“This has to go,” he said, taking hold of the hem of my shirt and pulling it over my head. The fabric fluttered to the floor.
His hands returned to my breasts, his thumbs lightly caressing my nipples. I thrust my chest out, hoping for more.
“Not enough?” he teased.
“No,” I whimpered.
“Let’s see what we can do about that.”
He went down on his knees, unbuttoned my jeans, and pulled them to the floor.
There was something to be said about seeing Miller Hawes kneeling at your feet. He pulled my leg over his shoulder. The only speck of clothing still left was my bra. I ceased to think at all when his tongue slipped through my folds at the same time I felt his finger slip inside. The way his tongue twirled around my clit, combined with the way his finger caressed my insides, I exploded before I ever saw it coming.
Miller continued to tease me through the tremors. When my body stopped quivering, he stood and removed his own clothing and my bra. He sat on the edge of the bed.
“Change your mind yet?”
“Nope.”
He took my hands and guided me forward until I was straddling his lap. The heat of him pressed into my core and I groaned. How I wanted him.
Miller didn’t make me wait long, when his hands curled around my ass and hoisted me up until I felt the tip of him, poised at my core, teasing me. My head dropped back, when he finally slipped inside.
He didn’t move. I looked at him. There were lines of strain on his face, as he held himself back.
“Ready?”
“Oh god, please.”
His hands tightened and his biceps flexed as he lifted me up and down on his shaft. He was so deep. I moved my hands to his arms, feeling his muscles tighten with every thrust.
“Fuck, Miller.”
“Oh, baby, your wish is my command.”
He stood and flipped me to my back, my legs propped on his shoulders as he pushed himself in and out of me at a pace that stole my breath and made me dizzy. I thrashed my head on the bed, fisting my hands in the sheets when Miller’s thumb found my clit.
My muscles tightened and my body fell off the edge. Miller joined me, his orgasm extending my own.
He dropped to my side. “Change your mind?”
“Nope,” I said, breathless. “But you can do that to me any time you want.”
***
Three days later he was still trying to convince me. I kept saying no, telling him no at least three times a day, but he hadn’t given up yet. I had to hope over time that he would eventually back off; something that didn’t look promising.
He did, however, get me to agree to dinner with Ashton and his fiancée. We were supposed to meet them at a theater downtown for a show and then head out to eat. Meeting Ashton that first night had been a fluke. In truth, I had never expected to see him again. With everything that had happened, I was more nervous about having dinner with him than if we hadn’t already met.
He dropped a box off at my place with a simple note attached.
Wear this tonight.
I opened the box to find a long red, strapless cocktail dress. It was stunning. Below the dress was a box. I had a feeling what the long, flat box held. My hands shook opening it. There on a bed of white satin sat a stunning ruby and diamond pendant. No one hand ever given me anything so beautiful.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed another piece of paper at the bottom of the box.
Don’t argue.
I laughed. He knew me so well.
The moment I opened the door, the not arguing was made worth it. Eyes wide, mouth open, he stared for a moment.
“Fuck. If I hadn’t promised Ashton we’d be there tonight, I’d spend the night figuring out different ways to peel you out of this dress.”
“You can still do that when we get home.”
I took his hand and pulled him out the door before he had a chance to do anything else.
I couldn’t stop fidgeting in the car. With my purse, my hair, even my dress. Everything felt too tight and out of place. Miller reached over and took one of my hands in his.
“Would you relax. You’ve already met Ashton, and Elena is extremely excited to meet you.”
“Ashton knows how we met.”
He shook his head and glanced at me out of the corner of his eye before returning his gaze to the road. “That’s nothing compared to how Ashton met Elena.”
Curiosity won out over my nerves. “Really? How did they meet?”
“Let’s just say Elena’s first husband was an abusive asshole who like to borrow money from Ashton. When he couldn’t pay it back, he offered Elena instead. She was supposed to stay for three months, but she ended up staying permanently. When her ex tried to attack her and bring her back home, she shot him.”
My hand flew to my mouth.
“Exactly. Ashton and Elena are not going to be the slightest bit worried about how we met. Elena’s thrilled that my black heart isn’t lonely anymore.”
His words warmed me. “I’m glad to hear it isn’t lonely.”
“It was probably about to shrivel up before I found you.”
I burst out laughing. ‘Thank you.”
He kissed the top of my hand. “You’re welcome.”
My nerves had settled enough that I stopped fidgeting, all right in time for Miller to pull into the valet for the theater. He handed over the keys and came around to help me out of the car. The place was spectacular; all dark wood, curving staircases, and extravagant chandeliers. It was the sort of place I should have felt intimidated by, but with Miller next to me I felt relaxed. Well, as relaxed as a person could be when they were about to formally “meet the family.” Despite Miller’s calming words earlier, my stomach churned at the thought.
“I’m glad you could make it,” someone said from behind us. I turned around to see Ashton approaching.
“Wouldn’t miss it.” Miller and Ashton shook hands. Side by side, dressed in their tailored suits, the power they exuded was awe-inspiring. People seemed drawn to them, yet repelled by fear at the same time.
“Tess, you look gorgeous,” Ashton said, drawing my attention.
“Thank you.” He took my hand and placed a kiss on it, never breaking eye contact. I felt a shiver run up my spine.
“Hands off my woman.”
He smiled, letting his lips linger a little longer than necessary. “Payback is a bitch, Miller.” He winked at me.
“And so are you,” Miller snapped.
“Touchy, touchy.” Ashton chuckled. “Not as much fun when the shoe is on the other foot, is it?”
“Funny, asshole. Very funny.”
The banter between the two brothers was fun and lighthearted, something I hadn’t had in my family since my stepfather arrived. I pushed away the memories. This was a good time and I was making happy memories now. No need to dredge up the past.
“Boys,” I scolded. “Play nice.”
The both froze then started laughing like crazy.
“She sounds just like Elena,” Ashton said between bouts of laughter.
The lights in the outer room began to flash. That sobered the brothers up immediately. “Lets take our seats,” Ashton said leading us through the double doors.
The show was like nothing I’d expected. During the second act, I was so caught up in the story I hadn’t realized I was crying. Miller used his thumb to wipe away the tears, then, taking my hand between his, held it tight through the rest of the show, giving me the comfort I needed.
Our seats were the perfect distance from the stage. I’d never been to live theater and was amazed at the talent of the performers on stage,—especially Elena. Her voice was positively beautiful. She was the last one to come out during the curtain call and received a standing ovation.
After the lights came on, I let Miller lead me out to the lobby. “Did you enjoy it?” he asked against my ear to be heard over the crowd.
“I loved it. Elena has a gorgeous voice.”
He nodded. “She does. Let’s see if we can find her and introduce you.”
The main lobby was a flurry of activity, with the general consensus being that this had been the best show yet. It took a few minutes for the crowd to filter out onto the street but by the time the lobby was empty, Elena had appeared at Ashton’s side.
“Hello, beautiful.” He bent down and placed a sweet kiss on her lips.
“What did you think?” she asked, her eyes never leaving his.
“That you were amazing, like always.”
“You were better than amazing.” Miller burst into their conversation, stealing Elena’s attention.
She wrapped her arms around Miller’s neck. “I’m so glad you could make it.”
Elena peeked over Miller’s shoulder at me and immediately let him go. “You must be Tess.” The excitement in her voice was palpable.
“That’s me.” I offered my hand to her. She took it, but instead of shaking it like I expected, she pulled me into a hug.
“Sorry, I’m a hugger and I’m so thrilled to meet you. I’ve been waiting a long time for Miller to meet someone.”
“Elena.” Miller rolled his eyes. “I’ve only known you for about two years.”
“You, hush,” she said, pointing a finger in his direction. “Time always seemed longer because you were so miserable being alone.”
“I wasn—”
Elena narrowed her eyes at him. “Don’t even finish that sentence, Miller Hawes. You’ve been a cranky jerk the last few months.”
He pressed his lips together and it was my turn to laugh. All eyes turned to me.
“What’s so funny?” Miller asked.
Ashton nodded his head and joined in with my laughter. “See, just like Elena.”
Elena looked back and forth between the boys. “I’m missing something.”
“Tess broke up our banter earlier and we said she sounded exactly like you.”
“Good for you,” she said to me with a smile. “Someone has to keep the two of you in line. I’m starving, let’s get something to eat.”
“I like that idea,” Miller agreed, leading us out the front door and to the valet.
“We’ll meet you at the restaurant,” Ashton called over his shoulder, climbing into the back of a waiting car.
I heard a chuckle from behind me and glanced over at Miller. “My brother would rather fuck around with Elena while they are riding back from a performance than drive himself.”
“I guess that means hands off until we get home.”
He smirked. “I never said that. Just wait and see.”
Heat flooded my core. I needed to change the subject fast.
“She’s very excited to see you with someone.”
“Elena and my mom have been trying to get me to settle down for the last year. I think she’s just happy that it’s finally happened.”
“This is what you call settling down?”
The car pulled up in front of us. “Saved by the bell.” He winked.
I decided not to bring up the question again while we were driving. It was the type of question where I wanted to be able to look into his eyes while he answered.
We arrived at the restaurant in no time. Ashton and Elena stood on the curb out front, waiting. Ashton’s hair still looked good, but no longer perfectly styled like at the theater, and Elena’s dressed had a few wrinkles. She adjusted the bodice and tried to flatten her hair. I might have been a little jealous.
Once again Miller valeted the car and we walked through the door and were immediately shown to our table.
Ashton took the liberty of ordering two bottles of wine while we studied the menu. In no time, the waiter returned to take our orders. Elena reached for her glass. “Tess, tell me about yourself.”
I picked up my own glass, fiddling with the stem. Questions about myself inevitably made me nervous. I was always worried that I would overshare as I had a tendency to babble when I was nervous. I thought about taking a drink of my wine, but then realized that imbibing wouldn’t help keep my tongue in check. I took a breath and went with the basics. “Not much to tell. I moved out here a few years ago to go to school for nursing. I’ll have my license in a year from now.”
“That’s really exciting. Nursing can’t be easy. All of those medical terms, not to mention the blood.” She shivered and I giggled.
“Yeah, I don’t think the blood is for everyone. Then again, trust me when I tell you that you never want to hear me sing.”
She laughed. Elena was so down to earth. I had to admit, I was shocked. Ashton had been extremely nice the first time I met him, but there was a power and a menace behind that calm façade. It probably never saw the light of day very often, which was why I hadn’t known what to expect when it came to meeting Elena. I needn’t have worried, though.
After hearing she worked as an actress I’d been expecting her to be a bit of a diva, which wasn’t the case at all. She was kind, funny, and did a wonderful job at pulling everyone into the conversation.
The room around us grew quieter as the evening wore on and the other patrons left. Between listening to the antics of the brothers growing up and marveling at some of the many things Elena and I had in common, I felt I belonged somewhere for the first time in a long while. Soon we were the only people left; the staff loitering at the edge of the room, waiting for us to go so they could start clearing up.
Miller and Ashton led the way to the front of the restaurant, arguing over who would cover the cost of dinner. Leaving them to it, Elena looped her arm through mine and steered me toward the doors. “I wanted to tell you, you are perfect for Miller in every way,” she whispered. “You keep him on his toes, which is exactly what he needs. I’m so glad he finally found someone like you.”
Her words meant a lot to me. It was nice to hear from someone who didn’t work for Miller how good we were together. The truth of the matter was that I’d completely fallen for him but was afraid to say anything. What if he didn’t feel the same? Knowing his family felt that way about me was comforting. I never wanted to be a part of a family where I was seen as a burden again.
The guys joined us and Ashton held the door open. Elena made Miller promise to give me her number so we could set up a coffee date before Ashton whisked her off in the direction of their car.
“Thank you,” I said when Miller opened the car door for me. “I had a lot of fun. It was nice to feel welcomed by a family for once.”
“You know how you can thank me?”
“Don’t even say by letting you buy me a car.”
“I was going to say on your knees, but your way works just as well.”
I smacked him on the shoulder. “Really?”
He shrugged. “What can I say? You already know I’m an asshole. No point in pretending otherwise, right?”
I decided to reward him on my knees anyway.
CHAPTER 23
Miller
“I can’t believe you dragged me here,” I said, wondering what the hell I was doing in a grocery store.
“Where did you expect us to get everything we need to make dinner. You wanted to cook at home, but you have no food in the house.” She pushed the cart in my direction. “Now push while I find what we need.”
What the hell happened to my life?
I glanced over at the sexy brunette by my side, a slight smile curving her lips. That was what happened to my life. I’d give anything to see that smile, even if it meant pushing a shopping cart through the store. But I wouldn’t let her know that.
“Fine, but I better get dinner and a good fuck tonight.”
We turned the corner and our cart ran into another.
“Miller?” I looked up to see my mom and dad standing there staring at us.
“Mom? Dad? Umm . . . what are you guys doing here?” I still hadn’t told them about Tess. A part of me was still worried Dad would think I couldn’t do the job when I was juggling a relationship too.
Dad glanced ba
ck and forth between me and Tess. His brows pinched together. Shit, he would definitely have something to say about this. He wrapped his arm around my mom’s waist, pulling her tight to him, almost as if he was protecting her from something. Except, there was no danger. “I was about to ask you the same thing?”
I cleared my throat, hoping that this whole meeting didn’t go to shit. “Grabbing a few things for dinner.” I took Tess’s hand and pulled her to stand next to me. “Mom, Dad, this is Tess. Tess these are my parents—”
“Mr. and Mrs. Hawes.”
Fuck.
Mom looked over at Dad for a second, but he kept his head forward and extended his hand to Tess. This was not the reaction I was hoping for. Dad’s reaction to Elena was more heartfelt and genuine; this felt stiff and forced. Not telling my dad about Tess was going to bite me in the ass.
Tess took Dad’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” She fidgeted from foot to foot. It was rare that Tess was unsure, but she could obviously sense the same odd vibes coming from my father that I did.
He didn’t respond, giving her a simple nod and returned his attention to me. “Miller, we’ll talk later.”
Unsure what to say at the moment without pissing him off and unwilling to cause a scene, I said, “Yeah.”
He used the arm around Mom’s waist to turn her in the other direction. Tess watched them frozen to her spot. Her eyes were wide, moisture pooling in them.
“He hates me.”
I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into an embrace. This was my fault. I should have told him. Dad usually wasn’t cold to women, but there was something simmering just below the surface, and I had a feeling I would find out just what when I talked to him.
“No he doesn’t. He’s probably got a lot on his mind right now with handing the dealership over to me.”
Her head moved back and forth against my chest. “No, he was smiling until he saw me next to you.”
I leaned back and tilted her chin up with my finger. “You’re absolutely amazing, how could anyone hate you.” The words were out of my mouth before I thought about them.
Her eyes held an emptiness I saw every time she talked about her parents. “Trust me, it’s more than possible.”
House Rules Page 19