Page 34 of Twenty-Three Years of Longing

“Of course,” I replied.

“Why? Why did you buy such a large house when you’re not married?” she asked.

That was a fair question. “At first, it was the location. Close enough to school, but not too close that I wouldn’t have any privacy. But I guess if I was honest, it was because I had hoped to have a family someday. When you spoke about Joey and what you were looking for, I realized that is why I had picked this place. I wanted the same for my children. Unfortunately, I don’t have any.” Not that thirty-eight was old, but at a certain point, I might need to accept the fact I might never have any.

“That’s a shame because I think you’d be an amazing father. I saw the way you were with all of the students, and I heard how you talked about my son. You have a lot of love to give,” she said. “Maybe you should keep it in case you need it someday.”

The only person I could imagine myself sharing it with was standing directly in front of me. It was way too soon to be thinking such thoughts, never mind uttering them to her.

“Until then, what do you think? Can you picture living here with Joey?” Could you picture me here with you both? That thought should scare me, but it didn’t. Not as much as her leaving someday and returning to the States. That was one thing I couldn’t do. Being here to help mold the youth and provide them with opportunities that they might not have otherwise was something I swore I would dedicate my life to. Leaving, except for a vacation, was never going to happen.

“Yes. I can see it. And I’d love to rent it from you. I think Joey will be happy here.”

“And how about you?” I asked. “Will you be happy here?” That meant a lot to me because I knew she would sacrifice her own happiness for his.

She nodded. “Orion, it is perfect in every way. What more could I want?”

For me to be part of the deal.

“I guess it’s settled. You have a place to stay. I will pack up my personal belongings and have them out by next weekend.”

Her mouth gaped open. “No. Don’t do that.”

“You want me to stay?” I asked, thinking wishfully.

“That’s not exactly what I meant either. I don’t want you to rush. And there is no reason for you to take all of your personal things out of here, unless you wanted to that is. Joey and I aren’t traveling with much. We have clothing and a few personal items, but that is all. Your things will not be in our way at all,” she said.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“Yes. And if there is anything that you need, or forgot, you can always come by for it. I mean I...I hope that we will still be seeing you,” she stated.

I reached out and with an arm around her waist, I pulled her towards me. “Raya, seeing you is the brightest part of my day.”

“Well, you will know where to find me. At work, or here,” she smiled up at me.

“I prefer here because I can’t do this in your office,” I claimed her lips and kissed her tenderly. It would be so easy to lift her into my arms and carry her to my bedroom. I didn’t think she would protest at all. But I needed to be sure where this was going. No way could I have sex with her and then decide we were better off just as friends. Not fair to either of us. Mostly, her. Reluctantly, I broke the connection and said, “Now, how about that iced coffee you were talking about.”

“You know, I think I need one right now myself,” she replied.

It was going to take something a lot stronger than caffeine to calm the fire in my veins. Iced coffee still sounded horrible, but what the hell, I didn’t care how bad it tasted. I’d drink a hundred cups if it could help me forget how sweet her lips tasted for even one minute.

I heard my front door open, and Mayson’s voice call out. “Hey, what are you doing home so early? How can I steal your dinner if you’re here?” He came into the kitchen and his jaw dropped and a huge grin appeared on his face. “Guess you already have dinner plans. My bad.”

“I was just showing her around,” I said, forgetting that my arm was still around Raya’s waist.

“So, I can see,” he teased.

“It’s not like that. She’s going to be staying here.”

Mayson raised his arms up high into the air and said, “Thank God. Finally, my brother found a woman who can appreciate how boring he is.”

I let out a low growl and said, “She’s staying here with her son. Not with me.”

Mayson turned away from me and asked Raya, “Do you have a husband?” She shook her head and he smiled again. “Ah, then there is still hope.” He waved his hand over his head as he turned and headed out of the kitchen. “You two may resume whatever fun I interrupted.”

His laughter filled the house and could even be heard as he got back into his car.

Looking down at her I said, “I’m really very sorry about that. I will let him know not to stop in again. And, by the way, there is a key to the house. I never use it and no one else has one but me.”

---