Falling for Bentley (Part One)
by
Shawnté Borris
Falling for Bentley
Copyright © 2014 by Shawnté Borris
Editing by Raelene Green of word·play by
77peaches
–
A division of 77peaches enterprises, LLC
Cover Designer © by
Wicked by Design
Formatting and interior design by
JT Formatting
Cover Photographer: Made in 81 Photography – Shawnté Borris
Cover Models: Ashley Verbeek & Dalas Venning
Beta & Proofreading:
On The Same Page Beta & Proofreading
Shawnté:
What was your first date with Chris like?
Lacy:
Haha it’s a funny story, just a sec…
Our first supposed to be first date has been a big debate throughout our marriage. He tells everyone that I stood him up, but I didn’t. LOL
Our first official date we went to Pizza Hut, I know exciting! He bought me flowers and candy; I still have the flower petals. We had pizza, warm beer, and the jukebox was stuck on a Hank Williams Jr’s song. We laughed a lot, and to this day his sense of humor is still amazing. Chris has always had a lot of self-confidence, so much that he told me I broke his heart when I stood him up so it made him more determined to take me out. After our dinner date he drove me back to my tiny apartment and the look on his face was priceless when I told him he couldn’t come in. He told me I was going to be a challenge for him but he would figure me out. (My hubby was known for being a player before I met him, lol) It’s hard to describe that date; it was just funny. The food and beer was awful and that damn music. That pizza hut is still there and we still go back, but now we bring our son Avery.
I TRUDGED UP the stairs to my apartment with sore feet, carrying the last box from my classroom and a heavy briefcase full of final papers that need to be graded before the end of the school year.
“Whoa, Haley, let me grab the box for you.”
“Hey, Jerad, I didn’t see you there.” I passed the box to him before digging into my purse for my apartment keys. “Thanks.”
“No problem. What are neighbors for? My mom taught me right, you know. When I see a pretty damsel in distress, I can’t help but offer my services,” Jerad said with a smirk.
“Remind me to thank your mother next time she’s in town,” I teased.
Jerad grabbed his chest in a mocking manner, “Always, the thanks goes to my mother.”
I opened my door wide enough to let Jerad in with the box. “Just put it on the kitchen table.” I tossed my briefcase and purse on the couch and slowly slid off my shoes, letting out a moan as I sank into the welcoming cushions.
“Why do you wear those shoes if they hurt so much?” he asked as he sat beside me on the couch, pulling my feet into his lap and rubbing them.
“Mmmm, that’s feels great.” I laid my head back on the armrest of the couch.
“Seriously, Haley, I don’t get it. Sure the shoes look good, but they can’t be all that comfortable.”
It was my turn to look horrified. “Do not sit there and insult my shoes. They’ve done nothing to hurt you! Why are you being so vicious to them?” I teased.
Jerad laughed, “Okay.” He put up his hands in surrender. “I’m sorry. Can I make it up to them and take you to dinner tonight?”
I slowly took my feet out of his hands and sat up, “Jerad…”
“Look, I get it. You don’t see us like that, but, Haley, I like you. I think you’re funny and sexy as hell. I’m not asking for a relationship, or to marry me. All I’m asking for is dinner.”
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, “Thank you for the offer, Jerad, really, but I am swamped with work. This last week of school is the most hectic for me.”
“How about we order in then?”
“Persistent, aren’t we?” I teased, kind of.
“Is there a boyfriend, or something, I’m not aware of?”
“No boyfriend or play toys such as yourself.” I nudged his shoulder, “But I do think it’s time I get to work grading papers,” I said in a polite voice.
Jerad got up and walked to the door, “My offer still stands, when you’re ready, call me and I’ll give you a night out you will never forget.”
I shut the door and rested my forehead against it, sighing. I looked over to my shoes and gave them a dirty look. I hated wearing them, but I teach in a privileged school, with uppity parents, so it’s expected of me to look the part.
I grabbed them off the floor, walked into my bedroom, and tossed them into the closet. I undressed in front of the full length mirror and looked at my body. Sure, I’ve lost the extra weight I carried in high school, but I still see the chubby girl waiting to be accepted, and I could still hear them calling me
thunder thighs
. I threw on a pair of yoga pants and my favorite rock band t-shirt before heading into the kitchen to make some dinner.