Second Time Around (Yvonne's Naughty Story Collection) Read online

  “I mean a big girl. Whenever big girls are around, us kids get ignored.”

  Erica’s heart broke a little. “I promise that today is all about you guys.”

  Ben seemed to relax a little and soon began telling them all about the aviation museum he saw on the television. Erica lost track of the number of different airplanes and their stats. Thankfully it wasn’t long before they reached the children’s museum. William pulled the car into a nearby parking deck. Erica took the backpack as William picked up Arianna and Ben grabbed his free hand.

  Chapter 9

  After the first hour or so, Ben began to warm up to her. He showed her how certain displays worked and explained why he thought they did what they did. Even Arianna stayed with her when Ben had a bathroom emergency that sent William running for the nearest men’s room. They migrated from zone to zone playing until the kids had done virtually everything there was to do. It was then that they made their way through Centennial Park to the CNN Center Food Court.

  “We’ll play in the water after lunch.” Will picked up Ben just before he headed straight into the fountain area. “Now what do you guys want to eat?”

  “Chicken nuggets and French fries!” they yelled in unison.

  “Now how did I know that?” he laughed. Glancing over at Erica, her grin made his bigger. “What about you? What do you want for lunch?”

  “I’m open. If you can’t tell, I’m not a picky eater.”

  Will drew his eyebrows together but didn’t ask the question out loud. Was that a dig at her weight?

  He brushed it off thinking he would ask her about it later. Right now it was time to feed everyone. Erica was great with the kids. They took to her rather quickly. Will knew that Ben had a harder time because of how often he was separated from his mom. He noticed an older couple at another table waving to Arianna who thought it was awesome to smile and show off her pigtails. The elderly woman leaned over placing her wrinkled hand on Erica’s arm. “You have an adorable family my dear.”

  William found the wide-eyed look of panic on Erica’s face mildly amusing.

  She stumbled over her words. “Oh this isn’t, I mean these aren’t my. . .”

  But the old woman wouldn’t listen, “And that one over there.” She gestured to Will, “He’s something special to still look at you like that after two kids. Hold onto him. He’s a keeper.”

  Great, apparently I look like a love sick dog.

  Ben was smarter than he let on. “Are you gonna marry her, Uncle Will?”

  The idea was oddly tempting. He could see waking up to her in bed every morning.

  Erica jumped up. “Of course not, Ben. We’re just friends.”

  Will shook his head and grinned at Ben trying not to let his hurt feelings show. “I think you scared Miss. Erica.”

  The question was pushed to the back of his mind as they cleaned up their table and headed out to Centennial Park. He quickly pulled out the sunscreen to put on the kids. Erica helped put it on Arianna before putting sunscreen on her own arms and legs. Will noticed the white liquid on her back that she hadn’t rubbed in.

  “You have some still not rubbed in.” he pointed to her back.

  Erica pulled her ponytail out of the way. “Can you get it for me?”

  Putting his hands on her soft skin sent flames through his fingertips. The lotion was rubbed in but he couldn’t stop from massaging the skin, kneading it. He leaned closer so that no one else could hear them. “I really enjoyed last night.”

  Erica stiffened. “Me too.” She turned her face towards his. “Are you done? The kids are watching.”

  He wasn’t sure how to take her response. Removing his hands from her shoulders he watched as she ran towards Ben and Arianna sending them scattering into the fountain area. The kids squealed as the cold water shot up from the ground drenching them from the feet up. Will laughed when Erica jumped in with them. Erica leaned over and whispered to Ben a playful grin on her face.

  “Uncle Will, come play. You’ve got to get wet too!” Ben cupped his hands around his mouth in megaphone style.

  Will pulled the backpack on and headed into the water area. He was a few steps into the alternating water shoots when a blast of cold water soaked his butt. Jumping at the sudden intrusion an involuntary yelp left his mouth. Erica and Ben dissolved into laughter. He growled low in his throat causing Ben to put on his best dinosaur face and growl back. Will fought back the smile from his nephew’s response. Most people were scared of his growl, but not Ben. Will held up his hands in surrender.

  “Wow, I need to teach that trick to your opponents.” Erica grinned. “If they feel intimidated then they just need to growl at you like a Tyrannosaurus and you cave. Now that would be an interesting way to win a divorce settlement.”

  “That only works when I do it, Miss. Erica. Uncle Will is an awesome lawyer. He never loses.”

  Erica’s smile faltered. “I’m sure he’s a great lawyer, Ben.”

  Before Will could question her change of mood Arianna let out a scream. “I don’t wanna be wet anymore.” She plopped down in the middle of the fountains and began to cry. When water shot up from under her it only increased her screams and cries. Will scooped her up and walked over to a nearby bench.

  “I think someone’s ready for a nap.” He shifted to pull a towel out from the backpack and wrap her in it.

  Arianna laid her head on his shoulder. “Nu-uh. I just tired of being cold.”

  Will nodded. He was sure it was no less than ninety degrees today but Arianna always had to take things to the drama level. “Okay. So we’ll stay here and let Miss.Erica play with Ben for a little longer.”

  “K.”

  Will held her tight knowing that he was going to be soaked from her wet clothes but as long as Arianna felt safe and warm he would deal with the inconvenience. Moments later he was rewarded with quiet snores and even breathing indicating that Arianna had dropped off into sleep.

  Erica caught his gaze, warming his heart and his body. Her eyes glittered from the sun and the water. She was quickly tackled by Ben sending them both to the ground. He heard her growling like a dinosaur encouraging Ben to join in her fantasy. The other children, perfect strangers to Ben and Erica, joined in with their own dinosaur sounds. There weren’t many women that played like she did. Most certainly none of the women that he had dated since college, women that were too busy worrying about their hair or makeup.

  An electronic chirp came from the backpack. Pulling out the phone he clicked on the text display.

  Family Dinner, tonight 7pm, at the house

  Well his mother was nothing if not to the point. Another squeal from Ben drew his attention away from the phone. The idea of dropping Erica off and spending the night alone with his family sent a ball of steel into his stomach.

  It was then that Ben and Erica chose to head over to the bench. “I was telling Ben he and I should find some ice cream while we all dry off. I don’t want to ruin your car.”

  Will couldn’t help but notice how her t-shirt clung to her curves. Real curves that proved she was a woman and not a child. “I think the car would survive but I’m sure Arianna would appreciate the nap time.” Before he could offer her money, the pair took off. He was just beginning to get worried when they reappeared. Ben was carrying two cones while Erica sported a huge scoop of strawberry ice cream.

  “Ben said that you liked cookie dough ice cream so that’s what we got.”

  Will grinned. Leave it to Ben. “That’s my favorite.”

  Ben was soon seated on one side of him and Erica on the other. Will couldn’t help but smile as Ben raced to eat his ice cream before it melted.

  Turning to Erica, he watched her tongue run over the cold pink treat. “Having fun?” Great Will, that’s all you’ve got?

  “A blast. I don’t believe I’ve ever been here.”

  “You should get out more often.”

  “I spend most of my time buried over my design table. Rich people are rat
her insistent that you not only show up to a meeting on time but that you are able to change things at a moment’s notice.”

  “That’s right. You’re an interior decorator. And by rich people you mean?” God her eyes are so beautiful when she smiles.

  “Doctors, lawyers, CEOs. I’ve even worked on a few high end hotels.”

  “You’ve been at this a while?”

  “It was part-time until my divorce. Then things really took off. Most of that was because my husband wanted me home; cooking and cleaning instead of working. So I waited him out until he told me to quit all together so we could start a family. I was a twenty-something, loving my career. I was sooo not ready for a family.”

  William grinned. “You didn’t say anything about loving your husband.”

  Erica licked the ice cream in between sentences trying to keep it from melting all over her. “Yeah well he didn’t give a flip what I wanted. He only cared about what HE wanted and informed, or should I say whined to, me that if I didn’t do what he wanted then I didn’t really love him. So I told him he was right and that it was over.” She left out the part where she cried her heart out knowing that her ex didn’t love her enough to consider her wants and needs. Or the fact that he sabotaged her birth control. “A woman has a right to her career just as much as a man. This isn’t the 1950’s where every woman has to stay at home and raise kids.”

  Well he wasn’t sure what he expected, but being lectured about women’s rights certainly wasn’t one of the top five. William did notice the ice cream that dripped onto the top of her breasts. The desire to lick it off almost made him forget there were kids around.

  “Well he doesn’t know what he lost.” The uncontrolled desire he felt made him rather uncomfortable. He prided himself on control. “I was wondering if you were busy tonight.”

  “What do you have in mind?” Erica smiled big, pulling Will’s heart even deeper.

  “I actually have dinner plans with my family this evening. It’s a whole big family thing. I’m sure it’s because Arianna and her parents are heading back home tomorrow. It would be nice to have someone there as an ally.”

  Erica looked away at the kids playing in the fountain. “Is Cameron going to be there?”

  “I can’t say for sure. I suppose that would depend on his girlfriend. Although I’m pretty sure Mother would rip him a new one if he didn’t at least make an appearance.” He tried to keep the disappointment from his voice. What happened between you and Cameron?

  “Is my Dad going to be where?” Ben had miraculously tuned in to their conversation.

  Erica’s smile returned. “Uncle Will was inviting me to dinner at your Grandmother’s house. I’m not sure I should go because he said it’s a family dinner.”

  “Oh please come. It will be so much more fun with you there. Uncle Will tries to be fun but Nola gets mad. Maybe if you come then she won’t get mad at you cause you’re a guest. She says we have to always be nice to guests even if we don’t like what they do.”

  “Nola?” Erica shot him a questioning look.

  “Mother hates the word grandma so the kids call her by her first name.”

  “Puh-leeeeeeze, Erica. You have to come.”

  He had to give her credit. She didn’t let her unease show.

  “Okay, I’ll come.”

  Chapter 10

  Erica felt the same butterflies that played football in her stomach when she was interviewing with a new client. So far the dinner had been fairly uneventful. William had introduced her to his mother and father as well as his sister and brother-in-law. The inside of the house had been no less elegant and ostentatious than the outside. It was obvious that the home hadn’t been updated since the older couple moved in. But this wasn’t a job, this was William’s family. All she wanted to do was make a good impression and reflect well on William. She flashed her best “Hire Me” smile that seemed to work on most wealthy women. “Thank you for having me for dinner, Ms. Landers.”

  “Nonsense, Ms. Mayer. The moment William mentioned bringing a woman home I was ecstatic. I don’t believe he’s brought a woman into this house since high school.”

  Erica caught Will’s gaze. He shrugged his shoulders as if to say ‘no big deal’.

  “Then I suppose I should feel honored.” Her grin increased as she saw a bit of red creep up from his collar.

  Glancing around the dining room she couldn’t help but compare his family to her own. Everyone was dressed in what she considered their ‘Sunday Best’. Even the children had bathed and were in new clothes. Ben was wearing a red Polo shirt and khakis while Arianna wore way more frills on her white dress than Erica thought any four year old would be able to bear. If they were at her parent’s house everyone would be wearing whatever they had put on that morning and instead of the children sitting quietly at the table they would be running around playing tag. The older ones would have their heads stuck in their newest handheld video game.

  Will’s younger sister, Maggie, cleared her throat, “So Erica, what do you do for a living?”

  “I’m an interior decorator.”

  “You’re THAT Erica Mayer?” Will’s mother spoke rather loudly. “You just did Elaine Perry’s house?”

  Erica nodded finding herself suddenly unable to swallow the delicious key lime pie.

  “Oh Will you better hold on to her. Elaine’s house is just gorgeous! And Erica I hate to ask but you simply must work your magic on our home.”

  “Mother, don’t you think that’s a bit of a conflict of interest?” Will squeezed her knee as if he sensed her discomfort.

  “Only if you two break up. Oh my God, you’re not going to break up are you? There are always people breaking off relationships and no one ever sticks around.”

  Erica bit the inside of her lip trying to snuff out the laughter that nearly erupted at the horrified look on Ms. Landers’ face.

  “Well, Mother,” the male voice was all too familiar and sent an unpleasant shiver up Erica’s spine, “if people didn’t break up then we would all be out of a job and you would be living on food stamps.”

  “Cameron, darling, where have you been? Poor Ben has been asking for you all evening.” Ms. Landers stood and embraced the younger Landers brother.

  Erica busied herself with what remained of her dessert. She knew for a fact that Ben, who was seated on the other side of William, hadn’t asked about his father once.

  “Well, well, well, it looks like my older brother finally found a woman.”

  Erica could feel the tension from Will’s body. Carefully slipping her hand under the table she grabbed his hand and squeezed.

  “Yes. And from what I understand you two have already met.”

  Erica was sure that Cameron’s smile contained a leer.

  “Ahh, yes, the Stewart case. Such a pity that we couldn’t have reached a more amiable agreement. I really hated how things turned out.”

  You’re just sorry you didn’t get laid. Erica forced a smile, “I suppose things worked out for the best. If things had gone a different way then I probably wouldn’t have met your brother.”

  She felt a tiny surge of satisfaction when she saw Cameron’s smile falter. He opened his mouth to speak.

  Ben jumped in, his voice full of excitement. “Uncle Will and Erica took us to the museum today. We even got to play in the fountain at the park.”

  Cameron didn’t look the least bit interested in having a conversation with his son. Instead he glared at Will, “Don’t think I’m paying to have your car cleaned just because my kid rode in it soaking wet.”

  Will shook his head, “My car is just fine. The kids had a blast.”

  Ben tried again. “The museum was awesome. You could touch everything and you learned how things work.”

  Cameron motioned to a young woman standing just outside the dining room. “I believe it’s just about Benjamin’s bed time. Please see to it that he settles down for the night.”

  Erica’s heart broke at the obvious dismis
sal of the little boy. Ben’s face fell. The excitement drained from him as he realized that his own father couldn’t be bothered. She wanted to scream at the arrogant man seated across from her. What kind of man dismisses their child so easily? Looking at Will, hoping he would stand up for the little boy, she watched the emotions play across his face. He looked as if he was going to say something but the words never came. Ben stood and made his way to his grandmother, kissing her cheek. Will ruffled his hair and gave him a quick hug. Turning towards her, Ben put his hand out.

  “It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss.Erica.”

  Erica looked at his hand hanging in the air then up at the downturned mouth that had been so full of laughter only a few moments ago. She yanked him into an embrace so tight that part of her wondered if he could still breathe. The little arms wrapped around her with more strength than she thought possible.

  “Sweet dreams, Ben. We’ll plan another day to have fun.”

  She was greeted with soft sniffles causing her chest to ache. How often was he shown compassion and understanding?

  “Maybe you could play baseball with me and Uncle Will next time he takes me?” Ben’s voice was so soft she had to strain to hear him.

  “How did you know I can play baseball?”

  Ben grinned. “I just knew it. I guess cause you’re fun like that.”

  Cameron sighed, “Benjamin . . .”

  “Good night Miss. Erica, good night Uncle Will. Good night, everybody.”

  Silence fell over the table as both nannies took Ben and Adrianna up to bed. Will’s hand gripped hers tightly. “You are such an ass, Little Brother. All he wanted to do was share his day with you. Why even have him around if you are just going to ignore him?”

  The elder Landers cleared his throat, “Here now, William. No one outside the Landers’ family is going to raise a grandchild of mine.”

  Erica bit her lower lip until she tasted blood. What the hell is wrong with these people? “I . . .Thank you for dinner this evening but I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask William to take me home.”

  “Oh dear,” Ms. Landers fanned herself with her hand “I do hope my son hasn’t offended you.”