“Pleased to meet you both.”
An awkward silence ensued.
I shuffled my feet; feeling as if I were ten years old again and got caught doing something naughty. A small, nervous giggle escaped my mouth when I thought of just how naughty I had been all day. Three sets of eyes looked at me. My amusement stopped, and I felt as if I was going to throw up. A heavy knock at the door startled us all.
“The pizza this time, I presume,” Daniel stated dryly. “I’ll get it.”
“I’ll get some drinks. Excuse me.” Then, like a coward, I escaped to the kitchen. I made some coffee then opened the cupboard and retrieved some mugs. I was reaching in the freezer for some cupcakes I knew I had in there, when Daniel walked in, carrying the pizza. He slid it in the oven and turned to me.
“Are you okay?”
I nodded. “You can go, Daniel. I’ll visit with them and come see you later.”
He took my hand, kissing the palm, holding it over his heart. “Nope.”
“I have to talk to them.”
“We’ll talk to them together.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Yes, I do.”
“Why?”
“So one day when we tell our kids the funny story of the first time I met their grandma and grandpa, I can tell them how I stood beside you, then charmed the pants off both of them. Add in the story of how we met, and we have entertaining things to talk about at parties for years.”
“Well, I’m not sure how fast my husband will give up his pants, but keep talking about a future with my daughter, and you have a good chance of getting mine, young man.” Mom chuckled as she stepped in behind Daniel and winked at him. “I would like to hear about how you met, and why we haven’t heard more about you until a few minutes ago.” She reached for the tray. “I’ll take the tray, Avery. Try to keep her away from the mints, Daniel. Hugs can usually help her calm down, too.”
I gaped at her and Daniel smiled. His best, jaw-dropping, sexy smile that got me every time. He leaned down and dropped a kiss on my mom’s cheek. “On it.”
She picked up the sugar, adding it to the tray, trying not to grin. “From what I saw earlier, that much is obvious. Try to rein it in while Doug is around. His eye is twitching.”
“I can do that.”
“Good. Bring the coffee when it’s ready. Oh! Cupcakes. Your father’s favorite. That will help.”
I stared after her as Daniel wrapped me in his arms. “Your mother’s orders.” He pressed a kiss to my head.
The coffee maker beeped and he picked up the pot. “Let’s go face the music.”
I poured some cream into the jug. “Okay.”
Daniel
I finally understood the expression “cut the tension with a knife.” No matter what I did, how polite I tried to be, I couldn’t get Avery’s father to talk. All I got were a few humphs, and a grunt to my queries of their trip. Doug Connor was going to be a hard nut to crack.
Not that I could blame him. I knew what it looked like when I answered the door. Well, it looked like exactly what it was. I had spent the afternoon fucking his daughter. I saw the way his gaze swept around the apartment, lingering on the broken lamp pieces, the dented shade, and the mess of papers haphazardly piled up on the table by the door—and the scattered mints. I swallowed thinking of the bathroom. If he got there ahead of me and saw the shower curtain on the floor and the towels strewn around, soaking up the puddles of water, I was undoubtedly, as Avery feared, a dead man.
Avery sat beside me, her fingers worrying the long hem of her shirt. I knew she was eyeing up the mints across the room, but didn’t want to get up and get them.
I slid my hand into my pocket, fishing one out and slipping it into her palm.
With a small sigh, she popped it in her mouth, crunching away. It was the biggest tell for her. If she sucked on it, it was for enjoyment. If she ate it, she was tense. Judging from the sound of the candy being crushed, I would say she was beyond tense. Not caring if her father was watching us, I wrapped my hand around hers and lifted it to my mouth, kissing the knuckles, leaving our entwined fingers on my thigh.
He glared at my leg, but I refused to let Avery’s fingers go. I knew what he was trying to do, except I wasn’t going to let him intimidate me.
Finally, he set down his mug, with a loud thunk.
“What is it you do that is out of town, Daniel? Besides, of course, spending the weekends with my daughter.”
I didn’t react. Instead, I drained my mug, squeezed Avery’s hand, and dropped a kiss to her head. “Great coffee.”
I turned to her father. “I’m a vet. I run a practice with my brother-in-law and sister.”
“How wonderful,” Janett gushed.
“You live with them, too? Is that why you escape on the weekends?” Doug asked sardonically.
Avery began to speak up, but I held up my hand.
“No, sir. I own my own home. I own the practice as an equal partner. My truck is paid for in full, I have a good investment portfolio, and no huge debts. I’m close to my family, and for the record, I don’t usually come here on the weekends. I have Avery stay with me since she enjoys getting away from the city.”
“You have women stay at your place a lot?”
“Dad,” Avery hissed. “Knock it off.”
I waved away her objections. “Avery is the first woman I have had stay at my home. I don’t do casual relationships, Mr. Connor. In fact, I’m rather insulted you think Avery would be involved in one. I think you know your daughter better than that.”
“Is that a fact?”
“It is. Another fact is, although I’m sorry we met under such, ah, uncomfortable circumstances, I am pleased to meet you. Avery means a great deal to me, and I hope, at some point, we can be friends.”
“Friends?” He snorted.
“The person I spend the rest of my life with will be my family; therefore, her family will become part of mine. Friends would be the least of what I hope we will become.”
Avery’s eyes widened at my declaration. Her mother gasped and clutched her hands together. Her father’s shoulders sagged a little.
“Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” he muttered. “I was just asking. It’s my job, you know.”
I eased back, not releasing my grip on Avery’s hand. “Understood. However, I’m not Tommy Forsyth,” I stated, reminding him of Avery’s teenage first date he terrified all those years ago. “You can’t scare me that easily.” Letting go of her hand, I wrapped my arm around her shoulder, drawing her close. “I love your daughter, and she is too old for your curfews anymore.”
“You think so, young man?”
I met his gaze. “I know so.”
“We’re not finished yet.”
“I hardly expected to be. Just stating my case.”
Avery leaned forward. “You are finished, Dad. I love him. He’s the best thing that has ever happened to me. And he treats me like a queen.”
“A little warning might have been nice.”
“Right back at you.”
He pursed his lips, studying his daughter. “Not quite the same, young lady.”
She smiled; one that curled her lip to the side so it was crooked and sweet. “I wasn’t ready to share him yet. I knew you’d get all overprotective and fatherish on me. I was worried you’d show up and embarrass me.”
He winked, reaching for a cupcake. “Good thing that didn’t happen.”
It was as if the air grew ten times lighter. Everyone relaxed and I turned to Avery, thrilled at her declaration. That was twice today her words undid me. Hearing her declare she loved me did something to my body, infusing it with heat and the need to be connected to her. Slowly, I slipped my hand up her neck, enjoying the feel of her soft skin. I knew I was being watched, but at that moment, I didn’t care. I tugged her to my side, pressing a kiss to her full lips. “Thanks, Sprite. I needed that.”
“Anytime,” she promised.
I
chuckled against her mouth. “Let’s hope this is a one-time occurrence.”
Her father cleared his throat.
I took my time drawing back, refusing to let him dictate when I could show Avery affection. I enjoyed touching her too much. I dug into my pocket, snagging the last mint, and slipped it between her lips. She hummed, this time savoring the treat. I watched, fascinated as she rolled it on her tongue, humming in enjoyment. It reminded me of the shower earlier, and the way she had used her tongue on my cock. I blinked and breathed to control my body’s response to the memory in my head. I stood, excused myself, and hurried down the hall to the bathroom—both to distance myself from being so close to Avery and to set the room to rights before her parents saw it.
I might have won over Janett, but Doug wasn’t a sure thing yet.
I’d made my point already, but there was no need to poke the lion with a stick. I’d save that for another time.
Daniel
After returning from righting the bathroom, I sat with Avery and her parents for a short while. Then I made a few excuses to leave. I knew she needed time with them to discuss what they had discovered was happening with her life. As much as I hated leaving her, it was best to give them privacy.
Prior to leaving, I invited them to brunch at my parents’ the next day. My thoughts were twofold. I could see Avery again, they could meet my family, and they would know I wasn’t some sort of degenerate who lived with his sister and sponged off his family. I could talk all I wanted, but to see my life would convince Doug and Janett how serious I was about Avery.
Avery walked me to the door and stepped out in the hall with me.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, winding her arms around my neck.
Chuckling, I lifted her up. “Nothing to be sorry for, Sprite. It was certainly a unique way to meet your parents, but I survived.”
“You don’t have to leave.”
“Yeah, I do. Spend some alone time with them. Call me when they leave. I’ll be here in the morning to pick you all up.”
“Can you come early?”
With a groan, I slid my hands down to grip her firm ass. “Give me five minutes, I could come right now.”
Her laughter was muffled, but it made me smile.
“Can I have three from you?” she asked quietly.
I turned my face, my lips by her ear. I could give her a hundred, but three was easy.
“I love your light and goodness.”
She held me tighter.
“I love your beautiful eyes.”
She hummed.
“I love the way you take care of me.”
“We take care of each other.”
I set her down, cupping her cheeks, holding her gaze. “That’s why we’re perfect for each other.”
She smiled up at me, eyes glowing.
“I don’t want to leave, but I have to. I’ll be here by ten. It’s probably best if your parents don’t show up and find me looking the way I did earlier today. Not sure your father would survive a second incident.”
She wrapped her hands around my wrists, her thumbs caressing my skin. “Okay. I love you.”
I yanked her back, kissing her hard. My tongue sought hers, tasting the sweetness of her and the sharpness of her mints. Burying my fist in her hair, I held her close, unable to find the strength to break apart from her.
Until I heard her father’s voice, too close to the door for my liking. He asked if they were going to eat the pizza soon, or let it dry out in the oven. Regretfully, I released her, stepping back with a heavy sigh.
“I love you, Sprite. I’ll talk to you later.”
She ran her finger over her swollen lips. I liked the way she always did that—as if she was sealing in my touch.
I hated walking away from her, and even though I would see her in the morning, the rest of the evening felt endless.
The next morning, I drove in, picked them up, and took them to my parents. Janett and Doug were welcomed by all, and as I expected, they warmed greatly to me due to the interactions they saw with the people I loved. Just to stack the odds in my favor, I had invited Beth and Ryan to brunch, as well. It turned out Ryan loved to cook, and he made the best French toast I had ever tasted. The way my family attacked it, I had a feeling they would be included in our brunches from now on. With the addition of Avery’s best friend, it was a lively bunch at the table, with lots of laughter and teasing.
Janett watched me carefully while I played with Chloe. When my niece crawled into Avery’s lap and snuggled close, falling asleep with her head on Avery’s shoulder, her eyes misted up and her smile grew wide.
I met Janett’s gaze, knowing she saw what I did. Avery fit in there, with us, with me, seamlessly. Even Doug was relaxed, talking football with my dad, and discussing past players they were both familiar with. His loud laugh reminded me of Avery’s.
She was built like her mother, short and curvy, but her coloring and eyes, uniquely Avery. Janett’s eyes were a vivid green and Doug’s an unusual gray, which resulted in the silvery-jade I loved so much in Avery’s gaze. Of the two, she was fairer, her skin pale and snow-white hair, while Doug’s complexion was ruddier and his hair a dark gray. I had seen pictures of Janett’s mother, and Avery did resemble her grandmother in many ways. Although, I thought Avery was more beautiful. Janett and Doug made a striking couple, and I could see bits of each of them in Avery—the shape of her mother’s eyes and nose, the freckles, and wide smile from her father. The most amusing part was the fact Janett had the same habit of mumbling her thoughts aloud. More than once her musings made me chuckle. Apparently, she liked my tattoo—and my broad shoulders. I had to hide my smile.
I glanced around the table, sipping my coffee, relaxed. Caitlin smirked at me and pushed a football schedule my way. “The Argos defense sounds promising this year.”
With a grin, I picked up the paper. “I hear Edmonton’s offense is going to be unbeatable.”
“Oh yeah? Care for a little bet again?”
I rubbed my hands together. That was one of our standing bets. I won more often than I lost. “Yep. Wager?”
She rifled through the paper and tapped her finger on an ad. “You have to take this pole dancing class. All six weeks.”
I studied the ad. Pole dancing. It didn’t sound fun, except I didn’t plan to lose. My intel was solid. One of Dad’s friends was a coach with the team.
I smirked at her, catching Avery’s eye. She didn’t look too upset at the thought of pole dancing. Maybe she’d enjoy the benefits if I lost this one. I might even be able to convince her to go with me. That would be a bonus.
“Pole dancing it is. You lose, and you have to wear a fake Justin Bieber tattoo for two weeks.”
I held up my hand before she could agree. “I choose the tattoo and placement.” I winked. “It will be visible.”
Avery and my mother groaned.
Mom shook her head. “Will the two of you ever outgrow this?”
Sitting back, I laughed. “Nope.” I ran my finger down Avery’s cheek. “Besides, the last bet got me Avery. I doubt Caitlin is gonna get so lucky while she’s sporting her Bieb’s tattoo.”
Caitlin snorted. “I hope you enjoy humiliation, Daniel.”
“Bring it on.”
Janett laughed. “I love how you two get along. Now tell me how you and Avery met, and what a bet has to do with it.”
Beth held up her hand. “Oh, me! Pick me! I want to tell this story!”
Everyone laughed over her enthusiasm.
Avery narrowed her eyes at her friend. “My parents,” she warned.
Beth waved her off. “Don’t worry, Avery. I won’t mention how the two of you tongue dueled five minutes after meeting each other.” Dramatically, she covered her mouth. “Oops.”
In that moment, I saw the distinct resemblance between Avery and Doug. Both of them looked scandalized, their eyebrows so high up on their forehead it was comical.
Janett only laughed and picked up her coffee
mug. “Well now, this I want to hear.”
Doug crossed his arms. “Yes, do tell us, Beth.”
I saw the twinkle in her eye, and I leaned back in my chair, draping my arm around Avery’s shoulders. Beth was so going to hang us out to dry on this.
I caught Avery’s hand and snagged the mint from it before she could reach her mouth. Her mint eating habit was addictive. I knew she had plenty, and there was no way I could take it the way I preferred. Even with my parents there, her father would erupt if I stole it from her mouth. This would have to do. She frowned at me, then fished another from her pocket.
We sat, crunching away, as Beth regaled Avery’s parents with the story of how we met, and I wondered if I would ever get off Doug Connor’s shit list.
Avery
I waved goodbye to my parents as their car pulled away from the curb. I stood there long after the car had turned the corner, feeling the same sadness I always did when they left. A week was never long enough, and the time had gone by too fast. An arm wrapped around my waist, and Daniel’s full lips pressed a kiss to my forehead.
“You okay?”
I peered up at him, offering a sad smile. “Yeah.”
“They’ll be back in a few months. They agreed to come for Christmas.”
“I know.”
“I know, you’ll miss them.” He tucked me a little closer. “I’m here, Avery.”
I nuzzled his shoulder. “Yes, you are. Alive and kicking.”
He chuckled, the sound rumbling in his chest.
After Beth had told her story, making sure to highlight and overdramatize every detail, I was certain Daniel and I needed to run. Except my mother had laughed so hard over the squashing of my fingers, the halitosis worry, and my fear of Daniel being a closet clown that even my dad relaxed and chuckled at her amusement. Luckily, Beth did tone down the kissing part and amped up the romantic angle. She talked about the ice pack and how he insisted on taking care of me, then invited me to dinner. Her story seemed to satisfy my dad, and he let it go. He adored Beth, and the way she told the story was hilarious.
More stories were shared of the over-the-top wagers between Daniel and Caitlin, much to Daniel’s chagrin. Some of their antics were downright inane, but I still enjoyed hearing them.
It Started With a Kiss Page 16