That One Day (That One #1.5) (34 page)

Dave followed us to Northampton shortly after we visited my parents. He made it one week in our house. Apparently, he couldn’t deal with overhearing me defiling his sister and with the fact that he had to share a bathroom with way too many people.

“Are you seriously going to propose to Frankie?”

“Yeah, that’s the plan. On her graduation day two weeks from now,” I answer between bites.

“That’s fucking crazy. My little sister marrying my best friend. Sounds like some cheesy romance novel.”

“It just feels right. I can’t really explain it, man. It’s just something that’s been on my mind for a while now. I just hope she’ll say yes.”

“You know my sister, right? Of course she’ll say yes. You’ll be lucky if she doesn’t drag your ass to Las Vegas the same day.” He laughs.

“I’ve put her through a lot,” I reply. “From my disappearing act to Noah’s visit and everything in between.”

“Dude, she forgave you. Let it go. Just make sure you don’t hurt her. If you break her heart, I’ll break your bones.” Dave is still laughing, but I’ve known him long enough to know he isn’t joking. “No one blames you for the shit with your father, and the disappearing act—not the greatest move, but forgivable under the circumstances. What you do from now on though, that’s on you.”

He gives me a questioning look, his eyebrows raised.

“Got it.”

“And you better make sure she goes to grad school. No babies until then.”

Now I’m laughing. The idea of a second kid that soon is ridiculous. It’s been barely six months since I’ve been living the role of a dad. A second kid might be a bit too much to handle.

“I can agree to that.”

Dave nods approvingly before scoffing down the rest of his burger.

“Enough about Frankie and me though. What’s up with you and Viv?” I ask.

“Nothing’s up with us. She’s hot, I’d love to fuck her, but we barely have time to even chat. And she still has her fuck buddy.”

“A fuck buddy can be replaced with a newer, better model.”

“Aww, Ben, you say the sweetest things.” Dave grins. “Dude, I wouldn’t even have to think twice if she suggested it. I’ve been so busy with the move, my two jobs, and looking for the right place to open a bar, I hadn’t really had much time to think about getting any action. I haven’t gotten my dick wet since I got here. I’m lucky if I can squeeze in some porn here and there. It’s seriously not healthy anymore.”

Dave’s parents have cut off his money supply. He also had to pay them back the tuition. He still has the money from the trust fund and whatever he made in investments, but that’s for the bar he wants to open.

He’s been working evenings and nights at a bar, while his day job is at a car wash.

“I told you that you could help me out on my jobs. There is quite a bit of money in it.”

Dave shakes his head. “Man, the only wood I know anything about is morning wood. Not really helpful to your business.”

Nearly snorting my drink out through my nose, I shake my head. “Definitely not the type of wood you’d want to get close to a table saw.” The thought alone makes both of us shudder.

We continue to eat silently for a few bites, until Dave, with his mouth full, speaks up. “Can’t believe you’re proposing to Stinker. Who would’ve thought you two would ever sort your shit out? It started to feel like a never-ending story. So why’d you choose her graduation day as the day to propose?”

I think, trying to find the right words, so I don’t sound like a total sap. “She’s starting a new chapter of her life—getting her BA and starting grad school in the fall. I want her to start this chapter with me—a fresh start without all the fears, questions, and doubts of the past few months.” Yeah, that totally didn’t work out. I sounded like a complete sap. I toss the crumpled napkin onto the food trays.

“I like that idea,” he says, but then grimaces. “Damn, all that romance between you two is turning me into a pansy. I need to get laid. Hopefully once Jay gets here.”

Laughing, I waggle my eyebrows at him. “Why, is Jason gonna give you some sweet lovin’? Wasn’t aware you switched teams.”

His eyes narrow and next thing I know an empty cup is flying at my head. I manage to move aside and it misses me by half an inch, unfortunately hitting the older man sitting behind me. He turns around, scowling at us.

I give him my most apologetic look, while Dave looks sheepishly to the side.

“Sorry, sir. My friend here…” I point to Dave. “…has some anger management issues. He’s in treatment.” The old man turns back around, grumbling something about today’s youth.

“Fuck you,” Dave mouths in my direction.

“I thought that was Jason’s job,” I continue ribbing, but stop when he gears up to throw a bunch of discarded food wrappers.

Walking back to the car, he tells me about his and Jason’s plans for the bar—not for the first time. I can tell he’s really into the planning, which means something. Normally, all Dave is into is girls and their panties. Right now, it’s on him to check out all the potential locations. Once Jason gets here, they can divide the work, which will let Dave to do something besides work and sleep. Mainly, it would allow him to hook up with some chicks.

“Thanks for your help, man,” I say when we get to Dave’s car. “I’m really glad you moved here.”

“Yeah, it’s pretty cool having you, Frankie, and Archer around. The whole gang is awesome, too, and crashing at Mrs. Walsh’s place is a pretty sweet deal. She makes the best pancakes.”

I clap Dave on the shoulder and walk toward my truck, but turn back around.

“Since your parents are douchebags, I suppose I should ask for your blessing,” I half-joke.

“Dude, does that mean I can blackmail you now?” Dave jokes, but then turns serious as he gets in his car, starts the motor, and lowers the window.

Leaning out, he looks up at me. “I couldn’t imagine a better guy for my sister.”

I start to grin and am about to thank him, but he beats me to it to add, “Except maybe Drake.”

Before I can react, he floors it, laughing loudly and ignoring my raised middle finger.

Now I only need to make it through two weeks without Frankie finding the ring or thinking something is up. Because once she thinks something’s off, I’ll have no peace until she knows what’s going on. It’s time to put on my poker face.

Everyone is sitting around the living room as I make my way up the stairs to our room, Frankie’s wooden heart pendant in my hand. I stole it this morning from her nightstand and put the engagement ring inside.

My dad nods. “Good luck, Son.”

I nod back, but don’t say anything. The words are caught in my throat.

My parents flew in to surprise Frankie and to be here when I ask her to marry me. Now they are waiting with everyone else downstairs.

Taking two steps at a time, I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. My throat is suddenly really dry and I have to swallow a couple times.

I know the chances she’ll say no are slim, but until I hear her say yes, there will always be a little doubt in my mind. The past two weeks have been nerve-racking because of that. I was nervous, but couldn’t let on because she would have noticed it within an instant. I ended up working a hell of a lot, hiding out in the shed. To my surprise, it actually worked.

I halt in front of the door, exhaling loudly before I push it open. My anxiety is immediately replaced by amusement and a hint of arousal when I see Frankie in her tight, sexy skirt, head under the bed, and ass in the air.

“Looking for something, babe?” I ask, leaning against the doorframe.

Surprised by my voice, she hits her head crawling out from underneath the bed and then slumps against it, a cute little pout on her pretty face.

She must’ve been unsuccessfully searching for her necklace, which also explains the frustrated vibes she’s sending out. Yet, when Archer climbs up on her lap, she lets him with no worry about her fancy clothes, makeup, or hair. Instead, she gives him her full attention, tickling him until he’s laughing so hard he’s gasping for air.

A big smile lights up her face, and fuck, if it doesn’t make my heart falter. This woman right here in front of me has me wrapped around her little finger without even knowing it. She’s selfless and loving, but doesn’t put up with anyone’s shit. I know she’d do anything for Archer and me, but she isn’t afraid to put both of us in our place. She loves unconditionally—making up for all the shit coming our way with a single smile.

This is it. She is it.

I clear my throat and let her necklace dangle from my hand. “Have you been looking for this?”

I watch with amusement as she sets Archer on the floor carefully, but then catapults herself to where I stand. She’s hectic, attempting to put her necklace on and when I stop her and give her the key to open it, she gives me a withering glare.

I don’t need to read minds to know what’s going on in that head of hers. Before she starts stressing out, I stop her. “We’ll be on time. Now open it.”

I’m fucking nervous. I can feel my pulse racing, can actually feel it pounding away in my neck, while I watch her as she concedes and unlocks the pendant.

Her mouth falls open and her eyes grow big as she looks back and forth between me and the ring. With shaking hands, she takes the ring out.

She looks shocked when I take the ring from her, not once looking away from her face.

Letting me take her hand, she stares up at me, her eyes transfixed on mine.

I see nervousness and excitement in those pretty greens, but also unwavering love. It’s the kind of look I want to see forever.

I’m no fool. I know there will be many times I’ll cause her to look at me less favorably, but not today. Today she looks at me like I’m everything she’ll ever need.

I clear my throat yet again, making sure my voice still works.

“Frankie, we’ve already missed out on so much time together. I left you once, but I can guarantee you this will never happen again. I fucked up that night, but it was just one night. This is the rest of our lives, and I want to prove to you every single day and every single night that you and Archer are everything to me. I want to be the first person you see in the morning and the last person before you fall asleep at night. I want us to experience life together—the good and the bad. We’ve already been through so much and you’ve always been there for me, knowing instinctively what I’ve needed. I will always do my best to look after you and love you the way you deserve—if you’ll have me?”

Funny how my voice quivers, although I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.

I wait for her answer, waiting to put the ring on her finger. Her eyes are swimming with tears when she finally starts nodding excitedly.

Between gentle kisses, she chants, “Yes. Yes. Yes,” and the knot in my chest releases.

I slide the ring on her finger and kiss her—giving it all I have.

“Of course I’ll have you—always and forever,” she pants.

That’s not an invitation I’m going to pass up easily. “Good, how about you have me now. Your ass looks something fierce in this skirt…you bent over under the bed…that just short-circuited half of my brain.”

Even though she protests at first, I know I could convince her otherwise when her body melts into mine. But the moment is quickly interrupted by little feet stepping on mine and a pulling on Frankie’s skirt. Archer is squeezing himself between us with a pout on his face.

Lifting him up, I realize my son is a little cock-blocker, but it’s impossible to be irritated when he looks up at us with his adorable face.

And it gets even cuter when he learns to swear from his mother and starts repeating the words ‘ass’ and ‘fuck,’ making me double over with laughter. I’m laughing so hard I can barely breathe. I need to make sure to catch that on tape because it’s goddamn disarming when a toddler who can barely stand up straight swears like a drunken sailor with a smile on his face.

***

Frankie turns off the lamp in the living room when I walk in, take her by the hand, and lead her toward the backyard.

“Where are we going, Ben?”

“To celebrate your graduation and our engagement—just the two of us,” I whisper back, making sure to not wake anyone in the house. Archer is sleeping with my parents in the guestroom today. Alex and Dean are already in bed. Dave, Jason, and Viv have taken off to a bar to check out the competition. It’s quiet, peaceful, and no one around to interrupt us.

I lead her past the lounging chairs and toward Archer’s treehouse. I’ve put up some tiki torches on the bannister along the balcony, as well as on the ground so we’re not stumbling through the dark.

“Oh, Ben. This is really sweet,” she says, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Leading her up the stairs, I tell her to close her eyes as I lead her into the room. I’ve brought a mattress in here, making it more comfortable with a shitload of cushions and a quilt. I let go of her for a second to light the candles in the room and turn on the music on my phone. There’s also some hot chocolate in a thermos and four of her favorite donuts.

Encircling her waist with my arms, I press her back to me and kiss her earlobe.

“You can open them.”

I watch her take everything in. “Ben, this is so…” She turns around, throwing her arms around my neck and pulling me in for a kiss. Her tongue slides into my mouth, circling with mine and stealing my breath. I pull her closer, cradling her head with my hand as I walk her backwards and guide her down onto the mattress.

“Happy graduation, Frankie,” I mumble into her mouth between kisses, turning us to the side so we’re facing each other. I pull her leg over my hip and her hand goes to my jaw. She runs her fingers lightly over my face.

The breeze flows in through the open windows, making the candle flames flicker and we can hear the sound of cicadas through the night, while Black Label Society’s version of “Ain’t No Sunshine” plays quietly in the background. Everything started with this song and it’s about time it becomes about more than the heartache I caused both of us.

“Ben, this is fucking amazing.” She smiles up at me, her eyes big with wonder, looking around the room. “When did you do all of this?”

I run my hand down her cheek and all the way down the side of her body to her ass, where I grab a handful.

“I had a few helpers this morning,” I answer, kissing her cheek and then moving to her neck, licking and teasing until I feel her squirm against me.

She moans, arching into me and I pull her closer, letting her feel how hard she makes me.

“I really, really like this surprise.” She pants when I slide my hand underneath her blouse and lower the cup of her bra, running my thumb over her nipple. It’s standing at attention already.

Her hand starts roaming my body. She runs it over my chest, my abs, and along the waistband of my jeans. I suck in a breath at her touch.

She sits up and I turn onto my back, watching as she slowly undoes button after button, running her tongue over her lips. Then she shimmies off the mattress and stands up, swaying her hips along to Marilyn Manson’s “Sweet Dreams” while she lets the blouse fall to the floor. Letting her hands explore her own body, she runs them down her neck to her breasts, giving them a gentle squeeze. Continuing down, she moves them to her stomach and lets them disappear behind her back. Still dancing on the spot, I hear the sound of a zipper.

Even in the dim candlelight, I can tell her skin is flushed, shimmering with a fine coat of sweat.

I slide my hand down and push down my jeans and briefs, taking ahold of my cock, jerking it slowly. Her eyes follow the movement with a hungry look. A look that makes my hips buck involuntarily. She bites her lip seductively and never breaking eye contact, lets her skirt fall to the ground. She unhooks her bra and slings it into the corner of the room, grazing her nipples as she moves her hands back down.

Before I know it, her panties slip to the floor and she’s naked before me. I take her in, my gaze roaming up and down her body—a body I have come to know intimately and thoroughly.

I love that she doesn’t hide, that she loves every bit of herself. I want to run my tongue along her curves, across all the hills and valleys of her body. I’ll never get enough of her.

I’m transfixed by her movements when she climbs on top of me, her core against my erection, her wetness coating my cock.

She starts rocking back and forth on top of me and the friction makes my eyes cross. She leans down to kiss me. Wrapping my arms around her, I press her into me and her body molds to mine perfectly.

Our tongues tangle in slow, hungry circles until we both have to come up for air.

She smiles down at me, a devilish sparkle in her green eyes. I grin back, enjoying the view of her moving down my body until she straddles my thighs.

“Either I’m way too naked or you’re way too dressed.” Her voice is husky and low—pure desire and lust. My skin breaks out in goosebumps at the sound of it.

“You can never be too naked, babe.” I groan, while she pulls my shirt over my head and throws it to the side, knocking over the thermos. Shifting her attention back to me, she covers what feels like every inch of my chest with kisses and licks while traveling down toward my waistband. With impressive speed, she moves to the foot of our makeshift bed, taking the rest of my clothes with her, leaving me completely naked.

She kneels back down, her eyes fixed on mine and her tongue licking its way up my inner thigh.

The sensation is fucking crazy. Her hot, wet tongue followed by the coolness of the breeze blowing through the little room.

The air between us is crackling with heat and lust. I hiss when her tongue teases the base of my cock, coming so close, but never touching it.

She licks and kisses my other thigh, nibbling the skin occasionally.

“Babe, today was supposed to be your day.” I pant.

She pauses, her lips poised at the base of my cock and she smiles up at me. “Oh, I’m having the time of my life.” Then without any warning, she flattens her tongue and runs it from the bottom to the top where she circles the head of my twitching cock. I love when she does that and she knows it.

“Condom?” She pants, her voice quivering.

“Jeans. Back pocket.” My answer is half growl, half moan.

When she moves to retrieve the condom, I fist my cock, giving it a few pulls to relieve some of the tension, but it doesn’t bring any relief. Especially not while looking at her. She’s on all fours on the mattress, her perfect ass turned in my direction and high in the air, while she searches my jeans.

Not able to resist, I sit up and run my thumb over her clit, making her moan with pleasure. She leans into my touch, lightly moving her pussy against me. Her body shudders when I run my fingers between her wet folds, circle her entrance, and then plunge two fingers inside.

Her concentration falters and she clenches the material of my jeans in her hand.

“Oh, Ben.”

Her mewls and moans make the urge to bury myself inside of her burn through my veins.

Fumbling with the pocket again, her hips are rocking against the thrusts of my fingers and when I pull them out and run her wetness over her, circling her clit, her moan reverberates through the night.

Turning around, she crawls up to me and straddles my lap.

“Ben, I want you so much,” she whispers, running her tongue along my ear.