Evan lingered in the doorway watching the happy scene before him. It was so strange to be there, and even more strange was the way they all looked the same as he remembered them, apart from a few more laugh lines on their faces and the grey sprinkled through her father’s hair.
“Evan, good to see you.” Troy gave him a hug and slapped him on the back. “Glad you made it. Are these for me?” He took the bags out of Evan’s hands and winked before carrying them off and placing them next to the other gifts lining the huge Fraser fir tree.
“Mom, Dad, you remember Evan,” Reagan said, wrapping her arm around his waist and pulling him inside.
Here we go…
Mrs. Spencer was the first to step forward. She opened her arms up in an automatic welcome gesture, and the words that came out of her mouth had Reagan giggling behind him.
“Rocky. It’s so good to see you.”
He felt Reagan’s hand on his back as she shoved him in her mother’s direction, and when he aimed a glare her way the giggle turned into a full-on laugh. He stepped up to her mother then, and when she hugged him he heard her say, “My, you’ve gotten so tall,” and then she peeked around his shoulder and said to Reagan, “And so handsome.”
“All right, Mom, hands off,” Reagan said, and moved forward to rescue him. “Don’t think you can steal him away from me. After all, it took me this long to get him.”
Mr. Spencer wrapped an arm around his wife then gave a broad smile and held his hand out to Evan. “It’s so good to have you back in our home. You were always one of the family, and now it feels complete.”
Evan shook his hand and gave a quick nod. “That’s very kind of you to say, Mr. Spencer—”
“There’s nothing kind about it, son. It’s a fact. And if I didn’t approve, do you think I’d be so nice to the man Reagan brought home to meet us? Count yourself lucky we already know you and don’t have to give you the third degree.”
As a booming laugh left Reagan’s dad, he gave his wife a squeeze and headed down the hall. Evan glanced at Reagan and she just shrugged and said, “See, what’d I tell you? Nothing to worry about…Rocky.”
“Okay, you need to forget that nickname.”
Reagan took his hand in hers and steered him through the house and back to the kitchen where everyone was bustling about.
“Oh, I don’t know,” she said. “I kind of like it. Reminds me of a boy I used to know. He was very sweet to me.”
Evan tugged on her hand and pulled her into the empty living room to give her a quick kiss. “He is still sweet to you.”
“Sometimes…” she said, and twined her arms around his neck. She brushed another kiss along his lips, and he groaned when she sighed into his mouth. “Sometimes he’s not so sweet too.”
“Are you trying to say I’m on the naughty list this year? Because I have been behaving,” he reminded her.
“You’ve been behaving with others…but not so much with me.” She gave him a flirty wink, and he coughed a little, putting his hands on her waist to push her back from him.
“Are you crazy? Your family is just through that door.”
When she stepped back in close to him and pushed her hips against his, he knew the playful tease was dying to come out and play. “I know. That’s what makes this so fun.”
“Reagan…” he said, knowing full well he found it close to impossible to resist her when she acted this way.
“What?” she asked innocently, batting her eyelashes for good measure. When the flush of arousal stained her cheeks, he almost caved until she relented with a sigh. “Oh, okay. Your virtue is safe.” She let him go, and he was tempted to pull her back. Don’t do it. You have a dinner to get through. When she glanced over her shoulder and ran her eyes down his frame, she said, “For now.”
He hoped like hell he had the fortitude to hold back.
* * *
TWO HOURS AND a large glass of spiked wassail later, and Evan had relaxed enough that he was actually enjoying himself. Being with Reagan’s family was comfortable and easy, and he wasn’t sure why he’d been dreading it so much in the first place. They’d welcomed him with open arms, telling jokes while passing rolls at the dinner table, making fun of the red and green striped candy-cane socks Reagan had kindly suggested he wear, and laughing when he ripped into the gag gifts they’d given him.
Bill had arrived not too long after they did, and Evan was only slightly surprised to learn the man came there every holiday. It seemed he really was part of Reagan’s family. As he looked at the smiling faces gathered around the tree, the blinking colored bulbs cast a soft glow over them. Reagan was seated across from him on the floor. Her legs were crossed, and she had a Santa hat on her head with a present between her hands. Around her neck she wore that elegant strand of pearls, and she was laughing at something her mother had just said. She’d never looked more beautiful. When she caught him staring at her, the mischievous twinkle in her eyes made him want to go over to her.
Before he got the chance, Bill clapped him on the back. “Glad you’re here, son. Even if you did let your woman dress you.”
“Only my socks, old man. Speaking of old, how’s your leg doing with the cold air out there?”
“Oh, it’s fine,” he said, rubbing his knee. “Been that way for years. Used to it by now.”
“I never asked, but what happened?”
Bill chuckled. “Remember when I said your father wasn’t too happy when he found out about your mom and me?”
“Yeah…”
Bill massaged his knee again. “Let’s just say he’s got a really good batting arm.”
Evan’s eyes widened and he shook his head. “Jesus. And on that note, I’m going to get myself another drink. Does anyone want anything?”
Everyone shook their heads except for the little minx on the ground, who looked up at him when he stood.
“I’ll come with you. I’m not quite sure what I feel like.”
He was pretty sure by the way her lips curved into a seductive-as-fuck smile that she knew exactly what she wanted to swallow, but he extended his hand to her and felt the thrill of anticipation rush through him when she slipped her palm into his. She got to her feet then laced her fingers through his as they exited the living room and made their way down the hall.
When they were out of earshot of her family, he squeezed her hand. “I’m glad I’m here.”
A brilliant smile lit up Reagan’s face, and she kissed his shoulder. “We’re glad you’re here too.”
When they entered the dimly lit kitchen, they headed straight for the bar set up in the corner.
“Hmm. Looks like we’ve got two options,” Evan said, fingering the top of an empty glass and nodding at the wassail in the Crock-Pot. “You could do hot and spicy, if that’s what you’re in the mood for…”
“Spicy is always good,” she said. “And I do feel a bit hot.”
Evan cocked an eyebrow. “I think I’m in the mood for something a bit more…creamy.”
“Is that right?”
“It is.” As Evan stepped forward, Reagan moved back, her ass hitting the dining room table. “And while eggnog doesn’t sound terrible, I doubt it’s going to quench my thirst.”
“Did you have something more…specific in mind?”
Evan thought back to where this all began. That moment Reagan had stepped back into his life, gone home with him, and shed her skin, inviting him to be a part of her life once more. He’d been a disaster back then. A desperate shell of the man he was now striving to be. Someone who’d hit rock bottom and had been searching for a lifeline to pull him out.
He looked at the woman pushed back against her parents’ dining room table and felt everything fall into place. Reagan was it for him. She was his lifeline, she was his hope, and, as she crooked a finger up at him, inviting him down to play, she was also his every fantasy wrapped into one delicious package.
He leaned down over her and placed his hands by her head, and when their mouths touche
d and a wicked-as-sin smirk hit her lips, he knew she was waiting for him. For the darker, more depraved side of his soul to rise to the challenge. He loved that about her. She loved every single part of him, and he knew he’d found his perfect match.
Smart.
Sexy.
And dirty as all hell.
She was his equal in every way imaginable. And he knew exactly what she wanted.
He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips, where he kissed her fingertips before gently nipping at them. He then started to lower them down between their bodies and matched her smile with a deviant one of his own. Her eyes dilated, and her mouth parted on a sigh.
Oh yeah, your filthy fuck is here to stay.
“I think I’ve changed my mind about drinks,” he told her as he pushed her hand lower, her fingers disappearing beneath the waist of her pants. “I’m in the mood for a little finger food…”
EPILOGUE
7 weeks later…
“SO LET ME GET this straight.” Dr. Glover lifted the end of his pen to his lips as his eyes narrowed over the top of his glasses. “You tracked this man down, went home with him the first night you met him, got him a job working with you, and lied about your identity to get him to fall in love with you. Is that right?”
Reagan’s eyes went wide and she looked over at Evan. “Uh…when you put it like that—”
“Yes or no?”
“Yes?”
“And Evan,” Dr. Glover continued, “you admit to bouts of uncontrollable sexual urges, and destructive thoughts and behavior. Is that right?”
“Is he always like this?” Reagan whispered, and Evan squeezed where his hand was resting on her thigh.
“Yes,” he said to Dr. Glover before turning to Reagan. “And yes.”
“So we have a liar and a sex addict. How’s that working out for you two?” Evan’s therapist asked.
“Well, I keep him satisfied on the sex front because, clearly, I’m not eligible for admission at the local convent.”
“Amen,” Evan said. But Reagan continued as though he hadn’t said a word. “And since I was busted the first time I withheld the truth, it’s pretty obvious I don’t have a good poker face. So you could say it’s working out well. Right?” She turned to Evan, who nodded.
“You don’t seem to regret giving an illusion,” Dr. Glover said.
“Look at him. I doubt I’m the first to tell a few white lies to get close to him.”
“Real close,” Evan piped up.
She sat up straight and then twisted toward Evan. “Mhmm. But I will be the last,” she teased, and gave a flirty wink. When a delicious smile morphed his lips, Reagan shifted on the seat.
“So, Reagan, you’re proud you lied?” Dr. Glover asked.
Reagan heard Evan cough behind her. “He’s enjoying this a little too much, don’t you think? He’s definitely the troublemaker of the two of us. Shouldn’t you ask him a few questions?”
“Oh, I will, but first, you have to answer mine.”
Reagan shrugged. “I wouldn’t call it lying. I’d call it…hiding the truth. But if you’re determined to use the label, then hell yes I fucking lied, and I’d do it again.”
Evan’s laugh was loud as it echoed around the walls of the office. “So unapologetic,” he said. “Just admit it. You lied to get in my pants.”
Reagan’s mouth fell open, and she pointed an accusatory finger at him. “I didn’t need to lie to get in your pants, thank you very much. Remember, we’re here talking to your therapist, Evan James.”
“Who knows aaaall about your dirty ways.”
Reagan let out a sigh and looked over at the doctor to see his lips twitching in amusement. “I’m glad you find this so amusing.”
“I have to admit—I do. It’s nice to see how far he’s come,” Dr. Glover said. “Now if you don’t mind, I’ve got a few more questions for the two of you.”
“I mind,” Reagan replied. “This is more stressful than a job interview.”
“Unless you’re trying not to imagine your interviewer naked and straddling you like she was the night before. Then it’s harder, and yes, the pun is intended,” Evan said.
Dr. Glover stared at Evan. “Well, I, for one, am grateful you are not picturing that for me. Now, Evan, what would Reagan say is the one thing you do that drives her crazy?”
Evan cocked his head to the side. “I’m pretty fucking perfect, but if I had to pick something…it would probably be leaving my wet towels on the bathroom floor.”
“Wrong,” Reagan said. “It would be always choosing a horror flick knowing I can’t stand them.”
Evan burst into laughter. “There’s a good reason for that.”
“I’d love to hear it,” Dr. Glover said.
“She’s too scared to watch the movie, so she focuses her attention…elsewhere.”
“Jesus,” Reagan said, rolling her eyes.
“What? It’s true.”
“Okay, come on you two.” Dr. Glover chuckled, peering at her over his glasses again. “Reagan, what traits would you say Evan admires the most about you?”
“That would be my fierce independence and my dazzling mind,” she said.
“And also her ass,” Evan chimed in.
Dr. Glover looked annoyed. “That’s not a trait, Evan.”
“Well it’s an asset. But really, I do appreciate how intelligent she is. Reagan is one of the smartest people I know. She conducts business better than any man I’ve ever seen, and sometimes I can’t believe she is the same little Jenny Spencer I grew up with.”
“Aw, that’s so sweet,” she said, and leaned over to give him a kiss. And then another. And another.
“All right, knock it off. We’ve only got a few more minutes on the clock, and then I’ll let you lovebirds ride off into the sunset. Reagan, same question to you.”
She pulled away from Evan and smiled. “His ability to overcome adversities in his life. It hasn’t been an easy path, but he takes it one day at a time, and I respect him for that. I love him because of that. He’s stronger than anyone I know.”
“Aren’t you a sappy little thing. You forgot to mention filthier than anyone you know.” Evan wrapped his arm around her waist and planted a kiss on her neck.
“I think that goes without saying,” Reagan replied.
Dr. Glover set down his notepad and steepled his fingers. “I never would’ve guessed things would work out this way, so thank you. Thank you for surprising me.”
“You had a lot to do with helping me work through my issues, so I appreciate it. Even though you’re a blunt bastard,” Evan said.
“It’s nice to see that I’m doing something right.” Dr. Glover got to his feet and motioned for them to do the same. “All right, time’s up. I’ve got to take my wife out for dinner. What do you two have planned for Valentine’s this evening? Or should I even ask?”
Evan ushered Reagan toward the door, with a hand lightly pressing against her back. As she stepped through and out onto the front stoop of the brownstone, he looked back over his shoulder and winked at the good doctor. A mischievous smile pulled into place as he replied, “You definitely shouldn’t ask.”
SPECIAL THANKS
As always, there are several key players when it comes to putting a book together, and we were lucky enough to work with the an amazing crew for Sex Addict.
To our beta readers: Judy, Stacy W, Jen G, Donner & Bianca! Without your awesome eyes reading over Sex Addict, this book would’ve gone out in hot mess form. We can’t thank you enough for always being there to lend a helping hand and support us on each project we put forward. You are all unique and wonderful human beings, and we consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have you in our lives.
To Jay Aheer, our cover designer and the woman who has the patience of a saint. Seriously, a saint. Thank you so much for not balking at the impossible task we came to you with. You listened to everything we told you and then came back with something completely amazing and
not at all like we wanted. It was, in fact, a million times better! You are a creative genius, and we bow down to you. Also, thanks for putting up with our ten thousand font changes!
To Arran, our editor. We are purposely adding things that are grammatically incorrect here just so you can roll your eyes (at Ella, of course LOL), because let’s face it, the smartass comments you leave us are always accompanied by an eye roll…right? Yeah, we thought so. Seriously, though, thank you for always being available to answer our (not silly at all) questions and for your insane turn around time. Speed-reader extraordinaire.
To Mickey, who edited Part One of Sex Addict. You know we couldn’t do this without you, and this book is what it is due to the collaborative powers of both you and Arran. You seriously rock!
A HUGE thank you to Erika Wilde and Carly Phillips who gave us the courage to do what needed to be done and told us to be BOLD. We are so thankful that we get to call you two friends, and count ourselves as extremely lucky authors to be able to call you colleagues.
Finally, to all of you who have read, reviewed, and supported us in our first co-authored series—a HUGE THANK YOU! We appreciate every tweet, every shared post, every review you leave us, and every email telling us how Evan & Reagan made you feel. It means the world that you joined us on this journey.
We hope you enjoyed SEX ADDICT. We cannot wait to bring you many more collaborations over the years to come!
~Ella & Brooke
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
If you’d like to get to know Ella and Brooke better, you can find them getting up to all kinds of shenanigans at:
Sex Addict Page 27