Live-In Position (31 page)

“You’re finished already?” I called out. I heard a second click but no response to my question.

“Victoria, are you in here?” I wiped the water from my eyes. The rings of the shower curtain made a screeching noise when I pulled it back. My eyes suddenly widened, and I pulled the curtain around me. “What are you doing in here?” I squealed a tad bit too loud. It took a moment to realize Dr. Bishop was standing naked in my bathroom. My breathing caught in my throat at the sight.

Lord almighty, he was beautiful.

He half grinned and stepped into the shower. His eyes raked over my shower curtain covered body.

“Do you usually shower with the shower curtain wrapped around you?” A minimal chuckle escaped his lips.

“You need to go,” I stated firmly. “Victoria will be coming in here when she is finished getting dressed.”

He frowned. “Then I suppose I should make it quick.” One eyebrow was cocked as he pulled the curtain away and slipped his hands against my wet skin.

I inhaled sharply as our naked bodies pressed against each other and he pulled us under the spray of warm water. His fingers glided up my spine and into my hair, fisting it, he pulled my head back so the water cascaded over my body. He groaned. His right hand traced the water from my neck down between my breasts. He pressed his hips forward. I could feel him against my lower abdomen, causing me to whimper. I grabbed onto his arms and squeezed his biceps tightly, his wet hair sticking to the side of my face. Too soon, he pulled back and looked at me. With a heavy sigh, he spoke. “If only I had more time.” He shook his head and with a spin had my back against the shower wall.

“Victoria –”

“Shh…she was just getting into the shower when I walked over here.” He dropped to his knees.

No more words were spoken as he worshiped me with his hands and mouth until my chest heaved for needed air, and satisfaction rippled through my body.

“That was…amazing,” I blurted out.

He chuckled. “If only I had more time,” he repeated. His lips captured mine.

While I tried to regain rational thinking, Dr. Bishop stepped into the stream of water and began to wash his body. My eyes traveled from his lean broad shoulders, down his spine, and over his sculpted ass. I bit my lip, taking all of him in.

Rational thinking finally caught up.

“Shit,” I panicked and jumped out of the shower. Quickly grabbing a towel and wrapping it around me, I hurried into my room to get dressed.

Droplets of water were splashing on the floor. I pulled off my towel and wrapped my hair up before grabbing a pair of flesh color underwear. Half bent over and stepping into the underwear, a small growl sounded from behind me. Quickly, I slid my other foot in before pulling them over my thighs.

“I will have to remember that position.” I looked at him. He smirked and leaned against the bathroom doorframe. My cheeks and chest warmed. Turning back to my clothes I hurried to get myself covered.

VICTORIA AND I headed downtown to the shopping district.

Circling three times, we finally got a parking spot only one block from the bridal shop. We both ran down the sidewalk, dodging bodies, and giggling at each other. Bursting into the bridal shop with hearty laughter, Miranda stood from a white and pink floral pattern couch.

“Finally!” Miranda exclaimed with a large smile. She engulfed me in a large hug. “It feels like I haven’t seen you in forever. And you,” she moved to Victoria and pulled her into a hug, “did you grow a foot taller or what?” Miranda grabbed my hand and pulled me through a set of heavy, dark red, velvet curtains.

“The dress is in that room, just put it on, and then come out here so we can fit it to your body.”

“Ay-aye captain,” I saluted her before walking into the small dressing room, closing the white door behind me.

On the back of the door hung a light pink, knee length dress, with a scalloped neckline, wide shoulder straps, and long satin bow attached directly below the left breast. Pink was not my color.

“Pink, Rand? Really?” I yelled out to her.

“Shut it, Sophia, and put on the dress,” she shouted back.

I slipped out of my clothes and into the dress. There was a pearl choker necklace on the hanger so I put it on as well. After I was dressed, I stepped out onto the platform with mirrors around it.

“Oh, it’s so pretty!” Victoria had her hands clasped together and sat bouncing on a white couch.

“It looks great on you, and it looks like it fits.” Miranda motioned for me to step up on a small raised portion of the floor.

I stepped onto the platform and was engulfed in three reflections of myself. Yes, the dress seemed to fit well, and the shade of pink wasn’t as bad as I thought, but I still felt ridiculous in it.

A small, tanned woman appeared and quickly prodded and pinched at me and the dress. She inserted a few pins at my waist and along the hem before motioning for me to follow her into the dressing room. Once in the room, she shut the door and began to help me out of the dress. When it was off, she flipped it inside out and put it back on the hanger with a slip of paper. Redressing quickly, I stepped out of the room.

“Where’s Victoria?” I scanned the sales floor and felt my heart thud rapidly.

“She’s trying on her dress,” Rand smiled smugly.

“You asked her to be in the wedding?” I couldn’t fight back the smile now plastered on my face. Miranda nodded. “You just may be her favorite person ever.” I laughed and plopped down on the couch next to her.

“No way, that spot is completely reserved for you.” Rand bumped shoulders with me. “I have to admit, I’m jealous.” I looked at her confused. “I had her for three years, and she didn’t love me the way she does you.”

“Rand –”

She cut me off with a smile and a hand on my leg. “I’m just teasing you. I mean, yeah, I’m a little jealous, but I’m happier she has taken so well to you.”

“Thanks, I do love that little munchkin.”

“I know you do.” Miranda said. There was warmth in her voice, but it was mixed with a hint of something I couldn’t place. She quickly changed the subject.

“Lucas has been asking about you,” she smirked at me, “says you haven’t returned his calls.”

I groaned. “I‘ve texted him, but he wants to be more than friends.” I looked at Rand quickly. “I don’t.”

She laughed. “I figured as much. I should warn you, he’s in the wedding, too.”

I shrugged. “I think I can handle him for the night. Plus, I’ll have Victoria to keep me preoccupied.” I winked at her.

Victoria emerged from the dressing room. She had on a similar shaped gown, but it was a very light green and the satin bow was in the back.

“You look fabulous!” I shouted.

“It looks lovely on you,” Miranda gushed.

Victoria did a twirl and then danced over to the mirrors. She climbed on the platform with the largest grin on her face while the same woman appeared once again to pin the dress. We finished up at the bridal shop and climbed into our cars to drive to a small restaurant. After placing our lunch orders we sat around the table talking about the wedding until it was time for us to head home.

When we walked into the house, Connor greeted us. I glanced around for Juliet, but she was nowhere.

“Well, hello there, ladies.” He bowed to Victoria.

Victoria curtsied and giggled before she ran into his arms. “Hi, Grandpa.”

“What did you do today?” he asked, kneeling down on one knee in front of her.

“I get to be in Miranda’s wedding!” she exclaimed while she bounced on her toes.

Connor climbed up from his knee.

“That sounds exciting.” His gaze shifted to me, and a small smile seemed to be fighting at the side of his mouth. “Sophia,” he nodded.

“Connor,” I nodded back. “How have you been? Will you and Juliet be joining us for dinner?”

“No, she won’t be joining us.” He quickly looked back to Victoria. “How about we have some ice cream?”

“Definitely,” she stated firmly and started toward the kitchen.

“Not too much. We just ate lunch, and you need to be hungry when it’s time for dinner. I’m making your favorite.” Both of them turned in my direction.

“Spaghetti?” Victoria’s eyes widened.

“With meatballs,” I answered with a sly grin.

“That sounds wonderful,” Connor said. I couldn’t help but wonder where Juliet was and why Connor wasn’t with her.

I was browning the meatballs and listening to Victoria while she talked about her junior bridesmaid dress. Then she brought up the pink dress I would be wearing.

“It’s like a pink princess dress. It’s soooo pretty,” she gushed to Connor who seemed to thoroughly enjoy listening to his granddaughter talk nonstop.

“What is so pretty?” The icy tone immediately caused me to straighten my posture.

“Oh, Daddy, I get to be in Miranda’s wedding! She asked me to wear this pretty green dress, which is really pretty, but Sophia gets to wear pink and that’s my favorite color. It is the prettiest.”

“I wasn’t aware you were in her wedding.” There was a hint of something new in his voice.

Connor cut me off before I could speak.

“Apparently, she was just asked today.”

I glanced over my shoulder. Connor was cleaning up the ice cream bowls before getting up from the table. As I drained the meatballs and began to transfer them to the pot full of sauce, I felt Collin’s closeness.

“So…what are we having for dinner this evening?” His breath on the back of my neck caused goose bumps to form on my skin. He moved closer toward my right ear. I bit my lip and tensed up.

“I know what I will be having for dessert.” The tip of his tongue grazed my earlobe.

C
hapter
N
ineteen

ONCE EVERYONE WAS finished with dinner, Victoria and Connor cleared the table while I loaded the dishwasher. Afterwards, I sent Victoria on her way to wash her sauce-covered face.

“He’s not really as stiff as he seems.” I jerked my head to Connor while loading the last dish into the dishwasher.

“I’m sorry?” Confusion filled my words.

“Collin,” he smirked. “He’s not really as cold as he often appears to be.”

I forced a smile but remained silent.
Did he know? Had Collin told him? Or maybe Juliet? Was it obvious?

“He was the only one of our children who was, for the most part, raised by Ilene.” Connor had a small tinge of regret in his voice.

“Oh,” I said, starting to feel uncomfortable with the conversation.

“When Max was born, we hired Juliet, but by that time Ilene had Collin completely…trained.” He furrowed his brow and spoke with a little venom. “I tried to get him into other things,” he sighed, “but I was always so consumed with the hospital that I wasn’t around nearly enough.”

I knew a look of sympathy was painting my features. “Connor, everything will work out fine. Hopefully Allison will come to terms with everything and –”

“You’re good for him and for Victoria.” He chuckled at my shocked expression. “Hell, you might be good for all of us.” After taking a breath, he continued. “My dear, it’s not hard to see the way he is with you, how he has been with you since the very beginning.”

I wrinkled my brow.

“But he was just rigid and mean and –”

Connor shook his head to stop me.

“The way he used to – still does – watch everything you and Victoria do, and his incessant need to constantly correct what you’re doing, his agitation of other men in your presence, et cetera. The hard emotionless man is all a façade. It’s also when he acts most like his mother. You’ve thrown him for a loop.” Connor chuckled again. “Your free spirit and your, how should I put this, your way with words.” I raised an eyebrow at him. He laughed. “You don’t take his shit.”

I smiled sheepishly and looked at the counter. His heavy sigh brought my eyes back to his face.

“Don’t be afraid.” Connor leaned forward, kissed my forehead, and left me alone in the kitchen.

I stood there with my mind churning.

Once upstairs, I checked on Victoria. She was sitting at her desk drawing so I let her be. In my room, I sat down at my desk and fired up the laptop. I was getting to page ninety-eight when a small knock pulled me away from my writing. Victoria stuck her head into the room.

“Hey, you, what’s up?”

“What are you doing?” She plopped onto my couch and looked at me expectantly.

“I was writing. What are you up to?” I closed my laptop and focused on her.

“Nothing,” she shrugged.

Grabbing the remote on my way, I walked over to the couch. I sat down next to her and kicked my feet up on the coffee table. She sat back and leaned into my side. We sat that way and watched television. After a couple of hours, I nudged her side.

“You need to get ready for bed. It’s 9:30, little miss.”

She groaned.

“Come on, get up.” I nudged her again.

“Can’t I just finish this show?” She looked up at me with pleading eyes.

I narrowed my eyes on her. “Fine, but this is it.” We both settled back into our previous comfortable position.

Fifteen minutes later the door to my room opened, and Dr. Bishop entered in his pajamas. I had to admit – blue plaid had never looked so freaking hot.

“Hi, Daddy,” Victoria yawned, still leaning against my side.

“It’s pretty late, don’t you think?” He raised one lick-able eyebrow at her.

“No,” she yawned again. I laughed.

Dr. Bishop stepped over my propped up legs and settled into the couch next to Victoria. “What are we watching?”

Both Victoria and I stared blankly at him.
He was joining us?

“Is someone going to answer me?” His cold demanding tone appeared.
Aha! There’s the Antichrist.
Victoria launched into a long explanation about the entire premise of the show.

After the show ended, it still took a strong effort to get Victoria up off the couch. My first attempt was thwarted when she curled into Dr. Bishop’s side. He froze for a moment but responded by wrapping his arms around her. My second attempt was met with a bottom lip being stuck out, which I easily grabbed onto and began gently tugging, teasing her that I would rip it off.

Finally we made it into her room, settled enough for bed. I read her a quick story before leaving her to slumber.

My bed was empty. My brow wrinkled in confusion, and I assumed he’d decided to go to his room instead of wait on me. As soon as I’d resolved on that conclusion, disappointment set in, but then the bathroom door opened and he stepped out. A large smile spread across his face and he made quick strides to reach me. Instinctively, I took a step back from his fast approach.

His hand reached out and cupped the back of my neck, pulling me to him. When his mouth met mine, he moaned against my lips, never once breaking contact. I heard the door click shut and the sound of the lock being turned.

Leaning back from the kiss, I tried to clear the lusty fog in my head.
There was something I wanted to talk to him about, what the hell was…oh that feels good.

Pulling his face to mine, I nibbled on his bottom lip.

Did I just initiate this? I think I did. Cue internal high five to self.

Our lips molded together, our tongues battled for domination, and our clothes quickly disappeared. The last piece of clothing between us was my underwear.

“Dessert,” he whispered.

There were no more thoughts of talking for the rest of the night.

THE REST OF the week passed by too quickly, and soon I was preparing Victoria for her first supervised visitation. I had to fight back the tears threatening to slip out and swallow the large lump in my throat. The tears were for Victoria and the lump was because of my date with Dr. Bishop.

The clearing of a throat got both Victoria’s and my attention. Dr. Bishop stood in her doorway.

“Are you ready to go?”

Victoria shrugged with her head down. I hugged her and whispered into her ear.

“Remember, the cell phone is in your backpack’s hidden pocket.” She nodded slightly. “If you need anything you just hit one and it will call me. I programmed my number in there and promise to keep my phone with me at all times.”

Pulling back, I kissed her forehead before walking with her to the front door. She hesitantly let go of my hand as Dr. Bishop opened the front door. Before he followed her, he turned around and looked at me.

“Dress casually,” he grinned and his intense eyes stayed on me until the door closed.

Forty minutes and a grueling hair and outfit selection process later, we were in his sleek black car driving through Seattle. We parked in a garage near the Pike Place Market. I loved coming here.

“I hope this is alright.” He shut off the engine and looked over at me.

“It’s perfect.” I opened my door.

I was climbing out when he appeared next to me with a scowl on his face.

“What?”

“I wish you would allow me to get the door for you,” he grumbled lightly and shut my door. “Are men truly that ungentlemanly these days?”

“Sorry,” I murmured.

He offered me his arm and I slipped mine through. “Just don’t let it happen again.” Dr. Bishop planted a kiss to the side of my head and led us out of the parking garage.

We walked down the street for a few minutes before entering one of the market places. The familiar stands were full of colorful fruits and vegetables. I loved coming here. I quickly grabbed a reusable shopping bag and started picking things out.

I had to let go of Dr. Bishop’s arm so he took it upon himself to follow me closely, keeping his hands on me as much as possible without getting in the way. At one point, I turned around and bumped into his chest. He took the opportunity to wrap his arms around me and kiss my forehead.

Looking up, I saw the Market Grill sign. “Let’s go in here.”

We entered the eatery and sat down at a table for two. A petite college girl immediately appeared to take our order. Her eyes lingered on Dr. Bishop for a few long moments before she listed off the specials and handed us a small menu. She took our drink order and then left, giving us time to look over the menu.

“How often do you come to the market?” I sat the closed menu on the edge of the table. Dr. Bishop shifted in his seat.

“Not very often,” he admitted, “but I assumed you would enjoy coming here.” When I didn’t say anything, I saw him shift uncomfortably. “Am I incorrect?”

“No, I like it here.” I smirked a little at him. “The clam chowder is good, and the seafood stew is too.”

“Which are you going to get?”

“The stew,” I answered, folding my arms onto the table and leaning on them.

“Then I’ll get the chowder.” He placed his menu down on mine and the waitress appeared instantly.

“Are you ready?” She set two glasses of ice water down and looked at Dr. Bishop eagerly.

I bit the side of my mouth while he placed the order for both of us. The waitress was quick to hurry off.

“I hope that was alright.” I raised my brow questioningly. “That I ordered for you.”

I shrugged and then half grinned. “Just don’t let it happen again.”

He smiled broadly. “You are quite the smartass, aren’t you?”

“Well, we all need to have a talent.” I shrugged.

“Hmm…I can think of other talents you have.” He leaned forward, elbows on table. Those intense green eyes felt like they were penetrating my skin.

“Where did you learn such table talk?” I playfully scoffed, but then silence fell between us. I wanted to break it before it got uncomfortable.

“How was Victoria?” I asked in a low tone.

“She was nervous and a little scared.” He sighed heavily. “You know I wouldn’t take her if I could get away with it?”

“I know. It’s just hard to see her so upset.”

His hand stretched out across the table in my direction, palm up. I placed my hand in his.

“You’re wonderful with her.”

I smiled small, glancing at the table and our joined hands

“I’m serious.” He squeezed my hand. “I’ve watched her grow since you‘ve been with her. She was always content, and I was fine with that, but now, well, now she has you.”

“Well, she’s a great little girl,” I shrugged. “It’s easy to love her.”

“Hmm,” he silently snorted.

“What?” My brow furrowed.

“Is it wrong to be jealous?” He gave me an amazing crooked grin.

Before I could answer, the waitress came back with our bowls and bread. Our hands separated and I placed my napkin on my lap. We ate in a comfortable silence. As I was finishing my stew, I glanced up at him. He sat back in his chair, watching me.