14. Chapter 13
Richard
I caught that the boys were calling me Richdad instead of Richard, and I liked it. But Tyler calling me “dad”?
My heart was full.
I traded my wet clothes for dry ones and the four of us went back to the other room as Jo came out of the bathroom in dry clothes as well.
“So? Pizza?” I looked around at the kids and then back at her.
“Yes!” Tyler did an arm pump.
I tucked a key card into my wallet and opened the door for everyone to file out. We went down in the elevator and motioned for them to wait where they came in at.
“Why?” Harrison looked at me, confused.
“So you all stay dry.” I winked.
“Got it.” He smiled and took Briar’s hand as they walked towards the front desk.
I dashed out into the downpour and got into the van without getting completely soaked and drove around under the pavilion to get my family.
My family .
Jo opened the side door, and the boys helped get the girls strapped in before taking their seats. We drove around to see what was available in the area and decided on a pizza place that boasted an arcade with all you can eat pizza.
The rain slowed to a drizzle while we got the kids out and into the restaurant, and I helped Jo get them set up with food before we got our own.
I had to contain my laughter while we ate, because the boys stared longingly into the game room. When I was that age, I would’ve killed to have the opportunity to go play, so I pulled out my wallet and handed them each a bill.
“Go get some quarters.”
“Mama?” Harrison looked at the five in his hands. “Can we?”
“Go.” She laughed. “You’re spoiling them.” She pinned me with a playful glare.
I gave her a nonchalant shrug and waved the server over, ordering a beer. “Is that okay with you, baby?”
Jo looked confused as the waitress went away. “What?”
“Will it bother you if I have a beer?” I scratched my beard. “I probably should’ve asked you first.”
“Oh.” She giggled nervously. “You’re a grown man, if you want to drink …”
“I’m not him.”
Jo took a deep breath. “I know.”
I moved to sit beside her and wrapped my arm around her. “Might not be what we planned, but this is good, too.”
“I feel like we’re on a date.” She laughed.
“Would that be a bad thing?” I nodded at the waitress when she came back with my beer.
“I’m a separated housewife with five kids. No one wants to date me.”
“You’re wrong.” I took a sip of my drink and almost choked when she spoke.
“Oh yeah? Prove it.”
“Bet.” I leaned in and nuzzled her neck, kissing my way to her ear. “Not here. Gotta pay attention to our boys. But tonight, after the kids are down?” I nipped her earlobe. “It’s on.”
“Richie.” She giggled, and the boys came running over.
“Can we watch a movie in bed tonight?” Harrison smiled big.
“I think that would be fine if your mom does.”
“Sounds good to me.” She relaxed against me, and we watched them go play more games.
I nursed my beer and enjoyed feeling her beside me. Together, we watched the girls eat and color at the table while the boys played in the arcade.
About a half hour later, I watched Tyler drag himself back to us, yawning. “Are you boys ready to go?”
He nodded, and his brothers came out of the arcade nodding as well. We loaded them up into the car and went back to the hotel. It wasn’t even a fifteen-minute drive, but I could tell we had some sleepy kids on our hands.
God, I hope they fall asleep fast.
Glancing over, I saw Jo with her eyes half closed as well.
Well shit. There go my plans. Wait. What kind of dick are you to be thinking of molesting her with her kids right there?
Her hand reached for mine, and I linked our fingers.
If we were married, we’d have to make the most of any time we’d have.
“Tired, baby?”
“Hmmm, a little, but it’s more that I feel relaxed.” She yawned.
“I can tuck you in when we get to the rooms.”
She looked over her shoulder at the kids, smiled, leaning closer to me. “I’m counting on it.”
I parked the van, and we ushered the kids to the room. We got the boys settled with snacks and drinks and started a movie. Briar threw a fit until she sat beside Harrison.
“Do you mind if I shower?” She scrunched her face in what I knew to be hesitation.
“Baby, go, I got the kids. Take your time.”
“Fine.” She tossed over her shoulder. “I’m going to take a bath.”
Following her into the other room, I waited for her to go in the bathroom; then I changed into my sleep pants and tee.
Grabbing a bottle for Emma, I picked her up and carried her with me to join the kids. I sat on the unoccupied bed, and before I knew what was happening, all the kids joined me as we settled in to watch Big Hero 6 .
Jolynn
Turning on the water, I set the temperature a little hotter than I’d have liked, but I slid down into it anyway and closed my eyes.
I can’t remember the last time I took a bath. Or had real help with the kids.
The boys listened to Richard, and around him they didn’t yell. Grady’s speech improved and my prickly little diva, Briar, loved him and picked him over me almost every time he’s near. Even Emma snuggles him.
Would it be wrong dating him? Should I wait until the divorce is done?
I strained to hear to the sounds in the rooms and all I heard was the movie. My boys could watch Big Hero 6 on repeat.
Closing my eyes, I sank further into the heat and before I knew it; I watched a slide show in my mind of everything I allowed to happen over the last ten years.
How many times did he throw things while he was screaming at me or the kids and followed it with an, ‘I’m sorry’? How often did he stay out late? How many other women were there? Does all this matter anymore? Do you want to stay here in the past or move forward?
“Shit.” I muttered to myself as the tears fell.
I needed to tell Richie why I left. And once he knows, then I’ll know if we have a future together.
It wasn’t until I heard the credits roll that I realized I’ve officially taken the longest bath of my adult life. Pulling the plug in the drain, I stood up and showered off.
I felt so selfish. I’ve let a man deal with my kids alone for over an hour.
Wrapping my hair up, I tossed on my nightshirt, cleaned up my mess, and went to check on everyone.
There. All on one bed. I found all six of them. Emma was asleep on Richie’s chest. Briar was next to him with her head on his shoulder. Grady was on the other shoulder. Harrison was on the other side of Briar and with his head on Richie’s stomach was Tyler.
I went back to the other room and grabbed my phone to take some pictures. This was quite possibly the sweetest thing I’d ever seen. After I took a few pictures, I decided to let them sleep. Taking a couple of steps to the other bed, I see all the candy and crumbs on it.
Thankfully, there’s a clean bed in the other room and I crawled in the king size bed alone. My head hit the pillow, and that’s the last thing I remembered.
Sleep overtook me and when I felt the bed dip, sometime later I felt the frown forming on my face. I opened one eye and glanced at the clock, noting it was two in the morning.
All I needed to do was act like I’m asleep. He’ll feel me up, be a three-pump-chump, and then I can get back to my dreams.
He stretched out beside me, pulling me back against him.
This is new.
Soft kisses pressed against my shoulder, up to my neck. His tongue licked a line up to my ear, where he suckled my lobe while his hand slipped up under my nightshirt, cupping my breast.
I sighed, then took a deep breath, ready to steel myself for him to fuck me when I caught a whiff of something different.
Earthy, clean with a hint of motor oil. What’s going on?
“You feel so good.” He whispered, pressing another kiss to my ear.
He likes how I feel?
His hand gently squeezed my breast, massaging down to pinch my nipple, and I saw stars behind my eyelids. Running my hand over his arm, it felt furrier.
What is with me? I haven’t been turned on by John in years.
Arching my back, I pressed my ass against his hardness and am floored when he nestled his erection against me.
“Mmm, my sweet Jojo.” He groaned in my ear as his hand ventured down. “Your body is so sexy.”
My eyes popped open, and I gasped. “Richie.”
“Need to take your shirt off. It’s in my way.”
“The kids …”
“Are asleep.” He rolled back and pulled me with him before moving over my body.
His lips covered mine, and his tongue darted into my mouth, teasing mine. He worked my nightshirt up and over my head, keeping my arms trapped in the sleeves. He twisted it and pulled my arms above my head.
“What?” I asked, and he licked my lips.
“Shhh. Don’t wanna wake our babies.” His kisses moved from my lips down my neck to my breasts.
My floppy, flat, deflated joy bags of fun.
He held my breasts one in each hand, massaging them, peppering kisses all over them before sucking on a nipple. The coarse hair from his beard tickling and scratching my skin. With each pull from his mouth, tiny shockwaves ran through my body, right to my toes.
“Your breasts taste so good.” He groaned before moving to the other one. “I could suck on them all night, but I have other plans.”
I’m so confused. He likes my breasts?
Moving his kisses lower, he kissed my stomach, and I cringed.
I’m so glad the lights are off so he can’t see my stretch marks and scars. Ugh, I hate my belly. It’s so fat. So jiggly.
His hands were tender as they massaged my body, and I felt his tongue licking me.
“What are you doing?” I hissed at him.
“Mm, I’m showing your body the respect it deserves. Every mark, scar, and line deserve to be noticed and loved.” He nipped around my belly button.
He has to be crazy.
Tears filled my eyes. “Richard. Stop.” I gasped as I fought the sob that tried to break loose. “You don’t …” I took a deep breath. “Have to lie to me. I’ll have sex with you, anyway.”
He sat up and looked at me. I could see the anger in his narrowed eyes.
“What the hell are you talking about?” He reached over and turned on the lamp.
“No!” I hissed again, trying to get my hands free of the nightshirt. “Shut that off.”
“I’ll do no such thing.” He pushed his pants down his hips, positioned himself between my thighs and thrusts up into me hard. “Does this feel like I don’t want you?”
I cried out as my back arched up and I felt his hand hold my hands above my head.
“Does this?” He thrusted into me again. “Feel like I don’t desire you?”
“Rich …” I gasped again, trying to catch my breath.
“If this is what you need.” He pulled back and pumped in hard again. “Just a good.” He pulled out and slammed in. “Hard.” Again. “Fuck.” And again. “I can do that.”
He pulled out slowly letting me feel his full length, and then he angled his hips hitting me just right, so I gasped again. “Or you can clear your mind.” He continued with slow movements. “And let me make love with you the way I have been dreaming about since you left.”
“Richie.” Was all I got out before he pulled all the way out, kissing me.