Only With You

by Layla Hagen

  “For what?”

  “For the fact that Val and Landon had to put their lives on hold for us. Instead of enjoying the freedoms of any college students, they were bogged down with... well, us.”

  “Hailey, Val never saw you as a burden. She always speaks with affection about everyone.”

  “I know. She’s Val. But I know she’s missed out on a lot of things. She tended to forget about herself, though she is getting much better at it lately. In case you can’t read through the lines... just make sure you dote on her, okay?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Hailey grinned. “You’re great. But I feel compelled to tell you, if you break her heart, it’s not my brothers you have to worry about. I know I don’t look too intimidating next to them, but I can do a lot of damage.”

  “Duly noted.”

  “Ah, Val’s back with the pie. Just in time.”

  Val was placing the pie on the small wooden table near the back door, but her eyes were on Hailey and me, then darted to Jace and Will, who were talking with their heads together.

  We all wanted a slice of pie before the badminton game, and while everyone was eating, Val asked me to help her get some glasses.

  “Did they give you the talk?” she asked breathlessly the second we were alone inside the house.

  “Yeah.”

  She was beside herself, and she was damn cute.

  “Holy shit, I’m going to kick everyone’s ass.”

  “There’s no need.”

  “Was Jace part of it?”

  “Yes.”

  “And Will?”

  “Obviously.”

  “But Hailey wasn’t, right?”

  I could tell she was hoping I’d say no, but I wouldn’t lie.

  “She gave me some interesting insights into you, but warned me that if I broke your heart, then I don’t have to worry about your brothers. That she can do enough damage all on her own.”

  She hung her head, eyes closed, like a sad puppy. “You have no idea how many points you’re getting for still hanging around.”

  “I didn’t know you were keeping a tally.”

  “I like my pro/con lists.”

  “I see. Pros outweigh the cons?”

  When she nodded, I added, “Maybe you should share that list with them.”

  “Yeah, I.... Maybe not.” Her cheeks went pink.

  “Why, what’s on that list?”

  “Ummm... stuff they shouldn’t see?”

  “I want details.”

  She poked my arm. “You’re not getting them.”

  “Oh, I am.”

  She opened her mouth, to argue some more, no doubt, but I kissed her before she even had time to make a sound. She was glaring when I pulled back, which only made me want to push her against a wall and sink inside her.

  “So?”

  “Are you going to kiss me like this every time we don’t agree on something?”

  “If that’s what it takes.”

  “Then maybe we should disagree more often.”

  I was speechless for a second but recovered and led her around the corner, then pulled her flush against me.

  “Fondling me in public won’t win you any points with them.”

  I brought my mouth to her ear. “They can’t see us. And anyway, it’ll earn me points with you, won’t it?”

  Judging by the way she attempted to hide her face in my shoulder, I was spot-on.

  “I bet your pro column includes—”

  “Activities of the X-rated variety, yes. Thanks for making me say it out loud.”

  “Now what would they say if they knew about that?”

  She groaned. “They don’t have to know everything.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll keep your secret.”

  I drew the tip of my nose down the column of her neck, breathing in her sweet scent.

  “New perfume?”

  “Yes. Do you like it?”

  “I do. You smell good enough to eat.”

  I pressed my hips against hers, and a moan replaced her laughter. She clutched at my sides with both hands.

  “Fucking hell, woman. You make me want to haul you over my shoulder and take you upstairs. Distract me.”

  “The perfume is part of a new collection. We’re trying out a fresh concept, where we deliver the basic essence to the stores and then the customer chooses their own end notes to top it. I was thinking April and Peyton would love to play with this in our mixing lab.”

  I straightened, my pulse suddenly thrumming in my ears.

  “Only if you’re okay with it,” she added quickly.

  “I’m more than okay with it. I think they’ll love it.”

  “I think so too. I’ve even thought about the selection for each.” She snapped her gaze up, catching my expression. “What?”

  “Nothing.”

  I didn’t know how to put my whirlwind of thoughts into words, to tell her how much it meant to me that she’d given April and Peyton so much consideration. I couldn’t be the only one who was deeper into this than we’d anticipated. My feelings couldn’t be one-sided. No way, no how.

  “We should go outside,” I said. “Or they’re going to suspect we’re up to no good.”

  “Oh, they’ve been suspecting since I dragged you into the house. But let’s not give anyone the opportunity to catch us in the act.”

  I chuckled, pressing her close one more time before we headed to the others.

  I was going to go all out for this woman.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Carter

  “April, tell me I’m seeing an extra zero.” I was looking at the total price of her cart, aghast. Fifty-six items.

  “Nope. I’ve cut down from one hundred and eight, by the way.”

  I glared at my niece hopelessly. She’d shown me the list some time ago, but it had grown exponentially ever since.

  “How did you even find all these things?”

  “Val advised. She also said you could talk to her if you have any complaints,” she said with a self-assured air, as if that was foolproof. She gave me the same excuse the last time she shoved the list under my nose.

  “Did she now?”

  “Yep. And by the way, you’ll be late for your date.”

  “And you conveniently showed me this just as I was about to leave?”

  She gave me a sheepish smile.

  “Also Val’s tactic?”

  “Yep.”

  “We’re going to circle back to this another day.”

  “But can I at least order a few?”

  “No. I know what you’re doing. It’s not working.”

  April pouted. Jesus, I’d barely resisted giving in to April before. If she and Val teamed up, I was a dead man. Angela, the girls’ nanny, was playing with Peyton in the living room. Peyton ran straight into my arms when she saw me, giving me one of her heartfelt smooches on the cheek. I hugged her close, kissing her forehead and reminding her to listen to Angela while I was gone, then I headed out for my date with Val.

  I had quite the plan for tonight, and I was brave enough to admit I’d needed help putting it together. That help had come in the form of Hailey, who’d been ecstatic when I called her the morning after the dinner.

  “I’m taking her out on a date, but I want to make it special. Any tips?”

  “Holy shit, where to begin?”

  Even though she was having breakfast with Jace when I called, she’d immediately started dishing information. Hailey gave me enough ammo for ten years’ worth of dates. It had taken two weeks to put everything together for tonight. Her enthusiasm had made me grin, especially when under her breath, she muttered, “Jace, you can take notes too, you know. Every woman appreciates this stuff.”

  I’d heard Jace groan before saying, “Carter, you’ve just thrown me to the wolves.”

  Val had worked from home today, so I was picking her up from her house. The front door was open, and when I called her name, she answered from upstairs.
r />   “I’ll be right down.”

  When she descended the stairs, my tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth. She was wearing a red, strapless dress. It was tight and relatively short. She’d paired it with black high-heeled shoes. I would be fixating on them the entire evening.

  She leaned into a kiss, and I grabbed her waist with both hands.

  “Val, I can’t go out of the house with you looking like that.”

  “Why not? You said we’re going on a helicopter ride and then to dinner. Did the plan change?”

  “No, it didn’t. But you just look....” I took a deep breath. “Every man who sees you will want you.”

  She rolled her eyes. I tightened my grip on her waist.

  “I want to be the only one who sees how sexy these legs are.” I moved one hand to her inner thighs. Her breath hitched.

  “How gorgeous these breasts are.” I lowered my head to place open-mouthed kisses on the upper curve of each breast. When I straightened, I saw her nipples had hardened.

  “Jesus, you’re not even wearing a bra.”

  “You can’t boss me into changing, Carter.”

  Her eyes snapped fire, and I captured her mouth before she got out another word. I rubbed my cock against her, barely restraining myself from carrying her upstairs when she whimpered.

  “Carter!” She pushed me away and wrapped a scarf around her neck. It was long enough that the edges fell over her chest, covering her nipples. I groaned. I had a slight suspicion that Val didn’t see herself as nearly as sexy as she was.

  “I can’t believe I’m finally going on a helicopter ride.” Val’s voice was full of excitement as we stepped out on the landing area and the helicopter came into view.

  “Thought it might be a good opportunity to see LA from the sky.”

  “I’ve always wanted to do it.”

  “I know.”

  “You’ve been talking to Hailey.”

  “Guilty.”

  “Are you trying to impress me, mister?”

  She had no idea.

  “Just the two of us?”

  “Yes. I didn’t want anyone else along for the ride.”

  There was a small crew on the platform, and one of the guys was looking at Val with interest. I pulled her to me, kissing her right there for everyone to see. I didn’t care who was watching. I wanted to stake my claim on her.

  “Carter....” She sounded breathless as I took her hand, leading her to the helicopter. The pilot explained to us how things would proceed, and then we were off.

  We both received headsets so the pilot could communicate with us easily, and to block some of the roaring sound. Los Angeles was breathtaking from above. It was the week before Christmas, and the city was lit up even more than usual.

  “This was so amazing,” Val exclaimed after we’d stepped out from the helicopter. “Did you enjoy it?”

  “Yes. Even though I’d imagined it a bit different.”

  “Different how?”

  “Well, I thought we could talk during the ride.”

  She grinned. “I thought so too. I hadn’t realized it would be so loud. But at least we could focus on the view this way.”

  “Are you implying I would have distracted you otherwise?” I wiggled my eyebrows.

  “Absolutely. You’re a major distraction factor, mister.”

  “Come on, baby. We’re not done for tonight.”

  Our next stop was the restaurant where we were having dinner. I’d requested a table that was as private as possible.

  “You went all out tonight,” Val murmured as we sat down.

  “Only the best for my girl.”

  Val blushed.

  “By the way, I know what you’ve been up to with April. She cornered me before I left.”

  Val smiled coyly, shrugging. “A girl has to do what a girl has to do. I think April and I are soul mates. We are shoe mates at the very least. The girl already has great taste.”

  “You two will be the death of me.”

  “We’re certainly going to try.”

  We chatted about the helicopter ride while we ate and about the girls’ trip to Val’s lab last week. I didn’t know who’d enjoyed themselves more: Val, or April and Peyton.

  “Do you want to dance?” I asked once we’d both cleared our plates.

  “I can never say no to you.”

  “I’m banking on it.” I led her to the dance floor and slid a hand around her waist as a slow song started to play. I stroked my thumb across her tailbone.

  “Carter, that hand is a bit low. I don’t like it.”

  I could hear the smile in her voice.

  “I’d say you do.”

  “I’d say you’re cocky.”

  “But you’re into it.”

  She sighed. “Yep. What can I say? Tall, handsome, smart, and cocky works for me.”

  My heart was pounding insanely fast as I pressed my cheek to hers in an intimate gesture. I could feel the rhythmic thumping in my ears. How much exactly did it work for her? We’d agreed we were exclusive, and everyone knew we were a couple, but I wanted to know if she saw a future for us, if she felt the same way I did.

  I knew my life was complicated but also knew I could make Val happy. Not just in bed but outside of it too. I couldn’t believe I was so unsure of myself. This wasn’t like me. I hadn’t doubted myself so much even during the most complicated cases. But I’d never stood before a woman about to lay out my feelings. I’d honestly never thought I would.

  “What we have makes me so happy, Val,” I whispered against her cheek. “But I care for you very much, and I don’t want us to see this as just some fun time. You’re on my mind no matter what I do or where I am. I want to share every important moment with you. Usually I’m not big on labels, but I’d like for us to see where this relationship takes us. What do you say?”

  I felt her sharp intake of breath, and everything inside me stilled. Our cheeks were still pressed together. Say yes. God, say yes.

  The wait seemed like minutes, when in truth, no more than a few seconds could have passed.

  “I’d love to.”

  I’d never felt so much tension leave my body all at once.

  “Yeah?”

  She nodded, pulling back and looking at me with wide, uncertain eyes. “You mean everything you’ve just said, right?”

  “Why would I say it if I don’t mean it?”

  “Because you think that’s what I’d like to hear.” She tensed in my arms.

  “What are you afraid of, Val?”

  “Hoping,” she answered in a small voice. “I’ve always been a very optimistic and hopeful person. It’s just that the things I hope or dream about most don’t tend to happen... unless I make them happen. But obviously some things I can’t influence....” She cast her gaze downward. “Let’s just say I’ve tried to give away my heart a few times, but no one wanted it.”

  She’d said this very quickly, as if she’d wanted to get it off her chest. I’d never heard her speak so openly. I cupped her cheek, drawing my thumb along her bottom lip. Valentina Connor meant everything to me, but I knew we had to take this slowly. This was new, and we were treading on quicksand. If we moved too quickly, it would swallow us up.

  “You don’t have to be afraid with me. I promise.” I kissed her, and she opened up to me in a way she’d never done before. Jesus, I wanted to ravish her right there on the dance floor. I held her close to me until the song finished, and then whispered, “Let’s go home, Val. I want to bury myself inside you.”

  Her eyes widened, and her gaze fell to my lips. Then she licked her own and nodded. We were out in minutes.

  The second we made it to her bedroom, I skimmed my thumb over her bare shoulder, then placed a kiss in the same spot. I wanted to map her body with my hands and my mouth, discover what made her wild with lust, and then I’d be the only one holding the key to her pleasure.

  I captured her mouth at the same time I gathered the fabric of her dress in my hand, grabbing
more and more until I felt the smooth skin of her legs under my fingers. I inched one hand upward between her thighs until my thumb reached her panties. She whimpered and then moaned when I pushed the fabric to one side, touching bare skin. She was so aroused that my control instantly slipped away. I almost took her against the door. I stopped kissing her only long enough to pull the dress over her head. Then I took care of my shirt while frantically unbuckling my belt. The rest of my clothes went away in minutes.

  “Carter!”

  “I want you so much.”

  I took a step back to admire her, sweeping my gaze over her body slowly, taking in every curve, how luscious that black lace looked against her pale skin.

  I wanted to touch and kiss and stroke, but where to begin? Taking her hand, I led her from the door to the bed.

  “Lie down on the bed, Val.”

  Her eyes widened as she first sat, then moved to the center of the bed, propping herself on her elbows. Her knees were pressed together, but when I climbed on the bed, I wrapped one hand around each ankle, moving them apart. I touched and kissed her legs, nipping at her inner thighs until Val gasped.

  “Carter, please.”

  I smiled against her skin, inching ever so slowly to her center.

  When I reached the apex, I moved onto her belly, continuing my exploration upward to her breast. I drew circles with my tongue around her nipples, occasionally sucking each into my mouth. She shuddered every time I did.

  Her hands were everywhere: on my chest, my arms, my back. And then Val wrapped her palm around my erection, pressing her thumb on the crown.

  “Val, baby!”

  I watched as we stroked each other. I slid one hand between her parted thighs, in her panties, stroking one finger inside her, and then another one.

  She cried out my name, and when I pressed my thumb on her clit, her inner muscles tightened around my fingers. I looked her straight in the eyes, not wanting to miss any change in her expression.

  “That’s it. You’re so sexy. So responsive.”

  “Carter, you’re going to....”

  “I’m going to make you come, yes.”

  She clenched tighter, and her hips bucked off the bed. I used my other hand to press her pelvis against the mattress again, increasing the pressure. She pinched her eyes shut.