“It’s settled then, you should be at home where you want to be. I’m serious, though, when I say I want you to do what makes you happy.” Greg reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“Good, because I like our lives. We’ve worked hard to find a descent balance. I do think I will want to come back when the twins start school, though. Without them at home with me, I would get bored too easily.”
“I couldn’t agree more, hon. I need to head back inside and wrap this day up. Are you going to be all right if I head in?” Greg rose and gathered their trash.
“Yep. It’s time to pick up Dylan and Daphne, so I need to get moving as well.” Valerie stood to give Greg a hug and kiss before they went their separate ways, continuing on with their day. “I’ll see you at home tonight. I love you.”
“Be safe, honey. Love you, too.”
As usual, with four kids in the house, Valerie and Greg’s evening was filled with homework, dinner, baths, bedtime stories, and anything else the kids could manage to throw their way. Valerie grabbed a glass of wine and a couple of beers for Greg and Gary. They relaxed in the family room for a bit, each chatting about their day.
“How’s the job hunt going?” Greg asked his brother.
“I’ve put in applications everywhere. Literally. I’m hoping to get a few calls back this week. I didn’t think it would take this long to find a job. Hell, I’d be happy with any job as long as it came with a paycheck.” Gary nursed his beer, spending more time looking at it than drinking it.
“I’m glad you said that. I’ve been thinking a lot about it lately and I think you should come work for me.” Greg aimed for his most nonchalant tone.
“Ehhh, not that I don’t love you, little brother, but I can’t see me working for you. You’d drive me nuts, and I’d probably have to kill you. I don’t think Valerie wants to be a widow just yet,” Gary joked.
“You wouldn’t be working for me directly. There are several vacant positions right now, some we’ve had a hard time filling for one reason or another. You wouldn’t be one of my direct reports. You would have your own manager and director.” Greg explained more about the job, the hours, the pay, and benefits.
“I can’t deny that it’s the best offer I’ve ever had. Is there a catch? Will others be upset if I start off with a salary like that?” Gary placed his valid concerns on the table.
“That’s the starting salary for the positions, no matter who fills them. It’s not a special salary for you, so don’t think of it like that. In fact, if you say yes, there won’t be any special perks for you. You’ll probably have to work harder just to prove yourself. There will be some that grumble about you being hired, but after a while they will get used to you being there. The fact that we’re twins will fade into the background,” Greg explained.
“And if I mess something up, you won’t be in my face screaming at me like you used to when we were kids?” Gary asked cautiously.
Greg chuckled. “No, I won’t have anything at all to do with your job or managing you. It will be just like any other place you work. The only difference would be my signature on the paychecks.”
“What do you think of all this, Val?” Gary turned his attention to Valerie, waiting for her response.
“Well, I think it’s a great job offer and you could do well there if you don’t get distracted by the trash that always seems to find you. One thing to consider is the offer is for a career, not just another dead-end job. With hard work and dedication, you can move up through the ranks, just like everyone else. The pay is steady, you’ll have medical and dental, paid vacation time, sick days, holiday pay, and a 401K. If I’m not mistaken, all of the open positions offer a signing bonus as well. Meaning if you sign on for a year, you get a bonus. If you mess up in that one year period and get fired or quit, you’d be responsible for paying it back.” The years Valerie spent running the Human Resources Department paid off. She may not work in the office anymore, but she built the department from the ground up. When all of the kids were in school during the day, she looked forward to returning.
“The signing bonus would be enough to get you back on your feet again,” Greg added.
The discussion continued well into the evening. Greg summarized the different job openings, along with the requirements, giving Gary a lot to think about. They discussed Gary’s need for job training and the fact that he would be coming into the company at a disadvantage. Again, Greg and Valerie assured him with hard work, he could do anything he set his mind to. What they offered was a fresh start and a promise for a future. Something he had never had.
Though he swore he’d never work for his brother, deep down Gary knew the offer was his best bet. For him, it was the chance of a lifetime. From the sounds of it, Greg would have nothing to do with his job and that was probably for the best. Gary knew he’d never be able to take orders from Greg. He called it the older child syndrome, even if he was only forty-seven seconds older.
Greg had offered him a job in the past, but he never took the offers seriously. Hell, if he was honest with himself, he never imagined that Greg would grow the company to the level he had. His chest swelled with pride for his little brother and the life he created. Could he create a good life for himself one day?
Tired of living day to day with no real plan for the future, Gary let his mind wander and he considered the possibilities of a new life. What would it be like to have a decent house instead of a crappy apartment? A decent wife instead of my latest bar conquest? Kids running around?
Through the years, Gary held on to a decent amount of envy when it came to his brother, even as kids. Greg seemed to have a plan for everything while Gary lived life by the seat of his pants, never knowing what the next day would bring. Greg always seemed to have his shit together. Gary, on the other hand, screwed everything up on a regular basis. Maybe it was time for a change. What did he have to lose?
One month later the house was quiet, peaceful. Valerie and Greg relaxed over take-out, worn out from helping Gary move. He’d accepted the job offer and was off to a good start. He liked what he had already learned and was eager to do more. Greg breathed easier with each day that passed, knowing his brother was finally taking responsibility for his own actions and own life. Not that he didn’t enjoy his brother’s company, but he was happy as hell when Gary announced that he’d found a nice little place of his own. It wasn’t the house that he began to dream of, but it was a decent townhouse in a nice neighborhood close to the office.
The kids were all tucked in safe and sound for the night at grandma’s house. “When was the last time we were totally alone in the house?” Valerie snuggled up to her husband.
He thought about it for a minute, then another. Coming up blank. “You know, I have no idea. God, has it been that long?”
“Crazy, right? It’s amazing how it used to be, just doing whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted. We used to wonder what it would be like to have kids. Now I can’t imagine not having the kids.”
“It’s funny how things like that work, isn’t it.” Greg pulled her onto his lap, holding her a little tighter than necessary. “How should we spend our evening? Do you want to go out on the town for the evening or stay in? I’ll leave it up to you, I’m fine with either.”
Valerie leaned in for a kiss, stopping just short, teasing. “Hmmm. As much fun as a night on the town sounds, I’d rather stay home. If that’s okay?”
“Mmmm, I like the idea of that.” Tired of waiting for her to make her move, Greg’s hand snaked around her neck, hauling her in for a kiss. When she gasped in surprise, Greg dove in for the kill. His tongue slipped in, caressing hers as his firm hold on her continued assaulting her senses. Sensual moans poured from Valerie’s mouth to his, adding fuel to the fire.
Greg’s erection strained against his jeans, begging for freedom. Needing to feel her soft warm skin against his, he released his hold long enough to tug her tank top over her head. With expert fingers, he swiftly released the clasp
on the front of her lacy bra, exposing her hardened nipples.
Euphoric moans flew from Valerie’s mouth when Greg’s tongue flicked over one of her nipples then the other. Her fingers tangled in his hair, holding him close as he licked and sucked each. Tingles of need raced to her core with each light nibble. She begged for more when his fingers slipped below her shorts, finding her wet and ready.
“I need to taste your sweetness.” Greg flipped her onto her back, quickly stripping her bare.
“Oh God,” was the only thing Valerie could manage to say when Greg’s mouth descended upon her at a furious pace. Like a man starved, he devoured her. His tongue plunging deep inside of her, making her body shake as she called for more.
“Mmmm…this is what I wanted, to taste you…so fucking good. Like candy.”
Valerie bucked against him when he plunged two fingers into her tightness. Her hips jolted off the couch as his mouth found her already sensitive bundle of nerves.
“Baby, you’re going to make me come.” Her breaths coming short and quick. Her head tossed from side to side. Every nerve in her body ready to snap as his fingers pumped inside of her faster and harder, hitting her sweet spot with each pass. Rocking her hips one last time, pushing herself harder on to his fingers, her climax burst from her. Valerie’s legs trembled as Greg kept the momentum up, pushing her to a second release in a matter of minutes.
“That’s it, honey. I love to watch you come. So fucking sexy.” Greg sat back on his heels, admiring his handy work. “Touch yourself,” he ordered in a husky voice.
“Mmmm, like this?” Valerie’s fingers circled her nub before plunging deep inside of herself.
“Yes, like that.” Greg stroked his cock, watching in awe. The picture Valerie painted was the most erotic vision to meet his eyes. “Tell me what you want,” another command.
“You,” her fingers picked up speed. “Please, I want to feel you inside of me before I come again. Please, baby.”
“Get on your knees.”
Barely a whisper, yet Valerie obeyed without a word. Leaning her shoulders against the couch, she raised her ass. A clear invitation. Several needy whimpers sprang from her lips as Greg positioned himself behind her. Teasing her at first, sliding the tip of his cock over her entrance before quickly pulling back.
With a punishing grip on her hips, Greg slammed home. Valerie gasped in surprise when he did it again. She clutched the side of the couch for support, bracing for another forceful thrust. Shock filled her when his palm landed on her ass as he drove deep into her again. The sting sending pulses of awareness through her like she had never felt, sending her spiraling once again. She cried out when he repeated the action. The sting was a bit more biting the second time around.
“I love the flush of your skin when I slap your ass.” A loud crack sounded as he did it a third time.
Every inch of Valerie’s body heightened with sensitivity. In all their years of marriage Greg had never once spanked her. They talked about it on occasion and he’d threatened to do it over the years, but it never happened. At the time she was thankful because she didn’t think she would like it…but this…this feeling. Incredible. She could only describe it with one single word. There was nothing like it.
Greg leaned into her, nibbling on her shoulder, moving his mouth to her back before whispering in her ear. “I think someone likes that. You were nice and wet before, but now you’re soaked.”
“Yes.” A simple answer was all she could respond with as he grabbed the back of her hair, tilting her head back, pumping harder.
“I may need to spank you more often. You’re always such a naughty girl.”
Valerie’s body shook beneath Greg one last time as he felt her tighten around his cock, squeezing him, pulling him deeper inside. Needing to find his own release, he pounded her harder, faster until he couldn’t hold back. His seed jetting from his body.
Valerie’s arms could no longer support the weight of both her and Greg. In a fit of giggles she crashed to the couch, knocking Greg to the floor.
“Laugh it up, honey. I’m counting all the infractions you’ll need to be spanked for in the near future.”
Greg and Valerie’s life soon returned to normal with Gary’s departure. The afternoon quickies were officially back on the books, but sometimes they strayed to the office to keep things interesting. Oh…and their evenings were often hot and steamy as well. Their love life kept them connected as lovers, but more importantly, as a couple.
Gary loved his new job and busily worked hard to prove himself. His life was coming together quite nicely and his future has never been more promising. One of the girls in Finance was actively vying for his attention.
The rest of the couples of Éveiller drive still had their ups and downs, but one thing they could always and unequivocally count on was the support of their friends. They hadn’t found a problem they couldn’t work through together. Their weekly coffee meetings continued and each cherished the time they made for each other. Some days were filled with laughs, other days were filled with heartache and sorrow. Whatever it was, the women held each other up, even at their lowest.
Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. There are plenty of stormy days for each and every one of us, but that’s the way life often works. Live for the good days, taking the bad with a grain of salt knowing better days will soon follow. Surround yourself with family and friends who are there for you no matter what.
—Melanie
Jamie’s Hash Brown Casserole
Ingredients:
1 bag of frozen shredded potatoes
1 can cream of chicken soup
½ stick of butter or margarine
3 tablespoons of sour cream
1 small sweet onion diced
10 ounces of mild cheddar cheese shredded
1 teaspoon of pepper
½ teaspoon of salt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees
Spray a large glass casserole dish with cooking spray
Combine all ingredients and stir thoroughly
Bake for 40 minutes, stirring every fifteen minutes.
Laura’s Homemade Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Ingredients:
8 sliced or diced Apples
2/3 cup of Brown Sugar
2 tsp of Cinnamon
2 cups of Steeled Oats
4 cups of Water
Instructions:
Place sliced or diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon in the bottom of the crockpot. Add oatmeal and water. Cover crockpot. Do not stir. Cook on low heat for 8 hours. For best results, add up to two teaspoons of milk for each individual bowl along with a pinch of cinnamon on top.
Ashley’s Quick and Easy Sausage Gravy & Biscuits
Ingredients:
1 Pound sausage
4 Tablespoons of all purpose flour, heaping
5 Cups 2% milk
½ Teaspoon salt
1 Teaspoon pepper
1 Can Pillsbury biscuits
Instructions:
Bake biscuits as directed on the package. In a large pan fry sausage until it is no longer pink. Add flour, one tablespoon at a time. This will leave it looking almost like a sausage paste. Pour in milk. Add salt and pepper. Cook on high, stirring occasionally until it begins to boil. Reduce heat to medium low, stirring continually until gravy thickens, usually 5-8 minutes. Remove from heat.
Open warm biscuits and carefully spoon sausage gravy over the top.
Valerie’s Maple Pecan French Toast
Ingredients:
4 Eggs
1 Teaspoon of vanilla
1 Teaspoon of maple syrup
1 Tablespoon of cinnamon
4 Ounces of pecans - crushed or finely chopped
8 Slices of sourdough bread
Instructions:
Preheat griddle to 350 degrees. Spray with Pam. In a medium bowl, crack and beat eggs until fluffy. (About 1 minute with a wire whisk) Whisk in vanilla, maple syrup, cin
namon, and pecans. Dip each slice of bread in to mixture, fully coating both sides. Place on hot griddle for approximately 2 minutes then flip leaving on for an additional two minutes. Remove from griddle and top with your favorite syrup.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melanie James is the internationally bestselling author of more than a dozen books. She grew up in western Pennsylvania before heading off to Chicago seeking new adventures. She found that life in a big city was fun for a while and even met the love of her life there. Melanie quickly tired of hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle and settled down with her one true love in northeast Wisconsin.
Melanie has two kids, three step-kids, a beautiful daughter in-law, and the cutest grandbaby. She also has two dogs and two cats that often make appearances in her books.
She loves to hear from her readers and fans. You can connect with her online:
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Éveiller Drive Complete Boxed Set Page 19