Tag You're Mine

by T L Osborn

  “James, you will remove yourself from this cover immediately. I have messaged the author privately and told her your image has been mistakenly used and needs to be removed.”

  “Actually, Mum, it hasn’t been mistakenly used. I knew about the cover when the photos were taken. You see, Riley here is the author Eva R. Fields. She’s my girlfriend and the fantastic photographer who took the photos in the first place. I offered to be the cover model. She didn’t ask nor coerce me into doing it and I enjoyed it so much I’ll do it again.” I slam my fist on the table, my body shaking with anger. I love my mum, but I’m tired of her trying to control everything we do just to preserve her damn image.

  Riley

  I sit next to James, speechless. He has tensed up beside me, his eyes blazing with fury as he stares at his mother. His words ring in my ears over and over, like bells on top of a cathedral. The cover model shoot was something fun and different; I didn’t think he’d enjoyed it or would do it again.

  “Babe…” I say, reaching out to clasp his hand in mine.

  “I know you wanted your identity kept a secret, but I will not sit here and listen to my mother call your books trash when they’re not. I haven’t read them, I know that, but from what you’ve read to me, from what other people have said, I know they’re great.” He slides an arm around me to pull me closer.

  “So you two are finally serious as a couple?” Mel asks as she pops open a bottle of wine and pours four glasses. “Do you want one, Mum?”

  “Drinking at this time of the day,” Suzanne says, arching an eyebrow. Mel clearly ignores her mum by handing one to Aria, Lara and myself. I take a sip of the bubbles as Charlotte runs inside with a very muddy and overexcited Poppy.

  “I’m sorry Unca James, she got into a puddle,” Charlotte says almost in tears.

  “It’s okay, munchkin,” he replies.

  There’s muddy paws all over the floor as she runs over to Suzanne, then jumps up on her.

  “No! Get off me,” she snaps at Poppy. “Oh, dear, now she’s peeing on me. That’s disgusting. James, get your pet off me.” I have to stifle a laugh. Apparently, Poppy doesn’t like this woman either, so much so she’s peeing on her. Poppy only pees on someone when she doesn’t like them.

  “Poppy, come here,” James commands. She whimpers and drags her tail over to him. Aria comes over to me with a towel. I hadn’t even noticed she’d disappeared from the room. James wraps the towel around Poppy and picks her up. She snuggles against him.

  “My shoes are ruined and my skirt… I’m supposed to be going out.”

  “Mum, use the money you get from Dad’s share of the business and stop complaining. Poppy is a puppy and got overexcited. Simon, when you ring a carpet cleaner let us know and we’ll pay for the costs.”

  “I’ll give it a clean tonight,” Simon says. “Can’t have muddy prints on the floor before the party tomorrow.”

  “So, you’re all together on this. The dog did nothing wrong?” Suzanne asks.

  “Her name is Poppy,” James says through gritted teeth. “She’s my girlfriend’s pet. If you’re done, Mum, you can go. We’re busy finishing Charlotte’s birthday and then Riley and I are going to dinner with her family.” His mother rolls her eyes. “I don’t know why you don’t approve of Aria, Lara or Riley. They all have jobs, they all support us as their partners and they don’t want our money. They’re in love with us for who we are as men and women can’t leave Lara out although she’s not here today and not what we can provide them.”

  In love? Does he know I’m falling in love with him? How can he? I’ve never said anything.

  “Partners? You sound like things are getting serious.”

  “What if they are? What does it matter? I’m enjoying spending time with Riley and her puppy. Don’t even think about trying to remove Riley from my life. It didn’t work out so well last time,” James says.

  Simon, Mel and James exchange a look and without another word, Suzanne exits the house, her shoes squeaking as she goes. When the door closes, James and Simon burst into laughter.

  “Good girl, Poppy,” James says, petting her until her tail wags fast.

  “We all know Mum reads romance books. Though she tries to deny it, she’s addicted to them. She calls your writing trash, Riley, but she’ll be the first to devour a good romance,” Mel says.

  We clean up Poppy’s mess as best we can before James and I leave to head towards my sister’s home to have dinner with my entire family. I’ll admit I’m a little nervous for James to meet my mum after my encounter with his.

  “You okay, baby?” James asks.

  “Yeah, just a little nervous. Much like your mum, mine doesn’t exactly approve of my writing either. She thinks I should give it up, find a husband and make babies.”

  “It’ll be fine. I’m looking forward to meeting your family. You’ve told me about your sister and her kids, so I can’t wait to meet them tonight. I just hope they like my dessert.”

  “They’ll love it.”

  After a short drive, we arrive. He clasps my hand within his and places a kiss on the back of it. “Let’s go inside.”

  We walk up the front steps, holding hands and I feel like I’m on cloud nine. I smile at him as does he. My heart flutters within my chest. I open the front door of my sister’s place and walk inside.

  “Hi,” I call.

  We walk through the house and into the kitchen at the rear of the home. My mum is there with Torrie.

  Torrie turns around first and smiles. “This must be James.”

  “Yes. James meet my mum, April, and my sister, Torrie,” I say.

  He shakes both of their hands.

  “Dad, Ed, and the boys are outside. Riley, take James out to introduce them, then come back in and help us,” my mother says.

  “I hope you don’t mind, Mrs Fields, but I brought something for dessert. Homemade apple crumble,” James says.

  My mother turns and I see the look in her eyes. The one that says I may have finally found myself a husband. “Absolutely, James, give that here, then you go outside and join my husband.” He hands the casserole dish over. I take James outside to introduce him to everyone, and as I do, I overhear my mother say, “Your sister has found a keeper. Seems I might get the granddaughter I want after all.”

  I’m damn sure I hear my sister mutter something under her breath. I really hope my mother doesn’t pressure James tonight about kids and family.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Riley

  My hopes of having a nice, normal family dinner are dashed when we sit down with my parents. I slide in next to James as my father pours me another glass of wine.

  “James, tell us a little more about how you and Riley met,” my mother asks as she takes a seat opposite him.

  “Actually, it’s a funny story. I was out running and got distracted by her on the beach and ran into a tree,” James admits. “From there, we just sparked things up.”

  “What do you do for a job?” I look at my mum, but it’s not enough to deter her as she waits for James to answer.

  “I’m the CFO of my brother’s company. I love numbers and excelled at math in school along with business, so I did a degree in finance and business management, all while working for my uncle to gain experience along the way. I became CFO about six years ago.”

  “A man with ambition, that’s a great match, Riley,” my mother says, looking at me and I know where she’s going with her thoughts: marriage and babies. Ugh! I wish she’d give up. “How is it a handsome man like you hasn’t been snatched up already?”

  “I hadn’t met the right woman,” he replies, picking up his drink and winking at me.

  “Do you want children, James?” my mother asks, causing me to spit my wine back into my glass.

  “Mum!”

  “What? I just want to know. You were with the last guy for three years and there’s nothing to show for it. I want to know that this relationship has the potential to give me a granddaughter.
”

  The sound of metal meeting ceramic sounds through the house as my sister turns to look at our mother. “Can’t you just be happy that I’m having another healthy baby? It’s not like Ed and I can choose the gender of our child, it just happens. I’m sorry we’ve already got three boys and another on the way, but I’m happy with my little family.”

  “All I’m saying is I’d like a little girl one day. I love my grandsons, but it’s time someone had a girl.”

  “What will you do if Riley has a baby and it’s a boy? Neither of us is going to keep popping out babies until you get a girl. Ed and I have decided this baby will probably be our last,” Torrie snaps.

  “She has a point, Mum. James and I are far from the discussion of children. This is very new for both of us and we’re taking the time to get to know one another. I already know he’s a great family man as we’ve spent time with his family over the last few weeks. He plays a huge role in his niece’s life, but we’re not discussing us having kids.

  “See, there you go. You’d better enjoy the grandkids you have, Mum,” Torrie snaps. “God, I wish I could have a wine right now.”

  “Let’s discuss something else,” I suggest, picking up my wine and taking another sip, while Torrie pokes her tongue out at me.

  “Riley, when are you releasing book four? I’m dying to read it.” Torrie asks.

  I shake my head. “I’ve released it. Sorry Tor, I meant to tell you during the week and I forgot.”

  My mother shakes her head, but doesn’t say a word.

  “However, I’m working on plotting out another book.”

  “That’s what you’ve been working on at night, huh?” James asks.

  “Yeah, I thought I’d do a romantic comedy series this time. Would you like to read it?”

  “Count me in,” Torrie says, then gasps as her face contorts into one of pain.

  “Are you okay?” I ask her.

  “Yeah, baby’s just kicking me in the ribs,” she replies, rubbing her stomach. “I can’t wait to get this kid out and get my body back. Remind me never to have drunk sex with him again.” She points at Ed.

  “I think I did before you got pregnant,” I laugh, “but it happened anyway.”

  “You’re getting the snip done, mister,” Torrie says to Ed as she carries her plate out to the kitchen to rinse it off.

  “Oh, hell no, woman, you’re not taking away my manhood.” Ed chuckles as he follows his wife. “Besides, I can’t help it that you’re sexy and I can’t keep my hands off you,” he says as he wraps one arm around her waist while handing her his plate to wash with the other.

  “You two stop that,” my mother berates. Ed lets my sister go, grumbling about my mother being controlling. They’re still very much in love after almost fifteen years of marriage, and on kid number four. It gives me hope and as I turn to look at James, I can’t help but wonder for a moment if he might be my happily ever after. I stand and reach out for his plate on the table.

  “I’ve got this,” he says as he stands and carries my plate with his to the kitchen.

  “James, that’s woman’s work. Let the ladies do the dishes,” my father says.

  “I don’t mind. Thank you for the meal, Mrs Fields, it was delicious.” My mum blushes as she looks at me. James finishes rinsing his dish, and heads into the lounge to join my father and Ed.

  “You need to marry him,” Torrie says. “He’s perfect. I’m actually a little jealous even though I have Ed. It’s like he walked right out of one of your romance novels.”

  I bite my lip. “He’s pretty special all right.”

  Torrie’s face drops as she looks at me. “You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”

  “Yeah, I am.”

  “Good, because you deserve to be happy.”

  She walks away from me to enter the lounge, her body waddling as she goes.

  I’m in love with James.

  I just don’t know whether it’s too soon to tell him or not.

  Will I ruin things between us if I do?

  James

  We’re lying in bed, cuddled together in a tangled mess of sheets and limbs, after some very passionate sex. Riley’s resting on my shoulder, our hands clasped together on my chest. Tonight went well with her parents and I think they liked me. Her sister and husband are a great couple.

  “So, I’ve met your mum, but not your dad, can I ask why?” she says.

  I turn to look at her. “My dad passed away when I was sixteen…in a car accident, coming home late one night from a business meeting.”

  “I’m so sorry to hear that.”

  “He would’ve liked you. The fact you’ve followed your dreams and let nothing stand in your way, I know he’d think you’re perfect for me,” I admit. These feelings I have for Riley are stronger than anything I ever felt for Ashley. I love waking up with her in my bed, love kissing her before I have to leave for work and coming home, knowing she’ll be having dinner with me.

  “Were you close with him?” she asks.

  “Yes. He was the best dad a kid could ask for. All three of us were close to him. He’d come home and make time for the three of us, even if it was ten minutes or half an hour. It was time he devoted to us. Our mother was a little jealous we think, but he didn’t care. He wanted to spend time with us, then he’d make time for her. When he died, she started to change; got bitter and a little more controlling over our lives as you’ve already witnessed. I think she’s lonely and hasn’t dealt with his death in a healthy way.”

  “Do you take after him?”

  “Simon and I both do. Our sister was his little princess, though; the apple of his eye.” I smile as I remember my dad. I still have moments where I wished he were here. I feel light kisses upon my chest, making my heart soar and cock harden. This woman knows how to make me feel better without even trying.

  “I’m sorry my mother was so forward tonight,” she says.

  “I get the sense she’s not happy about Torrie having another boy.”

  “She’s not. My sister would love a girl. Don’t get me wrong, she loves her boys dearly, and she would love a daughter, but it just hasn’t happened for them.”

  “My mother would love my sister not to be a lesbian and marry to produce a child one day. She keeps telling Mel it’s a phase and she needs to snap out of it.”

  “Sounds like our mothers would get along. My mum wouldn’t even let Torrie and Ed share a bed when they owned the old house. It was when they owned the bigger house with four rooms that she relented. I think Torrie was pregnant with Ben when that happened. Ed was like ‘I’ve already knocked her up twice what’s the worst that can happen?’ Let’s say my mother was less than impressed and he was made to sleep on the couch.”

  “Mine would do the same. I’m sure of it.” I chuckle as I climb out of bed. “I’ll be back, I’m going to go grab some wine and glasses.”

  I fetch the items and return to the bedroom to find Riley laying on her side, her head resting on one arm, the sheets wrapped seductively around her torso, one leg hanging out to the side. Her hair’s a tussled mess thanks to me. She’s so fucking beautiful right now and I want to capture this moment. Then I’m struck with an idea. I head back out to the lounge and grab her camera. Returning to the bedroom, I click the camera taking a photo.

  “James, what are you doing?” she asks.

  “Capturing this moment. You’re so beautiful, I want to keep this moment forever.” I click the camera and she snuggles against the pillows, her hair spread out around her head like an angel’s wings. “Stay there, baby.” Taking a few more shots, I grab the sheets, exposing her legs. “Don’t worry, they won’t get too dirty.” Though I wouldn’t care if they did; it would be my own personal porn collection. After taking a few more shots, she beckons me over with her finger. I crawl up the bed until I’m hovering over her body and place the camera down.

  “My turn,” she laughs, placing a kiss gently on my lips.

  She rolls us over, so she’s
sitting on me completely exposed. She grabs the camera and I settle back against the headboard, listening to her telling me how to pose. Then, I begin to slide my hands over her thighs as she grinds her hips on me. She’s crazy horny and I love it.

  Riley lowers the camera to the floor. “The world doesn’t need to see what we’re going to be doing next,” she whispers as she places her lips on mine.

  She proceeds to ride me into sweet bliss and as she cries out her release, I grip her tightly against me while I come. Closing my eyes, I kiss her forehead, feeling her heartbeat through her chest as it beats in time with mine: as one. I smile as a realisation hits me, she’s taken a hammer and busted the walls I so carefully built around my heart, crumbling them completely. I’m not ready to tell her this yet, out of fear I could lose her.

  Could she do the same to me that Ashley did; take my newly found heart and stomp all over it?

  Rolling her out of my arms, I slide out of bed, leaving her sleeping as I head out to pour myself a whiskey.

  Am I risking a chance at love and a happily ever after if I don’t tell her?

  Chapter Eighteen

  James

  “Do you have to leave?” Riley asks and I look at her sitting on the bed, crossed legged with Poppy between her legs. I’m placing some clothing into a suitcase, getting ready for my trip to Sydney and she’s pouting at me, batting her eyelashes to amplify the effect of her plea.

  I cock my head to the side and smirk. “Sweetheart, you’re cute when you pout, but I can’t stay. I have to go to this conference, it’s important. Besides, I’ll only be gone a few days. You’ll hardly notice what with all the writing you’re going to be doing.”

  She sighs. “I know, but it doesn’t mean I’m not going to miss you.” Poppy gets off Riley’s lap and comes over to the suitcase, climbing inside. Her fluffy tail wags excitedly as her brown eyes stare up at me as if begging me to stay too.

  “Princess, as much as I’d love to take you with me, you need to stay here,” I croon as I pick her up. These two have changed my life for the better and I wouldn’t want things any other way. “I think my sister and sister-in-law want to have lunch with you while I’m away. You can gossip and bitch about me all you like.” I laugh.