Every Kiss(101)

“So Callie tells me you’re divorced.” Mom casually drops the bomb and takes a bite of her salad as if she just mentioned the weather.

Dad, of course, completely drops his fork, and it clanks against his plate.

Wes cuts his eyes at me, but looks back at my mom directly, resting his hands in his lap before answering. “I am. About seven years now. I was young, dumb, and thought I was in love. My wife left me before our first anniversary.”

I reach over and take his hand, but I’m surprised when he squeezes. I know what a hard subject this is for him, and it means a lot that he’s enduring it for me.

My mom, on the other hand, is playing hard ball. “So I guess in that short of a time that means you never had children?”

Damn it. I should’ve told her this so he wouldn’t have to talk about it.

He shakes his head ever-so-slightly. “No, ma’am. Not exactly. My child died before birth.”

Her hand flies to cover her mouth. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay. It was a long time ago.”

Dad finally comes to his rescue, clearing his throat. “So, what do you do for a living? You’re out of college, I’m guessing.”

“Yes, sir, for a little while. I’m the CFO of Fields and Lehman Analytics. We design accounting software for several different industries, many of which are international.” He takes a deep breath and blows it out. “Look, I know you’re both wary of me, and it’s only because you’re being protective of your daughter. I completely understand that. I’m an open book, and I have absolutely nothing to hide, so if there’s anything you want to know, just ask. It doesn’t matter how ridiculous. Yes, I’m a little older than she is, but it also enables me to be more settled and know what I want out of my life; although, I didn’t really know until Callie walked into it. I own my own home and I have reliable transportation . . . both completely paid for. I don’t smoke or do drugs, but I won’t lie and say I don’t drink on occasion. I have a lot of respect for Callie, and she’s helped me through some really tough family issues lately. I’m saying all of this to let you know that I care about her, I have the ability to provide for her, and even though I’ve only known her for a few months, I love her more than any man ever could.”

Mom raises her eyebrows. Yeah, that’ll shut her up.

“Well, son, I guess that answers all of my questions.” Dad nods with the slightest smile. “Let’s eat.”





SOFT LIPS PRESS to my temple, rousing me from deep sleep. “Mmmm . . .” I moan and stretch.

“Mornin’,” Wes mumbles sleepily, reaching out to pull me into his chest.

I peek out one eye toward the window, not even a glimmer of light is visible. “Not morning yet.”

“You can go back to sleep in just a minute. I’m about to get up and get ready for work, but it’s going to be awful hard to leave you in my bed all warm and naked.”

“Well,” I begin, turning to face him and throwing a leg over his hip. “You can always just not leave. Work will be there tomorrow.”

“You’re a bad influence, you know that? I have an important meeting this morning, but I’ll be home around lunch. Then . . .” He kisses just below my earlobe. “. . . we just might have to revisit the whole naked in bed thing before we leave. Better yet, don’t shower until I get home, and I’ll join you. Two birds, one stone.”

“Multitasking. I like it.” I also like the idea of him all hot, wet, and soapy in the shower.

He kisses me one last time, this time full on the mouth. “Good. Be thinking about that until I get back. But for now, get some rest.”

He rolls out of bed and pads quietly into the closet, flicking the light on and giving me a prime view of his glorious, firm body. He’s all hard lines and sinew and strength wrapped in perfectly bronze skin. And he’s with me. I may not ever understand it.

Wes grabs the suit of the day and just as he starts to step out, he catches me watching. “Were you looking at my ass, sweetheart?” he asks with a wide grin.

I smirk. “Among other things. Just getting the visual of what I’m supposed to think about all day.”

“Callie,” he growls. “I’m getting out of here before you get me into trouble.”

I giggle wickedly, scooting over to lie in his place on the bed, still warm from his body. I listen to him move around the house, showering, making coffee, humming to himself. He’s in a good mood today, but then again, I haven’t seen a bad one in a few days now. He was especially hopefully after we went to visit Chesley at the hospital last night. The doctor told him that she should be able to go home by the weekend. Eve even dropped by while we were there, and I think she was a little surprised to see him holding my hand. But she shared a secret smile with me.