“Same, Kirb. Same.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Jaylin
* * *
It’s been a long fucking day.
Actually, a long week.
Kirby’s season is in full swing, and he got tickets for me to the first home game. I’m actually really excited to go, not only because I get to go with Jean and Celeste but because I get to see Kirby kick ass live. I have no clue what is happening on the TV since I watch the games with Celeste and Jean and they don’t know anything about it, but it seems super cool. I find him extremely sexy when I see him play on TV. No telling how he’ll make me feel live. Probably over-the-top horny, but I’m ready. Thrilled.
Thankfully, Jean’s dad is doing better, and she’s back to working for Kirby full time. I love how comfortable she makes things for Celeste and Kirby. I know he stresses when he is gone, but Celeste is in such great hands, and I can’t seem to stay away anyway. If I don’t get my daily dose of Celeste, I’m bummed. I think that’s why I can’t wrap my head around the fact that Lilly doesn’t want to be in her life. I absolutely adore Celeste, love her, and she isn’t even my blood. I don’t understand it.
Unfortunately, Lilly didn’t show up for their court date. Kirby was pissed when the judge decided to give Lilly another chance to be in Celeste’s life. He believes a daughter needs her mother, no matter how wonderful the dad is or what she says through text. It’s bullshit in my opinion and in the opinion of everyone else too.
Kirby’s case is the talk of the office, and Feliciana is pissed. She is actually having dinner with the judge tonight, not that I can tell Kirby that, but I’m hopeful she will be able to sway him in Kirby and Celeste’s favor. We’ll see how it goes. Add in the fact that my mom has been riding me hard for dinner with Kirby, and I’m stressed. My dad didn’t get back to town until the middle of the week, so I got out of dinner for that Monday, much to my mother’s and Kirby’s dismay.
He really wants to meet them.
I think he was lying when he said he was falling for me. I think he already fell, and I may have too. Though, neither of us have said it, and I don’t think either of us will until I sleep in his bed overnight. It’s so frustrating. As much as I say I’m trying, I’m not really sure I am. As soon as Celeste goes to bed, Kirby and I make love, and then, after cleaning up, I leave. I am so frustrated with myself, and I know he’s reading into it. I want more, but I don’t know how. Maybe I should just jump right in. What could it hurt?
Could be fun.
I glance at the time and groan loudly. It’s almost eight, and I still haven’t left the office. I won’t be able to go to Kirby’s, which bums me out since I want to see him and Celeste. It’s as if he senses I’m thinking of him, because my phone goes off with his notification sound.
Kirby: Hey. Working?
Me: Yeah, unfortunately. I’m having difficulties with a contract, and I’m trying to find a way around one issue. I’m sorry. I miss you.
Kirby: Don’t apologize. You’ve got to work. I miss you more.
Me: I doubt it. What are you guys doing?
I watch the little text bubble, and when the text comes through, my heart stops dead in my chest.
Kirby: Standing in the lobby, staring at your gorgeous self, holding dinner and Celeste.
My lips curve as I look up, meeting his gaze. He’s carrying a bag from Southern Kitchen, a tray of drinks on the table next to him as Celeste bounces in his arms, opening and closing her palm in my direction. I don’t know why tears burn my eyes as I get up, ignoring my shoes, and walk out of my office. He comes toward me, grinning from ear to ear, looking so damn sexy. He has on a polo shirt with a pair of khaki shorts. His hair is combed to the side, and he hasn’t shaved today, so his jaw is dark with stubble. Celeste is wearing the sweetest little yellow dress with her hair pulled into a stubby pony on top of her head.
I’m overloaded with emotions.
“This is a surprise.”
“Said you were having a rough day, wanted to make it better. Plus, for my own selfish reasons since I miss you.”
I grin as I approach him, kissing him hard on his lips. He presses his nose into mine, and we share a grin. “You’re incredible.”
He kisses me once more before I go to Celeste, kissing her as she squeals happily for me. I take her, hugging her close. “Aren’t you the cutest! Are you surprising me with dinner? This was all your idea, huh?”
She hugs me tightly before babbling something and pressing her open mouth on my cheek. I laugh as I hug her tightly, kissing her sweet little face. “I have crap everywhere in my office. Let’s go to the conference room.”
Kirby grins in agreement, and we head to the conference room. Together, with Celeste babbling cheerfully, we set the table with the amazing dinner he got us. Once we sit down, I dig in, realizing I am starving. “This is so sweet. Thank you, Kirb.”
“Absolutely. How much longer you got?”
I shrug. “I’m nowhere near done, but sitting here with you two, I don’t want to go back.”
He grins. “I don’t want to distract you.”
“Sure, you don’t,” I tease, feeding Celeste a bite of my potatoes.
“Okay. Maybe it was my plan to steal you away.”
“Oh, really? Where are we going?”
He holds my gaze. “A hotel.”
“A hotel?” I ask, confused. “Why?”
“I figured maybe I can trick you into sleeping with me in another bed, and it’ll lead to mine.”
I smile, but I don’t want to tell him that’s not the reason I won’t stay the night with him. Hotels are easy; a man’s bed is a whole other issue. Instead, I say, “That’s not a bad idea.”
“I didn’t think so. I had Aviva pack you a bag, and Jean is swinging by to get Celeste. So, we can head there once you’re done.”
Talk about emotional overload. “Really?”
“Yup. I got us a ritzy suite, with a spa tub in the room so you can relax.”
“Stop it right now. That’s too much,” I protest. “We could just stay at my place.”
He shrugs. “True, but I’ve got to get you into that bed with me so you feel safe. No naughty business at all. Just relaxation and sleep.”
“No naughty business? I don’t believe that.”
“Yeah, that was a lie. But the other stuff is true,” he says, his eyes sparkling as he gazes at me.
“Kirby, you’re doing too much, and I feel like I’m failing you.”
He shakes his head, reaching for my hand. “Never, Jay. I get it. We’ll work through it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. We’ll defeat this together.”
I hold his gaze. “I want that.”
“Good, because we’re moving forward, you and I. Meeting the parents, falling in love. Jay, we’re making a relationship here.”
I wait for the fear, I wait for the need to run, but instead, I just grin. “We are.”
“You and me—and Celeste.”
“And Celeste,” I say, kissing her temple, and she leans into me, nuzzling her nose in my neck.