“Say it,” he pleaded. “I need to hear it.”
“I love you.”
“I never thought I would hear those words from anyone.”
“I’ll say them every day.”
One more tear ran down his cheek, then he stood and scooped me up, holding me close to his chest. He walked swiftly to my room, his arms keeping me tight to his body.
“I’m going to work to be the man you deserve, Becca.”
I smiled at him.
“You already are, Reid. You already are.”
I expected Reid to toss me on my bed and be all over me in an instant. I knew he was ready. I had felt how ready he was. But he surprised me when he laid me down tenderly, kneeling beside me, only looking, not touching. I felt his gaze everywhere, warming my skin, making me long for his touch.
“Reid,” I whispered. “I need you closer.”
“I need you to know how much you mean to me.”
I opened my arms. “Show me.”
He crawled up the mattress, nestled between my legs. His mouth covered mine, the stroke of his tongue long and sensuous. Piece by piece, he pulled off my clothes, and let me push away his boxers so we were skin-to-skin. Rough rolling over soft. Hard muscles sculpting and fitting into my rounded curves. His hands never stopped—they touched and stroked. Caressed and teased. Plucked and rubbed. All done with gentle sweeps, tender arcs, and the lightest of pressure. He touched me everywhere until I was nothing but a mass of desire, wanting him more than I had ever wanted another man. The whole time, he whispered to me, words filled with devotion and love.
“You are so beautiful.”
“Always, Becca. I will want you this way always.”
“You are home. You’re my home.”
“I love you.”
Finally, I begged, “Please, Reid.”
He hovered over me, the blunt head of his thick, hard cock rubbing against my center. Our eyes locked, our gaze never wavering as he slid in, inch by inch, until we were flush. I groaned at the sensation of having him inside me. He began to move, his thrusts slow, even, and deep—his movements meant to draw out my pleasure. He kissed me, his tongue mimicking his cock, drugging my senses.
All that existed was Reid. His body. His cock. His love.
“More, please.” I arched, wrapping my legs around his hips to bring him closer. “I need more of you. Faster.”
“No,” he groaned. “I want to savor you. Savor this. Just feel me, baby. Feel how we fit together. Know we’re going to be this way every time.” He slid his hand under my ass, lifting me, pushing deeper. His forehead pressed to mine, his breath hot on my face. “Every single time I make you mine.”
He sped up, still gentle, but hitting me exactly where I needed. I tumbled over the edge, crying out his name.
He stilled, his body taut, groaning my name as he rode out his orgasm. He buried his face in my neck, murmuring words I couldn’t understand. I didn’t need to—his tone said all I had to know.
He was with me, and he wasn’t going anywhere.
Reid was back. And he belonged to me.
Reid
THE LAZY FEELING of serenity drifted through me. The rain had picked up, and unlike the cold wet that had beat against me outside, now the sound was soothing as it hit the window. Becca was nestled beside me, her warmth and scent wrapped around me like a blanket. Turning my head, I pressed a kiss to her crown, gently sliding my hand up and down her arm.
She lifted her head, smiling at me, languid and sated. “Hey.”
I lowered my head and kissed her plump lips. “Hey, BB.”
“You okay?”
I grinned. “More than okay. You?”
She snuggled closer, draping her arm over my waist. “Perfect.” She chuckled softly. “You wore me out, though.”
I tucked her head under my chin. I had made love to her twice, the second time nowhere near as sweet as the first. That had been to show her my feelings—how much she meant to me.
A short time later, watching her slumber, seeing her breasts rise and fall, the nipples still rosy and peaked from my mouth, my cock had stirred. I tugged down the blanket, revealing more of her naked perfection to me. Her body was a work of art. The swell of her breasts, the curve of her waistline, the roundness of her hips. Her skin was silky and smelled of vanilla and sugar. She was delicate yet strong, her limbs and muscles toned and flexible. Compact, but powerful. I loved how she felt against me, our bodies meshing, aligning so well despite our differences.
She mumbled in her sleep, rolling to her side. I traced the ridges of her spine with my finger, marveling at the simple beauty of her back. Her ass was rounded, and I couldn’t resist cupping one cheek, the firm muscle twitching in my grip. Two beauty marks rested side by side on her shoulder blade, and I kissed them, my tongue lingering on her skin. I dragged my mouth down her back, desire taking over. Easing her onto her back, I closed my mouth around her nipple, sucking and licking as she began to stir. I glided my fingers to her core, still wet from our earlier lovemaking, teasing and stroking as she woke, groaning my name.
Her eyes still closed, she arched, driving my fingers deeper. My cock was desperate to replace them, but I wanted her ready and awake. She shook, her body already close, opening her eyes to meet mine. Desire swam in her blue depths.
“Oh God, Reid.”
“I need to fuck you, Becca. Now.”
“Yes,” she whimpered. “Now.”
In seconds, I was nestled between her legs, sliding my cock into her heat. She wrapped her legs around my waist, and I took her. My need was rampant as I drove into her hard and fast—mindless and aching. I felt her everywhere as my orgasm built like wildfire in my veins, burning and twisting so hot I was certain all that would remain was ash when I climaxed. She was right there with me, her back bowing off the bed, gripping my arms, tightening her legs and making the sexiest sounds as I had her.
Her orgasm hit, her neck straining as she stiffened, milking my cock, her muscles fluttering and urging me to join her. I braced myself on her headboard, thrusting as my balls tightened. Pleasure took over, and I came, shaking, gasping, calling her name, the intensity so great for a minute it was as if I was lost in a sea of sensation.
I collapsed on her chest, unable to speak.
“Are you sore?” I asked, trying not to be turned on thinking of what we had done.
“You have to ask?” She laughed. “That was amazing.” She kissed my chest. “We’re amazing together.”
“Yeah, we are.”
My stomach grumbled loudly in the room.
She lifted her head. “Did you not eat dinner? Or did you build up an appetite?”
“Both.”
“I made pasta but never ate it,” she confessed. “I can heat it up if you wanted.”
Suddenly, I was ravenous. “I want.”
Wrapped in a blanket, sitting at her counter, I inhaled the pasta she had made. Two huge bowls were gone before I felt replete. As usual, Becca ate slower, watching me eat with a small grin.
“What?” I wiped my mouth, draining the glass of milk she had placed in front of me.
She shrugged. “I love to watch you eat. Especially if I’ve made it. Your enjoyment makes me smile.”
“Food in prison is pretty bland. It’s supposed to be nutritional, but there’s no flavor.” I sighed, playing with my fork. “I’m sure the fact that you’re in prison has something to do with it.”
“That makes sense.”
“When I got out, I went for a cheeseburger. I had been craving one for years.” I shut my eyes, remembering the flavor. “I thought I was going to cry over it. It tasted like freedom. Every time I eat something delicious now, I appreciate it more than ever.”
I glanced at her. She was watching me with a tender look on her face. Leaning forward, I kissed her. “Your cooking is such a treat. Thank you.”
She hummed.
Not wanting to get into another deep discussion, I changed the subject.
/> “So what is on the agenda this week, now that the campaign is up and running?”
She sipped her water, setting down the glass. “I’ll maintain it, adjust the ads and placement. Sales are still so strong, we want to keep it visible. Once Bentley is happy, we’ll wind it down and move on to phase two. Plus, he had me working on a few other things. He wasn’t kidding when he told Richard he could keep me busy full time. I’m amazed at the number of projects BAM is involved in.”
“I know. The company is so diversified.”
“I have to get to the bank and deposit my bonus,” Becca said, excited.
“Bonus?”
She frowned. “Oh, um, maybe I wasn’t supposed to say anything?”
“No, that’s great. They gave you a bonus?”
She nodded. “When we went to dinner on that Sunday night. Bentley gave me an envelope and said it was for going above and beyond. I know Richard refused the one he was offered the next day and told Bentley he wanted access to your report instead.”
“That makes sense. Bentley told me to license it to The Gavin Group.” I squeezed her hand. “I’m glad they rewarded you, BB. You deserve it.”
She bent low, as if telling me a secret. “It was five thousand dollars, Reid. I was shocked how generous they were.”
“I’m not. They believe in rewarding their staff, and they make sure to take good care of us. Bentley appreciates loyalty.”
She hesitated, then asked, “You didn’t get one?”
“Yeah, I think I did. They came to see me after the meeting and gave me an envelope. I put it in my drawer, meaning to open it later. When Sandy got the call about Max, I forgot.”
“You should open it tomorrow and say thank you.”
Chuckling, I kissed her nose. “I will.” I sat back. “Any big plans for the money?” I knew if Becca received five thousand, mine would be equal, perhaps even a little higher. Some was going into the bank toward my future. Our future. The one I needed to talk to her about some more. But I wanted to splurge a little as well.
“I-I’m going to surprise my dad and go see him. Sandy arranged my days off around a long weekend so I could have more time. I’m going to go for five days.”
“Oh.” It made sense she would want to do that. Still, I was disappointed. I had thought maybe we could go away together, but I knew she missed her father. “He’ll be thrilled, I’m sure.”
She inhaled, squaring her shoulders. “Would you come with me, Reid? Meet my dad?”
“Is that a good idea, Becca?”
“I love you,” she replied.
Her words made me smile and reach for her hand.
“You’re part of my life. He knows I’ve been seeing someone.”
“Does he know about my past?”
She swallowed, looking away.
“Becca, we can’t hide it. He’ll find out eventually, and he’ll be angry we weren’t truthful.”
“I thought he could meet you, get to know you, then I would tell him.”
I shook my head. “No. You tell him when you talk to him this week. Once he knows, if you still want me to come, I will.”
“Really?”
“I love you.” I repeated her words. “I want to be part of your life. That includes your father. So, if he is willing to give me a chance, I’ll give him one too.”
She launched herself at me, almost knocking me off my stool. I encircled her with my arms, holding her close.
“I’ll call him later today.”
I kissed her head. “Okay. We can book flights next week.”
She pulled back. “My treat.”
I began to shake my head, and she frowned. “I want to pay for the trip with my bonus.”
“I’ll make you a deal. You pay for the flights; I’ll pay for the hotel. I know you said your dad is in a small place.”
“Yes. If I were going alone, I’d stay with Richard and Katy, but I’d like to stay in a hotel with you, Mr. Matthews.”
I cupped her ass, bringing her body flush with mine. “Oh yeah?”
She grinned. “Hotel sex is awesome.”
Hotel sex. Another first.
I stood, lifted her, and headed to the bedroom. “I think we need more practice to build up to the hotel sex.”
Her mouth was hot against my neck.
“Lots more.”
Sandy was at the staff meeting Monday morning. Her blouse was crisp, her hair perfect, but there was a sadness to her expression that had never been there before. I wondered if it was something that would ever fully leave her. I was glad to see her back—everyone was glad. We’d all missed her.
After, I was busy at my desk. Reaching into my drawer to grab a new pencil, I lifted out the envelope Bentley had handed me. I had forgotten about it again, but I knew I should open it and take the contents to the bank. I also had to thank the guys properly.
I tore open the seal, and withdrew a folded document containing several pages of what appeared to be legal wording. There was no bonus payment.
Instead, there was something so unexpected I stared at the document for long, stunned moments, reading and rereading the words, certain I was mistaken.
I lurched to my feet and hurried down the hall. Sandy looked up as I stumbled to her desk. I knew the guys were in their usual Monday morning partners’ meeting, and there was no way I was getting past her without their allowing it.
“I need to see them.”
She shook her head. “You finally opened it.”
“You knew?”
“What did I tell you, Reid? I know everything that goes on in this place.” She picked up her phone, speaking into the receiver. “Reid needs some time with all of you. I suggest you let him in before he falls down in front of my desk.”
She hung up and indicated Bentley’s door. “In you go.”
Before I could move, she lifted her hand. “You deserve this, Reid. But remember your manners.”
I met her eyes, seeing the smile they contained.
“I can do that,” I croaked.
Three sets of eyes watched me stagger into Bentley’s office. Three wide grins lit their faces as I sank into the sofa beside Aiden, lifting the pages. “I don’t understand.”
Bentley leaned back. “I think I’ll let Maddox explain, being our numbers man and all.”
Maddox observed me, tapping his cheek thoughtfully.
“Reid, since you joined BAM, you have proven to be more than an employee. You’ve put yourself on the line for us more than once, and you’ve shown us loyalty and commitment. You have become our friend—part of our family. You know how we feel about family.”
“You take care of them,” I mumbled.
“Good. You pay attention.” Maddox grinned. “The other day you told me you wanted to live in Ridge Towers. You also confessed to your worry about getting a mortgage, and were concerned if you would be able to save enough for the deposit.”
I swallowed, my throat thick. “Yeah,” I rasped out. “But—”
Maddox held up his hand. “I spoke to Bentley and Aiden. We already knew we were going to give bonuses for this project. The results have been nothing less than amazing, and we like to reward our staff well.”
I shook my head. “This isn’t a bonus. It’s . . .” I struggled to find the words. “I was expecting . . .” I hesitated. “Not this. I wasn’t expecting this.”
Bentley stood and rounded the desk, leaning on the edge. He crossed his arms. “We’re aware it’s unorthodox, but frankly, Reid, the things you have done for us have been unorthodox. You helped find Emmy. You eliminated a huge problem for Maddox. You’ve proven to Aiden, repeatedly, that there is nothing you can’t do. Nothing you won’t do for us. That deserves more than a bonus.”
I lifted the papers. “But it’s a condo. You’ve given me a condo.”
Maddox chuckled. “It’s the smaller one in my building. We’re going to use the one Dee lived in briefly as our corporate place. The other one is sitting empty. It’s one-plus bedr
oom, but the size is generous, so there’s lots of space for all your equipment. This transaction does two things. You get to move in to a great, secure building right away. You’ll pay the monthly condo fees and taxes, the same as everyone else, and you’ll be building equity, which you can use toward a place in Ridge Towers. The value is currently about four hundred thousand for this place.”
I almost choked. Aiden patted me on the back.
“Stay with us, kid. Things are just getting good.”
Maddox laughed. “We had planned to do some renos to the place, but we’ve decided you can look after that. Get with Van, and he’ll make sure it happens. I suggest an overhaul of the kitchen and bath to maximize your investment.” He winked. “You’ll get the company rate.”
They gave Becca a bonus of five thousand dollars. They gave me a condo.
“I can’t accept this—it’s too much.”
“You can and you will. It’s all bound and legal. Bill has the papers drawn up. You can move in right away and make yourself a home. Your life is changing, Reid,” Bentley stated firmly. “You can’t sleep on the floor of your office all the time now. You need a place where you’re settled. Where Becca can be with you.”
His words made sense. Still, it was a lot to take in.
“When Ridge Towers is closer to completion, you can decide if you want to move.” Maddox smirked. “And if you’ll be moving alone. If my suspicions are right, you’ll need a two-bedroom with room to grow.”
Aiden leaned forward, earnest. “We could have simply handed you a condo in the Towers, but we felt this was better. You can move right away and get out of that little place you hate. You can do some renos and increase the value. Then sell it and move on. On your terms.”
“Only because of your charity.”
“No.” Bentley’s voice was steely. “This isn’t charity. This is our way of thanking you. If you don’t want to move later, you don’t have to. Or you can move elsewhere. We’re simply giving you the tools to start.” He sighed. “We all think you deserve that, Reid. A fresh start and a leg up. We did that for each other. Now, we’re doing it for you.”
Reid: Vested Interest #4 Page 18