“Is Lex in the office?” she asked Troy.
“No. He went to pick up Douglas. He just texted that they are on their way.” He waved her cell phone.
“I need to run something by Paula. See if she can see me.” She joined her sisters-in-law on the patio.
Ginger was trying to change Sophia, but the four-year-old wanted to get back inside the pool. She ran toward Jillian, almost tripping as she ducked inside the house. Her mother followed, threatening to remove Sophia’s nail polish if she didn’t behave. Sophia’s giggles echoed around the house.
“So, how are the guys dealing with not performing?” Jillian asked, sitting on an empty chair and letting her gaze sweep the three remaining bridesmaids.
“Cian is miserable,” Elena said. “He’s not cut out for a regular job. And Ross has been calling him and Dad, begging them not to quit the show.”
Ross was the owner of the Bay Area Circus. Jillian glanced at Selene, Cousin Aiden’s fiancée. “How is Aiden?”
“You know how he likes to crack jokes to cover what he really feels? He’s doing it more, but I see through it,” Selene said. “He’s miserable.”
“Des too,” Anne Marie said. She and Des had been dating for years. She and Selene hadn’t really been involved with the Fearless Finnegan Troupe. She taught pre-school, while Anne Marie was an aerobics instructor.
“Since your story aired, they’ve gotten calls from people asking when they’d perform again,” Elena said, gently rubbing her stomach. She was only a few weeks pregnant and wasn’t showing yet. “One even asked if they’d perform for veterans on Armed Forces Day.”
Great! “And Dad?”
“He’s bored. He’s always calling to ‘check on us,’” Elena said.
Her father might have said he was ready to retire, but Jillian knew he’d done it to protect her identity. The whole world knew who she was now. Based on Ricky’s online comments, he wasn’t happy either. All of them should be following their passion and dreams, not pushing them aside to protect her.
Ginger came back to the patio without Sophia, her face pale.
Jillian jumped up. “What is it? Where’s Sophia?”
Ginger pointed at the house. “She ran into your bedroom and, uh, Mr. Fitzgerald arrived with another man.”
Jillian chuckled, relieved. “That’s Douglas. I’ll get her.” She went back inside to find Douglas talking to Troy. “Welcome home, Douglas.”
“It’s nice to be home, Ms. Jillian.”
She gave him a hug. Going by the redness on his face, she was embarrassing him. She stepped back. “I hope you’re ready to eat something other than hospital food.”
“Oh, yes, ma’am.”
Jillian grinned. “Good. We are going to the Montage Rooftop Bar and Grill. Unless your tooth is still hurting,” she added when he frowned. “We could bring you back something easier to chew in a doggie bag. Might be a better idea. You need to rest.”
“No, Ms. Jillian,” he said quickly, panic flashing in his eyes. “I have been following Mr. Fitzgerald’s orders and resting or I would have checked myself out last night. Rooftop Grill sounds great.”
“Good.” She patted his arm.
“Ms. Watson said she’ll be upstairs shortly,” Troy said, joining them.
Jillian stopped and turned. “Why?”
“You said to see if she could see you.”
“Troy,” she scolded him. “I meant to stop by her office. Paula is too busy to run up here whenever I want to chat. Tell her…” Sophia’s laughter drifted from the bedroom, followed by Lex’s voice. “Tell her I’ll call her.”
“This one?” Sophia’s voice reached Jillian before she entered their bedroom.
“That’s your Aunt Jillian’s favorite color,” Lex said.
“And this one?” Sophia asked as Jillian peered into the room. Lex was seated on the vanity chair while Sophia sat on his knee and pointed at bottles of nail polish.
“That one too.”
“But I want you to pick one.” Sophia’s bottom lip stuck out. Jillian grinned. She’d been at the receiving end of that little imp’s adorable green eyes to know that Lex didn’t have a chance.
“Please, Uncle Lex,” Sophia said.
Uncle Lex? Since when? And what do you know? Lex caved like a cheap suit and chose a color. Bad idea. Now, he was going to get it.
“Open it. Open it,” Sophia said, clapping. “I’ll put some on your nails like I put on Daddy and Grampa.”
Jillian laughed. Lex glanced up and mouthed, “Help.”
She just shrugged and leaned against the doorway. He’d bragged about being good with kids. Here was his chance to prove it.
“Okay, Sophia. Just my left pinky,” Lex said and shot Jillian a triumphant look. She blew him a kiss. Sophia took her time plastering green polish on Lex’s nail.
Jillian joined them, admired the terrible paint job, then lifted the child from Lex’s lap. “Go to Mommy, Sophia. She’s looking for you.” Jillian watched her niece skip out of the room and then turned to face Lex. “You, poor man.”
He pulled her down to his lap and stole a kiss. “You should have warned me about her.”
“Only those with inner strength can resist our future Oscar winner.” She took a cotton ball and dabbed polish remover on it. “You already tangoed with her at my dad’s. You should have learned to be firm with her.” She cleaned his nail. “There. Good as new. Did you learn anything about the venom?”
I’m supposed to talk to Paula, but since you are here, can I bounce my idea off you first?” She looped her arms around his neck.
Lex caressed her arms, but his eyes stayed focused on her face. “Sure. What is it?”
“It’s about how you can entertain Hujimura,” she said. “Next Friday is Armed Forces Day. There will be celebrations in the days leading to it, giving us an opportunity to impress him.”
“Take him to the parade?” he asked, frowning.
“No, I’m thinking big. Leeds can sponsor Bay Area Circus’ performance for the military families—active, veterans, and reserves. They’ll all be out for Armed Forces Day.” Lex’s head shot up. “Cian knows the local brass and will set everything up. He’s done it before. From what Elena tells me, their phone’s been ringing nonstop since yesterday with people asking when they’ll perform again. Ross from Bay Area Circus is desperate to have them back, too. The online videos have gone viral. In fact, Leeds could be a sponsor. But if the Fearless Finnegan Troupe uses Leeds’ bikes or even just one bike, Hujimura can see the bikes in action. And supporting the military families will also make Leeds look good.”
Lex nodded. “I like it.”
She rolled her eyes. “Where’s the enthusiasm?”
“Actually, I love it. But I’m a little confused. The Fearless Finnegan Troupe no longer exists.”
“Not for long. According to Elena, my family’s been miserable since everyone gave up performing for boring, office jobs.” She grinned when his eyes narrowed. “Sorry. Once a circus performer, always a circus performer. It’s in our blood. Well, their blood. And since Dad gave up the circus to protect me and I now have you to keep me safe”—she planted a kiss on his cheek—“they can go back to doing what they do best. Being the Fearless Finnegan Troupe, and we get to wow Hujimura.”
He didn’t speak right away, his intelligent eyes locked on her face with unnerving intensity.
“Say something.”
“You are brilliant,” he said. Cupping her face, he pressed his forehead against hers. “Paula tried to find tickets to a show or a game, or anything with little success. We were thinking of flying them to Vegas, but this is perfect.”
“There’s a catch.”
He chuckled. “Whatever it is, I’m in.”
“You have to pitch the idea to my father like it’s your own, and you have to do it in”—Jillian checked her watch—“twenty minutes.” Lex visibly winced. She smacked his chest with the back of her hand. “Hey! That’s not the reaction I
expect from my fiancé. He is going to be your father-in-law. It’s bad enough he thinks you are dragging me to the alter without you acting like he’s an ogre.”
“He shot at me.”
“You were trespassing,” she said, trying hard not to laugh.
“He made you cry.”
“He was protecting me.”
“He doesn’t think I’m good enough for you.”
Jillian grinned. Lex was the love of her life. Even with his imperfections, he was perfect for her. “You’re not, but he’ll meet you halfway because he loves me.”
Lex chuckled and kissed her, one second hard and possessive, the next languid and sweet. One of his hands gripped the back of her head while the other lowered to her breast to play with her nipple.
“The sooner you are mine, the faster I’ll have the right to everything Jillian Finnegan, body, heart, soul, and brilliant ideas,” he whispered.
Silly man. He already had the rights to her, mind, heart, and soul. “Just so you know, Dad thinks you’ve knocked me up.”
Lex laughed this time.
“It’s not funny. He offered to help me raise the child without you.” Lex sobered, his expression fierce. “Your family thinks I’m pregnant, too.”
“Do you want me to talk to them?”
Jillian shook her head. “The more we deny it, the more they’ll think we have something to hide.” She tried to get up, but Lex’s hand slipped under her shirt to caress her stomach. Her muscles contracted and heat pooled low between her legs. Would it always be like this between them? A touch and her body melted? She hoped so. She covered his wandering hand. “No time for monkey business. I promised my grandmother we’d be there at one. After yesterday, she might just call the police if I’m not on time.”
“We’re going, but I need to make something clear first. No one raises my child without me. I’ll make sure your father understands that.”
Whoa, what had she started with her confession? She tried to downplay it by patting his cheek. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, hun. You’re great with Sophia, and you’re going to make an amazing father.”
He grinned. “Not for a while, I hope. You and I have some catching up to do.”
Now she was confused. “Catching up?”
He lifted her up, stood, and set her on her feet. “I’ve been waiting a long time for you, Jillian Finnegan. I want you to myself for as long as I can before we bring a child into the world.” He frowned as though something occurred to him. “Unless you want to start a family right away.”
Was he serious? She wanted his undivided attention for as long as possible. “Does that mean that when we have children we won’t have time for just us?”
“We will make time for us,” he vowed. “Because no matter how many children you give me, you’ll always be first in my life.”
He had her. Hell, he’d had her since the moment he dismounted from his bike outside the trailers at Perris Valley Skydiving field. Jillian had to swallow before saying, “Children?”
“I want to fill our house with them. If you haven’t noticed, I come from a huge family.”
Couldn’t miss that if she tried. She kissed him, pouring all her love, hopes, and dreams into it. “For the record, I want to catch up too, because I’ve been waiting for you to find me. And FYI, you have me, Lex Fitzgerald. Body, heart, soul, and brilliant ideas,” she added, repeating his words. “I want children, too. Lots of them. I was an only child for a long time, and family means everything to me. The bigger the better, but I can wait. I want you to myself for as long as I can have you. And no matter how many children you give me, you’ll always be first.” Her throat closed, and she knew she’d tear up if she didn’t take a step back. “Speaking of brilliant ideas… I was going to talk to Paula about the circus. You know, suggest it as a possible—”
He scooped her up and started for the door. She grabbed onto his shoulders.
“Lex?”
“I want you now. The Montage is five minutes away.” He deftly locked the door. “We have time for a quickie.”
“I like quickies,” she said, her arms tightening around him.
“I don’t, but it will have to do.” He lowered her on the bed and reached for the waistband of her pants.
“What brought this on?” she asked, starting to unbutton her shirt.
“Do I need a reason?” He pulled her pants off and threw them over his shoulder, then gripped the lapels of her shirt and pulled, buttons flying around them. She didn’t bother to scold him. “It won’t matter where we are. Every time you dazzle me with that mind of yours, I’m making love to you.”
Making love. Before, he’d say fuck your brains out. She loved his new wording. She went to her knees and reached for his belt. “Challenge accepted.”
“And I promise to rise to every occasion,” he said just as she pushed down his pants and underwear and his beautiful erection sprung free.
She stroked his erection and grinned. “I love the way you rise to the occasion.”
~*~
They took two cars. Troy took Jillian’s family in the SUV while Douglas drove Lex and Jillian in the Jaguar, giving her a chance to talk to Paula about Hujimura. She had the speakers on, so Lex could listen.
“I think a thirty-minute private bike show before the real show starts would be great,” Jillian said.
“I love it,” Paula said, chuckling. “I’ve been talking to Keiko, Hujimura’s assistant, and she said he loves bikes. He might like the opportunity to try the Globe.”
Jillian made a face and glanced at Lex.
“Sounds like a wonderful idea, Paula,” he said.
“How old is he?” Jillian asked.
“He’s in his seventies. Is that going to be a problem?” Paula asked.
“My father has a thing about who rides in the Globe, so don’t say anything to Hujimura’s people until we run it by my father. He’ll want to meet the old man first and insist on knowing his health history. You know, just to be on the safe side. He will have him sign a waiver, too.” Jillian glanced at Lex. “You’ll have to convince him.”
He nodded. He wasn’t looking forward to talking to his future father-in-law. His only consolation was the fact that Finnegan had a soft spot for his daughter and would do just about anything for her.
Jillian finished her conversation with Paula before they pulled up outside the Montage. The front desk manager escorted them to the restaurant after apologizing profusely to Douglas and offering him a complementary stay.
The Petrosians and the rest of Jillian’s family were already sipping drinks at Rooftop Bar and Grill. The restaurant had a spectacular view of Beverly Hills estates and landscape, but Lex was more interested in Jillian’s father.
The old man was regaling a few Petrosians with circus stories. The brothers and the cousins were talking about bike stunts to the younger Armenians. The uncle and aunt were with Alin Petrosian. But everyone’s attention shifted as soon as they realized Jillian had arrived. She was the glue holding these two families together.
She smiled and waved, punching her brothers’ arms and hugging her uncle and aunt. She and her grandmother exchanged hugs and kisses. “I hope we’re not late.”
“By two minutes, but I forgive you because you are looking very lovely, my dear,” Alin Petrosian said. Jillian had changed into a dress after they made love.
“Told you I could clean up,” Jillian said.
“I have pearls downstairs that would go very well with that dress.”
Jillian laughed and held her arm. “Let’s talk pearls later, Grandma. Right now I want you to meet the rest of my family.”
While Jillian introduced her in-laws, Lex tried to figure a way to draw Daniel Finnegan away from his adoring crowd. Lex left Mrs. Petrosian fawning over Douglas after insisting he join them for lunch and made his way to Finnegan. He didn’t interrupt. He reached them, and one by one, Finnegan’s audience melted away.
“You know you have an air about you
that makes people very uncomfortable,” Finnegan said, staring up at him. He only reached his shoulder.
“I don’t mean to be intimidating,” Lex said.
“I think you know how you affect people, Fitzgerald, and use it to your advantage.” He glanced at Jillian. “Do you intimidate her, too?”
Lex followed his eyes to where Jillian was laughing at something one of her cousins said. His chest warmed. “Jillian is not easily intimidated. What most people fear, she faces head on.” He dragged his eyes away from her and faced her father. “I’m in awe of her and humbled that she’s agreed to become my wife.”
“Why are you humbled?” Finnegan asked. “You can have any woman you want.”
“But I can only love one, sir, and that’s Jillian. She’s the one, the girl with a big heart and a thirst for life. The girl who forgives and gives second chances to those she loves because she focuses on the good in them, not the bad. Most of us are not like her. I’d like to think I am, but when it comes down to it, I don’t give second chances when someone hurts those I love.”
Finnegan nodded, and they both turned to look at Jillian. As though aware of their eyes on her, she turned and smiled. Lex’s stomach dipped. The effect of that smile had never changed since the day they met.
“She’s my only daughter, Fitzgerald, and I would do anything to protect her.”
“So would I, sir. I love your daughter and promise to take good care of her. If she has dreams she wants to fulfill, I will not stand in her way. I’ll make sure she has everything she needs to make them come true. If anyone hurts her, I will not rest until they pay for it.” Finnegan frowned as though mulling over Lex’s words. Panic coiled tight in Lex’s gut. “I want your blessing, Mr. Finnegan, because it is important to Jillian that you approve of her choice.”
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