“At least you can laugh about it now.”
I grabbed a napkin from the holder on the table and wiped my mouth. “We’ll work up an arrangement, and I’ll get you something in writing for your employment later tonight. I’m sure we can come to a fair wage agreement. And as far as your duties, you’ll be in charge of the cooking, though I will like to cook now and then as well. Same with the laundry. Gage and I usually do some of our own, but the children’s and tidying up the house would be your responsibility. There would also be times, when Wade gets older, that you can keep the children overnight for us. And of course, you’d be needed to watch them alone for small periods of time while we run errands or take a quick trip to the office.”
She had already eaten half of her sandwich, inhaling it like she was in a hurry. “I think I can handle it. I’m so excited.” She smiled big and then took a sip of her coffee with much more enthusiasm than before. “I have to go home and get my things, but I can wait until after the wedding, of course. I am paid up through the month for rent, so that gives me time, and I should be getting my last check soon.” She crunched a chip, and then we all busied ourselves a moment, munching away on our meals.
I smiled. “It’s good to hear some good news, and I’m glad this all worked out for the best. Ava leaving wasn’t in my plans.”
“What if Ava comes back? I know that you gave her the option.” She had a worried look on her face as she leaned back in her chair, nibbling a chip.
“Well, it’s not like we can fire you to take her back, but we’ll work it out. If she even comes back. But don’t worry about that; your job is secure.”
“Thanks. I can’t wait to tell Ollie!”
“Oh, speaking of Ollie, there will be times I need you to pick her up from school. I like to do it myself, but sometimes, it’s hard to schedule meetings around her.”
“Again, not a problem.” She got up and came over to hug our necks. Gage finished the last bite of his sandwich as she threw her arm around him, and for a moment, he had a look as if she were choking him. “Thank you so much!”
“Thanks for saying yes. I know it gives Lauren peace of mind, and I know it’s a huge relief for me.” Gage patted her back.
She stood up and scrubbed her face with her hands and then raked her hand through her hair as she let out a deep, cleansing breath. “I’ve got a million calls to make! Please, excuse me. I’ll be back in here later to clean up.”
“Take your time.” I patted her arm. She was so excited, her whole body was trembling as she hurried away.
Gage and I exchanged a smile.
“Glad that all worked out. At least the day turned around for the best.”
I let out a long breath. “I’m not sure about that honey.” I pushed the last portion of my sandwich aside.
“What do you mean? Don’t tell me there’s more bad news.” His shoulders slumped, and he looked deflated. “Everything was just looking up.”
“Yeah, I know. I’m sorry. But there’s something we need to talk about.” I still had to tell him about the lawsuit.
Chapter 8
Gage
Lauren was keeping me on pins and needles, and although at first, I had hoped she was messing with me, I knew she wasn’t. We left the kitchen for the office to get a bit of privacy from Chloe. Lauren went to fetch her bag, and when she came in, she took a chair beside me in front of my desk.
“I’m sorry, honey. It’s something that happened today. Reed showed me the new case, and I recognized the defendant.”
“Meaning you know him? Is it me?” My heart sank a moment, wondering what I could have possibly done to deserve a suit against me, but then she shook her head.
“No, honey. Of course not. I’d have told you already if that were the case, although this might not be much better, in all honesty.”
“Who is it?” I couldn’t wait much longer.
“James Bivens. It seems one of the apartment buildings he was involved with building caught fire. Here’s the case file.” She reached into her bag and pulled out the file, and from that, she took the paper and held it out.
“If it were one of my projects, I think I’d have heard about it already, but I better take a look.” I took the paper and looked at the suit, breathing a sigh of relief when I realized I didn’t have anything to do with that project. “No, I didn’t work on this one. I was recovering when he tried to get my foreman involved. Glen didn’t want to take on another project at the time since I was out of touch for the most part. I had these bad headaches for the first month. Terrible tinnitus.”
“Thank God. Reed wants to go after this one. He’s itching for a good case, and this one comes with a hefty take. I told him I’d ask you what you thought about it.”
“How I feel about it? Hell, baby, I’m not even sure. I mean, you know James.”
“I actually don’t know James. We’ve never met, remember?”
“You speak to him now and then when he calls. He knows you as my wife. He’s not going to like me sleeping with the enemy, no matter who was in bed with who first.”
“I know. I figured that’s how it would be, and I told Reed that, but he wanted me to ask anyway.”
I couldn’t believe her brother would think that would work. “Isn’t that a conflict of interest?”
“Yes, it is. I would have to recuse myself from the case, and even if Reed tried to go at it alone, if the defense finds out that he’s my brother and law partner, they could sanction us for ethical violations and maybe even malpractice.”
“So why even ask me? Unless he just wants to rub it in my face.”
“He was hoping you wouldn’t be involved enough to make it work, I’m sure. But he doesn’t realize how close you and James are, either.”
“Whatever. I saved the guy’s life. I’m stuck with him now for all of eternity.” I let out a breath and tried to get the sound of metal crashing out of my ears. It never failed that when I talked about the crash, the ringing came back for a moment, but only in my mind.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I should have just told him to forget it, but you know he’s in charge. Besides, he’s my oldest brother.” She had always been the baby and the only girl, so everyone in her family had always treated her like a little princess, one who needed protecting, one they took care of.
“I get it. Can we just forget that we’re a part of the world for a moment.” I leaned forward, taking her bag from her lap and putting it on the floor. “Come here. Give me something to forget the world.” I kissed her softly, and then she moved closer, shifting around to sit in my lap, her arms coming around my neck and her fingers winding into my hair.
“That’s my girl.” I stroked her hair and then patted her bottom. “You know, sometimes I fantasize that we’re fucking in here?”
“Yeah? Right here in your office?” We’d never gotten to break the room in properly. Having kids and a cook roaming around put the kibosh on that.
“Yeah, right here. First, I’d get up and lock the door. Then I’d meet you over by my desk.”
“Sounds detailed.” She let out a little laugh.
“It is very detailed. So detailed, that maybe it would be easier to show you what I’m talking about.” I patted her bottom, and she stood between my legs and backed away to help me from my seat.
“Mm. I’d like that.”
I gave a sly grin and then went to the door to turn the lock. Then I walked across the room, and she met me at the desk, just like in my fantasy.
“Remember how you told me I shouldn’t have a clean desk?” She’d been upset that I liked my desk with as little clutter as possible.
“Yes.” She gave me a little smile.
“If I had a desk full of clutter, I couldn’t do this.” I put my hands on her waist and laid her back on the desk as I kissed her hard.
I slipped my hand down and reached up her skirt, feeling the soft, warm flesh of her thighs. I found the lace stretched around her hip and slipped my hand under the f
abric. She moaned a little at my touch, and I broke our kiss as I slipped my hand down between her legs and rubbed pressure over her swollen bud.
“What comes next in your fantasy?” She met my eyes with so much passion in hers that I felt my cock twitch.
“You do.” I pushed my fingers up into her wet channel, stroking and fucking her until she clenched, her pussy going into a fit of spasms as her release splashed my palm. “That’s my girl.”
I was rock hard, and knowing she was wet and ready for me made my head spin. I pushed her skirt up higher and then pulled her panties down to her knees. There was nothing sexier. “Leave those right where they are.”
“Anything you want.”
“I like your attitude because that’s exactly what I’m going to do to you. Are you ready for that?” I had never taken anything from her without asking or having her permission, so when she nodded, I spun her around, pushed her face first over the desk, and nudged my way between her feet.
“This is what you fantasize about, huh?” She turned to look at me over her shoulder.
“Do you like it?” I leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
“I love it. I think we should do lunch hour in the office more often.”
“That’s fine with me; I’ll take you anytime, anywhere I can get you. You know I always want more and more. You make me the greediest man on the planet.” She’d always fulfilled my every need, but I would never stop needing her; wanting her.
“Then take me hard, and show me how dirty these fantasies can get.” She had no idea what she was asking. There were some things I’d dreamed that were better off keeping to myself and staying part of a fantasy, but then, I did appreciate the open opportunity.
I centered my cock at her slit, and she wiggled against it, soaking me with her juices and spreading them across my broad head. I pushed my hips forward, taking her deep in one hard thrust, and she clawed at the desk, holding on to the sides to brace herself as I pounded her steadily.
“Yes. Harder, Gage. Please. Fuck me harder.” I gave her all I had and reached up to rub her clit, sending her into another fit of writhing passion. I remained relentless until she cried out and her knees buckled, the panties no longer around them but dangling around her ankles.
“Such a bad girl letting those panties fall. I should punish you.”
“Please, punish me.” She gave a little giggle, and I pulled my cock free of her soaked channel.
“Oh, such a dirty girl, begging for it.” I thrust back in, harder still, my hips slapping against her ass with so much force, I was sure Chloe could hear it. The thought of that was even hotter, though I’d never admit that to her in a million years, but it had me holding her hair and driving hard.
I pulled free and spun her around by her arm. “On your knees.”
She fell to her knees and opened her mouth just in time to take my load across her lips and on her tongue. She rubbed her tits under her blouse and swallowed it down, licking her lips.
“That was so hot, baby. Can we do it again tomorrow?” She gave me a wink and then rose up to her feet and kissed me.
I nuzzled her neck. “Anytime you want.”
She sighed. “I guess it’s time to go back to the real world.”
“As long as we go together, I’m good.”
Chapter 9
Lauren
I straightened my clothes and hurried out of the office when I heard Wade stirring from his nap. He was growing so fast, and it seemed like every time I peeked in at him, he was another inch taller.
I felt a pang in my heart, wondering if I’d done the right thing in going back to work, and although I had mostly done it to make use of my education, I missed my family and being around them through the day. I didn’t know how mothers who had to go back to work full-time could do it, and I was thankful that I didn’t have to work, but glad I had a husband who let me do all the things I wanted in my own time and in my own way, even if it meant me making a big mistake.
With Edna rearing her ugly head, I felt even more helpless. I wanted to do something, but I was afraid that I was too close to the issue. Gage needed representation, but he didn’t need me screwing things up with my emotions. Ollie deserved a clear mind, and hopefully, we’d find the right lawyer to do the trick.
My phone rang, and I took it out of my pocket and winced, hoping that it wouldn’t wake the baby. My brother’s face lit the screen. “Hi, Reed.”
“Did you talk to him? Did he work on that project?” No “hello” or “hey, how are you,” from him. Nope, he was straight to the point.
“He didn’t, but he isn’t happy that you were considering taking the case.”
“I’m sure he doesn’t understand how important it is for us. A case like that, especially one we could stand to win, would be nice. I can’t keep rejecting cases because of your husband’s dealings with shady individuals.”
“That’s a very shitty thing to say, Reed. Not only do you know better, but you know that this case wasn’t going to be a guaranteed ticket to success.”
“I know whoever takes it is going to win it, and that money could have been ours. We’re not all as fortunate to be as wealthy as your husband-to-be.”
“I’m going to ignore that comment, like I do all of the other shitty things you say, dear brother.”
“Suit yourself. Are you coming back to work?”
The question rubbed me the wrong way, and even though I had planned on it, I wasn’t in the mood for him. “No, I’m holding Wade.”
“Is he okay? Can’t Gage hold him? I thought he’s working from home now?”
“Look, Reed, if you knew how messed up things were, you’d get off my ass.” My voice grew scratchy with my biting tone.
“No need to bite my head off. Is there some problem with you and Gage?”
You wish, I wanted to say. “No, that’s not it. It’s Ollie’s grandmother. She’s threatened to take Gage to court for grandparent’s rights.”
“She won’t have a leg to stand on against you and Gage. Why are you so worried about it?”
“I know she won’t, but you’re missing the point. Neither of us wants to have to go to court over this, and we damned sure don’t want to have to drag our daughter through any of it. She’s finally settled, and this could not only affect her, but Wade too.” The tears were rolling down my cheeks before I could control myself, and I let out a long breath and wiped my eyes as I held Wade a little closer.
Reed was quiet on the other end, and just when I was about to tell him the suit against Bivens couldn’t have come at a worse time, he cleared his throat to speak. “I’m sorry, sis. I know you’re having a tough time, and it’s got to be stressful with the wedding. I only want the best for you, you know?”
“I know, Reed.” I wanted to tell him how it didn’t feel like it sometimes, but I didn’t want to fight.
“Take the rest of the afternoon off to settle down, and maybe tomorrow, you can put in a full day. I know things are tough, but I need you here, too. You know you have to prioritize, Lauren.”
He sounded so much like our father that I wanted to scream. “Okay, Reed. Talk to you later.”
I ended the call and held my baby while I thought about all of the things going wrong. Maybe having the wedding now, with everything going on, was a mistake. I could be helping everyone and still managing to hold down my job. Maybe the cake thing was a sign that it wasn’t meant to be.
“Baby? You okay?” I lifted my chin to see Gage sticking his head in the nursery door. His eyes narrowed.
“I’m okay, just a bit stressed. I talked to Reed. He’s letting the case pass, but he’s not in a good mood about it. I don’t have time for him.”
“I’m going to get Ollie. I can’t help but think there’s something going on at school.”
“Yeah, because that’s all we need, more problems, right? It’s probably some boy picking on her because he likes her or a little girl being jealous. She’ll have to learn to deal with it.”<
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“I know, and I agree. Maybe we’ll get lucky, and it will be something that simple.” He walked in and gave Wade a kiss on his little head before planting one on my lips.
“I’m not sure boy problems at five years old is a simple thing.” I gave a half-hearted laugh and sniffled.
“Hey, you’ve been crying?” He took a closer look at me and then knelt down beside us. “What’s going on, baby?”
“I just couldn’t help thinking that maybe we shouldn’t have the wedding right now. I am just so swamped that I can’t help you, and I miss the baby. I can’t quit my job; Reed would kill me.”
“Baby, you’re not thinking clearly. We’ve made all of the plans; we’ve paid deposits. We’re days away.” He met my eyes. “Are you not sure you want to marry me?”
“Of course, I want to marry you, silly. I love you. I just can’t help feeling something’s got to give, and I’m just so scared for Ollie.”
“Which is why us being married and providing the best home will be what’s best for our kids. Edna is going to bare her teeth and bark, but I’m not scared of her. She’s not going to take my daughter from me. And she’s damned sure not going to take my wife in the process. We’re having this wedding.” He reached up and dried my tear. “It will be behind us, and then we can just enjoy being married for a while. We’ve had so much going on with the renovations and the wedding planning. You going back to work just makes it seem like everything’s falling apart and overwhelming, but we’ll be fine. We’ve got plenty of glue, you and I.”
“Glue?” I gave an exhausted, half-hearted laugh.
“Yes, love. It’s the glue that’s going to make it all work. So what if we have to do something else with the cake? It’s just a cake and not worth stressing over.”
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