Chapter 13 #2
“This dress was made for you. You look beautiful tonight.” He leaned over and sniffed her as they reached the car. “And you smell divine.”
Grinning, she said, “I got into Cecily’s perfume. She’s probably got half a dozen different bottles.” She lifted her wrist to her nose and sniffed. “This was something with vanilla in it.”
He took her wrist and inhaled deeply, feeling her shudder. “It was meant for your skin,” he said, his voice low and rough.
This was not the way to slow down. If anything, Carson was accelerating.
Once in the car, she gave him directions. It only took ten minutes to get to the posh restaurant.
“I see the appeal of a small town,” he said. “Everything is so close. Do you eat here often?”
“Not on my coaching salary. Of course, you’re making the big AD money, so I thought you could afford it,” she teased.
He cut the ignition and gazed at her. “You’re worth it.”
She gave him a dazzling smile. “You’re pretty smooth, Coach.”
“I’ve got a good audience to play to.”
Carson opened her door and placed his palm on the small of her back, guiding her inside the restaurant.
It was inviting, with candles flickering on every table.
He had booked the last available time and table and as the hostess led them to it, he was pleased to see it was on the glass, overlooking the water.
He held out Mila’s chair for her and then seated himself.
Their server arrived promptly with glasses of water and a basket of hot, sliced bread. The butter had a hint of garlic to it. As they each buttered a piece, the server ran through the specials and left them with menus.
Glancing over it, he said, “I think I’m going with the New York strip.”
“The filet mignon is calling my name,” Mila said.
The server returned, asking if they wanted to order drinks. Mila asked for a glass of the house red, and he said, “Make it two.”
When their wine arrived, they ordered, then she said, “This is a perfect spot. It’s got a wonderful view of the bay.”
“Your cheeks are slightly pink. You definitely got some sun today.” He sighed. “It was a good day. Thanks for inviting Lily and me to the beach with you and the kids. Your brother and sister-in-law have done a great job with them.”
“They are good kids,” she agreed. “I’d say the same about Lily, though. You’re a really thoughtful father, Carson.” She paused. “That’s very attractive.”
“Really? I thought being a dad would make me not as attractive to other women.”
“I’m not other women. I’m me. And I’m complimenting you on being a terrific parent. Lily is well-adjusted. You’re comfortable with one another. It’s easy to see you spend a lot of time together.”
He reached and took her hand. “I want to spend time with you, Mila. I want us to be comfortable with one another. I already feel as if I’ve known you forever.”
She smiled. “I feel the same way. It’s as if we’ve cut through all the trappings and have gotten down to just you and me.” She paused. “You’re different, Carson. In a very good, very appealing way.”
“That is a compliment I will accept with grace,” he said.
Their salads arrived on plates which must have been stored in a freezer. The greens were just as cold and crisp as Mila had promised. His steak was boldly seasoned and seared to perfection, while the sides were excellent.
While they ate, she talked about the coursework she would be completing this summer.
“I’m actually one of those nerds who enjoyed my education classes, so I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.
While I’m disappointed I won’t have any interaction with my fellow educators, being able to take all the classes online is a gift.
It takes a good half hour or more to drive into Corpus to the university and then back again, plus sitting through the class itself.
I’ll save tons of time being able to log in from home—or even school—and working on assignments. ”
“What classes will you take first?” he asked.
“I’ve got two courses which run concurrently.
Introduction to the Principalship is one.
Public School Law is the other. I should be through with both those right after the Fourth of July holiday.
I’ve signed up for a class on supervision of instruction and another on the teacher appraisal system after that, but volleyball starts the first of August. I’d like to plow through those additional two classes in July and then take a break when my season and then school begins. ”
“Refresh me on when your team plays. That’s something I need to get familiar with regarding all the sports we offer.”
“I issue equipment and start workouts the first week in August, then scrimmages start the second week. After that, preseason games and tourneys begin. District wraps up by the end of October.” Mila paused.
“I have a decent team this year, Carson. I’m hoping to make it through at least two rounds of the playoffs.
The state title game is right before Thanksgiving.
Not that I think we’ll go that far, but that’s the official end of the Texas volleyball season.
I think I can handle taking one class during that time.
And right when I wind down, you’ll gear up. ”
He laughed. “I already have October twenty-third circled on my calendar. That’s the first day of practice. First scrimmage is a week later, then the season is in full swing through mid-February. That’s when the playoffs start.”
Taking her hand, he said, “I plan on coming to your games.”
“Not all of them, I hope,” she said, laughing.
“My fair share. I’d like to bring Lily to a few.
I think she would get a kick out of it. She’s never been to any of the ones I’ve coached.
It was hard enough arranging childcare beyond the school day for her, much less having someone bring her to sit in the stands.
And she was too young anyway. My games went well past her bedtime. ”
Carson told her more about his neighbor becoming his go-to sitter during the season.
“Dotty is friendly. Lily likes her and likes her dog even more.”
“Maybe she can come to a game or two. Just to see you in action. I think it’s important for kids to see what their parents do.”
“Did you?”
Mila chuckled. “Michael and I were put to work both places at a young age. When Dad was still teaching when we were young, he had us putting up bulletin boards and placing posters on his classroom’s walls.
Mom had us come to the store and help do inventory a few times a year.
We also worked at the boutique one day a week during the summers, free of charge.
They wanted to instill a healthy work ethic in us, as well as letting us see how hard earning a living is. ”
Their server appeared. “Dessert tonight? I’ve already sampled the key lime pie and can highly recommend it.”
“How about getting it to go?” Mila suggested. “And as hard as it is for me to say this, I’ll split with you.”
“One chocolate bread pudding to go,” he told the server. “And the check, please.”
“I like that you not only listen to what I say. You remember everything,” she said, and he heard admiration in her voice. “After six months of dating, Sam couldn’t have told you what my favorite food was, much less the kind of movies I like to watch.”
“What’s your favorite kind of movie? Besides Westerns.”
She smiled. “Action/adventure. I like the John Wick and Mission: Impossible franchises. How about you?”
Carson shook his head. “I haven’t been to the movies in years.
The only thing I watch at home, besides sneaking in a little Sports Center, is Disney+ and all those Disney princesses.
And Spiderman. Lily is wild about a cartoon series where Spidey is a kid.
His sidekicks are Spin and Ghost Spider, a real kickass girl. They fight crime.”
“Ooh, I may have to watch that with Lily and Gina,” she teased.
He paid for their meal and escorted Mila to the car. When they arrived back at the house, Laura and Bill were watching a movie. Actually, Laura was watching and Bill was napping in a chair.
“How were they?” he asked, pulling off his sports coat.
“Tired,” Laura said. “I could tell their trip to the beach wore them out. After dinner, we played one game of Yahtzee and two Chutes and Ladders. By then, all three were yawning, so we got them ready for bed. Teeth brushed. Prayers said. They were out like lights.”
“Thank you again for babysitting,” Carson said. “It was nice to have a date with your daughter.”
Laura smiled at Mila. “I’m glad to see she has such a good guy to take her out.” She leaned over and shook her husband’s foot. “Rise and shine, honey. The pre-bed nap is over.”
Bill Perry stood up, a sheepish smile on his face. “Hope you two had fun.”
“We did. Thanks, Dad.” Mila brushed a kiss on his cheek.
The Perrys left, and Mila kicked off her heels. “Ah. That is so much better.”
He set the Styrofoam box with dessert on the coffee table. “How about a foot rub?”
“Seriously? I’ve never had one.”
“Then you’re in for a treat. Come sit on the couch.”
She got situated, stretching out her legs. Carson put them in his lap and began kneading, bending her foot and using long strokes. Mila made some very appreciative noises.
“I’m sorry,” she apologized. “I sound like I’m enjoying an orgasm. This is actually better than an orgasm, I think.”
He paused, meeting her gaze. “Then you haven’t been with the right man. When the time is right, I guarantee I’ll knock your socks off.”
“Ooh, I like bold Carson,” she purred. “And I will look forward to that earth-shattering orgasm. When the time is right for both of us,” she added softly. “Until then? I suggest five more minutes of footwork. Then dessert. Then lots of kissing.”
“You’re on.”
He massaged her feet, enjoying her sighs, sad that none of her previous partners had spoiled her in such a way. While she plated dessert for them, he went upstairs to the loft to check on the kids, seeing they were fast asleep.
After one bite of the bread pudding, he said, “This dessert is pretty orgasmic itself.”
“I’m a chocolate fiend,” Mila admitted. “You’re the first person I’ve ever shared anything chocolate with.”
He took the plate from her hands and placed it on the coffee table in front of them.
“I hope I’m also the last.”
Carson took her in his arms then, kissing her for a good hour, relishing the feel of her body and the taste and scent which was all Mila. He finally ended the make-out session, feeling like a high school kid.
Mila fanned herself. “My goodness, you get my blood singing, Coach Andrews.”
They finished their dessert, and she said, “Let me get you a pillow and blanket.”
“Yes to a pillow. No blanket is necessary.”
She retreated down the hall and returned with a pillow. “Powder room is to the right. Do you need a glass of water or anything before bed?”
He pulled her to him, encircling her in his arms. “No. Just one very passionate goodnight kiss from my girlfriend.”
Her face lit up. “I guess I am your girlfriend.”
He took her mouth with his for a long, searing kiss. If his daughter hadn’t been upstairs, Carson might have done much more than kiss Mila.
Breaking the kiss, he told her, “Goodnight.”
She left the den. He retreated to the bathroom, pulling his toothbrush from his pocket. He brushed his teeth and returned to the couch, stretching out his long frame, and snuggling against the pillow.
Today had been a perfect day. Beach time with the kids. A dinner date with Mila.
And what Carson knew was the starting point for the rest of his life.