After cleaning up, loading the dishwasher with the few dishes he’d used that morning, he made two mugs of coffee and then waited until the limousine arrived before he went back to their bedroom to get McKenna. She’d never been a morning person, so getting her up early was always a gamble.
“Hey,” he whispered, leaning down and nuzzling his face against her ear, kissing her neck gently. “It’s time to go.”
McKenna stirred, smiled, then grabbed the pillow and covered up her head. Nope, definitely not a morning person, and it seemed that not even a seven-day surprise was going to get her going first thing.
“I need you to put this on,” he told her.
Well, that got her attention.
She peered out from under the pillow, her eyes sliding right to his hand, where a thin piece of dark fabric dangled from his finger.
“A blindfold?” she asked groggily.
“Yes.”
“I need to get dressed,” she grumbled.
“Not in the plan,” he told her, leaving no room for rebuttal. “You can wear your pajamas.”
“To the airport? I seriously don’t think so, Tag Murphy.”
He chuckled. “The limo’s here. We need to go. Now quit arguing and put this on.”
Without waiting for her assistance, Tag took the pillow from her, tossed it to his side of the bed, and put the blindfold over her eyes.
“Don’t you dare move that,” he commanded as he lifted her into his arms.
If she didn’t want to get with the program, he was more than happy to take the lead.
Forty minutes later, the limo pulled into the hangar for the private jet they would be taking down to Houston, where they would then board a ship for their seven-day Caribbean cruise. She’d peppered him with questions as soon as they’d gotten in the car, but he’d managed to silence her by doing what he did best: seducing her slowly. With his mouth.
He had no intention of telling her any of his plans until they landed in Houston. For now, Tag wanted to keep her guessing. Which was exactly what she did as soon as they were buckled into the plush leather seats of the jet, awaiting takeoff. Only then did he allow her to remove the blindfold.
As soon as she could see, her eyes scanned their surroundings, likely taking note of every little detail, anything to give her a hint as to what he planned to do. That was the way her brain worked. She was a journalist, always digging for information.
“Where are we going?”
Tag peered over at her and frowned.
“Fine. Don’t tell me that.” She fidgeted for a moment. “Will I be able to get dressed before we land?”
“Yes,” he said simply.
That earned him a small smile before McKenna turned her attention out the window.
Tag busied himself by watching her. For the next seven days, that was all he wanted to do anyway. He wanted to leave the corporate world behind them and enjoy his time with her. It’d been far too long since they’d done anything like this, although, it was safe to say they’d never done anything exactly like this.
“Mr. Murphy,” the pilot said over the speaker. “We’re ready for takeoff. Just waiting on confirmation. We’ll have a total flight time of roughly sixty minutes. Clear skies all the way.”
“An hour?” McKenna asked, glancing back over at him. “That doesn’t leave many options.”
“You’re right, it doesn’t,” he told her with a grin. It wasn’t time to share the details just yet, but he would.
Eventually.
Once the plane was in the air, Tag showed McKenna where her clothes were hanging, including her makeup bag and all the other things a woman needed. He’d had help in preparing for this trip, thankfully. If it hadn’t been for Samantha and Sierra—the wives of three (yes, three) of his good friends—he likely would’ve found a way to disappoint McKenna from the get-go.
And he damn sure didn’t intend to do that, so he’d enlisted their help.
In fact, he’d enlisted their help for the entire journey. Not only had the two women helped him to pack McKenna for the trip, they’d helped with a majority of the other preparations. And … they would also be on board the cruise ship, along with quite a few other people—family and friends.
This trip… It was one of the most important trips of his life.
Because in the next few days, Tag was going to make McKenna his wife. And all of their family and friends were going to be along to see it.
He only hoped McKenna didn’t freak out when she figured it out.
<><><><>
McKenna had to admit, she’d been a little nervous that Tag wasn’t allowing her to do anything in preparation for this trip. But the instant she’d seen the outfit—a pair of skinny jeans, paired with a fitted emerald-green T-shirt and her favorite black blazer—not to mention, a sexy bra-and-panty set and all of her makeup and hair products, she’d relaxed exponentially.
She’d also figured that he’d had help with this setup. Not because Tag wasn’t capable, but seriously, he was still a guy, and when it came to packing for a trip, men could do it in less than three minutes, and that included pulling the suitcase out from the bottom of the closet.
Well, maybe not Tag. He was one of the best-dressed men she’d ever met, and he was meticulous with his wardrobe, so she’d have to give him fifteen minutes for packing, but not much more than that.
Just as she pulled off her pajamas, ready to get dressed, a knock sounded on the small bathroom door. Knowing it could only be Tag, she unhooked the lock and allowed him to pull open the door.
He made a move to step inside and she laughed. The bathroom wasn’t as small as those on a commercial flight, but it wasn’t all that big, either. Barely enough room for the two of them to fit, but of course, he managed to fit inside.
“Mmm, this is exactly the way I like to see you. Maybe I shouldn’t allow you to get dressed,” he said warmly as he ran his finger down her collarbone and over the swell of her breast, stopping to tease her nipple.
Heat coiled inside her, making her body melt from his touch, and when he lifted her breast, bending down and sucking her into his mouth, she sighed.
“Like that?” he questioned as he teased her other breast, laving it with his tongue.
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Good, then you’ll love this.”
McKenna wasn’t sure how he managed, but Tag squatted down in front of her, lifting one of her legs up over his shoulder while he used his fingers to separate her folds. He peered up at her briefly before leaning forward and sliding his tongue along her slit, liquid fire rushing through her veins.
She gripped his head in her hands, pulling him to her as he began to lap at her pussy, delicately teasing her clit, torturing her on purpose. He loved to do that, to send her to the precipice but never send her over until he was ready. And he did that with practiced ease, continuing to devour her, licking, sucking.
“You’re gonna make me come,” she told him. “Make me come, Tag. Please. Oh, yes. Make me come.”
McKenna’s hands gripped the edge of the counter as she bucked her hips toward his mouth, trying to increase the friction. When he pumped two fingers inside her, his lips wrapping around her clit, his tongue flicking the sensitive bundle of nerves ruthlessly, she found herself soaring higher and higher until something inside her broke apart.
“Yes!” Her head fell back, every muscle in her body tensed, as the glorious sensation filled her, the tingle in her core erupting.
By the time she came back down from the erotic high, Tag was standing in front of her once again, cupping her face as he pressed his lips to hers. She could taste herself on his mouth, his tongue, as he kissed her hard.
She wished there was more room, enough that he could take her right there in the airplane lavatory, but she could already sense that wasn’t in Tag’s plan. Part of her wondered why, but she tamped down the questions.
“Now you can get dressed.”
With that, he kissed her on the m
outh, then disappeared, leaving her standing there, still breathing hard, wondering just what this man was up to.
It didn’t take her long to get cleaned up, dressed, apply a minimal amount of makeup, and pull her hair back into a ponytail. She felt the plane begin its descent and knew she needed to get back to her seat.
Exiting the bathroom, she stuffed her clothes into a bag she found where her clothes had been hanging as Tag passed her, taking his turn going into the restroom. He was in and out before she had a chance to put away her makeup bag. Once she was finished putting everything back where she’d found it, she headed down the aisle to where Tag was waiting for her.
As the fasten seat belt sign flashed on, McKenna dropped into her chair just in time for the plane to land.
In Houston.
What could possibly be in Houston?
She had an idea, but in the spirit of the trip, she was trying not to think too hard. Tag wanted this to be a surprise, and she wanted to oblige him.
Which was why she donned the blindfold without him asking her to as soon as the plane was on the ground.
He helped her down the stairs, the warm May breeze tickling her face. Once they were on solid ground, he pulled her against his side and whispered in her ear. “Have I mentioned how much I like to see you blindfolded?”
“Not lately, no,” McKenna replied, wondering whether or not anyone else was within earshot. Not that she really cared, but without her sight, she was left with so many questions.
Linking her fingers with Tag’s, she walked alongside him. He helped her into a car—a limo, she presumed—but he didn’t say much from there, other than to let her know that it’d be a thirty-minute drive.
It was a little strange for Tag to be so quiet, but McKenna didn’t know what to say or do. He seemed a little nervous—why, she wasn’t sure. He was always so confident, so assertive, it was endearing to see his vulnerability.
Another quality she loved so much about him.
Squeezing his fingers, she leaned closer to him. For now, she’d just relax.
Or try her hardest to, anyway.
Chapter Three
“We’re here,” Tag whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
McKenna didn’t know where here was, but she was hoping to soon find out. Her anxiety level had ratcheted up the longer they’d sat in silence, and now, she was humming with anticipation.
Once out of the car, Tag led her only a few feet before he stopped, turning her to face him. When he pulled the blindfold off, the only thing she could see was him. Tall and broad, his big body blocked out everything else. Smiling up at him, she waited, not as patiently as she pretended, but she was doing her best.
“Do I get to know where we’re going now?” she asked sweetly, keeping her voice low.
“A cruise,” he told her. “Caribbean.”
McKenna smiled. She’d always wanted to go on a cruise but had never gotten around to it. Her heart filled with emotion, thinking about the next seven days alone with…
“Surprise!”
McKenna’s thoughts locked up at the chorus coming from behind her. It was Tag’s turn to smile, but he didn’t allow her to turn around.
“Just remember, I love you,” he said, cupping her cheeks and chuckling. “Now take a deep breath.”
McKenna allowed Tag to spin her so that she was facing the ruckus, and her heart stopped beating. A smile as wide as Texas formed on her face when she saw so many people she knew and loved. So many of her friends and family stood twenty feet away, clapping and smiling. All eyes were on her; she could feel them as she scanned the familiar faces.
Logan, Samantha, and Elijah.
Luke, Sierra, Cole, and their two-year-old daughter, Hannah.
Ashleigh, Alex, and their eighteen-month-old daughter, Riley.
Lucie, Kane, and their six-year-old daughter, Haley.
Xander and Mercedes.
She laughed when she noticed Shane Gibson and Trent Ramsey, both without dates but seemingly ready to have a good time anyway. Not that there wouldn’t be women for them to flirt with on the cruise, which no doubt they would do.
Her chest swelled when she saw her parents, Jason and Diane, along with her sister, Tiffany, and brother-in-law, Matt. Due to everyone’s schedules, they didn’t get to spend a lot of time together, so seeing them was an unexpected surprise.
She noticed, standing off to the side, Tag’s father, Jackson (that one surprised her the most), and stepmother, Victoria—Cole’s mother—along with quite a few others. All there to…
“Wait,” she said, turning back to face Tag. “Why are they all here?”
“To go on vacation with us.”
“Really?” She wasn’t buying it. Tag was the type of man who enjoyed their private time, so inviting family and friends along on a romantic getaway seemed off.
“Okay, fine,” he said, cupping her face in his big, warm hands. “They’re here to help us celebrate.”
Celebrate? Celebrate what? Had she missed his birthday? An anniversary? McKenna was so confused.
“You’ve already agreed to be my wife,” he told her softly, his fingers twisting the engagement ring on her left hand. “It’s time to make that official.”
McKenna’s throat tightened, a ball of emotion threatening to choke her. This was…
“Wait. Are you saying…?” This was so much better than she’d thought. They were … getting married! “Are you serious?” she asked, wanting confirmation before she freaked out.
“Deadly,” he told her, his beautiful emerald eyes scanning her face.
Throwing her arms around his neck, McKenna tried to hold back the tears of joy as she crushed her mouth to his. She’d waited for this day for so long. They’d talked about weddings, or possibly just eloping in Vegas, but they’d never gotten serious. Never taken the next step, yet here they were.
Tag chuckled, pulling his lips back from hers. “In case you’re plannin’ to get a little frisky there, you might wanna keep in mind that your parents are watching closely.”
McKenna sobered instantly, but the smile didn’t leave her lips.
Married!
Wow! She still couldn’t believe it.
<><><><>
Okay, so the idea of a cruise was a good one.
Getting through the process … not so much.
Thankfully, Tag had gone with the royal treatment, booking the ship’s luxury rooms for him and McKenna, as well as the rest of their family and friends. It hadn’t been a spur-of-the-moment decision, and it had cost a pretty penny, but luckily, he had some friends who’d gone the extra mile to help out.
It hadn’t hurt that they had brought along Trent Ramsey, a very popular, very famous actor. It wasn’t like Tag to name-drop, but he had to admit he’d done it. He wasn’t past using his own resources to get the best for the woman he loved.
Once they were finally boarded, waiting for the ship to depart from the dock, Tag decided to steal a little alone time with McKenna before the real fun began.
The instant their private butler took his leave after going over as many details as possible in as few minutes as he could manage, Tag didn’t hesitate, stalking McKenna in the oversized room that served as the living room, dining room, and kitchen.
“So what are we gonna do first?” McKenna asked melodiously, a glimmer of heat in her eyes.
“I figured I’d have dessert.”
McKenna glanced around, her eyebrows downturned as she attempted to figure out what he was talking about.
“You, baby. You’re my dessert.”
“But, you already… On the plane.”
“I didn’t get my fill yet,” he explained.
McKenna’s face lit up as she focused her attention on him once again. Ever since her expert blow job last night, Tag had done his best to keep his hands to himself. Admittedly, he’d lost control on the plane, but he hadn’t been lying when he’d told her he hadn’t gotten enough of her. He wasn’t sure he ever wou
ld. It wasn’t easy controlling his urges considering he always wanted her. So, from the time the plane had landed, he’d been waiting for this very moment.
Tag lifted her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom. He unceremoniously tossed her onto the bed and came down atop her, crushing his lips to hers without wasting a second. He relished the taste of her, the way her tongue dueled with his so perfectly.
Her sexy moans, combined with her soft hands as they slid beneath his shirt, had Tag’s body humming to life. He absolutely loved when she touched him. Loved the way her cool hands felt on his skin, the bite of pain when she dug her fingernails into his back. And he loved touching her, tasting her, making her cry out in pleasure. Hell, he was pretty sure he could get high on her.
Trailing his mouth down to her neck, he nibbled on her skin. “Take your shirt off for me.”
Pushing up to give her a little room, Tag watched as McKenna pulled her T-shirt over her head, tossing it onto the floor.
“So fucking pretty.” Her eyes were the same color as the Caribbean, and when she was turned on, they seemed to glow. That, along with her fiery red hair and fair skin, was a combination for the most beautiful woman in the world.
And she was his to do with as he wanted.
“Lose the bra.”
Enraptured as she unhooked the front clasp, allowing the cups to fall open and reveal her full, luscious breasts and sweet, dusky nipples, Tag held himself in check. Barely.
“Now my shirt,” he instructed.
She pulled his shirt up his body, then over his head, tossing it to the floor with hers. Rolling to his back, Tag pulled her with him, holding her close so he could feel her skin against his while he kissed her, hard. A desperate ache consumed him, as he fought the urge to take her roughly.
McKenna did that to him. She stirred something in him that no one had ever managed to stir before. She made his blood sizzle with her nearness.
Pulling his mouth from hers, Tag instructed her to take off her jeans, which she did with a seductive grin. As she crawled back over him, he didn’t allow her to stop when she attempted to reposition herself over him, instead bringing her up until she was straddling his face, her musky scent making his head swim with need. With his hand on her hips, he jerked her closer, sliding his tongue between her slick folds, teasing her.
Adored (Club Destiny #7.5) Page 2