Diving In

Chapter 28

Caleb's POV

"Just drop me off at my car, shanks!" Nia mumbled drunkenly from the passenger seat. My hands gripped the steering wheel so hard my knuckles turned ash white. I wouldn't be doing any of what she'd just told me. We were half way to my house, anyway. I'd given her my cable knit sweater as I ushered her into the car, me riding in my t-shirt. It pissed me off, the reality of her job. I mean, true she had already told me what she does on the side when she's not at the diner.

But, the other truth is, I was the one paying for tonight. The guys from the company and I were able to bring in a very profitable client, and wanted to kick back. So, I had them call the strippers. Never did it occur to my dumb ass that she would show up!

I know Nia, not Chyna. So, while she was in the room with the asshole, I paid off her little stripper friend.

Pulling into my three car garage, I made sure it was closed behind me and carried Nia into the house and up to one of my guest rooms.

As soon as I lay her down she rolls over, snatching up one of the pillows and cuddling it. She's so damn cute- I think to myself. I untie her shoes and slip them off, revealing her pretty pedicured toes. My joint stirred in my pants- let me run her a bath, before I start something we won't be able to finish.

"Remain a gentleman. Caleb Ackerman is a gentleman." I whispered to myself out loud. Making sure the water wasn't too hot or too cold I drizzle in some jasmine oil. She'll be relaxed and awoke at the same time. I laid her out a drying towel and a wash cloth before going back into the guest room.

I scooped her up from the bed, curls covering her beauty. Sitting her on the counter I began the only option I had; quickly undressing her. And yeah I've seen everything already, but I'm not a creep. Once that was finished she began to stir.

"Well look who's up." I teased looking down at my watch, it was going on 4 a.m. "Where am I? Oh my god, don't look at me." Her liquor was gone and now she was embarrassed. I placed a kiss on her forehead, "I ran you a bath, come on." I said, helping her from the counter. She had nothing to be embarrassed about, not with me.

"Mmm that feels so good." I watched as she sank into the warm bubble bath. Her black hair cascading down her back. Damn. Moving my mind back to the matter at hand, I placed her towels were she could reach and moved to leave the bathroom. "I'll be right down the hall, gotta find you something to sleep in."

***
I'd grabbed one of my cotton tees and tossed it in the dryer, so it'd be nice and warm when she stepped out. My mind was working a million miles per minute it seemed. I wanted, needed her in my life. Knocking on the door, I stuck just my arm in, holding out the shirt for her.

"What are you doing, silly? You've already browsed the goods." I chuckled, "Yeah, I know. But this time is different. You are in my house, and unless you invite me in and give me strict permission, I won't be seeing you naked.." There was a pause, after which she took the t-shirt and slipped it on. "You can come in now." Her voice floated out to me.

There she stood by the bed, curls pulled up high, showing off that beautiful neck that I'd just love to bite. The shirt swallowed her, stopping at the meeting of her thighs. Good god. "I know you're probably hungry, come on, I'll make you something." She gladly took my hand at the mention of food.

"You know just what to say to take a girl's breath away." Nia cracked that smile I was quickly falling for. Down in my stainless steel kitchen I whipped her up one of my specialties.. Grilled cheese with ham and turkey.

"Mm! This is really hitting the spot after all that liquor." She was munching away, finishing it with a glass of water..
***
Later that morning after Nia had settled into bed in the guest room, I'd moved down to my office to handle a few things, then finally went to bed myself.

My mind didn't immediately shut down, though. I chalked it up to nervousness at what I was about to approach Nia with when she awoke later on. I hoped it wouldn't sound too out there, or selfish. Or scare her away. This question that I would bring to her, would change both of our lives forever, if she answers in my favor. I still had to tell her the truth about last night.

***
Nia's POV

"Yes love, I'm fine. Leah and I went over to the hotel last night to make that money, and that was about it." It was only a half truth, but I was about to get up outta Caleb's spot anyway and go home. Then Jo would be able to see for herself that I was fine and in one piece. "Yeah I'll be up and around shortly then probably head to your place babe. Okay.. I love you too, see ya later." I had gotten out of bed and started getting my stuff together, even remade the bed.

Shit, I had almost forgot I had to swing by the club for my money. Putting some pep in my step, I jumped in a quick shower and got dressed in the outfit I had in my duffel for today.

Caleb had been M.I.A. since I woke up. But he had to give me a ride, so I gathered all of my things and headed downstairs. Sucks I didn't have time to take a tour of his beautiful ass home- two story, modest, but bomb as hell. I found him at the kitchen island. Standing barefoot, dressed in dark jeans and a pullover, Sexy.

"Hey beautiful, you're up and moving already after last night?" He joked with that lopsided grin I was quickly falling for. "Shh! Never mention it again ha ha." I laughed. There was a pause, his blues focused on my brown eyes..

"Nia before you go, I wanted to ask you something." He was now standing, walking over to my side of the island. Looking up at him, I waited patiently for him to continue. "I'm listening."

"I'm an old man, 40 to be exact. I have all this money, and no family, no one to share it with. I guess what I'm trying to say- or rather ask is.. Stay with me Nia, have my children.. Be my surrogate?"
***
Dun dun dun! *Gasp* Will Nia accept Caleb's offer? What about Josie? Find out next! Thank you to everyone who stuck by me and continued to read, even when I was missing in action. 'Preciate the support, and see ya next time!

-Xoxo, PenGoddess 😘