His gaze shot to me. “You ready to go?” He glanced away to the view in front of him.
“In a minute.” I moved to the railing and rested my ass against it, facing him. I took a deep breath. “I’m really sorry. I was bitchy, and it was uncalled for. I should have known you would check in, and I didn’t mean to shortchange you. I know you don’t have a lot of down time, and you not only took off an entire day to help me, but then you brought me here.” I had to stop to grab a breath. “And this place is... Well, you know, it’s truly beautiful. Peaceful and comfortable. It’s a home. Thank you for sharing it with me.”
He didn’t say anything for a full minute.
I was getting ready to continue my rambling apology, but he dropped his feet to the porch. When he didn’t respond right away, I wondered how I was going to get home. I knew one rental car company claimed they would pick you up, but I didn’t even know where I was.
“Sweetheart, you weren’t a bitch.” His voice rumbled.
My gaze flew to his. Today, his eyes were light blue, like the sky on a sunny day.
“I overstepped by taking your phone.”
I started to disagree, but stopped because he had.
“I did the wrong thing for the right reason. I wanted you to have some peace. When I need to think, I ride. You had a lot to process, so I hoped it would help.” He lowered his head for a moment and looked out at his front yard.
“It did,” I said softly.
“They got everything moved, but they didn’t unpack the boxes. So, we’ll have plenty to do when we get back. I figure by dinnertime everybody will have stopped by or checked in.”
“I’m overwhelmed by their generosity.” I too looked out at his small patch of yard. “I’ve always wanted friends like you all, but it’s a lot to deal with. I’m not sure I know how to repay everybody.”
“You don’t,” he answered gruffly.
I jerked my head back to look at him.
“Friends help each other, or at least we do. Something will come up, and you’ll be on the frontline offering an assist.”
That made sense.
“So the big question is...how’d you sleep last night?”
His smile was so self-satisfied that I wanted to smack him. “Really well. What about you?” I wiggled both brows. He’d mentioned before that he only slept a few hours a night.
He looked a little sheepish. “I guess we found the key, sweetheart. You and me spooning.” Then he flashed another sexy Tye smile.
“Maybe it was because we were both tired—and all of the fresh air.” I sounded like I was grasping for any excuse.
“Only one way to find out.” He moved closer, towering over me. “We try it again, tonight.”
I swear I felt the inner walls of my pussy contract at the thought of another night wrapped in Tye’s arms. “Oh, uhm,” I tried to come up with some kind of reason why it would be a very bad idea.
“Can’t screw with an experiment.”
Before I could think of a smart reply, he turned and walked back into the house.
The two weeks that followed my move were crazy busy but silky smooth at the same time. I loved my new place, or should I say “our place”. Tye had moved his suits and other clothes into the guestroom’s closet. However, he slept in my bed.
The others treated us like we were a new couple. Instead of being Tye or Billie, we were now Tye and Billie. When Layla called to tell me I’d be babysitting so she and Forde could go out without a burping cloth draped over their shoulders, she assumed Tye would be with me. When I’d tried to correct her, she’d talked right over me.
Soon, I was going to have to talk to Tye about this living arrangement, but I wanted to be selfish and not push it. I wanted to enjoy life with Tye a little longer. He made me feel protected and special. I liked that he laughed at my jokes and listened to my stories. I adored it when he talked about his work. The breakdown of his strategy to win, or how he knew the twists and turns a case would take, fascinated me. His intelligence constantly blew me away.
After group the previous night, I’d made a pot of chili. There was a chance of snow this weekend, and I thought it sounded good. Plus, it would be easy to heat while we entertained Miss Lucy. The phone on my desk rang; the caller ID showed Tyler Burke’s name.
“Good afternoon, Forde Limited, how can I help you?” I used what I liked to think of as my radio voice.
“Mmm-mm. B, I don’t know why Forde’s office isn’t filled with guys dying to meet the woman who answers his phone. Jesus, every time I hear you, it makes me hard.”
A flutter of pleasure settled in my core. His teasing had become sexier the more time we spent together. I liked that he could be so natural with me. “For the good of all women, make sure you’ve taken care of that monster before you set foot outside of your office. You don’t want to be responsible for casualties, Tye,” I teased right back. “You know what a pain it is to have the medics tie up the elevators at quitting time.” I squirmed a little in my chair. I liked his attention.
“Well, at least you respect my cock.”
“And the rest of you, too,” I added sweetly.
“So, Babe, what’s the plan for tonight?”
I imagined him sprawled back in his office chair, his feet up on the corner of his desk. I might add that it was the only part that wasn’t covered by stacks of paper, journals or books. “I’ve been tasked with watching Princess Luciana so that the King and Queen can step out amongst their subjects.”
He laughed. “We doing that at their place or ours?”
Ours. The word tripped off his tongue naturally. I tried to ignore how happy that made me. “Ours. I have chili made, and I thought I’d bake some brownies...” A growl sounded in my ear.
“What time is this all happening?”
“In about an hour and a half. I figured you’d hit the gym, and I’d go home and get ready.” God, we did sound like a couple.
“Need anything from the store?”
“If you want ice cream with your brownies, then you’ll need to get some.”
“If you keep cooking like this, I’m going to have to start running every morning and after work. And I hate to run in the cold,” he groused.
I made sure he could hear my sigh. “You gotta keep that body tight so you can showcase your ink.”
He dropped his voice to a whisper, “Have I mentioned I love it that you’re into my ink?”
I started to fan face with my other hand. My cheeks had gone hot along with my body. “Tye…” It came out as breathy warning. Someday, I was going to ruin everything by jumping him when he used that seductive tone.
“Okay, okay, don’t panic. The big bad wolf won’t eat you tonight.”
“I’ll see you later.” I quickly ended the call. I needed fresh air to cool off.
I was giving Lucy a bottle when he arrived home. I mean, when he arrived at my place. I needed to stop thinking in terms of “we” and “our”. We’d had no further discussions since the friend talk. I was beyond confused, because we lived together like a couple. If Tye was seeing other women, he did it out of the office or while he was at the gym. His day was so tightly scheduled, I doubted the first, and if the second were true, then he worked hard to cover it up. I’d unpacked his gym bag too many times, and by the stink of his sweaty clothes, I think he used the time to exercise. I tried not to snoop; I didn’t have the right. Yes, it was odd that he slept in my bed every night, but beyond our bodies touching and his arm wrapped around my waist, there were no caresses or rubbing. Sometimes, I thought we were like Bella and Edward in the first book of the Twilight series, innocently sharing a bed. Christ, I had to shake off that thought, because that was fiction and this was real life.
“My two favorite girls,” he smiled as he dropped his gym bag to attend to the alarm. Another piece of our confusing coupledom status was that we did laundry together. His briefs were mixed in with my panties—to me, that seemed pretty intimate. I’d never shared that bef
ore. After he punched in the code and then rearmed the door, he held up a bag from the local gourmet grocer. “Got the ice cream.”
I feigned surprise. “I’m so shocked.” For a guy who worked out religiously, Tye had a huge sweet tooth.
“Can’t have brownies without ice cream. You taught me that,” he said, heading to the kitchen.
“After the princess finishes this bottle, I can start dinner.” I shifted Lucy in my arms.
“So, I have time to shower before the diaper change?” He came around the side of the sofa and stroked a finger over her dark hair.
“No idea. I’m playing this by ear.” I waved him away. “Go on and shower. I’ve got things handled here.” I’d learned after my time with Olivia that poopy diapers made me gag. I don’t mean a tiny little reflexive action, but the kind that made my stomach roll. I hoped that after more exposure I would learn to handle it, but after seeing me go through the retching response, Tye stepped up and took care of dirty diapers.
“Well, if you need me, just shout.” Tye dropped a kiss onto Lucy’s head and poked the tip of my nose playfully.
When I knew he was out of earshot, I confided in the baby, “I’m in love with your Uncle, and he thinks of me as a buddy. He’s going to break my heart.” I kept telling myself that I needed to have “the talk” with him. I really should ask what was going on between us, but another part of me knew that pushing for a definition would make him bolt.
“Men are so confusing.” I checked the now empty bottle and started the burping process.
Lucy made a few baby sounds. She was adorable and, so far, easy to handle. After a nice burp and a little rocking, she fell asleep.
The baby lay in her portable sleeper a few feet away from us while we ate. Because we were so busy watching her, the conversation had many stops and starts.
“This is exhausting. How do they do it?” Tye tore a slice of sourdough bread in two.
“Parents are probably used to having a baby around, so they don’t watch theirs constantly,” I guessed.
His deep chuckle made my thigh muscles quiver. “So what you’re saying is that we need to have more access to a baby.”
“We have two, and when Rick has his daughter, that makes three. Plus—if the gossip is correct—Forde and Layla will be adding to their family as soon as they can.” I pushed my bowl to the side.
“I can tell you want kids.” Tye stated casually.
“I always thought I’d have kids, but it was a hazy, someday idea, and then after everything...I sort of gave up on it.” I shrugged. “I can barely take care of myself.”
His piercing blue eyes met mine. “B, you’re doing more than just getting by. I’ve seen you with Livy and Lucy. You’re totally mama material.”
“Thank you...?” I let my gaze fall away. This was a very uncomfortable topic—relationships, sex, intimacy. Because I was agitated, I began folding and refolding my napkin.
Lucy made a loud snuffling sound, but didn’t wake. We looked at each other and laughed quietly.
“Has anybody said anything to you about Skeeter’s party?” Tye used another piece of bread to mop up the bottom of his bowl.
“No, and you know somebody named Skeeter?” I leaned back in my chair. I guessed this was going to be an entertaining story.
“Limited has done work for Skeeter before. I handled his last divorce, and I think Forde has done some other things for him.”
Interpreting what Tye wasn’t saying, I nodded. I knew to place Skeeter in the “gray” area. Not necessarily a crook, but maybe somebody who likely bent a few rules.
“He’s got a lot of money, mostly inherited. He co-owns an Indy Car race team and has a big house on Meridian Street on mansion row. He used to buy up foreclosures, but I think that was too much work.”
“And his name is Skeeter?”
“Yeah, the guy is kind of small. I’m guessing its short for mosquito, but I wouldn’t recommend saying that to his face,” Tye said, giving me a warning look.
“The little ones can be mean.”
“Exactly.” Tye grinned. “He throws this outrageous Halloween Party every year. A good band and crazy decorations. The servers are in costume. I know the major players at Limited get an invite. I don’t think Forde will miss two years in a row, so I’m assuming everybody will go.”
“So I’m going to be asked to babysit?” I had no idea where he was going with this.
He ran his hand through his still-damp hair. “Billie, pay attention.”
“I’m right here, Tye.” I pointed to myself. I hated it when I missed the point he hadn’t yet shared. I couldn’t begin to read his mind. “So far, I’ve got a rich guy who can be a dick, who has a big Halloween party. The bosses, and I’m guessing their wives, are invited. What did I miss?” I ended in a bitchy-sweet tone, blinking my eyes at him a few times.
“That you’re coming with me.” He raised his voice a little. “I was going to discuss our costumes, but if you’ve got something against Halloween, then forget it.” He stood and carried his dishes to the kitchen.
What the hell? I quickly replayed the conversation, and no, I hadn’t missed the invite. My frustration disappeared when I realized Tye thought I didn’t want to go with him. I cleared the table and headed to the kitchen. Tye was loading the dishwasher. I could tell by the stiffness of his movements that he was pissed.
I laid my bowl on the counter. “Can I get a redo on the whole party thing?”
He paused loading the dishes.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been to an adult Halloween party. I’d really like to go.” I waited hoping he would look at me. “With you.” I bumped my shoulder into his upper arm.
“I should advise you that before agreeing, you might want to ask about my costume ideas.” He bumped me back.
Whew, we were okay. “Knowing you, I probably should, but since I got bitchy, I’ll just have to trust you’ll use some restraint. After all, Skeeter is a business associate.”
“Then I’m not going to tell you about the trip I took with Skeeter to Cabo.” His smile was full of mischief, and his eyes twinkled.
“Sounds like a good idea.” I started to help him clean up. “Before I start freaking myself out, what are you thinking we should wear?”
“Since you’re a Cali girl, and I’ve been told a million times I look more like a surfer than a lawyer, we should go in beachwear.”
His grin worried me. “So, beachwear, as in board shorts and T’s?” I offered hopefully.
He flashed me a sideways glance and a smirk . “With your rack, I was thinking a bikini.”
I swear I saw a flash of heat in his eyes before I looked down at my “rack”. “I’m not wearing a bikini, Tye.” I never wore a bikini. I was too rounded and soft in too many places.
He moved behind me and wrapped his arms around my middle. “Come on Billie, you’ll look so hot.” He pressed his chest against my back. “It’s an awesome idea,” he said in his best surfer voice.
It was a good idea. And since I was still high from the idea that he’d asked me to a party, I said, “I’m not wearing a bikini, but I’ll come up with something hot, okay?”
“Will it show off your tits?” he growled against my ear.
His hot breath caused a tremor to shoot through my body. “Probably,” I muttered, trying not to rub my ass against him like a cat in heat.
Lucy let out a cry.
We both turned in her direction.
Tye eased his arms from around me. “I’ll get her.” He patted my ass then headed to the upset baby.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Billie
Fuck me, this felt like a huge mistake. I was uncomfortable and unsure of what I was supposed to be doing. I looked for a surface where I could put down my cocktail glass. I bit my lip hard, telling myself to stop being negative. This experience was something new, and I’d only be on my own for a moment. I’d be fine. I found a table and left my glass. Then I made a subtle adjustment to th
e wrap that was tied at my hip.
Ramsay had come through with an amazing costume for me. I felt covered, well somewhat, and yet it was sexy.
Tye approved. He’d made me turn in a circle three times so he could get the full effect. After he’d scrutinized the lime halter top that fell just below my ribs with its matching pareo that gave the illusion of macramé-lace—but still managed to cover the soft part of my belly, my abundant ass, and most of my thighs—he’d rested his hand on the sliver of bared skin at my middle.
He’d traced it lightly with his fingertips. “I like.” His voice had gone low and rough.
Ramsay had sent a pair of wedge thongs that added about two inches to my height and made my legs look long.
Tye wore a pair of teal board shorts that were loose enough they hung low on his hips and a white Hanes wife-beater. He looked authentic and sexy as hell. I had to remind myself not to drool.
Layla was dressed in a white chef’s coat with black and white checked pants, and Forde was in a black button down and black jeans. He claimed he was an official taster. Zoe had gone the totally sexy route as a naughty teacher. She was perfect, from the oversized glasses to the button-front blouse that opened to reveal a bright red bra, then the tight skirt that outlined her round ass with black fishnet stockings and stripper-high black, patent leather shoes. She carried a yellow ruler, and from time to time, she slapped her husband’s wandering hand. Like Forde, Tony wasn’t in costume.
We’d arrived in a limo after leaving the babies with Rick’s mother at Forde and Layla’s. The ladies seemed excited for a night of what Tye promised to be debauchery. Upon arrival, he had whisked me away to find the host.
Skeeter was even worse than I’d expected. He was about my height without my wedges, and he sported an unfortunate comb-forward that started at the crown of his head. His gaze raked over my body then returned to my boobs, and he held my hand a little too long during our introduction. I pasted a smile on my face and listened while the men made small talk.
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