Page 23 of Too Close To Call

They had come over this afternoon and we’d spent all afternoon playing in the water and walking up and down the beach collecting shells. I’d even dug some sand toys out of my storage shed and we’d built a grade A mermaid sand castle. Daisy decorated it with the best shells she’d found on our walks.

My blood heats when I think about the bathing suit Tori wore. She probably chose it thinking it was simple and demure. The way the orange one-piece fit her curves was anything but demure. I’d been happy to play in the frigid water to hide the hard-on I’d been sporting most of the afternoon.

Near dusk, I’d fired up the grill and we chowed down on cow burgers on the deck after Daisy and Tori showered and changed clothes. Now she’s in a pair of denim cutoffs and a vintage racing t-shirt. She pulled her long, dark hair up into a ponytail and the ends curl wildly and caress her face when she turns her head. There’s not a speck of makeup on her face, only the glow from spending the afternoon in the sun, and she looks incredible. I’ve seen this woman in designer gowns on the arm of her father for openings, premieres and awards ceremonies, and galas, but tonight she takes my breath away. I want her just as much if not more than I ever have.

I was stupid to have invited them over. I should stay as far away from the pair as I can get. That would be the smart thing to do. Instead, it’s been the best day I’ve had in too long.

When I glance at Daisy, I can’t help but grin. She had almost fallen asleep at the table she was so tired. Tori carried her to the wicker sectional so she would be more comfortable while we finished eating.

After dinner, we’d joined Daisy in the seating area of the deck, Tori with a glass of her favorite white wine and me with a beer.

Daisy didn’t even rouse when we sat down. I never realized how much energy a little kid has. All the kids I’ve been around are around a year old or less. Some aren’t even mobile yet. It’s a totally different ballgame when they are little people with needs and active minds, and the ability to express those needs and wants.

“You’re a really great mom, Tori. I always knew you would be.”

I mean the compliment, but Tori’s eyes fill with regret. I know what she’s thinking. Daisy should have been our child, but the reality of that is she isn’t. To change that would be to change Daisy and neither one of us would want that.

“Thanks. I’m a work in progress. I was so scared at first. You know my mom is a horrible example of what a mother should be. I was afraid I’d inherited her lack of a nurturing gene. Ryan reminded me that I had the best role model in my dad. Ryan’s mom helped when Daisy was first born and taught me the specifics. The rest has been trial and error.”

Tori’s mom had decided early on that motherhood wasn’t for her. She divorced Dale and moved to California. All the years I lived with Dale and Tori, I never met her mom. I don’t think Tori ever hears from her anymore. It was like her mother forgot her daughter even exists.

“Daisy is incredible. And smart. But I admit that she looks very little like you.”

Tori chuckles. “You are correct. There aren’t any blondes that I know of in my family.”

“Or Ryan’s, if I’m remembering correctly.”

“You are. The doctors say it’s a recessive gene.”

That brings to mind something Daisy said that didn’t make sense. “Daisy told me her real name. What’s up with that?”

Our eyes meet and I have the feeling we are both remembering the conversations from our past about our children.

Hannah Victoria for a girl and Casin Dale for a boy.

My hand tightens around the bottle. That will never happen now.

Instead of answering my question, she surprises me by asking, “Why did you invite us here today, Case? I mean, after what happened in the office, I didn’t know if I even still had a job.”

I sigh and tip my beer, taking a deep draw to fortify myself to answer her question honestly. “I’ve been asking myself that since my play date with Daisy.”

Tori laughs softly. “Unfinished business, maybe?”

My eyes meet her gorgeous chocolate orbs and my brow arches. “Or your daughter is an excellent negotiator and she wore me down.”

I don’t think I’m ready to admit, even to myself, why I invited them over.

Slowly, Tori shakes her head and the curls confined in the elastic band play around her cheeks. “I don’t buy that. You never would have invited us if you hadn’t wanted to.”

Tori does know me. Warning bells go off in my head. “Don’t think this means more than it does. What I said still goes. I’m all in for a physical relationship only with you. We were always good together. I’ve never had better than you.”

That doesn’t even touch the way I feel about being with Tori. Admitting anything more would be dangerous and wrong.

I try and fail to allow her wince at my graphic words to roll off my back, but guilt brings on an uncomfortable pressure in my chest. I shouldn’t care.

“I hear you, Case. Loud and clear. What I don’t know is how foolish you’ve become. Between us, sex and love was always interchangeable.”

“Wasbeing the operative word.”

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