by J. Kenner
"What?"
"You're adorable when you're wasted."
"Oh, no. This is not about me being adorable. The only adorable we're allowed to talk about is Elena. And believe me, she qualifies."
"All right, then. Tell me another."
She'd already told him the story of Elena's birth, which had been ridiculously easy for her, but hard on David, who'd passed out from the sight of blood. She might have been imagining it, but she thought she'd seen a smug glint in Tyree's eyes when she told him that. After all, as a combat veteran, surely he'd had no trouble with his own son's birth.
She wished she'd been able to see him with Elena. At only six pounds at birth, she'd been healthy but tiny, and Eva could imagine Tyree holding her in the palm of his big hand. Or patting her tiny back as he held her against his broad shoulder after a feeding.
Blinking, she turned away, suddenly acutely aware of all they'd missed.
"You okay?"
"Sure." She gathered herself and turned back. "Just feeling the alcohol."
"We'll get food in you soon." He reached for the intercom, then told the driver to pull over when he could. A short time later, the limo drew to a stop on a side street and the driver let them out. Tyree told him to do whatever he wanted for the next few hours; that they were going to eat and explore, and he'd text when they were ready to get back in the limo.
"Nice way to travel," she said as they walked toward the restaurant. "I still can't believe Marianne did this."
"Are you sure she did?"
Eva shot him a sideways glance. "Do you know something I don't, or do you just think kids are inherently sneaky?"
"There's some definite sneakiness potential," he said. "Knowing Elena a bit now, I think she got more than her share of the gene."
"Hmm."
They walked past shops and restaurants until finally Tyree paused, then pulled open a door to reveal a homey restaurant that smelled amazing. She stepped in and sighed with pleasure. "I'm pretty much going to gorge myself on wurst. Be prepared."
He laughed, but she wasn't joking. And after she'd ordered, she pulled out her phone and opened her credit card app. Then she burst out laughing.
"What?"
"You, sir, are a fine judge of character. An authorization for a limo charge." She rolled her eyes. "I told her she could stay on my credit card until she's out of grad school, but starting this year, she has to get a job to cover her charges."
"She knew you'd figure it out," he said. "If nothing else, your friend would have been clueless when you thanked her." He reached across the table and took her hand, the connection sending a flurry of sparks skittering along her skin. "I guess the real question is whether you're going to thank our daughter."
She looked down at their joined hands, drew in a breath, then lifted her eyes to meet his. "Yeah, I definitely am."
"Good," he said. "Me, too."
She was relieved when the waitress arrived with their food. There was too much emotion--and way too many cravings--swirling around inside of her. And mixed with the alcohol that was a bad combination.
She considered the food a temporary reset button, and dug in, eating more than she should to soak up some of the wine and whiskey. They talked while they ate, and she asked if his son was as sneaky as his daughter. "Not yet," Tyree said. "But he's only sixteen. Give him time."
On the whole, though, they didn't talk about Eli or Teiko. Just enough for Tyree to give the basic overview to catch her up with his life. The point of this day, after all, was for the two of them to reconnect--to reconnect as parents--and to talk about Elena.
And, yeah, to eat and drink and shop.
They continued on with that part of the itinerary after they'd devoured some truly delicious wurst. "Dessert?" Tyree asked as soon as they were back on the street.
"What are you? A bottomless pit? Let's window shop a bit."
They did, strolling along Main Street and looking in the windows of the charming shops. Once or twice they popped in, and in one adorable store, Eva found the perfect T-shirt for Elena. I'm only bossy because I was born that way. She reached over and grabbed Tyree's hand, tugging him over to take a look, too.
At first, she didn't even realize they were touching. Then she felt his warmth and the slow burn of awareness curling through her to pool in her lower belly before settling even lower, making her aware of places that had been sadly ignored for some very, very long months.
Casually, she started to tug her hand away, because it felt a little too nice and way too confusing to stay like that. But he tightened his grip, and she was left with the choice of either yanking her hand free or staying connected.
Swallowing, she looked up, only to find him smiling down at her, obviously understanding her dilemma perfectly.
Well, fine.
She kept her hand where it was, feeling smug. Like she'd won that round.
But then he lifted their joint hands and lightly brushed a kiss over the base of her thumb, as if that was the most normal thing to do. As if the sensation didn't send her entire being, body and soul, into a tailspin.
"It really is the perfect shirt for her," he said casually, apparently clueless that her body had gone on high alert. "Should we get it?"
She nodded, because speaking was out of the question. He grabbed the shirt, then led her to the register where he managed to pay with one hand--proving to her that he was deliberately messing with her. But she was okay with that. Because now that she'd gotten over the shock, she had to admit that being messed with felt pretty nice.
So nice, in fact, that when they finally had their fill of shopping and ended up at the Clear River Ice Cream & Bakery shop, she was actually disappointed. Because there was no way to eat a cup of ice cream with a spoon and not use both hands. Not and do it gracefully, anyway.
"We need to get back soon," he said. "It's almost eight."
"I know. I've had a really nice day."
He said nothing for a moment, just looked in her eyes. Then he nodded and held out a spoon of his Chocolate Hazelnut ice cream for her to try. She did, her mouth closing over the spoon as her eyes held his, and though she really wasn't trying to flirt, there was something so damn sensual about the moment that she had to fight the urge to squirm in her chair just to release some of the sexual tension that was flooding through her, as delicious and sweet as warm chocolate sauce.
"I'll call the driver," he said, his voice tight.
She nodded. "That's a good idea."
At least, she thought it was a good idea until they climbed into the car. The sun was still up, but it was setting fast, and with the darkened windows, the car's interior had a sultry, sensual feel. Or maybe that was just Eva.
Either way, she sat on the back seat feeling hyperaware of everything--especially the man sitting beside her.
"You don't mind, do you? I rode sideways going in, but I think I've had enough to drink to make that unpleasant going back."
"Of course I don't mind," she said. Then said nothing else for at least fifteen miles because she didn't know what to say. So she just listened as he talked about the food and the leather goods store where he'd bought a wallet and the cute shirt they'd picked up for Elena.
"I'm babbling, aren't I?"
"What?" she said. "Oh, no."
"Then why aren't you saying anything?"
"Oh. I. Well. This is going to sound odd, but I think I'm a little nervous." She turned sideways enough to see his face, relieved to have confessed that much of it.
"Really? That's funny."
"Excuse me?"
"I just mean that's why I'm babbling."
"Oh." She frowned. "You mean you're nervous, too."
"Pretty much."
"What have you got to be nervous about?" She heard the breathiness in her voice and wondered if he did, too.
"Probably the same thing you do." That time, it was a tease she heard.
"Oh. Right." She nodded, her head bobbing foolishly as she tried to drum up som
e courage. Finally, she turned to him and blurted, "There's something I've been wanting to do."
"Yeah? What--"
But she didn't let him finish the question. Instead, she leaned into him, which was more awkward than she expected since they were sitting side by side, and she was still tipsy. She bumped his nose, gasped, then found her mouth pressed hard against his, exactly where she'd been aiming in the first place.
He opened to her, his mouth firm and demanding with just a hint of chocolate. And when his hand cupped her head and pulled her closer, she moaned and melted into the kiss. Their mouths locked into a battle, a war, a wild match that she was determined to win, knowing that no matter what, she'd come away satisfied.
Memory flooded over her. The taste of him. The scent. The feel of his fingers on her body, of his tongue teasing her breasts. Beneath her bra, her nipples peaked, and some small part of her brain shouted that this was too much, that she'd regret it in the morning, that she really needed to never drink again.
She told the voice to go to hell and shifted on the seat. And then, because she was feeling far too bold and way too foolish, she moved onto his lap and straddled him.
"Eva." His voice was a low groan, swallowed by an even deeper kiss. She shifted her weight, then gasped as she realized how close they were and how hard he was. She could feel his erection through his jeans, and though she knew she was being completely wanton, she didn't care. She ground against him, wanting even more, but knowing that she would have to stop. That they couldn't take this much further.
But oh, it felt good to just go this far.
His hands stroked her body, the one at her neck sliding down as another crept under her shirt, teasing it up until, finally, his palm closed over her breast and she moaned against his mouth.
He tasted so good. Felt so good. Like the past and the future all rolled into one.
Except he couldn't be...
Her future wasn't here, it was at home, in California. She had a life, and he had a life, and if they kept this up--if she let this lead all the way to sex in a limousine--they'd both regret it in the morning.
Which was a damn shame, really, because at the moment she couldn't think of anything she wanted more than to strip naked and ride him all the way back to Austin.
No.
She broke the kiss, breathing hard as she leaned back, telling herself she was doing the right thing because they were grownups and they needed to pretend like they knew how to play the part.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I shouldn't have been so bold. And I definitely started that." She climbed off him, then scrambled to the long seat where he'd spent the ride up.
"It's okay," he said. He sounded breathless, maybe even a little frustrated, but thankfully not angry. "I like bold women."
She sighed, relieved that he was being so sweet. Another man might be angry that she'd put on the brakes. "It's just that I wanted--"
She cut herself off, feeling ridiculous.
"What?" he asked.
She drew in a breath, then let it out slowly. Then she met his eyes and shrugged. "I wanted to see if it was like I remembered."
The corner of his mouth twitched. "And was it?"
"No," she said honestly. "It was better."
* * *
"Well, this is my stop." Eva paused in front of her hotel room door, then gently tugged her hand free, and Tyree immediately mourned the loss of her warm touch. "Thanks for walking me in. You didn't have to."
"Sure I did. Had to make sure you got home safe, right?"
"I--" She swallowed, then took a deep breath, obviously trying to decide how to say whatever she had to say.
Honestly, he didn't want to hear it.
"It's just that--"
"Eva?"
"Yes?"
"Hush."
Her mouth opened in surprise, and he leaned in, taking full advantage of the moment, relieved when she didn't immediately pull away, but kissed him back, long and slow, until she finally cupped her palm against his cheek and drew back slowly, her eyes on his.
"You know we can't," she whispered.
"Actually, I don't know that at all."
She shot him a frown. "I'm leaving in about twelve hours. I don't want--"
"What?"
He watched her face as she ordered her thoughts, and he knew from the shadow in her eyes that he wasn't going to win this argument.
Finally, she drew in a breath. "I have a lot of good memories of being with you. And a few new ones from today as well. I don't want to tarnish them with goodbye sex. Especially when..." She trailed off with a shrug. "Never mind."
"Tell me."
He watched as she debated, then saw her concede defeat. "I'm not exactly nineteen anymore."
"Aren't you?" He took a step back, his eyes looking her up and down, and his fingers following suit, tracing the curve of her ribcage down to her waist and then over those curvy hips that had felt so good straddling him. "No," he whispered. "I guess you're not."
"Tyree." His name sounded like a plea, but he wasn't certain what she was begging for. "I'm sorry," she said, shattering his hopes. "We share a daughter, Tiger. We can't let it get awkward."
"Tiger," she repeated, and his heart actually skipped a beat.
She looked as surprised as he did. "It just slipped out."
It was the name she'd only called him in bed. A secret endearment, just between the two of them. And it told him one hell of a lot about where her head was.
He wanted to press her, and in light of that slip, he was certain he'd win. He wanted her comfort. Wanted to lose himself inside her.
But she'd said no, and he wanted to honor her, too.
Still, would it be so bad to just have a taste...?
He forced the thought away. Better to work together like adults. To get to know each other, even long distance, so they could quit dancing around the lust and settle in as friends. As Elena's parents.
His cock didn't like that idea as much, but all things considered, Tyree wasn't inclined to give his cock much say in the discussion.
She was right after all. She was leaving tomorrow.
Unless, of course, he could figure out a way to change her mind.
Chapter Twelve
She overslept, naturally, and now Eva hurried to toss all of her crap into her duffel bag so she could race down to the taxi stand and get to the airport in time to catch her plane.
It was Saturday, and Elena had emailed sometime during the night to say that she'd been invited by someone at the University to go to a picnic sponsored by the Community and Regional Planning program where she intended to apply after her gap year. She'd said she hated missing seeing Eva off, but that she'd fly home to San Diego soon, maybe for the fourth of July holiday.
Not that Eva begrudged her daughter the picnic, but if she'd only picked up the phone that morning, then Eva might not be rushing now. And what if the bellman had to call for a taxi? Dammit.
In the hall, she pressed the button to call the elevator, silently cursing as it crept to her floor at its own lethargic pace. Finally, she made it on and down to the lobby. Then she raced out the door, waved for the bellman to signal a taxi, and then froze on the sidewalk as she saw Tyree standing across the street, his large frame leaning casually against the side of a slate gray Jeep Grand Cherokee.
"Need a lift?" he asked, jaywalking toward her.
"Depends. Does that thing fly? I'm ridiculously late." She waited for him to make some reference to last night, but he seemed to be all business. And since that attitude made it much easier to walk away, she decided that she was grateful.
He hoisted her duffel, then held out his free hand. "What time's your flight?"
She told him, and he looked at his watch, then let out a low whistle. "If I was smart, I'd tell you there was no way, just to keep you here a few more hours."
"Yeah, but we both know you're not that bright."
His laughter rolled over her like a sweet caress. "True that. Come
on. I'll get you there on time. Getting through security quickly's on you, though."
"I'll take that deal." Gratefully, she hurried to match his stride as he crossed illegally once more.
Once inside the car, she relaxed into the leather seats. "Thank you. This is much better than a taxi. And, frankly, better than Elena's tiny Honda."
"Speaking of Elena," he said as he pulled into traffic, "I wanted to talk to you about her. Parent to parent, I mean."
"Sure. Actually, wait." She shifted in the seat to look at him. "I never told you what time my plane left. How did you know when to linger outside the hotel?"
"I'll give you one guess."
She flopped back in her seat. "Our little conniver. Does she even have an event at the University?"
"Actually, I think she does. Tonight."
"Well, at least it was only ninety-five percent untrue. Wouldn't want her to lie to her mother."
He grinned.
"What?"
"You two. You work well together. And it's easy to see how much you love each other."
The words warmed her. "Yeah? Thanks."
"That's sort of what I wanted to talk to you about. See? I did have a reason for wanting to drive you. A reason other than just seeing you again, I mean."
"Oh." She licked her suddenly dry lips. "Why?"
"It occurred to me that Elena's never had two parents. I mean, that she remembers."
"Um, okay?"
"And Eli's never met either of you."
A sad smile touched her lips. "And I would love to meet him. I'm sure I'll come back. I'll try to come for a week before the end of the summer."
"That's one idea. I'm thinking along different lines."
"Oh. Okay. What?"
"Well, it seems to me that you and I have had some big responsibilities dropped into our laps."
"We have?"
"Sure. I mean, there are life things we need to be considering. We're a family now, Eva. Have you thought about that?"
She swallowed, realizing he was right. And she most definitely hadn't thought about it. Not the way he meant. As if they were a unit.
"Families have obligations," he said. "Sometimes awesome ones. Sometimes inconvenient ones."
Something in his tone caught her attention, and she crossed her arms tight across her chest. "Are you saying I'm running away?"
He took his eyes off the road long enough to look at her directly for one beat. "Well, aren't you?"
Her temper flared. "Now, hold on. I'm going on vacation. I've been planning it for ages. And in case you missed the memo, our daughter is an adult."