by Jaxon, Lynn
He holds up his hands in a placating gesture. “Please, don’t be upset, Meredith. I didn’t say anything on Monday because, quite frankly, I didn’t know what to say. I had no idea your son was enrolled in my school. But I really want to see where this goes. I’ve never felt this way after meeting someone. I can’t explain it, and I don’t want to question it.”
The hostess interrupts, telling us our table is ready. Eyes pleading with me not to bolt, Nash places his hand on the small of my back and guides me forward. I feel a continual current of electricity flowing through me. There’s no way I can be angry. A small part of me feels like he lied, but I know that wasn’t his intention. His face is filled with concern, sincerity, need. When the hostess stops at a quiet table in the back, I breathe a sigh of relief. I feel a tad bit raw and exposed right now. A slight sense of betrayal washes through me, covering my flesh with goosebumps.
Nash pulls out my chair like a perfect gentleman. Even in the beginning of our relationship, Frankie never pulled out my chair or opened the car door for me. He was all about himself. Nash doesn’t come across that way at all.
During one of our text conversations, he told me why he was at the club that night, letting me know he would do just about anything for the ones he loves. Which revealed so much about his character.
“Meredith?” he says, placing his arms on the table and leaning forward. “Say something. Please, tell me you can forgive me. I realize I should’ve told you when we texted after the orientation, but it just didn’t seem like something to discuss over text.” He sighs and sits back. “Hell, I don’t know. I’m fucking this up.”
Before I can respond, the waitress arrives to take our drink order. I feel like I need a shot of tequila, but I’m going to stick with something safer. “I’ll take whatever cabernet you recommend.”
She nods and looks at Nash. Her panties practically melt as she attempts to nonchalantly hike up her cleavage. An unfamiliar pang of jealously rushes through me.
“I will take your house brew on tap, please.” Nash smiles at the waitress. She smiles back, batting her eyelashes before walking away, swaying her hips more than necessary.
I sigh and turn back to him. “Nash, I don’t know what to say. How can we see each other if you are my son’s assistant principal? Isn’t there a rule or something?”
“Well, technically, there is nothing in my contract that says I can’t date a parent. It’s not like we’re having an affair. We are two consenting adults.”
He’s right. However, I can’t help but think that still doesn’t make it right. What is Gage going to think? Will the kids at school give him a hard time? I mean, am I really ready to bring a man into his life? My mind races as indecision swirls in my gut.
“Meredith, we will go at this however you want. I just hope it’s with us getting to spend more time together.”
What the hell… For once in my life, I’m going to throw caution to the wind. I reach my hand across the table to grasp his, squeezing. “I’m willing to see where this takes us. Just promise me you will be upfront with me from now on. I know you were blindsided, too, but I need honesty.”
Smiling, Nash stands and comes around to my side of the table, pulling me up and into his strong arms. He hugs me to him and inhales deeply. “You’ve made my night, Blue Eyes. May I give you a kiss?”
I’m a goner. Eyes wide, all I can do is nod. He pulls me close and gently touches his lips to mine, then sucks my bottom lip into his mouth, nibbling lightly. His tongue runs across my mouth, seeking permission. I’m about to combust. He tastes like all my wants and needs rolled into one.
Our kiss is cut short by the clearing of a throat behind us. We pull away, seeing the waitress arriving with our drinks. My cheeks heat in embarrassment. Smiling, Nash runs his thumb across my bottom lip in a soft caress, before we sit again.
“Are you two ready to order?” the waitress asks in a less than enthusiastic tone. I guess she realizes any hope of something happening with Nash will not come to fruition.
“Meredith, would you like an order of the ravioli fritti to start?
“That sounds wonderful. I will also take the chicken parmesan with steamed vegetables.”
Nash orders a supreme pizza for himself.
I grin. “Pizza sounds good, too. I just might have to steal a slice.”
“I’ll be more than happy to share my pizza with you.”
Over dinner, we talk and laugh, learning so much about each other. The more I learn, the more enthralled I am with this man sitting in front of me. He is passionate about his job. He was a fifth-grade teacher for seven years before getting this job as assistant principal at Gage’s school. I never would’ve dreamt that at a club forty miles away, I’d meet a man who not only lives in the same town as I do, but is the assistant principal at my son’s school. Heat rises to my cheeks as I think about Nash up on stage.
“A penny for your thoughts. Your face seems to have reddened.”
Shit, I’m busted.
“Wouldn’t you love to know?” I tease. “I was actually thinking about how unreal all this is. You being a stripper, but not really. Living in the same town. And let’s not forget the fact that you are my son’s assistant principal.”
“I’d say it is fate.” He shrugs. “Who are we to argue with fate?”
The waitress comes to the table to see if we’d like dessert.
“I couldn’t eat another bite,” I tell her.
“Me, either.” Nash grins.
After she leaves us the check, Nash places money onto the table to pay the bill, along with a generous tip. He stands and offers me his hand to pull me up. “Can I drive you home?”
“That would be wonderful. I took an Uber here because I had a glass of wine before coming.”
“Liquid courage, huh?” he chuckles. I look down at his empty glass, raising my eyebrows. “I’m good to drive. It takes more than two beers to get me tipsy, especially with all the food I consumed.”
“That you did. I don’t know where you put it. How do you stay so trim eating like that?”
“I spend a lot of time at the gym. It is how I decompress.”
“What gym do you go to? I started going to EM Fitness about a month ago. I love it there.”
He pushes the front door open, holding it for me to go first. “No shit! That’s where I go. I’ve never seen you there. I’m a bit of a night owl, so I tend to go later. When I work out before bed, I sleep so much better. We need to try and meet up sometime.”
“That sounds great. I mostly use the treadmill or the elliptical. I’ve been meaning to sign up for a personal trainer, but I just haven’t done it yet.”
I fight back a smile when I hear a slight growl coming from him.
“You don’t need a personal trainer. Let me help you.”
“Do I detect a hint of jealousy in your voice?” I tease.
“You’re damn straight you do! I want to be the only man in close proximity, even if it is just to help with your workout regime.”
Hand in hand, we walk to Nash’s car, a black Wrangler Rubicon, which is as sexy as he is. It suits him. “I love your Jeep. I’ve always wanted one. They seem like such fun.”
“Thank you. It’s a blast to drive. I have the best time going mudding and off-roading in this thing. I’d be more than happy to let you drive her sometime.”
“Her?” I laugh. “Why are guys’ cars always a her.”
He smirks. “No guy wants to say, ‘Come on. Let’s go take him for a ride.’”
I laugh at the disgusted look on his face. “Oh, my god. You are too much.”
Nash, being the gentleman that he is, helps me into the Jeep. It is so tall with its jacked-up mud tires. Gage will think it’s the coolest thing ever.
“Where to, my lady?”
When I rattle off my address, he smiles.
“You live less than three miles from me.” He sucks in a breath and looks at me sideways. “Wait a second… You live in that gorgeous
plantation home on the beach with the long, palm tree-lined driveway. I pass by it all the time when I go running.”
I nod. “That’s the one. My great-great-grandparents built it in 1932, along with two other homes. Since my father was an only child, as am I, this one was passed down to me. My parents and grandparents live in the other two homes, which are in Biloxi.”
I take a deep breath, hoping what I’m about to say won’t ruin things. “I guess now is a good time to tell you my full name. I’m Meredith Maddison. My great-great-grandfather’s casino was one of the few that survived Hurricane Camille in 1969. My house was always considered the ‘vacation home’, but I love it. I would never want to raise Gage in Biloxi.”
He nods, my last name not affecting him. “I remember reading an article several years ago that talked about when your family sold the casino to the bigger ones. I even recall the article questioning if the Maddison name would still be as powerful, since your father was the only male heir. I thought it was a load of shit.”
“I know, right! In reality, my ex, Frankie, only married me for my name. He even wanted to take my last name to try and play off my family, but I put my foot down. I told him I would hyphenate mine, but I thought it was weird for him to take my last name. Don’t think for one minute that he didn’t throw my name out there every chance he got, though. He is a stockbroker who tried to use my family’s influence to gain clients. Once we divorced, the rumors started to spread about his infidelity and poor work ethic. His clients began dropping him in droves. That was why he fought me tooth and nail for over a year, because he knew that would happen. He only agreed after my father paid him a million dollars.”
I can’t believe I just told him my family history on our first date. When will I learn to keep my mouth closed? I can feel that he’d never go after me for my money. I just need to keep telling myself that not all men are like Frankie.
Chapter 8
~Nash~
Holy shit. This is Meredith Maddison, the casino princess? I never would have guessed that. She seems as far from spoiled as they come.
I pull down the long, well-lit driveway, her house coming into view. It is even more beautiful up close than it is from the road. I’ve always wanted to see inside, but never dreamed I would get the chance.
“Wow, that is quite the story. I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to spend time with you. Your family is like royalty around here. What’s more, they’re so giving to the community. The Maddison name is the first you hear contributing when there is a natural disaster. The support to victims of Hurricane Katrina was beyond generous. Do you know I actually met your father once? He volunteered to clean up the same area I did, then worked to serve meals to the displaced. He was so down to earth. You would never know he was a millionaire. He got dirty just like the rest of us and didn’t treat me like I was a stupid teenager. He told me how much he admired me for giving my time to help the community.”
I smiled proudly. “My dad is the greatest. My mom, too. They instilled in me that you work hard and always give to those in need. I’m going to make sure Gage understands that. Yes, I have money, but I’ve invested all of it. I live off of what I make as a graphic designer.”
“I’m more enamored by you with each second that passes. You are unlike any woman I have ever met. Most would just live off their inheritance and not work.”
She chuckles. “My parents would never allow that to happen. Besides, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.”
We have been sitting in my Jeep, talking, for the last thirty minutes. I want nothing more than for her to invite me inside so I can spend more time with her and get a glimpse into her life. I reach up and caress her cheek with the back of my hand.
“I had a really nice time tonight. Please tell me you will go out with me again. Texting has been great, but this has been amazing.”
“This was the most fun I’ve had in years. Even through the shock of finding out who you are. I’d love to go out with you again.” She smiles and looks at her house, then back at me. “Listen, it’s only nine. Would you like to come in for a little while? This house is so lonely when Gage is gone.”
I mentally cheer. “I’d love to.”
We climb out and walk up to the door. When she inserts her key and opens it, it’s all I can do to not stand there, mouth open, awestruck. The marble entryway leading to the matching winding staircase and the crystal chandeliers… I’ve never seen anything like it.
“Meredith, your house is beautiful.”
“Thanks. This part of the house still has all the original décor. The formal living room and dining room both contain my great-great-grandparents’ original furniture. However, the rest has all been updated over the years. I love to cook, so my kitchen is a chef’s dream. Having it remodeled was a wedding gift from my parents. I guess you could say that’s one of the two good things that came from my disaster of a marriage. Gage is the other.”
I hate the note of sadness in her voice when she talks about her marriage. Her ex-husband obviously did a number on her. I find myself getting angry just thinking about it. She hasn’t told me much, but what she has said makes me want to punch that asshat in the face.
Meredith grasps my hand and leads me into the kitchen. “Would you like a cup of coffee? I have several blends to choose from. My Keurig is a lifesaver.”
“Black would be perfect. Thanks.”
“I can drink it black, but I prefer it with all the bells and whistles,” she says, smiling as she pops a pod into the machine.
After both cups are done brewing, she leads me to the back of the house, which opens to an outdoor porch with a pool, hot tub, and beachside view, the sound of waves hitting shore echoing in the night.
“The more I see of your home, the more impressed I am. This area is my favorite. I think I could live out here.”
“Gage and I spend a lot of time out here. He loves to swim, so he’s out here every day. Speaking of swimming, I have trunks for guests if you’d like to go for a swim or a soak in the hot tub.”
“That sounds like a lot of fun, but only if you join me.”
She smiles. “I’m glad you said that, because I can actually hear the hot tub calling my name.” She nods to a small area off to the side. “That door on the right is the shower and dressing room. You will find some swim trunks and a towel in the wardrobe. I’ll meet you back out here in a few minutes.”
This night just keeps getting better and better. I quickly change out of my clothes and into what looks to be a brand-new pair of trunks. I grab a towel and open the door, suddenly stopping when I see her standing there in a black two-piece. It’s not a skimpy bikini, but it fits her perfectly, emphasizing her lush curves.
Holy hell…
I can’t help but let out a whistle, causing her to turn and look at me. Her smile lights up her face, causing her mesmerizing eyes to sparkle.
“Wow, Meredith. You are a vision.”
Her blush makes its way from her ample chest, to her neck, then her cheeks. She looks adorable. Her gaze rakes down my body, then back up. She licks her lips. “Looks like those were made just for you.”
She blushes even more when I grasp her hand and pull her to my body. Meredith can definitely feel exactly what seeing her in that swimsuit does to me. “Do you like what you see? Because I damn sure do. I need to kiss you, so if you don’t want me to, you’d better speak up.”
Meredith nods. That’s all the invitation I need before my lips crash to hers, heat building like an inferno. I nibble on her lip, then slowly ease my way inside her mouth. Our kiss quickly turns hungry, our tongues dueling. I run my hands down her back and grasp her luscious ass, lifting her up so she can wrap her legs around my waist. She starts to rub her hot core against my throbbing cock, almost causing me to explode like a horny teenager. I can’t remember the last time a woman had this effect on me.
Breathing hard, I pull away and press her back against the wall. “You are killing me, sweetheart.”
Meredith takes one of my hands and brings it to her heat. I shimmy my finger under the edge of her bottoms and slide into heaven. She’s so wet. I can smell her arousal.
Gazing into her eyes, I slowly place her feet onto the porch, hook my finger into the waistband of her swim bottoms, and trailing my lips from her mouth and down her stomach, lower to my knees, pulling her bottoms down.
She moans. “Please…”
“Tell me what you need Meredith.”
“Your mouth on me. Make me forget everything, Nash.”
I let out what seems to be a mixture between a growl and a moan as I lick her center. She tastes like the sweetest of nectar. My tongue works her clit, and it only takes a nip from my teeth before she explodes, crying out my name like a prayer. I lick and kiss her until her orgasm subsides.
I look up, smiling. “You are so fucking gorgeous when you come. I could watch you all day, every day.”
Meredith pants, “I think I’d like you to do that to me every day. It’s my turn now.”
Standing, I see her beautiful blue eyes full of want and desire. “You don’t have to. That was all for you.”
“I want to, Nash. I want to explore every inch of you.”
She begins to kiss her way down my chest. My dick is so hard that the tip pokes out of the top of my swim trunks. She smiles and pulls down the trunks, letting them fall to the floor, then gasps, eyes wide. I’m not one to brag, but I will admit, I was abundantly blessed in this department.
“My god, your cock is prodigious. It’s… It’s huge!”
I chuckle. “Well, that is the definition of prodigious.”
She wraps her dainty hand around my cock and swirls her tongue around the head, teasing, sucking. I thread my fingers into her thick blonde hair, giving just the slightest tug. That is all the encouragement she needs. She takes me in until I hit the back of her throat, eliciting her gag reflex. She quickly relaxes her throat, and I’m officially in bliss as she takes me in even deeper.