“Why?” he asks suspiciously.
“Two girls. You’re gonna have your hands full,” I tease. Sasha walks up to us, hearing my comment, she tucks herself under my arm, and laughs.
“Yeah, with boys you only gotta worry about one penis, with girls, you gotta worry about everyone else’s,” she says. We all burst out laughing. Except for Kade, who is staring at Grace with narrowed eyes. Probably contemplating how he’s going to lock her up, or size her for a chastity belt. His response makes me laugh even harder.
“Where’s Jye?” I ask her.
“Layla has him. Wanna go sit down?” she asks.
“Sure, come on.”
As soon as the food is ready we all eat, and watch the kids play together. When Sasha heads into the kitchen with Nikki, Layla sits next to me, and stares at me knowingly.
“What, Layla?” I ask with a sigh.
“You two are so cute together,” she replies, her brown eyes twinkling. She is dressed casually in jeans and a tank top, her hair tied up in some messy up do.
“Are you gonna ask her to marry you?” she blurts out. I recoil as soon as I hear the word marriage. I see her frown at my reaction.
“Layla! Get your ass in this kitchen! You promised me cookies!” Nikki calls out. Saved by Nikki’s pregnancy cravings.
“Coming!” Layla yells back, giving me a thoughtful look before she heads inside.
It’s not that I don’t want to marry Sasha, because I do. And I will. Now is just not a good time.
***
Sasha
I’m in the kitchen with the women and the kids, getting the dessert organized. Layla is baking cookies for Nikki, who's having a craving for them. I glance around, and then frown.
“Isn’t this stereotypical?” I point out.
“What? All the women in the kitchen?” Layla says as she closes the oven.
“To be fair, I’m just sitting here waiting for my cookies, I’m not doing anything,” Nikki says with a cheeky grin. She’s wearing jeans and a v-neck top, and is spinning around in the bar stool, causing her red hair to tumble all around her, creating a curtain of hair over her face.
“So have you had sex with James yet?” Layla boldly asks.
“Do you really wanna hear about your cousin and your brother-in-law’s sex life?” I ask her, already knowing the answer.
“Of course I do,” she huffs.
“Well, then no. We haven’t,” I grudgingly admit.
“What, couldn’t he get through those cobwebs?” Nikki jokes.
“You’re lucky you’re pregnant,” I say, a warning in my tone. Nikki just laughs.
“So, you guys all knew about James’ job and didn’t tell me, thanks for the heads up,” I say sarcastically. Two sets of eyes are instantly on me.
“Hey, I only found out cos I snooped and hired a PI,” Nikki says in a hushed tone.
“What?” I yell, standing up off the bar stool. I look to Layla for confirmation, and she nods, looking sympathetic.
“Yeah, I thought James was gonna kill me. One insane husband had ordered a hit on him, and he was worried the backlash could affect us.”
“A hit,” I repeat slowly, sitting down again. They both nod.
“Fuck me,” I mutter under my breath.
“He really needs to,” Nikki replies with a grin.
“Why are we friends again?”
“I come with Layla. Oh, and we’re gonna be sister-in-laws,” she adds. Layla looks away when Nikki says that, hiding her expression. I wonder what’s running through that head of hers.
“Where’s Tee?” I ask her, changing the subject.
“She’s gone on an impromptu trip to Bali.” That sounds just like her.
My phone beeps with a message from Trey. I'd sent him some photos of Jye earlier today, and was waiting for his reply.
T: He's getting bigger already. I miss you both, this place is so quiet without you. Take care cuz.
I text him back, letting him know we miss him too.
“Is it safe to enter?” I hear Kade call out as he opens the door. Behind him in walks James and Chase. Seriously, these three have some great genes. Layla’s eyes dart to mine and we both smile, knowing we're thinking the same thing. The dessert is laid on the table, strawberry cheesecake, twix cookies and a red velvet cake. Layla, as usual, goes all out. I take Jye onto my lap, moving him from the floor where all the kids were playing with blocks on a play mat. I feed him a few bites of cakes, before looking up and seeing James staring at me intently through his lashes. I flash him a smile and then return my attention to our son. James walks over and stands behind me, pushing my hair off my neck. My shoulders hunch as my body tingles.
“Here, I’ll feed him, you go and enjoy your dessert,” he says as he lifts Jye from my lap.
“It’s okay…”
“Sasha, go and eat,” he says, cutting me off. My lip twitches as I get up and serve myself a huge piece of cheesecake.
“James is so cute with him,” Layla says softly. Cole is sitting in her lap, his mouth covered in cake. His black hair has grown longer, and is flopping adorably on his forehead. I glance over at James feeding our son and sigh in contentment. Nothing could be more appealing to me than watching him love Jye as much as I do.
“You look happy,” she says.
“I am happy.”
“Good.”
“Come on, let’s help clean up,” I tell her. We help with the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen. Jye is already asleep on James when it’s time for us to go.
“Thank you for having us,” I tell Nikki and Kade as we're about to leave. Little Grace is hugging Nikki’s leg, her eyes drooping. Looks like she could fall asleep any second now.
“You’re family, that means you’re welcome anytime,” Kade replies, giving me a wink. We say our goodbyes and head back to my apartment. For the first time, James stays the night.
***
James
I stare at Sasha asleep on the bed, my body shaking with silent laughter. After making a comment about how she ‘better be getting some more action tonight’ I come out of the shower to find her fast asleep. And snoring. She must have been really tired. I run my hand down the length of her naked back, loving the fact that I can touch her anytime I want again.
I almost want to wake her, but I don’t. Instead I slide into bed, gently pull her into my arms so I’m spooning her from behind. I breathe in her scent, she smells fruity with a trace of her peach perfume lingering on her neck. I place a soft kiss on her shoulder, before falling asleep.
I wake up in the middle of the night to my phone ringing. I grab it off the side table and check the time, four AM. Looks like I’m needed at the safe house. I huff out a regretful sigh and look at Sasha for a few moments. I place a kiss on her forehead and hop out of bed to quickly get dressed. I check on Jye who is fast asleep, before locking up and heading out. I send Sasha a quick text message so she won’t be worried wondering where I am. When I’m about to pull away, I look longingly at the front door. I know my time is coming to an end, because nothing is more important than my family, and they need to come first.
I need to quit this job. I can’t help but feel lighter after finally acknowledging that. I know exactly what I need to do. I smile as I drive away.
***
Chapter Eleven
Sasha
I wake up alone, wondering where James could be. A quick check of my phone tells me he was called in to work. Jye comes into my room and we snuggle for a while before we get up and have breakfast. I do my usual routine of washing Jye, then cleaning up the house. Once that is all done, Jye and I head to the park for him to play. The day passes quickly, and before I know it, I’m back in the kitchen, cooking dinner. I’m just pulling the baked chicken out of the oven when I hear the door being unlocked. I'd given James a spare key, and he's been happily using it ever since. He walks into the kitchen looking tired, his blond hair messy and sticking out in all directions. Even though he looks exh
austed, he still musters up a welcoming smile for Jye and me.
“Isn’t this domestic?” he teases as he lifts Jye into his arms for a cuddle and a kiss.
“Hey, how was your day?” I ask him.
“Smells so good, Sasha,” he says as he walks towards me and dips me theatrically, placing soft kisses on my neck.
“My day was tiring. But it felt good knowing I was coming home to this,” he tells me. He lifts me back into a standing position and then looks around the kitchen, seemingly hungry.
“Go and sit down and relax. I’ll serve the food,” I offer. He kisses me again on the temple before doing just that, pulling Jye onto his lap and taking a seat at the dinner table. I serve all the food, and bring the plates to the table. When I place James’ down, I can see that he’s laughing.
“What’s so funny?” I ask him.
“Remember when we were dating, you told me to never expect you to wait on me, because you’re not that kind of girl. Now look at you, domestic goddess,” he says with a smirk.
“I turned into a domestic goddess for Jye, not you! Just you remember that, James Steele,” I hiss, slamming his plate down a little harder than necessary. He laughs at that. When Jye copies James and starts laughing too, I cover my face with my hands.
“Keep laughing and this will be the last home-made meal you will ever taste,” I say in a saccharine sweet voice. The laughing stops. At least out loud, I can still see his body shaking in silence.
“James, can I ask you something?” I ask him after we’ve finished our meals and Jye is in bed.
“Anything. What’s on your mind?” he asks as he turns the volume down slightly on the television.
“How did you get into this? Helping abused women?” I ask him. I’ve been wondering about this ever since he told me that this was what he did, what he was passionate about. He stiffens slightly, and I feel the change in him because I’m wrapped in his arms. I’m about to tell him not to worry about explaining when he starts talking.
“An ex-girlfriend of mine, Celia, she killed herself. She was being abused by her new boyfriend. I don’t know why no one helped her. Apparently her boyfriend worked with her father, and they were family friends, so she must have felt she couldn’t turn to her own family, I’m not sure. When her body was found, she was covered in bruises, and her ribs were broken. Apparently she had contacted the police that day, but they didn’t do anything. They told her to file a report. She must have thought it was hopeless, so she ended her life.”
My breath hitches and my hand reaches for his, offering whatever comfort I can give him.
“It always stuck with me, so I looked into what options women have if they were unfortunate to be stuck in similar situations. To be honest, there weren’t many at all. The police can only do so much, I guess. So I contacted some people, and we created The Safe House. I wanted to help these women, protect them when no one else will.”
“You’re a good man, James,” I whisper.
“Will you still think so when I tell you that this is the last month I’ll be working at The Safe House?” he asks, suddenly sounding a little unsure.
“What do you mean?” I ask him, confused. I pull down the red doona so I can sit up and look into his face.
“I can’t be leaving you and Jye like this anymore. I need to be here, with the two of you,” he says, his eyes never leaving mine.
“I’d like that. I can’t help but feel selfish though,” I say honestly.
“Don’t worry, those women will still get the help they need,” he assures me.
“Who was the woman who answered your phone when I tried calling you from Scotland?” I blurt out. Another question I’ve been dying to ask. James suddenly looks sheepish.
“I actually have no idea who could have answered my phone,” he says. When he doesn’t offer anything else I open my mouth, and then snap it shut. Not knowing exactly how I want to word this question, I end up asking, “Are you saying you had so many women in your bed you have no possible idea of who could have answered your phone while your pregnant ex-girlfriend was trying to get a hold of you to tell you that you knocked her up?”
James sighs and pulls me into his arms. “No, that’s not what I was saying at all. Did I have a few one night stands when I was trying to get over you again? Yes I did. Did any of them mean anything to me? No. They knew it, and I knew it, it was just for fun,” he says as gently as he can.
“Obviously they didn’t if one answered and said you were too ‘busy’” I hiss.
“I don’t know who it was, but I’m sorry. And I wish there hadn’t been anyone else for me either, okay?” he says with a soft kiss on my cheek.
“It’s in the past, Sasha. I could never want anyone more than I want you. How many years have passed, and I've never stopped wanting you,” he tells me, his tone unwavering.
“Smooth talker,” I grumble, wanting to be angry with him.
“It’s the truth, Sasha,” he says adamantly. By the look in his eyes I can tell it’s important for me to believe this.
“Okay,” I whisper, my gaze darting to his lips.
“I didn’t call you back because I was trying to get over you. I thought I couldn’t have you. It never worked but, fuck, never once did I think you were gonna tell me something like this. You could have just told Layla to tell me, you know. We didn’t have to play games with who was or who wasn’t answering the phone.”
“It’s not something you just pass on as a message, James,” I say ruefully.
“I know, I know. Let’s just move on, okay? We’re all together now, and nothing’s going to change that,” he says.
I put my head against his chest and nod. I sure as hell hope so.
***
I moan softly, as my back arches. I open my eyes and glance down at the mop of blond hair between my legs. James licks me again and I start to pant.
“James,” I breathe out huskily.
“Mornin’, pretty girl,” he says before continuing his ministrations. I shudder when his tongue laps at my clit. I sit up a little, resting on my elbows so I can watch him pleasure me, unable to help myself when I run my fingers through his hair. James peeps up at me, his blue eyes heated, smouldering with lust and want.
“Hands on the bed, Sasha,” he demands, and I instantly comply. He licks me again, before chuckling huskily.
“You like it when I tell you what to do, don’t you?” he drawls. My head falls back on my pillow as he lazily nibbles on my thigh, keeping me anticipating.
“James!” I growl. He pulls away from me, and I whimper in disappointment. He slides his basketball shorts down his lean hips, spreading my legs slowly when he's completely naked. He leans over me and inserts one finger gently, rubbing it against my wetness. I moan out loud as he inserts another finger, pushing in and out whilst rubbing my clit. He removes them too soon, leaving me wanting more.
“James,” I plead.
“Take what I give you, Sasha,” he says in a deep rumbling voice that turns me on even more. He puts a condom on and pushes my thighs up. I’m so wet that he slides into me in one smooth thrust. He keeps his eyes connected with mine, pushing into me a few times before leaning over me and capturing my mouth with a scorching kiss. I gasp when his fingers find my sweet spot, causing me to instantly climax. I ride wave after wave, shuddering in pleasure.
“Beautiful. Just fucking beautiful,” he says softly, watching my body’s reactions intently. He keeps pumping his hips into me, grinding himself in a sexy rhythm. His lips find mine once more, his tongue sensually dancing with mine. Soon his thrusts become more fevered, more out of control and I know he's almost there. I squeeze my muscles together, my lip twitching at the groan that escapes his mouth. He shudders on top of me moments later, his eyes still locked with mine. I’ve never felt more connected to a man in my life.
God, I love him.
When he's spent, he kisses my neck gently before pulling out of me. He goes to the bathroom to get rid of the condom a
nd comes back with a cloth, to clean me up.
“I’m on the pill, you know,” I blurt out. I have been ever since I had Jye.
“Now you tell me,” he says, frowning. He jumps into the bed and pulls me into his arms, my head on his chest.
An hour later, he’s on me again.
***
James
I watch her sleeping and can’t help but feel a surge of pride. I definitely tired her out. After the first time we made love, I woke her again another three times. I can’t get enough of her. I wish we didn’t waste so much time but there's no point looking backwards and reliving the past. She’s here with me now, and she’s all mine, so that’s all that matters to me.
I leave the room, and head out into the living area to make a phone call. There's one thing I need to take care of, and now. Because if Sasha finds out... No. She won’t. She can’t.
I’m going to handle this.
And then I’m going to make everything be as it should be.
***
Chapter Twelve
Sasha
“Why do you keep checking your phone?” I ask curiously. James glances over at me casually, giving me a slight ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about’ shrug.
“Sasha, you’re up!” Kade calls out. We're all bowling together, with the kids and everyone. I like these family events of James’. Although with Layla and Cole here, I guess it’s my family event too. Even Tenielle is joining us today, and that always makes things more interesting. I glance over at her and smile. She's wearing long denim overalls and a white V-neck top. Overalls are back in fashion? I have no idea. I get up and take my turn, bowling a strike.
“You look like a farmer,” I hear Kade say to her.
“You look like you used to be hot,” Tee retorts instantly.
“Hey, he’s still hot!” Nikki says with a frown.
Tee ignores her and looks at Kade. “I heard that people let themselves go after marriage. It must be true.”
My eyes dart to Kade, who looks as sexy as ever. Maybe even more so, if that’s possible.
James Page 7