“So good,” he whispered as he painted kisses across my stomach and ran his tongue along my hip. He rose from where he knelt on the floor and weaved his fingers into my hair, fisting a large chunk before he crushed my lips with his. He took my mouth with the same hunger as he ravaged my core: deep, determined, and knee-buckling. Drew was an intense lover by nature, but I’d never seen him this crazy with want.
My hands shook as I fiddled with the buttons on his shirt, everything below my waist still aching with a dull throb. My head fell into his chest, planting a wet kiss on every newly exposed inch of lean muscle.
“Take it off,” I demanded as I dragged my lips over his collarbone. His chest rumbled with a laugh as he peeled his shirt off his shoulders.
I leaned over and nipped down his torso. Drew groaned before he grabbed my head and yanked me up to stand.
“I’m ready to burst. I need inside you before I lose my damn mind.”
He lifted me by the waist and brought me closer to the bed, his lips back on mine as he backed me against the mattress. Once the back of my knees hit the edge, I fell back and flipped us over, so I was on top. His fingers tangled in my hair, both of us battling to get as close as possible. I unbuckled his belt and pants and pushed them down his thighs until his rock-hard erection bobbed free. I wasted no time straddling his waist and scooting myself down until I settled over what we both wanted.
Drew let out a hiss as I sank down on him, willing myself to go slow and take in every glorious inch. We had all night to feast on each other, but right now I needed this, we needed this.
“I love you.” Drew’s gravelly voice stilted as he lifted his hips to get deeper inside. “Don’t forget that again.”
“I love you, too,” I breathed, my own voice hoarse and straining. Drew sat up, grabbing my hips and sucking my nipple into his mouth. The new position rubbed against my still sensitive clit and the wet warmth of his mouth as his teeth bit down on the rigid peak tripped an even stronger orgasm than the first. My thighs quivered as I buried my head into his neck. A tortured whimper escaped me as I tried like hell not to scream. Drew stiffened as he came hard inside me. The thrusting and panting slowed as we fell into each other, my hair sticking to my sweaty forehead as the rest of my body went limp.
“I mean it,” Drew whispered as he brushed the sticky strands away from my face. “I love you, and you’re all I want. The rest is only details.” He gave me a soft kiss and lay back on the bed, cuddling me into his side.
“You’re the only boy I ever brought here, you know?” My hands drifted up and down his chest.
“Is that so?” He rested his chin on the top of my head.
I nodded without lifting my head. “This is the only time I’ve ever been in this room and not felt lonely. Or worthless.”
“You shouldn’t. You aren’t alone anymore. And you were never worthless.” He tapped my chin with his knuckle for me to look up. “You’re worth everything to me.”
I smiled before dropping my head back on his chest. I felt grateful, loved, and was ready to leave without looking back.
That was another first in this room.
Drew
MY FINGERS GLIDED through Sara’s hair as she slept on my chest. Without glancing at my watch, I guessed it was close to two in the morning. I was a blissful type of exhausted, the two rounds of epic make-up sex knocking the both of us out, but I still couldn’t sleep. My eyes stayed open and glued to Sara. The lights from the outside streetlamp filtered through the blinds, illuminating a peace on her face I’d never seen before.
The relationship I had with my father was sketchy at best, but I never wondered if my parents loved me. I hated how alone Sara was for most of her life, but she had me now—and we were permanent. After months of dreading it, finishing my master’s couldn’t come fast enough. I was itching to take a look at that apartment and couldn’t wait to see the look on Victoria’s face when I told her I was moving with them, too. Sara would probably need some convincing from time to time that being with them wasn’t a hardship, but I’d prove it to her every single day if I had to. It may have been unexpected, but it was all I wanted. They were all I wanted.
“Why are you still up?” Sara’s groggy voice startled me.
I kissed the top of her head and shrugged. “I’m a little hungry.”
“I’m sure.” She turned her head and planted a kiss on my chest. “You were a busy boy.”
To my surprise, my cock thickened under the sheets. I figured it was as tired as I was, but I wanted this woman all the damn time. Getting my fill of her wasn’t possible.
“Well, that.” I tightened my embrace around her. “And I haven’t really eaten much over the past few days.” I picked up her hand and laced our fingers together.
“Me neither,” she said on a yawn. “There’s still pizza downstairs, I think. And I couldn’t sleep last night so I made brownies.”
“From scratch?” My head perked up. Falling in love with a chef sure as hell didn’t suck.
“No, I found a mix, but I gave it my own spin.” She rested her chin on my shoulder and gave me a wink. “If you get one, grab one for me.” She pecked my lips and settled back on the pillow. “They should be wrapped in foil on the kitchen counter.”
“I’m so damn in love with you.” I kissed her lips and jumped out of bed.
“Hey, Drew.” I swiveled my head after I grabbed my shirt off the floor and slipped it on.
Her dark hair spilled over the pillow as she leaned into the crook of her arm, hiding a smirk. When her weary eyes met mine, her swollen lips—swollen from my kisses—pulled into a smile. She’d never stop taking my breath away.
“I love you, baby.” Sara rolled over and stretched her arms over her head, a contented smile lifting her cheeks.
I laughed, my own smile wide as I made my way back to the bed, leaning over to paint kisses across her cheek and down the sensitive slope of her neck.
“I love it when you call me baby,” I whispered before nipping at her shoulder. This was the Sara I fell in love with, the one I always knew was there but never had a chance to come out. All she needed was love.
The house was pitch black as I headed down the carpeted staircase, with only a couple of nightlights in the living room and by the kitchen. I found the light switch on the wall and spotted the tray of brownies.
“Hey, Drew,” Denise greeted me from the kitchen table, causing me to jump out of my skin and almost drop the tray.
“Holy shit, you scared the hell out of me.” I laughed until I noted the crestfallen expression on her face. She was a younger, sadder version of Sara. Whereas Sara put up a hardened wall to the people she met, Denise showed a softer, vulnerable side.
She dropped her gaze to the table and with a wistful smile, said, “I don’t usually hang out in the dark. This house is . . . It’s a little weird being here, I guess. Funny since I technically own it now, right?” She picked up a ceramic mug off the table and huffed around the rim before taking a sip.
I slid into a chair across from her, recognizing the vacant stare I’d seen so many times from Sara. I was raised to not speak ill of the dead, but after witnessing the number they’d done on their daughters, I had a hard time giving their parents even the least bit of respect.
“Maybe you can rent it until you’re ready to sell. I have a cousin who’s a real estate agent who could help you. You can get your own apartment with whatever rent you get.”
She nodded, still fixed on whatever was inside the cup. “I could. I’m not brave like Sara. Or smart. I remember all the jobs she worked when she was in high school. She saved every cent she made so she could move out and be on her own.” She shrugged as she set the mug in front of her. “My mother always called me a baby but never showed me how to be an adult. I guess I’ll figure it out, right?”
“Your sister isn’t Superwoman, even though she tries not to show it. Your parents had the same effect on her, too. I’d bet she was just as scared when she went o
ut on her own. Everyone is.”
“I’ll manage,” she sighed before she gave me a half smile. “So, I guess you guys are okay now? I mean, I’m assuming since you slept upstairs and there was some . . . noise coming from her old room.”
My nose crinkled as my face twisted into a grimace. “Sorry about that.”
“Don’t be sorry.” She waved me off. “I’m so glad she has you. You have no idea. I’ll never forget the day my parents threw her out. Or my mother did, and my father just watched. I’ve thought about her and her baby so many times. They forbade me to speak to her, but I should’ve called her. I wish I’d seen Victoria when she was a baby.” Her voice cracked as her face crumpled into tears. “How doesn’t she hate me?”
I shook my head. “She absolutely doesn’t hate you. You were a kid. She’s worried about you here all alone. We’re looking at apartments tomorrow. Maybe we can find one with an extra bedroom for you. I think you guys have a lot of time to make up for.”
Her eyes widened. “An apartment together. Wow, that’s great. Don’t make arrangements for me. Sara should live her own life now.” She leaned back in the chair, giving me a once-over under her crinkled brow. “You love her a lot, don’t you?”
I gave her a slow nod. “More than I ever knew it was possible to love anyone. I love Victoria, too. She’s going to be crazy about you.”
“I’m already crazy about her.” She zoned out over my shoulder. “Every year I’d rush to the mailbox to look for her picture, praying Sara would keep sending them. She always did, and I shoved Victoria’s picture in my parents’ faces. Last year was the first time they looked for more than a minute. I’m glad they did right by her with that trust.” Her finger traced the rim of her mug before she lifted her head. “Take care of them, okay?” Denise pleaded with glassy eyes. “My sister deserves the whole happily ever after.”
“You have my word. That is one thing you never have to worry about.”
“Thanks, Drew. It helps more than you know.” She stood from the table and trudged out of the kitchen.
“Denise,” I called before she made her way up the stairs. “You’re welcome to come live with us. Think about it.”
She swiveled her head, a smirk playing on her lips. “You’re a good guy, Drew.” She continued up the stairs without looking back.
Sara
“THAT WAS A nice place; you guys think you’ll get it?” Denise’s voice had a nervous shrill as she wrung her hands in her lap. She was equal parts excited and terrified to meet her niece, and as soon as Drew found a parking space by Josh and Brianna’s apartment, her chest began to heave, and her words fell out of her mouth at a rapid rate.
“I think so. One of the apartments anyway.” I craned my head and gave my sister the most reassuring smile I could pull off. It always worked when she was little, and I prayed I hadn’t lost my touch. “Hey, she’s going to love you; no need to be nervous at all.” I reached back to give her knee a squeeze. “She’d love it if you’d live with us, too.”
Both Drew and I kept extending the invitation to live with us, but for the moment she wouldn’t budge.
Her eyes rolled as she shook her head. “I’m fine, Sara. I’ll come visit but I don’t need a room in your new apartment.” Drew shot me a side-glance before we stepped out of the car. The apartments we viewed today had plenty of room for more than the three of us and part of me yearned for the chance to make up for lost time with my sister. I’d have to settle for visits, but I was overjoyed to have her back in my life in any capacity.
Our parents had just died, but after the initial shock faded, all I’d felt was relief. Always sadness for what we should have had and what could have been, but mostly closure.
“I told Victoria I had a surprise for her so she’s probably chomping at the bit until we get inside.” I nodded in the direction of their front door, attempting to urge my sister to move from Drew’s back seat. I ignored my own tension to ease hers.
When we left the landlord’s office, I should have been elated. This was my goal, what I worked so hard for over the past year. We’d have a great apartment and a lifestyle much more comfortable than the one I was barely holding onto. But, after being with her father for so long . . . maybe she didn’t want to leave. Josh did a stellar job stepping into the role of full-time parent, and the old Sara would have resented the shit out of him for it. This one only wanted happiness for everyone involved. If Victoria wanted to stay with her father, I’d be devastated but would deal.
“What’s wrong?” Drew whispered in my ear as we ambled up the block.
“What? Nothing.”
He pulled back and squinted at me. “If you bite your lip any harder, you’re going to draw blood.” He snaked his arm around my waist and pulled me close as Denise trudged in front of us. “It’s not the good kind of biting your lip, either. So, spill.” He pinched my side and made me jump.
“Victoria may not want to leave.” His shoulders dropped in irritation when he caught my gaze.
“Are you serious right now? The same little girl Josh had to pile into his car in almost tears when she left my apartment and left you? You’re her mother. She’s always going to want to be with you.”
“Maybe, but they made a nice home for her here. Is it selfish of me to pull her out of it?” My eyes drifted to their apartment windows and the Wonder Woman window clings decorating the panes in Victoria’s room. “I took her away from her father before, and all it did was hurt her.”
“You didn’t know him before; you thought that was the only choice to make. He’s a reasonable guy, you’re more or less reasonable now.” I punched his arm when he let out a snicker. “You both can make it work so that she’s not pulled from either of you.”
“Right.” I reached for my sister’s hand before I rang the doorbell. “Neither of us get to chicken out.” The corners of my lips lifted into a smile at the scampering of feet followed by the locks clicking.
“Mommy!” Victoria leaped into my arms and clutched my waist. She was so tall now that her head grazed my chest.
“Surprise,” I whispered in her ear.
“Drew’s here, too!” She gasped when she caught sight of him next to me.
“Hey, pretty girl.” He kissed her forehead and stepped aside, revealing where Denise hid behind him.
“Who are you?” My daughter’s brow furrowed as she brought her eyes back to mine.
“This is your Aunt Denise. My sister.”
“You have a sister?” Her nose crinkled at me. “Since when?”
I laughed. “It’s a story for another day, but she’s dying to meet you.”
Denise’s eyes welled as she leaned over to be eye to eye with her niece. “Hi, Victoria. You’re even prettier than your pictures.”
“You’re like, my real aunt?”
She laughed and gave her a slow nod. “Yes, I am. And you have no idea how happy I am to finally meet you.”
“Cool! Want to see my room?” Drew and I shot Denise our best “I told you so” glare before Victoria dragged her away by the hand.
“Hi, Sara.” Josh ushered all of us in before he shut the door behind us. “This had to be an awful couple of days for you. I’m so sorry.”
I shrugged, still unsure of how to respond when someone offered their condolences. I thanked him for the gesture, but my parents were gone to me a long time ago. I mourned, but I wasn’t bereaved.
“Josh.” Drew extended his hand and Josh took it like they were old friends, a huge comparison to how he looked him up and down on Christmas.
“Hi, Sara, Drew.” Brianna came behind him and offered me a warm smile.
“I actually have things to discuss with you. Can we go into the living room?”
Josh nodded and followed us inside. He took a seat on the couch with Brianna as Drew and I settled on the loveseat across the room.
“Well, I have some news. I got that assistant chef job in Midtown.”
“That’s awesome! Congratulations!” Bria
nna beamed with pure and sincere happiness. “When do you start?”
“June first, and I may have an apartment. It’s actually pretty close by—walking distance, in fact.”
“That new complex by the train station?” Josh asked with his elbows resting on his knees.
“Yes, we looked at two of the vacant apartments. One has a terrace and one doesn’t, but Victoria will have her own room, plus a spare—”
“‘We’?” Josh’s eyes darted between Drew and me. “So, you both are making this . . . permanent, then?”
“Yes.” My abrupt answer came out just as tense as my sister’s on the way here. Drew rested his hand on my thigh and gave it a squeeze. Why was I so nervous? Josh always had Brianna, so why did it seem as if I had to ask permission to move in with someone? A pang of guilt twisted my gut remembering how I’d purposely made Josh and his then girlfriend squirm whenever they wanted to take my daughter anywhere.
His mouth stretched in a smile as he caught Brianna’s gaze. She returned the same wide grin.
“Good for you.” He nodded at us. “Vic will be happy. She talks about Drew nonstop.”
Drew nudged my leg with his and threw me a wink.
“I’ll be working nights and I’m sure a lot of weekends. I’ll be living close enough that she can go back and forth without too much trouble. I . . .” I lifted my eyes to their expectant but so damn good-natured expressions. “I don’t know how I’ll ever thank you. She’s happy and healthy and . . . you’re great parents to her. The last thing I’d want to do is take her away. I kept her away from you for a long time, and it’s a little hard to forgive myself for it.”
“Sara, we’ll work it out as we go. Not that I don’t think she likes it here, but we aren’t you. She’ll have you back and that’s all we want. She’s got a lot of love, more than I had as a kid.” Josh huffed out a laugh. “There are worse things for a little girl, right?”
“Oh, yeah.” I nodded with a sad chuckle.
“I don’t think we’ve met formally. I was dragged past you on my way in. I’m Denise.” My sister came into the living room and shook Josh and Brianna’s hands.
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