Page 72 of That First Night
“Well,” he draws out the word. “What’s going on with you two?”
“Nothing.”
“Tommy,” Marc cuts in. “Don’t lie. We know you better than that. I witnessed you firsthand with her the other night. You two have feelings. I could tell just from watching the way you two looked at each other.”
“Yes, so you also know I don’t do relationships.”
“But you can,” Marc adds.
“Have you ever seen Tommy with a girlfriend?” Oliver scoffs.
“Exactly,” I answer Oliver's question before Marc could. “I am insanely attracted to her. But I don’t know the first thing about relationships.”
“It’s not rocket science.” Marc chuckles on the other end. “You’re already doing half of what most people in a relationship do. You spend time together. You buy her shit. You feed her. You fuck. Women are not complicated creatures.”
I don’t respond to that. He’s got a point and I fucking hate telling him that he’s right when he is.
“You don’t have to tell me that I’m right,” Marc laughs. “You’re an open book and I’ve learned that growing up with you. You show people you love them in your own unique way and that’s what we love about you as your brothers.” Fuck, he’s getting all sappy on me. “You’re falling for your nanny. Head over heels.”
“I…” I pause, running my hands through my hair. “Fuck, I think I am.”
“It’s about fucking time someone got to you, Tommy.” Oliver beams through the phone. I can tell he’s got a shit eating grin plastered on his face.
“Listen guys,” I stop them, having to end this phone call before I get hives. “I have to go, I’m pulling up to the penthouse now.”
“We love you, bro,” Marc says first before Oliver says, “Love you, my dude.”
I pause on the phone before I finally admit, “I love you guys, too.” Just as I pull the phone from my ear to hit the end call button, I can hear them both cheering and screaming things on the other end.Have I really never said it to them?Damn, Peyton is changing me.
Jim greets me in the lobby a few moments later as I enter the building. “Good evening, Mr. Ford. You’re off early today.”
“Yes,” I sigh. “It’s been a long week, Jim.”
“I bet it has.” He nods as his eyes take note of the bouquet of flowers. “Those are some beautiful flowers, Mr. Ford.”
My eyes travel to the flowers in my hand and then back to him. I don’t have to say anything for him to know that they are for Peyton. “You think so?” I ask him.
“Yes, sir.” His smile is a hundred miles long. “She’s a special one. Her chocolate chip cookies are out of this world. You would never be able to tell she uses a vegan recipe to make them.”
My eyebrows pinch together and my head tilts to the side in confusion.
“I’m sorry, sir,” he says quickly as if he’s trying to hide what he just said. “She brings down a batch of chocolate chip cookies for me whenever she makes them. I don’t mean to get her in trouble if she’s not allowed.”
I shake my head and let out a small laugh, “Oh no, Jim. I am so happy she’s bringing you some cookies. We appreciate everything you do here in the building.”
“Thank you, Mr. Ford.” He smiles. “I don’t mean to overstep with what I am about to say, but if those beautiful roses are for who I think they are for, she truly deserves them. And if those flowers mean what I hope they mean, then I am so happy for you and James. James loves her so much. I can tell from their brief visits down here.” He pauses for a moment. “Don’t let her go, sir.”
I feel a lump in my throat as I smile and nod at his statement. “Thank you, Jim. Have a good night.”
With that, I am in the elevator and nerves build up in my stomach. This day has already been too much for me. First my mom, then my brothers and now Jim. I need to talk to Peyton and find out where we stand.
It’s confirmed she’s home when the elevator doors open, and the aroma of chocolate chip cookies hits my nose.She’s home.
When I enter the kitchen, I notice she’s wearing a simple pair of black leggings and a shirt that’s three sizes too big for her. She’s covered in baking batter with her hair in a messy bun on the top of her head. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful.
She doesn’t realize I’m in the room until I clear my throat. Her head turns to look at me quickly as if I startled her and a soft smile forms across her face as she takes in the flowers I’m holding and the smile I am wearing to match hers.
“Hello, Sunshine,” I finally say to her.
