by Addison Cole
He bent to kiss her and accidentally kicked her shopping bag. “You did take a special shopping trip for us, didn’t you?”
He picked up the bag from Devi’s Discoveries. She tried to snag it, and he lifted it out of her reach. “What did my dirty girl buy at the toy shop?” He peered into the bag.
“It’s not what you think!”
He reached into the bag and withdrew a box of penis-shaped cookies. He cocked a brow, grinning at her embarrassed expression.
“I told you! That’s a new product Brandy makes and sells in their shop. Do you have any idea how weird it was to look at those kind of toys with my best friends, who’d know I’d be using them with one of their brothers?” She banged her forehead against his chest. “I’m sorry. But I couldn’t do it. I kid a lot with the girls about doing sexy stuff, but I don’t want them knowing what you and I do privately. It felt wrong and kind of creepy.” She looked up at him with troubled eyes and said, “And then I realized that we’re all talking about us like we’ve been a couple forever, but tonight will be the first time they really see us as a couple, together, kissing, touching. How weird will that be? What happens when I want to climb into your lap? Or sneak off to be dirty?”
His heart swallowed her right up as he crushed her against him. “Do you know how much I adore this side of you? The shier, careful girl? I love your brazen side and the animalistic ways we go at each other in bed, but this is just as sexy.”
“Really?” she asked sweetly.
He cradled her face in his hands and said, “Really.” He lowered his lips to hers and they stumbled toward the office. “I’m bringing the cookies and eating them off of your body.” Oh shoot. He broke away and said, “I need to lock the door.” He handed her the box of cookies and sprinted to the front door.
When he turned back around, she was gone and the office door was open. He finished unbuttoning his shirt as he headed for the office.
He found her standing in a black thong and matching lace bra, with her hip leaning against his desk. She crooked her finger, beckoning him closer. He pulled off his shirt and reached for her. She pushed his hand away, shaking her head. He grabbed the edge of the desk as he toed off his shoes.
“How many years did I think about this very moment, Mr. Bossman? I used to fantasize about things heating up between us while we were setting up the stores.”
“I did, too, babe. Every single day.”
She blinked innocently at him. Their mouths crashed together, taking her right up to the brink of ecstasy.
“Let’s fulfill your every fantasy,” she said. “And mine.”
And they did.
Afterwards, he carried her to the sofa and laid her down, loving her tenderly, passionately, pouring all of his love, all of his strength and devotion, into their connection. And when he finally abandoned all restraint, she was right there with him. They both collapsed, panting and sated, to the cushions.
They lay squished together on the tiny couch, their legs intertwined, holding each other as their breathing calmed. He kissed her forehead, her cheeks, and finally her lips as he ran his fingers through her hair and whispered, “I could stay right here forever and die a happy man.”
Chapter Fifteen
SUNDAY MORNING SERENA tried not to think too much about having to leave in a few hours. Last night they’d had a fun night with their friends at dinner and the concert. She’d been so nervous about how it would feel acting like a couple in front of them, she’d decided to take the fear out of it and claim their relationship in the biggest way possible, leaving no room for awkwardness. When they sat down to dinner on the patio of the Bookstore Restaurant, she’d climbed onto Drake’s lap and kissed him long and hard, to the point of being obscene. At first it had taken all of her courage, but once they were lip-locked, her emotions had taken over, making it as easy as breathing. Then she’d turned to their friends and announced, This is how things are going to be from now on. Any questions?
Drake sat beside her and pulled her close. “How’s my man-claiming girlfriend?”
She liked the sound of that. “I’m great. I can’t wait to congratulate Daphne at breakfast.” She tried to focus on the positive rather than how breakfast would bring her that much closer to leaving.
He lifted her onto his lap and gathered her hair over her shoulder. “I know you’re bummed about going back to Boston. I can see it. Please stop trying to hide your feelings from me, okay?”
He’d skipped his morning run with the guys both days she was there, and she felt bad about that. At least when they’d been just friends she hadn’t messed up his schedule. But selfishly, she was glad he’d stayed with her. They hadn’t made love this morning. They’d just lain in bed talking and holding each other, the way they had lain on the beach after the concert and a long walk on the beach last night. They’d talked about everything and nothing at all for hours, and it had been perfectly romantic. When they’d finally decided to turn in for the night, Drake had offered to stay at her cottage instead of at his place, but she wanted to be there among his things, in the bed they’d shared the night before. They’d brought a bunch of her clothes over, which were now tucked safely away in his dresser and hanging in his closet.
She eyed the card on the nightstand, remembering how nervous she’d been when she’d written it. Look how far they’d come.
“I think I liked you better when you were all gruff and not caring about what I felt,” she said, and touched her forehead to his. “No, I didn’t,” she admitted. “But let me lie to myself, okay? Let me tell myself I’m fine, because even though it’s hard to leave, I’m excited to meet more clients this week and spend time with my team. I just hate the thought of a week going by before I see you again.”
“Me too. But we’ll talk on the phone and video chat, and before we know it, you’ll be back for the grand opening and we’ll celebrate.”
“And dance like we did last night?” She rubbed her nose over his, then kissed him.
Their friends had joked with them when they were slow dancing, saying things about how Drake didn’t look like he was going to kill anyone as long as Serena was in his arms. She’d loved every second of it—being in his arms and knowing their friends had seen the same look in his eyes she had when they’d danced before becoming a couple.
“I loved dancing with you as my boyfriend. It changes everything.”
Mira had said the same thing last night, that Drake seemed truly happy and relaxed for the first time in his entire life.
“For me, too, Supergirl. We’d better get going. Daphne’s probably already there. She’s bringing her daughter, Hadley, and she’ll have her in the office this morning while she finishes training with Harper.”
He smacked her butt as she climbed off his lap and said, “You know what my favorite part of last night was?”
“Groping me under the dinner table?” She slipped her feet into her flip-flops.
He gathered her against him and said, “The moment you claimed me in the restaurant. That was frigging hot. Almost as hot as christening the office.”
“Maybe next weekend we can christen your office downstairs.”
He made a guttural sound of appreciation and kissed her. She was going to miss falling asleep in his arms, but she might miss their mornings together even more. She loved waking up to him—his scent, his strong arms wrapped around her, and his raspy morning voice. Showering and getting ready for the day, stolen kisses and smacks on her butt—she felt like she was stockpiling all the little things like a chipmunk saving up for winter.
Drake grabbed their matching sunglasses as they went out the door. She loved that he wasn’t embarrassed to wear them. As they crossed the grass, she tucked away the feel of her hand in his, the way he pulled her closer as they walked, and the scents and sounds of the place she’d called home for the past several years.
“There’s Daphne,” he said, heading toward Summer House Inn’s parking lot.
Serena walked quicker
. “I can’t wait to see her little girl.”
Daphne was leaning into the back seat, lifting her daughter out of the car seat. “Hey, you two,” she said as she settled Hadley, her adorable ten-month-old baby girl against her rounded hip. A few tufts of brownish hair stuck up from behind a tiny headband with a pink bow. Like Daphne, Hadley had chubby cheeks, but unlike her outgoing mother, Hadley had serious eyes, and her tiny lips were pursed in an almost-scowl, like a discerning adult. She was clearly unimpressed with her newfound situation.
“I’m so glad you made it,” Serena said. “Hadley is adorable. Hi, sweetie.” She tickled Hadley’s foot. The baby’s expression didn’t change, but she clutched Daphne’s T-shirt.
“Sorry we’re late.” Daphne stood up a little straighter, showing them her T-shirt, on which SORRY I’M LATE was emblazoned across her chest. She lifted Hadley a little higher. I’M THE REASON WE’RE LATE was printed across the front of Hadley’s pink shirt.
“That is hilarious,” Drake said. “Nothing like being prepared for anything. How can we help?”
“I need to get her car seat and bag. Would you mind holding her for a sec?” Daphne handed her to Drake, and Hadley’s tiny brows knitted. She looked at her mother like she was out of her mind. Then she cocked her head, studying Drake’s face.
“Believe it or not, she likes you,” Daphne said. “She usually cries when anyone other than family holds her.”
Drake was a natural with kids. Serena had watched him with Hagen over the years, and with other kids who had come through the resort. But nothing could have prepared her for the unfamiliar desires pinging around inside at the sight of Drake’s thick arms cradling the sweet baby girl, making her look even smaller and more in need of his protection. He cooed at her.
Serena tore her gaze away, afraid her ovaries might explode.
“Okay, all set.” Daphne threw her bag over her shoulder and held out the baby carrier. “Want to trade?”
Drake tickled Hadley under her chubby little chin, earning a slobbery grin. She had two teeth on the bottom and four on top. “Actually, would you mind if I carried her?”
Daphne looked at Serena like Drake was speaking another language. “Are you kidding? I’m a single mother. I welcome the help. He’s a keeper, Serena. My ex didn’t want to have anything to do with children, which is the reason why he’s my ex.”
“Not everyone’s cut out for parenthood,” Drake said, reaching for Serena’s hand as they headed toward the inn.
She knew he was thinking about her mother, but it was all she could do to nod. Her mind was racing with new worries. She had so much she wanted to accomplish before she could even think about having children, but Drake was thirty-four and settled in his career. He’d never hidden the fact that he wanted a family, but if they stayed together, would he be willing to wait until she was settled in hers?
Mira and Chloe rushed over to greet Daphne and fawn over Hadley. Harper had asked them to apologize to Daphne for her. She had to miss breakfast because she had an early conference call about her most recent screenplay.
Serena introduced her to the others. “Daphne, this is Mira, Rick and Drake’s sister, and this is my sister, Chloe.”
“Hi,” Daphne said. “Thanks for letting me crash breakfast.”
“I’m crashing, too,” Chloe said as she slung an arm over Serena’s shoulder. “I’m not usually here this early, but I wanted to see this girly one more time before she goes back to Boston.”
“That’s sweet. When I left for North Carolina my twin brother and our sister probably threw a party.” Daphne laughed and said, “Not really, but my sister was glad to have our apartment all to herself. When is your baby due?” she asked Mira.
“Not soon enough.” Mira patted her belly.
“Hi, Daphne,” Rick said. “I’m glad you made it.”
“Thanks,” Daphne said as she set the baby seat down beside the table. “It’ll be nice to have friends around again. I’ve been so busy, I haven’t gotten out much since I moved back, and so many of the people I grew up with have moved away.”
“With this crew, you’ll never be alone,” Dean said. “And you might never get your baby back.”
“I can deal with a few hours of freedom,” Daphne said as she fished around in her baby bag.
Rick sidled up to Serena and said, “It’s good to see he didn’t scare you away with all that slow dancing last night.”
“Quite the opposite,” Serena said, remembering how incredible it had felt to be in Drake’s arms, dancing beneath the stars. “It’s called foreplay.”
Rick chuckled, then turned to Drake and said, “Practicing?”
“Jealous?” Drake tickled Hadley again, earning another smile. Then Hadley turned an almost-scowl to Rick.
“She’s cute. You keep missing our morning runs, and you might end up with a tiny human sooner rather than later,” Rick teased. “I hear it all starts with matching sunglasses.”
Drake held the baby up in the air, and she giggled. “What do you think, Hadley? Does it all start with matching sunglasses?”
“In my experience,” Daphne said, “it all starts with a back rub.”
All the girls laughed. The guys smirked.
“You’re going to fit right in,” Serena assured her.
Desiree, Emery, and Violet came out of the house carrying trays of muffins, eggs, bacon, and sausage.
“They’re here!” Emery said. “Look at that baby!”
She and Desiree hurried over to the table and set down their trays. Then they rushed over to see the baby, while Violet gave Hadley a wide berth.
Serena introduced Daphne to Emery, Desiree, and Violet and told her a little about each of them.
“There’ll be a test later,” Violet said as she snagged a piece of bacon.
“I’ve got it,” Daphne said proudly, pointing to each person as she said their name. “Emery, yoga instructor and Dean’s fiancée. The yoga pants helped with that one. Desiree, Rick’s other half, co-owner of this gorgeous inn, and sister to Violet, who is the coolest chick I’ve ever met. I want to be you when I grow up. I have a thing for motorcycles, and I really want a tattoo with my baby girl’s birth date, but I’m afraid to get one.”
Violet finished her bacon and said, “There’s a cure for that. It’s called a few shots of tequila.”
As Violet and Daphne discussed tattoos, Drake sat down, bouncing Hadley on his leg, which earned him more sweet baby giggles. He pulled Serena down beside him and said, “She’s pretty cute, huh?”
“There really isn’t anything sexier than you holding a baby. Seeing you with her almost makes me want to drag you back to the bedroom.”
Hadley’s brows knitted tighter than ever, and her face turned red. A second later, the smell of baby poop wafted around them, causing everyone to laugh.
“Oh gosh. Sorry.” Daphne took her from his arms and grabbed her baby bag. “Babies are the ultimate love-moment blockers.”
“You can say…” Violet grinned and said a dirty word. “I’m pretty sure your little one isn’t going to be repeating anything you say anytime soon.”
Desiree gave her grief for using foul language in front of their new friends. Rick and Dean were busy harassing Drake about spending so much time with Hadley, and Serena sat back and enjoyed the show. She missed this fun banter, the closeness with the girls and teasing the guys. It was a wonderful morning, and Daphne fit right in. Although Hadley seemed a bit nonplussed with all of her newfound aunties and uncles, which was what Emery dubbed them, except Drake, whom she seemed to adore.
After Daphne left, they cleaned up and made plans to go tubing after the tasting session with Brandy, which was now scheduled for two weeks after the grand opening.
They spent the afternoon hanging out on the beach, and Serena made a point of lying beside Drake with her hand on his chest to mark her property.
Drake lay with his eyes shaded by his sunglasses, his lips curved up in a sinful smile as he said, “How
about if I strip down and you put that hand on the property you really want to mark?”
“Hey!” Mira snapped. “How about no naked debauchery when I’m around?”
“It’s okay. This is the property I want to mark anyway.” Serena laid her hand over Drake’s heart.
He placed his hand over hers and pulled her down to whisper in her ear. “Nice cover, babe. Next weekend we’ll lie out naked behind your cottage and you can mark any part of my body you want.”
That gave her something to look forward to.
By late afternoon, Serena was doing everything she could to procrastinate leaving, but she knew traffic would be a nightmare, and she needed time to get ready for her work week. She’d purposefully left her work at home this weekend, knowing she wouldn’t give up a second of her time with Drake and that Drake would feel guilty if he knew she wasn’t getting her work done. But hey, that was what lonely Sunday nights were for.
After saying goodbye to Chloe and all their friends, Serena and Drake stood beside her car, kissing and murmuring promises to call. Why was she getting teary-eyed? She wasn’t the kind of girl who cried at goodbyes.
Drake lifted her chin. She loved that intimate touch, the way it set her apart from all other women. She loved everything he did, like the way he was gazing at her right then, as if he understood and wanted to erase all her sadness.
“I know it’s silly, but it’s harder to leave this time.” She half laughed, half sighed into his chest.
“What can I do to make it easier? Do you want me to come there on the weekends instead? Would that help?”
“No,” she said quickly. “I want to see everyone. It’s hard leaving you, but it’s hard leaving everyone else, too. I’m sure it’s just that I haven’t found close friends in Boston yet.” Even as she said it, she knew that wasn’t all that was bothering her. She’d been replaced, and Drake hadn’t needed her to set up the music store. Life was going on without her. She’d known it would, but thinking about it and experiencing it were two totally different things. And after spending the morning with Hadley, she couldn’t stop worrying that she and Drake were on different time tables. She knew she was getting way ahead of herself, but he’d looked out for her best interests for so long, she couldn’t ignore the possibility of something so important to him.