while she watched me watching her, giving herself pleasure as I did the same. I’d already pushed the boundaries twice though, and my instincts told me to hang back this time. She was coming around, and I could—and would—force myself to be patient. I’d waited nearly twenty years to find her again. Another twenty hours was totally doable.
I cleaned myself up and then went to tell everyone the good news.
Chapter 11
Dear Ida,
I’m seeing a wonderful woman. Last night, we took things to the next level and it was incredible. The more I get to know her, the more I’m certain she’s the one for me. But she’s been hurt badly in the past and doubts my interest beyond earth-shattering sex. How can I convince her I want more? – Infatuated & Hopeful Rocker
* * *
Dear Infatuated & Hopeful,
Never underestimate the healing power of earth-shattering sex! But earning her trust is going to be a lot harder than earning her orgasm. If you truly care for her, keep rocking her world and be patient.
~ * ~
Jace
Everyone was in a good mood the next morning, looking forward to spending some time at Eva’s, and no one more so than me. Kurt laughed and knowingly slapped my back when he saw how impatient I was.
Finally, it was time to go. We arrived at Eva’s around midday to find her ready and waiting. She blushed when I greeted her with a kiss on the cheek and a possessive hand on the small of her back, but she didn’t seem to mind.
Only when Eva led us out back did I realize how much she’d done to prepare for us. Big, colorful inflatables floated in the pool, large coolers were filled with ice and beverages, and chairs and tables had been set out. A brick fireplace-slash-grill sat off to the side, ready and waiting.
It didn’t take long for everyone to get comfortable. Eva had a way of making us feel welcome. Like we were friends, not clients. Believe me when I say, it was nice. Being in the business as long as we’d been, it was easy to differentiate between the genuine and the disingenuous.
That was incredibly important to me. These guys were my second family, and the fact that both Dave’s and Chaz’s wives pulled me aside and gave their stamp of approval made me feel even better about things.
Before long, Dave and Chaz were fighting good-naturedly over control of the grill while Dave’s wife Jen and Chaz’s wife Lydia helped out and chatted with Eva. Kurt, the annoying bastard, openly flirted with Eva whenever the chance arose. I knew he was doing it on purpose, hoping to get a rise out of me. I’d remind him what a bitch payback could be later.
We made good use of the inground pool, though I seriously questioned the sanity of any activity that put Eva in a swimsuit around anyone but me. Thankfully, her suit was a rather conservative one-piece—a “mom suit,” I’d overheard her telling Jen, approved by her sons as suitable for a public beach. Unfortunately, not even a “mom suit” had a prayer of hiding Eva’s generous assets. She could have worn a potato sack, and I would have been ready to toss her into the bushes and have my wicked way with her.
My personal struggles aside, the afternoon progressed even better than I’d anticipated. The food was good, the company excellent. Despite the dark circles under her eyes, Eva’s smiles were genuine and relaxed. As good as the get-together was for us, I had a feeling it was good for her too.
We were sitting around one of the tables, watching the kids frolic in the pool, when Eva’s cell vibrated. She looked at the screen and frowned.
“Excuse me,” she said, rising gracefully from the lounge chair. “I’ve got to take this.”
I stood up, my father’s example of gentlemanly behavior hard-wired into my brain from a young age, as did the other guys, and she disappeared behind the double French doors leading inside. Jen and Lydia went over to the kids, leaving just us guys at the table.
“Fucking A, Jace,” commented Dave. “You are one lucky son of a bitch.”
“I don’t know,” drawled Kurt. “I think she’s really into me.”
Chaz laughed. “In your dreams. That one’s only got eyes for Jacie. Christ, Jace. I don’t know how you stand it. The way she looks at you gets me hard.”
I turned my gaze away from the doors once Eva’s perfect ass disappeared from view. “Yeah?”
“Oh