Page 100 of Sterling Touch
Istep toward my twenty-three-year-old son after taking another minute to process he’s standing in the house where Vale and I both wear only towels. Extending my arm, while still clutching the material about my waist, I bring him in for a bear hug.
Just as it’s been hard for me over the years to be physical with women, it took some time for Josh to accept affection from me. We’d always had a good relationship although I wasn’t an overly affectionate father. However, eventually, I became more generous with hugs, wanting Josh to know I was here for him whenever he needed me.
And standing in my kitchen, late on a Friday, it is clear my boy needs me.
But Vale . . . I release Josh and step back, turning toward Vale who still has a ghostly look on her face and clutches at the towel around her breasts.
“Um, Josh, this is Vale. Vale Sylver.” This is not how I expected to introduce Vale to my child. But it’s also time to start letting people into our circle. Letting people know how we feel about one another. How we are together.
“Hi.” She steps forward, hesitating as she holds out a hand to shake his. “I’m a hugger. But . . . um . . .” She glances down at her attire. “Yeah.” A nervous giggle escapes her.
“Vale Sylver? As in Sheriff Sylver?” Josh’s head turns toward me, eyes questioning. Over the years, he’s learned what happened between me and my best friend. He’s also been told he’s neither a cause nor effect of that fallout but a reward.
“Younger sister,” Vale announces pointing at her chest which splotches pink.
“Ah.” Josh nods, raising his brows and giving me a weary smile.
“I think I’m just going to . . .” Vale points over her shoulder toward my bedroom. “I should probably go.”
Fuck. No. I didn’t want Vale to leave. Nights with her are rare. As much as I cherish our afternoons together, I want to hold her overnight in my bed.
I glance at Josh.
“Maybe I should come back.”
Fuck. I don’t want that either. He’s driven three hours to get home.
“Just—” I give Vale a pleading look before glancing back at Josh, holding up my hand. “Just stay here. Let me get dressed.”
I spin toward Vale, setting my hand on her lower back, nudging her toward my bedroom.
“It was nice to meet you,” she calls out over my shoulder to Josh.
Once we’re in my room, I close the door and Vale falls flat on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. She lets out another anxious laugh before covering her face with both her hands. Then she jackknifes upward and stands. “I’ll just leave.”
Stepping into her space, I cup her shoulders. “Please. Stay. Just give me some time to talk to him. I’m just as surprised as you are to see him here.”
Vale glances down at her towel before looking at my bare chest. “Well, maybewe’rea little more surprised than he is.” She offers me a shaky smile. “This is so embarrassing.”
“But it’s also perfect, because I want to tell him about us.” I want him to see how happy I am with Vale. How she makes me a better person. I’m also hoping it will show him by example that life moves on. Love exists.
“I know it’s a lot to ask, but can you stay? Please.” I’m thinking I’m going to need her close after I talk with my son.
Vale examines my face, her eyes as weary as Josh’s for a minute. Then she cups my jaw, and I lean into her touch. “Okay, honey. I’ll stay.”
I kiss the inside of her hand before leaning in for her mouth, kissing her with gratitude and relief. Pulling back, I tip my forehead to hers.
“And would it be too much to ask that you put on that Tennessee Terrors jersey and nothing else?”
“What about the bee revival kit?” She’s left it out in the kitchen a second time.
“Later.” I wink. I want her in my fan jersey and nothing else.
Vale narrows her eyes. “Now, you’re really pushing it.” Her follow-up grin is pure sunshine.
Yeah, I plan on pushing it again, once I know what my son needs.
I quickly dress in fresh joggers and a white T-shirt and head out to the kitchen where Josh is sitting on a stool, drinking a beer.
