by Lori Foster
Heaving a sigh, Vanity said, “I don’t understand you.”
“I know.” Carefully, Stack opened the bandage and gently touched her skin. “Stay still while I rewrap it.”
Until that moment she hadn’t noticed the ointment and gauze wrapping he’d brought to her room and put on the nightstand.
“You’re making me feel foolish.”
He didn’t look up from her arm, but he asked, “Why?”
“I have this teeny tiny burn that most wouldn’t look at twice, while your arm looks like it went through a five-round fight and lost.”
The corners of his mouth tipped up. “Burns are serious. They can get infected. Bruises can’t. And they’ll fade quickly, I promise.” He finished tending her, kissed her arm through the wrap, and said, “There. All done.”
“Your arm doesn’t hurt?”
“Not much.”
She was still naked, and he wasn’t, but she couldn’t help asking, “Is that why Leese came by? Did he have news for you about the guys who jumped you?”
That startled him. He tried to hide it, but she saw it in his eyes.
“Stack, I keep telling you I’m not dumb.” He and Leese were friendly but not really friends. For Leese to stop by, especially during a snowstorm, he had to have reason to talk to Stack.
“You also told me you wanted a quickie, and we don’t have time for me to regale you with details of an insignificant incident and give you a screaming orgasm.”
How he said that, the look in his eyes, made her stomach flutter. “Screaming?”
He stepped closer. “And groaning. Maybe even begging a little.”
She inhaled, exhaled and nodded. “Okay, enough. Clothes off.”
Saying nothing more, his smile smug, Stack reached back for a handful of his shirt and stripped it off over his head. His jeans were already open, so he dragged down the zipper, but he didn’t take them off.
“Stack,” she protested.
“Shh, trust me. Taking off my pants might encourage me to jump the gun, but I want to ensure you come all nice and hot for me first.”
Vanity shivered. Hard to argue with that logic, so she again agreed. “Okay.”
“Rest back on the wall. Yeah, like that.” Taking her hands, he crisscrossed them over her chest so that she covered each breast. Looking into her eyes, he said huskily, “Hold these for me, okay?”
Beyond words, she nodded.
Smiling his approval, Stack gave her a small kiss. She wanted more, but he went to one knee in front her. “Open your legs.”
Heartbeat frantic and breath rushing, Vanity braced her feet apart.
Stack looked up at her and whispered, “Wider.”
He hadn’t even touched her yet, and already she felt her body warming, softening. She bit her lip and widened her legs.
“Mmm. Perfect.” He cupped his hands low on either side of her hips, his long fingers curling around to her bottom cheeks.
Keeping her eyes closed, she waited—and jumped when he opened her with his thumbs. She felt his breath and heard his smile when he said, “You are so pretty.”
Knowing where he looked at her, her face went hot.
The first touch of his tongue made her lock her knees. Less than three minutes later she gave a soft moan.
Five minutes after that she wasn’t sure she could continue standing. “Stack!”
His hands held her backside more securely, supporting her while his mouth continued to eat at her, licking and sucking until her muscles all clenched in a powerful orgasm. Crying out, she grabbed the doorknob with one hand, and tangled the other in his hair.
He maintained the rhythm, and when the last of the trembling sensation drained out of her, he shot to his feet, hooked one of her legs in his arm, and before she could even catch her breath, he was in her.
Against her cheek, while thrusting hard and fast, he whispered darkly, “You taste so fucking good.”
Vanity held on to him. “I bet you’ll taste good, too.”
He went still for three heartbeats, then gathered her closer with a harsh groan, and she knew he was coming.
She coasted a hand down his damp back, solid with tensed muscled, all the way to that tight, sexy butt.
When he slumped against her, satisfaction kept her smiling. Satisfaction, and love. So much love.
She hugged him tight. “You are so good at this.”
His ragged laugh shook them both.
“Careful,” she said. “I’m barely keeping myself upright. If you drop, we’re both going down.”
He heaved a deep breath, levered back the length of one strong arm, and smiled so tenderly at her, she almost choked up.
He kissed her mouth, her cheek, her neck. “I would love to take you back to bed just to hold you awhile, but I’m already late.”
“I know. It’s okay.”
“Have you ever driven in the snow? I want you to be extra careful today.”
“As a matter of fact, I have, in other countries. And, yes, I will be.”
“If anything happens, if you need me for any reason, call.”
His concern had to count for something, and that buoyed her hope. “I will.” Pretending to pout, she added, “I’ll just have to do a regular old call though. No bat signal for me.”
“I was thinking about that.” When Stack kissed her this time, it wasn’t a kiss to excite, but rather a kiss of affection. “You should have emergency access, just in case. I’ll pick up a phone for you, and we’ll get that taken care of tonight.”
Shocked, she said nothing as he gave her one last, quick kiss, gathered up his clothes, and prepared to go.
Vanity kept it together until she told him goodbye at the front door. Then she danced, twirling through the house and laughing with excitement. Maggie and Norwood joined her. The dogs liked her. Stack’s mother and sister liked her. Soon, hopefully, Stack would more than like her.
She wanted his love. She wanted to be a part of his wonderful family.
And she wanted Stack Hannigan for forever.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
TABBY NOW HAD golden highlights in her dark blond hair, which the stylist trimmed and shaped, making it fuller. Vanity loved the new look, and, given how Tabby continually shook her hair, touched it, smoothed it, she did, too.
“It feels better.”
Vanity grinned. “I love their deep conditioning.” Both women had fresh polish on their nails, and their feet were submerged in bubbling pools of warm water over polished pebbles.
Turning her head to face Vanity, tears in her eyes, Tabby smiled. “Thank you for this. It’s been...well, amazing.”
Gently, Vanity smiled at her. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Having you here made it so fun. We should set up regular appointments.”
That made Tabby laugh. “This place is awesome, but also high-end. I’ve never even been in here, and I definitely can’t afford to visit. This is a onetime, very special day for me.”
The nail techs returned to the room, so Vanity didn’t say anything more. But if Tabby would agree, well, she’d love to have a regular salon day with her. Stack’s sister emoted with flair, but she was also honest and enthusiastic, and despite the siblings’ continued bickering, Vanity knew Tabby truly loved Stack, and vice versa. While their feet were buffed and massaged, and their toenails painted, she and Tabby indulged in idle chitchat.
“You and my brother are getting awfully cozy.”
“I know.” Vanity still wanted to hug herself. “Stack is just incredible.”
Tabby laughed. “I can only speak about him as a brother, but, yeah, he’s pretty terrific.”
Vanity bit her lip, but she couldn’t hold it in. “We’re officially monogamous,” she blurted.
“You weren’t before?”
Oh. No, Vanity couldn’t actually explain about her illicit proposition to Tabby’s brother. So instead she said, “We’d sort of...tried it on for size. You know, to see if we’d suit.”
Grinning, Tab
by said, “And you do.”
“We do!”
“I’m glad. Stack has dated some real wieners, but we like you.”
“We?”
“Mom and me.” Tabby looked away and shrugged. “Phil, too.”
“I’m glad, because I like you and Lynn a lot, also.” She preferred not to touch the subject of f’ing Phil.
Vanity had prepaid, including gratuity, so as soon as they were done, they headed to the front lobby.
That’s when she got her first look at Tabby’s winter coat.
Damn. She’d arrived at the spa before Tabby and had already been in a seat when a hostess showed her in. Until now she hadn’t realized that Tabby wore a threadbare coat at least five years old. It didn’t look all that warm either.
Vanity took a quick peek at the clock. Bummer. If she didn’t leave now, she’d be late meeting with Stack. But surely he could wait an hour or two.
She couldn’t, in good conscience, send Tabby out into the winter storm without first trying to get her something warmer.
“Are you in a rush?”
Seeming very distracted and maybe a little sad, Tabby glanced back at her. “No. Just heading home to check on Mom. She’s feeling much better, even insisting that she wants to move back to her own place. I’ve liked having her there. She’s good company in the evening.”
Where was f’ing Phil in the evenings? “If Lynn doesn’t need you, do you think we could hit up the mall for an hour or two?” Vanity took her hands. “Please, please, don’t be offended. But I’m having so much fun, and you’re such great company, I’d love to spend a little more time with you. Shopping with a friend is as much fun as the salon with a friend.” She tried an engaging smile. “I know you’re on a budget, so don’t worry about that. This will still be my treat. A special day for the two of us. What do you say?” And to better her odds, Vanity added, “Pretty please?”
As Vanity watched, Tabby’s face crumpled. Her eyes went red, her bottom lip trembled, and she pulled away to cover her face with her hands.
Oh, no! Crying? Vanity didn’t hear any sobs, but the way Tabby’s shoulders shook alarmed her.
“Tabby?” Vanity inched closer, dipping her head to try to see her friend’s face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
In the next second, Tabby had her clutched in a hug so tight, Vanity could barely breathe.
Uh... Unsure what to make of that, Vanity awkwardly patted her back. “Are you okay?”
Tabby nodded. “Yes. I’m sorry. It’s just...” She held Vanity back, and to her relief, Tabby smiled. “You are the nicest, most considerate person I’ve ever known. And I...well, things have been so rough lately, and I guess I just...”
Vanity found her own smile, and this time she pulled Tabby in for the hug. “I know, I understand.”
It was a few seconds more before the women separated.
Tabby said, “Just let me call Mom to make sure there’s nothing she needs.”
“Ohhh, great idea! Tell her we’d love to pick her out something, too.”
Laughing, Tabby shook her head. “Mom will definitely refuse, but I’ll try.”
“While you do that, I’ll give your brother a call.” Still giddy about it, she explained, “We’re getting together again tonight.”
“He’s lucky to have you.”
“Thank you.” Bubbling with happiness, Vanity stepped a few feet away and thumbed in Stack’s number on her cell.
He answered with, “I’ve missed you.”
Awww. Her heart melted. “Same here.”
“Plan on going straight to bed, okay? I promise to feed you after.”
Vanity laughed. “This is probably a bad time to tell you that I’m going to be a little late. Maybe an hour or two.”
He groaned with great feeling.
Making sure Tabby wouldn’t overhear, she murmured, “I promise to make it up to you.”
“Talk like that and I’ll get a boner.”
Vanity imagined it, then issued her own groan.
With amusement in his tone, Stack said, “Soon, darlin’. Real soon.” He blew out a breath. “You get things hammered out with those security installers?”
“Yes. They’ve already taken care of everything. Very efficient.” She cleared her throat. “Guess I’ll need to give you the code tonight. And I was thinking...” Taking the next step on the phone seemed easier than in person. “You should have a key.”
Without missing a beat, Stack asked, “To your place?”
Very unsure of herself, she nodded. “Yes?”
“Great idea. I’ll give you one to my apartment, too.”
Her jaw loosened. He’d accepted that with no hesitation at all. “Um, okay, great.”
“Did the shelter like your paintings?”
“They were really pleased. Remember the one of the mama dog and her puppies? They liked it enough that they want to hang it in the shelter lobby instead of including it in the auction. I told them I’d make a donation so they wouldn’t have to sell it.”
“I remember it. All the paintings are fantastic, though, so I’m sure the shelter will make a bundle.”
She glowed with his praise. “Thank you.” Belatedly, she realized Tabby was done with her call and waiting. “I guess I should go.”
“Drive carefully.”
“You, too.” She wanted so badly to add that she loved him. It felt natural, like the perfect, appropriate thing to say to Stack. Instead she sighed. “See you soon.”
“Not soon enough.”
Okay, so his impatience was almost as good. Grinning, Vanity put away her phone, pulled on her mittens, and together she and Tabby went out to her car. “Want to just ride with me?”
“Since I took the bus, that’d be great.”
“You didn’t drive?” Vanity unlocked the doors, so they could both get inside.
“Phil has the car.” Tabby smoothed a hand over the leather seat. “Usually walking to the bus stop isn’t a big deal, but it was awfully icy outside today.”
With each passing minute, Vanity disliked Phil more. “I’ll drive you home after we’re done.” Luckily the snow had stopped, and without the wind, it didn’t feel so miserably cold. After Vanity started the car it didn’t take long for the heater to warm the interior, especially with the help of heated seats.
Tabby kept looking around. “I like your car.”
“Thanks. I do, too.” It wasn’t a luxury car by any stretch, but she supposed any new car held appeal. Driving out of the lot, Vanity tried to find the right words. “Didn’t Phil say something about finding a new job?”
Tabby looked away. “I don’t think so.”
“Oh. I thought maybe that’s why he needed the car.”
Tabby just shook her head.
Ooookay. A dead end there. Vanity wasn’t sure how to tactfully ask her about the money she’d given Phil for work boots and such. So she didn’t. Right now, it didn’t matter. She just wanted Tabby to have fun.
The salon wasn’t far from the mall. In true power-shopping mode, Vanity bought herself a few new, cozy sweaters and convinced Tabby to accept two new outfits, new boots, a coat, scarf and mittens.
Within an hour and a half, they were heading home. The roads were clear, the air crystal cold, the early evening a beautiful shade of blue-gray.
Looking somewhat dazed by it all, Tabby kept glancing at the bags in the backseat. “It feels like my birthday and Christmas all rolled together.”
“I loved it,” Vanity assured her. “This has been so much fun.”
“I think you’re nuts, but it’s a terrific kind of nuts.” Admiring her manicured nails, Tabby added, “I don’t know how to thank you enough.”
“I know how. Promise you’ll wear one of the new outfits when we go to the movies.”
Her head lifted. “You still want to?”
“Shoot, yes! You’re terrific company. And you know what? You have to start going to the MMA competitions with me. You’ll love m
y friend Yvette. She’s married to Cannon Colter.”
“Stack’s friend.”
“Right, do you know him?”
For the rest of the ride home they talked about the fighters, the competitions, and by the time Vanity pulled up to the curb, she’d gained Tabby’s promise to go to some of the local SBC fights with her. Denver Lewis would fight in a week in Columbus, and even though Vanity offered to pay her way, Tabby said she couldn’t yet afford the time off work.
Soon, though.
Parked at the curb, Vanity turned to face the passenger seat. “Did you need help carrying everything in?”
Tabby shook her head. She bit her lip, looked at the packages again—and drew in a shuddering breath. “I’m sorry!” Eyes wide, she fanned her face and tried to keep the sudden well of tears from falling. “I’m such a dope and an emotional mess and you’re being so nice and understanding, and for some reason that only makes it worse.”
Vanity stared in horror. The last few words had been a wail, and she wasn’t sure what to do about it. She reached for Tabby’s hand. “What am I making worse?”
“My stupid tears!” Tabby choked, the tears dropped, and frantically she pulled away to dig in her purse for a tissue. “Damn it!”
Vanity opened the glove box and pulled out several to hand to her. “Take a breath.”
She did, then let it out with more garbled apologies.
Stack hadn’t been kidding about his sister being dramatic. Never in her life, even after she’d lost everyone, had Vanity cried with so much...verve.
She sort of envied Tabby the ability. “I’d like to help, but I need to know the problem.”
Tabby blew her nose, blindly reached out for more tissues—which Vanity supplied—then cleaned the tears off her cheeks. “It’s not your problem to deal with.”
“We’re friends now. At least, I hope we are.”
Even more dramatic, Tabby said, “I hope so, tooooo!”
Vanity almost smiled at the forlorn way Tabby said that. “Friends share.”
Nodding, Tabby swallowed hard. Waffled, sobbed a little more, and finally confessed, “Oh, God, Vanity. I’m pregnant.”
“You’re...oh. Oh!” Her thoughts scrambled. “I think maybe that’s wonderful...isn’t it?”
“It would be. I mean, I love kids.” Hand over her midsection, Tabby said more softly, “I especially love this kid. And Mom will go nuts.” Her gaze sought Vanity’s. “I only just found out, and I’m not very far along. Only five weeks. But I want the baby. I swear I do.”