British Big Shot: A Hero Club Novel

by J. H. Croix

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Anna

  Kissing Jasper made me crazy in all the best ways. I shivered all over. His mouth was hungry and sweet, and I couldn’t get enough. He could earn medals for his kisses—the perfect balance of deliciously demanding, and then he would ease off and gentle just enough to make me crave more. The result? Me a needy bundle of girl in his lap.

  When he drew back, I whimpered a little. His thumb stroked across the sensitive skin on the side of my neck, sending spirals of sensation radiating from that point. His eyes held mine, dark and searching with a tenderness there that nearly brought tears to my eyes again.

  I knew I had fallen for Jasper, but I hadn’t believed he had fallen for me. The funny thing was he was so grumpy and kind of snooty—that was his default mode—that I knew he wouldn’t tell me he loved me unless he did. He was brutally honest. Even if it stung.

  My emotions felt stripped raw, but my heart was full, a fizzy sense of joy bubbling over inside. His hand finally slid away, and he straightened. “Let’s get upstairs.”

  “But you haven’t eaten,” I protested.

  He smiled down at me. “I know, but it’s too tempting for you if I stay down here. If you want to get on your feet and make me something, you will,” he replied with a chuckle that sent a shiver chasing over my skin.

  “Eloise left a tray for us,” I offered.

  “She did?”

  A few minutes later, Jasper had carried me upstairs. He ordered me to remain on the couch after getting me a glass of wine when I promised him up and down that I hadn’t taken a painkiller today. I waited, sipping a glass of the fresh white wine. Chilled, it offered a burst of bright flavor on my tongue.

  “Here we are,” he announced as he came through the door upstairs with a tray in one hand.

  He set it on the coffee table before crossing over to the kitchen. “Did Eloise make this so you wouldn’t?” he asked as he fetched plates and napkins.

  She had made a tray of finger foods. Crackers, a variety of cheeses and cold cuts, along with fresh hummus and some kind of cream cheese dip.

  When he returned, I answered, “Probably. She won’t admit it, though.”

  Jasper grinned. He handed me the remote before taking a bite of cheese. I turned on a house buying show. That was a secret pleasure we both enjoyed.

  After I finished eating and had a few more sips of wine, I looked over at him. “Feelings aside, you know this is crazy, right?”

  He took a swallow of his wine before setting his glass on the table and stretching his arm across my shoulders. “What’s crazy?”

  “Us. Trying to be in love.”

  “Anna, there is no try. It’s already happened. I don’t think it’s crazy. Not at all. I think our grandparents conspired to make this happen, and we were lucky.”

  I gasped. “Oh, my God! I forgot to tell you about the letters I found.”

  I moved to get up, but he placed his free hand on my thigh. “You’re not going anywhere. I forgot the same thing. I have letters. I brought them with me.”

  After I told him where my grandmother’s letters were, he went to get those and fetch the ones he brought with him. Then we sat on the couch and compared.

  “So, they were in love. Do you think?” I asked.

  “I think. But they were both already promised to others. It looks like your grandmother loved your grandfather very much,” he replied.

  “I think so. What about your grandparents?”

  Jasper shrugged. “I think so too. I’m no expert on love, but sometimes things don’t always work out. It doesn’t mean the worst. Maybe this was their vicarious attempt to make it work in another time.”

  “Do you really think they planned this?” I asked, looking into his eyes.

  When he stared back, my belly fluttered, and my thoughts derailed. Because, yeah, I had it that bad. All I had to do was look at him.

  “Perhaps we’re giving them too much credit. Clearly, my grandfather was willing to help when things got difficult. He also had a mischievous streak about ten miles wide. I think he wanted to roll the dice and see what happened.”

  I had another sudden recollection. “Your bracelet! You left it here. Was that your grandfather’s?”

  He nodded slowly. “Where is it?”

  “In the desk drawer,” I said, gesturing to the desk.

  After he brought it back, he handed it to me when I held my palm out. “Look,” I said, sliding my finger over the inscription. “You have your grandfather’s name, right?”

  He leaned over. “I saw that before but wasn’t sure who it was from. I should’ve connected the dots once I knew your grandmother’s name.”

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Anna

  Six weeks later

  “Now,” Jasper whispered.

  Even at a whisper, his tone was deliciously demanding. I was more than happy to obey. With the press of his fingers on my hip as he gave me a subtle tug, I sank down over him, inch by thick inch. I let out a happy hum when he nudged deeper, filling me completely.

  “Anna, look at me.”

  I felt intoxicated with pleasure rippling through me. Dragging my eyes open, I found Jasper’s hot gaze waiting. “I love you,” he murmured.

  My forehead fell to his, my words a whisper against his lips. “Love you too.”

  We were celebrating because I’d gotten my boot off the day before. It was good, oh-so-good with us. Moments later, pleasure exploded through me. Ever since I told him I had an IUD, we’d skipped the condoms. When I collapsed against him, I felt the heat of his release fill me.

  Being held by Jasper was decadent. His muscled arms held me strong, his chest heaving against mine. I eventually lifted my head. He brushed the damp locks of hair away from my face.

  “Come to London with me.”

  That old anxiety started to kick up a storm in my mind. Then he trailed his knuckles across my cheek. “I already talked to Eloise. You need to hire someone else anyway. I’m not suggesting we stay there full-time. I’m just asking you to come with me and see my world.”

  Jasper had this crazy effect on me where I could actually forget my tendency to worry and think everything was going to fall apart and change in a heartbeat.

  “Okay,” I whispered.

  “Just okay?”

  “Okay is good.”

  He smiled before lifting me off his lap and carting me into the shower.

  Epilogue

  Jasper

  Two years later

  I was standing there, minding my own business and talking to Eloise. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. As long as—”

  I was interrupted when Tinker Bell and Jasper came running from around the winery. Jasper hit me straight in the back of the knees and let out what I was positive was his version of a laugh before he kicked his back feet up in the air and trotted off. Tinker Bell stopped for me to give her a pat before hurrying on.

  I looked at Eloise and shook my head. “He’ll never stop, will he?”

  “You’re his favorite human. He’s like a little boy who has a crush on a girl.”

  Anna came around the corner. She was wearing overalls and a tank top with a cowboy hat. Every thought in my brain scattered like a daffodil blown in the wind. I even forgot Eloise was there as I reached for Anna’s hand and tugged her close.

  “Wow, you’re never that happy to see me,” a voice interrupted.

  Glancing up, I saw Chance approaching with Pixy at his side.

  I still took a second to kiss Anna. Lifting my head, I said, “Well, it’s always good to see you, but Anna is my favorite person.”

  Chance flashed a quick grin. “Of course, she is. Aubrey is my favorite, so I totally get it.” Pixy trotted off when he unclipped the lead.

  Eloise interjected, “Good to see you, Chance.” Her eyes shifted to Anna and me. “I’ve gotta run. I’ll see you tomorrow when I get here for work.” With a wave, she hurried off.

  Aubrey approached us with
their son, CJ, walking beside her. “Hey,” she called. CJ broke free from her hand to hurry over and reach for his father’s hand. Chance ruffled his hair.

  “What brings you here?” I asked as Aubrey stopped beside Chance.

  “I totally forgot,” Anna said. She nudged me with her elbow. “I told them they could drop Pixy off to stay with Jasper and Tinker Bell. They’re going out of town.”

  “Just for the weekend,” Chance clarified.

  “We always have room for another goat,” I said dryly.

  Occasionally, I marveled at the turn my life had taken. If you had told me two years ago I’d be spending most of my life at a winery in California where I helped feed goats and chickens on the regular, I would have definitely said you’d lost your marbles.

  As the saying goes, you never know where life will take you.

  Anna and I spent a few months every year in London, but we spent the majority of our time here. We could have balanced it the other way, but I’d discovered I was more relaxed here than when caught up in business in London. Since I could manage my business from a distance due to the benefits of technology, it worked.

  Chance, being as straightforward as ever, asked Anna, “Are you pregnant?”

  Aubrey let out a sigh. “Chance, stop it. You’re not supposed to ask that question.”

  He looked toward her. “I’m not?”

  The affection between them was so obvious. Aubrey simply chuckled and rolled her eyes. “No. It implies you think a woman may be showing, which could mean you think she’s gained weight. Also, some people like this thing called privacy.”

  I looked down at Anna, and my heart started pounding so hard, I thought I might crack a few ribs. Anna was pregnant, and I experienced an unfamiliar combination of joy and protectiveness every time I looked at her. She was also sexy as fucking hell. Who knew pregnancy could be such a turn on? I’d certainly had no clue until Anna got pregnant. I fucking loved her extra curves and the flush she carried on her cheeks all the time now. I also loved how sensitive her nipples were. Major bonus.

  Anna looked from me to Aubrey, her cheeks going pink. “I am. We were going to keep it quiet, but only until next week. I wanted to make it through the first trimester.”

  Aubrey squealed and hurried over to give Anna a long hug. While they chattered with excitement, Chance caught my eyes. “You know, I underestimated you,” he said.

  “Pardon?”

  “When you first showed up here two years ago, I thought this British big shot could not wait to leave. I thought this whole situation was a total pain in your ass. But, here you are. You love Anna to pieces, and now you’re about to be a family man. Are you ready?”

  Chance, for all his casual attitude and occasional wacky sense of humor, was a solid guy. He was deeply committed to his family and Aubrey, goat included.

  I shrugged. “I’m not sure I’m ready, but I know it’s what I want. To be fair, I don’t blame you for underestimating me. I used to be—” I paused, considering my words and feelings. “I suppose what I mean is I used to be shallower and more focused on business. Anna is the best thing that ever happened to me, and I would do anything for her. If you have any pointers on parenting, I’ll take them. Right now, I’m doing my best not to demand she rest all the time. She won’t, so it doesn’t really matter what I say.”

  Chance threw his head back with a laugh. “You’ll be okay. You might pray for some sleep, but losing a little sleep is worth it for the best thing ever.”

  “Congratulations! When’s the baby due?” Simon asked.

  I adjusted the phone against my ear. “Six months, or thereabouts. For the life of me, I can’t believe they pick an actual date.”

  “I know, it’s crazy, right? I’m a doctor, and I still think it’s wild. They can nail it down pretty close based on the pregnancy and how it’s progressing. It’s a very educated guess. How are you doing with this? This is big.”

  My heart flipped over in my chest. Some days, I was overwhelmed with a soaring sense of joy because everything felt good, good in a way I’d never expected for myself. Other days, I was bloody terrified. What if something went wrong with the pregnancy? What if something happened to Anna?

  I didn’t want to go crazy in Simon’s ear, so I took a deep breath and tried to sound rational. “I’m excited and worried. Tell me it gets better.”

  Simon chuckled. “You’re going to stay excited and probably worried, but it does get better. You learn to live with the worry.” He was quiet for a beat before adding, “I’m really happy for you, Jasper. I knew you could be more than a workaholic. I just didn’t know if you’d figure it out. Anna is good for you.”

  “You say that every time we talk,” I said.

  He laughed. “Because it’s true. If it’s okay with Anna, Bridget and I would love to come out for a visit, maybe a few months after the baby’s born. Sometimes it’s nice to have a few extra hands when there’s a baby so you can get a break.”

  “You’re always welcome.”

  “Great, nowhow much should we bet on…”

  I cut in, “Dude, I lose every bet to you when we’re betting on my life these days.”

  “Yeah, because you got smart and stopped letting money run your life. Although that’s easy to do when you have as much as you do,” he said dryly.

  Simon couldn’t see me roll my eyes, but he could hear me laugh. “It’s not the money that makes life good.”

  “Exactly. Damn, I love being right.”

  “You’re not always right,” I countered. Notice I didn’t argue this particular point.

  Anna came into the living room from the bathroom just as I said that. Of course, she looked gorgeous. Her hair was loose, and the curve of her belly was getting rounder by the day. She had taken a shower after a busy day with the flowers.

  “Good to chat, I’ll call you soon,” I said, abruptly ending my call with Simon.

  “Who’s not always right?” Anna asked as she stopped to fill a glass of water by the sink.

  Crossing over to her, I rested my hands on either side of her hips when she turned to lean them against the counter.

  “Simon. He thinks he’s always right.”

  Anna’s lips curled in a smile. “What’s he right about today?” she asked, her voice a little husky.

  I took the glass of water out of her hand and set it on the counter. Brushing some wayward curls off her cheek, I tucked them behind her ear. “He’s right that you’re the best thing that ever happened to me. I’ll give him that.”

  Anna leaned up and pressed a kiss on the bottom side of my jaw. When she drew away, she said, “Well, you’re the best thing that ever happened to me. Did you tell him we were pregnant?”

  I nodded, my heart knocking hard in my chest. “I did. I figured if Chance and Aubrey know, I wanted Simon and Bridget to know. We aren’t pregnant, you are,” I corrected.

  “It definitely took both of us,” she teased.

  Her fingers trailed lightly along my collarbone, sending licks of fire over my skin.

  “Good point. Should we practice some more?”

  She giggled. “I’m already pregnant. There’s no practice needed.”

  “Oh yes, there is,” I murmured as I leaned down to take her mouth in a hungry kiss.

  Anna

  Ten months later

  I woke up slowly, feeling rested for the first time in months. For a moment, I was confused, and then I sat up abruptly in a panic. Jasper wasn’t in bed with me, and I didn’t know where our little girl was.

  My feet slapped the hardwood floors of the new house Jasper insisted we build as I hurried from our bedroom and down the stairs. Skidding into the kitchen, I looked across to the breakfast nook, a round table with a cushioned bench seat tucked into a bay window that looked out over the Pacific Ocean. We’d built this home on a piece of property near the farm, and I’d discovered it was nice to have a little distance as it kept from me working constantly.

  Jasper was sittin
g there with his head leaned against the wall and our little girl sound asleep in his arms. My heart swelled, and I was slammed with a rush of lust.

  Jasper made my ovaries do happy dances. Fatherhood suited him incredibly well.

  I tiptoed across the room and dropped a kiss on his forehead. I didn’t mean to wake him, but his brilliant green eyes opened. “Morning, gorgeous,” he said in that gruff British accent.

  “Morning. I didn’t mean to wake you up,” I said apologetically.

  “Don’t worry about it. You didn’t get much sleep last night.”

  “How is she doing this morning?”

  We were speaking in the hushed whispers that parents of babies perfected as a form of preservation. Hannah had been fussy last night.

  “Much better.” We looked down at her together. “I can probably put her in her rocker now,” he whispered.

  A few minutes later, after he transferred her into the rocker we kept in the kitchen and she was sound asleep, Jasper crossed over to where I was standing. I hit the start button on the coffee maker and turned to face him.

  “Now, where were we?” he murmured as he leaned down and pressed a hot kiss on the side of my neck.

  “I don’t remember where we were,” I said, a little giggle escaping as a shiver chased over my skin.

  “Last night,” he prompted.

  “Ohhhhh.” Last night we’d been about to have some sexy times when Hannah started crying.

  He held up the baby monitor in his hand with a hot look in his eyes. “Bedroom,” he commanded.

  It wasn’t much later that I sighed in his arms, my skin damp and my body still echoing with pleasure. Lifting my head, I pressed a kiss at the base of his throat. “You started my day off just right.”

  He held my eyes, his gaze intense. “Every day is just right with you.”

  I swooned, right there in his arms. I was a lucky girl, the very luckiest.