Reed's Reckoning (29 page)

“Phillip, can I talk to you for a minute?” I poke my head in my boss’s office and he motions me in. It’s been three days since Reed and I had our talk about our living situation. I’ve tried to approach Phillip several times with an idea, but chickened out. Now I am off the next two days and I want him to have time to think about my proposal.

“What’s on your mind?”

“Do you remember earlier in the year when we implemented the work from home policy? Would that be offered to someone in my position?” I hold my breath for his answer. I still don’t know what to do about Katy, but I will worry about that once the job situation is figured out.

“Yes, I guess it would be possible in your current position. But I can’t see it working if you are promoted.”

“Well, that’s another thing. I want to take my name off the contender’s list. Things have changed.”

“I imagine this has something to do with the man in your life?”

I let out a sigh. “Yes.”

“Care to elaborate?”

“You know Reed’s season is about to start and his life is down in Jacksonville. He’s offered to move here but I want to have flexibility. I’m not sure what we will do yet, but working remotely will help.”

“You’d give up the chance at a promotion?”

“I don’t feel that way. I mean, yes, technically I’m withdrawing my name for a chance to move up, but right now I have a lot on my plate and need to do what’s best for my family.”

“I completely understand, I’m disappointed, but I understand. Let’s put in the paperwork next week for you to have a virtual office.”

I leave his office and pack up my things. On my way to the beach house, I think about how we will make this work, but now at least there’s some wiggle room when it comes to our schedules.

One thing that made this decision easier is that this week Katy’s physician cleared her for driving again. He’d like to see her stick to short distances for a few months until she gets used to it again. It’s been over four years since she’s been behind the wheel of a car. But she read through the state driving manuals with updated laws and has a driving test scheduled next week. She’s going to drive my car for a while. Reed does not like this idea and I won’t be a bit surprised if he buys her a new car too.

There’s a welcome party waiting on me when I get to the house. Reed has Davis with him since Amy drove in today. Davis jumps in my arms talking a mile a minute while Amy smothers me in hugs. When I set Davis down, I’m engulfed in two strong arms from behind. Reed kisses a trail down my neckline.

“I missed you.” He murmurs.

“Umm hmm.”

“How was your day?”

“It was great. I have some good news to talk to you about.”

“Me too. Not really great news, but it’s news all the same.”

“Let me change first.”

He lets me go and I find my bag in his bedroom. I throw on some shorts and one of his tee’s and think about his reaction. It never occurred to me to ask about setting up an office in his house. He’s waiting for me by the back door with two solo cups in his hands. Mine is filled with wine and his with beer.

“Mom’s going to watch Davis for us to walk on the beach.” He takes my hand and leads me out. The smell of the salt water and the sand squishing between my toes relaxes me.

“I talked to Phillip today, and he approved for me to work remotely. We’ll iron out the details next week, but it’ll be set up by the time your season starts.”

He stops walking and stands in front of me. “What does this mean?”

“Well, we still need to figure out Davis’s daycare situation and what to do about Katy, but this means I have more flexibility when it comes to our living arrangements. I’ll set up a home office in both our places.”

“Why’d you do this?” he asks quietly.

“I couldn’t stand the thought of you having to commute all the time. Also, I love your house. It will be a big adjustment for Davis, but we’ll get him on some sort of a schedule.”

“Details can come later. This means the fucking world to me.” His lips brush across mine lightly. “So I guess we’re moving in together.”

“That’s usually what sleeping under the same roof means.”

I squeal as he picks me up and spins us around. Wine and beer spill out everywhere but I don’t care. In this moment, I’ve done something for him. I don’t have the kind of money to buy him big elaborate gifts, but making adjustments so we can be together is something I can do.

“Now what did you want to tell me about your day?” His face falls and I know something is wrong.

“Hate to ruin a perfect moment between us, but you need to know.”

I continue to hold onto him and nod my head for him to continue.

“Mom said Cara is going crazy; both in a good and bad way. At first, she was furious with me, saying I treated her like shit when she came over to apologize that night. She stayed that way about a week. Then she went totally opposite. Crying and carrying on about how could she do what she did and not even know she had a nephew. Mom was scared at first that Davis brought up the pain of her miscarriage, but now she thinks Cara truly thought she was doing the right thing.”

“I can’t imagine how your mom must feel to be in the middle.”

“She’s not in the middle. Her feelings are anger and guilt. She’s so mad at Cara for her actions and then what happened afterwards, but she also feels responsible.”

“That’s crazy! Amy didn’t do anything!”

“She thinks she failed Cara as a mother. We never came down hard on her because she was so delicate and we were grieving my dad in our own ways. Cara always craved the need to be liked and accepted, hence, ganging up with Alex Moore and her crew.”

“Well, I disagree and will tell her that.”

“I’m a little worried she’ll show up this weekend.” He says with concern in his voice.

“She wouldn’t.”

“Ari, she calls and texts me every day. The only response I give her is ‘I’m not ready to talk’.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“We have been busy and she’s not really a subject I thought you’d want to talk about. The level of damage she caused is still too fresh in my mind to be civil.”

“You know you can talk to me about anything right?”

He doesn’t answer but nods slightly and grabs my hand. We walk back to the house quietly, each lost in thought. I’m not sure I will ever forgive Cara Matthews. But one thing’s for sure, Reed absolutely has to.

“When’s that woman of yours gonna wise up and dump your ass for a real man?” Bobbie says loud enough for Ari to hear him. She shakes her head smiling and turns back to the woman she’s sitting with.

“Watch it, Bobbie. She’s one hundred percent mine.”

“Don’t see a ring on her finger.” He goads me.

I’m about to reply when there’s a screeching from the back porch, and Sissy and Shani run towards Ari like she is their long lost sister. They embrace and squeal loudly. Lamar and Dwayne come out behind them carrying armloads of shit.

“Fuck, seeing that she is already in with the wives, that ring won’t be far behind.” Bobbie says and I wink, grinning.

I wave to the guys and see several more teammates walk out. Ari wasn’t kidding about her annual Fourth of July party being a big deal. Sophie, Katy, my mom, and her have been cooking and getting ready for days. Luke came over this morning and helped me put up three tents on the beach. He unloaded games and set them up for adults and kids. We already decided we were going to kick ass in corn hole today. Each person that has come in has brought some sort of food and every surface in my kitchen is covered.

Katy invited her book club and they have stayed mostly under the porch. Luke and I both have tried to avoid them since they have wondering hands. One lady felt up my front while commenting on my muscles while another pinched my ass. Ari saw the whole thing and laughed at my horrified expression.

Several of the bank employees are here, and unfortunately, one of them is the receptionist. She’s tried to get my attention in different ways but I am dodging her too. When she took off her cover up and exposed her bright pink thong bikini there were gasps from most of the women. Sophie actually went to talk to her and I heard her say something about a family party and kids present. The woman didn’t cover up but did lie down so her ass wasn’t exposed.

All together with our friend’s kids there were about ten children building sand castles and squirting water guns. A few of the soccer kids are here including Miles. I felt a ping of guilt thinking about taking Davis to my place so much during the fall. I know he’ll miss his best friend, but hopefully he’ll enjoy the other kids he meets.

I watch Ari from a distance and my heart explodes with pride. She is not only beautiful, but also has an aura that people flock to. Her excitement over this party was infectious. Even I wanted to jump out of bed this morning, and get today started. Which is rare because I never want to get out of a bed with Ari in it.

She sees me staring and gives me her million-dollar smile. I do a chin lift to beckon her over and she rolls her eyes. It takes her a few minutes to get to me but I admire her body the whole time. She chose a blue and white striped bikini today with a red sarong draped around her waist. As soon as she came outside with it on this morning, I made plans for getting it off tonight.

“Hey,” she stands in front of me and lays her hands on my chest.

I don’t say anything but pull her to me and press my lips against hers. I lick, nip, and suck on her mouth never letting my tongue go in but assault just her lips. Her nails scratch lightly on my skin, which turns me on even more. Catcalls and shouts erupt around us, and I peck her once more quickly then lift my eyes to hers.

“What was that for?” she asks breathlessly.

“I wanted every fucker here to know you are mine.”

“Really, Reed? Did you just basically piss on me?”

“Not really my thing, but I’ll do it for you.” I shrug.

“You are incredulous. These are our friends and family.”

“Well, maybe that’s true, but I wanted a kiss.”

“Maybe I should be the one worried. What about the group of seventy year olds up on the porch that can’t keep their hands to themselves?” She giggles.

It’s my turn to roll my eyes. “We’re gonna have a talk with Katy tomorrow. Those ladies are ruthless.”

“Daddy, Daddy! Come here! Mister Bobbie is going to teach us to play football and said you had to come!” Davis’s excited voice is the only reason I step away from Ari.

“Matthews man! Get over here and teach your son how this works.” Lamar shouts.

I run over and grab a pee-wee ball I bought specifically for today. We split up into teams and start a game, trying to teach the younger kids, including the girls how to throw, catch, and sprint. My mom comes out with her camera and stands next to Ari taking pictures.

Jack shows up mid-afternoon carrying a huge box of sand toys. Ari greets him with a hug and kiss on the cheek. I watch his eyes rake over her body. When I get to him, I smack him upside the head.

“I saw that you dipshit.”

He rubs the back of his head and smiles, not apologizing. He knows most of my teammates so he goes down to the water to hang out.

Luke motions for me to join him in a game of corn hole with Sophie and Ari. Surprisingly the girls are very good. Unfortunately, each time they make a board they jump up and down and cheer. We’re getting our asses handed to us and a crowd has formed around watching and yelling for their side of choice. Seeing that they are playing much better, the cheering is increasing and I can’t take it anymore. I call a minute and walk straight to Ari. Without saying a word, I untie her sarong from her waist and retie it around her chest.

Her eyes grow large and she scowls at me. “I CANNOT believe you just did that!” she spews.

“Believe it, babe, you were putting on a show and distracting me. Now, you’re completely covered.” I kiss her quickly on the nose and go back to Luke. There are hisses in the crowd and I hear a few whistles as well. Jack reaches over to fist pump me. Then the clapping starts. Someone yells ‘you go girl’ as Luke cusses beside me.

My eyes bulge out of my head when I turn around. Ari and Sophie have removed their cover-ups completely and are standing with their hands on their hips smiling.

“You instigated that shit, now deal with it. I’ll never live it down if I lose to those two. Pull it together and concentrate.” Luke says beside me.

I try, I really do, but in the end, I lose all focus and we end up tying. Ari walks down to the water with Davis and I follow. He runs around in the small waves.

“You do know I will find a way to get you back for that.” I whisper when I catch up to them.

“For what exactly, wearing my bathing suit on the beach?”

“Don’t get smart, you know exactly what you were doing.”

“Nope, I couldn’t let you think you had control back there. You could have easily asked me to tie my wrap—or something else besides acting like a complete caveman.”

Her defiance is sexy and my dick strains against the inside of my shorts. I position her in front of me and poke my hips into her ass so she can feel the hardness. “Angel, are you telling me I’m not in control? That if I slip my fingers into you, you wouldn’t be dripping wet? Or if I got you alone for five minutes, you wouldn’t be screaming my name?” I murmur in her ear and breathe in the smell of her skin, “Because if you are, I’ll take you up on that challenge, right here.”