One Day at a Time (Starting Over Series Book 4) (10 page)

They were staying in tonight with dinner and a movie because they had so much they were doing tomorrow they wanted to keep tonight low key. He couldn’t wait to crawl into bed with her tonight and just hold her. Thoughts of Tessa had him jerking off the last couple of nights. He’d never been that sexual of a person. The drugs had killed that part of his brain, or at least he thought they had.

Shit, he was getting hard now just thinking about it. He shook his head to clear it as the doorbell rang. Taking a deep breath, he made his way to the front door. Pulling it open, he was greeted with her beautiful smile. He grabbed her bag off her shoulder and pulled her into his house, shutting the door behind her.

He watched her smile nervously at him. She shifted from foot to foot and picked at her nails. “How was your day?” He wanted her not to feel so nervous around him. He led her down the hall, taking her bag into his room and setting it on his bed. When he turned around, she was standing in the doorway looking around. His room wasn’t anything extravagant, but it wasn’t bare either. Journey had insisted on helping him pick out the furniture. He had a king size bed that dominated the room. It had a wrought iron headboard, grey sheets, and navy blue comforter.

She had insisted he get curtains that matched and dressers and nightstands in a dark oak finish. On the walls were pictures of guitars and landscapes.

Tessa turned to face him. “It was good. The store was busy today, but manageable. After work I took Josie to sleep over at Jonathon’s partner’s house since they were working late tonight. I-I like your room, the bed looks really comfy. How was your day?”

Grabbing her hand, he led her into the kitchen, directing her to sit at the breakfast bar while he poured her a half tea-half lemonade. “It was good. I’m usually busier on Fridays, but I busted my ass all week to make sure I was freed up for you.” He felt her grab his hand, and she stood up, kissing his lips. Her tongue peeked out and flicked his lips, coaxing them open. He took control of the kiss. One hand slid up into her hair, holding her immobile as he sucked her tongue into his mouth.

He loved how she was becoming much more confident touching and kissing him. She drew back and whispered against his lips, “Is it weird I missed you?”

“No, because I missed the fuck out of you.” He kissed her one more time before he sat her back on the stool she’d vacated, “I’m going to start dinner. Do tacos sound good?”

***

They had cleaned up right after they’d finished eating. Grabbing their drinks, they made their way out to the hammock where they proceeded to make out until the sun went down. He wanted nothing more than to make love to her, but he wouldn’t do anything until she was ready. He’d forgotten to turn on any lights, so his backyard was shrouded in darkness and he didn’t have to worry about anyone seeing them.

Now he silenced Tessa’s cries with his mouth. Her leg was over his hip, and his hand was up the leg of her shorts and inside of her panties. His fingers thrust in and out of her as she used her panties to rub against her clit. She was thrusting her hips, causing his dick to get hard as hell. The moment she came, her pussy clamped down on his fingers. She cried out into his mouth as she rode the wave of her orgasm. He slowed his thrusts, bringing her down gently.

He sighed as he felt her lips slide down and press against his throat. Her hand grabbed the back of his neck. His breaths were coming out choppy—he’d never in his life been on the verge of coming without some sort of stimulation on his dick before. If she touched his cock now he was going to shoot off like a rocket. “Baby, you feel so good,” he whispered against her forehead as she continued kissing his neck. He continued massaging her ass. She was turning him into a sex fiend, and they hadn’t even had sex yet.

***

Cash checked the doors one more time, making sure they were locked. He could hear his girl tinkering around in the bathroom. A smile graced his lips as he entered his bedroom. What a great night it had been. They’d stayed out in the hammock until he’d made her come with his fingers again, and before he could stop her, she’d grabbed his cock and he came in his shorts. He would’ve been embarrassed, but as soon as he started to come, Tessa had given him the sweetest kiss he’d ever been given. Her lips had been soft and tender, nibbling at his. That had been twenty minutes ago. He’d jumped in the shower and then came out in a pair of pajama pants. He’d wanted to laugh at the look on her face. He’d felt his cock start to get hard again when she looked at his body and licked her lips.

Now he sat on the bed, his back up against the headboard. He turned the TV on and was flipping the channels when he heard the bathroom door open. When she appeared in the doorway he was struck mute. She looked like a fucking angel. Her hair was down around her shoulders, and she was wearing a nightgown that hit her mid-thigh. It was sexy but innocent looking. “Come here, darlin’.” He patted the bed next to him. She climbed up on the bed with him and snuggled into his side. Kissing her and then hugging her close, it didn’t take long before he heard her soft, even, breathing. He settled them both down onto the mattress, pulling the blanket over them. Her body was curled up against his, when he let sleep pull him under.

Cash slowly woke and felt a weight on his chest. He smiled as he looked down. Tessa had her head on his chest, her arm around his waist and her legs tucked between his. He stroked her back, enjoying the feel of her body on his. He was excited about today. His sister and his friends were going to love her. He knew without a doubt that in no time she’d win them over. Looking down at Tessa’s sleeping form, he slid a hand down her back until he reached her ass. Even though she was thin, she still had a bit of an ass on her, and he loved it.

He pulled her nightgown up and over her bottom, rubbing his thumb over the smooth skin. He knew she was awake when he felt her lips touch his chest. “Mornin’,” he whispered. She looked up at him, smiling. He grabbed her by her underarms and hauled her up the bed. He flipped her so she was on her back and he was between her legs. “Do you have any idea what you do to me? You have this spell over me, and I feel out of control when I’m around you.”

“I feel the same way.” She reached up, rubbing her thumb over her lower lip. “I know we haven’t been together very long—wait, are we together? I guess we’ve really never clarified what we were, but I really like you, Cash.”

Her nervous babble was adorable. “Yeah, babe, we’re together.” He pressed his lips to hers. “I really like you too.” He wanted to stay right there all day with her, but they had so much to do. He pulled away from her, then lifted her out of bed. He told her to go ahead and start getting ready, and he’d cook them a little breakfast.

By the time she came out into the kitchen, he was dishing up some eggs and biscuits. He sat a full plate in front of her and then placed a kiss on her lips. “You look great. I’m going to jump in the shower. I’ll be back in a few.”

“Okay. Thank you for breakfast.”

***

The butterflies were running rampant in her stomach as they pulled into the hall that was holding the dance recital. In minutes she was going to be meeting Cash’s sister and family. He kept telling her not to worry and that they were going to love her, but she couldn’t help it. She didn’t want to look like an idiot in front of them and in turn make him look bad.

He grabbed her hand, giving it a squeeze. “Babe, it’s going to be fine. Stop worrying.” She watched him get out and come around to help her out. Taking his hand, she let him help her down, and then she turned to grab the flowers she got for his niece, Abby and his sister’s nieces. She kept second guessing herself for bringing them. She didn’t want them to think she was sucking up, but didn’t you bring dancers flowers? He held her hand as they walked into the hall.

Her heart started racing, looking at all of the people there. She wasn’t claustrophobic, but for some reason the crowd was making her nervous. Cash never let go of her hand as they wound their way through all of the people until they got to the seating area. She felt his arm slide across her shoulders, pulling her more firmly into his side. “There they are.” He pointed toward a young woman who looked just like Cash. The closer they got, she could see the swollen belly of Cash’s sister. She looked beautiful—the woman was positively glowing. A man who Tessa figured was Journey’s husband was staring at his wife lovingly.

When they approached the couple they were locked at the lips. He was rubbing her swollen belly.

“Do you have to grope my sister like that?” She could tell he was only teasing them.

Tessa watched the interaction between brother and sister and smiled. It was obvious Journey loved her brother very much. Even his brother-in-law gave him one of those man hugs. He then reached out and pulled her toward the others. “Tessa, this is my sister, Journey and her husband, Dylan. Guys, this is Tessa.”

She stuck her hand out to his sister first. “It’s-It’s nice to meet you both.”

It shocked her when Journey came to her and pulled her into a hug. “It’s so nice to meet you, Tessa.” She watched her pick up a toddler. “This is Parker, and the monster running our way is Joey. Abby’s behind the stage with her grandma. Thank you for coming.”

Tessa smiled and grabbed Parker’s foot and gave it a little squeeze. “Hi, Parker, hi, Joey.” They were adorable and both gave her big smiles.

“You’re weally tall.” Joey said with what she assumed was awe as he stared up at her.

Dylan scolded Joey for saying that, but she assured him it was okay. She knew it wasn’t said with cruel intentions. They introduced her to several other people, and it was hard to keep all of their names straight. One of them was Dylan’s twin brother and their sister’s husband, she thought, but could be wrong. When the lights dimmed the performances started. It was all very adorable. Journey leaned over to tell them Abby’s group was coming out. She smiled as Dylan started filming the girls as they walked out.

“That’s her right there,” Cash whispered.

“Are you okay?” He seemed sad all of a sudden.

“Yeah, I’m okay, darlin’.” They both turned to the stage. It was obvious which one was Abby. She looked just like Journey, a total mini-me. The girls were cute as they did their little dance. She noticed Abby was the smallest girl, but seemed to have the biggest attitude while she danced. She certainly knew how to ham it up. Two hours later the recital was over. Abby and Journey and Dylan’s nieces all did such a great job.

When Journey brought Abby out to them, she eyed Tessa curiously. “Abby, this is Cash’s girlfriend, Tessa. Tessa, this is our oldest daughter, Abby.”

“Hi, Abby, it’s nice to meet you. You did such a wonderful job dancing.”

“Thank you.” Her voice was so soft Tessa had a hard time hearing her. “Hi, Uncle Cash.” The little girl went over to her uncle, and he scooped her up in his arms. It was so adorable watching Cash interact with her. There was other family for her to meet, but they were going to wait until they got back to Journey and Dylan’s. She decided to wait until they were at their house before she gave the kids their flowers.

She smiled as they walked hand in hand back to Cash’s truck. “I told you my sister was going to love you.” They rode in a companionable silence to his sister’s place. Her nerves returned, knowing this was going to be a more intimate setting, but she was looking forward to getting to know everyone better.

***

Tessa gathered up her plate and Cash’s after they finished eating. His sister certainly went crazy with the amount of food. There were burgers, hot dogs, chips and dip, pasta and potato salad. The conversations were halted as everyone stuffed their faces. Even most of the kids were silent as everyone dug into the food. Joey had sat on one side of her while Cash sat on the other. The little boy was five but a shameless flirt. Every time she and Cash started talking to one another or someone else, Joey would grab her arm and in his cute little boy voice, ask for her help. First it was helping him sit down on the bench next to her. Then it was help cutting up his food, and then it was to tell her all about kindergarten and his many, many girlfriends.

She was the only one who didn’t realize what he was doing when she looked up and everyone was smiling at her.

“Little dude, are you hitting on my woman?” Cash asked, leaning against her back.

The boy looked at them with a straight face and then said, “I don’t see a ring on her finger. She’s fair game.”

Tessa knew her face was probably beet red. Everyone around them started laughing, even Joey was giggling. Burying her face in Cash’s neck, she started laughing herself.

Now she cleared up their plates while the guys shot hoops in the driveway. She grabbed her lemonade and watched as the kids all chased each other.

“Are you having a good time?” She turned and found Journey standing behind her.

“I am, thank you. You have a lovely family.” She meant it too. They were a loving group and it was beautiful to watch. It made her a little envious and sad that she, Jonathon, and Josie didn’t have that. It would be wonderful to belong to such a large family.

“I do. I’m very lucky. After our parents died, it was just Cash and me. I lucked out meeting Dylan and his family. Cash says you live with your brother and niece.”

They talked for a few more minutes before Journey had to go take care of some things. Taking a sip of her lemonade, she noticed Abby coming toward her. “Hi, Abby.” The little girl sat down on the bench next to her.

“Thank you for the flowers.” The flowers had been a hit. She’d been so worried they would perceive her as trying too hard. The little girls had all squealed as they each took the flowers to their parents.

“You’re very welcome. So what grade are you in, Abby?”

“I’m in third grade.” The little girl swung her legs back and forth. “Are you going to marry him?”

Oh boy, she didn’t know what to say. “Uh—well, I don’t know, sweetheart. We’re taking things slow for now.” She started when Cash came up, kissing her cheek. She smiled at him as he sat down facing her on the bench, with Abby in between them.