by Lara Norman
Chapter Twenty-Six
They stood in her tiny kitchen making dinner, bumping into each other on purpose. Devon felt frisky enough to try out the idea of touching her when he wanted, which, not surprisingly, was all the time.
Once their food was in the oven, he pulled Chloe into his embrace. “I like this stage of our relationship.”
“The one where we kiss a lot?”
His response was to lean down and kiss her. Yes, he liked the idea of being more relaxed around Chloe. She stretched up to her toes and played with the hair at the back of his neck as he tangled his tongue with hers. She was everything soft and right in his world at the moment.
Heat spread throughout his body and he welcomed it with open arms. How was it he’d forgotten what it felt like? The way a woman fit against a man, the breathless anticipation, needing to be as close as possible and missing their presence when they stepped away.
It was a heady rush to change angles, to pull her hips tightly to his body and feel the way she rubbed over his erection. He feared he’d never rid himself of the damn thing in her presence, but it was a small price to pay. The feelings he experienced reminded him of his early days with Kathy; less cautious than he’d become in the past six years.
When the timer went off, they were both more than a little worked up. Chloe backed up with a grin on her face, her lips red and her hair mussed. She reached for hot pads and nudged him out of the kitchen to open the oven. The scent of their dinner was enough to capture his attention, and they soon sat at the table located against the back side of the counter.
Once they’d each had a few bites, Chloe asked, “What are you doing tomorrow?”
“Hailey’s been asking about a certain brunette. She wants to know if we can all do something together.”
Chloe looked pensive as she took a bite. “Well,” she said after swallowing. “Dad asked if I could bring you over sometime. Would tomorrow be too soon for Hailey to meet my parents?”
“Do they realize what this entails?”
“That they’re essentially gaining a granddaughter?” she clarified.
“Essentially,” he agreed. “Can I trust they’ll want her in their lives once we make introductions? She already has one set of grandparents who can barely bother with her, she doesn’t need another. You said your parents still struggle with what happened to your brother.”
“Their marriage is far from what I would consider ideal, but I’m no longer privy to what goes on over there. Dad has been dying to meet you for months now. That transfers to Hailey. They love kids, they have a need to be a family even if it’s not rainbows and sunshine, and I think it’s fair to say they’ll treat her appropriately.”
He nodded. “I respect them for not throwing in the towel during a tough situation. They make it work for them, I suppose. I’m sure we can go over for a little while.”
She pushed food around on her plate. “Are you thinking like dinner and running out, or more like the afternoon followed by dinner?”
He almost laughed; she knew him so well. “It wouldn’t be polite to run out, but I don’t know if I’d be comfortable with several hours. So, maybe the three of us can do something first, and then head to your parents’ for dinner.”
“That sounds like a good compromise.”
They went back to the couch after he helped her do the dishes. He played with the ends of Chloe’s hair as he told her of his and John’s conversation about Anna.
“Surprisingly, I handled it well. I relayed the information to Lori, and I comforted her. I didn’t curl into a ball or drink until I blacked out.”
“How did Lori take the news?”
Devon dropped his hand to his lap. “Fairly well. I know she’s hurting, but she’s not prone to outbursts. She likely cried on Caleb’s shoulder, and I know we haven’t heard the last from her on the subject. They were as close as me and Vince, and she loves Hailey as much as her own daughter.”
“She won’t be able to let it slide.” She picked his hand up and held it between her own.
“No, I imagine she’ll want to confront Anna. That’s how I feel about Vince; the need to make him tell me the real reason he did it is so strong.”
“It’s natural when someone betrays you to want to know why, but he might never tell you.” She shrugged. “He might not know himself. If, as he says, it was a crime borne of circumstances, he believes his actions are justified.”
He was quiet for several moments as he processed what she said. “I need to face him at least once more, to let him know he won’t get away with it and that I’m okay.”
“That’s reasonable.”
He watched as she reached out to trace her fingertip over his lower lip. He wanted things he wasn’t used to wanting. “Chloe,” he warned.
“Devon,” she responded in the same tone of voice.
“Once upon a time, I wasn’t so slow moving. I went after what I wanted with gusto. Kathy, a carpentry apprenticeship, our house, the shop. But, once I had what I’d worked so hard for, I realized how much responsibility it entailed. I had to think more carefully before I acted if I wanted to keep the business open, or to make our mortgage payments.” He took a deep breath. “It only got worse when Hailey was born. I was in charge of an entire life. Kathy poked fun at me, telling me I was as slow as a turtle.”
“And when it was just you and Hailey, you had to be even more cautious,” Chloe stated.
He nodded. “It wasn’t even a conscious decision. I weighed my options very carefully before coming to a decision, and then I plotted and planned everything to the nth degree.”
“And now?”
Smiling, he pulled her hand back to his mouth and swirled his tongue over the pad of her finger. “And now, I want to get back to the Devon I used to be. At least, to an extent.”
Chloe gasped when he sucked on her finger. “I think that’s an interesting idea.” Her breath hitched on the last word.
“But?”
“But, you said it was too soon. Don’t lose yourself because you’re rediscovering old emotions.”
He grinned. “You’re too smart for me.”
She chuckled. “Maybe I am. I don’t want you to regret anything tomorrow because I let you get carried away today.”
“I’ll try not to. Come here a minute.”
He groaned when she climbed right in his lap; he gripped her hips to hold her still. Lowering her head, she touched her lips to his in a gentle kiss.
“Devon, I’ll do my best to show you how to love again.” Her kiss changed to something that drew from deep within her body. Despite the caution she’d warned, she sunk into his embrace and rocked against him. Only when his moan became tinged with desperation did she pull back.
“Sorry, I guess I don’t have as much restraint as I thought I did.” She climbed off his lap and sat on the other end of the couch.
He scrubbed his hands over his face. “If anyone has the chance of making me fall in love again, Chloe, it’s you.” He brushed her hair off her face. “I’m more than halfway there. Being your friend first has meant the world to me.”
“I . . .” She swallowed.
“What is it?”
She shook her head. “It’s gotten very late, Devon.”
Chloe stood and backed to the door. Devon got up and followed, stopping to stand in front of her. “It’s always okay for you to say what you feel, Chloe. Even if I’m not able to reciprocate yet.”
She closed her eyes. “I can’t bear to say it out loud and not hear it in return. I’d rather wait.”
“Thank you for being honest.” He kissed her softly one last time. “I’ll call you after lunch, okay?”
She nodded but kept her lips pressed together.
“HAILEY, COME ON!”
Devon waited impatiently at the base of the stairs for his daughter to come down. When she finally appeared, she wore leggings, a skirt, a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, and a pink beaded necklace.
“Are you finally ready
?”
She grinned as she jumped off the last step. “Ready Freddy!”
What could he do but chuckle and shake his head? He knew it would take her longer to get ready as she got older. He ushered Hailey out to the car so they could meet up with Chloe.
“When will it get warmer, Daddy?”
“Soon, I hope. In a few weeks, maybe.” He glanced at her scowl in the rear-view mirror. “It’s warm enough for the playground, don’t you think?”
“I s’pose.”
“You’ve been begging to see Chloe for a week, sweetheart.”
“I know, and it’s taking so long to get there!”
Since she couldn't see him, he rolled his eyes. None of that had anything to do with her changing her clothes three times, of course.
They pulled into the parking lot of the playground and saw that Chloe was already there. Devon parked next to her and felt the same anticipation his daughter must. They climbed out, and he let Hailey race off to where Chloe sat on a bench.
Her head rose at Hailey’s approach, and she stood to greet her. “Hailey!”
“Chloe!” Hailey threw her arms around Chloe. “Look, I got a necklace yesterday when I was with Grandpa. Did you and Daddy have fun roller skating? He says you had fun, but you fell. I don’t like to roller skate because I fall down, too. Don't feel bad for falling, ‘kay? You’re good at lots of things.”
Devon was in awe of his daughter’s ability to run her mouth, but he should be used to it by that point. “Chloe, hi.”
She grinned over Hailey’s head. “Hi, yourself.”
Chloe lost her breath when he hugged her, too, and tried not to linger when he kissed her chastely.
“Why do grownups kiss all the time? Ooh, Chloe, can I have a kiss, too?” She bounced on the balls of her feet until Chloe leaned down and pecked her on the lips.
“Hailey, your necklace is very pretty, and I like your skirt.”
“I’m mad it’s not warm enough to wear it without pants.” She stuck out her lower lip. “Daddy, will you go down the slide with me?”
“Yes, bug.”
He took Chloe’s hand, and they went to the playground together. Hailey was already at the top of the slide when they got there, and he waited for her to slide down before he climbed with her.
They spent some time at the playground before they got in their vehicles and Devon followed Chloe to her parents’ house. The day had been fun so far, and he didn't want to allow his nerves to muck it up at such a late stage. Still, meeting his girlfriend’s father was a daunting task.
David opened the door and immediately pulled Chloe into an embrace. “Chloe, honey, it’s so good to see you.”
Chloe stepped back and gestured behind her. “Dad, this is Devon, and this is Hailey.”
“Mr. Hemsworth, it’s nice to meet you.” He held tight to Hailey’s hand as she hid behind his leg.
“Oh, Lord, please just call me David. It’s good to meet you, too, Devon.” He squatted. “You must be Hailey. I’m David.”
Hailey came halfway out from behind her father. “Is Chloe’s mommy a police officer like Mr. John?”
David grinned. “She’s the one in charge of all of them, even Mr. John.”
Hailey edged forward and put out her hand. “Can you shake my hand? I’m s’posed to be polite.”
“What do you think about a hug, instead?”
Hailey pursed her lips and eyed David, then Chloe. Chloe nodded. “‘Kay.”
David opened his arms wide, and Hailey threw hers around his neck. David patted her on the back.
“Are you my grandpa now?” she asked as David straightened.
Devon gave Chloe a pained look. She started to answer for her father, but David cut her off.
“Only if you want me to be, Hailey. It’s up to you what you call me and Chloe’s mom.”
Hailey tilted her head. “Okay.”
They shuffled inside with Hailey clinging to Chloe’s leg instead of Devon’s. Rebecca came out from a room off the hall. “Sorry, I had to work out an issue at the station. How are you, Devon?”
“I’m good, Rebecca.”
“Hailey, do you remember me from the hospital?” She, too, squatted down to her level.
“I don’t remember your name, but you asked me a lot of questions.”
“I’m Rebecca. I heard you like apple pie.”
Her eyes lit up. “It’s my favorite!”
“Well, if you want, we can eat some dinner and then you can have pie. How does that sound?”
She came out from behind Chloe and launched herself at Rebecca, almost knocking her on her butt. “Yay!”
“It’s safe to say they’ve won her over,” Devon murmured.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“It wasn’t too bad.” Devon sat at the small table in his parents’ kitchen with the mug he’d just filled. “We had some pleasant conversations, and they were friendly the whole time.”
“So Hailey liked them?”
Devon nodded at his father and stirred his coffee. “She did. She recognized Rebecca. They had an apple pie, which didn’t hurt, and David is great with her. They raised a girl, so I suppose it was natural for them.”
Lydia leaned until she could see out the kitchen door. Satisfied Hailey wasn’t within hearing distance, she looked at Devon. “And how are they together? If they have issues after what happened to their boy, do those issues still rear their heads?”
“I think they’re used to putting on a smile every day, but I can’t say how they’re actually doing when it’s only the two of them alone.”
Lydia sighed and sat at the table next to Devon. “I can’t quite fathom it.”
He shook his head. “Believe me, I spent plenty of time thinking about what I would do if that was the outcome for Hailey, and none of my choices would have pleased you. I can’t blame them for doing the best they could, I just wish it’d been easier for Chloe. They don’t seem like a couple on the verge of a divorce, either, so it’s possible things have improved.”
“They take their vows seriously,” Don said. “Or so it seems.”
“It takes work.” Lydia covered Don’s hand with her own. “I see David all the time at the hospital, and he’s always warm with his employees.”
“By all appearances, they’re great people. All I need to know is whether they’ll be good to Hailey. I believe they will, regardless of what might happen to them in the long term.”
“I agree.” Don kissed Lydia on the cheek as he got up and topped off his coffee.
“So,” Lydia began. “Hailey has mentioned she wants Chloe to stay in her life.”
“She said that?” Devon asked, dubious that his daughter would use that phrasing.
She inclined her head. “Not in those exact words. It was more like wanting assurance Chloe will always come over and visit.”
Devon hummed. “You saw the painting she did at school with Chloe as part of the family. She loves her, and Chloe reciprocates those feelings.”
“Meaning there’s nothing standing in the way of you and Chloe being together.” There was nothing but ticking silence as Devon stared at his mother.
Finally, he sighed. “Nothing but my own issues, Mom.”
“You’re going back to therapy today, aren’t you?”
Devon stood and took his mug to the sink. “Yes, and I’ll be sure to ask him what sort of timeline you can expect for a wedding and future grandchildren.”
“Devon.” It was a mild reproach, but Devon turned to face his father with frustration bubbling under his skin.
“What? That’s what she’s getting at, isn’t it? When will Devon get his head out of the sand? I’ve made progress; isn’t that enough?”
“Yes, it’s enough.” Lydia rose and crossed the room to rest her hand on his forearm. “I didn’t mean to imply you haven’t made much progress. I want you and Hailey happy, that’s all. Chloe makes you both happy.”
“Yes, she does. That doesn’t mean I’m re
ady to propose after one date.”
Lydia nodded and dropped her hand. “I have to go to work.”
“Mom,” he said as she started to walk away. When she turned back, he sighed. “Thank you.”
She gave him a small smile and left the room.
“I can see how you both feel,” Don said. “She wants you to be happy, and you don’t want to be pressured.”
“Pretty much.”
“Well.” Don began loading the breakfast dishes into the dishwasher.
“Well, what?”
“Nothing.”
Devon narrowed his eyes. “You’re taking her side.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“I’m happy, Dad. Can we just leave it at that?”
“Absolutely.”
Devon very nearly groaned, but Hailey came into the kitchen and distracted him.
It wasn’t until much later when he rolled his mother’s words around in his head. After putting Hailey on the bus and seeing his therapist, Devon finally began work. Caleb and Olivia were already there; Devon joined his brother on their latest project.
He figured he’d better start with pleasantries. “How’s Lori doing?”
Caleb didn’t answer right away. “She’s not good. It’ll take time for her to move on from Anna’s betrayal.”
“I thought she seemed too calm when I told her.”
Caleb wiped his brow on his sleeve. “She took time to process what you told her, and now she’s spitting mad.”
“I wouldn't be surprised if she broke a few things.” Devon got them both water bottles and leaned against the nearest sawhorse.
“There might have been a few things tossed around, but nothing broke.”
Devon chuckled. “She’s already dealing with it better than I did.”
“Maybe.”
Devon took a moment to drink some water. “Mom pressured me to move faster with Chloe.”
Caleb raised a brow. “I thought you were doing okay.”
At that statement, Devon threw his hands up in the air. “Thank you!”
“Mom looking to plan a wedding, is she?”
“I don’t know. I think I hurt her feelings because she irritated me this morning.”