Walking on Sunshine: A Sweet Love Story (Seasons of Love Book 1) (6 page)

B
efore long, Ben looked like the toothpicks holding his eyelids open were breaking.

Cee obviously noticed as well. “Ben, you should go get ready for bed. Your mom and I have to talk about business, which is super boring,” he said to Ben.

“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Ben said sliding out of his chair. He paused, his big green eyes going to Cee and looking worried. “You'll be back tomorrow, right?”

“Of course I will,” Cee promised. “I have to finish teaching you how to do those laces.”

The worry vanished from Ben's face and the light that I loved so much shone out from them again. Even though we'd only known Cee for a couple of days, I knew that Cee could see it too- and that he would fight just as hard as I did to keep it there.

“I'll be up in a bit to tuck you in after Cee leaves,” I called up to him as he dragged himself up the stairs.

Cee went to his bag and brought over a file that had both mine and Ben’s name on it. He handed it to me and our hands touched. A flash of heat went through me, but Cee moved nonchalantly. Apparently, he didn't feel the same spark.

“Here is the contract agreement that the agency will want you to sign. I'd also like to talk about how you would like things to be run with Ben. I know when you are at work I'm in charge, but I want to make sure that I try to mirror what you normally do so that Ben is the most happy,” he said, clearing the table of the dirty dishes as I looked over the paperwork.

“Wow, this is so official. I didn’t have any idea it was this in-depth,” I said, thumbing through the stack of papers.

“Some of it's mine as well. It's just schedules that I like to keep for my personal time and some of it is legal documents, in case I can’t get in touch with you or Ben gets hurt,” Cee explained, putting the dishes in the dishwasher.

“The first page is the basic information about me, my references, cell number, certifications as well as my home address just in case you need to drop off Ben at my place. I would prefer not to have that, but I know with errands or work schedules things might get a bit hectic.” He walked over to the table and was standing behind me, leaning over my shoulder so he could point to something on the page. He didn't touch me, but I could feel the heat of his body on my back and my own trembled in response.

I could smell his cologne. He smelled of warmth and grass. It was intoxicating. I inhaled deeply etching the smell into my memory. I didn't know it was possible for a man to smell this good. It didn't seem fair.

“Now, here,” he explained, pointing to the page. His body grazed my shoulder, sending electric heat surging through me at his touch. He held there for a moment, his finger hoovering just above the page. “This is just agreements of hours, and duties. I'm assuming you will want me Monday through Friday for your normal working hours, eight to five?” He moved away and sat down in the chair next to me. I shivered, as the air cooled around me once he left.

“Yes, that would be ideal.” I cleared my throat, trying to regain my train of thought. It was amazing how easily he derailed it. “Would it also be possible to extend one day, such as Thursday? I have a standing night out with girlfriends and would like to not have to juggle you and a babysitter.”

“Sure, not a problem. Let me just make a note of that here,” Cee said, scribbling some details onto a piece of paper. “Now Saturday and Sundays, I usually like to have for myself and it will let you have time with Ben as well.”

“Yeah that is fine,” I said, nodding. As much as I would have liked it, I couldn't have him here all the time.

We continued to hash through the details, what meals he would cook, what chores he was able to do while I was away. We even broke it down to types of food Ben could have and how much TV time. I felt like I had just discussed more than I thought was humanly possible about one job, and especially a job centering on my easy-going Ben. It was more than Ben's father had ever done on the subject.

“Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me. I know it's a tedious subject but it helps me do a better job,” Cee said as he started to stack all the papers together. “I'll make a copy for you and then if you think of anything please feel free to let me know.”

He stood up from the table and stretched his shoulders, raising his arms over head and causing a sliver of his abdomen to show. All I could see was tight muscles and smooth skin. I shuddered, feeling the heat of desire warm me.
Why am I driving myself crazy over him? He's my nanny,
I thought to myself.
You can't have him.

I stood up as well and glanced over to the microwave so I would stop looking at him. It was already nine o’clock. I couldn’t believe it took us an hour to get through all of his paperwork, but somehow, I had enjoyed every minute of it.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” he said quietly, putting a hand on my shoulder. I froze, not wanting him to lift it. I wanted him to touch me so much more it wasn't fair. But he was just being polite. “Most days I won’t be here this late but the first few days I understand it takes some time to work out a schedule.” He let go of my shoulder and grabbed his keys. “Have a great evening, Ms. Hochs.”

“Please call me Jes,” I insisted, my voice low.

“Alright, goodnight... Jes.”

I nearly melted at the way he smiled as he said my name.

Get over yourself
, I scolded as I stood at the front door and waved Cee off into the night.
You're seeing things that aren't there.

Yet, I loved the way my name sounded on his lips. The soft smile he got as he said it. The way his hand felt on my shoulder. I soon got wrapped up in thinking about how my name would sound across those lips when cried out in passion. My insides were screaming to make that fantasy come true but my head drowned it out with worry and self doubt. A sigh left my lips as I broke my gaze from the long-empty front door to head upstairs.

Ben had fallen asleep with a sports magazine lying across his chest, and his light still on. I picked up the magazine and put it on his nightstand. He mumbled something in his sleep, frowning at his dreams. I kissed his blond hair and slowly combed it through with my fingers. With a soft smile, I turned off the light and went to my own bed. After washing my face and getting in PJs, I laid in bed still thinking about the day. My thoughts slowly drifted to Cee.

I had promised myself that I wouldn't be interested in men, for Ben’s sake. I didn’t want to confuse him, and I still hurt so much from the cheating and divorce. I turned over, fluffing the pillow and trying to get comfortable but not succeeding. I was being stupid, and I didn’t like Cee. He was just paid to hang around me anyway.

Also, he was too young to even be interested in a woman my age. Especially one with a kid. I was just attracted to him because of his great cooking, his amazing personality, his wonderful arms, his captivating eyes and his cute behind. I sighed. It had been far too long since I had any alone time with a man.

I was too hot, then too cold. I threw the covers off of me, then snuggled them up tight. I knew what I needed, even though I hadn't needed it in a long time.

I no longer kept my vibrator in the drawer by my bed, not since Ben had started poking around the house. I went to my closet and reached up to the top shelf for the shoebox. I quickly turned it on to test it and nothing happened. My heart sank, until I remembered that I had taken the batteries out so that they wouldn't discharge. I quickly found them in the shoebox and put them in. A satisfying buzz came from it as I jumped back in my bed.

My mind quickly went to Cee, wrapping me up in torrid dreams and fantasies that I knew could never see the light of day.

––––––––

“J
es,” he says in a husky voice. “I have been thinking about you ever sense I saw you.”

He slowly extends his hand and caresses my check, taking the back of my neck into his palm and pulling me into a passionate kiss. My hands trail up his strong arms and into his hair. I entwine my fingers in it, pulling at it slightly. He pushes further into the kiss, and spreads my lips open with his. His tongue darts in my mouth. He tastes sweet and familiar. I let out a slight moan, enjoying as his hands pulled me in tighter matching his tongue’s motions.

Suddenly, his tongue is elsewhere. He's an eager lover, energetic with youth. I can tell that he's really enjoying it, rather than just doing it for me. I can feel his muscular arms wrapped around my legs, drawing me closer to him. I want it. I want it so bad.

––––––––

A
s my vibrator pushed me to orgasm, I made sure to keep my voice down as I whimpered Cee's name. I didn't stop at just one orgasm either. I needed release after the sexual tension that I had felt today.

As I finished, I put the vibrator back in my drawer. I'd put it away tomorrow, but right now I was exhausted. Exhausted from Cee's sexual prowess. I smiled, knowing it was just a fantasy, but for now, I didn't care.

T
he next few days went on without any hiccups. Cee would show up in the mornings right as I was about to head out the door. I would come home at night and Cee would tell me if anything happened that day, let me know what was in the oven, or what to do to make the dinner. He would be out the door ten minutes later and Ben and I would spend the night talking about his day or what he learned from Cee. I always stared at the door as he left, enjoying the view and wishing he would stay.

The week passed by and the first Thursday since Cee was hired arrived. To be honest, I was excited to spend a night gossiping with the girls. They were all going to be so jealous. I came home from work to find Cee and Ben on his XBox playing some sort of football game.

“Who’s winning?” I asked as I walked behind them looking at the screen.

“I am,” Ben said boastfully.

“I don’t know how he is doing it,” Cee said with a chuckle, and then winked at me. I couldn't help but grin back at him. He was so good with Ben.

“Don’t let me interrupt. I'm just going to run upstairs and change real quick.”

I shook my head as I walked upstairs and started picking out an outfit. I wanted something that would look good as I walked out the door. Something that would make Cee turn his head and maybe even let Ben win the game for real.

I put on one of my short sundresses and twirled in the mirror. The reflection in the mirror looked good, until I saw the legs. There was dark stubble on them. I rubbed my hand up my leg and felt like sand paper. The lack of shaving had finally caught up to me.

Unfortunately, I didn't have time to shave, so I grabbed my go-to maxi dress, which was dark blue with a very flattering halter top, and my chunky sandals. I snatched a bracelet to complete the outfit and was trying to work the clasp, but just couldn’t get it. Who decided that clasps on bracelets were a smart idea?

“Hey, Ben,” I called, coming down the stairs. “Can you help me with my bracelet? It's the one that always gets stuck.”

“Hold on Mom, please? I'm about to score,” Ben called back, staring straight into the T.V. I sighed, knowing it would be a while before he even remembered to blink, let alone help me.

“Here, let me help you, Jes.” Cee turned around on the couch and held out his hand expectantly. I walked toward him and dropped the bracelet into his palm. Holding out my arm to him, I tried not to look into his handsome eyes of dark violet, afraid my own eyes would betray my feelings. He gently took the bracelet and wrapped it around my wrist, being careful not to pinch the delicate skin. The warmth of his skin flooded my senses, and I knew I had to stop thinking what I was thinking.

But I couldn’t.

His finger gently caressed the inside of my wrist as he got the bracelet in place and latched the clasp. My mind imagined those fingers tracing up my leg inch by inch. He turned my wrist over in his hands to look at his work.

Oh my gosh, why is my face so hot? He just put on a bracelet. I shouldn't be reacting this way!
I flushed with embarrassment, but he just looked up at me and smiled.

“Pretty,” he said. His eyes bore through me, and for a moment I wasn’t sure if he was talking about me or the bracelet. His fingers lingered against my skin, and I forgot to breathe. Tension flowed between us like electrified water, and the only sound I registered was the pounding of my own heart.

But, then, as if he thought better of it, Cee pulled his hand away from mine. The moment was gone, and he turned back around to watch Ben play the video game as if nothing had happened.

I shook myself, trying to make my body move after his touch and not quite succeeding at first.
It's all in your head,
I told myself.
Get it together. Yes, he's hot and great with your son. But he's not interested, so stop pretending like he is.
Finally, I grabbed my purse and opened the door.

“You guys have fun. I'll be back in a few hours.”

“Have a great time,” Cee replied, turning around to look at me. “You look amazing.”

I grinned, floating on his praise. Sure, he was probably just telling the person who signed his paycheck something nice so she would keep writing those checks, but I didn't care. He thought I looked “amazing.”

“Thank you, Cee,” I said, not realizing how much my voice gave away of how I felt. “Bye, Ben.”

Ben made a noncommittal noise, his attention firmly on the game. Cee shrugged, and smiled at me before slowly taking those beautiful eyes away and looking back at the TV screen.

Without his gaze, I suddenly remembered that I needed to breathe. I opened the front door, thankful for the calm breeze to cool me down. I didn’t know why his touch made me so bothered. Well, actually, I did. I just wasn’t willing to admit it yet.

I walked to my car absent-mindedly rubbing my wrist and thinking of Cee's hands on my skin, the way he looked at me. I quickly tried to dismiss it from my memory. It was clear that he wasn't interested in me anymore than a rock was.

Get a hold of yourself
, I scolded myself silently and headed to the local bar us girls liked to escape to.
He's so out of your league, you aren't even playing the same sport.