“What do you mean, no?” Lacey frowned, propping hands on her hips.
“You are not getting six more months to plan our wedding. You’ve got two months, max, and that’s being generous.”
“You can’t be serious! We are having a formal ceremony; do you have any idea the amount of work involved to make that happen by then?”
He shrugged and moved his ruler to another area on the paper. “As far as I’m concerned, we can call the preacher and get married today.”
Blood rushed to her face. It took everything in her not to knock the smug look off the face of the stubborn man she was going to marry. If he was lucky. “And have to explain our elopement to my mother, who is driving me crazier than any psychotic client I’ve ever had in the month since we got engaged? No way.”
His jaw hardened until the muscle started jumping. “Sixty more days is all you get, and your time’s ticking. You do this for a living; make it happen,” Rye advised, his arrogance on ready display.
Fury shot through her and required all the restraint she could muster to keep calm. “It’s easy for you to say. All you have to do is choose a groom’s cake, and you haven’t even completed that one task.” She bristled. Really that was unfair considering how much he had helped her in the past and how full his hands were right now, but oh well.
“Okay,” he said, giving her his full attention for the first time since she’d walked into his office. “What kind of cakes do grooms usually have?”
“Normally it’s a chocolate cake with or without filling shaped like something you love, like a football or a fish or a guitar or whatever. We have to let the pastry chef know what you want as soon as possible.”
A devilish glint sparkled in his eyes. “It can be my favorite thing?”
“Yes,” she snapped.
“I want it in the shape of a cat with cream filling.”
“A cat? You don’t like cats!”
“Yes, I do. That way I can eat some chocolate pussy and lick some sweet cream before our honeymoon,” he said with a straight face. He’d teased her without mercy since she’d told him about the phrase.
“What you fail to recognize, smart-ass, is you won’t be the only one eating the chocolate pussy. Lots of men at the reception will want a piece,” she said through clenched teeth before leaving without saying good-bye.
It had taken a week, but she’d finally engaged a wedding planner. After several more days, the planner had secured contracts with another caterer, a photographer, dress designer, and florist. Lacey’s relief was almost tangible when it seemed she’d be able to pull her dream wedding together without losing her mind. Or harming her fiancé. Ironically, with the tight planning window Rye had given her, she hadn’t spent much time with him the past couple of weeks.
She jumped when her phone buzzed in her pocket. It was Paula.
“I didn’t want to bother you, but I need your help. Rye is driving everybody insane. He’s acting worse than when you two broke up,” Paula whispered as if she was afraid of being overheard.
Lacey sighed and rolled her shoulders in an effort to relax. “Don’t worry, Paula; I’m actually in your building. I need to take care of something real quick, and I’ll be there. Take a long lunch, and by the time you get back, I promise he’ll be a lot more cordial.”
“The quicker you get here, the better,” Paula implored in the same hushed tone.
The elevator opened into the basement level of Hanover Logistics. With a purposeful stride, Lacey wove through the maze of cubicles and workstations until she arrived at the mail room. Nodding to the security guard with whom she’d prearranged access to the area, she walked straight in. The sole employee sorting the mail, intently focused on her task, was just the person she needed to see. Numerous boxes crowding the area seemed to indicate the job would be repetitive, boring, and would take a long time to complete. This was a far cry from the excitement of the engineering department where, according to Rye, the crews “stopped explosions before they happened.”
“Hello,” Lacey said in a pleasant voice.
Natalie Hanover looked up and gave a startled gasp. The girl had been allowed to return to the Atlanta office just days ago, but only after making retribution to Lacey and Rye for her sabotage. And after accepting a demotion.
“I won’t take much of your time,” Lacey said and placed her left hand on the worktable between them, putting her engagement ring on display. “You’ve probably heard Rye is marrying the ‘chocolate-covered help’ he was fooling around with. Out of respect for your father, a wedding invitation was addressed to the entire Hanover family, which includes you. If you choose to attend, fine. However, if you so much as bat a fake eyelash too hard or do anything else to disrupt our ceremony, I will come up out of my gown and kick your ass myself. Then I’ll make sure you’re shipped off to a place that will make your stay in Canton seem like a party. Understand?”
Eyes as wide as saucers, Natalie nodded.
“Good.” Lacey smiled and headed toward the elevator. Once she reached the door, she paused and then turned back around. “By the way, if you decide to come, you might want to see your colorist first.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Your roots are showing.”
Lacey mentally checked that task off her list. Then she took quick steps to catch the elevator; her presence was needed on the fifth floor where Rye worked. His department would remain in this building until Pinnacle Development finished the new facility in a few weeks.
As stealthy as a Navy SEAL, she entered Rye’s spacious office, locked the door, and watched her fine husband-to-be at work. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, and his tie was loose. Right on schedule, a jolt of love worked through her. It happened every time she saw him, especially if he was showing some skin. Barking curt orders into the phone cradled between his shoulder and jaw, he juggled huge sets of blueprints on a drafting table at the same time. She stood for a moment and enjoyed the view. Just as he raked a hand through his already mussed hair, he looked up and saw her standing next to his plush sofa. In nothing but a hot-pink thong.
“I’ll call you back,” he muttered before simply dropping the phone to the floor.
He walked over to her and grasped her hips. “You must have known how badly I needed you,” he said before capturing her mouth with his.
Yes, she knew, because she was equally frustrated and horny and needy as he was.
Minutes later, writhing and moaning on the pullout mattress, she reached around him and grabbed a condom she’d stashed on the back of the sofa.
Through his arousal, his scowl was fierce. “What the fuck is that for?”
Lacey rolled her eyes. “This is not about trust. This is because it’s noontime, I have to go back to work, and I am not walking around the rest of the day with your cum running down my legs.”
“Fuck,” he grated and then applied the latex before sinking his hard cock so deep her legs started shaking. He groaned as he rocked, swirled, and then plunged into her depths. He bent her knee to rest near her ear, opening her even more for his marauding dick. She convulsed as her orgasm assaulted her.
“Rye, so good. So good.”
“That’s it, baby. Come for me. I love it when that pussy grabs my cock,” he muttered as he speared into her like a madman. Two hard, deep strokes later, he groaned his pleasure, and she felt his warm seed through the rubber.
Tears threatened at the backs of Lacey’s eyes when the French doors were opened, and she caught the first glimpse of her friend, lover, protector, husband waiting for her on the elegant, flower-laden platform overlooking the lake in her parents’ backyard. Their official ceremony was last night at the church with them, their parents, and Reverend Thurston presiding, but the wedding was about to take place on the clear, crisp Saturday afternoon in November.
Perfectly coiffed and beautiful, Lisa in magenta, Monica in emerald, and Ally in bright orange, her maids of honor and bridesmaid had strolled down the aisle. When her three attendants sto
od together, they were a colorful bouquet, as Lacey had envisioned. She’d watched the entire procession from her parents’ bedroom, hidden behind her mother’s heirloom quality lace curtains. She was probably the only bride in the whole world who wasn’t missing the best part of her wedding as suggested by her awesome wedding coordinator. Before chancing Rye spotting her, though, she’d stepped back from the window and made her way down the hall to meet her father.
Family and friends were gathered, but she couldn’t disconnect from Rye’s heated gaze long enough to smile at their guests. In her handmade, bustier-style fitted gown, she held on to her father’s arm and started the long walk down the petal-covered aisle toward her future. Toward Rye. He looked devastatingly handsome in his cream evening suit, white silk shirt, and tie. Likewise, best man Jackson McKay and groomsmen Kyle and Logan were dapper and well-appointed.
A plethora of thoughts raced through her mind as she recalled how they’d arrived at this place on this blessed day. Scenes from their unexpected beginning the night of the mayor’s fund-raiser to their rehearsal dinner two nights ago surfaced. There, she and Rye had presented a check to her parents as a 100 percent return on their investment plus interest for funding the start-up of the Thymes, which was operating solidly in the black. Then they gave Monica a deed to the building on the east side of the Thymes for use as an art gallery or anything she chose. Through tears Monica asked if Rye would display some of his beautiful wood creations alongside her original artwork. He agreed on condition of anonymity.
Now their public-ceremony day was here, and happiness permeated her very soul. Her tears of contentment flowed when Rye walked toward them to retrieve her from her father before he was supposed to, like he couldn’t wait a second longer. He helped her onto the platform and assisted Lisa and Monica as they arranged the long train attached to the pearl-encrusted winter-white gown. She wasn’t nervous at all in front of the crowd of two hundred, because everything felt so right. Her voice steady and sincere, she reaffirmed her vow to love her husband.
Epilogue
“Lacey, it’s time to go,” Rye bellowed through the intercom.
“Hold your horses. I’m coming,” she retorted before making her way to the first floor. He was right. Sometimes she lost track of time when sitting in the beautiful sunroom situated in the third floor of their new home. They’d moved in almost eight months ago after returning from a two-week Hawaiian honeymoon, thanks to her brother’s diligence. As a result of her urging, Rye forgave his best friend after she pointed out he probably wouldn’t be too enthusiastic about Kyle fooling around with Jensen. Kyle’s only request was if Rye ever referred to “tapping some ass,” he’d better be talking about smacking a mule, not about any freaky actions with Lacey. So far, so good.
The panoramic sunroom addition was yet another wedding present from Kyle, and she and Rye loved it. Instead of being on ground level like most solariums, theirs was located above everything so they could experience the full effect of the lake and the lush, landscaped grounds from a bird’s-eye view. Today she was working on a new to-do list while her husband prepared the boat. They were taking the five-minute ride across the lake to celebrate Independence Day with the Bishops; they’d spent the previous evening with the senior McKays.
“What were you doing? I do not want the wrath of Lena on me because we’re late,” he reminded her.
“I was making a new goals list,” she chirped.
“Oh, yeah?” His smile was mischievous. “Can I see it?”
Although reluctant, she handed her planner to him, casting her suspicious gaze on him. She didn’t buy into the whole “what’s hers was his” line of thinking. Some things were hers alone, but she decided to share today.
Rye took the pen and then added another item to the list before handing it back to her.
She looked at it and shrieked. Stepping close to him, she wrapped her arms around his corded neck. “You are so nasty,” she whispered.
“And you better love it. Are you game?” he asked with a knowing smile.
“Let me grab my bag.”
Rye reared his head back and laughed. “I knew you couldn’t resist a challenge!”
“You’re late,” her mother grumbled as soon as Rye secured the cruiser and they stepped off the pier. Lacey shook her head and laughed, then tilted her face to accept her mother’s kiss. Pride coursed through her as her mother brushed her lips against Rye’s cheek as well. Except for the occasional flare-up when her mother wasn’t receiving enough attention, Lacey couldn’t ask for a better relationship between her husband and her mother.
“Mom, we’re ten minutes early,” Lacey said wryly.
Her mother pursed her lips in a way that let Lacey know she’d been anxious about their arrival. “Whatever. Everyone’s here, including your parents, Ryder. There will be a fireworks show after dinner. Your father’s been driving me crazy getting the display together.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine, Mom,” Lacey said and tried not to reveal her pleasure when Rye entwined his fingers in hers. She’d been on the edge since he’d issued a delicious dare before leaving their house. In fact, even on the ride over, she wasn’t able to resist stepping behind her husband and wrapping her arms around his waist as he navigated their ride. She’d barely managed to jerk her hands from the front pockets of his cargo shorts before anyone in her parents’ backyard could see how naughty she was being.
But she couldn’t control herself.
Just like when they first got together, she was always on fire for him. Never in her most far-fetched musings could she have imagined being as happy as she was. He was a great life partner, husband, friend, and oh, God, the best lover. If more than two days went by without him “taking what was his,” then he more than made up for it on the next round. Her center was still throbbing from the workout he’d given her this morning, and she wanted more.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you, your Uncle Nate just made it, so get ready,” her mother said, interrupting Lacey’s cloud trip.
Lacey laughed at Rye’s anguished groan.
They ambled up the slight hill of the backyard, greeting family and most of the Lakeview population along the way. No sooner than they’d spoken to the elder McKays and were heading toward the food tent, Lacey’s great-uncle Nate—Katie’s brother—appeared beside them.
He adjusted his glasses before pulling up his high-water plaid pants. Uncle Nate scrutinized Rye from head to toe.
“Boy, you still hanging round here?”
“Yes, Uncle Nate, still here,” Rye replied, amusement sparkling in his eyes.
“You still married—”
Rye gave a quick nod. “Still married to Baby Girl.”
Uncle Nate tilted his head to the side and narrowed his rheumy eyes. “And I see you’re still—”
“Still white, Uncle Nate,” Rye confirmed and shot Lacey a glare when she giggled.
“You know I’m watching you, doncha, boy?”
Rye gave another quick nod. “Yes, sir.”
“You know back in my day, the blacks didn’t mix with the whites, and it was against the…”
Lacey leaned closer to Rye and stood on her toes until her mouth was over his ear. “I’m tingling in places I can’t reach. You think you can follow me inside and give me a hand?”
Rye’s nose flared, and a roguish smile claimed his lips. “Uncle Nate, can you excuse us? My wife needs my help with something, and I’d better go or I’ll get in trouble.”
Before Uncle Nate could respond, Rye grabbed her hand, and they made brisk work of crossing the backyard and easing through the back door of the house.
In a couple of minutes, they were in her old room. She stripped off her clothes as Rye made sure the door was closed and locked.
Rye’s laughter stopped when he turned around and saw her. “Shit, baby, you’re beautiful.”
Not saying a word, she stepped to him and eased his T-shirt over his head. Hands trembling, she unbuttoned and unzipped his
shorts. They fell to the floor. Most convenient, he didn’t have on a stitch of underwear. She looked at him and frowned.
“What? It saved time, didn’t it?”
Deciding to let him slide this time, she pulled his head down until their lips met. A helpless whimper left her throat at the taste of him. So familiar. So hers.
Rye worked his tongue into her mouth and took over the kiss. But not willing to give up all control, she wrapped her tongue around his until they were performing an erotic duel. Soon his mouth burned a trail down her neck to suck on her breast propped up in his hand. Quite noticeably, her breath quickened, and her feminine folds moistened and fluttered in her need for him. The nipple he was pulling on peaked to diamond hardness.
“Do you know how much I love you?” he muttered around the stiff bud.
She nodded and cried out at the pleasure blasting through her core.
“I can’t get enough of you,” he continued. He fell to his knees and, after propping her thigh over his shoulder, attached his mouth to her hungry pussy.
“Ah, God.” Fearing she’d alert the neighborhood to how well her husband was eating her out, she made a fist and pushed it against her mouth. She gripped the silky strands of his hair with her other hand to keep from falling, and to push him closer to her swollen womanhood.
“Baby, you’re so fucking wet for me. Damn,” he groaned and then, in the most sensual move she’d ever seen, sucked up the cream between her legs. When the very tip of his tongue speared her clit, she lost it. Uncontrollable spasms shook her being, and she came so hard she collapsed on top of him.
But even as good as it was, she wanted more. “Baby, hurry…”
“Hold on. I’ll be there,” he muttered. He snagged an afghan from the bed she’d had since she was a college freshman and threw it on the carpeted floor. Then, moving carefully but with haste, he lowered her until she lay prone on the soft cover.
“What? You scared of getting some in the bed?” she managed to goad through her heaving breaths.
Taste of Lacey Page 19