Chapter 12

Twelve

Finn

I waited for Aria to make her way to the steps and then took a few seconds to get myself together. I’d been propositioned many times after gigs, but I’d never done anything like that. I’d never fucked anyone in a public place.

When Jacob showed me the bar, he said that it wasn’t used unless there was a VIP staying overnight, and there were no video cameras because they wanted their privacy. It was the perfect place to take Aria.

I hadn’t meant for it to go that far. I’d only wanted to get more time with her. I wanted her to see the town like I did, the buildings with the harbor in the distance. The boats bobbing on the water. When she’d wanted to look at the stars, she’d unknowingly pressed her tits against my chest, and all reason flew from my body.

I needed to touch her. Kiss her. I wanted to feel her. It was like nothing I’d ever experienced before.

She didn’t strike me as the kind of girl who let go, and I was honored she’d done it with me.

After I’d steadied my breathing and straightened my clothes, I followed her out. I had no intention of going back into that ballroom, and I didn’t envy Aria, who needed to get back to work. Instead, I drove home, anxious to be alone with my thoughts.

I couldn’t regret what happened because it had been the best sex of my life. I didn’t indulge that often anymore, but when I did, it was with someone I had no connection to. Someone I met at a bar or on a dating app, not someone I’d developed a relationship with.

My chest ached with the knowledge that it had been different with Aria. I couldn’t resist her.

At home, I chucked off my clothes and slid into the shower, my cock already hard with the memory of her pussy spasming around my aching cock.

I gripped it, needing the release, and lost myself in the memory of my cock inside her, so warm and tight. I remembered her gasps and moans, her fingers tangling in my hair. It had been everything, and I still wanted more.

I came hard, but afterward, I didn’t feel sated. I still ached for more. It was crazy, but I wanted her.

I didn’t bother to dry my skin, opting to slide between the cool sheets naked, wishing Aria was next to me. I wanted to feel her naked skin against mine. That was my only regret: that we hadn’t had the time to explore each other’s bodies. I wanted to get familiar with the dips and valleys, the feel of her skin, and the press of her mouth on my cock.

Being with her did nothing to sate the beast inside me, and I’d never wanted someone like this. I had a feeling each time would only leave me wanting more, but I wasn’t going to fight it. If she wanted me, I’d take whatever she offered.

But I knew Aria. She was a good girl. The rule follower. She wouldn’t let go with me a second time. There was zero chance she felt like I did right now, unsatisfied and ready for more.

She was probably mired in guilt over what we’d done. Or worried that we’d get caught. I pulled out my phone, debating whether I should let her know there weren’t any cameras. I didn’t want her to worry, but at the same time, I wanted to tell her in person. I wanted to see the look on her face when she remembered what we’d done.

Tomorrow, I’d go back to being just a dad. Tonight, I’d felt freer than I had since Naomi told me she was pregnant. There was a tiny pinprick of hope in my heart, whispering that I could have Aria if I wanted her.

But I pushed back from that thought. I held on to what I already knew. Relationships didn’t last. They always ended in heartache. Paisley didn’t need that turmoil in her life. I’d vowed never to put her through what Ireland and I had experienced.

And that meant no dating around my daughter, no bringing anyone home, and above all, no feelings for anyone else. It wouldn’t last, and she didn’t need to get attached to someone and lose them. I pushed back on the idea that Paisley was already attached to Aria as her caretaker.

How could she resist when Aria was who she was? Her passion for life and her art was this energy that vibrated around her body, drawing everyone in. She made me think that anything was possible.

Hopes and dreams were futile. I’d decided a long time ago not to wonder what would have happened if I’d pursued performing as a full-time job. I was content to be a teacher. Performing at local bars and weddings was enough.

What I wanted was another story. I fell asleep and into a dream where Aria’s lips were ghosting over my skin, her hands touching and stroking. She drifted down my torso, over my abs, and lower. I lifted my hips, somehow knowing she wasn’t really here. This was a dream. One I never wanted to wake up from. And when her mouth closed around my cock, I reveled in the sensation. That Aria was naked in my bed, sucking my dick and making me come alive.

I startled awake right before my release, hard as a rock and aching for her. I immediately threw off the sheet and gripped the base of my cock and squeezed. What had Aria done to me? She’d made me addicted to her. She was the worst kind of seductress, drawing me in without even trying.

It didn’t take me long to stroke myself to release, my cum spurting over my abs, heating my skin. I sighed and closed my eyes, knowing that it wasn’t enough. I needed Aria in my bed. I had no idea how I’d make it happen. But I needed to convince her that sex was enough.

With that ridiculous plan, I got out of bed and jumped in the shower to clean off. I wanted to plan the perfect day for Paisley. After showering, I ate a quick breakfast while scrolling online for local activities.

My finger hovered over a free event at a local baseball park. There wasn’t a game because it was off-season, but there would be free food, games, and prizes. It sounded like a good time, and you didn’t have to be into baseball to enjoy it.

I normally invited Ireland along because she wanted to spend as much time with Paisley as possible, but she was living with Aria. Should I invite them both?

I decided to leave the decision up to Paisley, but I had a fairly good idea of what she was going to say.

I texted Naomi to say I was on my way, then got into my SUV for the short ride to her house. Everything we did, even buying houses in the same school district, was for our daughter.

I knocked on Naomi’s door and waited for the familiar skid of Paisley’s stockinged feet on the wood floors. Then the door flew open. “Daddy!”

I dipped my knees, bracing myself for her to fly into my arms. Her arms wrapped around my neck, and I straightened, her legs around my hips. I closed my eyes. Everything was right in the world when I was holding her.

She kissed my face all over because I teased her about not liking kisses. I ducked and tried to evade her, but I loved that she was so affectionate.

“How was the wedding last night?” Naomi asked when she appeared in the doorway.

Paisley stopped kissing me and hugged me tighter. Closing the door behind us, I followed Naomi into the kitchen. “It was good. Typical wedding in a church and reception in a hotel ballroom.”

Naomi rolled her eyes. “Can’t people be any more imaginative?”

“Lily’s Rose Farm is a great location. You guys should think about it for your wedding.” When Chris came into the kitchen, I said, “I hear congratulations are in order.”

He shook my outstretched hand. “Thanks.”

“You set a date yet? I want to make sure I’m not working that weekend if you need me to watch Paisley.”

“Not yet. We can’t decide on a venue. Naomi wants to drive out to Chesapeake Bay Resort and see how it is. I guess it’s an all-inclusive deal, and she likes that.”

The owner of Chesapeake Bay Resort was Silas Sharpe, and his all-inclusive weddings were a competitor for Gia’s wedding planning business. If a bride wanted that venue, then Gia couldn’t represent her.

“The thought of planning a wedding is overwhelming. I mean, I already have a kid. I don’t need all the pomp and circumstance,” Naomi said.

Chris pulled her close. “What if I want the pomp?”

Naomi snorted. “It’s my day, remember?”

“I have higher hopes for the couples that plan their day together.” When it was just the bride and her mother at the meetings, I wondered if she was just in it for the wedding.

Naomi turned her amused gaze on me. “That’s a low bar for you. I didn’t know you had any hope for newlyweds.”

“I mean, statistically, some relationships survive the test of time.” My thoughts on that were that they stayed together because it was easier than going through a divorce. But no one needed to hear my opinion on the matter. Especially not Naomi and Chris, who were newly engaged.

Naomi smiled and patted my arm. “So generous of you. I’m going to help Paisley finish packing.”

“Take your time.” I enjoyed hanging out with Naomi and Chris. I was happy for them, even if I didn’t think I’d ever have what they did.

Chris rinsed the breakfast dishes in the sink and nodded toward the casserole dish on the counter. “You want the leftovers? It’s a pancake cake, I guess you could say.”

“I ate already, but thanks.” They frequently invited me to eat meals with them. It was a great way to show Paisley we were one big family, and I truly enjoyed their company. Chris was a good guy, and he would be a great stepfather to Paisley.

He placed the last dish in the washer and turned around to lean against the cupboard. “Have you been in a relationship?”

I shrugged. “Naomi and I were in a relationship before we found out she was pregnant.” Looking back, we were more like friends who fooled around. I didn’t have any deep feelings for Naomi. I think that’s why we got along so well now.

“How do you know it won’t work out for you if you don’t try?”

My throat felt a little tight. “I guess it’s a form of self-preservation not to put myself out there. If I don’t, I’ll never find out. I won’t get hurt.”

“That makes sense. But what if you miss out on something great?”

A flash of Aria’s face when she was trying to show me the constellations came to mind. She was literally on fire when she talked about something she was passionate about, and I couldn’t look away from her. “That’s a possibility.”

“One you’re willing to make?” he asked as he swiped a dirty washcloth off the counter and threw it into the laundry room off the kitchen.

I shook my head. “I have Paisley, Ireland, and you guys. I’m content.”

“But are you happy?”

When I thought about spending the day and week with Paisley, I was. “I think so.”

“I have to say, I’ve never been happier than the day I met Naomi. I just knew she was different, that she was a girl I could love.”

Did I feel that way about Aria?

Paisley bounded down the steps with her backpack on her back.

“She’s all set,” Naomi said to me, giving Paisley a big hug. “You be good.”

Paisley rolled her eyes. “I’m always good.” And everyone laughed.

As we left to get in the car, Chris hung back, and just as I was about to get into the SUV, he said, “Think about what I said.”

And because I respected him so much, I said, “I will.”

And I meant it because, for the first time, I’d met someone who could change everything. My thoughts about relationships, my outlook on the world.

The devil on my shoulder said I’d lose Aria as a friend and a sitter if I pursued her, but the selfish part of me wondered if I could have Aria both in my bed and as my employee.

“What are we doing today?” Paisley asked, and I knew she was working up to ask me about a playdate. Before she could, I said, “There’s this cool event at the baseball stadium. Free food and games.”

Her eyes widened. “Can we invite Ireland?”

“Of course. Should we invite Aria too? She’s her roommate.”

“Yes!”

I smiled, amused at her response because I knew that’s what she’d say. I called Ireland on the way to her house. “What are you up to, sis?”

“Hanging out with my favorite niece, obviously.” Paisley whooped in the background.

I pretended to be offended. “Hey! What about me?”

Ireland sighed. “I guess you can come, too. We need someone to pay for everything. Right, Pais?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Then I shouldn’t tell you this is a free event.”

“What are we doing?” Ireland asked.

I described the fun fest as I pulled to the curb in front of her apartment. “We’re coming up.”

“Ah! You’re here already? I’m not ready.”

“Get ready, sis. Paisley waits for no one.” I got out and waited on the curb for Paisley to climb out.

On the way up the stairs to Ireland’s apartment, I wondered if Aria told Ireland what happened between us. She was a private person, so I didn’t think so. But the thought still had my heart picking up the pace in my chest.

I knocked on the door, and Aria opened it.

“Aria,” Paisley called as she entered the apartment. “Are you coming with us?”

Aria’s eyes were a little confused as she looked to me for help.

“We’re taking Ireland to a minor league baseball stadium. There’s no baseball game because it’s out of season, but they’re having food and carnival games. I packed our gloves in case we want to play catch on the field.”

“We can do that?” Paisley asked.

“I think so,” I said to Paisley. And to Aria, I said, “So, what do you say? Want to join us?”

“Um. I was going to—”

I saw Aria searching for an excuse when Paisley said, “Please?”

I smiled because there was no chance Aria could resist her.

Paisley folded her hands together in prayer. “It will be so much fun.”

“Don’t you think you’re laying it on a little thick?” I teased Paisley.

Ireland wandered in. “What are we talking about?”

“Paisley asked Aria to join us,” I said, hugging her.

“You said you didn’t have anything planned today.”

Aria’s shoulders fell. “That’s true.”

“Then grab your stuff. You got a glove?” I asked, curious if she’d played a sport.

Aria bit her lip, and I realized my mistake. It was likely her parents hadn’t been able to afford sports equipment or the activity fees. “No worries. We’ll get you one for next time, or you can use mine.”

Aria nodded. “Thank you.”

“No problem. We’re just glad you can join us.” There was nothing better than a family day out. I loved spending time with Paisley and Ireland, and I was looking forward to seeing Aria today.

We piled into my SUV since it had three rows, Ireland in the front and Aria and Paisley in the middle row. Aria asked Paisley questions about her week at her mother’s.

“It’s a perfect day to spend outside,” Ireland said to me.

It was sunny and cool, a light jacket kind of day. My favorite kind. “Great company too.”

Aria’s eyes met mine in the rearview mirror, and I wondered if she was thinking about what happened last night. How it felt when I was inside her.

I ripped my gaze away from her and drew in a deep breath. Thinking about our time together wasn’t a good idea, not when we weren’t alone, and I couldn’t act on what I was feeling.