Chapter Sixteen
Joel
I watched Alessandra and her kid pull into my driveway and park. Killian and Livia were getting in later this evening, so it was just going to me, my girl, and the kid, until they arrived.
Dinner was in the oven, and the weather was great. I had a feeling this weekend was going to be pretty epic. Everyone I wanted in my life would be here, except my family, but I’d see them for Christmas, so I didn’t sweat it.
Alessandra was throwing her mom attitude toward the kid when they got out of the car. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but I knew he must have said something inappropriate because she was going full “mom” on him.
Taking pity on the kid, I decided to walk out to them and help with their stuff.
“Welcome to mi casa.” I winked at Alessandra when her head swung towards me.
“Sup.” Jenson gave me the nod and started untying the boards that were on top of the car.
“Let me help you with that.” I untied the other side, and we took the boards off together. They were decent, but I knew they deserved better. I wondered if Alessandra would be opposed to me getting them some new rocking boards. The more I thought on it, the answer was very clear: she would not be okay with that.
Maybe once we were official, I could sneak it on a birthday or something like that.
“Oh, man, can I see the cars?” Jenson’s voice was slightly squeaky in his excitement. Poor kid, must still be going through puberty. Shitty time for all. He eyed my garage that was open to let the building air out a little.
“Let’s get our stuff in the house first,and then we can get the grand tour.” His mom shut him down for now, but that didn’t stop him.
Their two small duffle bags and surf boards were in the house in record time.
My eyes watched as Alessandra took in my home. I wondered what she thought. Was it too much? Did she think I was this pompous asshole now, with my big house on the water and big garage?
“This place is huge,” Jenson commented and walked over to the sliding glass doors that I had open to let the sea breeze come inside.
“Feels cozy,” Alessandra commented, and with those two words my stressful thoughts were gone.
“Thanks, I had help with the decorating.” I smiled, wishing I could totally take all the claim. Together we then walked up the stairs, and I showed them their rooms. Jenson wanted the room with a balcony looking over the water, and I put Alessandra close to my room. Purely by coincidence, of course.
I meant what I had said about no expectations. To be honest, having my friends plus her son in the house, I knew we weren’t going to be alone, probably at all, during the whole weekend. But I was happy just being around her.
“So, kid, come here,” I called out to Jenson, while his mom was putting her things away. It was time the kid and I had a little heart-to-heart.
“Ready to look at the cars?” I asked, and he nodded eagerly. I popped in to tell Alessandra that we were going to look at cars, and she said she’d be down in a minute. Perfect.
His face lit up when he saw my collection, and it was nice to share that enthusiasm with him. I loved my cars, and apparently, he did, too.
“So I wanted to talk to you, away from your mom, while I could. You good with that?” I wanted to make sure he was up for our discussion.
“Sure, what’s up?” He came over and together we sat in my Ferrari to chat.
“I’m falling for your mom, kid. I’m taking my time with her because she needs it, and I’ll wait. But I gotta know that you’re all right with it. Me and her. You and I haven’t really gotten the chance to talk much, but I’m a good guy. I’ll treat her right, I’m—” He interrupted me before I could keep saying how great I am.
“I’m good with it. And I know you’re a big movie star, but I’ve got that crazy blood that runs through Mom. You know the drill. You break her heart, I’ll get you back some way. Got it?” Yep, Alessandra’s son. No doubt there.
“You got it. So you’ll be good if I kiss her in front of you this weekend?” He made a weird face then looked off into the garage.
“Take me for a ride in the T-REX, and I’ll look the other way.” Ah, a negotiator in the house. All right. Easy deal for me to make.
“Deal. And it starts right now.” I gave him a wink and jumped out of the car, jogging towards a set of sexy lips that were calling my name.
“Hey. Whoa!” My lips collided with hers, and I wrapped my arms around her waist, lifting her feet off the ground.
“Jenson,” she murmured, but didn’t stop meshing her lips with mine.
