Dating Delaney (6 page)

Jake

The evening hadn’t gone exactly as planned, well, who plans
on pushing their date ass-first into a pond? But we’d all had a really good
time. Laney was comfortable and fun with her sister and brother-in-law there,
which made the experience even better.

“I had a great time tonight, Laney,” I say as I pull to the
end of the driveway, putting it in park and getting her door for her. Her smile
is ear-to-ear and infectious. I want to stare at that smile forever. She’s
radiant.

“Me too, although I hope my sister and I didn't scare you
off with our antics.” She takes my hand and hops out of the truck.

“Nope. You two are quite the entertainment and I really like
Mike.”

“Yeah, he’s great,” she says as we walk to her door.

She stops at the screen door and turns to face me. “I really
did have fun, you’re good company, Jake,” she says seriously.

The way she lifted her eyes to mine, I might as well be a
teenager again the way my body responded. My belly fluttered. It had been so
long since I’d felt any real desire, I’d almost forgotten the flare, the heat.
I wanted to push her back against the door, press my body to hers and kiss her
until she pulled me to her bed for more.

“Thanks,” I croaked as she stared up at me. A few seconds
passed that felt like an eternity. Her expression changed from hopeful to
hesitant.

“Okay, well...see you tomorrow.” Her voice was quiet and her
eyes darted everywhere but mine. She wanted more, I could sense it but it was
like I was dealing with a wounded animal.

Before my brain could catch up with my libido, I leaned down
and brushed my lips across hers softly, but my intention was clear. I
straightened and brushed a thumb over the lips I’d just kissed and she
trembled.

“See you tomorrow, Laney.”

She nodded her head and turned. I watched her fumble with
the door handle, trying to get into the house as I stepped off the porch. As I
headed for the truck I heard her mutter, “Real smooth, Laney.” My lips tipped
up and I shook my head.

I had plenty of time on my drive home to an empty house to
think about how fun the night had been. Laney was funny, and a good sport, and
I hadn't laughed so much in years. And her lips. A groan crawls out of my
throat. Her lips were soft and full. There was a hint of lemonade taste to
them. Mmmm. I could have stood there all night like a randy teenager and made
out with those lips. I kept it light for good reason, but I really wanted to know
what it would feel like if I’d given her the chance to kiss me back. I actually
need to know what it would feel like. The craving for more of her hits me hard.
That would have to wait for next time and I’d make sure there was definitely a
next time.

Delaney

By the time I finally made it inside the house, I could have
kicked myself. When I’d gone to open the door you’d have thought I’d never
operated a door handle before, or my hands suddenly refused to work.

I let out a sigh and head to Claire’s room to check on her.
Fast asleep. I stare at her for a moment, lost in thought, before letting my
parents know that I’m back. After playing twenty questions with my mom, I
finally made my way to my desk and fired up the laptop. I had some ideas
whirling around my head that I needed to get out. Desire and heat laced with
want.

At midnight, when I couldn't bear to sit and write any
longer, I got up, stretched, and threw on my pajamas. In bed I stared up at the
ceiling, smiling like a giddy school girl. His lips were soft but his thumb was
rough and the contrast in sensations had sent a chill through me when he’d
brushed the pad of his thumb across my bottom lip. I closed my eyes thinking
about a beautiful man, tall and firm, with ridges in all the right places. It
didn't take me long to find sleep and steamy dreams.

The sound of scaffolding clanking wakes me up. I overslept.
Shit! I shoot out of bed in a tizzy, yelling for Claire. It’s field trip day
and if I don't get her there on time she will miss it and then I’ll be deemed
the worst mother ever for the rest of the weekend. Maybe for all time. Kids
never forget.

“Claire!!!!!!!! Get dressed quick!” I holler towards her
room, turn on my heel, and dart to the bathroom.

“I’m already dressed, Mom,” I hear her voice coming from the
opposite direction of her room. She meets me in the kitchen, dressed and ready
to go.

“What? When did you get up? Did you eat? Snacks packed?” I
pummel her with questions.

“You slept too long. I got dressed and then Jake was here,
so, he helped me with breakfast and my snacks.” She shoots me a look that no
seven-year-old should even know how to shoot yet. It’s official: I suck at
parenthood.

“Uh. He did?” I’m not even fully awake enough yet to process
what she’s said.

“Yeah. Come on, we have to go!” she urges.

I scoot to the bathroom still wondering if I heard her
right, pee, run a brush through my hair, and tug on a sports bra, tank top, and
yoga pants from the dirty laundry pile. Why are my mornings always so screwy?
“Okay! Car! Now!” I yell. Claire and I rush out the door and pile in the car.

“Have fun today,” I say and lean down to kiss the top of her
head but she’s already running to her counselor, excited for the day. I lift a
hand and give a little wave to her back before exiting the building and driving
home.

I hate starting my day off thinking I’m late. Even if I end
up not being late, it sets my whole day on edge, making me feel like I still
need to be rushing. When I pull back into the driveway at home I feel
completely off my routine for the day and am flustered for no good reason at
all. Claire made it on time and all’s well but I can't shake the feeling of
running behind now. I get out of the car in a huff and all but stomp inside. In
an effort to calm myself down, I plug my headphones into the laptop and let the
sounds of Bitter:Sweet drift into my brain and help me focus on the next
chapter of my book. I zone out and my fingers start to fly effortlessly across
the keyboard.

* * * * *

Two hands lands on my shoulders and I yelp as I rip the ear
buds from my ears.

“You wanna do it?” Jake grins.

“Uh, w-what?” I’m stuttering...great. I’m also completely
confused.

“You just said, ‘Honey, Let’s do it’ all hot and sexy-like.”
He grins at me. Oh my god. OH MY GOD. My hand slaps my face as I hear “In These
Shoes” nearing its end coming from the ear buds.

“I was singing out loud, wasn't I?” I groan completely
irritated and embarrassed.

“Yup.” He bursts out laughing.

“I’m glad someone finds it entertaining,” I say dryly and
his face sobers.

“You actually have a decent voice, it was more the song
choice I guess,” he explains.

“Yeah... well...” I pause, searching for something,
anything, to say before blurting out, “I like dirty songs.” Wait? WHAT?! Dear
Mouth, I hate you. Sincerely, Laney Peters. Jake makes a choking sound before
regaining his composure.

“You seem to make even the most ridiculous statements sound
adorable,” he chuckles.

“Well,” I huff, “I’ve never had the pleasure of
that
compliment before.”

“Oh, relax, I like dirty songs, too.” His face stays serious
as he holds my gaze but his ribs start shaking and finally a deep belly laugh
erupts from him, sending me into a giggle fit too. Our entire exchange has been
absurd. How can I not laugh at myself.

“What’s all the ruckus over here?” Mom interrupts.

“Oh. Hi, Mom.”

“Mrs. Peters,” Jake nods.

“I ah…was caught singing,” I explain.

“She has a lovely voice, don't you think, Jake?” Mom asks.

I can't control myself and I bust out laughing again while
Jake somehow maintains his dignity.

“That she does,” he agrees, eyeing me.

“Laney, what time are you picking up Claire?” she asks.

“Uh,” I glance at the clock. “Now!” I shout. I push out of
the chair, searching for my flip-flops and keys.

“You’re still coming to the Parker’s cookout tonight,
right?” Mom asks, stepping out of my way.

“Yeah, yeah. Six, right?”

Mom nods.

“Gotta go!” I say, darting out the door as usual in a rush.

Jake

“Would you like to see the progress?” I ask Sue, Laney’s
mother.

“I thought you’d never ask!” Sue claps her hands together
and we start for the stairs.

“She loses all sense of time when she sits at that computer.
Completely tunes out the world,” Sue says, shaking her head.

“I think it’s pretty amazing that she can do that...you
know, write books,” I tell her.

“It is, it is. We’re very proud of her. It’s just difficult
when she’s mid-book, she throws herself into it wholeheartedly. Her father’s an
avid reader, he always said books are a great escape. Delaney writes to
escape,” she says and sighs.

“Escape can be good.”

“Once in a while sure, but I worry that for her, writing is
more like running away from life rather than escaping from or facing it,” she
worries. I don’t know where Laney’s mom is going with this and I don't have
anything to say really so I avoid answering by changing the subject.

“Claire’s room is almost finished. I just need to build the
shelving around the windows. Next week I’ll start on Laney’s side.”

Sue gasps. “Look at this! It’s stunning!”

“Thanks, I’m glad it lives up to expectation.”

“Better than! Isn’t this going to be amazing when it’s done?
I can’t wait. Delaney will be so happy to finally have the upstairs finished!”
She takes one more look around before turning to face me.

“So, Jake, tell me, how are things going between you and my
daughter?” she asks, throwing me off guard.

“Ah..just fine. Why?” I answer.

“You had a date, yes?” she pushes. Jesus, what do I say?
I’ve never been in this situation before with a client and I am completely out
of my element.

“Ummm, yes.”

“Did you hit it off?” she asks.

“Moooooooooooom, quit it!” Laney saves me as she appears at
the top of the stairs.

“Sorry, Jake, you can ignore her,” she says and glares at
her mother.

“No, he can't,” Sue says adamantly. Laney’s eyes go wide and
she bites her bottom lip. Cute.

“Yes, we hit it off. In fact, I’d like to take her out
again, just the two of us this time.” Where did that come from? I mean, sure,
it’s true, but I’m thirty-six years old and her mom just reduced me to a pile
of pimply sixteen-year-old.

“Wonderful!” Sue exclaims. “I’ll leave you two be. Don't be
late tonight, Delaney.” She brushes past her daughter and disappears. Laney
groans and runs a hand through her hair, sending it cascading down her back.

“Sorry about that. She’s like the dating Nazi,” she whines.
I chuckle and move closer to her.

“No problem. I was serious though. Could I take you out some
time?” I ask. She lifts her eyes to mine and smiles. That ridiculous flutter
hits my belly again.

“I’d like that,” she says quietly.

I take another step closer to her while she’s rooted to the
floor, locked in my gaze. Her breath hitches as I reach my hand out and slide
it down the curve of her spine, pulling her close and holding her pinned
against me. When her eyes meet mine, they darken. Lust. I bend down as she
pushes up on her toes and kiss her. Her lips move against mine slowly at first
before getting more aggressive. My tongue pushes its way into her mouth and her
arms wrap around me. She tastes so good. Her fingers weave their way into the
hair at the nape of my neck and I moan into her mouth. Lightly I run a hand up
and down the length of her torso.

“I’m hungry! Mom? Where are you?!” Claire’s voice trills
from downstairs. Laney pulls away immediately and tries to catch her breath.

“Coming!” she crows over her shoulder.

“Wow. So when’s this date?” her voice is sultry and breathy.

“I was thinking Thursday?”

“Moooooooooooooooooooooom!”

Laney shakes her head as if to clear her mind and sighs.
“Thursday it is then. Are you off or on this weekend?”

“Off. I have plans. But if you need anything, you can call,”
I tell her.

“Oh no no... I wouldn't need anything,” she mumbles.

“Well, why don't you give me your number anyways, just in
case,” I push.

“Okay.” She hesitates before turning and starting towards
the stairs.

We head downstairs together. After
programming her number into my cell,
I send her a text so she’ll have my number.

I like dirty songs

She’s fixing a snack for Claire in the kitchen when I head
out. “See ya!” I call.

“Bye! Have a good weekend.”

“Bye, Jake!” Claire squeals.

Dating Delaney 302

I shoot Amelia a quick text about this evening.

Are you going tonight?

Are you going?

I asked you first.

You’re such a baby. Yes but I need a ride.

Ok, be there in twenty

* * * * *

I fire off a quick text to Jake in response to his ‘I like
dirty song’s’ message

Aww don’t worry they have meetings for that

Expert. Guess I’ll see you at one

I stare at the screen a beat before responding.

Sigh

Did you just type out ...sigh?

Easy trigger, it just so happens I did.

Did you just call me trigger?

You’re kind of a pain in the ass.

I aim to please.

I laugh as I type my response to him.

Never aim for the ass.... unless in prison.

You’re killing me.

I smirk to myself and respond. ‘Gotta run.’

Have a good night Laney.

Ditto.

* * * * *

“Put that away,” Mom admonishes and points to my phone.

“Yes, ma’am!” I reply and give her my best
I’m-too-sweet-for-my-own-good smile.

“Sooooo, details,” Amelia says, appearing out of nowhere.

“What details?” I ask.

“Are you dumb? After our date details!” she crows.

“Yeah, Laney, spill,” Mike joins in.

“Ugh, you two are like a crackhead looking for a score. He
pecked me on the lips when he dropped me off. Happy?” I divulge.

“And…”

“And nothing, that was it,” I shrug.

“Liar, there’s more, what are you hiding?” Ame pushes.

“Well...he kissed me today. Like a
real
kiss…and oh
my god...it was hot!”

Mike laughs as Amelia does a retarded looking jig. I shove
her playfully.

Stop. Stop...he asked me on another date, without you two,”
I say pointedly.

“What? We aren't fun?” Ame laughs.

“You’re
too
much fun,” I chuckle.

The Parkers’ cookout is fun, but I’m distracted. No matter
what or who I chat with I find myself daydreaming about Jake’s lips and the
heat behind them.

“Have you heard anything I said?” Ellie asks.

“What?” I snap out of my daydream. “Uh... “

“Earth to Laney…I was telling you my parents are letting us
use the lake house for the Fourth of July.” Ellie’s parents--the Parkers--have
the most awesome house on Sebago Lake.

“Ohhhhh that’s awesome!” I squeal with excitement.

“Yeah, so we’re trying to round everyone up to have a Fourth
party without all the rug rats,” she explains.

“We should ask April if she wants to sleep at one of our
houses with all the kids…Claire and Alec are old enough to help corral some of
the younger ones now,” I suggest.

“Brilliant!” Ellie cries.

I immediately start to wonder what Jake’s doing for the
Fourth. One kiss and I’m practically in couple mode. Stupid Laney. Get a grip,
you haven’t even had a real date alone yet. I shove all of my hopefulness down
until I can't feel it anymore.

* * * * *

My phone chirps at me alerting me that I have a new text
message. Owen’s message is cryptic.:

Hunting tonight?

I respond to him immediately. ‘What are you hunting?’

Pussy.

Grow up man.

I need a wingman

Someone’s gotta keep you in check.

I’ll get someone else if you’re going to be a
cockblocker.

Where are we meeting?

Nine, Pearl.

K

* * * * *

I pull out my phone and text Jake. Curiosity’s gotten the
better of me and I want to know what he’s up to.

Having a good night?

Better now ;)

His responds puts a smile on my face instantly.

How cliché.

Can't help myse;f

Drunk much?

Not too muc, out with O

Enjoy

I look at my phone wondering if I really want to know why I
need to wait. Clearly he’s out and having a good time. I should just let him
be.

What?

How was the bbq

Fine. Scored a sweet lake house for 4th of July party.

Am i invited?

Do you want to be?
I reply hoping the answer is yes.

After that smoking kiss...yes

You just want in my pants

Caught me.

Har Har

Thisis Owen...Stop flirting with my boy and let him do his
job

I laugh at the intrusion on our conversation and take the
bait.

Hi Owen....whats his job?

Wingman

Sorry, Jake again...

Sighing I decide it’s time to wrap this up before it gets
out of control.

No worries....Night Jake

Night Laney

* * * * *

Why are you holding out on me?

Stumped, I reply to Ginny’s text.
‘
What?’

Ran into Ame tonight....MR ATTRACTIVE?

We had a date.

and....

I can’t help but toy with her just a little bit. ‘It was
good. Doubled with Ame and Mike’

annddd...

Her response makes me laugh. ‘You won't give up will you?’

Nope

Date. Thursday. Alone.

Whodillywho motherfucker! That’s great.

*snort*

You know it’s really queer when you write out bodily
functions right?

‘
Shut up.’ I reply laughing.

When I’m met with radio silence for too long I decide to
text her again.Ginny? Where’d you go?

Shutting up.

Ha ha. Ok. Night

Sweet dreams... of Mr. Attractive! ;)