Felicia's Fling, page 11
She pulled out of the parking lot and headed to pick up Sam. What was she doing? It was crazy. But ever since she and Nate had begun their “secret affair”, she had found herself more and more drawn to him. And it wasn't just physical. It was more. They had talked on the phone late at night, sometimes for hours. He had told her about his company, how hard it had been at first, persuading people to trust someone so young to handle big jobs. What he hoped to do with it in the months and years to come. She had shared things with him, as well. Sometimes it amazed her all that she had told him. The failure of her marriage, her struggle to pull herself up and get on with her life. He was incredibly easy to talk to.
He had chuckled when she'd confessed about the night she and Jackie had gotten drunk on margaritas and Jackie had persuaded her to have a hot fling. She had blushed when he'd remarked that he owed Jackie even more than he'd first thought.
They had also discovered shared interests. Their mutual love of history, especially the Civil War period, had sparked long, sometimes heated discussions. She learned that he helped coach Little League during the summer, and that he had a black belt in karate, which she had always wanted to learn. And she shared with him her dream of going back to school and getting her master's degree. How she had always wanted to visit Ireland to see her grandmother's hometown. He also loved to travel and had actually visited the Emerald Isle one summer on vacation.
They were discreet, of course. She had demanded discretion, and he had complied. There were no long walks together, no romantic dinners for two. When Samantha was around, they were both very careful not to betray their true relationship.
If Felicia were honest, she would have to admit that it bothered her, the fact that they had to hide things. On more than one occasion, she had actually contemplated what it would be like if they could be just a regular couple in a regular relationship. It shocked her that she would even consider it. She also didn't know how he really felt. He seemed quite content with the way things were going between them. Would he want to spend such a large amount of time talking with her if he wasn’t feeling something more than just a physical attraction? She just didn’t know.
When she arrived at the daycare, Samantha came running as soon as she saw her mother. Felicia picked up Sam and gave her a big hug. "Mommy, Mommy, lookit what I dun."
Samantha held up a piece of construction paper with her handprint on it.
"That's wonderful, Princess. I love it."
"I knew you would."
Felicia smiled. Oh for the confidence of childhood. Samantha didn't doubt for one minute that her mother would love anything that she did. Why couldn't life stay that simple? Why did adults have to make things so damn complicated?
"Are we goin' to the ballgame now?"
"Not until later, baby. We've got to go home first and eat something for supper.”
"An' see Fluffy and Mr. Nate?"
"Yes, sweetheart. And see Fluffy and Nate." She shook her head. Samantha was becoming more and more attached to Nate. Despite the decision that Felicia had made to make sure that her affair with Nate would not impact her daughter at all, Samantha did see Nate practically every day. He was there every afternoon, and he went out of his way to pay attention to Samantha. He had a natural way with her.
When they got home, Samantha rushed to the kitchen to show Nate her picture. Felicia followed a bit more slowly, depositing her papers and purse on the desk in her office. By the time she joined them, Nate had quit working and was admiring the artwork.
“Hi.”
Nate looked up. His blue eyes spoke volumes to her even though he kept his own greeting just as casual. “Hi, Felicia. Did you have a good day?”
“Yes.” She bit her lip and his gaze focused on that movement. He licked his lips and his gaze rose back to hers. Felicia flushed and looked away from him.
“Give me your picture, baby. I’ll put it on the refrigerator. You take Fluffy on upstairs and change out of your school clothes, okay? I laid out your clothes for the ball game this morning. They’re on your bed.”
Samantha grinned. “Yes, ma’am. See ya in a lil bit, Mr. Nate. Come on, Fluffy.” The little girl handed her mother the picture and scooped up the kitten. As soon as they were out of sight, Nate pulled her into his arms. He bent down to bury his face in her neck.
“God, you always smell so good,” he muttered, his arms skimming down her back to align her hips snuggly against his already hard member. He whispered. “I missed you.”
Felicia’s arms curled around his neck. “I missed you, too.”
He kissed his way slowly up her neck. Felicia shivered. When their mouths finally met, she was more than ready. He tasted her slowly, his tongue sliding easily against hers before he raised his head.
“Damn, I needed that.”
Felicia silently agreed, pulling his head back to hers for another lingering kiss before releasing him.
“I’ve got to go help Samantha.”
He nodded. “I know.”
“Are you going to the game tonight?”
“Yeah. I’ll be there.”
“Good. Maybe we’ll see you there.”
“Count on it.”
She walked slowly up the stairs, contemplating her and Nate’s situation. Whatever was going on between them was definitely getting more intense. On both their parts. Having him there when they got home in the afternoon, spending as much spare time with him as possible, it was beginning to feel a whole lot like a relationship instead of an affair.
* * * *
Felicia sat in the bleachers next to Samantha, who was looking cute as a button in royal blue shorts and a white shirt, the school colors. Her hair was in pigtails held in place with matching ribbons. Bill and Meg sat in front of them with Adam, their son. He had surprised them by showing up right before they had left. He had been away at college but had decided to come home for the weekend to go to the game. He was planning on meeting up with some of his buddies from high school afterwards. Needless to say, Meg had been thrilled. As a trainer for the University of Georgia football team, he didn't get to spend much time at home.
“Man, it’s hot,” Meg picked up her program and began fanning herself.
Felicia laughed. “Yeah, not exactly what I was imagining for a football game. I guess I’d forgotten how hot the first few games of the season could be.”
“The weather’s been hot all summer. Damn global warming,” Bill added.
Adam just rolled his eyes and Felicia tried not to laugh.
“Lookit, Mama. The cheerleaders are yellin’ again.”
Samantha had been fascinated by the girls in their short skirts doing all the tumbling and pyramid-building. “Yes, honey. That’s great.”
It was almost halftime, and Felicia still hadn’t seen Nate. Why hadn't he shown up? Maybe she just hadn’t seen him yet. There was a pretty big crowd packed into the stadium. It would be easy to miss him.
She tapped Meg. “I’m going to the concession stand to get something to drink. Anyone else want anything?”
“I’ll come with you,” Adam offered, after Meg and Bill had added their requests.
“Thanks. Meg, is it okay if I leave Sam here with you guys?”
“Sure. Come down here and sit with Aunt Meggie, sweetheart.”
Sam moved to sit between her aunt and uncle while Adam and Felicia made their way down to get the snacks. Surreptitiously, Felicia peered around, trying to spot Nate. Adam slid his arm around her waist to stop her from walking straight into a man who had halted abruptly in front of them.
“Oh, thanks, Adam.”
He grinned. “No problem. Are you looking for someone in particular?”
She flushed. “Er … no … just seeing if I can spot any of my students.”
He nodded. “So how are you enjoying teaching?” He kept his arm against her back to guide her through the crowd. It still surprised her, how tall and manly he looked. The last time she’d seen him, he’d still seemed like a kid to her.
“I love it … so far.”
“That’s great. Mom is really glad that you moved here, you know? She’s been worried about you.”
They’d finally reached the concession stand, and she stepped into line. She glanced over at Adam, who was looking down at her with a serious expression on his face, and then she looked away. A little ashamed of the fact that she had caused her sister such concern. “I know. I’m sorry that I put them through all that mess with Stephen.”
Adam’s hand slid beneath her chin to push her head back up. “You know there’s no need to apologize, Fee. Hell, I’ve probably worried her as much as you with some of my crazy stunts. Maybe more.” He grinned sheepishly. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm glad things seem to be going so well for you. And that you can always count on me for anything you or Sam need."
She smiled up at her nephew and couldn’t resist pulling his head down to place a short peck against his cheek. “You know what? You’ve grown into quite a man, Adam. It seems like just yesterday I was carrying you around piggyback. God, time flies by way too fast. Some girl is going to be very lucky someday.”
He blushed at her comment. The line moved forward, and he pushed her gently. “Come on. Let’s not lose our place.”
*
Nate paid for his ticket and walked into the stadium, his eyes scanning the crowd for Felicia. He finally spotted Meg and Bill with Samantha and walked in their direction.
“Hey, Mr. Nate.” Samantha rose to wave at him eagerly when she saw him approach.
He smiled at her. “Hey, sweetheart. Wow, you look just like one of the cheerleaders.”
Her grin got even bigger. “That’s what my momma said.”
He greeted Bill and Meg before turning back to Sam. “Where is your mom? I thought she’d be here with you.”
“She went to get us some snacks.” Sam pointed in the direction of the concession stand.
“Oh, I see. Well, I’m headed in that direction myself. Maybe I’ll run into her.”
“Okay. You can come and sit with us when you get back.” Samantha blinked up at him with those big eyes so like her mothers. Nate swallowed.
Meg laughed. “I’m sure Mr. Nate is going to sit with his friends, Sam.”
“Oh.” She pouted a bit.
“Sorry, princess. Maybe next time. Tell you what. Maybe later, I could take you down and let you watch the band from the field. If your mama says it's okay, that is.” He looked over at Meg. She nodded and smiled.
Sam clapped her hands together. "Oh, yes, please, Mr. Nate. That would be soooo fun."
“Well, it was good to see you all again.” He shook Bill’s hand and nodded at Meg. “I guess I’d better go grab something to eat before the big rush at halftime.”
“See you later, Mr. Nate.”
“Later, sweetheart.”
Nate made his way toward the concession stand, a grin on his face, eyes scanning for Felicia. He finally spotted her standing in line with some guy. And they looked pretty damn close. The smile on his face faded and his hands clenched as he saw the guy’s hand resting against Felicia’s back. They seemed to be in deep conversation. Who the hell was this bozo?
He became even angrier when he saw the man’s hand tilt Felicia’s face toward him. The whole scene looked too fucking intimate for Nate’s peace of mind. When he saw Felicia reach up to kiss the guy, he couldn’t stop himself from charging over.
“Well, well, what have we here?” He growled the words out.
Felicia jumped slightly, obviously startled by his appearance, but Nate’s attention was focused on the guy she was with. For a moment he wanted to punch his handsome face in, but then the guy’s words penetrated the angry haze in his brain.
“Nate? Damn, it is you. Long time no see.” The man looked a little surprised, but definitely friendly.
“Adam?” Nate felt like a fool. Adam Cross. Adam who was Meg and Bill’s son. Which made him… Good God. He had almost punched Felicia’s nephew.
He glanced sheepishly toward Felicia, who was looking at him with wide, anxious eyes.
“Yeah, man.” Adam held out his hand. After a second, Nate reached out to shake it. “I take it you know Felicia?”
“Uh … yeah … we’ve … met.”
Felicia added. “Nate’s doing the renovations on my house, Adam.”
Adam looked back and forth between the two of them with an intrigued expression on his face. “Oh, really? That’s right. I remember Dad telling me something about it, now that you’ve mentioned it.” The line moved again, and they took a step. They had finally reached the window. Adam pulled Nate to one side to get out of the way while Felicia gave her order. Nate saw her cast a couple of nervous glances toward them, and he winked to reassure her that she had nothing to worry about.
“So what are you doing after the game, Nate? Me and some of the guys are going to meet up at Digger's and shoot some pool. Why don’t you join us? It’s been so long since we’ve all gotten together. Some of the girls will be there as well. Like Emily. And Shell.”
Nate shook his head. “I’d really like to, Adam, but I don’t think so. I’m … ah … seeing someone.”
Adam nodded, a knowing look in his eyes. “Oh, yeah? Is she here?”
Nate chuckled nervously, not daring to glance in Felicia’s direction. “Ah … no. She’s not.”
“Is she from around here? Not Kim Knowles, is it? Weren’t you seeing her the last time I was in town?”
“Good Lord, no. I haven’t seen Kim in ages. It’s not anyone you know. Really.”
“Someone new in town, huh? You’ve made me curious. Is it serious dude? Don’t tell me you’ve finally gone and bit the big one. Not the stud of Holden High.”
Felicia walked up at that moment, and Nate jumped when he heard her ask, “Are you a stud, Nate?”
He could feel his face reddening. “No. Definitely not.”
Adam chuckled as he reached to take the snack tray from Felicia. “What the hell are you talking about? The things I could tell you about this one, Fee. Talk about a player. He was a regular Casanova back in high school.” He winked at Felicia.
“Do tell.” Felicia nailed Nate with a look, and he grinned nervously.
“That was a long time ago, and I’ve grown up a lot since then.” He knew he was sounding annoyed, but he wanted to muzzle Adam. Jeez, great impression he was giving to Felicia. “We’re not in high school anymore.”
“Maybe not, but I bet you’ve still got the women chasing after you, same as always. Don’t you?” Adam continued to rag him.
“Ahh…”
“Come on, Nate. Fess up. Are the women still chasing you?” Felicia’s voice was tart and her eyes narrowed on him. He struggled to find a way out of the dangerous waters he suddenly found himself in.
“No. I mean … well … hell. Just because they chase, doesn’t mean I let them catch me.”
Adam gave him a disbelieving look. “Hell, you were just telling me about this new honey you've got.”
"I didn't say anything like that. I just said I was seeing someone. Jeez." His head was starting to ache, and he was beginning to wish he had punched Adam.
Felicia must have realized he was getting pissed because she changed the subject, thank God. “So, I didn’t realize that you two were in school together.” Nate could see the ramifications of that fact churning through her brain.
Adam nodded. “Yeah. I was a lowly freshman when Nate here was the big shot senior.”
“Oh, really?” She didn’t look happy at the news.
“Yep. In fact, I was just trying to talk Nate into coming with me after the game to meet up with some of the people we went to school with. But apparently he’s on a pretty tight leash.” Adam waggled his eyebrows suggestively.
Nate saw Felicia blush and almost laughed now that she was in the hot seat, so to speak, instead of him.
“Well, I’m sure that’s Nate’s business. Right Adam?” She reached over and grabbed a drink from the tray and took a big swallow.
“I guess.” Her nephew’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “I’d just like to get a look at whoever has Nate so flustered. I’ve never seen him so closemouthed about a woman before. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was serious about this one.”
Felicia almost spewed out the cola she’d just drunk. Nate’s own eyes widened at Adam’s perceptiveness. He’d already picked up on something that Nate had only recently admitted to himself. He was serious about Felicia.
He reached out to pound her on the back as she seemed to be about to choke on her drink. “You okay, Felicia?”
“Yeah, Aunt Fee. Everything all right?”
She choked out a response. “Fine. I’m fine. Nate you can quit hitting me now.” She shot him a venomous look, and he smiled. His hard pounding turned into a soft rubbing, and he detected the slight shiver that she couldn’t quite conceal. Their eyes met, and he saw the banked desire in hers. She licked her lips, and Nate’s gaze zeroed in on that movement. That quick, he was aroused.
He forgot where they were, who they were with, everything except his need to cover those lips with his. When Adam spoke, Nate was jerked back to reality. He turned to look at his friend, and Nate thought he detected a slight hint of suspicion in Adam’s friendly gaze. Then it was gone, and Nate decided his own guilty conscience had made him see something that wasn’t there.
“Oh, ah … I guess we need to get these things back to Meg and the others.”
Adam agreed. “Yep. Little Miss Samantha will be wanting her snackie.”
Nate laughed. “She can be a bossy boots, can’t she?”
Adam just rolled his eyes. “You are right about that one. She’s sooo much like her mother.”
Felicia playfully slapped Adam’s arm. “Not nice, Adam.”
"By the way, I told her I would take her down on the sidelines to watch the band, if it's all right with you. My uncle is the assistant coach, so it'll be fine." Nate remembered his promise to Samantha.
Felicia looked at him questioningly. "You don't have to do that, Nate."
