Dan, “But do you think you could find her something this week too?”
Holly looked puzzled.
“Something she could wear to do dinner and a show in Vegas?”
Holly grinned. “I'd love to. You're really not the clueless geek you make out to be, are you?”
“Holly!” Pete scowled at her.
Dan laughed. “I hope not, but I have a lot to learn, I'm hoping you guys will help me figure it all out.”
“I'll do anything I can, anytime. But I'm not so sure Bigshot here can help, he's pretty clueless himself. It would never occur to him to get me a dress.” Holly gave Pete a pointed look, before turning back to Dan. “We'll be back midweek and I have the perfect one in mind for a little trip to Vegas. I'll call you, okay?”
“Thanks, I appreciate it.”
“No problem at all.”
Pete smiled. “Though it may become a problem if you keep showing me up!”
Dan grinned, “Don't worry, big guy, I'll give you tips on how to treat your lady right.”
Holly laughed, delighted at the look on Pete's face. “Oh, Dan, you are priceless! You can help me keep this one in line.”
Dan shrugged at Pete with a smile. “Thanks guys.”
“Yeah, thanks a lot,” Pete said with a rueful grin as he went to get in his truck.
“I'll call you,” said Holly.
Dan made his way back to the table where Missy still chatted with Emma. Jack stood by the railing over the lake, talking into his cell phone.
Ben came out from the restaurant. “Here's the key, bud. You can go over any time.”
“Thanks, we're going to go straight from here.”
“We?”
Dan nodded.
Ben smiled. “Okay. They told me to let you know that they'd be happy to rent it to you. They really want to see some return on it soon. So even if you want to buy it, they'd be happy to rent it to you ’til you close.”
Dan thought about that. “And the sale includes all the furnishings?”
“Right down to linens and cutlery. It's all good quality too. I love it. You could move in today if you wanted to. All you'd need is your toothbrush.”
Dan liked that idea. “We'd better go take a look then.”
***
Dan opened the front gate and let Missy walk up the path ahead of him. He was glad she'd agreed to come see the place with him. He already knew he wanted it. He didn't care what it was like inside. It was her favorite house. He wanted it for her. If she didn't like the way it was inside, he'd change it to whatever she wanted. He only hoped she would agree to come and live here with him. She started up the front steps then turned back to look at him.
“I can't believe this, Dan! I loved this house as a kid. I love it now. To think you might live here is crazy.”
He smiled and put his arms around her. “You know that what I want most is for us to live here. You, me, and Scotty. That's my hope.”
She nodded, her eyes liquid silver, strengthening his hope.
“Come on, then.” He led her up the last few steps and unlocked the front door. “After you.”
She stepped inside and he followed, into a grand entrance hall with a sweeping staircase. Missy looked at him, her face unreadable. She walked past the staircase, through to a huge living area. A row of French doors gave a beautiful view of the lake. They opened up to a brick patio area, filled with hanging baskets and edged by trellises with climbing flowers. Beyond the patio, lawns led down to the water’s edge. There was a little sandy beach and what looked like a boat shed; the large dock had a boat-lift and a little screened-in room. Dan took it all in, loving what he saw.
He turned to Missy. She looked sad. “What it it, Miss?”
She shook her head. “Nothing. It's beautiful, isn't it?”
“It is, but what's wrong?”
“It's just me. It makes me sad that its soul has gone. I used to love coming here when it was the DeWinters' place. It was such a friendly place, full of laughter and love. Right now, it feels like your apartment. It is beautiful, but it's so impersonal. It's not a home, it's a showpiece.”
He came to stand before her. “But we can change that, Miss. We can make it our home. Fill it with our life and our laughter. Fill it with our love, the three of us. What do you say?”
“I don't know, Dan. I can't see me and Scotty here. Can you imagine how long that rug would stay cream-colored? I couldn't relax around all this expensive furniture. I'd be too worried about breaking something.”
“But it'll be our furniture, if we want to keep it, it won't matter if we break it. Or we can get rid of it all, furnish it how we want it, make it comfortable and homey.” She looked so uncertain. He didn't know what else to say. He'd hoped she would be happy and excited. He needed to walk away again, just for a minute. He walked through to the kitchen and, seeing it, his need to be alone evaporated. He called back to her. “You have to see this, Miss.”
She appeared in the doorway and grinned. “This hasn't changed much. This was the heart of the place.”
“I can see why.” It was an old-style country kitchen, now given the best of modern finishes. There was one of those big ranges and a double fr
idge, sub-zero. Sturdy pine cabinets lined the walls and a large island stood in the middle with bar stools along one side. Double sinks stood under a window that looked out onto a side yard with apple trees and a little herb garden. A sturdy farmhouse table stood in front of a bay window, with more French doors leading out to a pool. Dan went and sat at the table. This felt like a homey space.
“Can't you just see Scot sitting here doing his homework?” He knew from the smile on her face that she could, and that she loved the idea. He pushed his advantage. “And I'll bet his homework would get done a lot quicker if he knew we couldn't go in the pool ’til it was finished.
She laughed at that.
“Life would be a lot different for him here, Miss. It would be different for all of us. Better for all of us, don't you think?”
Her eyes were troubled now, but still light gray, not dark. “I think it would be, Danny.” She'd called him Danny! That felt like a good omen. He relaxed a little as she continued. “I just don't know though. I mean, it's all so fast. Maybe we should take it slow? See how well we work together over time. I don't want you to buy a place for a family if we're not going to become one. I don't want you to become an even bigger part of Scotty's life if it's not going to work out.” She came and sat on his lap at the table. “I want you. I want this. I want us, more than I've ever wanted anything, but it's all so fast. What if it's not real?”
He closed his hand around the back of her neck and felt her relax against him. “It's not really that fast Miss. We've known each other for months. We got to know each other as friends. There was no putting on a front to impress each other. You know me. You've seen who I am. You know I'm quiet, I'm messy, I don't cook, or clean. You know that sometimes I don't talk for hours on end. You know I need more alone time than anyone you've ever met.” He bit his lip, but needed to say it, “You also know that sometimes, when there's too much emotion or it all gets confusing, I need to walk away for a while to clear my head.”
She nodded; he knew she understood.