Page 9 of Russian Daddy

“I’m sorry to bust in on you like this but there was a man in my backyard and I didn’t feel safe being home all alone,” Torin’s mother explains.

I see Torin’s body stiffen and his jaw clench.

“What do you mean? What was he doing back there?” he asks her.

“At first I thought he was at the wrong house, but then, I saw what he was wearing and he was too well dressed to be a technician or a delivery man. So, I went out and asked him.”

“Mama, don’t ever do that again. You don’t just confront strangers when you’re all alone.”

“Normally, son, I would argue with you but this time, this time something was off. The look on his face was terrifying. Then he told me he was looking for you.”

“For me? What else did he say?”

“He said to tell you that your family is waiting for you to come home. I’m your family and this is your home. What’s he talking about?”

“I don’t know, Mama, but I just installed a security system here and I’m going to get you one too. Don’t worry.”

“Don’t worry? I’ve lived here most of my life, and I’ve never been afraid like this. Torin, who is this man?”

“I don’t know. I wasn’t there to see him. I’ll make some calls and see if I can find out. Believe me, I don’t want you to worry. I’m sure it was just someone playing a stupid joke or something. You know what my friends were like in school. One of them probably found out that I was here. Trust me, Mama. I’ll kick his ass for scaring you, I promise.”

“Please come home with me,” his mother begs.

As badly as I want him to stay, I know he needs to go.

“Let me say goodbye to Tess. I’ll be right behind you.”

Marta goes out to her car, and Torin turns to me.

“Who was the man she’s talking about?” I ask him.

“I’m not sure yet.”

I can tell he’s hiding something. I consider pressing him, but I trust him too much for that. If he says that everything is alright, I believe him.

“Will I see you again, soon?” I feel silly asking him this when my legs are still shaking from what he just did to me.

“Why don’t you come by for dinner? I’d come back here but I think my mother would feel better if I was there.”

“Oh, sure. I can do that. Should I bring anything?”

“Just this.” He pulls me to him and grabs my ass. “We have some unfinished business to attend to.”

He kisses me, and I melt into his embrace. God, I don’t know what’s happening, but this isn’t me. I don’t engage in sexual acts on the kitchen table, and I don’t lose control when a man touches me. Or maybe… I didn’t until now.

It’s not about what he did to me—although I have to admit it was amazing. It’s about how he’s managed to consume me in every other way too. I’ve only known him for a few days, and I already have a hard time imagining going back to a life without him in it. I can only hope that what he’s hiding doesn’t end up taking him away from me. That would be devastating.

I watch him back the old truck down my driveway and rest my head against the window. I’ll be counting the minutes until I see him again. The truck disappears. I’m about to close the curtains, but I stop when something catches my eye. A long, black car creeps past my house, traveling in the same direction as Torin and Marta. Look at me. Am I going to start writing down license plates next? Torin said there was nothing to worry about, but he also told me to be careful.

That’s exactly what I’m going to do.

As I shower and change, I realize that he still hasn’t told me exactly what he does for a living. Most people that I’ve met, especially in my parent’s circle, love talking about their careers.

If Torin is as successful as he seems, why won’t he discuss his work with the same enthusiasm? Another thought crosses my mind. I try to push it away but I can’t. What did the strange man at Marta’s mean about him coming home to his family? He asked me if I had a boyfriend, but I never asked him if he was involved with anyone. He could have a wife and kids in the city, and I wouldn’t have a clue.

Yes, I need answers to these questions, and I need them soon. I’ve already fallen for him. Now, I need to know what it is that I’m falling for.

I arrive at Marta’s and find Torin in the kitchen wearing his mother’s apron. His hands are covered in flour, and he smiles when he sees me. He rushes to me and kisses me. “I’d hug you but…” He holds up his messy hands.

---