“Maybe that’s a good idea,” I say, my voice uneven. “Lola always loves the playground. She probably wants to wear the new coat you got her as well.”
“Then it’s settled,” she replies.
She has a point. This is the first time Hayes has met my parents.
A while later, they’re gone, and Hayes and I are in the reversal of roles from yesterday, except he doesn’t have an ounce of nerves, or at least it isn’t showing as we sit together on the sofa.
Still, I feel the need to remind him. “They know the score and don’t blame you for not being in Lola’s life. They’re even excited to meet you.”
“Great,” he says so coolly. The sex appeal to him today is extra.Granted, he always wears dark jeans and a neat shirt, whether a t-shirt or a buttoned shirt; he most definitely chose his button-up with intention today.
I give up on cracking his exterior to discover if he is holding up a charade; instead, I decide that I’ll do something that might calm me. Finding my way to straddle him, I give him a sultry, mischievous smirk as I begin to play with his belt.
“Sure I can’t help ease any concerns you might have?”
The corners of his mouth twist. “Tempting.” His handsclasp my wrists. “But not now. My thoughts are too dirty for this time of day. Having you on your knees with your mouth stuffed with my cock is only the beginning of how I will ruin you.”
I’m aching for him again, and I pout because he won’t give in, which turns out to be a blessing. The front desk phoned that they sent my parents up in the elevator, I’m the one rushing to the door to wait for them, and when the elevator door opens, I spot my mom carrying white boxes with pies inside them right away.
“Hey, guys.”
They’re already carrying their coats, and I see my dad in his usual polo with his favorite hockey team’s logo on the chest. My mom is wearing a long skirt and a cream-colored sweater, and both look in good spirits. My mom gives me a side hug. “I know Hayes handled food, but pie from Everhope is a must.”
“I agree.”I quickly hug my dad. “Okay, Lola is with Colleen, and they will be back soon. Just Hayes and us for now. You’ve only ever told me that you will let us do things our way. Please show me that it’s true.” I feel vulnerable right now. Thisisa big deal. They’re meeting their granddaughter’s father for the first time.
“Of course,” they both agree in unison.
My body eases, and my head tips in one direction. “Come on.”
I take the boxes from my mother’s hands and feel slightly weighed down by my parents following me. We take a moment to deposit their coats in the hall. Soon, comfort finds me when we arrive in the open living room to Hayes standing by the window with that swagger that infuses an air of confidence and dominance. He walks to us with his hand already outstretched to shake theirs.
“These are my parents, Janet and Michael.”
“I think he gathered,” my mom teases me.
Right away, my eyes fall to Hayes shaking my dad’s hand. I’m not sure whose grip is tighter, but it's sending a message between them.I have a strange feeling it’s my father with a warning to treat me right, and Hayes isn’t fazed.
“So great to finally meet.”Hayes turns to my mom, who has a wide smile; she’s already mentioned a few times how handsome he is.
“Great for Lola,” she compliments.
“Thanks. Please, come in. A drink, perhaps? Coffee, tea.”He checks his watch. “Something stronger.”
Covering my mouth, I’m teetering on a laugh, and all eyes fall on me. “What? I think strong drinks might be a necessity right now,” I defend.
My mom rubs my shoulder as we enter the living area.
“Drinks can wait,” my father insists, and it surprises Hayes.
Hayes extends his arm to show the seating area, suggesting we all sit down, and we do. They’re on one sofa, and Hayes and I are on the other.
“Finally,” I announce awkwardly with a bit of dramatic pep in my tone.
Hayes sets his hand on my knee, and my parents, for some reason, zone in on that gesture, and Hayes most definitely notices and clears his throat. “Let’s break the ice, shall we? The situation is unusual, but it seems we’ve all fallen into place.”
My father nods. “Indeed. Lola has her father, and my daughter has the support.”
Hayes is quick to answer, his stoic expression adamant. “No question about it.”
