Chapter 43
I SAW DADDY KISSING MRS. CLAUSE
NATALIE
It was Tuesday, and I was headed to Will’s for lunch and to prepare for a meeting with Alan and his investor about another restaurant going into The City Center.
The concept was exciting—an upscale Italian dining spot led by a chef who had studied in Italy for years.
I was already visualizing an open kitchen where customers could view the pasta being made by hand.
I couldn’t wait to work on this project, especially under Alan. It was an incredible opportunity.
When I arrived at Will’s, I let myself in through the garage, the door shutting softly behind me. He’d given me the code, a small but meaningful gesture that made me smile.
Will was in the kitchen on the phone, leaning casually against the counter. He glanced up as I walked in, his eyes lighting up. He mouthed, sorry, and I nodded, setting down the sandwiches and pasta salad I’d brought and grabbing plates to set up for lunch.
When he ended the call, he came straight over, pulling me into a kiss that left me breathless.
“Hi, you,” he said softly.
“How long has it been since I’ve seen you?” I asked, smiling.
“Too long,” he said, his hands sliding to my waist.
I laughed lightly, shaking my head.
His lips trailed down my neck, making me shiver. “Do we have time for a quickie?” he murmured, his voice low and teasing.
“What about the food?” I said, though my resolve was already crumbling.
“It can wait. I can’t.”
His hands moved to the buttons of my blouse, and before I knew it, I was completely caught up in him. His lips brushed over my collarbone, his hands pulling me closer as he slid my blouse off. His touch was deliberate, confident, and I melted into him.
He guided me to the couch, his mouth never leaving my skin. As he laid me back, his hands moved over me with purpose. I felt his lips press against my collarbone, trailing down to the edge of my bra, and a shiver ran through me.
My hands tugged at his shirt, pulling it over his head as his fingers found the button of my jeans. He unfastened it with ease, the moment his fingers brushed over me, I lost all control. My hips arched into his touch, a soft moan escaping my lips as he teased me.
“You’re so ready for me,” he murmured, his voice rough with desire.
I tried to respond, but all I could manage was a gasp as he slipped a finger inside me, curling it just enough to make me grip his shoulders. My breath hitched, and my hands tangled in his hair, pulling him closer as the tension in my body built.
When I thought I couldn’t take any more, he pulled his hand away, leaving me aching for more. He shifted, tugging his pants off in one swift motion. I reached for him, wrapping my hand around him, and the low groan that escaped his lips sent a fresh wave of heat through me.
He leaned down, his mouth capturing mine in a searing kiss as he positioned himself. Then, with one smooth movement, he pushed inside me, and I gasped, my nails digging into his back. He paused for a moment, his forehead resting against mine as we caught our breath.
And then we moved. Together, our bodies fell into a perfect rhythm, his hands gripping my hips as if he couldn’t let go. Every thrust pushed me closer to the edge, and when the tension finally broke, it hit me like a wave, leaving me breathless and trembling beneath him.
He followed soon after, his body shuddering against mine as he let out a low, guttural sound that sent shivers down my spine. Our breaths were heavy, and my heart was racing.
But the moment didn’t last long. Will glanced at the clock on the wall and groaned. “We got to get moving,” he said, brushing his hand through his hair.
I laughed, still catching my breath. “Maybe you should’ve thought about that before you attacked me in the kitchen.”
He grinned, leaning down to kiss me one last time before standing. “You didn’t exactly resist.”
“Fair,” I said, quickly pulling on my blouse and straightening my jeans. “Now, come on. We’ve got work to do.”
We managed to finish lunch quickly, the conversation shifting to Friday’s meeting.
“You’ve got to be top of your game with Alan,” Will said, leaning back in his chair. “He’s tough and ruthless, but I think you will be able to handle it.”
I smiled, nodding. “I’m ready. What’s the investor like?”
“From what I hear, he’s the kind of guy who doesn’t waste time. If he’s not impressed, he’s out. No second chances,” Will said, his expression serious. “We really have to blow him away, so he locks up the deal.”
“No pressure,” I teased, but I felt the weight of what he was saying.
After we finished reviewing the details of Friday’s meeting, I glanced at the time and realized I had to leave soon for school pick up.
“So, Thursday,” Will said, leaning forward slightly. “Should I come pick you and the kids up and take you to the Christmas Concert? Or is that too bold?”
I chuckled, shaking my head. “I think we probably need to meet there. We should take it one step at a time.”
He nodded, his grin softening. “Fair enough. But I’ll be looking for you as soon as I walk in.”
“You won’t miss us,” I said with a small smile. “We’ll be in Room 3C—Bebe and Ivy’s classroom.”
“So, when do you think you’re going to tell your kids?” I asked, shifting the conversation.
“Friday,” he said without hesitation. “I’ll have them starting after school, and I want to talk to them face-to-face. They deserve that.”
I nodded. “That’s a good idea. I told Bebe not to say anything until you’ve had a chance to talk to them. Madison’s going to be tough, though.”
He let out a long breath, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah. I know. But I’m ready for it. I’ll make sure she sees how much this means to me—to us.”
“Hopefully, she’ll come around,” I said gently. “It’s not going to be easy. I don’t want her to hate me.”
He reached across the table, his hand finding mine. “She won’t hate you,” he said firmly, holding my gaze. “This is worth it—you’re worth it.”
I felt my chest tighten with warmth, the sincerity in his voice cutting straight through me.
“Speaking of schedules,” he said, his tone lightening as he leaned back, “let me know your plans for Christmas and New Year’s. Maybe we can line up some time together.”
“Jason and I are supposed to meet next week to finalize everything,” I said. “Once that’s sorted, I’ll let you know. But I’d love to spend some time with you.”
He grinned. “I’ll send you my kid-free weekends. I’d love to take you away somewhere. Just us.”
“I’d love that too,” I said, already picturing it.
“See? Things are going to work out,” he said confidently.
“We haven’t jumped all the hurdles yet,” I said.
“She’ll come around,” he said again, though there was a flicker of hesitation in his voice.
Glancing at the time, I stood and reached for my bag. “I really need to run to get Bebe and James.”
Will walked me to the door, pulling me in for a long, lingering kiss that left my heart racing. That kiss stayed with me, warming my thoughts as I drove to school.
The next few days went by quickly, and before I knew it, it was Thursday evening and time for the Christmas concert for the elementary students.
The kids were all dolled up in their holiday outfits, Bebe in a plaid Christmas dress from Janie and Jack with gold ballet flats and a gold bow to complement the details.
James in his little tux that had a plaid bowtie. The excitement in the house was contagious.
Lauren had called earlier in the day to ask if we could ride together. Her husband was at an away game, and with both our kids involved in the concert, it made sense. I agreed, and we coordinated pickup times.
When we arrived at the school, the parking lot was already packed. Thankfully, we found a spot and made our way inside, dodging parents dressed to the nines and kids buzzing with energy.
The moment we walked in, I spotted Jason and Brooke near the front lobby. Jason waved and stepped forward.
“Daddy!” James exclaimed, running to him.
Jason scooped him up with a grin. “Hey, buddy, you clean up nice.”
“And how’s my princess?” he said, turning to Bebe. “You look absolutely gorgeous.”
“Thank you, Daddy,” she said, wrapping him in a big hug.
“I’ll take James to his class,” Jason offered, nodding toward him.
“Thanks,” I said, leaning down to kiss James on the cheek. “Break a leg, buddy.”
Brooke gave me a polite smile. “Hi, Natalie.”
“Hi, Brooke.” I returned the smile. We weren’t friends, but we’d find neutral ground.
I was in such a good place with Will, I didn’t feel the need to hold on to any lingering resentment. If she was good to my children, that was all that mattered.
Lauren and I walked the girls toward the third-grade classroom, weaving through parents chatting in the hallways.
When we arrived, Will was standing in the back with Ivy, his tall frame relaxed yet somehow commanding the space.
Charlie and Bebe raced over to hug their friend, and the girls dissolved into a fit of giggles, complimenting each other’s outfits.
Will turned toward us and smiled, saying hello to Lauren and me. For a moment, it looked like he wanted to lean in and kiss my cheek, but he stopped himself, his restraint almost endearing.
“Crazy to think how much has happened in a year,” he said quietly, his voice just loud enough for me to hear.
“I know,” I said, my gaze meeting his. “I was thinking the same thing.”
“Would it be crazy to sit together tonight?” he asked, his tone half-teasing but with a hint of sincerity.
I considered it for a moment before nodding. “I guess we could.”
Lauren chimed in, snapping me out of the moment. “Ready to head to our seats? I think Camille has some saved for us.”
“Of course, she does,” I said with a laugh.
We said goodbye to the girls, leaving them in the classroom, and headed back to the gym where the concert was taking place.
Camille waved us over, her seats perfectly situated in front and center.