by D. A. Young
“Hello, my little star. How’s Auntie’s baby? I missed you so much! I can’t wait to see your face when you see what Santa brought you. Have you been good? What am I saying? Auntie is so silly! You’ve been more than good, because you are always perfect!” Sidra cooed softly. “Guess what? I’m going to stay a little while with you! When I leave again, I’ll be gone for a while and will miss you something fierce! So we are going to make the most of my time here, before I go.”
Sidra eyes filled with tears and wetness trickled down her face. Reluctantly, she pulled her hand away from Ruby and pressed them to her face. She fought back a sob, as she tried to stifle her tears. It was always hard to go on a trip and leave her girls as she was closer to them than her own family. But now there was Ruby and…Casey. Leaving him would be the hardest. These last few weeks with no communication had been hell for her, even though it was by her own choice.
When it came to life, Sidra was a fierce warrior, driven and determined to go for hers, in everything…except love. That was her Achilles heel. She would never be successful at it, and there was no point in trying. It was something that had been proven time and time again, first with her father, and now with Casey Sullivan.
In the beginning of their hookup, it was Sidra to initiate the secrecy. Because when it ended and it would, Sidra wanted to be able to save face and put herself back together in private. Casey’s ready agreement to secrecy was the first crack in her heart. It was an indication that he would never take them seriously. Every meeting after that added another crack.
In high school during anatomy class, while other students had been fascinated by what the human heart could do, Sidra was not. What boggled her mind was what it could endure. From unbearable heartbreak and being split in two, to flat out being ripped out and stomped on, yep, the human heart was pretty gangster, the true definition of a ride or die.
Suddenly the room was filled with The Goo Goo Dolls “Iris” as her phone rang. Frantically, Sidra searched for it in her pocket, trying to silence it. Jack would be all over her ass if his precious baby woke up ahead of schedule. Papa Bear did not play around about anything when it came to his cub. Just as her hand touched her phone, it stopped ringing. Sidra breathed a sigh of relief, but it was short-lived.
“So your phone does work.”
Shocked to hear the raspy, southern drawl that invaded her dreams nightly, Sidra whirled around to see Casey sitting in the corner rocking chair. He sat elegantly with his right ankle resting on his left knee. His hands lightly tapped the chair’s arms. With the exception of the anger etched tightly into his face, she would have thought he was the epitome of relaxed. Greedily, her eyes devoured his fine ass up.
“Are you out of your mind?” she hissed softly. “Your brother would have had my behind for breakfast if Ruby woke up!”
“Why haven’t I heard from you? Were you even going to say anything to me about leaving? Or since you’ve decided that we’re not talking, I’d have to hear it from anyone but you?” Casey asked tonelessly, ignoring her tirade.
“Why are you just sitting there in the corner anyways? Don’t you think it’s rude to eavesdrop on someone’s conversation?” Sidra hissed, turning away to frantically wipe at her face. She was irritated and annoyed to be caught crying. Damn, she just knew she looked a hot mess.
Casey begged to differ. After not seeing her for so long, it was like seeing her for the first time, all over again. Her smooth, chocolate skin and large almond shaped eyes complemented high cheekbones, a snub nose, and luscious, bee-stung lips. Her black curls were straightened into sleek layers against her shoulders, and he could see the electric blue and dark purple streaks clearer now. Long bangs covered her perfect forehead. Casey’s dick started to throb as he remembered the tall slender body, perfectly curved in all the right places, underneath the poncho and slacks she wore.
“I wasn’t eavesdropping. I was sitting here minding my own business,” he retorted irritably. “You’re the one that came in here without looking around and started playing taxi cab confessions. Now answer my questions.”
“I don’t think my traveling plans are any of your business,” Sidra replied evenly. “That was never part of our agreement. “
“That’s right. Our agreement was that we do this if we are in the same city, correct?” Casey asked silkily as he rose swiftly out of the chair and crossed the room to stand in front of her. He didn’t even know how he was capable of moving, because the understanding that she wanted to walk away from what little there was between them, damn near paralyzed him with pain. He wasn’t enough and would never be for her. The realization almost crippled him.
Silently, Sidra watched him approach. Although she loved his suit game, he wasn’t too shabby in country boy couture either with the Timberland boots, cardigan, and denim shirt. His unique scent engulfed her, and she just wanted to bury her face in his neck and beg him to take her; to forever hold her tight and never let her go. But that was a fairytale, and she knew better. Barton’s didn’t do fairytales. Ever. Sidra raised her chin defiantly, “That’s correct. I did say that, but I’m no longer interested in this relationship anymore. I’ve already moved on and so should you.”
He leaned down to whisper hotly in her ear. “You don’t have to worry about Jack and your sexy little ass. I’ve already reserved the right to tear said ass up. We’ll be going to your room now, darlin’. When we get there, you’re going to strip and take me into your mouth, since that seems to be the only way to shut you up. Then I’m going to feast on you because I am starving, and thanks to your selfishness, I’ve been denied my favorite meal for way too long. Afterwards, I plan on fucking the crazy out of you, long and hard, until you are too tired to remember what you were talking about. Do you see the pattern? Either way the crazy talk stops. Am I clear?”
Sidra could hardly breathe by the time Casey’s panty-soaking speech ended. Her breasts were aching to be touched by him, and her pussy was tingling in anticipation. She was ready to run down the hall and do his bidding. Standing so closely, they were swallowing each other’s exhales. To be this close and not touch was unheard of for them. Her eyes dropped briefly, and the thick bulge in his pants confirmed that he was as hard as she was wet. Licking her lips she whispered, “Do you think…. maybe you… could be mad later?”
Casey’s hand shot out and cupped the nape of her neck, gently pulling her into his familiar warmth. His other arm held her waist in place as his firm lips covered hers in a voracious kiss that demanded her complete surrender. She acquiesced by letting him in, their tongues tangling as their passion increased. He spoke into her mouth, “So you missed me, huh?”
Sidra’s reached one arm up to slide around his neck and the other down to his crotch, where she lovingly caressed his cock through his jeans. Casey groaned into her mouth and pressed himself further into her skilled hand. The kiss escalated from blazing hot to raging inferno. “Not.” Kiss. “One.” Kiss. “Bit.”
He pulled back with a raised eyebrow, “Then why is your ringtone my favorite song?”
Sidra scowled at him, and then pulled his head back down to suck on his bottom lip, her strokes on his cock steadily increasing. Casey shuddered and slid a palm underneath her poncho to pluck a turgid nipple. Sidra moaned into his lips. “Correct me if I’m wrong, which I never am, but I believe I mentioned I liked that song too.”
There was a slight whimper and then another, but it wasn’t coming from either one of them. The noise was coming from the crib where Ruby was tossing and turning in her sleep. Horrified, they jumped away from each other with shocked eyes. They were so far gone, they’d forgotten about Ruby. But it was always like that when they were together, so consumed by their need for one another, everything else fell away. They were addicts and each other’s drug of choice. Casey raked his fingers through his hair in frustration.
“Christ. I’m sorry about this happenin’ here, but I’m not sorry it did. We’re finishing this later.”
Without ans
wering him, Sidra turned on shaky legs and fled the room for the safety of her own room. Casey watched her leave before reaching into the crib to soothe Ruby back to sleep. He left the room shaking his head with irritation. Some people just had to learn everything the hard way.
Chapter Seven
After Holt escorted her to the door, he took off to help Guy with payroll. Noelle entered her home and was relieved to finally be out of the chilly weather. Immediately she relaxed in the warmth of her kitchen, as the savory smells wafting from the oven enveloped her. She was relieved to know, not that she doubted him, that Jack had been diligently keeping an eye on dinner while she completed her tasks today. Her man was definitely a keeper.
She noticed something new on the counter, next to Holt’s Swedish cookies, that wasn’t there this morning. It was a two-foot-tall Christmas tree decorated with red, glittering, initial ornaments, in the letters N, J, and R. The little star at the top held a picture of her, Jack, and Ruby when she was first born. Noelle’s heart spilled over with love, and she went to go see her husband, knowing exactly where he would be.
She paused in the doorway of the huge family room and smiled. The only light in the room came from the fireplace and the beautifully-decorated, twelve-foot-tall Christmas tree that Jack was standing in front of, staring at it contemplatively. Noelle watched as he tilted his head from one side to the other, as if trying to make a decision. Finally, he stuck a hand out towards the tree but stopped when he heard her voice.
“Don’t you dare change one single thing on that tree, Jackson Sullivan,” Noelle said firmly, walking up to stand beside him. Slipping her arm through his, she leaned against him, reveling in his strength and solidness. Staring at the tree with wonder, she murmured, “It’s perfect, just like you. You were right; the artificial tree had to go. Great job, baby.”
Jack smiled down at her and kissed her forehead tenderly. “Thanks, darlin’. How was your day? Ruby and I missed you somethin’ fierce around here.”
“I missed you guys too. Today was tiring, but extremely productive. I’m definitely looking forward to being off and relaxing with our friends and family for the next three days. Where’s little missy at?” Noelle asked as Jack’s hand came down to caress her tummy.
As if on cue, a small, distressed wail echoed in the room. It came from the baby monitor receptor Jack placed on the coffee table earlier as he and the fellas decorated the tree. “I do believe she’s waitin’ on us. Let’s go get her.”
They walked through their home to the stairs, and Noelle couldn’t help the feeling of pride as she observed their home. Noelle was determined to make sure that the Sullivan brothers, whose mother was murdered during the holidays, created new memories. She’d made it her mission to ensure that going forward, every Christmas would be magical for them. At first, Jack had been reluctant to participate, but was soon sucked into the magic of the season with Ruby’s enthusiasm for a ‘tweeeeeee’.
Idina Menzel’s holiday CD played softly through the sound system Darby had installed throughout the house. All of the holiday decorations were vintage, red, green, and white, mixed with tartan plaid and burlap fabric. Fresh garland with festive bows trailed the staircase and fireplaces, while wreaths with flowers and pinecones adorned doors. All the guestrooms had miniature fir trees, with a gift basket of toiletries underneath for its occupant. On the bed was a gift-wrapped box of flannel pajamas Noelle had scoured the internet for them to wear on Christmas day. She loved shopping online, but thanks to a snafu that she was blaming on her unborn son, her shopping time now had a curfew.
One night while surfing the internet and suffering from bad heartburn and sleep deprivation, Noelle ordered seventy-five, white porcelain, woodland creatures. When the delivery truck arrived, and Jack, with raised eyebrows, started unpacking deer, fawns, owls, porcupines, and squirrels, she’d been at a loss to explain how it happened. Upon review of her purchase email confirmation with the time listed, Jack threatened to hide her laptop.
Regrettably, they were a final sale, and Noelle was stuck with them. So she recruited Darby, Holt, and Guy to help her spray paint some of the animals in red and green. Now they were scattered throughout the house, artfully displayed with the décor. Jack still gave her crap about them, but their daughter loved them.
Ruby was the blessing that brought everyone together. She made everyone stop working so much to take the time to enjoy life a little more. Jack took her to the office and then complained that hardly any work was done because everyone just had to play with her. Noelle knew he secretly loved it, because it happened at her job too. Alexei was in the process of shopping for the perfect pony for her, and Kat had revealed that he was also going to reopen the petting zoo on his property that he closed when she was twelve for Ruby. Ian and even Vivienne made trips to visit just so they could spend time with her. Casey was looking at land near them to purchase, so that he could build a house, and be closer to Jack and Noelle’s growing family.
Although Noelle’s family wouldn’t be coming for Christmas, they would definitely be there to attend the New Year’s ball. Jack still questioned the amount of time his daughter spent with Alicia Kramer, but Noelle was adamant about them building a solid relationship.
As always, Jack let Noelle lead, partly because she was pregnant, and also so that he could admire her form, especially her perfect bottom. “You feelin’ okay? Dinner’s under control, so why don’t you lie down for a while?”
Shaking her head negatively, Noelle yawned as she reached the top of the stairs. “Jack, if I lie down, I won’t be able to get back up.”
They reached the nursery and pushed the partially-closed door wide open. Ruby was standing up in her crib looking at the twinkling lights. When she saw them, her small face broke into a wide-toothed grin. “Mamamamamama!”
“Hi baby! How’s Mama’s sweetheart? I missed you so much!” Noelle gushed as she picked Ruby up. They clung to each other, exchanging nose kisses.
Silently Jack watched them, wondering again how he got so damn lucky. Before he met Noelle, it seemed as if he lived right on the outside of life, in the shadows. Oh sure, he had a successful career, a great family, and dated, but he’d never given a thought to having more or being something more like a husband or a family man. Then Noelle entered his life, and he couldn’t imagine ever going back to the dreariness that it was before he met her.
“You know I know what you’re thinking right?” Noelle asked as she laid Ruby on the diaper changer.
“Mmmmm, and what would that be, Mrs. Sullivan?” he drawled, coming to stand next to her and assist. Together they made short work of the dirty diaper as Ruby smiled and babbled at them.
“I think that you’re thinking about what life would be like without us,” Noelle said with a grin. She squirted a generous portion of sanitizer on her hand and grabbed his. They rubbed each other’s hands thoroughly with the aloe vera-scented gel. Jack leaned over and kissed her soundly.
“So you read minds now?” he asked, stealing another kiss before picking Ruby up.
“Daaaaaaaa!” Ruby shrieked and bussed Jack’s cheek exuberantly. She then patted her handiwork, and Jack rewarded her by nuzzling his bearded jaw against her cheek.
“I don’t need to be a mind reader to know that, baby,” Noelle said as she grabbed his hand, and they walked down the hall to their bedroom. “You were thinking about how your life would suck without us in it.”
Jack glanced down at her in surprise. “Okay, that’s just plain scary that you know that.”
“Not really. It’s the same way I feel whenever I look at you and Ruby, too,” Noelle said simply and stopped walking. Earnestly she looked up at her husband, “I don’t think I say this enough, but I’m so proud of you and your brothers. You’re about to change a lot of people’s lives for the better with the foundation. I know it took a very long time to get to the point where you even felt comfortable talking about your past, but you just grabbed the bull by the horns and ran with it. Than
k you for being my husband, a great father, and someone we can all look up to.”
Noelle felt herself getting teary-eyed and sniffled. “Sorry, everything makes me emotional these days.”
“Awww, baby, thank you so much for saying that. But it was really you that changed me. If you hadn’t come along, I’d still be frozen. You made me want to be a better man; and Ruby and baby number two make me want to be twice that.” He leaned down and kissed her sweetly. They laughed when Ruby shoved her face into theirs and nuzzled them.
Once inside their room, Noelle shrugged out of her coat and sat down on the side of the bed with a sigh of relief. Jack handed Ruby to her and bent down to take off her boots.
“Thanks. I swear your son cannot wait to get here. Think we have a footballer in here,” Noelle said and placed Ruby’s small hand on her belly. The baby gave a hard kick that made her eyes go wide with wonder. “It would have been nice to know of your plan to knock me up on our honeymoon.”
Jack lifted her sweater up and kissed her smooth, round bump. He grinned as goosebumps spread across her rich, brown skin. It still blew his mind that he’d planted not one, but two seeds to grow. He loved watching Noelle’s body change and expand to accommodate their child. “As much as we go at it, you didn’t think there was a chance of it happenin’? You do know what we would be doin’ right now if baby girl was still asleep right?”
Noelle’s gray eyes turned sultry with desire. “I do, and that’s what we’ll be doing tonight when everyone’s gone to bed. You’ll just have to keep quiet, ‘cause you know how loud you get.”