Live-In Position (53 page)

“Okay, thank you.” I tried to be as genuine as I could as she followed me into the kitchen.

While pouring a cup of coffee, the sound of an extra set of heels clicking on the floor reverberated in the room. Turning with my mug at my mouth, I paused. Allison, who was still living in the house, looked me over, gave me a small sly smile and then pushed in beside me for a cup of coffee. I drew my eyebrows together.

What the hell was that about?

With her mug in hand she sat down at the breakfast bar. Before I could say anything, Victoria bounded into the room with a large grin on her face.

“Good morning, birthday girl.” I set my mug down and opened my arms. She raced into them. I lifted her. She giggled.

“Are you ready for your big party?” Ilene asked from the small kitchen table.

Victoria nodded in earnest, skipping over to her grandmother.

“I am so excited, I could scream.” Victoria hugged her grandmother tightly.

“What about her birthday tea?” Allison questioned.

“We’re still having it,” Victoria chimed in. “Are you coming too?” Her eyes lit up.

“Of course I am,” Allison sounded insulted. “Why wouldn’t I be there for your birthday?”

Victoria shrugged. “Grandma said she wasn’t sure.”

Allison looked to Ilene, but instead of anger there was sadness. Ilene’s head was down, avoiding Allison’s gaze. It was time for me to intervene.

“Great, then we’ll have more people at the birthday tea. It will be wonderful. Why don’t you have a seat so I can get you some breakfast?” I patted her butt lightly in the direction of the bar.

Victoria nodded and jumped into a seat. “Can we make strawberry muffins?”

“Of course we can, it’s your birthday.”

I pulled out the ingredients, surprised when Ilene and Allison both stayed and even helped. It was an odd morning, but Victoria seemed extremely pleased about everything.

The birthday party was chaos. Thirty kids arrived, most with nannies in tow, some with their mothers. Amber and Will helped out with all of the kids, Ilene sat back and bragged to the mothers about the party, Allison and Larissa sat in a corner with a few other adults. Collin arrived thirty minutes after the party started, and shortly after his arrival Grace showed up. I cringed and attempted to ignore her presence as much as possible.

After three hours of swimming and carnival games, it was time to round up the children for cake and presents. The kids ate while Victoria opened each gift. Allison and the twins gave her a Louis Vuitton purse with a one hundred fifty dollar gift card inside. Larissa, Max, and the boys gave her professional grade art supplies, along with another gift card. Ilene got her a gold necklace with a locket. Collin’s gift to her was the promise that she could remodel her bedroom. I gave her one of the first copies of my printed book. Then Grace showed up with a big surprise.

With a leash in her hand, she handed over a German Shepherd puppy. Victoria squealed with delight and hugged the tan and black puppy to her chest. I looked to Collin with question in my eyes. He shrugged and shook his head. He hadn’t known about it. Regardless, there was no taking him away from her now.

“I thought you would love having a little friend,” Grace cooed next to Victoria, a proud smile plastered on her face.

“Oh, Daddy, look what Grace gave me.” She held the puppy up to him.

“I see. He’s very cute.” Collin looked wearily at the little dog.

“It’s a he?” Victoria tilted her head. Collin nodded to her. “Hmm…I need to think of a good…Wait, I’ve got it!” A large smile spread across her face.

“Got what?” Collin inquired.

Victoria lifted the puppy to her face. “I will call you Shep.”

“Shep?” Collin questioned.

“Yep, just like the cartoon.” She beamed and hurried to Grace with Shep.

“Thank you so much.” She smiled warmly at Grace and, for the first time, placed a kiss on her cheek. I felt instantly possessive as Grace hugged Victoria and kissed her head.

Victoria and the kids walked around with the puppy as they continued to play games.

“Grace, I wish you would have asked me about a puppy before getting her one,” Collin spoke firmly.

“Oh, Collin, she wanted a dog, big deal.” She waved him off. “Besides it’s your favorite type of dog.”

Collin cleared his throat. I stiffened. The fact that she knew this and I did not was not lost on me.

“I remember the nights we would lie together and talk about getting a dog for the house.” She smiled slyly and batted her eyes at him. I had to walk away.

Making my way around to the different attractions, a presence appeared next to me. Turning my head, I was met with Larissa’s warm smile.

“Don’t let her shake you.” She wrapped her arm in mine. “She’s doing it on purpose.”

“I don’t know what—”

“Please, I saw the look on your face. She is trying to make you jealous, and it’s working. Don’t deny it, I would be pissed too.” She winked at me. “In fact, I probably would‘ve slapped the shit out of her instead of walking away.” I realized she was redirecting us back toward Collin.

“I was trying to check on everything that—” We were almost back to Collin.

“Don’t leave her alone with him,” she whispered, releasing my arm and leaving me to stand next to him.

His arm immediately wrapped around my waist and pulled me to him. Grace’s face shifted from flirtation to irritation.

“As I was saying, I couldn’t help but think about the time we spent three days holed up in that hotel room,” she giggled with exaggerated movements. “You remember, don’t you? That was the night I introduced you to your favorite move where I—”

“Grace, that’s enough,” Collin barked out.

“What?” She feigned innocence. My irritation with her and my jealousy increased significantly. So I decided to intervene.

“Grace, how is it you know Dr. Erickson?” I asked.

“Oh, um,” she stammered.

“You know Dominic?” Collin questioned curiously.

“Oh, yes, well,” she rubbed her swollen stomach, “with the pregnancy I needed to go to the hospital—”

“Dominic handles obstetrics?” I looked toward Collin with feigned curiosity, knowing damn well Dominic was a general surgeon, not an obstetrician. It was horrible of me, but the satisfaction I felt at her discomfort was immeasurable.

“Not that I am aware of.” Collin’s eyes narrowed on Grace.

“Oh no, he didn’t handle any of my pregnancy exams,” she quickly added and then went silent.

“So…you know him how?” I pressed.

She glared at me. “We’re acquaintances.” There was no mistaking the snarky tone in her voice.

“Really?” Collin raised a brow at her. “Would he happen to be a close acquaintance?”

“No, not really,” she answered a little too quickly.

“Uh-huh,” I fed into the conversation with a look of pure glee.

“Sophia,” Ilene pulled me from the staring match going down between Grace and me. I turned to her. “I want you to meet Stephanie.” She grabbed my arm and pulled me along with her. “She says there’s an opening in May for the reception. I want you to come see the space and talk to her about your ideas for the wedding.”

I rolled my eyes and groaned internally. This was not what I wanted to be doing at Victoria’s birthday party.

Thankfully, Collin avoided Grace for the rest of the party and stayed close to Victoria and me.

TWO DAYS AFTER Victoria’s party, we were shopping for puppy food, toys, puppy training pads, and carpet cleaner for the little presents Shep left around the house. My phone rang while I was grabbing a harness. When I answered it, I was taken aback. It was Fine Print Publishing calling to finalize my trip to their New York office. I was scheduled to leave Friday and return the following Tuesday. That night arrangements had to be made with Collin. He wasn’t thrilled about my four to five day absence.

“I will be back before you know it. It’s just like you being away for a few days.” I cupped his face with my hand.

“No, it’s not,” he grumbled.

“How is it different?” I dropped my hand.

“Because I know you are here at home when I return. Now I’ll be reminded every day that you aren’t here.” He pulled me onto his lap on the small couch in his room.

“I’ll call you every day and will be back before you miss me.” I kissed his lips quickly.

“I already miss you.”

I laughed. “I haven’t even left yet.”

He shrugged. “Doesn’t matter.” His lips captured mine in a deep and passionate kiss. His tongue danced with mine and his hand explored my body.

“Mommy,” Victoria announced as she walked in. Collin growled at the interruption. I pulled his hand from my chest and looked over his shoulder.

“Hey, baby,” I smiled at her. She skipped over toward me.

“I’ve been reading this, and I have a question.” She held up the copy of my book.

“What’s your question?” I tried to shift from Collin’s lap, but he wouldn’t allow it.

“Is she really a mermaid or is she a girl?” Her face wrinkled in confusion. I smiled at her.

“You have to figure it out. I can’t tell you how it ends.” I ruffled her hair.

She groaned. “I want to know now.” She plopped down on the couch next to us.

“Keep reading.” She huffed at my remark but pulled the book back to her face.

Collin realized there would be no action on the couch so he finally let me slide to sit on the other side of him. Victoria read while we watched television.

Two days later Collin was driving me to the airport. A scowl had been his permanent mask since he woke up. Nothing I said or did was able to clear it from his beautiful face.

Many tears were spilled when Victoria and I said our goodbyes. Before my final, no-return step through security, Collin grabbed me and kissed me feverishly.

“I love you,” he whispered against my lips.

“And I love you,” I whispered back.

He released me, and I took the most difficult steps of my life so far, leaving the two people I loved the most behind.

Once in New York, I had a hard time adjusting to the three-hour time difference. I called Collin once, and he called me twice on the first day I was gone. Since I was in meetings with the publisher, I was only able to answer one of his calls. When I did talk to him, he sounded irritated. An idea emerged that would hopefully satisfy his need of me.

“You know what?” I tried to sound as seductive as possible.

“What?” he pouted.

“I’m only in a towel right now…”

C
hapter
T
hirty

-FOUR

AFTER ALL OF the meetings were complete, we had come to a final agreement, a compromise. Fine Print wanted me to come back in May to do three book readings in a couple of New York City bookstores. When I informed them of my wedding plans, they were very accommodating. We decided June would be better.

I also learned that the book tour was a part of my contract terms, but only as a future possibility, assuming the book did well. In place of the enthusiasm I thought would rise, relief washed over me.
Collin would not react well to me leaving, and leaving Victoria for an extended amount of time instantly made me feel guilty.

The flight back to Seattle was long but not uncomfortable. I couldn’t wait to get back to them, to get home. A smile spread across my face when I realized how true it was – this new life had become my home. Collin and Victoria were home to me.

The moment we taxied to the gate I turned my phone on. I had two text messages and a voicemail, all from Collin. First, I scrolled through the texts.

LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU HAVE LANDED.

The second one read:

WHERE ARE YOU?

A heavy feeling sat in my stomach. Fearing something was wrong, I quickly hit the button for voicemail.

“Please let me know the moment you arrive.” His voice was tired and worried.

Millions of scenarios played through my mind and I quickly typed up a text. As I finished typing, the people in front of me stood to collect their things. Shoving my phone in my pocket I began collecting my carry-on items as well.

On my way to get my luggage, I pulled out my phone to call him. That’s when I realized I hadn’t sent the text. Groaning, I pressed send and then saw my bag start around the carousel. My phone began to vibrate and chime in my hand.

“Hello?”

“Where are you?” He sounded panicked.

“Getting my luggage, what’s wrong?” Fear rippled throughout my body.

“Nothing,” he breathed.

“Collin, what is going on?” Silence. “Collin?” More silence. “Col—?”

Strong arms wrapped around me and held me tightly. After confirming they were indeed Collin’s arms, I leaned back into him allowing his scent to encompass us. His chest rose heavily against my back. Turning in his arms I cupped his face with one hand.

“What happened?” I searched his face.

“I missed you.” He grinned.

“You freaked me out because you missed me?” I spat with irritation.

“I didn’t mean to worry you,” his brow furrowed. “I hate having you gone and couldn’t take it any longer. If you hadn’t come back today, I would have been on a flight to New York.”

My irritation melted. “Come here.” I pulled him tightly against me. His face snuggled into my hair and he inhaled deeply.

“I’ve missed you so much,” he whispered and pressed his wet lips to my neck.

“I missed you too.” My words were becoming breathy.

Our lips and tongues met. The kiss grew heated and soon his hands were trailing down my body. The cry of a toddler snapped me out of the lusty haze. I pulled back and inhaled through my large smile.

“We need to get your bag before I take you right here in the baggage claim.” He grinned. I quickly collected my suitcase and he dragged me caveman-style to his car.

Making it home was not an option. The moment the close confines of the car surrounded us, lust rose to potent levels. His arm stretched out and pulled my face to his.

“I want you,” he growled against my lips.

The familiar tingle formed between my thighs. Our mouths crashed together with a clink of our front teeth. Neither of us stopped to register the pain, the need was too great. He wanted me, I wanted him, and we both had to have it now.

Clothes were adjusted, seats moved to their upright position, and our bodies resituated in our own seats. Collin had to switch on the defroster to clear the fogged windows before we could travel home.

Only two days after my return, Ilene came to the house with news of a wedding planner. Everything in me wanted to shove her out of the front door and change the locks and alarm code. Instead I did my best to plaster on a smile and explain, once again, that I didn’t need or want a large ceremony so a wedding planner would not be necessary. She scoffed and told me to just meet with her. Ilene had already scheduled a meeting with her at the house on Saturday afternoon. I wanted to scream.

The day Felicity Dane stepped into the house I was in awe of her. There was an unusual air of confidence and beauty around her. Her tan skin and exotic looks would have been intimidating if she wasn’t so friendly and professional. With refreshments on the coffee table between us, we got straight down to business.

“So, we have six months, correct?” I nodded. “Okay, do you have a date set?”

“No, there is no date—” I began but Ilene cut me off.

“Do you have any suggestions? Could you see what venues are available in May so we could decide based on location?”

We? She made it sound like she and I were getting married. I wanted to grab the large binder from Felicity’s lap and smack Ilene in the head with it.

“Um,” Felicity paused with an amused expression on her face, “let’s start with the service. Do you have a place selected?”

“Of course, our family church,” Ilene spoke for me. I just nodded with a smile at Felicity.

Throughout the rest of our appointment, Ilene attempted to get her way on everything. Large venues, huge guest lists, and large-scale decor. She went on and on. Lucky for me, Felicity caught on to my fake appreciation. She began to reel Ilene in and focus on the fact that I wanted a smaller wedding. When Ilene suggested something extravagant, Felicity would comment that it “wasn’t ideal for the smaller wedding.” Felicity was about to get a big wet kiss from me.

Before her departure, Felicity arranged for us to meet after Thanksgiving, once she had some time to do more research with the information we had given her. Ilene agreed to the meeting before I could. Just as Felicity was about to step out the door, she turned and handed me a folder.

“This is for you. Could you please go through it and answer some things for me?” I went to open it, but she stopped me. “Just look it over when you have time to sit back, relax, and go through it alone.” She pointed to her website address on the business card attached to the packet. “You can answer the questions online. Feel free to browse the website for ideas.” She smiled warmly and said goodbye.

That evening when I was alone with my laptop, I pulled the folder out. Inside were small ideas she had written down for a small wedding—one hundred guests or fewer. I liked the ideas I saw. The business card slipped out of the packet onto the bed. Felicity had written her cell number on the backside of the card along with, “Do not let that woman have my cell number.” I burst into laughter.

Pulling up the website, I found the questionnaire mentioned in the folder. I took a few moments to complete it. Once it was all done, I sat back with a feeling of victory.

Weeks flew by with Ilene by my side. Her presence had become a fixture in my everyday life. I tried to make the best of the time we spent together, realizing she had not only lost a daughter over the past year but also the closeness of all of her children. The gap had not been completely mended.

Though I really didn’t mind spending time with Ilene, there were times I missed being by myself and doing what I liked to do. As we stood discussing Thanksgiving dinner, I devised a plan to push this family to mend its wounds. Yes, it was definitely a selfish act, but damn if I hadn’t been forgiving and compromising with all of them. They could at least do this.

“I’m going to reach out to Max and Larissa as well as Allison for dinner.” I didn’t look up from the catering menus Ilene insisted on looking over, in lieu of cooking.

“Y-you are?” Ilene never stumbled over her words.

“Actually, I think I’ll invite them over to help cook dinner, instead of catering.” I smiled slyly and went for the phone.

Ilene snorted. “Good luck getting Allison to cook anything.” She picked a menu back up. “I think this place would be the best.”

I dialed Larissa first. When I glanced at Ilene, she looked at me expectantly. I shook my head.

“I’d rather cook my—”

“Hello?” Larissa’s charming voice filtered through the receiver next to my ear.

“Hi, Larissa, it’s Sophia. How are you?”

“Oh, Sophia,” her tone was surprisingly pleasant and kind, “it’s good to hear from you. I’m fine. How are things there?”

“Not too bad. In fact I’m in the middle of planning Thanksgiving dinner.” I paused for a moment and then thought, screw it. “I was hoping you, Max, and the kids would come?”

“Of course, we would love to come.” She sounded relieved. “To be honest, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen this year with…well, with everything.”

“I’m sure,” I laughed lightly. “I’ll start cooking early in the morning, probably around six, so you can stop by at any time.”

“You’re going to cook dinner?”

“Yes, Ilene had the same reaction.” I laughed a little louder.

“Are you sure you want to go through all of the trouble? I mean, we are a large family, and—”

“I’m completely sure. It won’t be bad at all.”

“Really?”

“Yep, I’ll start the pies on Tuesday and then dinner on Thursday.”

“I don’t really know how to cook, but if I can help…” she faded off. “You shouldn’t do this alone. Let me know what time to come over and help.”

“Thank you, Larissa. That would be great. I’ll let you know for sure on Monday. Is that alright?” My lips broke into a large smile. This was going perfectly.

“Yes, I’ll talk to you then.” We said our goodbyes and hung up. I turned around and found Ilene gaping at me.

“Larissa is going to come over and help. Now I have to face Allison.” I unintentionally cringed.

“When she finds out I’ll be here, I’m sure she won’t come.” Ilene began collecting the menus and walked out of the kitchen. I sighed in frustration.

I picked up the phone for the second time and dialed Allison’s cell. Luckily, I got voicemail so I left her a message about dinner as well as Larissa coming over to help cook. Who knows, maybe having Larissa here would encourage her to come.

Victoria and I spent the first Monday morning of Victoria’s Thanksgiving break going through the kitchen to see what we would need for pies and dinner. She was in the pantry yelling out things we needed to buy, including Pop Tarts, even though they had nothing to do with Thanksgiving. I was leaning up against the marble counter writing a list on a small notepad, Shep curled at my feet. The spice cabinet opened up in front of me. As I wrote, the smell of cinnamon, ginger, and garlic swirled around my head. It didn’t usually bother me, but at that moment it made me gag. I closed the cabinet.

“Is there anything else?”

While waiting for her response, arms wrapped around my waist and warm lips pressed to the side of my neck. I didn’t jump anymore. My body had become accustomed to his unexpected appearances.

“Hey there,” I smiled and looked up at him. He kissed me.

“I don’t think there’s anything else we need to get.” Victoria skipped out of the pantry and then giggled when she saw us kissing.

I pulled back.