Boss Me (24 page)

We watch with bated breath as Zach bounces the ball naturally. He appears to be studying the distance between his position and the little hoop. Just as he stops bouncing, he turns his attention to Will and me, giving us both huge grins. Then, he takes his position. Zach brings the ball tight against his chest as he zeros in on the target. Then, he bends at the knees and does a little hop as he thrusts the ball at the basket.

“Come on, come on, come on,” I say as we all watch the ball sail towards the hoop.

“He’s got the distance,” Will says. “Come on, buddy!”

The ball hits the rim and bounces straight up. It falls and catches the rim again, sending it back a little and off the backboard. What happens next is something I’ll never, ever forget.

The ball drops through the hoop.

The entire stadium erupts into cheer. We’re talking eardrum-shattering levels that make you instantly want to put your fingers in your ears to dim the noise. But, I don’t. Instead, I start jumping up and down and screaming at the top of my lungs! I don’t even realize what’s happening as my legs carry me weightlessly while Will pulls me out towards center court. Zach meets us halfway, launching himself into Will’s arms, throwing his free arm around my shoulder and pulling me into a three-person hug.

I can’t even tell what the announcer is saying. All I know is that this moment is one of the best of my life. The smiles on Will and Zach’s faces are priceless and pull tautly at my heart causing it to flip and flop wildly in my chest like a fish out of water.

“You did it,” I exclaim as I place a kiss on his forehead.

The man in the suit approaches with a big smile on his face. He pulls Zach back to center court, Will and I follow discreetly behind him. Zach’s smile never falters. The man, who introduces himself as Roy Duncan, presents Zach with a check for five thousand dollars. In addition to the cash, they give him several pieces of fan paraphernalia and two vouchers for a future Belters basketball game. Someone snaps pictures and I make a mental note to ask around about getting copies. When the rigmarole is finally winding down, we are escorted back to our courtside seats, as the players return to the court to warm-up for the second half.

Zach and Will each examine the loot he received, commenting and showing it off to the fans around us. I’m dizzy with the excitement, but more importantly, dizzy from the feelings I have towards the two next to me. The two men I love most in this world are together – laughing and carrying on as if they’ve been friends forever. Or more accurately, like they’ve been father and son forever.

I would never put Nick down as a father. He has always provided for Zach – and me while we were married. I have no intention of ever replacing Nick as Zach’s father, but to see the bond that Zach and Will have formed just about knocks me on my ass. I just hope that if a relationship progresses between Will and me, that Nick doesn’t look at him as a threat. He will never replace Nick. But maybe there’s room for more.

We sit back down in our seats as the third period begins. My mouth is parched from all of the yelling and screaming during the halftime extravaganza, so I politely excuse myself to grab more snacks and use the restroom again.

“Can I get you boys anything?” I ask before vacating my seat.

“Can I have another coke? And maybe one of those long licorice ropes?” Zach asks with sparkling eyes.

“How about a Sprite?” I ask, resulting in a head nod from my son.

“And you, sir?” I ask Will.

“How about one of those Elephant Ears that we’ve seen?” Will asks with a lopsided boyish grin. I laugh and get up, stepping around them and heading towards the aisle.

After using the restroom, I get in line with about a dozen other fans. It takes about fifteen minutes before I’m finally at the front of the line and order two Miller Lites, a Sprite, an Elephant Ear, and a licorice rope. Twenty-nine dollars. Sheesh!

Loaded up with our snacks, I head back towards my stadium entrance. You know how you have those feelings of being watched? Well, I have that feeling. Now. I turn around and glance at the faces amongst the masses, but none register as familiar. So, I eventually turn back around and make my way to our seats.

Will stands up and starts to relieve my arms and hands of our goodies. He doesn’t say a word as he pulls off a big chunk of the elephant ear and hands it to Zach. Zach, who never takes his eyes off the game, shoves it in his mouth, leaving behind a trail of cinnamon and sugar all over one cheek and his lips.

“Thank you,” Will mumbles as he places a kiss on my cheek. I long to turn and let him plant the next one square on my lips.

I look over at the man sitting next to me. His elbows rest comfortably on his long, lean legs as he watches the game. I catch reflections of the shiny hardwood floor in his glasses as he follows the ball from one end of the court to the other. His blue eyes are intense, yet so happy and carefree. While dominating, bad boy Will is a favorite amongst his different personas, casual and content Will might be my favorite.

As if feeling my eyes on him, Will turns and catches me staring. He cracks that half smile where the sexy corner of his lips rises, causing his eyes to wrinkle with laughter. It’s a panty-wetting smile. In fact, I’m probably soaking his surprise as we speak.

Without saying a word, Will leans forward and places a kiss on my lips. We don’t even close our eyes. We just stare at each other for those two amazing seconds before he reluctantly pulls away. But it’s the look in his eyes that has my attention. His eyes reflect adoration. And love. I can see it. I’ve seen that look in the eyes of a man years ago. And it is right here, right now that I want to say it. I want to tell him that I love him.

But I don’t.

Instead, I grab a piece of the elephant ear on the plate in his hand and tear off a decent sized piece. Maybe if I stuff my face full of sugary deep fried dough, I’ll be able to refrain from saying the words I long to say.

A whistle blowing pulls us out of the trance we’re in.

“Look it’s the KissyCam,” Zach says, pointing to the Jumbotron in the center of the arena. Will and I both look up and watch as the camera zooms into couples around the arena, encouraging them to kiss on camera. With each couple’s kiss, the crowd erupts into cheer. We watch and cheer along until the screen is filled with two familiar faces. Mine and Will’s.

Will doesn’t even hesitate. He leans over, laces his fingers through my hair, and lays one on me. It’s earth-shattering. It’s all-consuming. It’s life-altering. It’s the kiss to end all kisses. And promises more to come. I don’t even know when the cameras moved onto the next couple because Will kept kissing me. And I let him.

A throat clearing behind Will finally pulls me out of the clouds. I open my eyes and look over his shoulder to see Zach smiling cheekily at me. “Come on, you two. That’s gross,” he laughs as he shakes his head.

I pull back instantly causing Will to almost lose his balance. “Sorry, buddy. I had to kiss your mom on National TV so we didn’t get booed,” Will says as he turns and sits with his legs straight out in front of him, looking as casual as possible. How is that possible? My skin is tingling with awareness, my nipples are probably poking through my new push-up bra, and my legs are crossed so damn tight to keep the wetness from running down my leg. Yet, Will looks calm and relaxed as he watches the start of the fourth period.

“It’s okay. Even though it’s totally gross, I’m glad you finally kissed her,” Zach says casually as he takes a big bite of his licorice rope.

“Why are you glad?” I ask, not able to contain my curiosity.

“Because he likes you and you like him. Kinda like how I want to kiss Jenna. But don’t worry, Mom. I haven’t kissed Jenna yet,” Zach says with a shrug. I have no response – absolutely nothing comes from my lips - and Will apparently doesn’t either, so we go back to watching the rest of the game.

As the clock winds down the last few seconds of the game, we all stand and cheer. The Belters win ninety-four to eighty-seven. Zach turns and high-fives Will and fans around us. I busy myself by picking up our trash and dumping it in the trash bin that just appeared at the end of our row, while Will loads up his pockets with the goodies Zach won from his center court shot.

When everything is gathered, we jump in with the masses and make our way out of the arena. Will takes my hand in his to keep us from separating while placing his other hand on Zach’s shoulder to steer him through the crowd. Cold air bites us in the face a few moments later as we make our way outside and towards the parking lot.

Traffic moves surprisingly well as we make our way out of the arena, out of St. Charles, and towards Rivers Edge. Zach recaps every moment of the game, including his five thousand dollar winning shot.

“I can’t wait to tell Dad. Can we go put it in the bank on Monday?” He asks from the backseat.

“You can call him in the morning, and we’ll deposit the check in your savings account when the bank opens,” I tell him with a smile towards Will. His smile mirrors mine.

“What do you want for breakfast, Will? Mom makes amazing biscuits and gravy with bacon on the side. It’s my favorite Sunday morning breakfast. Do you like biscuits and gravy?” Zach asks.

Will looks over at me, stumbling on his response.

“Zach, Will isn’t spending the night. He’s just a friend,” I tell him.

“But you kissed. And I’m pretty sure you both liked it even though I think it was a little gross because you’re my mom. Why doesn’t he just stay the night and we’ll have breakfast in the morning?”

And now I seem to stumble on my own response. “That’s not really how it works,” I finally mumble.

“Well, I don’t see why not. He’s spent the night on the couch before when you were sick and he helped you take a shower. I’m sure Will wants some biscuits and gravy, too. Right, Will?” he asks, looking at our driver.

“Yeah, I like biscuits and gravy, buddy,” Will confirms.

“See? So, Will can stay the night and have breakfast with us. And maybe then we can go to the rec center and I can show Jake and Nate my new stuff!”

I’m quiet the rest of the ride to town. Zach fills the silence with more chatter while my mind wonders to every different scenario about Will staying over and waking up for breakfast. Sure, he can sleep on the couch. That’s the easiest and most logical answer. But, if Will is going to be in my house, I want him in my bed.

Eventually, Will pulls into my driveway. Inside the house, I send Zach into his room to change into pajamas.

“I can come up with an excuse about breakfast,” Will says as he stands almost uncomfortably in front of me. His eyes are a deep shade of blue and study my face intently.

“The problem is,” I start, dropping my voice down to just above a whisper, “that I don’t think I want you to make an excuse.”

Will pulls me against his body. The hard planes of his chest and legs cause my heartbeat to flutter and my body to shiver uncontrollably. “Are you saying you want me here for breakfast in the morning?” he asks as he strokes one hand down my back and the other up into my hair.

“I think that’s what I’m saying.”

“You think?”

“I know. I want you to stay tonight. I just don’t know how to process all of this with Zach here,” I confess.

“If you want me to sleep on the couch, I will. Just say the word.”

“I want you to sleep next to me in bed,” I say breathlessly just as his lips descend onto mine. The kiss is light and tender, but the promise of more to come is flashing like a neon sign.

“I want that too. But only if you and Zach are okay with it,” he mumbles against my lips.

“He’s the one who invited you. As much as I might be concerned and slightly uncomfortable with it, the fact that he knows and understands that you staying over is a logical step, then I’m willing to try it.”

“He knows we’re more than friends, Carmen. We’re just waiting on you to catch up,” he says as he places these intoxicating feather-light kisses on the corners of my lips and on my chin.

“I’ve already caught up, William. In my heart, I already know we’re more than friends,” I say.

“What else does your heart say?” he asks as he strokes my neck while placing more of those amazing kisses on my skin.

“I’m…” I start, but am cut off by Zach opening his bedroom door. Will and I pull apart as he walks into the bathroom to brush his teeth.

“I’ll get us some drinks,” Will says as he walks to the kitchen.

Zach meets us in there a few minutes later, ready for bed.

“Good night. I love you,” I tell Zach with a hug.

“Love you, too,” he says before heading over to Will.

“Thanks, Will, for everything. Tonight was the best night of my life,” he says as he throws his arms around Will’s neck. “I love you,” he adds.

Will pulls him tight against him and closes his eyes. “I love you, too, buddy,” he says. I have to turn away from the raw emotions of the moment. That, and so no one sees the tears gathering in my own eyes or the way I struggle to suck air into my lungs.

“See you guys in the morning,” Zach says as he runs off to bed.

I turn around as he turns the corner. My eyes collide with Will’s eyes. There are so many emotions churning there that I almost pull back from the intensity.

Without saying a word, Will sets his glass down on the counter and takes my hand. He flips off the kitchen light, walks over to the front door and verifies that it’s locked, and pulls me toward my bedroom. When the door is securely shut and locked behind me, Will pulls me against his body.

“No talking,” he says hoarsely.

His big hands slide up my sides, pushing my tee up as he goes. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling myself as close as humanly possible without sharing skin. When my shirt is gone, I do the same to him and do away with his jersey. The skin of his chest is hot against my own. Even through the padded bra, I feel his heat. I want more. I need more.

I step back and slowly remove my skinny jeans. Will watches with wide, hungry eyes as I expose my legs, inch by inch. When I have the jeans gone, I stand up, allowing Will to see his surprise for the first time. His eyes are on fire and glow in the dim bedside lamplight as they drop to my panties. He audibly hisses as his eyes drink in my white, lace push-up bra and the white Belters thong. He just looks – more like stares – for long moments as if committing this moment to memory. Memorizing the way I look right now.