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Chapter TWELVE
Max gives Gina's jiggling leg a reassuring caress. Futile in his attempt to calm her as she clings to his back, squeezing him even tighter. This will be the first time she's seen their friends since Enrique's death. Since they've learned she killed her father.
With a tight grip on the throttle, his other hand strokes higher, rubbing over her white crepe pants to the ink he can't see, but knows marks the lower curve of her belly. He's still pissed from her recklessness, but can't deny it's fucking sexy as hell to see his name marking what he alone owns.
"Don't play like you're shitty. You know you like it."
A teasing laugh flows out of her mouth, as smooth as the material under his fingertips. Maybe she's doing better than he thought. Need to keep her on her toes then. Damn awkward with her straddling him, but he lets his finger drift lower, teasing the fabric floating above the silky peak between her thighs. Now it's his turn to chuckle when her hips lift of their own accord. So fucking responsive to his touch. Stirring his already desperate need to be inside her heaven. But he can't push. When she's ready, she'll understand completely how much he misses her.
"You'd better stop, or we'll be late."
"It'd be worth it."
She shoves his hand away, but snuggles in closer. Cool fingers slide under his tee, rousing his traitorous cock even more as they trail up his chest and trace her name. A welcome reminder of their imprints on each other's bodies as well as their hearts. The tautness in his shoulders evaporates. Regardless of what else happens, they belong to each other and nothing will ever change that.
Waiting for the gates to open, he nods to the unfamiliar guards. Still difficult to accept it's not his job – not his men – anymore. But the love radiating from her possessive touch around his waist makes the loss worth it.
After he parks, she slides off her helmet and runs dainty fingers through her hair. Like she's not fucking gorgeous even if the strands are flat or whatever issue she thinks they have. Unable to resist with her stretched body so close, he yanks her against him, kissing down the side of her neck to nuzzle her shoulder. The shuddering gasp from his tongue on one of her favorite spots raises goosebumps on his hot skin. "I love you."
"Well, I hate you." Delicate hands shove against his chest, and she squirms out of his embrace. Lust flames in her huge cocoa eyes. "You keep getting me all worked up and then leave me hanging."
Feigning innocence, he holds up his palms and gives her an exaggerated frown. Twisting the blame onto her, the temptation she creates just by standing so close. Just by being her. "I'm trying to be a gentleman, but you make it so fucking hard."
A sly smile curls her lips as she wraps her hand around the hardness straining against his jeans. "Yes, I can tell. Let's sneak into your old bedroom." Her eyes light up from the primal rumble in his throat, and her strokes quicken. "Just fuck like we used to."
Just fuck.
Anxiety slithers up his spine and coils around his neck, halting the “hell yes” on the tip of his tongue. Doubt replaces the desire burning between them. She's panicking. Worse than stalling, she's trying to build the wall between them again. Returning to their old ways when things get too difficult.
Attempting to seduce him to avoid the awkwardness of seeing the people who know the truth. Because it hurts more that they consider her a hero. Rather than despise her for ending her father before he could hurt anyone else she loves. Making her their savior once again. And she refuses to let him shoulder any of the blame.
He has to bring her back to him. "No, G. I don't want a quickie. Tonight..." Her cheeks fill his palms as he cups her face, ensuring she can see the sincerity in his. "...we can take our time and enjoy ourselves."
"I think you'd enjoy this time too."
A chuckle bursts out of his mouth from her last ploy. Even with the turmoil churning in his gut, he fucking loves her tenacity. His girl is tough, and he's got to be on his fucking game to keep up. "Believe me, I know I would. But I want more than that. I want all of it..." He strokes her jaw line before pressing his mouth against hers. "...with you."
She nods against his forehead, her head bobbing, nose bumping his. Once, twice, three times before she sucks in his bottom lip. Springing his eager dick to life again from her tongue sweeping inside, arms circling his neck. Her moan driving lava through his veins. Fuck it. They can be a few minutes late.
He scoops her up, wrapping her legs around his waist. Almost exploding from the thought of his name sliding over his throbbing dick. Gliding his hand up her side, he grazes over the hard nipple straining against the sheer fabric. Damn he loves these barely-there tops she wears. Thick sleeves wrap around her biceps, baring her lavender-infused shoulders for him to nuzzle.
Silky skin presses deeper into his palm, urging him to do more. Fucking do everything. Now. Fuck if they’re in the middle of the foyer for anyone to catch them.
Blue fingernails scrape his torso, shoving the hem of his shirt out of the way. Trailing downward with a merciless intent. Past his belt. His jeans. His boxer briefs. Just a centimeter lower to touch him where only she controls him. He swears through gritted teeth.
Please.
"So, are you guys going to be selling copies of your sex tape?"
Carrie.
He gives Gina's neck one last nibble before he lifts his head and glares at Shae's best friend. "Once again, you have terrible fucking timing."
"Not my fault you're getting dirty in the doorway." She sticks out her tongue at him, before swinging the tequila bottle in Gina's direction. "Hurry up. I've been waiting for you, friend."
Her eyes sparkle with mischief, giving them a quick wink, and she high tails it outside. The perfect low key welcome only Carrie can provide. Helping to eliminate the uncomfortable barrage of condolences and reassurances. That Gina will never allow them to offer. Or her heart to accept.
With her body finally relaxed, he lets her slide down. Welcoming the humor returning to her expression. "She's a fucking mess."
"Yeah, but she's right."
Gina accepts his hand, allowing him to lead them through the living room to the French doors. The soft smile gracing her gorgeous face fades completely and her grip grows tighter, her body curling around his side. Trembling fingertips slide over the textured glass rather than turning the handle. Watching the perfect moment in time.
Nick kisses Evie's forehead, only a hint of yellow material from her tiny dress floating above his huge arms. Must be love if he's relinquished control of the grill to Nathan so he can cuddle with his baby girl. Carrie chats with Shae as she sets a bouquet of pink and purple roses on the table, dodging Marta as she flutters around, laying napkins on each plate. Charlie sprawls out the lounger, his ears flicking every few seconds even as he dozes.
Casual. Relaxed. Content. Everything Gina wants. Always seemingly just out of her reach.
He pulls her stiff body against his chest, wrapping his arms around her bare waist. Offering the only relief he can – escape. "We can leave if you want. If you're not ready. They'll understand."
"They might, but I don't know if I ever will." The hollowness of her words more than he can stand. "Do you think it will ever be us?"
"Yes. I absolutely do."
He fucking swears to God it will be. The conviction in his voice spurs a head nod rather than the “yeah right” smirk he expects. Pride swells in his heart. She's willing to try. Prepared to fight for what they deserve too.
Her small hand slides into his, and she twists the knob. Ready to face her fears. With him backing her up, even though she doesn't need it. Hopefully, she wants it.
The puppy’s fierce yapping greets them as they step onto the deck. His fuzzy tail swings back and forth in a black and brown blur, contradicting his protective demeanor. Shae sees them first, her gaze darting from him to Gina. A huge smile lights up her face while tears shine in her eyes. She rushes toward them, engulfing Gina in a tight embrace.
No words pa
ss between them. None are needed. Shae loves Gina and everything she's done for her family. He gives Gina's back a small caress before heading toward his best friend. Letting the girls have their reunion after being apart for so long.
Nick head bobs him, yet all of his focus remains on his daughter. Squirming in his secure hold. Evie’s round face pinching and contracting for a few seconds before she sighs and settles back down. "She's getting hungry too."
He can't help but smile at his friend. Never doubting Nick would a good father. But, to see his dedication, his familiarity with her schedule and the reasons behind her displeasure, proves once again, the potential for neglect and abuse Nick used to worry lurked within him, died along with his father Salvador.
"Shae's going to ask you something. Make sure you say 'yes.'"
Like Max could ever say no to her. "Of course."
Marta hustles toward them, carrying a glass pitcher and heaping salad overflowing with tomatoes and avocado slices. Still unwilling to retire no matter how much Nick and Shae beg her to. He slides the bowl out of her gnarled hands and sets it on the wrought iron table while she pours milk into the glasses at Shae and Nick's place settings.
"Thank you. Is now eating time."
Max nods to her. Deferring to her domineering personality to avoid getting in the usual trouble with her. "Yes ma'am."
She pokes his stomach and fusses under her breath. Or maybe not. Reminding him that she thinks he's too skinny. Not to worry. He's missed her good cooking and is going to make up for lost time.
He drops down on the bench next to Gina. A soft smile curls her lips, quietly watching Nick slide Evie into the pink baby seat nestled between his and Shae’s chairs. Nathan unloading a huge platter of meat onto the glass top. Carrie draining her wine glass. All of the mundane, simple occurrences neither of them can ever take for granted.
“Before we eat, Nick and I want to ask you something. We’re going to have Evie baptized…” Shae grasps Marta’s hand, squeezing it with loving affection for her grandmotherly influence. “...and we want you and Gina to be her godparents. Along with Carrie and Nathan.”
Shae’s gaze darts to Gina, just like his. A bittersweet honor, reminding her of Shae’s gratitude as well as what she lost. The milestones she never got to enjoy. This time he enfolds Gina’s hand in his as she purses her lips together and nods her agreement. He answers for both of them. “We’d be honored.”
In usual Shae style, she hops up, doling out hugs to all four of them. Happiness glowing on her smiling face. The joy spreading to each of them, even the usually stoic Nathan grinning and letting her plant a huge kiss on his cheek. All the more surprising that he’s here after his confrontations with Carrie, and then Nick, over the ambush at the studio launch. Proving once again the healing power of time and a baby’s love.
“Okay, okay. My steak’s getting cold.”
Nick pulls her away from the doctor’s good-natured grumbling. “Let the man eat, sweetness.”
He doesn’t let go of her hand as she sits down, kissing across her knuckles before sliding her chair closer to his.
"Nick's in a good mood.” Carrie’s stage whisper floats across the table, and she nudges Gina in the ribs. Sucking her into the mischief. Which is good for her spirit. Even if their escapades are at Nick's expense. “The perfect time to fuck with him."
Shae frowns and shakes her head in warning. "Carrie..."
But she flicks her hand, waving away Shae's protest. A playful gleam in her eyes. "Gina’s started a trend, so I'm thinking pink. You know, since it's your signature color. Don't you think?"
Gina glances between her girlfriends, scrunching her nose in adorable confusion. "For what?"
"The butterfly tattoo Shae's getting on her thighs. A wing on each side so when Nick spreads her legs ap—"
“Alright, Carrie. We don’t want to hear that.”
She ignores her husband's reprimand, her gaze on Nick. Actually everyone watching to see his response. A snarl draws his best friend’s lips downward.
"Your godmother responsibilities just got revoked."
Carrie roars with laughter, loud and obnoxious. Yet contagious, the rest of the group joining in her amusement. "You don't scare me. Shae asked me, and she's the boss so you can’t take it back."
A smile twitches on Nick's lips. With the truth he cannot deny. Which would only escalate the teasing if he did. He gives Carrie a curt nod, which makes Gina laugh even harder. A carefree giggle Max hasn't heard in too damn long.
Max pats Nick’s shoulder. "She's got you. Everybody knows it."
"Fu—" Nick glances at Shae, her face flushed too. Enjoying their silliness just as much. "Forget you."
Now it's his turn to chuckle. First the healthy drink to match his wife’s and now the reticence to swear. Shae really is running this show. As if there ever was any doubt.
He curls his fingers over Gina’s thigh. Fucking difficult to slice through his beef one-handed but damn well worth it to have even a small part of her sweet body under his fingertips. She winks and digs into her roasted brussel sprouts. They are definitely making up for lost time later tonight.
While the girls continue to talk with Nathan, Marta nods to Shae and they both murmur ‘excuse me’ before slipping into the house, arm in arm, whispering to each other.
He nods to Nick, who still wears an easy-going smile. "I think they’re conspiring against you."
“Wouldn’t be the first time.”
After a few minutes, the door creaks again. All the conversations cease from Shae’s soft singing. The girls join in as Marta carefully steps toward the table carrying a large cream-whipped cake glowing with candles while Shae clutches a flat white box wrapped in yellow ribbons.
Fucking shit. The first time he’s ever seen Nick blush. Probably because it’s the first time he’s actually observed his birthday. Never allowed to celebrate as a child and always rebuffing Marta’s attempts to remember as an adult. But, of course, he would never refuse Shae.
They set the dessert and present in front of Nick, and Shae kisses her husband’s cheek. “Happy birthday.”
“Thank you, sweetness.”
Nick slides off the bow and lifts the lid, frowning with perplexity as he lifts out a thick, bounded book.
"When they were cleaning out some old church files, Marta found this picture of you and your mom making treats for the Fall Carnival. So we made this family cookbook." Shae slides the binder closer and slowly flips through a few pages. "See? Your mom's recipes, Marta's, mine with my mom, and then we left empty pages that we can add for Evie."
Nick stares at the glossy papers. Silent and completely still except for his heaving chest. Probably thinking about his asshole father who beat his mother to death. All the memories flooding back into his mind from one photo.
Shae bends down next to him, tucking strands of her long hair behind her ear, and grasps Nick’s huge hand with her delicate fingers. “I thought it was a happy memory for you. I’m sorry if I hurt you—”
The chair scrapes across the wood, tumbling backward from his sudden rise, and he engulfs his wife amidst Charlie’s rampant barks from the commotion. Kissing the side of her head, his words lost into her hair. She nods and he leads her away, glancing back at Carrie before pointing toward the slowly rocking swing next to Shae's empty seat. "Watch her please."
With Carrie’s wide-eyed agreement, Nick ushers Shae to the railing, caging her in with his arms locked on each side of her. He stoops down to her level and cups her frown-lined face, terror raging over his.
"Well, this is awkward."
Max chuckles at Carrie's astute assertion.
"No awkward. Just eating." Marta pulls out her serving fork and jagged knife, slicing through the tiramisu. Her brow furrows as she concentrates, ensuring perfectly square pieces, and slides them onto plates.
He takes one last glance at his friends. No worries. Shae's worked her usual magic on her husband. Nick's expression soft and content again wh
ile she beams, sharing with him something only they can hear.
Relaxing against the overstuffed cushion, he curls Gina tighter into the crook of his arm. Everything's going to be okay. Not perfect. This life never allows for that. But, good. Maybe even great. She's happy and safe. They can do this.
"Is delicious."
Gina shakes with laughter from Marta's flattering assessment of her own baking skills. A girlish giggle giving his taut muscles the final release from his worry over her. The sweet sound he’s missed more than he realized. And
Gina’s heart thumps a little faster from Max’s kiss on her temple. Of course, he’s fucking sexy as hell, but it’s the release of the stress darkening his face that fills her with even more joy. All night he’s watched her. Well actually every day for the past few weeks. Studying her for any sign of cracking. So worried she’s going to freak out. Which she actually did. More times than she wants to admit. Nothing she hates more than being a weak dumb ass.
But, he stood by her. Defended her more than she deserved. Proving again and again his love for her. She never doubted his devotion after all the struggles they’ve survived, but seeing his commitment to her. Protecting her against her brother and his bullshit. Shielding her from her mother’s disappointment. Supporting her walking away from all of them to this – their true – family. Most men aren’t willing to take on that baggage. He says he’s lucky but really it’s all her. Grateful he loves her this much.
A soft smile graces his face as he enjoys his cake. Marta nodding her approval that his diet is finally back under her control. Good thing since she can’t cook worth a damn. She’d be more than happy to come here every night to eat Marta’s meals. If it was up to Shae, they’d move in and be a jacked up version of their own Full House. She grins despite herself. Only Shae could be sweet enough to pull that off.
Evie’s whimpering pulls her out of her thoughts. Carrie slides into Nick’s chair and lifts the infant out of her bouncy seat, gently rocking her.
Truth About Tequila: Believe in Me (Surviving Absolution #4) Page 10