by Claire Adams
“Oh yeah, that’s why my badge says detective.” The old man flashed Luna a wink as he got to his feet.
“Thank you for stopping by.” I stood and shook his hand and Mason did the same before showing him to the door.
Kim and Luna giggled over the photos and whispered like school girls.
“Pass those over and stop sharing secrets.” I took the stack and flipped through them as Luna leaned onto my shoulder to see.
Kim stood up and locked arms with Joe. “When are you going to take me to Las Vegas?”
Luna and I glanced behind us to the big guy. His face was red, but his expression was far from revulsion. “Why? You feeling lucky?” He put his arm around her and pulled her closer.
“I see a double date in your future,” said Mason, who took his phone from the table and tucked it into his pocket. “I also see a drink in mine. I’ll see my way out.”
“Wait a minute, I asked you here for a reason.” He stopped and turned to lean against the chair.
“Luna’s dad has given us his blessing, but he had one condition: we have to have another ceremony.”
Luna sighed, glancing down at the photographs. “While I adored my drunken, whimsical Vegas wedding, I had to agree with my father. I’d always wanted him to do the ceremony, and I’d really prefer things feel more official.”
“I agree, as well. I hated that our family and friends couldn’t be there. So, we wanted to talk to you all and extend our invitation and make a few requests.”
“Kim, I’d like you be my maid of honor, of course, and Joe, since my father is performing the ceremony – and you’ll most likely be delegated to our safety that day – I’d like you to walk me down the aisle.”
I turned to Mason, who looked bored, and I imagined he’d prefer to be anywhere else. “I’d like you to be my best man.”
His eyes lit with surprise as he flashed a wicked smile. “Does this mean I get to throw you a bachelor party?” He glanced to Luna, who looked at me and shrugged.
“I’m already married,” I said. His face fell into a grimace.
Luna nudged me. “Of course, you can have a bachelor party. I know you’ll behave yourself.”
“Perfect! When’s the date? I want to book the best suite in Vegas. It’s perfect: gambling, booze, and strippers!” He clapped his hands together and laughed wickedly.
I turned to Luna. “You realize we’ve created a monster?”
As laughter belted around us, the warmth of life bloomed in her cheeks.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Luna
Hours after our friends had left, I’d spent another two on the phone with my father and Kim, who both wanted to talk about the wedding. Kim had also shared some other news, and I couldn’t wait to tell Gabriel.
There was also a little talk about my bachelorette party, but I had yet to break that news to Gabriel, as well. I wasn’t sure I wanted one, considering the wild time I’d had in Vegas on my wedding night, but I didn’t think I’d be able to convince Kim of anything else. And then there was my protective husband, who might be fine and good with his bachelor party experience, but unsure how safe I’d be in the city alone.
In the hospital, he’d told me he wasn’t letting me out of his sight, and I realized real fast how serious he was. He hadn’t let me get out of his sight unattended and had doted on me like a worried mother.
The penthouse was lovely, but it had one drawback: the office that extended from the front room. He’d been in it the entire time I was on the phone, which was fine, but I worried I might not get him out of it if he got too cozy.
“Were you serious when you said I’d have a say in the floorplans of the new house?” Gabriel had decided instead of buying a home, we’d build one to our specifications.
He glanced up and smiled. “Already making plans?”
I looked around the gorgeous office space, which was wrapped in a rich, dark mahogany, and crinkled my nose. “I’ve been thinking.”
He sat back in his chair giving me his full attention. “Tell me what’s on your mind.”
I walked around the desk, and he pushed back his chair and in one quick motion pulled me across his lap. I put my arm around him and locked my hands as he shifted and settled.
“I was thinking how I don’t want an office in our new home.” I grinned and bit my lip as he closed his eyes.
He opened one eye and peeked at me. “Don’t you like my space? I think it’s awesome. I had all the cabinets built to my specifications and the desk to match. Look at this.” He pressed a button on his desk and the cabinets across the way slid forward and a flat screen rose up from the back and turned on.
I leaned my head against his. “That is damned impressive, but with us both working together all day, I don’t want to go home for you to work some more. You spend too much time in the office as it is, and you’ve been known to hole up in there for days.” I kissed his cheek and he gave me a sideways glance.
“Are you trying to seduce me out of an office? I’ll have you know that designing offices is a hobby of mine. I’ve customized each one in every house I’ve bought.” I rolled my eyes playfully and looked around the room with my lip curled.
“Then, I don’t see any reason we have to have one.” I wouldn’t really fight him on the office, but teasing him was the most fun I’d had in days.
“If I don’t have an office, then I couldn’t hold you in my office chair.” His brows wagged up and down and he brushed his fingers through my hair.
“Or kiss me?” I met his eyes and trailed my foot against the length of his calf and ground myself against his lap.
“Mhm. No office kisses like this.” He brought his mouth to mine and, gripping me tight, he lifted me up and sat me against his desk. “You want to know what else I couldn’t do?”
My breath quickened and I leaned back on my arms and lowered my eyes to the thick bulge in his pants. I reached for his buckle, but he waved a finger at me.
“No, none of that; or this.” He extended the finger and placed it on my chest and trailed it lower, pinching the buttons on my blouse until all were undone.
He slipped his hand inside and let it fall open, unhooked my front-closing bra, and released my breasts from the cups. It felt so right. So good. He dipped his head and took a tight nipple into his mouth, beckoning a moan from my throat.
“I think you like my office.” His whisper was warm against my breast. He slipped his hand down and hitched one of my legs up around his hip.
I ground my heel into his ass and lifted the other leg to do the same, rolling my hips upward. He ground his hard length against me, leaving me wanting far more than I had at the moment. I wanted to peel him out of his pants and grind on his bare cock. The thought sent a raw heat between my legs that kept my hips in motion. “I don’t know. I’m still not convinced.”
He stepped back and unbuckled his pants, and with a few quick motions, he freed his cock. I wasted no time taking it in my hand and stroking, and he kissed me as he worked up my skirt and tugged down my panties, which dangled around my knees.
“Do you want me to take it off?” I whispered against his mouth as I stepped out of the scrap of lace.
“No, leave it on.” He pushed the skirt up farther and my ass hit the cold desk. His shaft rubbed against my front, hot and throbbing. Then he knelt down and buried his face between my thighs and lapped his tongue in long strokes against me.
I bucked against him, the pleasure building deep inside of me. He gripped my ass to urge me forward, grinding his mouth against me. As he attended to my clit with soft, slow sucks, I came apart.
He slipped his finger inside and curled it upward to work my spot, creating more moans that seemed to erupt of their own will. I moaned even louder as he slipped a second finger inside and thrusted them both deep. He worked me like that as he licked and suckled at my clit, and all the while, his other hand twisted and pulled on my nipple.
He pulled free and stepped back, stroking his co
ck, pumping it twice as he smiled and met my eyes. “Are you thinking about my new office now?” He laughed, but I sat up and pushed him back into his chair and dropped to my knees.
“I’m focused on the bedroom, but I might reconsider an office.” I trailed my hand down his chest and placed my hand over his, where I forced him to pump it for me. Then I nudged his hand aside and took over.
“On what condition?” The word strangled from his throat as I took him into my mouth, working his shaft with my palm as I cupped his sac.
As I kneaded his heavy load, I relaxed my throat and took him deeper. His length entering my throat caused a spasm that had me retreating, only to push my limits seconds later. Soon enough I was used to the sensation and I bobbed my head on him like a pro until I felt him twitch in my mouth. His nut had ascended, threatening release, and I pulled away to edge him. His mouth hung open as he panted, then I met his eyes as he stroked my hair.
I licked him, my tongue teasing his tiny slit and rim. Then I took it deep again and tightlipped him all the way to his base and back to milk him.
He worked his hips against me, thrusting until his breath hitched and he cursed. “I’m going to come, Luna.”
He nudged against me, but I didn’t let off; instead, I pulled off to his rim, keeping his head locked tight in my lips and sucked hard as his release exploded in my mouth. The taste of him tingled on my tongue, the salt and sweet awakening my taste buds as I swallowed his gift. But I didn’t stop. I kept nursing him slowly until he’d spilled every drop.
Finally, I pulled away and wiped my mouth, but he gathered me up from the floor and in a quick motion, lifted me up to his desk and pulled my ass to the edge. He palmed his cock, still hardened for me, before sliding into me in one sharp thrust. Overwhelming pleasure burned through my center.
I screamed out and clutched his shoulder. It was the kind of taking I’d craved, and I felt myself settle around his girth with each thrust. He pumped into me steady and hard and as the release built up inside me, he ground himself, greedy and relentless, until it bloomed around him. Then he quickened his pace and pounded me through my climax as my voice splintered from my throat, reminding me how tender it had been.
Once I stilled, he lifted me up against him, holding me so close I could feel his heartbeat.
He stood, holding my behind tight in his grip, and when I thought he’d drop me, he turned us around and kicked the chair out of the way. Suddenly, my back was against the wall, and I ground myself against him, gripping his shoulder as my breasts crushed against his chest while he kissed my neck. He lowered his head and captured my nipple, pulling it hard. I orgasmed again, my body going limp in his arms as he turned and placed me back on the desk.
He planted tender kisses along my neck as his cock worked in and out in a steady rhythm. He moaned against my mouth and kissed me, his tongue mingling with mine as he pumped hard twice and his cock pulsed deep with his release. He pulled away, leaving me satiated and limp. He shuffled around and pulled up his pants.
I couldn’t move, and I imagined I was a sight, sprawled out on his desk with my skirt up around my waist, panting and glistening. He’d been my only lover, and I couldn’t imagine ever having anyone else.
He extended his hand and pulled me forward. I stood on weak legs and pulled my skirt into place before straightening my hair and bra while I caught my breath. He sat in his chair and folded his arms in front of himself. “So, what was that about my new office?”
I buttoned my blouse. “I suppose I can make an exception. As long as we can do this anytime I want.”
“I have a feeling I won’t be getting much work done in my new office.” He pulled me down to his lap. “Or maybe a bit too much?” We shared a laugh as I brought my lips against his. I couldn’t get enough of him.
I caressed his strong jaw and planted kisses there. “You know what I’ve been thinking about?” He shook his head and moaned against my neck. “I can’t wait until the honeymoon.”
“Have you decided where you want to go? I told you: you name and it’s yours.” The sincerity in his tone touched my heart and made me think how lucky I was. Sure, I was lucky because I’d married a handsome billionaire in Vegas, but I’d also found my best friend and the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.
“You’re going to spoil me if you’re not careful. You know I’m a simple girl, and I’ll be happy anywhere with you.”
He shook his head as if he knew better. “Anywhere but Vegas, right?” I thought of our time at the honeymoon suite and even though I’d hoped I’d never see that place again, I would go in a heartbeat with him.
“Anywhere, on this earth, Gabriel – even Vegas.”
Epilogue
It was hard to believe an entire year and a half had passed. So much had changed and things had happened that I’d never expected. Gabriel and I had settled down in our home, and though he’d given me the okay on building a new one, I’d opted to redo the vineyard home instead.
I’d knocked out a few walls and made the space more open, and the first wall to go, other than the one to my master bathroom, was the one that separated the kitchen from the front room.
Now there was a huge island bar, and I’d lightened all the wood to a warm honey, to give the place a more open and homey feel. I’d kept Judy’s breakfast nook, but made it a bit bigger so that the entire family could enjoy the view with her.
As I stood in the kitchen with her, making snacks for Gabriel’s birthday celebration, Carl stuck his head in the front door. “There’s a lady here with the cake, Miss.”
Unlike Judy, Carl hadn’t gotten used to calling me Luna and instead of correcting him continuously, I’d learned to accept it months ago. “Tell her to bring it in, please.”
I dropped the brownie I was decorating onto the tray with the others and hurried to meet the woman as she walked in dragging a cart behind her. I pointed to the table across the room to where Judy and I had draped a tablecloth and hung streamers. As I walked across the room to greet her, Harbor came down the stairs and disappeared into the kitchen with Judy.
I greeted the cake artist with a handshake. “It’s beautiful, thank you. He’ll love it.” After a moment of small talk where I realized she wasn’t half as nervous as me, a knock on the door had me crossing the room.
Before I could reach it, Kim came in with Joe behind her. “Since when do you knock?” I waved a dismissive hand and headed for the kitchen, where Harbor lounged against the counter suspiciously close to the brownies.
“Those are good. I didn’t know you could bake.” He gestured toward the tray, and I glanced down to see an empty place in my display.
“You already ate one?” I had only been gone a minute.
“He inhaled two,” said Judy holding up her fingers. “And, he tasted the dip.”
“Well, thanks, but save some for the guests.” I shook my head and laughed as Kim approached and swiped a brownie off the tray and bit into it.
“Hey, pretty boy.” She nudged Harbor and gave him a wink before she turned her attention to me. “This place looks festive, but are you sure a high roller theme was the best idea? I figured you’d had enough of the whole Viva Las Vegas theme since the bachelorette party.”
I tried not to think about that terrible night, and refused to let it steal my joy. “We all agreed we’d never speak of it again.”
Harbor put his arm around Kim. “One day you’re going to have to tell me this story. I want to know what the hell happened with you guys.”
I shook my head and gave Kim a warning glare. She leaned in and whispered something in his ear, and his eyes widened.
I shook my finger at Kim. “You better consider the repercussions of telling him. For one, Gabriel will kill you, then Joe will kill him, and I’ll be forced to kill Joe, which would leave me all alone with Harbor, and then I’ll die of embarrassment.” I turned and moved the brownies to a much safer area before pulling a tray of cookies from the oven.
“O
h, it can’t be that bad. Come on.” Harbor wasn’t going to give up.
“Ask your uncle. You can even tell him I said it’s okay to tell you.”
“He won’t tell me; I’ve tried. And Uncle Joe said if I asked again, he’d beat my ass.” I gave him a steaming hot cookie, then I pushed him out of the kitchen.
“Fine,” he called from the other side of the bar. “I know when I’m not wanted.” He bumped into the cake lady on the way into the living room and recovered by flirting and offering to walk her out.
Kim gave me a look. “Should we warn the poor girl?” We shared a laugh, and even Judy joined in.
Harbor had come a long way in the past year, and it was due in part to his mother going into rehab and getting her life on track. Gabriel had given her a job in one of his offices, and so far, she was doing well. Harbor had gone back to college and picked up a part time job with G2.
As Joe joined us, Kim wrapped her arms around him and he kissed her brown hair. She’d gotten away from the purple look months ago for their wedding.
Gabriel had built them a house on the other side of the winery, where I’d taken a job giving tours and managing the new restaurant we’d opened. Gabriel had decided shortly after our wedding that he’d work from home, thus making my job as his assistant obsolete.
An hour later, the house was filled with guests, including the cake lady, who Harbor had convinced to stick around. Turned out she delivered cakes part time for her mother and she attended the same college as him.
“Thanks for the party. It was perfect.” Gabriel’s breath tickled my ear as he whispered.
“You’re welcome. I hope you didn’t mind the theme, but I figured you’d get a kick out of it.”
He chuckled and turned a bright shade of red. “It’s perfect, too.”
“Harbor’s been asking what happened again,” I said, watching the color drain from his face.
“You didn’t tell him, did you?” His eyes widened. I remembered the look on their face when Kim and I showed up to their suite to learn that their personal stripper had come with a little something extra, which wasn’t revealed until Mason and Joe had gotten a tad too friendly with her.