by J. M. Stone
Christmas and New Year were spent with our closest friends and family that, surprisingly (or maybe not so surprisingly), included Ian’s parents. They’d received a wake-up call for sure when they’d come close to losing their only son. Since then, I’d gotten a very heart-felt apology from them both and they’d made it a point to meet us for dinner at least once every two weeks, if not more often. I was still a little cautious around Margot, but she’d stopped the snarky comments altogether and seemed to genuinely want to get to know me better.
They don’t talk to or see the Jones’ anymore. No one does. They buried their daughter and moved to their home in France, leaving everything behind. I didn’t blame them; I don’t think I’d be able to bear the whispers behind my back. I also didn’t blame them for what Victoria had done. I think they truly loved their daughter enough to look past her faults, but it doesn’t change the fact that there was so much more going on with that girl that they should have seen.
Things have slowly gotten back to normal, though. Well, as normal as our family and friends could be…
Shaking myself back to the present, I tipped my head back to see Ian staring down at me.
“Hi,” he murmured, smiling softly.
“Hi,” I said, smiling back.
“Good?”
I nodded. “Yep. Perfect,” I replied, going up on tip-toe to kiss him.
We finished out the song and returned to the table where Chloe and Brandon were sitting with Allie and Jacks. Liam was with his Grandma Sarah, who was still happily seeing the doctor friend she’d met. Emma and Luke had stayed home tonight, because Everly had been sick, and Jenna and Noah said they were too worn out to go anywhere.
Calland had met up with us, but his eye had already been caught by an absolutely stunning, tattooed redhead standing at the bar, looking over everyone with a bored expression, but there was a sharpness in her eyes that said she didn’t miss much. I’d never seen her before, but I had a feeling my brother would not win with that one.
I slid into the booth beside Chloe, and Ian followed me in just as the waitress stopped by with new drinks for us. The guys were drinking beer, and Chloe and I were sharing a pitcher of mango margaritas, but I hadn’t been able to figure out what Allie was drinking, since she’d ordered it at the bar when they came in.
“Allie, what are you drinking tonight?” I asked, curiously eyeballing her glass.
She blushed and glanced up at Jacks, who just smiled and gave a small nod.
“Water,” she answered, her eyes sparkling.
Chloe stared at her quizzically, then grinned as understanding dawned; I knew that my expression matched hers, our faces lighting up even more as Allie nodded and confirmed our thoughts.
“We’re pregnant again!” she crowed, clasping her hands together over her belly lovingly.
Congratulations were flying and toasts were made as the joyous news was yelled throughout the bar to strangers, acquaintances, and friends alike.
We laughed as Allie nudged Jackson and said, “Good thing we told the parents and Emma earlier or we’d be in trouble, huh.”
He just grinned and nodded before leaning in and kissing the tip of her nose.
It wasn’t too long after that we all decided to call it an evening. As I stood to leave, I looked around for my brother, not seeing him anywhere.
“Ian, I’m gonna look for Calland while you pull the car up, okay? I don’t want to just run off on him.”
He nodded, pecking my lips as he moved past me after saying goodbye to everyone. I hugged them all and called goodbye as they walked out, reassuring them that I was just going to find Calland to let him know we were leaving.
I finally found him coming back from the bathroom, making a beeline for the empty stool on the other side of the redhead, but I intercepted him.
“What’s up, sis?” he asked, keeping his eyes trained on his prize.
“We’re heading out. Figured I’d tell you, but I guess you’re a little occupied at the moment, huh?”
He glanced at me, grinning shamelessly. “I’d like to be occupied, but she’s got that fuck off vibe that keeps everyone at a safe distance so they don’t end up getting throat punched.”
“You’re hopeless, you know that, Calland?”
“Yup. So, I heard the news. New rugrat gonna be coming along, right?”
I smiled. “Yep. They’re so happy…and I’m happy for them. I love babies!”
He nudged me. “Then maybe you should get to working on one of your own.”
I nudged him back. “You never know; maybe we’re already working on it.”
His eyes met mine, his brows raised in surprise and happiness. “Are you? Really?”
I winked, laughing as I replied, “We’re practicing working on it. All the time. Like four times a day.”
His face melted into a grimace and he shoved me gently. “Go on with that shit, you sicko. I don’t need to hear about your sex life!”
“Payback’s a bitch, isn’t it, brother dearest?”
He shook his head, chuckling softly. “Now go on, get out of here. I’ve got work to do.”
It was my turn to shake my head, following his gaze to the redhead once more. “I think maybe you should leave well enough alone, big brother. I think that one bites, and she’d likely hand your balls to you on a silver platter.” I paused. “You know what? Nevermind. That just might be what you need to get your head outta your ass and find a good girl. Leave the Fluffy, Muffy, and Huffy to the younger ones.”
He narrowed his eyes at me. “Bitch,” he growled, but I knew he was playing.
“Ass,” I replied, patting him on the shoulder and waving as I walked away.
I thought about bringing Ian back in and hanging around to see how this all played out. I had a feeling it was about to get interesting…
But I decided against it. I had a sexy, tattooed husband sitting outside waiting on me.
And we had more practicing to do.
***
Calland
I waved goodbye to my sister and sauntered over to the bar, leaning against it beside the redhead I’d been eyeing all night.
She’s fucking gorgeous, pierced and inked up, and had legs for days, but the prickly vibes she was throwing off was keeping most of the fuckwads around here away.
Not me, though. I had to talk to her, just once, to try and break past that wall she had up and get her to smile. Even if I crashed and burned like Leah thought was gonna happen.
She was steadfastly ignoring me, but I still gave it a shot.
“You’re new in town. What’s a beautiful girl like you doing in a backwoods place like this?”
Her lips curled into a smirk as she turned to face me. “Really? That’s what you’re leading with?” she snorted.
I shrugged. “Not leading with anything, just making conversation. I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true. You are beautiful…but you know that. And you’re definitely new in town, cause I’d remember that face.”
She tilted her head, studying me for a brief moment before opening her mouth and dropping me. “Okay, stud. You’re a good looking guy. Used to getting what you want, right? So, right now, you’re expecting me to bat my lashes, twist my hair, giggle, and blindly follow you home for a brainless night of mediocre sex,” she said in disgust. “Am I close?”
“Ouch. Mediocre? Not close at all. Mind-blowing, maybe,” I couldn’t help but retort, regretting it almost as soon as the words left my lips.
She rolled her eyes and twisted back around, blowing me off.
I tried again. “You’ve got me all wrong, Red. I didn’t have you pegged for the simpering, giggly girl. You’re all woman, and that’s clear to see, but damn. My bad for attempting to make conversation with you.” I stood straight, intending to walk away, stopping only when I felt a soft, small hand grab my wrist.
I looked at her, one eyebrow raised in question, not saying anything.
“Look, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be ru
de, but I’m here looking for someone and I don’t have time to mess around with every hot Tom, Dick, or Harry that glances my way.”
“Good thing my name is Calland, then,” I said, winking at her.
Her lips twitched but she never let the smile come, just shook her head.
But that lip twitch left me determined to see her smile.
I extended my hand to her and she took it automatically, shaking it as I winked at her and said, “Hi. I’m Calland. Come here often?”
**********
Author’s Note:
Thank you for reading Skin Tight! I hope you enjoyed the fourth installment of the Skin Deep Series as much as you did the others. Stay tuned for the next and final book of the series, which is still untitled as yet, that will follow Calland’s story. But don’t worry…that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll never see the gang again. ‘Cause I have it on pretty good authority that you just might. ;)
XOXO,
J.M. Stone
Acknowledgments:
First and foremost, once again, the biggest THANK YOU goes out to my readers for all your support and encouragement during this journey. I can’t believe that this series is almost over, can you? I still haven’t lost the deep appreciation and heartfelt gratitude that I have for you all for sticking with me, and I promise, there’s a lot more in store for the future! Who’s ready for the next series?? Muah!
To my hoemancer, Josie Leigh: Woman, you are a superhero for everything that you go through on a daily basis. I can’t thank you enough for being there for me throughout the past two years, and for allowing me to vent to you at random times, and especially for sending me inappropriate (but hilarious) texts that seem to come when I need a laugh the most. I’m proud to call you friend. Much love to you, chickie!! (I’m still waiting on Lucian, btw. Wink, wink!)
A huge shout out to my street team for all you do and for loving me, even when I’m MIA or leave random, crazy posts for you. Trust me, the love is mutual!
Thank you to Amber Binion, as always, for not only leading my street team, but for helping me out in the myriad ways you do. I’m so glad you’re going to be by my side to calm my nerves on this upcoming venture…you totally have my permission to slap me if I get too crazy. But seriously, I couldn’t do this without you. XOXO
Much love and thanks to my betas, Josie, Jenn, Amber, and Naarah for telling me when things suck and when they don’t, and for talking me down from the edge when I feel like scrapping everything; you guys keep me sane! And Ben? I still miss my accidental editor! That being said, any editing mistakes are mine alone and I sincerely apologize for them. I hope they’re not too heinous.
A BIG THANK YOU to all the bloggers and reviewers who have shown their love and support to me during this journey. You guys totally ROCK!
Last but not least, I have to say thank you again to my family for encouraging me every day, for pushing me and telling me I can when I think I can’t, and for loving me the way you do. I love you all…ALWAYS EVER!
About the Author:
USA Today and Amazon Best Selling Author J.M. Stone is a legal assistant by day, and a writer by night. She started writing at a young age, mostly poetry and song lyrics, some of which were published. She currently lives in Ohio where she's lived for most of her life, and enjoys spending time with her other-half, their mouthy daughter, three spoiled and crazy dogs, and the rest of her abnormal family. (Don't worry, abnormal is good!) In her spare time, she loves to read, write, sing, and make people laugh, which usually happens at her own expense!
She loves to hear from her readers, so drop her line at [email protected] or connect with her online!
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4560885.J_M_Stone
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/JM-Stone/622443461116902
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorJMStone
Website: http://jadelynna23.wix.com/authorjmstone
Happy Reading!
******
Other works by J.M. Stone
Skin Deep Series
Skin Deep
Under My Skin
Skin to Skin
Skin Tight