Her Dad's Friend(30)

Then Rachael came along.

Of course I’d never thought of her in a sexual way before now. She was just my best friend’s cute kid. She was always bubbly and happy, and it was fun having her around, unlike some of the brats my friends had whelped.

Then she turned eighteen and suddenly—out of nowhere, it seemed—she’d become the most beautiful woman I’d ever laid my eyes on. I couldn’t help but wonder how the hell that happened and where was I during these changes? Not only was she stunning to look at, but she was hilarious, and sarcastic, and mature beyond her years. We could be silly and tell inappropriate jokes, or have deep, meaningful conversations that often led to me seeing the world just a little differently than I once had.

Even when she was sixteen and seventeen, she would flirt and I wouldn’t think much of it. She had a crush on an older man. These things happen. But as this continued into her adulthood, I was powerless to stop myself from flirting back. Sometimes even pushing to see how far she’d go. When I realized she would be willing to go all the way and this wasn’t just harmless flirting, my emotions started getting involved. I’d fallen for her. I wanted her more than I ever wanted anyone in my life.

That’s when I knew I had to leave. In less than a month, I sold my business and my home. I had to get as far away as possible. If I didn’t, I knew one day she would break my heart. She’d find some young kid who had more energy and was better looking than me. He wouldn’t have the laugh lines around his mouth and the crow’s feet around his eyes. Those are stupid, shallow things to be self-conscious about at my age, but I couldn’t help feeling that way around her.

I couldn’t bear to watch her fall in love with someone else, so I left.

It was supposed to be a new beginning. I went on dates, and found new hobbies, and got back into construction. I was supposed to make a full recovery from Rachael. Except, even after I moved, those feelings didn’t go away. They didn’t even lessen at all. If anything, they grew stronger because I didn’t have those moments of seeing her face to tide me over until the next time.

I was completely fucking miserable. For two whole years.

Then I got that text from her in the middle of the night and knew I couldn’t fight my feelings any longer.

Her dad had been asking me to make it to her surprise party for weeks, but I kept turning him down. But now that I knew she still wanted me, I had to see where this would go. It was the perfect excuse to come see her. I drove all night across the state, only stopping to caffeinate.

I never thought that text would lead to this. Us, in our new home, and Rachael carrying my child. And me with this diamond ring in my back pocket.

I’m nervous. Yes, we’re going to have a baby, but that doesn’t mean she’ll want to be stuck with me the rest of her life. She says she loves me, but I have a hard time believing she could possibly feel anything close to what I feel for her—that anyone has ever felt love like this before.

She stands in front of the windows in our room looking out at the ocean. It’s her favorite place in the house. We’ve been here three months already and it’s always where she can be found. It’s an overcast day and the clouds manage to make her skin look creamier than it already does.

She’s so beautiful with her long dark hair and big baby bump. There’s something I find incredibly sexy about pregnant women, but Rachael is the sexiest of them all.

I step up behind her and place my hands on her stomach, feeling my growing child moving beneath my fingers. I’m so full of love for the both of them I could burst.

She lets out a content sigh and leans against me. “Are you done for the day?” she asks.

I’ve spent the days finishing up the details on the house and making sure everything is perfect for when our child arrives so that I can dedicate all my time to my perfect little family.

I kiss her neck. “I am.”

She lets out a hot little moan. “Does this mean I have you all to myself now?”

“I’m all yours, but first I need to ask you something.”

I kneel before her. Her hands automatically go to her mouth and cover it. She knows what’s coming. My heart is racing and I hope to all that is holy that she doesn’t turn me down.

“Rachael Holt,” I say, my voice catching. I swallow. “Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

Tears pour down her flushed cheeks. She lets out a quick sob and a burst of laughter. “Yes! Oh my god, yes.”

I slip the ring on her finger and stand, finding her lips. I lead her to the bed and gently lay her down. Piece by piece, her clothing is removed. I’m a visual creature and like to take my time exposing each stretch of pale skin. Sometimes my favorite part of sex is the view.