by L. P. Dover
He winked. “I might just have to join you.”
I was nervous and excited for him to see where I lived. My parents had bought the land as a present for graduating medical school, but I’d had the house designed and built. I’d always been a big dreamer as a kid and I wanted a dream house. It was one of the reasons why I never wanted to move away. Granted, it was huge for just me, but it was probably a lot smaller than what he was used to. I had it built large enough so that when I had a family, it’d be perfect. Not to mention, I had acres of land for the kids to explore.
Taking a deep breath, I turned down my driveway. It was lined with oak trees that formed a canopy over the road, shielding us from the sun. Lucas’ eyes widened as he took everything in. “This is absolutely amazing.”
I looked over at him. “Really? You like it?”
He looked at me like I’d lost my mind. “It reminds me of a movie set, almost like a fairytale.”
That was exactly what I’d been going for. And when my house came into view, I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed it while being away the past week. Instead of parking in the garage, I stopped in the driveway, right by the front door. The whole front of my house had large, terraced windows to give the inside more natural light. The gray shingles on the roof matched seamlessly with the gray stonework that took up the sides of my house.
It was the front door though that really made the place look magical. The doorway was framed by an archway of stones, and the wooden door was huge—about double the size of a normal door—and adorned with small, intricate glass designs on each side. My daylilies and gazanias worked together to bring out my yard with all their bright, vibrant colors.
We got out of the car and Lucas stared up at my house. “I have to say, I’m shocked. I never imagined you’d live in a place like this.”
Crossing my arms over my chest, I glared at him. “And what did you expect?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. Something more modern. This place is just . . .”
“Just what?”
He walked over to me and smiled. “Romantic and sweet. But given the way you treated me when we first met, I was beginning to think you lived in an ice castle.”
I rolled my eyes. “Ha-ha. You don’t think that now though, right?”
He kissed me. “Not at all. However, this place does show me a little more about you. A softer side, if you will.”
It felt good to let him in a bit further. “I had it designed and built myself. Guess you can say I was a hopeless romantic in my childhood. But then, I joined the real world and it’s not all cupcakes and rainbows.” Releasing a heavy sigh, I smiled up at my house. “This is my happy place. It’s where I can get away from all the sadness of reality. Being a doctor can take its toll.”
Lucas snaked his arms around my waist from behind. “You know, I never thought about it like that. You see so much sickness and death. It’s got to be a little depressing.”
I leaned into him. “It is, but I love helping people and making a difference.”
“That’s what makes you special.” He kissed my cheek. “How about you take me for a tour?”
Grabbing his hand, I led him up to the door. “My pleasure.”
The smell of raspberries hit my nose the second I opened the door. Home sweet home. My favorite scent. Everything inside, including my furniture and walls, were all light and airy.
Lucas looked around and smiled. We turned the corner to the kitchen and I followed him. “This is nice.” He ran a hand over the marble countertops. “How about I cook dinner tomorrow night? We can add it to our list of firsts.”
“Oh, so you’ve never cooked a dinner for a woman before?”
His eyes met mine. “Never.”
“Then it’s a first for us both. I’ve never had a man cook for me either.”
He circled around the bar and I leaned across it, grinning playfully. “You know what else I haven’t done with someone else?”
Taking my hands, he pulled me in, lips close to mine. “What?”
“A shower. How about we tour the bathroom for a few minutes, and then we can continue it into the bedroom?”
A deep, sexy chuckle escaped his lips. “By all means, lead the way.”
Keeping hold of his hand, I led him upstairs. Everything in my bedroom was just as I’d left it. My silver silk comforter and sheets were just as inviting as ever. It was going to feel good sleeping in my own bed with Lucas beside me tonight. I let him go and disappeared into the bathroom to turn on the shower. Lucas followed me and took off his clothes and shoes. His cock twitched and hardened. Everything inside of me tightened.
“Need help getting yours off?” he asked.
I looked down at my clothes, wishing I could just rip them off to get things going faster. But in a way, I loved the anticipation. “Sure.”
Pressing his arousal against me, he slid his hands up my shirt, thumbs gliding over my nipples as he took it off. I sucked in a breath and Lucas grinned, moving his hands down to my shorts, unbuttoning them slowly.
“Do you enjoy teasing me?”
He winked as he reached behind me, unclasping my bra and tossing it on the floor. “After you,” he said, gesturing to the shower. Sucking in a ragged breath, I opened the door and pulled him in with me. The water felt hot on my already scorching skin.
Lucas grabbed the bar of soap and rubbed it over my chest, squeezing my breasts with his large hands. Closing my eyes, I moaned. After he cleaned my legs, he palmed my clit and slipped a finger inside me. Knees weak, I held onto his shoulders.
“Does that feel good?” he asked, voice thick with desire.
I moaned, unable to put words to how I was feeling.
He teased me for a few minutes and pulled away, smirking seductively. I grabbed the bar of soap from him and pushed him against the wall. Taking the bar of soap, I rubbed it over his chest and his deliciously sexy abs. Sliding down to my knees, I dropped the soap and massaged his arousal.
“Fuck,” he groaned.
Cupping his balls, I squeezed them gently as I took him into my mouth, gliding my tongue up and down his length. His hands fisted in my hair and I sucked harder.
“I’m going to come if you don’t stop.”
I licked his tip and smiled. “We can’t have that, now can we?”
Taking my hand, he helped me up and pushed me against the wall, growling low in my ear. “I want you so damn bad.” He lifted me up under my ass and I wrapped my legs around his waist. I wanted him to slam me down on his cock, but all he did was graze the tip against me. “Turn off the water.”
Reaching behind me, I turned the knob and the water stopped. His breaths came out as hungered moans as he looked down at my drenched skin. Desire shot through my veins and the heat of it coursing through my body made my clit swell and ache to be touched.
As if he read my mind, Lucas rubbed the tip of his arousal against me. “Do you want it hard or slow?”
Moaning, I arched my back. “Hard. As hard as you can give it to me.”
Lucas’ deep throated chuckle echoed throughout the stall as he pinned me to the wall. Plunging deep and hard, his hips moved frantically, and I countered his movements. He squeezed my ass as he towered over me like I was nothing but a small animal. I wanted more; I had to have more.
I tilted my hips higher, so I could get more of him in me. “Harder, Lucas. I want it all,” I cried.
Shifting until his arms were under my knees, he tilted my hips up and pushed himself inside, balls slapping against my ass. “Is this what you wanted?” he growled between thrusts.
Faster and faster he plunged; orgasms building between our legs. Raking my nails down his back, I screamed as the final burst of pleasure spread throughout my body. Lucas chased his own orgasm, pumping harder and faster, until I could feel him shudder and release his warmth deep inside, filling me up.
Breathing hard, he collapsed into me and kissed me tenderly on the lips. “I have never been this enamored by a woman in
all my life.”
Shivers raced across my skin at his touch. “What makes me different? I’m just an ordinary woman.”
“No, you’re not.” He paused and took a deep breath. “There’s a reason why I am the way I am with you.”
My eyes went wide and my breath caught in my throat. He had already said he was falling in love with me, but he hadn’t actually said the three words.
“Why?” I whispered.
He smiled and laid a gentle kiss to my lips, gazing longingly into my eyes. “I love you. I spend every waking hour thinking about you. You make me crazy, and I love every minute of it.”
Dropping my legs down to stand on my own, I looked up at him. “I love you too, Lucas. It scares me that it’s all happened so fast, but I can’t imagine not being with you.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Lucas
Ashley thought I was sleeping, but I’d been watching her get ready for work. In her bra and underwear, she opened her closet and pulled out a pair of light green scrubs. There were marks on her shoulders from where I’d sucked and bit her skin too hard. I had some that were just the same. We’d gotten a little wild last night. Just thinking about it made me want to toss her on the bed and go at it one more time before she went in to work.
Done dressing, she looked in the mirror one last time, and then tiptoed over to me. Kissing me on the cheek, I opened my eyes. “Good morning,” she murmured.
I rolled onto my back and stretched. “Morning.”
She glanced down at her watch. “I have to go to work, but I just realized you don’t have a car since you rode with me over here.”
“No worries. Aiden will come get me.”
“Going to play today?”
I sat up and tossed the sheet off me. She grinned at the sight of my dick, which was excited to see her. “I am,” I replied. “Or I could just stay here, and you come home for a little afternoon delight on your lunch break.”
She giggled. “As much as I’d love that, you still have a job to do. Go play and then come back here. We’ll have all the fun you want tonight.”
Grabbing her shirt, I pulled her closer. “I’ll be here. I promised you dinner, remember?”
Her eyes twinkled. “That’s right. I look forward to it.” She kissed me quickly and backed up. “Call me if you need me. I have to go.” She hurried out the door.
Grinning wide, I laid back in the bed. The sheets smelled like her raspberry lotion. In fact, her whole house smelled like her, and I loved it.
My phone rang. I thought it’d be Aiden, but it was our father.
“Hey, Dad,” I answered.
“Hello, son. I’m glad to see you’re still alive. Haven’t heard from you in a couple of days.”
Chuckling, I slid out of bed and grabbed my shorts off the floor. “Sorry. It’s been a busy couple of days.”
“Oh, I know. Looks like you went to a wedding and spent some time on the course with a lovely blonde.”
“How did you know?” I asked, sitting back down on the bed.
“There are pictures of you all over the internet. You’re with the same woman in both sets of photos. That’s a new record for you.”
“Her name is Ashley Locke. She’s a doctor, and I’m in love with her.”
The line went silent, and then he coughed, as if choking in disbelief. “In love? I don’t think I’ve ever heard those words come out of your mouth.”
“She’s different, Dad. When I’m with her, I don’t want anyone else. She challenges me like no other woman has done.”
He chuckled. “Sounds like your mother. She would’ve been thrilled to see you settle down. When do I get to meet her?”
“Soon, hopefully. I plan on staying out here for a while.”
“Longer than your original planned month?”
A smile lit up my face. “I think so. I feel like I have something going for me out here. I don’t want to leave just yet.”
“As long as you keep playing, I’m fine with whatever you decide. I want you to be happy. That’s all your mother and I ever wanted for you.”
“Thanks, Dad. I’ll talk to you soon.” We said our goodbyes and I called Aiden. His voice sounded groggy when he answered. “Wake up, brother,” I announced happily.
“I’m up, I’m up. What do you want?”
“We’ve got to get to work. I’m making us a tee time for eight-thirty. I’ll need you to come pick me up at Ashley’s. I’ll text you the address.”
He yawned. “Will do. See you soon.”
As soon as we hung up, I searched for the pictures my father had mentioned. They popped up right away when I googled myself. We already knew there’d been a photographer at the golf course. However, the ones from the wedding were obviously taken from some of the other guests. There were pictures of me and Ashley dancing and smiling at each other. They were actually decent photos, but I didn’t like how the pictures focused on her. I didn’t want to share her with the world. She was mine. But soon, she’d be in the public eye.
Scrolling through my contact list, I found the phone number I needed. The man answered on the second ring. “Hello?”
“This is Lucas Montgomery. What would you say about striking up a deal?”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Ashley
“Good morning, Dr. Locke,” Karen greeted, grinning as if she knew something I didn’t.
My mother blew me a kiss and smiled. “Morning, sweetheart.” Since Cameron and Olivia had left on their honeymoon, I’d be spending the week working with my father. I looked forward to it. I hadn’t worked with him in a long time. “How was your weekend?” she asked.
I stopped mid-step and faced both her and Karen. “Why do you ask?”
My mother gave me a shit-eating grin. “No reason, really. I just happened to see some pictures of you on the golf course with Lucas. You two looked mighty cozy.”
That wasn’t what I wanted to hear, but I knew those pictures would turn up eventually.
Karen clapped her hands and giggled. “How is it being with someone famous?”
I shrugged. “To be honest, I don’t really know yet. It’s just the beginning now that we’re not hiding anymore.” Memories of last night flooded through my brain. “But as far as being with Lucas himself, I love it. We’ve gotten closer here recently.”
My mother nudged Karen with her elbow. “He’s coming to dinner on Sunday for William’s birthday.” She looked over at me. “You haven’t met his parents yet, have you?”
“No, not yet. His mother passed away years back, and his father lives in North Carolina.” The thought of his mother made my heart hurt. But thinking of her gave me an idea. “Is Dad in?” She nodded, and I took off down the hall. Knocking on his door, I opened it, heart racing with excitement.
Eyes wide, he peered up at me. “Honey, you okay?”
Every year, my dad organized his own golf tournament called the Redbird Invitational, where he invited his friends from all over the United States. Usually, the money to enter would go to the winners, but I had a different idea this year.
“I need your help,” I said, closing the door.
He closed his laptop and folded his hands on top. “Anything. What do you need?”
“I’d like to talk to you about the Redbird Invitational for this year. I’m thinking maybe we could do this one a little different. It’s for a good cause, and it’d mean the world to me.”
His smile broadened. “In that case, what do I have to do?”
In between patients, my father and I hammered out the details of the golf tournament, while my mother designed the website. Graphic design was one of the degrees she earned in college. When it came to computers, she was a pro. I couldn’t wait to get home and show Lucas what we’d accomplished.
I turned down my driveway, and there was an expensive bright-red car sitting in it. I pressed the button for the garage and pulled inside. When I got out of my car, I could smell food wafting into the garage from the kitchen
. The door opened, and Lucas stood there, apron on . . . and nothing else.
I threw a hand over my mouth. “Oh my God. Look at you.”
“What? There’s nothing strange going on here.” Turning on his heel, I saw his bare backside and burst out laughing as he walked back into the kitchen.
“No, nothing strange at all! I see you got a new car.”
“Nope. Just a rental,” he shouted from inside. “With Aiden spending time with his girl, I couldn’t take my car away from him. And I’m not about to spend money on a new vehicle if I don’t have to.”
That made me smile. At least he wasn’t frivolous with his money. The smell of spices intensified when I stepped through the door, making my mouth water. On the counter sat a slab of salmon, cooked to perfection, along with two ears of corn, garlic mashed potatoes, and roasted carrots.
“Wow,” I said in awe. “I think I need to go to work and come home more often.”
Lucas brushed off his bare shoulders. “Told you I could cook. But I have to admit, it’s been a while since I’ve done it myself.”
I grabbed a carrot and tossed it in my mouth. “Why? Because you have your own personal chef?” I’d said it as a joke, but he nodded in all seriousness. “Oh, wow. I guess that doesn’t surprise me.”
He shrugged. “Usually, I’m away, so I don’t have much time to cook for myself. It’s more fulfilling to cook when you have others to enjoy it with.”
“I agree. From what I can see and smell so far, I know it’s going to be delicious. But before we get into that, there’s something I must show you. I can’t wait a second longer.” Hurrying into my study, I grabbed my laptop and set it on the kitchen table. It took a few minutes for it to boot up.
Lucas sat beside me and sighed. “Did you see the pictures of us on the internet?”
I typed in my password and met his gaze. “I did. Guess it’s just the beginning, huh?”
He nodded. “I just don’t want you to get freaked out.”