The One

“That’s funny?” She returns the question.

“You know my dad’s been married five times too, right?” I clear my throat when her eyes widen, shifting in the seat and trying to not break my dick in half. “And, I’m sorry to say, I can’t even count how many women there have been in between marriages.”

“No.” She shakes her head. “Ironic. And older, she does like an older man.”

“Lot to be said for older men,” I chide, turning down the main street toward her house.

“Your mother?” she asks, and I take a moment before answering.

“She died when I was young. Car accident. She and my dad never married. One day she was just gone. I was seven.”

“Gosh, I’m so sorry. Did you have brothers or sisters growing up?”

“No. Life can always be better or worse.” I shrug. “I have some strong memories of her. So, it’s been Dad and me ever since. Been an interesting ride.”

She nods. “Same with Mom and me. My mom barely knew my dad. Didn’t find out she was pregnant until he was long gone. I don’t know much about him. Mom and I sort of grew up together. I was more the adult though.” She smiles, but her eyes are sad.

I see the little girl inside her, and I want to protect her. I want to show her she’s safe and doesn’t have to shoulder the burden of everything alone.

The GPS has me turning onto her street, and she pulls on her fingers, as we drive in silence for the rest of the way.

“I’m here.” She points as we approach a gated driveway.

“Nice shack.” I kid as I pull down the long brick paved drive leading to a house that looks more like an English country manor.

“It was a solid investment. I like solid investments.”

“Baby, if it works for you…”

She bites into her bottom lip as I pull around the circular drive to stop by the front door.

The word slipped out again like it did last night, and I see the question in her eyes, and before she can say anything, I make sure of one thing. I pull out my phone. “Give me your number.”

She pulls her eyebrows together and narrows her eyes. “That didn’t sound like a question.”

“It’s not.” I counter on a sniff. “You’re going in the house alone, and I’ll be honest I’d like to go in with you, but we both have a day ahead of us, and for now, I’ll settle for your number so I can message you or call you and make sure you’re okay. Deal?”

She snaps her tongue in her cheek but reaches over, her fingertips brushing mine and keys her number into the screen, then hits the green button. Her phone starts ringing, and she smiles.

“That’s me.” She licks her lips on a grin, and I wait for her voicemail to pick up.

“And this is me,” I say into the phone, smiling back at her then finishing the call and setting the phone on the dash.

I hop out, worried calling her baby again is scaring the shit out of her, but it’s too late, so I make my way around and open her door.

“See you tonight.” She gives me a tight smile as I hold out my hand to help her down from the truck. The warmth of her hand in mine has my heart racing, and I swear I can feel her pulse quickening where my fingers rest on her wrist.

As she turns sideways to step down, her skirt rises high enough for me to see a flash of the white lace panties covering the place where I want to put my tongue.

I don’t want to break our connection, but I also don’t want her to be more uncomfortable around me. She’s not only beautiful, she’s smart, successful and has made it fairly clear having a man is not on her list of priorities.

Well, I plan on changing her priorities. But for today, we’re going to watch our parents get married, and that will make her my stepsister. Not sure that will help my position. She’s good. Pure in her own way, and I need that. I want her goodness and purity in my life.

Knowing she’s about to walk away from me hurts. Without even thinking, I glance at my watch trying to figure out just how long it will be until we’re together again, then back up to her, hoping she doesn’t think I’m desperate to be somewhere.

Because right now the only place I want to be is right here.

She smiles, straightening her skirt. “Thanks for the ride. And, you know, last night.”

“Can’t wait to walk down the aisle with you.”

I raise an eyebrow, and she gives me a curious look, then turns and disappears behind the massive wooden door taking my heart with her.

Eight

Issi

THIS IS NOT HAPPENING.