by A. Gorman
“How well do you know all the Alpha Team members? I mean, really know. Anyone that Jesse has pissed off?” Johnson asks, looking at me.
“Not that I’m aware of. We’ve watched her for the past six years. Out of everyone on the team, only Wade and Lyndsey didn’t do the IU watches because they were hired later. But I can’t see either of them doing anything to harm Jesse. I guess I can have Craig look into them.”
“It’s a start, A. Did Jesse hear the call?”
“No, I was downstairs when they called, so hopefully she should still be asleep. My family should be here any moment. Let’s keep this call between the two of us. You might as well stay here. You know how my mom cooks.”
“Yes, enough for an army.”
“Exactly.”
***
Jesse
That is the best rest I’ve had all week. I roll over, expecting Aedan to still be in bed with me, but he isn’t here and his spot isn’t warm. I wonder where he is because I don’t hear the shower running. I start to get out of bed and in walks my sexy man. The look he gives me melts me to the bed.
“Morning, beautiful. I thought I would bring you breakfast in bed.” He gives me his beautiful smile.
“This is very sweet of you. Thank you.” I sit up and pull the covers back around me.
“I’m not going to lie. It’s going to get crazy here today. My sister and her family will be here along with my parents. They will ask you a million and one questions, but I know they will love you, so don’t worry. Of course Laney is welcome to join us and Johnson is here too.”
“Okay. I guess I’m somewhat nervous but excited to meet your family. I met your sister and she was nice. I’ve only done the whole meet the family thing once and we know how well that went.”
I frown. Why does Chet still have this hold on me even though I’m happy where I’m at in my life?
“Stop that. I can see your mind racing. My family will love you and I’m not Chet, so enough,” he bluntly states, stopping my hundred mile per hour thoughts.
“I’m sorry. I know you’re not him, but I think about my faults when something too good to be true happens to me. Seriously, you and me. I can’t believe it’s happening, that it’s not a joke. I guess if I don’t fully believe it, it won’t hurt as bad when we break up.”
“When we break up? Really? You’re already planning on dumping me before I even take you out on an official date?” His smile breaks through my negativity.
“No, well, I don’t know. I’m afraid once you find out everything, you’ll leave me. That’s why I don’t do relationships. I don’t want to be broken again.”
“And I want you forever. I don’t want you for a one-night stand or a monthly fuck. I want you forever. I’ll do whatever to make you see that you’re who I want by my side.”
He grabs me and forcefully kisses me. I push the breakfast he brought me onto the floor and melt into his kiss. I’m instantly wet. He can turn me on with one simple touch.
He moves his hands under my tank top and removes the piece of clothing from my body. He starts kissing my lips, but then moves on to kissing my jawbone and down to my breasts. He takes turns sucking and lapping at my nipples. He gently nips at one, shooting pain and warmth through my body.
My body is on fire from his touch as he goes up and down my legs and teasingly rubs my sex, pushing ever so slightly on my clit. If he keeps this up, I’m going to come in my shorts.
I gather my wits somewhat and realize Aedan still has his clothes on. As soon as I start to take off his shirt, his cell phone starts ringing. Not a tone I’ve heard before. Aedan stills his assault on my body and senses.
He pulls away from me and says, “Damn it!” Then laughs as he shakes his head.
I lie there and look at him.
“My parents are here. They are at the gate. I’ll let you go shower. Come down when you’re ready. This will be continued tonight,” he says as he gently rubs his fingers on my sex. He gives me another panty-melting kiss. Then he gets up, adjusts himself, and heads out of the bedroom.
Damn it. I was so close to coming. Though I need to come, I decide it’s a lot more fun when Aedan makes me come. A few hours won’t be too bad, I hope.
Getting out of the bed, I see the mess that we made with my breakfast. Luckily, it was only an egg sandwich and a glass of orange juice. He must be making coffee. I pick up our mess and head to the bathroom to shower. Not wanting to take too long, I quickly wash my hair and body, deciding to skip shaving today.
I get out and dry off. I decide it’s a ponytail kind of day. I apply very little makeup and head out to the closet to get my clothes. I put on an outfit that I think Leigh bought me. Yoga pants and my CU sweatshirt seem perfect for today.
I think I’m put together good enough to meet his family. God, I hope they like me. I guess it’s time to find out.
As I head down the stairs, I hear a lot of commotion coming from the family room. I take a deep breath and say to myself, They are going to be awesome. I put on my best smile.
Chapter
Forty-Two
Jesse
When I walked into the family room, I didn’t expect to be swallowed up by three very excited little boys.
“Boys, Boys! Give her some room to breathe. Uncle Denny hasn’t even introduced you yet,” Leigh booms out.
“Um, Hi,” I say to the eight sets of eyes staring back at me.
“Everyone, this is Jesse. Jesse, you’ve met my sister, Leigh. That is her husband, Michael, and their sons, Devon, Dylan, Derrick, and Dean. My mom, Nila, and my father, Tomas.”
“Nice to meet you all.” I smile.
“Uncle Denny, she’s hot,” one of the older boys yells out. I think his name is Dean.
“Yes, Dean, she is.” Aedan winks at me.
“Are you Denny’s girlfriend?” the youngest boy asks.
I glance up at Aedan and start to say something, but he interrupts me.
“Yes. Well…That is if she will have me.” I get goose bumps.
“Yes,” is all I can manage to get out. I know I’m blushing in front of these people that don’t know me.
“Okay, guys. Enough of putting Jesse on the spot and ogling her like a piece of cake. It’s time for brunch to be made. Jesse, you want to help us, dear?” Mrs. Hughes asks me with a smile.
“Yes, Mrs. Hughes, I would love to.”
“Oh, there will be none of that. You can call me Nila. Mrs. Hughes was my mother-in-law.” She chuckles and puts her arm around my waist. We walk to the kitchen.
I look back and smile at Aedan. He looks like he is on top of the world.
“Now, dear, I’ve heard a lot about you over the years, but I want to make sure that boy of mine is treating you okay. He can be a little pushy sometimes when he goes after something he wants.” She pats my hand.
I laugh. “Pushy? Demanding, maybe? However, he hasn’t been anything but a gentleman to me.” I think about the way he looked at me that night in the club. I should have played into his little trap, but I don’t think everything would have worked out like it did.
“That sounds like him. I know he sounds all big and mean, but he is really a big teddy bear.” She looks up and smiles at me. “I hate to ask this because it’s kind of rude of me, but you do know how to cook, right?”
I suppress a giggle. “I’m used to that question, so no worries. Yes, my mom used to cook for us and she made sure we all knew how to cook before she passed away. She always said, ‘No matter how much money you have, a homemade meal from the heart couldn’t be bought.’ I grew up being her right hand woman in the kitchen. She wouldn’t even let the maid help her.” I smile at her.
“Aw, thank you for sharing that with me. I’m sorry about your mother and sorry to sound so rude. It seems like less and less people know how to boil water these days. I mean, it’s good for my business, but it’s nice to cook with someone who knows their way around the kitchen.” She gives a small smile. “Leigh,” she says, shakin
g her head, “can’t boil a pot of water. Luckily she married a chef or she would starve.” She chuckles.
“Aedan seems to know his way around the kitchen. And he made us a pizza the other night that was amazing. If you don’t mind me asking, what are you going to bake today? Aedan said you like to stock his freezer with goodies.”
“Whatever you would like me too. What are you favorites?”
Say what? “Oh, I can’t ask you to do that. This isn’t my house.”
“Of course I can. You’re staying here for a while and there should be foods you like here too.”
I stare at her, speechless, and Aedan comes in with his coffee cup in his hand. He gives me a kiss on the cheek and walks to his mother, kissing her cheek as well.
“Aedan, what are some of Jesse’s favorite baked goods?” she asks, ignoring that I’m in the room.
“Umm. She loves Better Than Sex Chocolate Cake. She was talking to Laney about it the other day. I have no idea what it is, but if it’s as good as she was making it out to be, it’s pretty amazing.” He winks at me. I know I’m completely red in the face. “And she loves scones.”
What? How does he know about the scones? Of course. He followed me that morning.
“Poke cake, Denny. It’s a poke cake. And yes, they are pretty good.” She swats him out of the kitchen. “And I love scones too. They are easy to make. Do you know how to make them?”
“You got me there. I didn’t pick up the baking like my sister and brother did. I can cook, but I can’t bake unless it’s from a box.”
“No worries, dear. I’ll show you a few recipes and write them down for you later on. That way you can make them whenever you want them.” She pats my hand again and goes back to rummaging through the fridge.
So far, this family isn’t anything like what I thought they would be. Because Aedan is so high-strung and meticulous, I thought maybe his family would be that way as well, but they are so carefree and lovely. I can see myself falling in love with them like I have with Aedan.
Love? Am I in love with him? I mean, do I really know him?
Yes, without a doubt, I love him. He makes me feel like his emotions are sincere and not because my dad pays his salary.
I have a feeling that Aedan would give up his job to be with me, but I wouldn’t ask that of him. I’m glad he didn’t have to choose, but I’m trying to figure out how this is going to work out when I take over the company. I guess it’s something we will have to talk about next week. I’m sure my father will have some advice, advice I should have listened to six years ago.
***
Aedan
Jesse looks right in place in the kitchen with my mother. I hope my mother hasn’t scared her away. She can be blunt at times. I had to go in and check on them to make sure my mom hasn’t made Jesse feel uncomfortable in anyway. When I walked in and heard Jesse say this isn’t her house, it gutted me, but she does have a point. Baby steps, right?
With my scone answer, I think she realized that I do know more about her than she thinks I do. I love how my family has instantly accepted her. I’ve never seen my nephews attach themselves to someone like they did with her. Of course, they are blunt, like my sister and mother. Leigh needs to teach those boys how to filter themselves.
I need to get with Johnson and figure out who is available to come and patrol the house starting tonight. I think two people are enough, but I’ll get his thoughts. Since this is my personal space, I’d like to get another opinion so I don’t miss something.
Speaking of Johnson, where the hell is he? And Laney isn’t down here either. Shit. I bet I’m going to have to pay up because I’m sure Laney has met her match.
Mom announces that brunch is ready. Those two can eat later. I’m getting it while it’s hot. Sunday’s with my family rock.
Chapter
Forty-three
Aedan
I’m starting to think that my family will never leave. I love Sunday’s, but I want some time with my woman, and it’s time to continue what I started this morning. However, at this rate, I don’t think we are going to finish anything. My mom has taught Jesse how to make scones, coffee cake, biscotti, and some kind of tarts.
Seeing Jesse and my mom cooking in my kitchen makes my day. I’m hoping this is what every Sunday is like for the rest of our lives. I’m twenty-eight years old. I’m ready to settle down. I hope I can convince Jesse that this time is forever.
“Denny,” Leigh says. “Michael, the boys, and I are leaving. Thank you, as always, for entertaining my rowdy boys.” She hugs me.
“Leigh, question for you.” I put my arm around her shoulder and guide her out in the rotunda so Jesse can’t hear us. “Do you know of any boutiques that make house calls? I really don’t want to take Jesse out in public unless I have to, but I know she will want something to wear for graduation next week.”
“Let me make some calls in the morning and I’ll get back to you. I can see how much you love her. I’m happy for you,” she says as she hugs me.
“Yeah. She is more amazing than she thinks she is. She isn’t ready for forever, but hopefully she will get there. Thank you so much, Leigh.” I hug her back.
I hear feet running toward us. “Uncle Denny, I hope we get to see Jesse again. She is really nice,” Dylan tells me as he hugs my waist.
“I’m sure you will, buddy. I hope that soon we can have another camp over. I’ll get with your mom and dad and get the details worked out, okay?”
“Yes!” three of the four boys holler out.
“I’ll be here,” Dean says as if he is too old to hang out with me.
“Sounds good.” I extend my hand to shake his.
Michael shakes my hand as soon as I finish shaking Dean’s. “Thanks, as always, Aedan. Same time next week?”
“You know it. I know you like coming so you don’t have to cook. Lord help us if Leigh decides to cook.” We both laugh while she glares at us.
“All right, boys. Out to the SUV. It’s past bedtimes.” Leigh gathers the boys and pushes everyone toward the door.
I feel her behind me before she touches me. She wraps her arm around my waist and says good-bye to my sister and her family.
“I love your nephews; they are so full of energy,” she says softly.
“How’s the baking with my mom going?”
I look down at her. There is flour in her hair, on her face, and all over the arms of her shirt. I can’t help the laugh that escapes my mouth.
“I learned a lot, especially not to turn the mixer on high speed when there is a bunch of flour in the bowl.” She looks up at me with a huge smile. I want to take her in my arms and carry her upstairs.
I’m getting ready to kiss her, but my mother comes up behind us. “Denny, Jesse, we’re leaving. Everything in the kitchen is cleaned up and put away. I put the all the goodies, except a few bags, in the freezer. Just heat them up, as I explained to you. I even wrote it on the note cards for you.” She gives Jesse a big hug and moves to me. I have to bend down to hug her. She whispers in my ear, “Keep a hold of this one, son. She’s quite the catch.” She smiles.
“See you next weekend, Jesse.” My father gives her a hug. “Son.” He hugs me in a one-arm man hug.
“It was very nice to meet both of you. I hope to see you soon,” Jesse says to both of them.
“Of course, dear. Thank you for spending time with me in the kitchen. It was nice to have help. Have a good evening. I love you, son,” my mom says as she pulls my father out the door.
Thank God, I can finally get her upstairs for some alone time.
“Johnson, Laney, are you guys okay?” I shout back to them after hearing a thud in the family room, I mean movie room. Shit, now she has me saying it. Laney laughs.
“Yeah, man. We’re fine.”
“Are you staying here tonight, Johnson?” I ask as my jaw ticks.
“If that is okay with you. I have to be back here early in the morning for my shift.”
“You know whe
re everything is. Keep it down you two, and don’t break anything.”
“Good night, Jesse and Aedan,” Laney yells out from the family room.
I shake my head and Jesse giggles. At least one of us finds it funny. I pick up Jesse and carry her up the stairs. I’m going to revisit what I started earlier today and make sure we finish this time. Making Jesse scream my name is an excellent way to end the weekend.
Chapter
Forty-Four
Jesse
This week has flown by. Monday, Aedan told me that his sister’s clients wanted me to try on their clothing so I would have something to wear for graduation and then something to wear to the office. They’d come to the house so I won’t have to leave. I’m sure Aedan had something to do with this, but I won’t complain.
Then, the following day, I logged into my classes for the final time to make sure that all my grades are what I thought they should be. My GPA is 3.89. I’ll take it. I won’t miss going to school. At some point, I would like to get an MBA, but I want to focus on work for now.
Wednesday, I spent most of the day trying on clothes, and I loved every moment of it. The feeling of the satiny fabrics on my skin made me feel alive. I’ve always had nice clothes, but these are suits and dresses tailor fitted to my body. I felt amazing in them.
For graduation, I ended up picking a black sheath dress with cap sleeves. The dress is lightweight and makes me feel sexy without being slutty. My cap and gown are black, so I need something somewhat lightweight since we will be outside as long as it’s not raining.
As a graduation present, Aedan gave me a spa day…well, an in-home spa day. The massage therapist should be arriving shortly. I guess I’m also getting my haircut, along with a mani and pedi. I could get used to this.