Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO
Dinner at the kitchen table is always a mix of chaos and warmth.
It’s pitch-dark outside tonight, and it makes the kitchen’s warm glow feel even cozier.
My famous breaded lemon chicken sits on flowery plates, steaming and golden, with lemon linguini twirled beside it.
Liam picks at his harvest salad, his little fingers meticulously removing each caramelized pecan like they might jump out at him.
Reeves laughs, his deep voice resonating through the room. “Buddy, those nuts aren’t going to bite you.”
Liam looks up, a serious expression on his face. “But they look scary, like tiny brains.”
Reeves smiles, his dark eyes crinkling at the corners. “Yeah… that's exactly what they look like… I agree."
I watch him across the table, admiring how his dark hair falls just past his shoulders. Even after seven years, he still makes my pulse quicken. Tonight, after Liam is in bed...
"So this guy at the conference," Reeves continues between bites of chicken, "Dave something-or-other, wouldn't stop talking about his new POS system."
"Mmhmm." I push food around my plate, my appetite fading. He always gets to attend those conferences while I'm stuck here juggling everything.
"And Sarah from The Homemaker kept trying to sell everyone on her homemade muffins. Like anyone cares."
Liam, ever the picky eater, pushes his salad aside and focuses on his plain chicken and pasta. “Mommy, why do we have to have weird stuff in the salad?”
“It’s not weird, sweetie,” I explain. “It’s just different.”
Reeves continues talking about the conference he attended, mentioning names I don’t recognize and complaining about how tiresome it all was.
I try to listen, but find my mind drifting back to the beautiful stranger and the way he moved at the pool table earlier this week. Slow and smooth. And that smile. I barely had any contact with him, but I could tell the guy's a player, in the actual sense of the word… he kicked ass.
He was charming, but I didn't peg him as a player with the ladies; a little too reserved, a little too high and mighty. He struck me as a discerning guy, the type who likes things just so. The memory brings a smile to my face.
“What's so funny?” Reeves asks suddenly.
“Oh…" Caught off guard, I reply quickly. "Uh… just thinking about Liza,”
Reeves raises an eyebrow but doesn’t press further. “She’s a character.”
“She is,” I agree, my thoughts still half-occupied by Caine.
Reeves finishes his plate and compliments me on the meal. “The chicken was perfect, Jenna. You really outdid yourself.”
“Thanks,” I say softly. My appetite dwindles even more as I look at the mess left behind on the counter.
I glance around our expensive kitchen—stainless steel appliances gleaming under the lights—and sigh inwardly. The renovations had been Reeves’s idea; he always wants everything perfect and flawless.
“You okay?” Reeves asks, noticing my expression.
“Just thinking about how much work this kitchen needs after dinner,” I reply honestly.
Reeves smiles tightly, but doesn’t offer to help clean up—he never does.
As I start in the kitchen and rinse our dinner dishes, my mind drifts back to Caine, and the way Liza and I couldn't stop giggling...
A little harmless daydreaming never hurt anyone, right?
Our conversations play in my head, his smooth, slow speech contrasting with my usual rapid-fire thoughts.
He’d asked me a few questions, looked deep into my eyes, and for a moment, I felt truly seen.
I realized how much I had missed that feeling, particularly from someone like him.
Guilt tugs at my heart—after all, I'm a married woman.
Memories of Liza’s playful banter make me smile… she is such a ham. I'd found myself laughing, the sound coming more easily than it had in months. It felt whimsical, almost reckless, but there was something undeniably thrilling about it.
Now, back at home, as I tidy up tonight's dinner mess, I'm struck by how different it felt to have someone like him enter my life, even if only for a brief moment. That dreamlike quality of our encounter hangs in the air, blending with the scent of Reeves’s after-dinner vanilla coffee.
He's sitting in his office, probably going over our dire finances again.
I really should give the guy some slack — he has a lot on his plate too.
Whispers of doubt creep into my thoughts, reminding me of my responsibilities, my marriage, my child. Yet…
It's exciting just thinking about him. I am just human after all.
I'm lost in thought, staring at the neighbor's Japanese red maple, and watching a cardinal hop from branch to branch, when I feel Reeves’s solid warmth press against my back.
His large hands slide around my waist, and I can smell the faint traces of his deodorant mingling with the scent of the pool hall that always clings to him.
"It’s been too long, Jenny," he whispers into my ear, his voice dropping to that low, gravelly tone that still gives me goosebumps after all these years.
His beard tickles my neck as his lips brush against my skin, and his hands wander down to give my ass a firm, possessive squeeze through my worn jeans.
The dishes sit forgotten in the sink as I lean back against him, momentarily surrendering to the familiar comfort of his touch. For just a second, I let myself forget about the bills piling up on the counter and Liam's next speech therapy appointment that we can barely afford.
Despite everything, I smile. He's always known exactly how to make me forget our problems, even if just for a little while.
I feel myself melt a little despite everything, my body responding to his touch like it always does.
Reeves’s eyes are dark as he shoves me onto the bed. His large body heats mine as he presses himself down over me. I feel his hard-on in my hand, and it sends a delicious shiver right through me.
He's commanding in bed, and I've always loved that about him.
He likes to take charge. I get so tired from work, the house, and Liam, that when I finally lie down in bed, I don't want to make decisions anymore.
I just want to be bossed around. And Reeves is a boss, alright.
I love it when he takes charge like this, when he's assertive and sure of what he wants—what we both want.
I submit to him willingly, eagerly, my body already aching for his.
His hands roam over my skin, rough and tender all at once, leaving a trail of tingles in their wake. I moan as he kisses his way down my body, his lips and tongue teasing and tormenting me with impressive skill.
"I love the taste of your pussy, baby," he moans into my sex. "God, I missed you." He's only been gone two days, but yes, my pussy missed him too. I can feel myself growing wetter with each filthy word that falls from his lips.
As his mouth fucks me, I can't help but think of Caine. The memory of his slow, confident smile, the way his beautiful eyes seemed to see right through me—it all floods my senses, heightening my arousal to a nearly unbearable peak.
I don't fight the images, the thoughts; instead, I let them wash over me, let them fuel the fire that Reeves is stoking with his very talented tongue. I know I'm being bad, but I feel I deserve it… indulging in a bit of fantasy is not much to ask.
I'm lost in a sea of pleasure, my hips bucking against Reeves’s mouth as he brings me closer and closer to the edge. But just as I'm about to finally get there, he pulls away, almost as if he knows that I've been thinking of another man, that I'm a filthy girl. Maybe I don't deserve to get off.
Before I can even catch my breath, he flips me around, positioning me on all fours. He breathes hard against my ear as he enters me from behind, his thick cock filling me completely. I gasp at the intensity of it, the raw, animalistic need that drives him deeper and harder with each thrust.
I love every minute of it, the way he takes me so hard, the way he makes me feel owned and cherished all at once.
My fingers clutch at the sheets, my body rocking back to meet his as he fucks me with a passion that borders on frenzy.
The door is locked, but still, in the back of my mind, I pray that Liam won't choose this moment to need us.
Reeves’s hand snakes around my hips, finding my clit with impressive precision. The sensation of him inside me, his fingers working their magic—it's too much, and within moments, I'm spiralling into an amazing orgasm, my body convulsing around him as I cry out his name.
With a final, powerful thrust, Reeves finds his own release, his body shuddering against mine as he comes. We collapse onto the bed in a tangle of limbs, our breathing ragged and our hearts pounding in unison.
For a long moment, we lie there in the aftermath, neither of us speaking, neither of us willing to break the spell that has been cast over our bedroom.
And as I slowly drift off to sleep in Reeves’s arms, I can't help but wonder what it would be like to be with a man like Caine—a man who holds himself with the quiet confidence of someone who knows exactly who he is and what he wants.
But those thoughts are for another time. Tonight, I am here with Reeves, the man I love, the father of my child. And for now, that's more than enough.
I wake to the soft morning light peeking through the flowing white curtains.
My room feels so alive on lazy Saturday mornings.
That's the good thing about working in a pool hall — you don't need to go in until eleven am.
And we've somehow managed to 'train' Liam to get up later than the typical four-year-old.
We let him stay up a little later and encourage him to read in bed in the morning before waking Mommy and Daddy.
Reeves’s arm wraps around me, his body heat warming me beneath the plush covers.
I stare at the old rustic fireplace, and I remember the many romantic nights we first spent here, when we were newly moved in.
How things were different back then, sharing laughter and conversation by the flickering fire, feeling safe and cherished.
Those times are few and far between now.
Reeves shifts next to me, pulling me from my reverie, and his body heat brushes lightly against my skin as he moves to settle even closer. His breath dances across my neck, sparking a thrill that reminds me of last night.
Today, however, we return to real life. Liam will get up any second now, and the monotony of life will settle back in quickly. Off to work Reeves will go, and I will join him as soon as our babysitter next door shows up after dinner, all smiles as usual.
Liam loves her, and I know he secretly loves it when we both work, so he can spend time with Jessica. We both typically work the Saturday night shift since it's the busiest night of the week.
I'm still not quite ready to get up, too comfortable in Reeves’s arms. I stare up at the sparkly chandelier overhead, and I think of Caine again. I know it's stupid. I know I'll probably never see him again. I shake my head, dislodging those silly thoughts out of my stupid, bored little brain.
For now, I am here with Reeves, my gorgeous beast of a man, my anchor in this chaotic world, my soul mate, my best friend, my king.
The pool hall hums with life. Classic rock blares from the speakers, mingling with laughter and clanking balls.
It’s a busy Saturday night, and I dart between tables, balancing trays of drinks and making sure everyone’s happy.
Liza’s at the bar, pouring shots and flashing her bright smile at customers.
Reeves is in his element, talking to regulars and keeping an eye on things.
I love the energy of nights like this, but they also drain me. My mind drifts to Liam, but I know he's safe with Jessica. At sixteen, she’s more responsible than most adults I know.
As I head back to the bar for another round of orders, my heart stops beating when I see Caine Hall walk in. He’s looking even more gorgeous than I remember. I almost drop my tray.
It’s him. In all his beauty and glory.
"Liza!" I hiss, rushing over to her. "Look who just walked in."
Her eyes widen as she follows my gaze. "Oh my God, it’s him! He’s even hotter than last time."
We giggle like junior high girls, ogling him from behind the bar. We know we're both being pathetic, but we don't care.
Caine glides through the crowd, moving like he owns the place. He catches my eye and gives me a small nod. My cheeks burn.
"He’s by himself again," Liza notes.
I keep staring. I can’t help myself. “Yep.”
“Yep… I think we’ve got trouble.”
“Yep… I think you’re right.”