CHAPTER THREE
I don’t know how it’s your fault, but I feel like it must be your influence. I was asked if seahorses know about land horses. How the hell am I supposed to answer that? There’s not enough coffee for that.
~Text from Kimbra to Ben~
Ben
It’s been two weeks since our first date.
I’ve been over for dinner with Kimbra and her kids a handful of times and even been to one of Branson’s baseball games.
It’s been great, and I’ve loved every moment, but if I’m completely honest, I can’t wait for tonight.
It’s Friday, and the kids are going to their dad’s for the weekend.
I plan to keep Kimbra in bed for a good chunk of the weekend.
The fact that I’ve been a gentleman and not pushed for more should earn me a fucking medal. It really fucking should.
Today, I’m going to work at Weston’s. Jane’s twins are sick, so at least one, if not two, of her men, are going to stay home with her.
I told them I’d go in to help. It’s not because otherwise, I’d be counting the seconds till tonight like a randy teenager.
Nope, not me. Shut it! Let me live with this little white lie, would ya?
It’s been a long time since I’ve had sex that means something, and I know this means more than almost anything.
I haven’t even been with her, and Kimbra and her quirks have weaseled into my heart like no one ever has before.
Her kids are pretty awesome, too. They each have different personalities but are definitely protective of each other and their mom.
It was after the second dinner I came over that I witnessed how much each of them cared for their mom.
We’d just finished dinner, and I was washing the dishes to put in the dishwasher.
The boys were clearing the table. Kimbra had taken Bailey to start her bath before bedtime.
Bentley went off to who knows where, and Branson brought in the last of the dishes.
After he handed them to me, he leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. I washed up as I waited for him to speak up.
He’s twelve going on twenty. I think he’s seen more than Kimbra knows.
“I know Mom said you’re her friend, but even I can tell you want her to be your girlfriend.
I’m okay with that ’cause so far you seem alright, but just know she was hurt a lot by my dad and him being dumb.
You hurt her, and you won’t be allowed back in here.
My mom is pretty awesome most of the time, and I don’t want her hurt.
If you don’t plan to stick around, just go ahead and leave now.
” I looked over at him, and even though he’s only a few inches shorter than me, I had to remind myself he’s still a kid.
“Branson, I’m going to give you some respect and speak to you man-to-man right now.
I like your mom. I like her a lot. We haven’t gotten to the point where we’re technically boyfriend-girlfriend, but I hope we do.
I’d like to be around for a while. I’m glad you’re okay with me.
” He shrugged his shoulders. “I mean, it would be better if you liked baseball as much as I do, but you’re alright.
” It was then that I told him about my nephew Logan and some of the brothers of the club, and he has asked me some more about them since then.
Next weekend is family day, and I’m bringing them to meet everyone.
Kimbra was supposed to come before but the kids ended up with a stomach bug that weekend.
I know they’re gonna fit in just fine and everyone will like them.
Back to today. I finish my morning routine and head out to the kitchen to get some coffee.
Mike and I share this place since it’s plenty big that we basically each have our own space.
Neither of us has found the right spot to buy, and we aren’t in a rush.
I have a feeling he might end up building a place near Jane and his grandbabies.
I grab a travel mug and fill it up, adding just a little half ‘n half. There’s really nothing like the first sip of the morning, is there?
I stand in the same spot for probably ten minutes, savoring my coffee.
I look at the cup and realize I almost finished it, so I refill it and doctor it again.
I hear movement behind me. “Mornin’. What are you doin’ up this early?
” I turn around and see Mike dressed for the day but definitely not very awake.
“I told Pres I would come into the shop and help today since the twins are sick.” Mike nods.
“Yep, I was over yesterday helping, and I told them I’d do a drugstore run for them today.
I have to work today. Otherwise, I’d be back over there.
Micah and Asher are trying to finish up on the site and want me to go through it all to make sure everything looks right.
They’ve got an inspection on Monday, and if all goes well, we can start on the next project by the end of next week.
” We’d both found part-time jobs we enjoyed, but that still gave us time to be semi-retired.
Mike wanted that time to be as close to a full-time grandpa as he could be since he’d not been given a chance to be a full-time dad to Jane when she was growing up.
That was thanks to my bitch of a sister.
I know she’s spending an eternity burning with Hel, but I’m still pissed about how she handled raising Jane.
Hell, if I’m honest, I’m pissed about Jane and Logan.
I at least got to see Jane some while she was growing up, but because my sister couldn’t handle a biker for a brother, I never got to know Logan.
Thankfully, over the last couple of years, I’ve gotten to know my niece and nephew well, and the people they’ve both chosen to spend their lives with have welcomed me with open arms.
I grab my coffee and head to my truck. It’s raining cats and dogs out, and I swear the people in the Pacific Northwest forget how to drive in the rain, so I’ll be taking my truck. It will let me stop by after work and get some flowers to take to Kimbra. Today is looking up.
*********
I finish up at the shop right before five, which gives me enough time to head home, grab a shower, change, and pack a bag to throw in the backseat of my truck. Always be prepared and all. What? Can you blame me? I didn’t think so.
I take a quick shower and change into one of my better pairs of jeans, a dark gray Henley, and a flannel shirt.
I put my boots on and run a comb through my hair.
It may not be a five-star restaurant I’m taking Doc to, but I know we will have a good time and eat some delicious food.
None of that stuffy shit where you pay out the ass and leave hungry because the chef is an “artist.” Real food for real people, damn it.
I realize I haven’t heard from my girl since she took a lunch break.
Me: We still good for 6? You still up for dinner?
I get my answer within a minute.
Doc: We are definitely still good. Kids were picked up about an hour ago, and I’m almost ready. I’m looking forward to some good pasta for dinner.
Me: I’ll be there in about fifteen. See you in a few.
Doc: I’ll be here.
I grab my keys and head out to the truck.
Time to have an evening with just the two of us.
I make the trip over to her place and manage to only hit one red light.
That’s a win right there. I pull up in front of Kimbra’s house and park.
I’m just walking around the front of the truck when the front door opens, and the most beautiful woman walks down the stairs to me, giving me a big smile.
“Hey, you. I was gonna come up to the door and knock and do the whole gentlemanly thing.” She shakes her head at me.
“I don’t need all that. Plus, I’m starving.
” She walks right up to me and looks up with a smile still on her face.
Not wanting to wait a moment longer, I lean down and kiss her.
I can’t help but deepen the kiss since I know we don’t have three sets of eyes on us.
Hearing her little moans and mews, I break the kiss before I can’t stop myself.
The urge to pick her up and have her for dinner and dessert is high.
One of the only things stopping me is I hear her stomach rumble in hunger right after I break the kiss.
I look down at her. “Doc, have you eaten at all today? And coffee doesn’t count as food.
” She bites her lip like she doesn’t want to answer me.
“I had some oatmeal this morning for breakfast, and I snagged a cookie this afternoon.” I can’t help but groan and shake my head.
“Doc, you know that’s not healthy. I know you’re busy, but you have to keep yourself fed.
I’ve watched you serve your kids dinner and, more than once, barely take anything for yourself.
It’s not because there wasn’t enough food, but because you’re too tired to eat more.
I think I might have to do something about that because I want you taken care of.
Let’s start with dinner tonight. You ready to go?
” Kimbra doesn’t answer right away, but she leans in and gives me another kiss.
“I’m ready.” Her answer tells me she’s as excited for tonight as I am.
**********