Desperately Seeking Househusband

by Ray, Marika

  My jaw dropped. Willy Boards? As in Wilbur? Everett Wilbur O’Donnell? I had no idea he was working on all of that. He’d mentioned Hew offering him a potential investor and I was happy he’d turned him down, but never had he mentioned him and John collaborating. My man was keeping secrets from me.

  “I wanted to surprise you,” Rhett whispered to me, his gaze hopeful. He turned from everyone at the table, the only reaction that mattered to him being mine.

  I grabbed his face and pulled him in roughly, laying a messy kiss on him that got the whoops and hollers going at the table. If I didn’t kiss him I would’ve burst from excitement.

  “I’m so proud of you, Willy,” I said against his lips. He poked me in the ribs. I peppered kisses across his cheeks, forehead, and finally that line of freckles across the bridge of his nose. God, I loved this man.

  “Get a room, you two!” Natalia shouted with a big grin.

  I released him and smoothed down the top of my dress, flicking my hair behind my back like I was in control of myself once again. Really, I wanted to find an excuse to visit the bathroom with him and drop to my knees to show him how proud I was of him. His eyes heated and he leaned in farther. He must have seen the direction of my thoughts reflected on my face.

  “Get your mind out of the gutter, Ms. Cole.”

  A shiver ran up my spine at his rough whisper. “Then stop talking and looking at me.”

  He grinned, more lecherous than humorous while I took a sip of water. I was all kinds of flustered, calculating in my head how quickly we could leave and how long it would take us to drive home. Which was a shocking train of thought even to me. Rhett brought out a side of me I hadn’t known existed. I’d hoped for it, maybe even dreamed of finding a man who never left my thoughts and turned me on with a simple cock of his eyebrow, but never really thought I’d find him.

  His chair scraped back and he stood, discreetly adjusting himself behind his napkin before tossing it onto the table.

  “Excuse me for a moment.”

  He left the room and I sat frozen, wondering if this was my chance to follow him. Was he trying to provide us with an opportunity? Shit. Natalia was looking at me like she knew what I was thinking. Probably because she’d followed Frank out of the room on a similar mission on more than one occasion.

  I heard a clopping noise behind me before I could make up my mind on what to do. The noise got louder and sounded odder the closer it got, especially when a huffing noise joined in. I swiveled in my chair to find a goat standing directly behind me. Having seen them up close before, I wasn’t scared, but I was certainly shocked to see one in Kitty and Jasper’s house. I didn’t take them for the farm-animal-in-the-house kind of people.

  My gaze dropped down to the name tag dangling on his neck. Buttinsky was back.

  “Why are you so obsessed with me?” I asked him, wide-eyed.

  He stared back at me, not even blinking, which was a bit creepy, I’ll be honest. The kid took one swipe at my ankle with his tongue and now he was showing up everywhere. Could a person take out a restraining order against a goat?

  He lifted his head like he was saying “What’s up, girl” in greeting.

  “I’m sorry, Buttinsky, but I have a man. You and I can never be.”

  Someone at the table snorted, but I didn’t think they grasped the gravity of the situation. Those things had horns and couldn’t even look you straight in the eye. They were unpredictable and while Rhett had me embracing some chaos these days, I didn’t trust these wild animals.

  A throat cleared on the other side of me. A throat that sounded a lot like Rhett. I pivoted slowly, not wanting to startle Buttinsky and risk a seizure again, nor did I want to take both eyes off him for fear of another sneak lick attack. What I saw, though, caused me to forget all about Buttinsky in the blink of an eye.

  Rhett was down on one knee, a super serious expression on his face.

  “What are you doing?” I shout-whispered. I was aware of everyone at the table staring at us, along with the two cameramen set up in the corners of the room recording everything. Rhett’s intent should have been obvious, but in the moment, I was lost. Plus, the goat threw me off. He didn’t really scream romance and proposals, you know?

  “Gabriella Cole. I love everything about you. The way you talk to goats like they can understand you—”

  “Hey! Buttinsky and I have a connection.” Stupidly, I interrupted, still not quite getting through my head the gravity of the situation.

  The wattage of Rhett’s smile increased. “The way you stand up for yourself, the way you stand up for me and to me. Your laugh that sounds like you might need medical assistance. How committed you are to your job. How brave you are in being true to yourself. The friendships you hold so fiercely. The money you have that doesn’t change who you are. And especially the way you keep me laughing every single day. You’re fire and ice, fierce and sweet, all at the same time. I can’t wait to see where you go and what you do in your life.”

  He took a second to breathe and the reality of the situation kicked in. My heart sped up and I felt like I entered a long tunnel where the edges of each sound were blunted and muted. I blinked, Rhett reached over to the side of me, and I saw Buttinsky again like the yeast infection that just wouldn’t go away.

  He bleated at me, his close proximity making the sudden noise quite loud and causing me to jump in my chair.

  “Hush, Buttinsky. She’s mine.” Rhett was messing with his collar, which seemed like a really weird thing to do during a proposal. I mean, I didn’t want to sound like a prima donna, but shouldn’t I have his undivided attention?

  He unclasped something from his neck and brought it in front of me, a black box with twine tied to it. He snapped the lid open and a gorgeous diamond surrounded by tiny red rubies sparkled up at me.

  “Gabby, will you do the honor of marrying me so I can love you forever, take you on adventures, and be your partner for life?”

  My heart wouldn’t stop pounding and sounds were still garbled, but I did hear him speak. The word sank in and my eyes filled with tears. The ring wavered and when I looked up at his face, Rhett looked just like my future. He looked like the kind of man who’d do absolutely everything he promised and more. I couldn’t see us growing old together because with his knack for finding the humor in situations and getting us into new situations, we’d always be young at heart.

  I paused for a second to consider my answer, consulting my head, my heart, and my vagina. Turns out it was unanimous: I better marry that boy before he put that gorgeous ring on some other lucky woman.

  “Yes!” I shouted, because that’s what overwrought women do with all the excitement in the world pounding away in their chests. I grabbed his face and smashed his lips with mine, nearly knocking the ring box out of his hand. What was it about Rhett that made me lose my damn mind?

  Noises happened around us and I didn’t acknowledge a single one, too intent on making sure Rhett knew I was all in. The beard scruff under my hands felt like the perfect place to shower kisses for the rest of my life. The strong arms crushing me to his chest would always catch me, of that I was sure. A part of me was shocked to have finally found the one I wanted by my side always. Another part of me felt like this was all meant to be. A destiny waiting for me to be brave enough—or reckless enough—to grab ahold of in the most unconventional way possible.

  Loud clapping and cheering finally broke through my bubble of happiness. A need for oxygen in my lungs had me contemplating pulling back from Rhett’s lips. A rough and slippery lick across my cheek made me yelp and jump back in a hurry.

  Buttinsky blinked at me, only an inch or two away from my face, clearly unapologetic with his ill-timed affection.

  “Dammit, Buttinsky. That’s disgusting!” I let go of Rhett to swipe at my cheeks.

  Frank and Rhett roared with laughter, enjoying the goat love a little too much if you asked me. Everyone else joined in, even milking a giggle out of me.

 
A hand landed on my head, stroking my hair from behind. I was getting dizzy with all the spinning around I was doing. But the equilibrium shift was worth it when I found Lily-Marie, Jameson, and my four godchildren jammed together in the doorway leading to the kitchen, laughing and cheering.

  Lily-Marie wrapped me in a big hug. “Congrats, bestie. Found yourself a good one,” she whispered.

  Tears hit my eyes again. Having my best friend from elementary school witness my proposal was an extra layer of special only one man could have put together. As I hugged her back, I reached out and found Rhett’s hand, grabbing it and refusing to let go.

  30

  Gabby

  Exhaustion made my limbs heavy, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep for a long while. Today had been perfect. The crazy thing was I had a whole lifetime of perfect days waiting for me. And it wasn’t just because of Rhett. It was the self-confidence I’d found when I let go of proving myself to anyone. I was finally free to just be me and to own it. So in a sense, I had to thank Hew for being such an asshole. Without his wandering dick, I might never have gotten to where I was today.

  Not that I’d ever actually thank the asshole. I wasn’t that big of a person yet.

  “Snookums?” Rhett called to me from the back patio.

  I’d gone upstairs to change out of my dress and heels while he fired up the firepit and poured us some wine. Sliding the glass door open, I stepped outside and just stared for a moment, really taking in the sight before me, pinching myself to check if it was real.

  Rhett, with his handsome profile lit by the flames, lounged in a chair, a wine glass in hand, the red in his hair highlighted like a beacon in the night. The backyard of flowers and trees looked like a secret oasis in the moonlight. Even the string of yellow twinkle lights strung under the white trellis patio added to the romantic atmosphere. A perfect night to end a perfect day.

  His hot gaze tracking my movement made my body perk up, tiredness forgotten as I came closer and saw the desire in his eyes. I never had to wonder if Rhett found me attractive. I could see it there in the way his eyes dilated and heated, the way he took in my every detail like he was memorizing the way I looked and tucking it away in his memory.

  “Wine?” His voice was rough, the almost-whisper thrilling me, as if this was a secret moment in time just for us.

  “Yes, please.” I picked up my glass from the tabletop surrounding the firepit and had a seat on his lap. We clinked glasses, my ring sparkling in the firelight.

  “Do you like it?” Rhett asked, nodding toward my ring.

  “I absolutely love it. You couldn’t have picked a better ring.” And I meant it. I didn’t want some crazy flashy ring with more carats than sense. I wanted something unique to me, not a showpiece for lunchtime bragging with the ladies.

  Rhett kissed my ear, my cheek, my neck. “I hope you don’t mind, but I called Lily-Marie and had her shop with me.”

  I pulled back, mouth open. “You did?”

  He shrugged, a small smile tugging on his lips. “Figured you’ve been best friends forever. Who better to help guide me, right?”

  Hew barely tolerated Lily-Marie. Rhett called her up and went shopping with her. So many red flags I’d ignored, but never again. I put my glass and his back on the tabletop to free our hands and pulled him in for a kiss. I needed Rhett more than I needed sleep.

  He tasted a bit like the red wine he’d been drinking, all deep notes and full bodied. And Lord, did I want that body. My hands left his face to trace down his strong shoulders and arms, the muscles there firm beneath my touch. While I went south, he went north with his hands, molding my shape like he couldn’t get enough.

  Rhett pulled back and I whimpered, wanting his tongue back in my mouth as badly as Buttinsky wanted in mine.

  “You got your way earlier today, sweetheart. Now it’s my turn. Go stand by the lounge chair and take your clothes off.” His gruff whisper lit a fire in me far brighter and hotter than the firepit.

  “Outside?” I hesitated. Stupidly.

  He cocked his head, that wicked gleam in his eye I loved so much. “I promised to bring you more adventures, Snookums. Let’s start with backyard sex, then we’ll move on to public sex. Maybe the beach, though I wonder if the sand might be an issue.” He rubbed his chin like he was really giving it some thought.

  “I prefer our adventures not get us arrested.” My heart was doing that racing thing again, whether from fear or from being turned on, I couldn’t discern. The idea thrilled me, which then made me fearful, but I guessed that was the whole point.

  He gave me a look, a mix of challenge, wanting, and pleading. And then the dimple came out. I climbed off his lap and walked to the lounger, pulling off the T-shirt of Rhett’s I’d stolen and pushing down my shorts. Time to embrace adventure.

  I was aware of the cameras outside the house blinking in the dark, meaning they were recording. After the fact, I’d have to get them to cut out all the naked goodness, otherwise I’d be on an entirely different show called Naked and Aroused. Knowing they were recording everything added another layer of excitement to this outdoor adventure.

  Rhett stayed in his chair, his lids lowering over those eyes burning into my skin. “Climb up on all fours.”

  My brain froze that close to the edge of my limits. Having my ass in the air for any and all to see was high up on the list of things I didn’t do. Big bottomed girls like me tended to want to downplay that aspect.

  “Gabby…” Rhett’s voice floated over, a warning that sounded less like pleading by the minute.

  I swallowed hard and flicked my hair behind my shoulders. I could do this. I was a grown woman choosing to embrace new adventures and Rhett would be there to make it amazing. I had to leap.

  I spun around and climbed onto the lounger, the rough fabric scratching gently against my knees. The cool breeze was a welcome reprieve from the heat flaring under my skin. A shot of desire spread through me, knowing I was on full display for Rhett. Sure, it was dark, but with the moonlight and the firepit, I knew he could see well enough. Who knew bumping up against my insecurities could be hot as hell?

  Quick footsteps came up behind me, followed by a single finger tracing down my spine. I shivered, anticipating where he’d go next, knowing I’d do pretty much anything for him. His rough hands kneaded my backside, the massage relaxing me. Just as my eyes were about to close, he spread my cheeks wide. His face buried between my cheeks before I could yelp. The wind was sucked from my lungs as he flicked his tongue around and down, unrelenting in his thorough assault.

  My legs shook and yielded easily when he lifted up and spread them farther apart with his knee. His hand, calloused from scraping boards, grazed my cheek, then slapped it. Hard.

  This time I did yelp, the shock of the sting turning deliciously dark and dirty. The breeze swept through again, cooling my cheek and making me aware of the wet desire between my thighs. My body liked this adventure and my brain was catching the desire train as well, a little late to the party but onboard nonetheless.

  Rhett stepped out of his shorts, his clothes joining mine on the ground. Again, he gripped my cheeks, leaning down to kiss his way up my spine.

  “You’re absolutely stunning. Here on this lounge chair, spread out for me, trusting me. It’s everything, Gabby.” His whisper was rough and uncontrolled.

  I moaned, the only noise I could make at the moment. I’d never felt this level of desire, as if I might truly die if he didn’t plunge inside me in the next second. Thankfully, he knew, probably feeling a bit that way himself, grabbing my hips tightly and thrusting his ample man hammer inside in one strong stroke. I nearly face planted as my arms wobbled. Rhett’s grip held me up, probably leaving bruises, but I didn’t care. In fact, I hope he did leave a mark on me to match the one he’d left on my heart.

  He pulled back gently, just the tip of him still inside, teasing me. I pressed back, needing to be filled, but he pulled back too, the bastard. A rustling noise split the quiet a
nd then my other cheek was on fire, most likely with a red mark in the shape of his handprint. Everything was trembling now like one of those leaves on the tree we were under.

  Rhett plunged back in. My eyes squeezed shut and I prayed he’d keep going. But he wasn’t done teasing, pulling back and just giving me the first inch of him and waiting to see what I’d do. Thing was, I’d always been a quick learner. So I stayed perfectly still there on all fours, dying a thousand deaths waiting for him to give me what I wanted. When he finally buried himself deep inside me, I squeezed as hard as I could.

  Two could play this game.

  “Holy—” He gasped.

  And then I got what I wanted. An out of control Rhett, one foot planted on the ground, his hands squeezing my hips, thrusting into me over and over, all teasing tossed aside in a race for ecstasy together. When it came, that moment suspended on the edge, when you didn’t know if you could handle one more ounce of pleasure, he gave it to me with another stinging slap. I shot like a rocket, my vision blurring and my arms finally giving out. Stars blinked across the sky and I was floating, only tethered to the ground through our one point of connection.

  Long moments later, I blinked my eyes open and found my face pressed against the chair cushion and my legs akimbo. Rhett was still deep inside me, his body draped across my back having joined me in that flight into outer space.

  Eventually, the night breeze did its job and cooled us off enough to cause shivers. Rhett stirred, placing soft kisses along my back before pushing up and pulling out. He crouched down at the side of the chair by my face, brushing my hair back.

  “You okay, sweetheart? Did I hurt you?” His face was a mask of concern.

  I swiped at my cheeks, seeing that I had tears on my face. “No! I mean yes, I’m okay. More than okay. That was incredible.”