“I’m just driving in. I should be there in about twenty minutes,” I replied, slowing down for a light.
“I’m glad that you’re coming home, sweetie. I missed you being around the house,” he told me warmly as I smiled. “I am going to grill for dinner and Payne is coming over. He missed you, too.”
I missed Payne more than anything else. Dad’s best friend was forty-five just like him, but he looked a lot younger with his naturally dark hair that he wore cropped close to his head. Payne had dark blue eyes that penetrated a woman and offered all kinds of carnal sin, not that he’d ever directed that towards me. I saw him in action at some of the parties that we had though and Payne had women falling at his feet.
He was gorgeous and had a charisma about him that was hard to find in a man. Even if I weren't obsessed with him, I would have saved myself for Payne. The boys at school were nothing but a lot of awkward pick-up lines and bad kisses that made me want to go no further with them. I had a thing for older men growing up around him my entire life and the crush had set in along with my hormones.
“That sounds great. I can’t wait to see both of you.” I smiled as we kept talking about my drive that I’d spread out over a few days to enjoy the sights, despite Dad’s concerns. I’d graduated Harvard in Law, and I was twenty-four now, an adult. I was careful and kept a watchful eye on my surroundings, having gotten quite addicted to true crime podcasts in the last year or so. I suppose it came with studying law, though I didn’t know if I was going to pursue an actual career as an attorney or something that involved research and more behind the scenes. Dad and Payne both worked for separate firms, and they were both partners in their respective places, being best friends since they met in college.
It seemed only natural for me to follow since Dad was the primary person in my life as well as the fact that Payne made a sexy attorney. I loved when he used to come over after a hard day in the courtroom and talk shop over dinner, looking so confident and making my teenage lust drip out of my pores. I’d pretend that I was studying as I listened to them talk and occasionally peek, memorizing his set jaw and flashing eyes.
I took that to my room that was private in the big house, getting myself off over and over as I played his voice through my head and imagined his mouth between my legs. The idea made me hot, and I shifted in my seat as I felt my skin flushing with desire.
“Dad, I’m home!” I told him as I waited for the tall iron fence to slide open. We lived in Hope Ranch, one of the best areas that was secure and gated since Dad was also a prosecuting attorney. I looked over the brick two-story home that was large for just the two of us, but also luxurious and comfortable. Each of our rooms was the size of a generous master bedroom in addition to the three guest rooms that we had, an office, gym, and den for nights that you wanted to watch some television in something smaller than the spacious living room.
The kitchen was the best feature, in my opinion. It was a chef’s kitchen with upgraded appliances and room to work. I was looking forward to having time to cook real food, bake and just spend time overlooking the gorgeous backyard that offered a pool, spa, generous grilling area, and a table to eat at on the good nights. This was California, so that was often. Glancing out of the window at the sky, I assumed that’s where we would be eating tonight.
I got out of the car as my father stepped out onto the porch with a smile on his handsome face. Dad was young looking like Payne and had dark blonde hair with brown eyes, although I could never view him as I did Payne. It was bad enough that I was lusting after his best friend, something that would never happen in a million years. He stepped over and hugged me tightly as I closed my eyes and thanked God for him. Dad supported everything I did, more than just financially. He was one of my best friends, mostly since I was a good kid and didn’t cause a lot of trouble. I focused on school, kept my grades up and didn’t get caught up in boys like my friends did.
How could I? They’d never compare to Payne.
“I am so glad to be home,” I whispered as I wrapped my arms around his neck and squeezed tightly.
“Me too, kiddo. I’m so proud of you.” He pulled away slowly and looked at me. “Harvard just like me. I never dreamed that you’d choose to go into law like I did.”
“I guess being around you growing up rubbed off on me,” I teased him as I walked over to get my two bags out of the back of the car. Dad grabbed them, making me laugh as I opened the front door and followed him inside. He walked up to my room and put them on the bed as I looked around with a broad smile. I came home for holidays and summers, but now, I was here to stay. “I am going to take a quick shower and change before dinner,” I told him as I looked at the pretty blue sky and bright sun. It was July here but warm enough out for an outdoor meal.