Clive turned around to look at his wife, checking that there was nothing like disapproval on her face, before turning back and saying, ‘Kurt, I’ve known you since you were a delightful young boy and, though we still think of you like that in some ways, it’s clear you have since grown into a man. Please be assured that we have no objection.’
Kurt managed a smile in hearing such favorable words, but he knew that the request was completely out of the blue and that was only the half of it.
Turning around to look at Darlene then, Kurt saw that she was still in a state of shock. At best perhaps thinking this was some ploy to outwit Jefferson; at worse she was completely mortified that he was taking such a drastic step.
‘Darlene, I’m sorry this is unprepared and that I have no engagement ring as yet,’ he told her, ‘but, as your father says, I am sincere. I am in love with you and wish to ask for your hand in marriage.’
The wait, between asking for Clive’s blessing and speaking to Darlene had made Kurt nervous. After he had gotten the words out he took a big gasp of air and then realized how scared he was in case it was all too weird and she said ‘no’.
There was a wait… an insufferable wait, during which Kurt sensed Beatrice bristling and dying to cry out to her daughter to say something. Had he put her in an unworkable situation or was the penny just taking so long to drop that he actually meant it?
It happened. The penny dropped.
Darlene’s face softened into a smile and he could read on her features that she knew he meant it.
‘Kurt, I’d love to, you incurable romantic,’ she said and relief washed over him like tidal waters over the driest desert.
There were cheers, hugs and congratulations all round. Clive must have shook his hand a dozen times and all they could say was how beautiful it was that the two families had yet another reason to feel such close bonds.
There was some comment about the fact that Earl and Brenda were not present, but they all agreed that, on the morrow, they would head to Pacific City and bring some joyous news to the poorly father and worried wife.
At some point during the merriment (which the unintroduced neighbor insisted on hanging around for as if a part of) Kurt saw that Jefferson had risen and was skulking off back to his jeep. His walk had the air of a dejected person who had given up on something. If so that was best for him and everyone and, if not, he would be by Darlene’s side through whatever problems she faced.
Before they went inside for refreshments his fiancée linked arms with him and whispered, ‘That was incredible; I had no idea you were in love, I just thought you wanted to sleep with me.’
‘Now what on earth gave you that impression?’ he asked.
So, it was a happy end for the seaman who had found his mermaid after all. Although, as superstitious folk might say, the sea is a cruel mistress.
Exclusive excerpt to hot selling - breaking rules (Older man younger woman romance - 1st 2 chapters only)
I was driving around the curve that overlooked the gorgeous Santa Barbara cliffs when the phone rang in my Escalade, making me roll my bright blue eyes. I didn’t even have to look to know that it was Dad wondering when I was going to be arriving home.
I graduated from college two months ago, and took my time leaving Harvard, attached to the city after living there four years. It was beautiful in Massachusetts and so different than California, but I knew what I was coming home to as I answered on the speaker with a smile. “Hello, Daddy.”
“Hi, Vie. Where are you at?” His voice echoed through the car, filled with love and concern as I silently adored my only parent. Mom left when I was five, presumably for another man if you believed the rumors around town. All I knew is that I never saw her again, though I looked like her with my eyes and chestnut colored curls. I wasn’t as thin as she’d been with my more than generous curves but I embraced them and worked to keep them neat and tidy as opposed to sloppy. I had a penchant for walking and running as well as a little bit of yoga when I had the time.
“I’m just driving in. I should be there in about twenty minutes,” I replied, slowing down for a light.
“I’m glad that you’re coming home, sweetie. I missed you being around the house,” he told me warmly as I smiled. “I am going to grill for dinner and Payne is coming over. He missed you, too.”
I missed Payne more than anything else. Dad’s best friend was forty-five just like him, but he looked a lot younger with his naturally dark hair that he wore cropped close to his head. Payne had dark blue eyes that penetrated a woman and offered all kinds of carnal sin, not that he’d ever directed that towards me. I saw him in action at some of the parties that we had though and Payne had women falling at his feet.
He was gorgeous and had a charisma about him that was hard to find in a man. Even if I weren't obsessed with him, I would have saved myself for Payne. The boys at school were nothing but a lot of awkward pick-up lines and bad kisses that made me want to go no further with them. I had a thing for older men growing up around him my entire life and the crush had set in along with my hormones.
“That sounds great. I can’t wait to see both of you.” I smiled as we kept talking about my drive that I’d spread out over a few days to enjoy the sights, despite Dad’s concerns. I’d graduated Harvard in Law, and I was twenty-four now, an adult. I was careful and kept a watchful eye on my surroundings, having gotten quite addicted to true crime podcasts in the last year or so. I suppose it came with studying law, though I didn’t know if I was going to pursue an actual career as an attorney or something that involved research and more behind the scenes. Dad and Payne both worked for separate firms, and they were both partners in their respective places, being best friends since they met in college.
It seemed only natural for me to follow since Dad was the primary person in my life as well as the fact that Payne made a sexy attorney. I loved when he used to come over after a hard day in the courtroom and talk shop over dinner, looking so confident and making my teenage lust drip out of my pores. I’d pretend that I was studying as I listened to them talk and occasionally peek, memorizing his set jaw and flashing eyes.
I took that to my room that was private in the big house, getting myself off over and over as I played his voice through my head and imagined his mouth between my legs. The idea made me hot, and I shifted in my seat as I felt my skin flushing with desire.
“Dad, I’m home!” I told him as I waited for the tall iron fence to slide open. We lived in Hope Ranch, one of the best areas that was secure and gated since Dad was also a prosecuting attorney. I looked over the brick two-story home that was large for just the two of us, but also luxurious and comfortable. Each of our rooms was the size of a generous master bedroom in addition to the three guest rooms that we had, an office, gym, and den for nights that you wanted to watch some television in something smaller than the spacious living room.
The kitchen was the best feature, in my opinion. It was a chef’s kitchen with upgraded appliances and room to work. I was looking forward to having time to cook real food, bake and just spend time overlooking the gorgeous backyard that offered a pool, spa, generous grilling area, and a table to eat at on the good nights. This was California, so that was often. Glancing out of the window at the sky, I assumed that’s where we would be eating tonight.
I got out of the car as my father stepped out onto the porch with a smile on his handsome face. Dad was young looking like Payne and had dark blonde hair with brown eyes, although I could never view him as I did Payne. It was bad enough that I was lusting after his best friend, something that would never happen in a million years. He stepped over and hugged me tightly as I closed my eyes and thanked God for him. Dad supported everything I did, more than just financially. He was one of my best friends, mostly since I was a good kid and didn’t cause a lot of trouble. I focused on school, kept my grades up and didn’t get caught up in boys like my friends did.
How could I? They’d never compare to Payne.