Indecent intent, p.14
Indecent Intent, page 14
“Shh, Frankie, Daddy’s not mean.”
I spun around to see my baby rocking, holding her little ears.
My voice was barely audible. “How much has she seen?”
Vivian choked back a sob, mumbling. “I’m sorry.” Over and over again.
Before I could stop myself, I was on my knees beside her. I pulled her into my arms and held her.
“He’ll never hurt you again.”
Frankie pushed a plate off the table. “Mo. Mo. Mo.”
Vivian took a deep breath and looked over at our daughter. “What do you say?”
“Peas.”
I didn’t fight her as she maneuvered off my lap and picked up the plate. She walked around the island and jumped, dropping the plate again as we heard her mom screaming.
“You backstabbing prick!”
“Keep moving.” My dad’s voice stayed calm.
“You will be hearing from my attorney!” She stormed into the kitchen. “Get your shit, Vivian. We’re leaving.”
Vivian was on her hands and knees cleaning up the broken plate and I picked up Frankie, holding her snug, covering her ears. “Vivian is not leaving this house.”
“Oh, let me guess, suddenly you love her.”
“Judy.” He stepped up. “There is only one person leaving today. And that’s you.”
“You can’t just throw me out!”
“Oh, I can.” Dad shrugged. “You broke the pre-nup. I have every right.”
“Vivian. You don’t belong here. Let’s go.”
“Actually, she does.” I rubbed my daughter’s back. “They both do.”
I watched him walk over to Vivian, help her up, and whisper into her ear. She turned her head and looked at him, nodding slowly.
“Judy. Please don’t make me call the police to remove you.” Dad smiled.
“Vivi.” Judy’s lips were pinched tight as she glared at her.
“Don’t go away mad, mom.” Vivian shook her head. “Just. Go away.”
“You conniving little slut!” She snarled. “You spread your legs for the first guy to look your way and spit out a brat.”
“Well, I had a great example to follow.”
Judy’s face paled, and she stormed out the back door, screaming obscenities the entire way.
Frankie pushed against my hand, so I let her up, and then a single thought hit me. “My car.”
“I had the locks changed last night. Her car was the only one not in the garage.” Dad smiled bigger. “I told you. I had a plan.”
“Oops.” Frankie reached for Vivian.
“Yes, mommy had an oops.” She came around and took her from my arms. “I can get you a new plate.”
“Please don’t.” Dad laughed. “I hated those awful things.”
Vivian laughed and set Frankie on the island so she didn’t drop her. “I accept your offer.”
“Good.” Dad looked at me. “Vivian and Frankie will be staying here while she gets her diploma.”
When she turned to look at me, I wanted to kiss her and tell her how much I’ve missed her. Instead, I nodded and left the room.
2 years later
Frankie wouldn’t let me put her hair up. She wanted her curls loose and wild, and she wanted the tiny tiara my dad got her on.
The bright red princess dress I found for her had cherries embroidered on the top, and a bow in front had a set of cherries that were made from bells. Every step, bounce, twirl, and motion told the world where she was.
Which was perfect for me since she was a sneaky little girl who liked to play in water, mud and pet anything that didn’t run.
Frankie and Dillon were building something with the blocks, and they didn’t want my help. I laughed, watching them struggle with some of their ideas, but seeing them work through it was amazing.
“When you getting your own place?” Henry joked, walking into the kitchen with a pizza from Nonna’s.
“I would’ve already been in a place if you hadn’t insisted I stay with you.” I threw a paper wad at him, laughing. “Whatever you do, don’t interrupt the build.”
“They’re at it again?” He smiled.
“Yeah. Each time, they do better than the last.”
Jingling bells sounded from the room. “Man, you put that dress on her?”
“She loves her princess dresses.” I shrugged.
He set everything down and came over to the table with two beers. “She looks like her mom.”
I took one beer and opened it, sucking down half the draft. “Durr.”
He threw his head back in laughter. “That’s how life works.”
“Thanks for giving me a place to put my head together.” I sat back, looking at my friend. “I’m done with school, and the next step is taking over at the firm.”
“How’s things with Viv?”
I shrugged. “She never talks about anything except Frankie. If I try to ask anything beyond her, she shuts me down.”
Henry shrugged. “That’s not a bad thing. She’s focused on co-parenting.”
“True.”
Henry raised an eyebrow. “But?”
“Sometimes I wonder what if?”
“You’re human, so that’s normal.” He chuckled. “Tonight’s the beach bash. You going?”
“Nah.” I shook my head. “I’m over high school parties besides ever since Frankie parties don’t appeal to me.”
“Now we know why the older kids passed the torch.” Henry lifted his beer. “A toast to the end of school.”
“Finally.” We clinked our bottles, and the kids came running out.
“Come see.” Dillon bounced around.
“Daddy, come on.” Frankie walked over and took my hand, tugging on it. “We made a castle.”
We went into the playroom to inspect the castle and I held my laughter in when Henry put on his serious face and asked the kids, “Have you called for all your permits?”
“Of course.” Dillon smacked his forehead. “Fankie, did you call?”
“Duh.” She put her hands on her hips and swung her head. “I talked to the bastards for hours.”
My head whipped in Henry’s direction. “Nice, Walsh.”
He shrugged and laughed. “Frankie, we don’t call them that.”
“But it’s what you say. Unca Ree.” She threw her hands up dramatically. “No wonder it took so long!”
Henry and I busted up laughing so hard he leaned against the wall, and I had to hold on to the door.
Vivi’s gonna kill me because Frankie picked up another swear.
Once we calmed back down, I looked back at my girl. “Frankie, we gotta go.”
Dillon gave her a hug, and she blew Henry a kiss. “Dinner wif Pop pop.”
“Yep.”
I picked her up, tossing her in the air to make her squeal and the bells jingle, and caught her before walking through the house and out the front door.
If someone would’ve told me I’d trade my sports car in for an SUV I’d have laughed, but here we were. I opened the door and got my girl strapped in before heading to the yacht club.
She sang along to the radio and I heard her shoes hit the floor. It’s been two years and I still don’t understand why she does that, and when I asked Viv she shrugged and laughed.
“It’s what she does.”
Tonight dad wanted to celebrate not only me finishing college, but Vivian finishing high school. He sounded bummed when I talked to him earlier, because she told him she had plans for the night.
I wonder what her plans are? Maybe she’s dating again? No, Dad would’ve said something. Maybe it’s a first date?
“Daddy!” Frankie called out as she kicked the back of my seat.
“Yes?” I looked at her in the rearview mirror.
“Can I gets cocks.”
Pressing my lips together, I pulled into the entrance for the club. “Yes, baby, I’ll get you a kiddie cocktail.”
“Shanks.” She shook her body to hear the bells jingle.
I pulled up for valet service and smiled at the mayor’s son, Max. “No scratches, young man.”
“You got it, Ethan.” He called over his shoulder to the other valet. “Yo! Ethan wants us to tight fit it, and make sure he sees the proof.”
“On it!”
Smart ass kids.
I opened the door and got Frankie out.
I was once one of those kids.
We walked into the club and crossed the hall to The Sailing Fusion restaurant. Dad waved and helped the woman beside him from her chair.
She hooked her arm with his, and when she looked up, our eyes met.
“Mommy’s a pwincess too!” Frankie jumped up and down and my heart raced.
Vivian wore a slinky dress that reminded me of melted chocolate as it followed her curves, showing off cleavage, and her calves were highlighted in the heels she wore.
Frankie let go of my hand and ran towards my dad, who caught her and picked her up. “Let’s go to our table.” He motioned with his head.
My feet felt cemented to the ground as I watched her follow my dad. My dick swelled, and I knew I was in trouble.
Vivian
My heart almost pounded out of my chest seeing Ethan standing there. The navy blue suit he wore clung to his body and had every woman staring at him. And I was no different.
I felt like a fraud with my hair up in a French twist, wearing a designer dress that cost over a month’s salary for me, but Evan insisted on gifting it to me.
I didn’t want to be here tonight. And I tried to get out of it, but when Evan kissed my forehead and told me how proud he was of me, I relented.
After my mom left, he helped me get on my feet to provide for Frankie and get my diploma. Without his help, I would’ve undoubtedly ended up as another statistic for teen pregnancy.
Ethan’s eyes were locked on my ass. I could feel it. My body burned with a fire I hadn’t felt since high school. Only this time, it felt stronger and more intense.
He doesn’t love you. He doesn’t want you.
“Maybe this dress wasn’t the right choice?” I whispered to Evan.
He pulled my chair out for me. “You look beautiful. I knew that dress would suit you when I saw it in the boutique window.”
“You spoil me.” I gave a half-hearted laugh.
He sat down beside me, forcing Ethan to sit across from me. “You’re the daughter I’ve always wanted, and the mother of my granddaughter. I’m allowed to spoil you.”
Evan lifted my hand and kissed the back, beaming at me.
Ethan waited for a booster seat and then put Frankie in her seat and pushed her in.
An old school friend came over with two kiddie cocktails, a gin and tonic with a twist of lime, and a glass of scotch served neat in a whiskey snifter.
“Oh my goodness, Viv, you look beautiful.”
“Thank you, Becca.” I smiled and looked down at the shimmery brown fabric, feeling my cheeks warm. “How’s things going?”
“Pretty good.” She clutched the small drink tray. “Richie and I just got married.” She held out her hand.
“That’s a beautiful ring.”
“Thanks, Vivi.” Becca took a breath, and I saw worry in her eyes. Most who knew her thought of her as a white trash Liz Taylor. This was husband number five. “Are you ready to order?”
“Green chick.” Frankie nodded.
“She’d like a Caesar salad with chicken.” I smiled across the table and caught Ethan staring at me. “I’d like a petite filet medium rare.”
Tuning out the men, I noticed my daughter had cherries all over her dress. When Becca walked away, I turned my gaze to Ethan.
“Cherries?” I nodded to Frankie.
He shrugged a shoulder. “I thought the dress was cute. I didn’t know they were cherries until I put it on her.”
Uh-huh.
“So what’s next for the great Ethan York?” I lifted my drink and Evan placed a hand on my arm.
“A toast?”
“There no toast, pop pop.”
Ethan chuckled and leaned over to Frankie. “It’s when you hold up your drink and say something happy.”
“Oh.” She picked up her glass with both hands. “I love you.”
Ethan and Evan picked up their glasses, and Evan looked teary. “I am so incredibly proud of you both. For your achievements and your co-parenting. Here’s to every happiness you both deserve.”
I leaned over after clinking glasses and pressed a kiss to Evan’s cheek. “Thank you for the opportunity you’ve given me.”
As I sat back, I noticed Ethan had a scowl on his face. I took another sip and smiled. “Now. What is next for you?”
“I step into my role at the firm.” He half-smiled and I knew something was bothering him. “What about you?”
I shrugged my shoulders. “I guess work and Frankie.”
“No man in your life?” He lifted his glass to drink.
“Oh. About that.” I took a deep breath. “There is someone, but I don’t think it’s going to go anywhere.”
He scoffed. “Another loser.”
“Ethan.” Evan shook his head. “Let’s have a peaceful dinner.”
“Right.” He smiled. “Here’s to us.” He caught Becca’s eye and pointed to his empty glass.
He’s fucking clueless.
Evan cleared his throat. “Are you planning to start on Monday?”
Ethan nodded. “I know Dexter is coming in as well.”
“Drew is in his dad’s old office.” Evan sipped his scotch. “Losing Wallace was a huge blow.”
“Cora handled things so bravely.” I sighed. “And Drew thought nothing of quitting school and stepping up.”
“Well, there wasn’t a choice.” Ethan stared at me. “Wally junior is somewhere in the sandbox.”
“Do I have something on my face, Ethan?” I felt the sly smile that settled on my lips.
He pressed his lips together and looked away. “Nope.”
Becca brought over another gin and tonic, setting it down and collecting the old glass. “Your food will be up shortly.”
“I build castle wif Dewin today.” Frankie beamed proudly.
“How exciting!” I smiled at her. “Did you have fun with Dillon and daddy?”
“Uh-huh.” She nodded and danced her seat.
Seeing my daughter happy was everything to me. The guilt I still felt not letting Evan and Ethan in on her first two years still choked me.
Evan told me to forgive myself. And I might’ve been able to if Ethan didn’t hate me.
After my mom’s dramatic exit from their home, Ethan moved out. Henry offered him a room at his place and he left without a goodbye.
He filed paternity papers, got added to the birth certificate as Frankie’s dad, and said we should only discuss her. I was fine with that, but when we saw each other, he would inquire about my life and I refused to let my guard down with him.
Although I find it funny how he’s the one who tries to deviate from his suggestion.
I took a sip of my mocktail while the men discussed the office and the food came to the table. The chef thought Frankie was adorable and as a result; he made sure he chopped her salad up small enough for her.
“Mmm.” She held up her hand with a thumb’s up to Becca.
“I will let Chef Charles know you’re pleased.” She smiled at Frankie and my daughter giggled like a loon.
As I cut into my steak, Evan took a bite of his food and looked at Ethan. “Myles and I were thinking instead of giving you and Dexter a starter office, we’d give you our offices.”
“Where will you be?”
“Well.” He smiled. “We thought we would do a partial retirement.”
Ethan’s eyebrow rose. “Already?”
“It’ll give me more time with my beautiful granddaughter.”
“I thought she was in daycare?” Ethan looked at me.
I nodded. “She is, but your dad asked to spend time with her. I didn’t think you’d mind.”
“I just didn’t realize you were handing over the reins already.”
Evan chuckled. “Makes sense to me. You’ve worked there for the last four years on your days off. So has Dexter. We have every faith in Andrew, Dexter, and you.”
“Thanks, dad.” Ethan smiled and my panties got wet.
In high school he was handsome, kinda built, tall and girls tripped over each other to get to him. Now? He was drop dead gorgeous.
My mouth watered, and it had nothing to do with the food on my plate. Seeing him in that suit, how it fit him perfectly, highlighting his muscular arms. He had a perpetual five o’clock shadow and some chest hair peeking out from under his unbuttoned shirt.
My fingers itched to touch him.
He picked at the food on his plate, while he and his dad conversed and by the time we’d finished dessert; he was nursing his sixth drink.
“Dance?” Frankie’s eyes were wide and filled with excitement.
“Of course.” Ethan smiled at her.
“No. I dance wif pop pop.” She pointed to herself. “You dance wif mommy.”
Evan’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “That’s a wonderful idea, Francesca.” He pushed his chair back and came around, lifting his granddaughter. “We’ll meet you on the dance floor.”
I watched as they walked away, and movement caught my attention. Ethan pushed his chair back and stepped over to me, pulling out my chair before holding out his hand. “I think I can set aside our differences for a dance.”
“Um, okay.” I placed my hand on his, standing up close enough to smell his cologne.
He led me over to the dance floor and pulled me into his arms. Our bodies swayed to the music, and I made the mistake of looking up into his eyes.
“You look beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you.” I tried to swallow, but felt like something stuck in my throat.
My eyes fluttered closed, and I heard giggles nearby.
“Do you mind if I have Frankie for the weekend?” I felt his breath on my ear. “Since Monday, I start full time at the firm. I’d like to make the most of this weekend with her.”
“That’s fine.” My heart was beating erratically in my chest.
Something hard pressed against my body.
Is he hard right now?
His thumb stroked my cheek, and I felt his finger under my chin as he lifted my face up. “Thank you for being understanding.”
