Chapter 3 - Reese

I’d walked over to the rucks my cousins were part of, ready to knock a bitch out for messing with my family, when a man I’m unfamiliar with stepped in and put the bitch in her place. It was impressive he sent her running with just a few words.

 

Now I’m curious, not just about why our family name would send the woman scurrying back to the rock she slithered out from but about this man who stood up for my cousins. I thought I knew all my cousins’ friends, but this one was unfamiliar.

After he introduced himself as Darius’ friend from work, it clicked. He’s the shop teacher who made that fantastic baby Yoda pod for Ryū’s Halloween costume.

That was well crafted, and they still use it at times. The older ones love using it to pretend.

Looking at him, he doesn’t look like much. Shorter than me, but most men are.

I can’t get a read on his physique in the heavy winter coat. He has brown hair to match those warm brown eyes, judging by his eyebrows and facial hair.

And I don't know, but I was into it between the compliment and that southern drawl trying to seep through his words. It’s not that I don’t get compliments, but generally, they are either to suck up or because I’m sitting and therefore don’t intimidate the guy with my height.

We ignored my cousins, who gave up trying to interrupt as they walked away. Good.

I don’t need them, or worse, Clay crashing this conversation to make me sound like some monster that crushes men. It wouldn’t be the first time Clay messed up my chance with a guy by opening his big dumb mouth.

“You’re from the Bronx? I don’t pick up the accent. It sounds more like a refined Boston accent. Like your cousins have.” Don cocked his head.

“You’re one to talk. I’m picking up a hint of Texas accent from you. And if I get angry, the Bronx accent is more prominent. My dad lives there, but my mom lives here.” I shrugged.

“Ah, so you developed a dueling accent. Using one when at one house vs. the other.” Don nodded.

“And I try to keep my Texas accent in check. I’ve met enough people who look down on it and assume I’m some hick even if I’m from Austin.” He rolled his eyes.

“Something like that. I try to hide my Bronx accent because certain people judge me for it and don’t take me seriously.” I frowned.

 

I’m not going to say that my mother is at the top of the list of those particular people. She can’t stand it when Clay or I slip into that accent. She’s adamant that it makes us sound like uneducated buffoons and always points out it’s not a good image for a high-power lawyer.

 

“People truly do suck. I can’t see how an accent should change someone’s opinion of you. One’s accent shouldn’t affect how people view their words. They are the same words no matter the accent.” Don shook his head, more of that delectable drawl coming out.

“Right, screw anyone that would put down your accent. I think the drawl is hot.” I laughed, quickly covering my mouth in reflex to minimize how loud I laughed.

 

“Why are you hiding your laugh?” Don arched an eyebrow reaching out, bringing my hand down.

 

“Habit. My mother always said I had my dad’s laugh, and it was unladylike.” I explained, distracted by how warm his hand was and how rough it was.

 

These were the hands of a real man. A man who works with his hands for a living. A man who does more than type at a keyboard.

 

“Well, she sounds fun. Instead of playing pin the tail on the donkey, do they play pull the stick out of her ass?” He scoffed.

 

Wow, I don’t think I’ve heard anyone speak that way about my mother. I’m sure my father has plenty of things to say but never says them around Clay or me.

 

I couldn’t stop myself from laughing openly. My dad is a good man not to badmouth her in front of us. Even if he did say what he thought, I don’t know if it would be as funny as Don.

 

“See, now there’s a beautiful laugh. Don’t change yourself for someone else, Reese. You’re perfect just as you are.” Don smiled.

 

“Now, back to what you said before. You think I’m hot or just the accent?” He teased, smirking.

 

I licked my lips, considering his question. It’s been a while since someone has complimented me like this. That hasn’t been intimidated by my height.

 

And while I can’t get a good read on his looks, his face is cute, his accent is hot, and his compliments increase his attractiveness.

 

“Both.” I shrugged.

 

The look of surprise and confusion on his face was adorable and sad. It’s like he doesn’t believe me. Like he doesn’t get compliments.

 

“I mean, I can only go by your face, and it’s an attractive face. I would have to get you out of the layers of clothes to speak to the rest. Why the look of surprise?” I questioned.

 

“Um, well, not many women compliment me. Don’t think I’ve been called hot since my late twenties.” He admitted.

 

“And spoiler, you don’t want to get me out of my clothes.” He assured me.

 

His late twenties? How old is he then? I’ll ask about that later. But right now, I’m more concerned with the second thing he said.

 

Is it wrong I’m taking that as a challenge? He can’t look that bad naked.

 

“Oh, now I need to get you out of your clothes. To see for myself. I doubt it’s even as bad as you are letting on. We are always our harshest critics.” I smiled.

 

His brow furrowed before letting out a heavy sigh and removing his knit cap. I arched an eyebrow, not sure how this was some big reveal.

 

Okay, finding he’s bald is a surprise, but it works on him. His head doesn’t have a weird shape, so being bald doesn’t detract from his looks.

 

“As you can see, I’m bald, been that way since I was twenty-seven.” He frowned.

 

“So? Nothing wrong with being bald. Looks good on you.” I shrugged.

 

“Are you messing with me?” Don questioned, putting his cap back on.

 

“Not even a little bit. And I bet I would like whatever else you seem to have issues with about your body.” I assured him.

 

“Well, this is getting into a path I’m not used to.” Don awkwardly chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.

 

“What path is that?” I raised my brow.

 

“A path where a beauty like you is even considering or hinting at wanting to get naked with me.” He admitted.

 

“Well, then they are stupid.” I scoffed.

 

“But I don’t think we are going down that path yet. I want to know a bit more about you first.” I suggested.

 

I am not just going to jump into bed with a guy I’ve shared a ten-minute conversation with. Just because he’s complimented me, hasn’t been intimidated by me, and made me laugh doesn’t mean I should fuck him.

 

“Sound logic, Reese. Why don’t we join your cousins, and we can do just that.” Don suggested offering me his hand.

 

“Sounds like a plan.” I nodded, taking his hand as we joined the rest of the group.

 

As the evening progressed, I could tell my cousins, but mostly my brother wanted to say something about me standing by Don. I think they had enough sense to butt out or Riko at least told my cousins to zip it.

 

I love my family, but I’m done having them be involved in my personal affairs. So I ignored their looks and enjoyed Don’s company. He’s a great guy.

 

I’m sure I ovulated when he got onto the ground in the snow to play with Hikari, Saki, and Aiko. Is there anything hotter than a man who’s good with kids?

 

That moment sealed it. I don’t know if anything will come of this, and I know my mother would lose her mind if she ever found out I even slept with someone she’d call common, but I am fucking Don Hunter tonight.

 

With my mind made up, I interrupted the snowball fight he was intentionally losing or bad at with the kids.

 

“Hey, you three. Enough pummeling, Don. Get your dads. I bet your Bampás has hot chocolate for you to warm up with.” I suggested.

 

“HOT CHOCOLATE!” Aiko shrieked, racing across the snow with her twin and big brother on her heels.

 

“Thanks. They had me outnumbered.” Don huffed, sitting up and dusting himself off of snow.

 

“Anytime. You’re good with them. It’s cute. Though I had an ulterior motive in saving you.” I confessed, offering him a hand up.

 

“And what might that have been? What do I owe you for the rescue, oh benevolent Goddess?” Don teased as he grunted, letting me help him get to his feet.

 

I felt a blush forming on my cheeks. Hopefully, it will just pass as me being cold. Don’s good at catching me off guard with those compliments.

 

“It’s getting late, and I wanted to get out of here. I didn’t drive, so I hoped you’d save me cab fare.” I explained.

 

“Oh, not a problem. I should head home anyway. Your chariot awaits as long as you don’t mind riding in a beat-up truck.” He grinned.

 

A quick goodbye later, we were in the cab of his black, or parts of it were black; the rest was rust, vintage Chevy pickup with the heat cranked. It makes me think of something Grandpa Ares would drive. I like it.

 

“So, where am I taking you?” Don questioned as he started to leave the parking lot.

 

“Your place sounds good to me.” I smirked.

 

I am not taking him to my apartment. My mother would find out way too quickly. And I am in no mood for one of her lengthy lectures about standards, maintaining an image as a Frost and as one of the fastest rising stars at the firm.

 

“M… my place? Um, if you’re sure. But I have to warn you it’s a dump. Well, for now. I got it cheap because it was abandoned for decades, so I’m renovating it.” Don warned.

 

“That’s fine. Remember, my father is in construction. I’ve been to plenty of construction sites growing up.” I assured him.

 

Our conversation was light as we drove to his place. I think we were both a little nervous about the implications of me coming to his home.

 

I blinked as we pulled into the driveway, and his house came into view. He wasn’t kidding about it looking like a dump, but that’s because it hadn’t been taken care of in so long.

 

“Oh wow! That’s George F. Barber!” I gasped, jumping out of the truck just as he parked.

 

I stood in awe, looking up at the three-story home. The exterior looked like it was crumbling. The covered front porch buckled in some areas, and he had braces to keep it from collapsing.

 

“You know your designs. As I said, it’s a bit of a dump, but I’m working on it. I’m doing most of the work inside till the weather warms up.” Don explained, taking my hand as he helped me up the steps.

 

“Which makes sense. But wow, it will look amazing if you renovate it right.” I nodded as we stepped inside.

 

The interior wasn’t much better but looked like a construction site with tools, plastic, and scaffoldings in the rooms under construction. But I could see the potential, and I know it will one day be stunning.

 

“Um, this way, the sitting room is finished.” Don gestured to a room blocked off by plastic as he took off his coat, boots, and hat.

 

I don’t know what his problem with his body is. He looked good in jeans, a white button-down under a navy blue sweater. I see a slight gut, or it could be the layers of his shirt and sweater. Not a big deal.

 

I shrugged and took off my boots and jacket, not wanting to track snow through the place. Even with my boots off, I still had several inches on Don.

 

“Smart using the plastic to segment off completed areas to keep out the dust.” I commented, ducking into the sitting room.

 

Wow, he’s done a great job with this room. He even kept the color palette traditional to the era of the house.

 

The walls were painted in calico blue with accents of antique white. The fireplace had been restored to its original spender. Even the furniture fits the ear of the house yet with a modern twist, making them look more inviting instead of museum pieces.

 

I couldn’t resist lounging on the decoratively carved golden wheat-colored brocade jacquard Victorian chaise. I stretched out dramatically as I’ve always dreamed of doing. I opened one eye to see him standing there watching me with a smile.

 

“Enjoying yourself?” He questioned, folding his arms.

 

“I could think of a way to enjoy myself more.” I smiled, gesturing him closer with my index finger.

 

Time to see how well built this chaise is. I’ve always had a fantasy about sex on one of these. I am not going to miss the chance.