“You know, they are business partners now,” I tease, “you think she'd just e-mail it.”
Andi shakes her head, her smile just like her father's. “You know how she is.”
I chuckle. Andi's taken to the whole underground idea, having been raised in it. “Well, once you finish this, think you might want to check on your little brother? Anthony was saying he wants to challenge DJ to a game of basketball. You know DJ, he doesn't always follow the whole no-contact rule in basketball.”
Andi gives me a startled look and sets her piping bag down, heading out the door. “Douglas Jackson Hart! You play nice with Anthony, or else I'm...”
The closing door cuts off her voice, and Andrea laughs. “Poor DJ. With Andi riding herd on him, he's never going to have the chance to get into half the trouble his father did.”
“Is that such a bad thing?” Melissa asks, and Andrea chuckles. She picks up a tray of sausages and takes it outside, leaving me and Melissa alone. She turns and hugs me, kissing me. “Are you having a good afternoon?”
“Of course. I love days like this. The whole family,” I reply, hugging her back. “How about you?”
Melissa nods, putting her head on my chest. “I am. These are some of the best days of the year. Hey, is everything packed for the trip?”
“I called the service, they already went up and cleaned everything out,” I tell her. “A week, just you and me, Janice staying with her aunt and uncle, DJ and Andi. She's going to love it. Then Carson and Andrea get to do the same thing.”
Melissa hums, then laughs. “I'm glad they're going last this year. I still can't forget the look on Andi's face when she found some of Andrea's toys at Christmas.”
“Yeah, that was a talk I don’t think Katrina or Andrea were ready to have with Andi quite yet,” I laugh, thinking of the semi-awkward discussion in the main room as Andrea tried to explain to Andi what exactly those padded cuffs were for. Or at least, what they tried to pretend they were for. “I love you.”
“I love you, too. I think I'll go check on everyone, see how it's all going.”
Melissa leaves, and I look out the big glass double doors over the porch to my family. I'm interrupted when I hear footsteps behind me, and I turn to see Katrina, still wearing her loose pants, but the crop tops have been replaced by t-shirts as she's had two children now, even though you couldn't tell from looking at her. “How's the report?”
“Good. Darcy'll be pleased,” Katrina says, coming next to me and watching the party. “Things look good out there. I saw from upstairs that Carson's monitoring the pool, that's good. And the kids are having fun.”
“They are. You know Katrina, I never would have thought we would be here like this ten years ago?”
Katrina chuckles and puts her arm around my waist, giving me a hug. “Ten years ago, I didn't even think I'd live to see today. And I certainly didn't think I would have the family to go with it. How's it feel, being the patriarch of a thirteen-person family?”
“Twelve,” I correct her, before Katrina's slight smile makes me stop, my own smile coming to my face. “A third for you guys?”
“A third. We checked last night. Keep it under your hat until after the party though, okay? Today's Liam’s birthday, let him enjoy being the baby for a few more days.”
“I can do that. You guys thinking of names yet?”
Katrina nods, and hugs me again. “If it's a boy... we were thinking that Nathan's a fine name.”
I hug Katrina back. That is a very fine name indeed.”
Katrina chuckles and looks out. “Come on. Let's go have a birthday party.”
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Teaser - Inked: A Bad Boy Next Door Romance
By Lauren Landish & Willow Winters
I turn on my side and face my window, waiting for him to come into view. I feel so naughty. So needy. This is turning into a bad habit.
I bite my lip as he moves his curtains so he can see me.
Our eyes meet, and the hunger I see in his makes every doubt disappear. I want him, and he wants me. There’s nothing wrong about that.
His lips turn up into a sexy smirk as his eyes roam my body. He takes his shirt off, his corded muscles rippling with the movement. He’s the epitome of power and sex. His jeans are slung low, and the urge to lick the deep “V” at his hips makes my legs scissor. My hand dips down to my pussy and I love that he sees. I love that he watches me.
“Covers off,” he mouths, and I obey. I’m wearing a tank top and a skimpy lace thong. He tilts his head and tsks. A small laugh escapes my lips as a blush creeps into my cheeks. I knew he’d want them off. But tonight I want him to take them off of me.
A few weeks ago I would’ve given him the finger and yanked my curtains closed. But not tonight, not now that I’ve become addicted to the inked-up bad boy next door.
“Come over.” I whisper my plea, and his eyes heat with desire.
“Get wet for me, peaches.” I smile shyly at his command and slowly push my fingers against my clit, massaging small circles over my throbbing nub. My head falls back against my pillow, and a faint moan escapes from my parted mouth. I turn my head to the side and with my eyes half-lidded, I watch him watching me.
“More,” he says in a deep, rough voice that makes arousal pool in my core. I make my movements faster and hold his heated gaze. His breath comes in shallow pants, and his hand pushes against the bulge in his jeans. I know he wants me. I want him, too.
“Please,” the word tumbles from my mouth as I feel my back bow and a hot tingle take over my body. My eyes close as I almost fall and crash with an intense orgasm, but it escapes me. I’m on edge. I need him.
I open my eyes, and he’s gone. I bite down on my lip and slow my movements. He’ll be here soon. He’ll fill me, stretching my walls with his massive cock and thrusting his powerful hips until I’m writhing beneath him and screaming his name.
When did I turn into a slave to his lust? I don’t beg. I’m not that kind of girl, but he broke my walls down, and I’ve learned to love it.
He’s bad for me. I know he is, but I still crave him. And now that I’ve given in, I’m all his. Until he’s done with me, anyway. I know it’s coming.
This arrangement isn’t going to last, but I push the thoughts away and force myself to live in the moment.
For now, I belong to the inked-up bad boy next door.
GET INKED HERE.
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