“Well, dear, it took a little longer than I was hoping for, but I’m glad to finally see you.”
I noticed Hank’s head pull back in shock as he stared at Grandma Miller. I stared at her too, confused as all hell.
My grandma took a step closer, and I watched as she embraced you as though she’d known you for years, rather than just meeting.
“You’re my ticket to finally getting a granddaughter. If he gives you any trouble, you just let me know.” She released her hold on you and patted my forearm a couple of times. “He was raised to know how to treat a woman. His mom made sure of that.”
Your smile was shy. I noted how quickly it grew, making it sincere and fuller. “He’s great.”
“Yes, but you, my dear, deserve spectacular.” She looked at me as she said the words, as if scolding me.
“He’s pretty spectacular. To an astonishing level in fact.”
My grandma nodded a couple of times, and then her hand patted my arm again, this time with more affection. “I’m glad to hear that. How are you doing dear? How’s Zeus?”
I was still trying to catch up to the fact that my grandma wasn’t berating you like I’d been dreading, and hearing her say Zeus made my head spin even faster. I started wondering how in the hell she knew about Zeus, and what all my mother had been telling her, barely catching your response.
“He’s doing really good. He likes the cooler weather.”
“I’m sure he does,” my grandma replied with a nod.
“I won’t make it for Thanksgiving this year, but I’ll see you both for Christmas.” Both, as in you and me. I don’t know why I ever doubted for a second that she wouldn’t love you, but I was still confused as all hell. “I’m so glad that you came, dear. This means so much to all of us.”
“Oh, I’m really flattered to be able to share this with you all.”
“I have to go. Edna will be looking for me, but I’ll see you kids tomorrow. Sarah,” she said with a nod, finally acknowledging her.
As she backed away, our necks snapped to you. Your eyebrows rose and your fingers trailed the sides of your dress, momentarily distracting me as the desire to run my hands over the same planes consumed me.
“How in the hell did you do that?” Sarah shrieked in a whisper.
“Do what?”
“She loves you!” she said accusingly.
You shrugged nonchalantly. “I’ve known her for years.”
My attention snapped from your hips. “Years?”
I was dumbfounded when you nodded. “The summer you guys moved in, Mr. Janes had broken his ankle and they had that spaniel, Sandy. I would go over and walk her, or go with Mrs. Janes to walk her, and your grandma started joining us.” You shrugged again. “She usually comes over and walks Zeus with me now when she visits.”
“You walk with my grandma?” I asked incredulously.
“Oh my God, you’re like Mother Theresa,” Sarah said, dropping her head back. “Please tell me that she has at least one fault.”
Your smile was in place, but I could tell you were uncomfortable because you were biting the inside of your cheek. “I have plenty. Really, it’s not a big deal,” you insisted, moving your hands over your waist again. “In fact, if you’d like to know how saintly I am, I was walking Sandy as a punishment because I had adopted the f-word that summer.”
Hank released a howl of laughter and reached forward to wrap you in an aggressive hug. “I like you.”
Your hands dropped to your sides, and your eyes warmed, but your head shook as you laughed. You were getting ready to reply but Sarah started waving and elbowed me in the side. “Kiefer’s coming. You guys should run while you can.”
I pressed a swift kiss to Sarah’s cheek in thanks, and whisked you away before you had the chance to object.
We joined my mom, taking a seat beside Uncle Lenny. I introduced you two, and my uncle didn’t hesitate before he began asking you questions about school and your interests as my mom stood up and was replaced by a couple of people that I felt like I should know, but couldn’t place.
You were rubbing the white tablecloth between your thumb and forefinger that were painted a pale pink. My eyes watched for several seconds before taking into account that the fabric nearly covered your entire lap with how you were seated so close to the edge of your seat. My first thoughts of seeking retribution grew. You’d probably knee me in the balls to know I was initially considering your reaction to me reaching up your dress and watching you try to fight the pleasure I knew how to find so easily, because I’d become so attuned to your body. Obviously, I didn’t. It would have been hot, I’m sure of that, even now, but I could see you being completely mortified and pissed off. That put a stop to that daydream, but not to my excitement.
Instead, I scooted my own chair closer to the table, ensuring that the long tablecloth was draped over my lap as well. You were oblivious to my movements, discussing your dad’s medical profession with my uncle, something you did with pride. I reached over and grasped your hand in mine, and you released the tablecloth, allowing me to move your hand without the slightest hint of objection.
I held the back of your fingers within mine, bringing your hand under the tablecloth and against my erection.
“Ye-yeah, ye-yes.” I had to fight my grin as you stumbled over the simple reply to a question I wasn’t even aware of. Your cheeks were tinged red with a hint of embarrassment.
I was sort of being a dick, I wasn’t trying to embarrass you, but your words continued to be rushed as you tried to pull away without making it too apparent. You couldn’t though. I had my hand on the back of yours, keeping it firmly mounted in place. Eventually, I felt your arm muscles slowly relax in defeat as you started discussing how long you’ve known my family. This is where I screwed myself, I laughed. You glanced at me from the corner of your eye and I lifted an eyebrow to see if you were ready to give up.
You turned your full attention back to my uncle Larry, and I was about to release your hand and start plotting my next move when your fingers constricted and your hand pressed more firmly against me, making me sit up straighter.
“… isn’t that right, Max?”
I looked to Uncle Lenny, who was waiting for a response, and felt your hand slide over me again, applying a little more pressure before it lessened and then increased again.
Son of a bitch. I was a stupid son of a bitch.
I swallowed, my heart racing with anticipation and desire. My muscles were taut, and for the life of me I couldn’t recall what in the hell he’d asked me, let alone formulate a response.
“Yes, he’s very glad to be back in California, although he does miss some of the aspects of living in Alaska.” As you supplied the answer for me, your hand stopped and my muscles clenched even tighter with relief and frustration.
I cleared my throat and nodded in agreement. “Yes. I’m definitely happy to be back. Life’s been full of surprises for me lately.” I gripped the glass of ice water in front of me. “Some of them shock the hell out of me.”
My uncle laughed and then stood up. “Well, Ace, it was a pleasure meeting you. I hope I get to see some more of you before you guys head home.”
I tried to focus on the next few words you guys exchanged, but couldn’t. Your hand had moved to my thigh, a safe distance from where I wanted it to be, but it caused a whirlwind of distracting thoughts.
You leaned closer to me, the scent of your perfume and hair adding to the mixture of desire, and whispered, “Where’s your game face, Miller?”
I’m pretty sure you were trying to kill me.
I wanted to groan and move your hand back to my lap. Instead, I did the only thing I could in a crowded room, I leaned forward and crushed my lips to yours.
You were smiling when you pulled back. I wasn’t ready to stop, I’d barely started, but hearing Hank’s familiar voice brought me back to the situation at hand and I released a deep sigh. “I think I’m winning.” Your smile grew, your little dimple becoming more prominent, with you revealing my smile.