Chapter 22
Raquel
My chest rises and falls, trying to decide what I should wear. It’s our first official date, and I want to wear something super sexy. He is taking me to some fancy restaurant, and I only have a couple of dresses that will even work for that type of establishment. So the question is: red, black, or purple? Which one would he like better? I take the red one off the hanger and step into it, zipping it up the side, and turning in the mirror. This is the one.
Tessa arrives back in the bedroom carrying a shot glass. “Drink up. It’ll cut the nerves.”
I tilt my head back and take it like a champ. “Thanks, girl. I appreciate you watching Lily for me.”
“You forget that I’m here for you. Plus, I’m sure I’ll need you to babysit for Damon and I once this little munchkin makes their debut into the world.”
Tessa has always been quite forthcoming with the fact she wants more kids, and Damon too. It’s a pleasure to see him around Emily, and how he treats her like his own. For the longest time, I didn’t know that she wasn’t his, but Tessa told me all about his first wife and their struggles.
“I’ll babysit anytime. You know I love kids. I wouldn’t be opposed to more.”
She sits on the bed, while I line my eyes, and then laughs. “Have you guys ever talked about kids before? Like, does he want them?”
Good point. I remember kids coming up in a conversation, and he said he would love a family. I still guard my walls in some respect for that subject though, because I wouldn’t ever want to make another child grow up in separate households. It’s hard enough for Lily. Not that I think Jeremy would ever do to me what he did.
“He wants a family.”
Tessa and I are always having conversations about our lives, and our futures, and that’s one thing that we can agree on. Not the perfect family, but a happy family unit. We want better for our kids than what we had growing up. Our parents were horrible, but we went without a lot, and I never wish that upon my kids.
“Also, I just want to say I told you so. They made you and Jeremy for each other. All other obstacles would move aside, and you guys would get your chance. Not to say more won’t pop up, cause they will, but you guys will get through them.”
Emily and Lily are sitting in the living room playing some blocks game while Tessa helps me get ready. She picks out some black wedges, not too tall but not so short, and hands them to me.
“Comfortable yet sexy. Are you still nervous?” she asks.
“Yes, but in a good way.”
Who isn’t nervous about a first date? The difference is Jeremy and I know each other, and it’s not like it’s a blind date or set up. The chemistry is off the charts. We are both looking for someone to settle down with, and have a family. Our goals are mutual, and that makes this even more exciting. There is no guessing or awkward first date questions because I already know the answers. All we have to do is enjoy each other’s company.
The doorbell rings, and the girls run. “Let Tessa get it, Lily. You don’t open the door for anyone, remember?”
She nods, and Tessa opens the door, and Jeremy steps inside.
“Hey, ladies. He hands all three of them a single rose, and then walks over to me and gives me a tulip. “This one is for you.”
Jeremy is killing it in those black pants and blue button up. The muscles in his arms almost busting out of the shirt. It’s getting hot in here. I fan myself. How did I get so damn lucky to have this man vying for my attention?
Lily walks up to Jeremy and hugs his waist.
“What was that for, sweetie?”
“Sorry about your daddy.”
He hugs her back and lets her get back to playing their game. Tessa winks at me, and I say my goodbyes before heading out to Jeremy’s truck.
“Don’t have too much fun!”
His hand stays on the small of my back until he opens the door for me to get inside and closes it behind me. I don’t know how I’m going to keep myself from jumping his bones tonight. The pants aren’t too tight, but I’m happy to say the outline of his cock is visible, and it’s not helping the situation. Good thing I won’t be able to see that since we will sit at a table. It will keep it out of sight, keeping my dirty mind under wraps.
“I’m glad you could find someone to watch Lily tonight. Do we have a curfew?” he asks, laughing.
“Midnight.”
“That gives me four hours to enjoy the night with you. By the way, don’t be surprised if all the men at the restaurant are staring at you tonight. Hell, I almost pushed you into your bedroom when I walked in.”