Raising Cain

by Scarlett Jade

  “I like that. It’s got some strings but not too many.” She turned her attention back to her plate, apparently shoving as much food in her mouth as possible to keep from talking.

  Drake was slightly let down, he’d assumed things would be different. “So, you’re going to stay here?”

  She chewed her food and swallowed. “Yeah, I need to. Cain’s doctors are here. I’m not looking forward to moving again. The move from Connecticut to here was rough. Cain isn’t healthy enough for traveling a lot, at least not now. One day, who knows?”

  His heart leapt in his chest at the insinuated promise of a future. “Okay. I can live with that. I’m just letting you know, I’m in love with you and Cain, and I want things to work out.”

  “We’re in love with you too. And I’m not saying things won’t work out. I’m just saying I want to take things slow. I don’t want to jump into marriage and uprooting our lives. Not today, or tomorrow. I need you to be patient with me. Change is hard for me, and I’ve gone through a lot of changes in the last year. I need normalcy,” Grace explained.

  “Of course. I’m happy with this.”

  “Me too.” She smiled and his heart thumped in a funny way in his chest. She truly was beautiful.

  They finished dinner, chatting amicably about everything from music to books. They found they both loved Chopin and couldn’t really stand Taylor Swift. Drake was fascinated to hear that she loved to read, and that her favorite book was the Scarlet Letter. He’d read the book several times in the early days of their relationship. He had constantly reminded himself that she was off limits and why. It just intrigued him that she liked it too.

  Now, though, there were no limits, just the ones Grace was imposing on them. He didn’t know if she was just scared of the commitment, or what. Perhaps it was that she had been a virgin the first time they’d been together.

  It was disheartening, because he was looking at things like he was coming home to a family. I still am, she’s not saying never, she’s just saying not right now. I can wait on her. I’ve waited this long, right?

  “Do you want some dessert?” she asked, and he smiled, pulling himself out of the worrying thoughts.

  “I do! What do you have?” He waggled his eyebrows and his smile widened as she blushed.

  “Cherry cheesecake.”

  “Delicious.”

  He took the plate from her and dipped his finger into the glistening red topping of the pie. Popping the gel in his mouth, he groaned and licked his finger clean. Her dark eyes went wide and her breath came fast. If he didn’t know any better, he would’ve bet that she was aroused. And tonight, he felt like being a betting type of man.

  “When does Cain eat?” he asked as he sat back at the table.

  “I’ll give him a bath after our dinner, then a bottle, a book and bed.” Grace sat down across from him and tucked into her dessert.

  “I’ll help. Then do you want to watch a movie or something?” He offered, figuring a movie would be something safe to keep his hands off her. He’d promised Damien he wouldn’t have sex with Grace in the house. Here they were on the most romantic day of the year, with no one else here but them. He knew that things would happen, and he was going to try very hard to keep it under control. He hated to leave her after loving her again. Shows were coming up, and it would have to be done.

  “Sure, a movie would be good!” Her voice came out high and shrill, and she blushed again. What’s this all about?

  He ate his dessert and helped her clear the table. There was an uncomfortable, pregnant silence between them as they loaded the dishwasher. He needed to break the tension, and so he slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her in close. Her eyes flicked to his, and he watched as they went wide and warm.

  Bending his head, he pressed a soft kiss to her lips and a thrill coursed through him at her soft moan of pleasure. He deepened the kiss, his tongue sweeping into her mouth and tasting their shared dessert. Drake wanted more than anything to make sure that she knew he cared, that he wanted her, in more ways than one, and if it took hundreds of times worshiping her body to make her see that, then he was up to the challenge.

  Breaking the kiss, he smiled down at her flushed face. “Hi.”

  “Hey,” she breathed, her teeth worrying at her bottom lip. He fought the urge to pull her back into his arms and kiss her again. Instead he let her go. The flames of desire were building, and soon they would be all consuming. He wanted to let them consume them both and burn through the fear of the future. Maybe playing with fire wouldn’t get them both burned. There was only one way to find out.

  Chapter Twenty

  Grace was running scared. It was one thing to flirt and think about having sex with Drake Stone. By God it was another to actually do it again. The first time had been amazing. Beyond amazing, but they’d both known it was that one time only. Now things were serious enough to consider sex again. Would it be any good or was it just that one time when they put their all into it, knowing it was the only time. She was terrified to let him in that far. Because letting him that far meant no going back.

  Would the magic be there or would it just fizzle into nothingness? What if she messed something up? Farted, bit his dick by accident, or something? What if he found her disgusting in her lingerie and walked out? True, she had gained about twenty pounds. It was all stress induced eating.

  His kisses were affecting her, and she worried about the state of her panties and if he could see the wetness through her jeans. As they finished in the kitchen, she picked up Cain, hoping somehow the baby could save her from being touched by him again. “I’m going to bathe him,” she squeaked.

  “Want some help?”

  “Ah, no. You could make him a bottle. The directions are on the canister, he likes an eight-ounce bottle. Just mix it with cold water and put it in his bottle warmer.” She backed out of the kitchen slowly as she explained.

  “Sure, I’ll meet you in his nursery then.”

  “Perfect.” Grace fled then, needing some space. He smelled incredible, and the way his dark blue shirt stretched over his perfectly sculpted body left her breathless. “Cain, what have I gotten myself into?” she whispered to the baby, who giggled. “Don’t laugh at me! I’m a mess!”

  She ran his bath and placed him in his little tub. Her fingertips traced over his incision scars and tears prickled at her lashes. You’ve come so far! She knew instinctively that Drake was hurt at her putting the brakes on things, and she couldn’t help it. He had that look in his eyes like he saw forever, and she could only see small chunks of the future. Cain’s health was the most important, and he could only be around if he understood that.

  You’re scared. Her brain informed her, and she sighed as she washed the baby. I am, I’m letting him in my life, so Dad can’t say I’m not. I’m letting myself love him. She argued with herself. True, you are, but you’re not loving him completely. You say that you have fallen for him, let’s be real, you’re more like the scaredy cat who is repelling down the side of the mountain. You’re stuck about midway down. One of these days you’re gonna get real tired of hanging up there swinging like a pendulum, and you’ll have to either climb back up to the top or free-fall into nothing and hope he’s there to catch you at the very bottom. She groaned, thinking of what she’d written in her diary, saying she wasn’t afraid to fall. Honestly, she was. She was terrified. It was easy enough to say when the man in question wasn’t standing in front of her looking like Adonis wrapped in fabric. When he was there, the doubts and fears snuck in.

  Finishing the baby’s bath, she pulled him from the tub and dried him off. “At least I know you’ll always love me,” she murmured.

  Meandering into the nursery, she jumped as she saw Drake sitting in her rocker. “Hey.” He smiled.

  “Oh, you figured out the bottle thing?” she squeaked, laying Cain on his changing table and grabbing a diaper before he rained all over their parade.

  “Yeah, I can do that thing called reading r
eal good,” he joked, and she found herself smiling. Cain was soon diapered and in his very adorable fox print pajamas.

  “Are you sure you want to feed him?” Grace stammered, picking up the baby.

  “Tell me what I need to do.” Drake held out his hands for Cain, and Grace bit her bottom lip as she passed the baby over.

  “I found that keeping him propped up helps. His bottles have a slow flow nipple in them, so he can’t drink too fast. If he starts sucking too hard, just pull the bottle out and let him catch his breath.” Grace explained, mommy worry running through her as she watched Drake slip the bottle into Cain’s mouth.

  “This is nice,” Drake murmured.

  “Yeah, I really like our bedtime routine,” Grace replied, wiping her sweating palms on her pants.

  “No, I mean being here with you. It’s nice,” Drake explained.

  “Ah, yes, it’s nice having you here too,” Grace squeaked nervously.

  “He’s hungry.” Drake chuckled, pulling the bottle from Cain’s mouth. Cain squawked in irritation, and he slipped it back in.

  “Yeah, he likes his bottles. I’m hoping in the next few months to start him on some solid foods.” Grace leaned against the edge of the crib and watched the two boys in the rocker. Her heart thumped in her chest. I could easily get used to you being here.

  As Cain finished his bottle, she took the baby from him and eased him to her shoulder where she gently patted his back until he burped. “I want to sit so I can read to him. Do you mind going downstairs? I’ll be down in a little while. He’s getting better about going to sleep after a book.”

  Drake stood from the rocking chair and bent to press a kiss to Cain’s head. “Night, little man.” He paused and stroked her cheek. “See you in a bit.”

  Grace felt herself involuntarily clench. Oh, damn you. “See you in a bit,” she choked out.

  Clicking off the nursery light, she pulled Cain’s favorite book from the bookshelf. It was a silly story about a little boy who imagined elves were stealing cereal from shelves by author C.A. Tull. He especially loved SuperCow in the story. That was his favorite. The little light by the chair was turned on, bathing them in a pale, soft glow. She rocked the baby slowly and read to him. Within minutes, he was dozing in her arms, and she eased him into the crib, carefully fitting his cannula in his nose and around his ears. Turning on the baby monitor, she slipped from the room and into her own.

  It was time to plan the seduction of Drake Stone. She was determined to make it amazing for the both of them, and hopefully it would be. She tiptoed into her bathroom and knew she had mere minutes to make things happen. She’d shaved her legs earlier in the day and as she shimmied out of her jeans she was grateful to find they were still satiny smooth.

  Stress sweat had left her armpits less than floral fresh, and she hurried to finish undressing and put on deodorant. She stood there naked in the bathroom, examining her body with a frown. Her muffin top was overflowing a bit and her butt was covered in dimples. Drake has seen all this before and he wanted you then. Stop beating yourself up! You’re big and beautiful, Grace told herself in the mirror.

  She grasped the bottle of mouthwash and took a swig. Swishing it between her teeth, she hurried to her bedroom and found her lingerie. Moving back to the bathroom, she spit and dressed quickly, the stretchy lace fabric molding to her body. She brushed out her hair and swallowed nervously. This is it. I’m going to seduce Drake. She peeked into the nursery and smiled at her sleeping boy. Night, sweetheart.

  Tiptoeing out her door, she took a slow breath and strutted down the stairs. Drake was ensconced on the couch, a remote in his hand as he flipped through the channels, and Grace knew he was paying no attention at all to her sneaky, ninja-like moves. Blowing out a breath, she came to the edge of the couch.

  “So. Where are we going to do this? Because I plan on doing it. With you. Tonight,” she squeaked, praying hard that she sounded sexy.

  Drake’s eyes swiveled to her and his mouth fell open. Grace panicked as she sat perfectly still for a moment. This was a mistake.

  “You look… so…fucking sexy,” he breathed, his throat working as he swallowed.

  “Really?” Grace croaked.

  “Oh God, Grace. I told your dad I wouldn’t…you look so…oh shit, he’s going to kill me,” Drake babbled, running his hand through his hair.

  “Dad knows what’s happening here tonight. I’m a grown woman, and I want you, Drake.” Grace tossed her head, her hair slipping down her back.

  “Grace…” he groaned. “I can’t.”

  “Why?” Grace felt her self-confidence shatter. She pulled a blanket from the back of the couch and wrapped it around herself, tears filling her eyes as embarrassment coursed through her.

  “No, it’s not you. I promised him I wouldn’t have sex with you,” Drake jumped off the couch and stepped closer. “It’s not you.”

  “Sure it’s not,” Grace snapped, pulling away from him.

  “Look at me, Grace. I want you. My God, I’ve dreamed about this. I want you so badly. I promised him I wouldn’t have sex with you in the house.”

  A smile touched Grace’s mouth, and she held up a finger. “Okay, what if it wasn’t technically in this house?”

  “We can’t leave…Cain is upstairs…” Drake shook his head in frustration.

  “No…what if it was in the basement? Dad used to film pornos down there, and I’m pretty sure there’s still some furniture and stuff down there. I can take the baby monitor, we’ll lock the doors, and we can have sex. It’s not technically in this house.” Grace grinned then, excitement bubbling through her.

  “You’re devious, and I love it,” Drake hissed. “Are you sure?”

  “I’m sure.” Grace giggled. “Let me grab one of the monitors.” She moved to a side table and picked up the receiver. “We can hear Cain.”

  “Then we better lock the doors.” Drake’s voice seemed to be strangled and tight, and it thrilled Grace, knowing he was just as excited and nervous as she was. “Wait, what about condoms?”

  Grace laughed. “I live in a porn director’s mansion. There’s always condoms.”

  “I thought about bringing some… I promised your dad…”

  “Shh…” Grace whispered. “Just stop talking.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  She snuck into her father’s office and dug in his bottom drawer, feeling suddenly very much like a teenager sneaking around to have sex. Finding the large box of condoms, she palmed three of them, hoping that would be enough. Drake was waiting for her in the hallway, and she had to force herself to slow down instead of running for the door and pushing him up against the wall.

  “So, uh, are we good then?” he asked, and Grace nodded, pointing toward a door in the hallway.

  “In here.” She opened the door and gestured for him to go down. “There’s a switch on the wall.”

  “Okay.” She watched as Drake hurried down the stairs and lit up the basement. “Holy shit!” She heard him murmur and a grin crossed her lips.

  Closing the door behind herself, she walked down into the massive basement. Most people’s basements were either unfurnished, or made to look like family rooms. Oh, not this house. The basement was set up to look like the inside of another mansion. Furniture littered the space, covered in white sheets.

  “This is ridiculous…” Drake murmured, still turning round and round in the middle of the floor.

  “Yeah, this is what my dad does. I told you it wasn’t in the same house. See what I mean?” Grace moved to uncover a leather chaise lounge. “Put the monitor down, make sure it’s turned up.”

  “I still feel a bit weird, Grace. I promised him I—” Grace put her finger across his lips.

  “Drake, I’m a grown woman. I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t feel a bit weird about it too. Technically this isn’t the same house. Cain is asleep, and if anything happens, we’ll hear him. I want you. You can’t tell me you came all the way to Phoenix to watch a mo
vie with me, now did you?” He shook his head, and she smiled. “Then make love to me, Drake. Hey, you’re the one who has to leave in the morning, not me.”

  She gasped as he pulled her into him and their bodies collided. A shock of pleasure flowed through her.

  “Seeing you in this…” He fingered the thin strap of her lingerie. “Makes me crazy.”

  “Oh?” she asked, her voice hitching slightly as his hand came to palm her ass. He kneaded her flesh, and she had to bite her bottom lip to keep from moaning.

  “It’s so,” he whispered, his mouth against her ear. Her eyes fluttered closed as he nibbled on her earlobe, his tongue wet and hot on the delicate flesh. She moaned as his kisses descended to her neck, biting and suckling at her.

  “Drake,” she gasped out, her hands gripping his shoulders. “Take your shirt off.”

  He released her suddenly, and she staggered, trying to right herself. Her eyes were glued to his body as he unbuttoned his shirt slowly, one button at a time. The first button revealed a swath of his tanned, muscular chest. The second a hint of his pec. The third, a divot of skin above his belly button. The fourth, his incredible abs. The fifth, just below his belly button, and the last button, finally. He seemed to move in slow motion as he peeled the shirt off and her mouth went dry as his muscles rippled and flexed.

  “Like what you see?” He chuckled, and she nodded dumbly, her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth. Instead of talking, she grasped his belt buckle firmly in one hand and unbuckled it. She refused to meet his eyes as she unbuttoned his pants and grasped the zipper, slowly easing it down. His very impressive manhood was encased in a snug pair of black underwear, and she licked her lips, nerves finally getting the best of her.

  “Remember the first time we were together you wouldn’t let me do this?” She knelt in front of him and extracted his dick from inside his underwear. He was erect already, and his manhood jutted out at her.