Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Brooke
“W hat about this one?” Lake asked, holding up a lovely gray and silver blouse. “It’ll give you great cleavage.” She beamed at me, and I held back a laugh.
“Are you trying to get me to show off my boobs to your cousin? When did we cross that friendship line?” I asked.
Lake laughed and tossed me the shirt before going to my closet.
I could’ve found something to wear on my own. I had been doing it daily for most of my life. But it was nice getting ready for our dates together. She was heading out soon to meet Zach, and Leif would be here soon to pick me up.
Luke rushed in. “I love it, Mommy! May is letting me have cookies later after we color. Is it really okay?”
I leaned down and brushed his hair from his face. “You know it. Just make sure you try to save me one, okay?”
Luke hugged me tightly, nodded, then ran back out to the living room past a smiling May in the door. May waved at me and followed Luke.
While I had mom guilt for leaving, I knew Luke was excited to be able to eat cookies tonight. He didn’t get cookies every week, so being able to go on a sugar high tonight was his reward for a good week at school and to ease my guilt for leaving him to go on a date.
I knew I needed to have a life, that dating was part of that life, and I wasn’t a terrible mom for doing this. It wasn’t like I went out every night or left Luke to fend for himself. But that mom guilt was trademarked for a reason.
Lake came to my side and bumped hips with me. “That is one cute kid. And by the way? Leif is not my cousin right now. He is the guy you’re going on a date with. So what if I want to show off your boobs to him? They are great boobs.”
I laughed and quickly changed shirts, agreeing that the silver and gray one looked nice. It was a wrapped shirt that curved in at the waist and flared out slightly at my hips. It did indeed show off my cleavage, but not so much that I would feel a draft. “Okay, you win. I like this shirt. I don’t know why I don’t wear it often.”
“Probably because even though you just moved in, it was still stuck in the back of your closet.”
“You’re probably right. I try to look somewhat nice for work, but I shouldn’t show off the girls there.”
“You could under your lab coat.” Lake grinned. “It might be fun.”
I rolled my eyes as I went to finish my makeup, feeling like a giddy teen getting ready for a date rather than the single mother who worked hard and too late some nights.
“I think slacks and a button-up shirt are just fine for under my lab coat.”
Lake shook her head. “Do people even call them slacks anymore?”
I flipped her off good-naturedly. “No. Maybe it’s a California thing.”
“You live in Colorado now, so you’re going to have to get with the lingo.”
“Whatever you say. Although I didn’t realize Coloradans had an accent. I distinctly remember someone saying that Colorado had a lack of accent, and that’s why you could always tell who is from here.”
“Maybe in the past. But so many people moved here in the past couple of decades that it’s not that way anymore. We say y’all just like everybody else.” Lake winked as she said it and fluffed her hair in the mirror as she stood beside me. “I need to go out and meet Zach, so he’s not waiting for me. I hate making him wait for me.”
I looked over at her and smiled. “So, you two are doing well then?”
Lake smiled brightly, her eyes shining, that I could see the happiness there without her even having to answer. “We are. He’s just so nice. And kind. And he always makes sure that I have everything I need, especially after a long day or after I’ve been traveling. It’s just nice to have someone to lean on, you know?”
I shook my head as I picked up my purse and followed Lake out of my bedroom and towards the living room. “Not really. I’ve been alone for a while.” I hadn’t meant to say that, but it was easy to be honest with Lake.
“I would say you’re not alone anymore, but I mean the fact that I’m in your life. I’m not talking about your date.”
“I appreciate that. It’s just a date.” I let out a breath. “And I don’t know a lot about dating. I’m still learning. And Luke doesn’t know.”
Lake nodded, an understanding look in her eyes. “You’re a good mom. I don’t know how I would ever be able to handle bringing up dating to my son or daughter. And I know that Leif isn’t going to begrudge you for acting as if he’s just your friend in front of your son. There are delicate steps to be taken, and you’re traversing them well.”
“I don’t feel like I am.”
“You are.” Lake froze as she looked at her phone and winced. “And that’s Zach. I’m late. I’ve got to go. He’s waiting for me.” She practically ran out of the house, and I raised my brows, wondering why she had to dash to meet him. Maybe she just wanted to be with him. I could understand that. They were still in the beginning stages of the relationship, getting to know one another, and she didn’t want to spend any time without him.
It was nice. And though I would like to think I wouldn’t run to go meet Leif, I figured that probably wasn’t the case.
“Mommy?” Luke asked, and I turned, an odd note in his voice sending up my mom alert.
“What is it, baby?”
May rushed out, her eyes wide, as Luke bent over and vomited on my shoes.
I held back a curse, lifted Luke into my arms, and carried him into the bathroom, thankful that we made it to the toilet before he vomited again.
“I’m so sorry. He was fine, and then he wasn’t. I don’t think he has a fever. I just felt him.” May got a washcloth and ran it under cold water before handing it to me.
Luke began to cry, and I brushed his hair back from his sweaty face, whispering sweet words to him. I lay the washcloth over his forehead and rubbed his back as he vomited again. I sat down next to him, my vomit-covered shoes next to me on the ground.
“Thank you, May. Can you get me the thermometer?”
“On it.” She rushed out of the bathroom as I held my baby close, and he curled into a ball on my lap.
I was now covered in sweat and things I didn’t want to think about, my pretty shirt probably ruined.
But that was fine. My baby was sick, and my mom guilt hit full force.
May came back with a thermometer, and as we took his temperature, noticed it was ninety-nine, and I sighed.
“Okay, buddy, let’s keep you cleaned up and tucked into bed.”
“You want me to call the pediatrician?” May asked, her eyes filled with worry but her tone steady.
I shook my head. “I can handle this. Why don’t you head on home? I’ve got this.”
“No, it’s okay. I can help.”
“You have a long day tomorrow, and we might have an even longer one depending on how tonight goes. You get some sleep so hopefully you don’t end up sick, too.” I cringed as I said it, and she nodded tightly.
“If you’re sure. Let me know if you need anything. I’m just a phone call away.”
I looked up at her, rubbing Luke’s back. “I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you, May.”
“I’ll clean up the mess before I go and try to do something with your shoes.”
She didn’t let me protest, and it wasn’t like I could stop her, not with Luke in my arms, crying softly that his tummy hurt. I didn’t think it would be too bad, at least I hoped not. There had been a stomach bug going through kindergarten for the last week, and I had hoped it had skipped Luke. Apparently, he was just a late bloomer.
By the time I cleaned up Luke and tucked him into bed, May had tidied up and headed home reluctantly.
I pulled off my shirt, treated it with a stain guard, and walked into my bedroom, wearing only a bra and panties. I quickly shoved on a shirt and shorts and cursed aloud as the doorbell rang.
Crap. I completely forgot I had a date.
How could I have forgotten Leif?
I walked past Luke’s room, grateful he was still sleeping and looking better already, and then I ran to the front door, belatedly remembering I looked like hell.
My hair was piled on the top of my head, my makeup was probably running through sweat and tears, and I looked like I had been through the wringer.
I opened the door and cringed. Because there Leif was, looking sexy as hell in gray pants, a stone-gray button-up shirt, and those bright blue eyes of his looking far too damn good.
“Hey there. Did I get the night wrong?” he asked as he reached forward and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear.
I wanted to cry, but I knew I didn’t have the right to do so. My baby was sick, and I did not have the time to break down.
“I’m sorry. Luke came down with a stomach bug, and I’m just now finished cleaning up and tucking him in. I completely forgot to text you and cancel. I’m so sorry. That must make me look like an idiot.”
Leif’s eyes widened and he walked in, closing the door behind him. He cupped my face and pressed his forehead to mine. “Are you okay? How is Luke? You need to take him to the doctor?”
I nearly burst into tears with how caring he was, the fact that he was so worried about Luke. Was my bar set so low for men that him just asking about my son nearly broke me?
“I’m okay. I’m just sorry to have made you come here for nothing. Luke is sleeping now, but I’m going to go in and check on him.”
Leif pulled back and brushed my hair from my face again. “Why don’t you go sit with him. I’ll make you something to eat.”
My eyes widened. “You don’t want to leave? This isn’t what you were expecting.”
“I was expecting to spend time with you. And I can still do that, just with taking care of Luke. He’s your son. Your number one priority. And he’s sick. It’s got to be scary and nerve-wracking. So, you take care of your kid because I want to make sure he’s okay, too. I like that kid. So, let me make you dinner with whatever you have, and as long as you’re okay with that, we can sit and eat together while keeping an eye on Luke.”
My heart did that lurching thing, and I swallowed hard. “This wasn’t what you were expecting tonight, Leif. Maybe this is all too much between work and life and family. You shouldn’t be getting a single mom. You should be out there living your life, and actually be with somebody that can focus on you and only you.”
Leif laughed and it made me wonder why the hell he was laughing. “I don’t live in a dream world where nobody has any baggage or connections or life beyond my every whim and desire. You’re a mom. I knew going into this that Luke is, and will always be, your number one priority. Sure, we could have gone out to eat tonight, and maybe I could’ve convinced you to kiss me, and maybe a little bit more,” he said with a wink, and I laughed despite myself. “But that’s not what’s going to happen now. Instead, I will cook you something relatively edible, eat it maybe with some candlelight, and keep a look out all night. You do not have to worry about me, Brooke. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”
With that, he kissed me hard on the mouth and then walked into the kitchen as if he had been doing it his whole life. I stood there, swallowed hard, and wondered why I was crying.
Because tears wet my cheeks at the thought of Leif just being nice to me and understanding, of liking my son and wanting to make sure that I was there for him. I wanted to be there for him as well.
I did not deserve Leif Montgomery. But I wanted to.
* * *
We ended up eating box macaroni and cheese with my open bottle of rosé wine, sitting on the floor in my living room and talking quietly. I kept my video surveillance of Luke on my phone.
“His fever is already down, and he is sleeping hard. I think it was just a nasty little bug that should be over by the morning, but it scared me.” I’d cleaned myself up a bit more, washing my face clear of makeup and putting my hair in a better messy bun. I still wore my bra and panties underneath a T-shirt and shorts, so it wasn’t precisely date attire, but I felt comfortable.
I hadn’t even slept with Leif yet, not since Paris, and yet here I was, having dinner with tea light candles lighting up the living room, and box macaroni and cheese as our gourmet meal.
It felt like home.
That should scare me, but it just felt right. I could think about everything that was wrong with it later.
“It scared me, too. I’m glad he’s going to be okay.”
I played with the rim of my wine glass, swallowing hard. “I know this isn’t what you planned for tonight.”
“I planned on spending time with you, Brooke. That’s exactly what we’re doing.”
His eyes went dark, ever so slightly, and I bit my lip, noticing the way that his gaze went straight to the movement.
“You surprise me every day, Montgomery.”
He smiled then, his gaze brightening. “I could say the same about you, Dr. Adler.” He rose. “Oh, I’m going to have to call you Dr. Adler when I’m deep inside you.”
I pressed my thighs together, holding back a groan. There was just something about this man. “Oh really, you’re already imagining it?”
He leaned forward, brushed his lips to mine. “I imagine it every day. I’m hard enough most days that I have to begin my morning and end my night coming in my own damn hand thinking about you. And that might make me a growly asshole for daring to tell you that to your face, but I’m just going to have to lay it all out there. I want you to come on my cock. I want you to ride my face. I want to remember exactly what you look like when you orgasm. Even if it takes another year to get there, I want to know it all.”
I swallowed, memories hitting me hard of what we had done in the past and what he put into such descriptive words.
I honestly could not think of a reason to wait.
So I wouldn’t.
“It will not take another year,” I said as I watched his throat work and swallow hard. “In fact, if you promise to keep quiet, it won’t take another minute.”
Then I leaned forward and kissed him harder. He groaned, the tension in the room shifting into something hot, primal.
He slid his hand over my hair, taking it out of its bun. It tumbled down my shoulders. He wrapped it around his fist, tugging ever so slightly.
I parted my lips, letting his tongue slide along mine as he deepened the kiss. I slid my hands up his back, over his shirt, and gently scratched my nails down the linen covering his muscled arm.
“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice a guttural moan.
“As sure as I’m ever going to be,” I whispered. Probably not the best answer, but the truthful one. When he pulled back and looked at my face, I saw him searching, needing to know. But this was the moment. The only moment.
So I pulled away, noting the curiosity in his gaze and how I stood up and pulled him with me. “Be quiet, very quiet,” I whispered, winking.
He grinned and followed me to the bedroom. The bedroom was still slightly messy from getting ready with Lake, but it wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been. But in the end, it didn’t even look like he studied my room. Instead, he cupped my face again and deepened the kiss. The door was closed behind us, my phone in my hand. He took the phone from me, put it on the bedside table, and gently lifted me by my hips. My eyes widened at the show of his strength, subtle as it was, before he set me on the bed and kissed me harder. This time there was a sense of urgency as if we both knew if we weren’t quick enough, if we didn’t touch each other in the need that we held, this moment would shatter.
So I pulled at his buttons, undoing his shirt clumsily. We laughed as we both pulled away and he helped me undo the rest of his shirt. He tossed it to the floor, leaving him naked above the waist with nothing but ink.
I slid my hands down his chest, unable to hold myself back anymore. His skin seared mine, all hot and hard over sleek muscle. I sucked in a breath as I looked up at him, his eyes nearly glowing with need.
“Touch me, Brooke. I love when you touch me.” He leaned forward, brushed his finger along my jaw. “I need you to touch me.”
“Only if you touch me,” I whispered, far more brazen than I thought possible. I knew we needed to be quiet, oh so quiet, so when he leaned down and gently lifted my shirt up over my head, I had to press my lips together so I wouldn’t moan aloud.
I couldn’t think then as he leaned down and kissed me, his hands on my breasts over the lace of my bra, then down my sides and over my hips. I pushed back onto the bed, needing him as I pulled him on top of me. He obliged, hovering over me and between my legs, and he kissed me in long, sure motions as if he had all the time in the world and he wasn’t burning up from the inside out like I was.
Waiting.
Needing.
Aching.
Then his hand was between my legs over the thin cotton of my shorts, and I felt as if I were on fire. I arched into him, silently demanding more as he rubbed me over my shorts. When he finally, finally , slid his hands under the band to cup me, I nearly shot off the bed. It was only the fact his mouth was on mine that kept my moan contained.
This was so familiar, as if the two of us hadn’t spent a decade apart, and yet it was all new and needy and everything I wanted and craved.
“That’s it, Brooke. Ride my hand. Let me look at those pretty eyes as you drench my palm.”
At the deep growl of his words, I nearly came. “Leif.”
“It’s just you and me.” Then he slid his thick fingers deep inside me and curled them, my wetness making me so slick that he eased in without any resistance. “Fuck. You’re so fucking wet, Brooke. Did I do that to you? Did I make this pretty pussy all wet and eager for me?” He began to work his fingers deep inside me, stretching me carefully. The sounds of my slickness over his hand nearly made me blush, but then he flicked my clit with his thumb, and it was hard for me to think.
I came on his hand as he worked me, his gaze greedy and pleased as I whispered his name, trying to keep quiet.
“That’s it, Brooke. You’re so pretty when you come. I need you to do it again. Can you do that for me, baby? Can you come on my hand?”
I shook my head, and he quirked a brow.
“Oh?”
“I want to come on your face,” I said boldly, my cheeks so bright red they flamed.
He looked at me, his eyes wide, then he laughed before crushing his mouth to mine. I hadn’t meant to say the words, but I couldn’t help but imagine his face between my legs, the roughness of his beard along the inner silk of my thighs. Everything ached, and my pussy pulsated, needing more, needing him.
He moved us both, sliding off my shorts fully, then my bra.
He did the same to his pants and I swallowed hard, finally seeing all of him for the first time in years.
“When did you get your dick pierced?” I squeaked, my eyes going wide.
He looked down at himself, his cock hard, long, and thick with a barbell at the tip. “I’ve had it for a few years. I forgot that you haven’t seen me since Paris.” He met my gaze and stroked himself, once, twice.
I nearly came right then.
“Did it hurt?”
“A little, but not too badly. It’ll feel good, Brooke. And I have condoms with me that are made for the piercing, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking over it. I had it with me just in case. I promise I didn’t think tonight would end like this.”
I bit my lip, not realizing I was cupping my breasts and staring at his dick until he stroked himself again.
“You ready, Brooke?”
I nodded, licking my lips. “Always.”
Then he was over me again, and his mouth was between my legs. I arched off the bed, slamming my hand over my mouth as he licked my pussy, sliding his tongue between my folds as he dove deeper. He spread me, blowing cool air over my heated flesh before he was licking and sucking and nearly sending me over the edge. When he shook his head slightly, humming along my clit and holding my thighs apart, feasting as if a man starved, I slid my free hand over his head, keeping him in place as I came, holding back another moan in case I shook the house with my screams.
Leif was over me then, as if I’d blacked out at that moment, his mouth on mine. I could taste myself on his lips, and I nearly came again. Instead, I wrapped my legs around him, needing him.
He pulled back, shaking his head before he moved to grab the condom I hadn’t realized he’d placed near us.
I let out short, choppy breaths as he slid the condom over his length, his gaze never leaving mine.
“Brooke. You’re gorgeous when you come. You’re all pink and rosy. I can’t wait to fuck you hard into this mattress. Do you think you can be quiet, baby? For me? Can you be quiet when I pound hard into you and make you come around my dick?”
I spread my thighs, slowly playing with my folds. “I think if you don’t move and make good on those promises, I’m going to make myself come and never touch your cock. As it is, you’ve been selfish and haven’t let me…play.”
Again, I didn’t know this Brooke. She sounded like the girl she had been in Paris, not the single mom she was now.
But that was what Leif did to me, and I didn’t care.
Not now, and maybe not ever.
And then Leif was between my legs and slowly, oh so slowly, sliding inside me. He was big, bigger than I remembered as he kissed me and slid deep inside me. He stretched me, the burn and ache, perfection. And when he was seated, I could feel the piercing within me, and the sensation was new, dangerous, and everything I hadn’t known I’d wanted. Everything I hadn’t known I’d needed.
And when he moved, taking his time, and not going hard and fast as he’d said, I knew this was rightness.
We crested over the abyss together, his hands and mouth on me as he shifted, so I was over him, riding him and rocking my hips. When he came, he held me close, kissing me as if there were no tomorrow, no yesterday, and only this moment forever.
I hadn’t realized I was crying until he kissed my tears away and rubbed my back.
I looked at him then, and there were no words.
There didn’t need to be.
I was falling for Leif Montgomery.
Again.
And I wasn’t sure I could stop myself even if I wanted to try.