Tagged & Ashed (The Sterling Shore Series #2)

by Owens, C. M.

  ***

  Ashiara

  He can’t understand how badly this will crush me if it all goes to hell. He doesn’t know how to be committed.

  “Ash, is it not rather obvious I’m already committed to you? I haven’t so much as kissed someone else since the day I met you. I had two dates when I saw you, and I sent them away because I had to have you. I brought some random chick to the benefit try to distract me, and I got slapped when I couldn’t stay away from you. The damn crazy bitch who drug me into the dark room was completely rebuffed. I fired my secretary for trying to seduce me because I can’t be with anyone but you. I hired a guy. A guy, Ash.”

  Tears fall out as a small giggle escapes through my lips. He takes a step toward me and pulls my hands in his before backing back up to the bed and pulling me onto his lap.

  “For the record, even my dick is committed. It won’t do anything for anyone but you, and I don’t mean that figuratively,” he jokes, and I laugh a little more while wiping tears from my eyes.

  “Tag, this is such a big step. I don’t want you doing it for all the wrong reasons.”

  His hand slides around my waist, and then he kisses me lightly before pulling back and putting his forehead against mine.

  “Before I knew you were pregnant, I wanted to be with you, but I was too scared to face it. I’ve never been in a situation where I wanted more than a casual fling, but with you I did. While you were pregnant, I wanted to be with you, but I was trying to swallow the fact you were having another man’s baby. Ironically enough, I was also trying to stay out of his way because I thought you truly cared about him. After you had Trip, I wanted to be with you.

  “The night I found out Trip was my son, I had originally planned on asking you to stay with me on a more permanent basis. I wanted you in my life, and I wanted Trip in my life without even knowing he was my own flesh and blood. Ash, I love you.”

  My heart stops beating, my ears ring and burn in disbelief, and I’m too scared this is a dream to try to speak right away.

  ***

  Tag

  I didn’t mean to blurt that out. There were supposed to be roses here for this. I wanted a grand, beautifully romantic scene for all of this.

  I don’t know if she heard me or not. She’s not speaking, and I’m worried I’ve just made a fool out of myself.

  Suddenly, her lips are on mine, claiming my heart as she throws her arms around my neck. I fall back on the bed, pulling her with me. Her sweet tears slip down her cheeks as she kisses me harder, and then she pulls back just barely so she can look me in the eyes.

  “I love you, and I have for so, so long.”

  Jerking her tighter is my only response. I need her as close to me as she can be. I’ve heard girls tell me they loved me before, but it’s never meant anything because it wasn’t real. She’s the first one I’ve ever said it to, and I’ve never been happier than I am right now.

  ***

  Ashiara

  “So, this dress is a little showier than I thought,” I murmur nervously as I stare in the mirror.

  “Can I see it yet?” Tag chuckles from the other side of the door.

  “Only if you promise not to laugh.”

  “I swear I won’t laugh.”

  I smile, completely lost in love. I can’t believe he loves me. It doesn’t seem real.

  Taking a deep breath, my eyes return to the mirror to see the black dress that falls to the floor in the back, but rises high in the front to show my thighs. The low dip of the neckline offers a hefty view of my cleavage, and the thin straps glisten under the light.

  My hair cascades in elegant curls over my shoulders, and I tremble lightly while turning back to face the door.

  “Fine. Come in.”

  The door opens slowly, and Tag steps through with a devilish grin before it fades into… shock?

  “Is that a good or bad look?” I worry.

  His mouth gapes, and then he claps it shut.

  “Wow.”

  I smile and blush in unison, and he walks over to pull me into his arms.

  “It’s a damn good look.”

  I laugh a little, and then he walks over to hold the door open for me. I smile when I see Trip in his new, tiny little suit. He’s playing with his pacifier as he tugs on its ring.

  “I’m not sure which of my men looks better,” I tease, and Tag grins cockily as he struts toward me to claim my lips.

  “I’ll give this round to Trip. His suit is even more custom made than mine.”

  ***

  Ashiara

  We pull up to the restaurant, and I tilt my head while surveying the landscape. There’s a very large lack of vehicles around.

  “Are we really early? I assumed a launch party would have people to launch to.”

  He smiles, and then he steps out to pick Trip up before proffering me his free hand.

  “We’re right on time.”

  How?

  “I thought you were more successful than this, Mr. Masters.”

  He laughs as he pulls me to him, our security surrounding us like we’re the damn president and first lady.

  The door opens to the restaurant, and I step in to see the dim light casting a romantic ambience across the gallant floor with only one table. Rose petals litter the floor, and soft, velvety music plays in the background.

  “What’s-”

  “This is our first date,” he says softly. “I wanted it to be a surprise. Bear with me, this is the first time I’ve ever taken anyone out on a real date.”

  My mouth opens as I gaze around the room dressed in elegant curtains that line the walls. The windows open to the ocean view, and the security guards disperse to secretly protect us—out of sight.

  “Tag, this is… it’s amazing.”

  I turn to see his smile, and then he ushers me to the lone table, salads already waiting.

  He puts Trip in the bassinet beside the table, and then he pulls out my chair to let me sit directly beside our little boy.

  “You even thought of Trip,” I giggle, noting his bassinet doesn’t clash with the glamorous decor.

  “Of course I did,” he says with a smile.

  “Tag, I think I’ve just been impressed with a first date for the first time.”

  He blushes a little, and then he acts as though he’s flexing. I giggle at his humorous little gesture, and he leans over to kiss me softly.

  “I love this.”

  “I love you,” he murmurs gently, making me dissolve under those delicious words.

  “I love you.”

  ***

  Tag

  I’ve never been so nervous yet so calm in all my life. I’ve wanted to do this for her for so long. Now, I’m with the woman I love, and she loves me back. I’ve never had such an incredible feeling.

  As soon as we finish eating, she leans over on me to rest her head on my shoulder.

  “Thank you,” she murmurs in a breath.

  “You’re welcome. How does our son’s suit look?” I muse as she glances over at him kicking his feet, grunting as he tries to move.

  “I think it’s ridiculously adorable.”

  I laugh as my hand slides around her waist, and she leans over to hand him his pacifier when he starts fussing.

  “The attention to detail is pretty surreal. They even made him a zipper pocket with a gold lining inside. Look at it,” I murmur while nudging her a little.

  She smiles as she leans over, and she laughs when she finds the small zipper. Her face concentrates as though something has distracted her.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “There’s something in his pocket. They must have-” Her words stop as she stares down, and I smile as I walk over to inspect what has given her such speechless pause.

  “It’s a ring,” she gushes. “They left a ring in his-”

  She stops as I kneel down in front of her, doing my best not to show my nerves, and her mouth pops open as she stares at me in shock.

  ***
/>   Ashiara

  Is he really getting down on one knee right now? Is he really kneeling in front of me, pulling this ring from my palm, and holding over my ring finger?

  “Ashiara Branderwood, you’re the first and only girl there has ever been for me. There’s nothing, and I mean nothing, I wouldn’t do for you. You’re the only person in my life I’ve ever said I love you to, and you’re the person I want to say it to for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?”

  I choke on the air entering my lungs when I finally quit holding my breath. Tears break free from my wavering lids as I nod over and over before finally coughing out, “Yes.”

  He smiles as he pushes the ring over my finger to show me he’s done his homework. It’s a perfect fit—just like us.

  I dive into his arms, knocking both of us to the floor, and he laughs as my lips close over his.

  “Damn, I’m so glad you said yes. After having to talk you into dating me, I worried this was going to be an epic battle.”

  I laugh and cry at the same time, and he kisses me harder. I stare at the ring, in disbelief, and he scoops me up while standing to his feet.

  It’s gorgeous. I swear he got inside my brain and found the ring of my dreams. It’s so perfect.

  “I can’t believe you’re this romantic,” I giggle, and he laughs a little while sitting on the chair and pulling me in his lap.

  “I have my moments. Don’t think I’ve gone too mushy though. You haven’t read the inscription yet.”

  His brow arches with playful mischief, and I snicker excitedly while pulling the ring back off and turning it sideways to read it. Only he could find a way to make an elegant ring suddenly so scandalous, but I laugh when I see his promise in writing.

  Tagged.

  My laughter barrels out louder and he joins me in my chuckles while giving me a shrug.

  “Yes I am,” I say through my laughter.

  “I’m glad you are,” he murmurs sincerely, all humor gone as he stares into my eyes.

  Then his lips find mine again to offer me a kiss so divinely sweet I almost get dizzy.

  “Let’s go home and show the others,” he mutters against my lips.

  I smile and stand, and the security guards reappear from their hiding spots to escort us out.

  “Russell,” Tag says to one of them, “Will you make sure to lock up here?”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  Tag picks up Trip, and then he takes my hand in his before pulling it to his soft lips and placing a kiss on it.

  “I’ve got a present for you,” he says with an irresistibly sexy grin.

  “Oh really?” I seduce, and his eyes become alight with excitement.

  “Well, that sort of present will have to wait until later. This is a present you’ll be able to open in front of our child.”

  I blush fiercely, and he leans over to kiss me on top of my head while snickering lightly, as we make our way back out to the limo.

  “You already got me a present.” I hold my extravagant ring up. “I think this is more than enough.”

  He smiles his sweet, boyish grin, and then he shrugs.

  “The ring is a symbol, not a gift. It means you’re going to make me happy for the rest of our lives together.”

  “I think my heart just melted,” I murmur with wobbly knees, and he laughs lightly while shaking his head.

  “Maybe I have turned to mush after all.”

  He opens the door for me, letting me climb into the limo first to see a large, flat present on the far side. It’s wrapped in a crisp white with a red bow dressing it.

  I turn to wait for him to buckle Trip in, and he giddily takes my side as soon as he’s done. I love the excitement in his eyes as he wraps his arm around my shoulders.

  “I was going to give this to you the night of Trip’s party, but… well, I wanted you sober and happy—not drunk and pissed.”

  I blush again, and then I lean into him.

  “Well, I’m very sober and incredibly happy right now.”

  His smile only grows, and then he nudges me to gesture for me to open the present. Taking a deep breath, I tear the corner of the paper, and then I shred the front side to reveal the single most thoughtful gift anyone has ever given me.

  “My mother’s painting,” I barely whisper as my tears start falling.

  “This is just one of them. I bought them all for you. I’ve got them at the beach house.”

  “You were the buyer at the benefit? I thought it was some skinny, pale guy,” I murmur in a nearly inaudible, hoarse tone as my eyes gape at the picture I never thought I’d see again.

  “That skinny, pale guy is my secretary. I told you I hired a guy.”

  ***

  Tag

  I’ve never felt so good about anything in all my life. The expression on her face is worth more money than I could ever have in the bank.

  It’s not just a painting about nature—it’s her mother’s brushstrokes that bring a new life to the scene. It’s not the trees that bring her a piece of home—it’s her mother’s touch.

  The tears streaming down her face as she stares in awe in the painting she thought to have lost forever makes me feel alive. For once, I’m just happy. I’m not searching for anything at all—I’ve found it.

  “I love you,” she releases in a breath, and then she gently puts the painting down before throwing her arms around my neck.

  “I love you.”

  I have to clear my throat before I shed my own tears and lose all of my masculinity. She smiles and leans into me, as we both stare at the painting.

  “Well, this is officially the best first date ever.”

  I laugh so hard it physically hurts. I love her humor, her spirit, and her ability to make me smile all the time.

  “I’m glad. I worked really hard on this. I left with a girlfriend; I’ll return with a fiancée.”

  She giggles a little, and I tilt my head curiously.

  “What?”

  “It’s just… well, I was only a girlfriend for a few days. Now I’m a bride-to-be.”

  “I’d like for you to be a wife as soon as possible.”

  She pulls back, her eyes beguiled, and then she murmurs, “You really want to be married to me.”

  “Um, that’s kind of why I bought the ring and proposed,” I joke, and she smiles while blushing.

  “I just mean—you’re nothing like you were when I met you.”

  “I know. That’s why I love you.”

  Her lips attack mine as she climbs up to straddle me in her daring little dress. I grip her ass and jerk her to my pulsating middle, begging to get inside her, feel her tightness.

  Trip whimpers, reminding us this isn’t something a kid wants to see his parents doing, and Ash and I both laugh against each other’s lips.

  “I fully expect to finish this later.”

  “Definitely,” she promises as we turn down the driveway and head toward the house.

  She reaches over to start unbuckling Trip just as we park in front of the house. I step out first to hold the door open for her, and she leans against me as my arm wraps around her.

  Troy grabs the painting for us, and gingerly carries it inside, staying ahead of us. The door shuts behind him as my smile blooms.

  Trip coos as he plays with Ash’s hair, and I feel the excitement sparking as we walk through the door.

  ***

  Ashiara

  I squeal lightly as several unexpected suctioning pops ring out and champagne corks fly to the ceiling as we walk in. I start laughing happily when I see the assembly of ready-to-celebrate friends.

  “Congratulations!” they all scream in unison, excitement teeming in their tone.

  “Thanks,” I giggle while very dramatically flashing around my dazzling ring.

  “So, drink up. Trip is sleeping with us tonight so the two of you can really celebrate,” Shannon chirps while pouring a glass full of champagne and handing it to me.

  My eyes turn to meet the smolderin
g ones burning through me, and I murmur, “That sounds good,” in my sexiest voice.

  She pulls Trip from my arms just as Tag’s arms wrap around me and his lips devour mine. I throb for his touch to get stronger, and then his phone buzzes.

  “Don’t answer it,” I almost beg.

  “I have to. Security has to call me if anything is wrong.”

  I huff and pout, making him smile and kiss me quickly before answering.

  “Yeah, Troy, what’s going on?” He pauses for several seconds, and then his lips tighten, promising our moment of celebration is about to be soured. “Yeah. Send him on through.”

  “What’s wrong?” I ask as soon as he pulls the phone down.

  “The detective is here.”

  Crap.

  He turns around just as Troy opens the door, and in walks the stern-faced detective.

  “I’m sorry to bother you so late, but we’ve just had something come to light.”

  “Did you finally find Rene? She was supposed to come back from Vegas a while ago.”

  “Sorry, we believe someone must have tipped her off because she hasn’t returned home, and she has stopped using her credit cards.”

  Tag tilts his head curiously.

  “Then why are you here?”

  “Because there has been something else come up that I need to speak with Ms. Branderwood about.”

  Tag’s arm wraps around me very protectively. With our celebration officially halted, Tag ushers him into the living area across the way. He pulls me beside him on the couch as the detective sits across from us.

  The others slowly retreat to a hiding place to give us some privacy, though I feel a little deserted.

  “What’s this all about, Detective?” Tag asserts, his patience growing thin.

  “I’ll be blunt. Dyllan Mathews was discovered dead six months ago.”

  What?