Watch Me

by Ada Frost

  “He didn’t even argue. He accepted.”

  “He was being polite. He’s been crazy these past few months. We haven’t had sex for nearly a freaking week,” I argued.

  “So all this stressing is you being a horny bitch?”

  “What? No.”

  When she cocked her perfectly shaped eyebrow at me, I moved away from her.

  “You don’t understand.”

  “What I understand is that Lawson hasn’t once complained about what he has to wear, who he’s carrying, or anything to do with the wedding procession. It’s you that’s anxious.”

  “I know him. He’s been worse than ever. I know this has gotten him all kinds of stressed out.”

  “Babe, I love you. However, you’ve got to give the guy a break. We all adore him. Yeah, he’s uptight, a little closed off, but he loves you. That for me is worth more than anything.”

  “You look stunning,” I muttered.

  “Stop trying to butter me up.” She grinned. I nodded. “What’s this really about?”

  “What if he never wants this for us? I mean, he was this stressed over your wedding. What chance do I have of getting him down the aisle?”

  “You silly cow. Stop second-guessing the man. Give him a break. He owns a multi-million-pound company. He’s the ice cold ruler. Trust me, if anyone can handle pressure, he can.”

  I was about to answer when the door opened, and in walked Sam. He paused just inside the doorway as he closed the door softly behind him.

  “Wow.” He breathed. “I’m up for a pre-wedding romp if you two are?”

  “Sam.” I laughed. He walked over to us both and pressed a kiss to my cheek. “A man’s got to try his luck or he can never win.”

  “Would Lawson agree?” I asked cheekily, straightening his tie.

  “The man’s fucking tight. He fell in love and he stops sharing his toys. He’s quite possibly, boring.” He smirked. I knew he was joking. But it was true. Since we became a couple, neither Lawson or I felt comfortable inviting anyone into our bed. We were both a little too possessive.

  “You both look stunning. Leah is one lucky lady, Lacey.”

  “Me too.” She beamed. “You’re looking sharp yourself.”

  And he did in his black trousers, white shirt, and black waistcoat. But what made the ensemble was his rainbow Converse and matching rainbow tie. Both Leah and Lacey had come up with the idea. Lacey was wearing a white gown, Leah was wearing a black gown, and the bridesmaids were in steel grey. She wanted a splash of vibrant colour. But it was another thing adding to my apprehension about Lawson. He would hate wearing trainers with a suit and a brightly coloured tie.

  “How’s Lawson?” I asked Sam, as Lacey headed over to the mirror to check her makeup.

  “As well as can be expected,” he answered, giving me a surreptitious glance from the corner of his eye. “So we ready to rock ‘n’ roll?”

  “Definitely.” Lacey beamed, turning to face Sam. I was giving my cousin away today, which broke my heart that her parents had completely washed their hands of her. They had a beautiful daughter and gorgeous grandson they hadn’t even met. They were the ones losing out. Sam was a groomsman, walking down the aisle with Leah’s sister.

  When the music started, I begged the tears not to fall and ruin my mascara. We waited for our cue. The procession was Leah and her dad, Sam and Leah’s sister followed by me and Lacey. Lawson would be trailing behind us with Felix. I wanted so bad to turn and look at him, But I worried I’d see annoyance.

  My tears were completely betraying bastards because they fell the entire way down the aisle. Leah and Lacey were stunning. When I left Lacey at the altar, I gave her a big sobbing hug. I watched through tears as they made promises to one another. Eventually, I allowed my gaze to find my man, who was standing beside Sam. He had Felix cradled in his arms.

  They were adorable together. Both in matching suits and Felix even had a mini rainbow tie on. Even though it was alien for Lawson to mix casual with smart, he looked damn sexy in it. His large feet in rainbow chucks and his tie, which Felix was tugging at and sucking on the end. I cringed because Lawson would hate that. He glanced down at the baby and tugged at his tie, but Felix wasn’t letting go. Lawson’s jaw ticked, I was a little shocked that I was the one freaking out and not him. Not once had my fella looked in my direction. He was avoiding me.

  Eventually the vows were over, and we made our way to the reception. Lawson was frosty at best. He held onto Felix like he was a shield. I’d dislodged Lawson’s soggy tie from Felix's mouth and gave him a teething chew toy, but my nephew decided Lawson’s waistcoat buttons were more appealing and started to tug on those. I noted a dried, faded stain on the breast of Lawson’s top.

  “What’s that?”

  “He vomited,” he answered with no emotion.

  I held out my arms. “I can take him.”

  “It’s fine.”

  His tone was dead, as in there was nothing in it. No usual heat, caring or love. The Lawson I first met was back.

  “Lawson, I’m sorry you were forced into this.”

  “It’s fine.” He moved away from me and headed over to Sam, who was chatting with Leah and Lacey. The mums crooned over their baby boy, but neither made a move to take him from Lawson. I lifted my thumb to my mouth and nibbled on the nail. I didn’t care I’d had the world’s most expensive manicure. I was beginning to wish I smoked.

  The day continued in the same fashion. Lawson pretty much ignored me. Leah, Lacey, and Sam all found it amusing, and I just wanted to cry. He held onto Felix, and even though he was as warm as a freaking marble statue, my nephew loved him. But I noticed as the day progressed, Lawson’s jaw and tick intensified. He wouldn’t let me near him to sooth Felix, or intervene. He shrugged me off, and by the evening my upset had turned to anger.

  Leah and Lacey took to the dance floor for the first dance, and once that was over, everyone paired up.

  “Shall we dance?” I invited, grinning at Lawson. “We could recreate Dirty Dancing. You be Johnny —”

  “I’d rather not.” He hugged Felix to his chest.

  “He isn’t a fucking shield, Lawson,” I snapped.

  “Excuse me?”

  “You’ve held onto him like a protective mother hen. It’s freaking ridiculous. I want to dance.” My temper rose along with my voice. There was no controlling it any longer.

  “Fine.” He turned and headed over to Sam and handed over Felix. Sam glanced at me and nodded. Lawson stalked back. “Come on.” He grabbed for my hand, but I pulled it out of the way, crossing my arms over my chest.

  “What’s wrong now?” he asked in the most annoyingly perturbed voice that I wanted to slap him.

  “You’ve ignored me all bloody day. You wouldn’t even look at me. If you didn’t want to carry Felix, or wear Converse, or a rainbow tie, you could have said no.” I lifted my dress. “I refused to wear the fucking pumps because I know you love heels. I hate walking in fucking heels. my feet hurt. This bloody corset is digging into my ribs, and not once did you even notice me,” I snarled.

  “Right.”

  “That’s all you have to say?”

  “I don’t know what else you want me to say.”

  I opened my mouth to argue but words failed me. “Forget it,” I ended the conversation by walking away. I headed for the bathroom, needing some time to myself before I either screamed at him or burst into tears. Both were battling for attention, and I refused to give either credence at Lacey’s wedding. Bypassing the bathrooms, I opted to head outside. Two of the studio film crew were outside attaching crap to the back of the wedding car. A bark of laughter burst free at the colourful array of dildos and fake pussies attached by string to the bumper.

  “They’ll kill you both.” I giggled as I headed closer to them. Both gave me impish grins and continued their work.

  “They wanted colourful,” one of them said.

  “Oh my God.” I laughed when I caught sight of all the fake coc
ks and vaginas suctioned to the roof, bonnet, and side. “You’ve signed your own death warrants.”

  Feeling a little brighter and realising this day wasn’t about me, but Leah and Lacey, I went back inside. I was just being a selfish cow. When I entered the reception, I glanced round trying to find Lawson, but he had disappeared. Leah and Sam were huddled together chatting. I went to them.

  “Hey.” I smiled, taking a glass of fizz from one of the servers.

  “Hi.” Leah grinned. She had looked radiant the entire day.

  “Where’s Lawson?”

  All three glanced at one another before Leah answered. “He just nipped out.”

  “Where?” I persisted.

  “Er…Felix’s nappy leaked. On his shirt.”

  “Oh, fuckety, bollocks,” I cried.

  “He handled it pretty well,” Leah offered.

  “I’m sure he didn’t. Was it really bad? I apologise for anything he said,” I pleaded. I could only imagine the crap he spouted at that mishap.

  “It’s fine.”

  A few moments later, a downed glass of champagne and butterflies the size of freaking planes in my stomach, Lacey came back into the room, followed by Lawson, who was still carrying Felix. The thing that caused me to choke on my new drink though was my man was now shirtless, but still wearing a tie.

  Sam laughed loudly.

  Leah sniggered, and Lacey beamed at us.

  “What the hell is going on?” I demanded as Lacey joined us, followed by Lawson. Felix was sucking on his tie again.

  “Felix’s nappy was insufficient to hold so much urine, and it leaked on my shirt. I didn’t have a spare.”

  “Lawson, it…I don’t…”

  “You seem a little stressed,” he stated plainly, and I was certain the corner of his mouth curled in a small grin.

  “Are you kidding me?” I gritted through my teeth.

  The trio beside me watched us expectantly. I scowled at Lacey. When I turned back to Lawson, he smiled at me. A genuine, breathtaking sexy smile.

  “I’ve been a mess.” He grinned.

  “What?”

  “I couldn’t think how to make it perfect for you. Every scenario I came up with was cliché, crap, or not worthy of you.”

  “What?” I repeated.

  “I thought today would be perfect, but it appears my attempts have fallen a little flat. Felix was supposed to help, but he’s a rambunctious little fellow who likes to drool and mess up my attire.” We both glanced down at my wriggling nephew when he cooed. He was now chewing on a square aqua coloured Tiffany’s box. I covered my mouth as a teary gasp left my mouth.

  “Sorry, mate, but friends don’t pee on one another. That is an entirely different kink you will one day realise isn’t all that sanitary. Uncle Lawson will explain it to you.” Lawson relinquished the box and slid his finger inside my nephew’s chubby fist. “I gotta talk to my lady now, Felix.” He pressed a kiss to his forehead, melting my heart a little further before dark intense eyes locked on me.

  “My life has never felt so amazingly complete as it has with you in it. You create a certain chaos I’ve been without my entire life. It’s something I’ve come to realise I can’t live without. Today was my perfect opportunity. Felix was supposed to soften my sharp edges, make me seem more appealing. I want everything with you. I want the madness; I want the crazy. I want you.”

  I covered my mouth as a small cry escaped me. Lacey stepped between us and took Felix out of Lawson’s arms, and for the first time he allowed it. He held up the small box and opened it. Showcasing an absolutely stunning princess cut square diamond and platinum ring. He slowly lowered to one knee.

  “Miss Warner, there is no one for me but you. Wear my ring, now and forever. Because you have my love, now and forever.”

  “Oh God.” I sobbed.

  “I was looking for a yes.”

  “You’re shirtless, wearing a rainbow tie in the middle of someone else’s wedding. And you’re proposing? This is madness.”

  “I know.” He grinned.

  “You’re insane.” A watery smile played at my lips.

  “Absolutely.”

  “I love you,” I gushed.

  “Good, say yes. I’m on the dirty floor, woman.”

  “Yes,” He dived at me, standing and wrapping me in his arms.

  He kissed me, his mouth moved over mine, and I realised how much I’d missed him.

  “I’m sorry I’ve been a bastard. I was terrified you’d say no. Lacey and Leah helped me pick out the ring, Samuel was disturbingly useless at it.”

  “I love it.”

  He lifted me off of the floor and started walking across the dance floor.

  “Where are we going?” I asked, still grinning like a loon.

  “I’ve been vomited on; my tie is covered in drool. Felix urinated on me, and it was outside caterers so I didn’t see the kitchen. I need a shower. I need clean clothes, and I need to fuck my fiancée. It’s been over a week since I was last inside her.”

  “I did think you handled all that really well.”

  “Well enough for you to stay naked and in bed for the entire weekend?”

  “Quite possibly.”

  “Sorry you were stuck with Felix.”

  “It wasn’t all bad. I’m looking forward to making one of our own,” he whispered against my ear. I shivered in his arms.

  “Really?”

  “One that preferably doesn’t pee, puke, or drool.”

  “I don’t think that’s a possible demand, even for Lawson Stone.”

  “From the moment you entered my office, my world was turned upside down. You’re my passion, my fantasy, and everything I always needed in my life. Miss Warner, my chaotic infuriating mess of a woman. Maybe my demands have changed.”

  “We are chaotic perfection. Can I ask what would you have done if I’d said no?”

  “What any man in my position would have done. Taken it like a gentleman.”

  “Meaning?”

  “I would have tied you to my bed and used every toy at my disposal until you were screaming a very loud yes.”

  “I wish I’d said no.”

  “That sass,” he said as he slapped my bottom.

  “You’ve asked for a lifetime of it, so suck it up.”

  “Yes, Miss Warner.”

  My first thank you goes out to Kelley Gerschke and Suzi Retzlaff, my amazing editors from Cookie Lynn Publishing. I swear you two are miracle workers.

  Thank you so much to all the bloggers who have supported me and taken a chance on my work. Your posts, reviews and messages are what make this publishing dream a reality for me. Without you guys I’d be like a fish trying to swim through sand - so again thank you.

  To my readers! You are the best. I try and reply to messages and posts and tags so if I miss any, sorry but they are always valued. I love you guys.

  Yaya - the one and only! The shorty from the dark side who agreed to beta read this beast for me. Your messages, particularly the GIFs were fantastic. Lady you’re awesome. Thank you. Lawson is completely yours.

  Carina! When an author you admire and adore offers to read your work you push send then run and hide because you fear the worst. But you loved Lawson, Sam and Abby as much as I did.

  Ann - thank you for ARC/beta reading. Your words of encouragement and kindness always sooth my crazy side.

  Katie - thank you for your awesome messages and helping me to clean up some errors.

  Lisa at Tasty Book Tours, thank you for another awesome release blast. You’re the Queen of promotion.

  Andrei for taking such amazing cover photos. It’s always a pleasure to look through your portfolio.

  Kc - you’ve been my supporting champion from my first book and still keep me going with your positive words. Thank you for your friendship.

  To my husband who had no clue I was writing another book but happily supported it when he found out. Especially the new sexier side.

  My last thank you, is
kind of hard to put into words because these two ladies mean so much to me, nothing I could say would ever express how much I adore you two. Lauren and Linda, my champions, my absolute best friends and women I love with all my heart. Without you, none of this would be possible because you hold me up. You keep me strong and sane. When I’m sad you find a way to make me smile. When my confidence dies, you revive it. Without you, I’m lost. I love you x

  To my boys, for being perfect just the way you are.