by Rye Hart
“I know it’s only been six months, but I hope it morphs into six decades,” Nick said.
Then, it was Tanner’s turn. He sat down in front of me and took my hand in his, opting to speak before he showed me anything. His eyes were twinkling with delight as his forehead leaned into mine, and I giggled as he nuzzled my nose.
“I don’t know what I would do without you,” he said. “And I hope I never have to find out.”
He opened his charm box and showed me what he’d purchased. It was a little Corona beer charm, complete with a lime in the bottle. It was the beer he always gravitated toward. The beer he always prepared himself after a long day at the shop. I pulled his lips to mine and kissed him sweetly as he chuckled into my touch.
“You like it?” he asked.
“I love it,” I said.
“Okay, okay. Now it’s my turn,” Tyler said.
“So impatient,” I said.
“When it comes to you? Always,” Tyler said.
He opened his charm box and I cocked my head. The charm was a rose. Just a simple red rose. He pulled it out and hooked it onto my wrist, but I had no idea why in the world he would’ve thought I associated red roses with him.
And then? A grin crossed his cheeks.
“I was the one who blew up the florist,” Tyler said.
I threw my head back in laughter before I cupped his cheeks and pulled his lips toward mine.
He pushed me back into the chair, his hands planting on either side of me. My lips swelled underneath his ministrations as my hands flew to his hair. His kisses left me breathless every time he graced me with one, and this time was no different.
But this time, none of the brothers interjected to get us to stop.
“I love you,” Tyler said into my lips.
“I love you, too,” I said in a whisper.
Tyler stood back as the rest of the brothers sat at the table. My heart was filled with so much love, and my head was swirling from the surprise. I turned myself toward the table as the guys began to grab for their food, but I had something I wanted to say.
“Guys?” I asked.
“What is it?” Adam asked.
“Are you okay?” Jacob asked.
“I told you those damn petals were too much,” Tanner said.
“No, no, no. The petals were wonderful. Thank you, Tyler,” I said.
“Told you,” Tyler said.
“I want to thank you. For everything. For trusting me and loving me and opening up to me. I know that part wasn’t easy, especially after what happened with the Devil Hogs. But the trust that’s grown between all of us, it’s strong. It’s what binds us together. I know you guys will always be there for me, and now you know I’ll be there for all of you. I love you. Every single one of you. And I want to thank you for choosing me to love,” I said.
“So long as you’ll have us, we’ll always be here,” Nick said.
“I know,” I said. “But now, I have something I want to ask you guys.”
“What’s up, baby girl?” Adam asked.
“I was wondering if all of us could sleep in the same bed tonight.”
Grins crossed each of their faces as a fire sparked deep within my gut.
“I’m sure something can be arranged,” Jacob said.
“Under one condition,” Tanner said.
“And what condition would that be?” I asked.
Then, I felt Tanner’s hand creeping up the inside of my thigh before he fluttered his fingers over my pussy.
“Why don’t you give us a little show?” Tanner asked.
His fingertips slid behind the cloth of my panties as my legs spread for him. I closed my eyes and sighed, leaning back to give him more access. I could feel their eyes on me as I rolled into Tanner’s fingers, riding his hand underneath the table as the boys ate. I could hear them groaning and cheering me on, encouraging me to come as Tanner worked my pussy perfectly.
My lips parted as I approached my end, and the words flew effortlessly from my lips.
“I love you. All of you. Forever. And ever. And ever.”
Then I came at the dinner table, unraveling for them as my body shook.
I finally found the life I wanted, and I sighed as Adam’s lips kissed my ear.
“This food can wait,” he said as he pulled out my chair.
“Funny,” I said. “I was thinking the same thing.”
The End
It’s not over! I love my readers so much that I’ve included a brand new, never before published steamy romance: Baby Wanted. Check it out on the next page…
Malcolm
It isn’t fair. It’s bullshit. But, if I want the throne of Crane Enterprises, I’ll need to get a woman knocked-up.
I have less than a year to have a child, a legacy to give my dying father, or else I’ll lose everything I’ve worked my entire life for.
Casey Melville.
Hot as hell. Check.
Smart. Check.
An offer too good to be true. Check.
Casey
Getting pregnant isn't the problem.
It's protecting my heart from Malcolm which scares me.
Hard not to get attached when the man of your dreams has a heart of gold and he’s a stallion in the bedroom.
I’ve been through much worse. I’ll do what I need to do to give my mother and sister a better life.
Infused with humor, family drama and steamy sex, Malcolm and Casey's story will leave you breathless until the very end.
BRAND NEW: BABY WANTED
CHAPTER ONE
MALCOLM
The early morning sunlight streamed in through the stained-glass window and into the parlor, casting colorful shadows across the dark hardwood floor. I groaned. My father always had a flair for the dramatic. I'd say that calling an early Saturday morning meeting qualified as dramatic. It was also exactly like him.
My head hurt from drinking a wee bit too much the night before. Okay, a lot too much, but I hid it well. The bags under my eyes seemed to stand out more than normal. Those, I couldn't do much about, so I just had to roll with it. “Mr. Crane, you look rather sleepy this morning,” Alba, our faithful housekeeper, said with a knowing smile.
She handed me a cup of coffee without me even asking. She knew me too well.
“Thanks, Alba, but I've told you. Don't call me Mr. Crane,” I said with a smile. “That's my father's name.”
Alba had been with my family for at least as long as I've been alive. Probably longer than that. Her dark hair was more gray than brown these days, her smooth face showing subtle signs of age. She was at least the same age as my dad, if not a little older. Health-wise though, she seemed to be faring much better than the old man.
“You're going to be the head of the family before long,” she winked. “Better get used to being called Mr. Crane, CEO of Crane Enterprises.”
“Yeah, not exactly looking forward to that,” I said.
Alba might have been right though. Given my father's health, it might be the reason we were all gathered for a family meeting. Officially, it was my mom who called the meeting – though I knew she was acting on my father's instructions. She sat across from me, holding her head high and looked as dignified as ever as she sipped her tea. She'd never been one for coffee, never needed it. She'd always been full of life and zest; something that hadn't change all that much despite the fact that she was getting older herself.
Her hair was freshly colored and neatly piled on top of her head in a light blonde bun. Her mouth suddenly twisted into a frown and she stared past me. I didn't have to turn around to see the reason for her disdain – his voice could be heard all the way down the hallway.
“Good morning, Cranes,” Adam said as he sauntered into the parlor room.
He smirked at me as he passed me by. The woman on his arm didn't dare look at me, but her appearance hit me like a sledgehammer to the gut.
“Danielle?” I asked.
I stood, surprised and appalled to see my ex-girlfrien
d on Adam's arm. We'd split up not even twenty-four hours before and yet, there she was, slinking along with my brother like nothing happened.
She didn't make eye contact with me, her blue eyes wide as if she didn't understand how she got there. Adam leaned close and kissed her to taunt me. Danielle kissed him back – looking very enthusiastic. My blood boiled inside of me, but I knew I had to keep myself in check. This wasn't the time or place for it.
“Brother – or shall I say – half-brother, since that's clearly what I am to you,” he greeted me, stepping forward and letting go of Danielle's hand. “Surprised to see me?”
“Not at all,” I said.
I wasn't surprised to see him turn up. I was surprised to see her, though. Even more surprised to see her with him. Danielle finally met my gaze and I felt that familiar shudder roll through me. She’d always had a profound effect on me.
She looked beautiful, as she always did. Her white-blonde hair sleek and straight, fell down and kissed just the tops of her shoulders. She was nearly six feet tall in her heels, and completely lean. Almost too thin, thanks to her blossoming career as a model. Personally, I liked her better when she had a few curves
“No? Then why do you look so shell-shocked?” Adam teased, patting me on the back.
His eyes move toward where I was staring – at Danielle. The smile on his face was predatory and malicious. He looked back at me and I could see the cold gleam in his eyes.
“Ah yeah, I guess I understand now,” he said. “But she said you two were over, so I assumed it was fine?”
“We are over,” I said, standing tall as I looked over at my ex. “She's all yours Adam. Enjoy yourself.”
He patted me on the back again, leaning into me. “Don't worry. You can have her back when I'm done with her. It's not love or anything like that. We're both just looking for a good time, nothing more.”
Adam was an asshole. He's been an asshole since the day he first came into this household. I understood why he was the way he was. I'd imagine being the family bastard would make anyone a little bitter and resentful. Never being considered “pure” or “real” in regard to the family would be enough to piss most people off. I got that. But, he seemed to take it to an extreme. Seemed to revel in it, in fact.
His mother wasn't my mother, even though we were only a year apart. He was a year younger than me. My father sent money to his mother for years, unbeknownst to us, which was why my mom still refused to accept him into the family. He was my father's dirty little secret and she continued to think of him as such.
It was not Adam's fault. He didn't ask to be born into such a screwed-up situation, so I'd always tried to be decent to him. But damn, he made it hard sometimes. He liked to poke me every chance he got. It was as if he was goading me, trying to make me go off on him. We've had our fights growing up, don't get me wrong. We weren't close by any means, and likely never would be. But, I’d always tried to remain civil toward him.
Alba happened to answer the door the day Adam had shown up on our porch, and I'll never forget when she stepped into the dining room, during dinner, and whispered something to my father. She looked distinctly uncomfortable, and we all knew something was up. Little did we know his bastard child was standing in our foyer, ready to disrupt our lives forever.
“She's all yours, Adam,” I said. “I don't want her back. Ever.”
I wanted to say something more biting, something that would cut her to the core. But, I didn't. I remained civil even though it was killing me to do so. My gaze never left Danielle though, who held her head high. She heard me, I made sure of it, but my words didn't seem to have any effect on her. Or, if they did, she was doing a masterful job of hiding it.
I left Adam alone with Danielle and joined my mother on the sofa. She was staring into the fire, sipping her tea, trying her best to pretend that Adam wasn't there. I understood her pain and disdain for my half-brother. I didn't necessarily agree with it, but I understood it. Adam was a constant reminder that her husband hadn't always been faithful to her. My mom's discomfort was completely justified when that reminder stood within ten feet of her.
It seemed like I'd been making excuses for him and clinging to that mantra most of my life.
Who he was wasn't his fault. What was his fault, however, was how he continued to behave around my mother. Knowing she hated him, he continued to throw my dad's affair in her face, every chance he got. He was petty, childish, and vindictive. That was his way. I wanted to believe that if he'd ever showed her a modicum of respect, she might have eventually come around where he was concerned.
But, he didn't, and neither did she, which made gatherings of our little family incredibly uncomfortable.
I leaned over and wrapped my arm around her shoulders, hugging her tightly. She leaned into me, seemingly grateful for the contact, and I took the opportunity to whisper into her ear.
“Did you know he was coming?” I asked.
She shook her head. “I didn't invite him,” she said in a hushed tone. “Your father must have.”
Her hands trembled, so I put her tea and my coffee on the table in front of us and took her hands in mine.
“What's this all about, mom?” I asked. “Did he give you any clues?”
She'd kept her mouth shut about this meeting ever since she called me to tell me to be there. Her eyes met mine and I could see she knew exactly why we were there. She just wasn't telling me. Probably because my father told her to keep her lips zipped about it.
“Your father will explain everything once he's done meeting with his lawyer,” she said.
My father's lawyer, Terrance Houston, had been in dad's office for at least an hour. Mom was hush-hush about that as well. Given the secrecy and all, I assumed this meeting had to do with his will. Although, as far as I knew, my dad wasn't dying yet. Yeah, his health had been going downhill the last few months or so, but there was nothing that would signal that he was on his death bed. Certainly nothing that would seem to warrant a meeting like this being called.
As my mind swirled with thoughts and emotions, an icy finger of dread trailed its way up my spine. Was there something wrong with my dad that he hadn't told us about yet? Was he actually dying? The more I thought about it and played out the worst-case scenarios, the more my anxiety about it all ramped up.
My mother put her hand on mine and squeezed. She sensed my anxiety and sought to help me keep it in check. I gave her a grateful smile and a nod, grateful for her comfort.
We heard the door to his office creak open down the hall, and not a moment too soon – I was on the verge of losing my marbles from the anticipation. Footsteps sounded on the hardwood floor and then Terrance stepped out – alone – and didn't say a word to any of us as he walked through the parlor, toward my mother. Stopping before he, he took her hand and gave her a gentle, compassionate smile before speaking in a hushed tone.
“He's ready to see you now,” he said.
Terrance's turned his gaze to me and he nodded in recognition.
“Malcolm, good to see you.”
“Good to see you, Terrance.”
I met his gray eyes, but he looked away from me, and back to my mother.
“Everything is ready,” he said gently.
“Ready for what?” I asked.
My mother glanced at me, her eyes sad. That one glance, that one expression, made that finger of ice on my spine turn into a frigidly cold fist that grabbed and squeezed my heart. My breath caught in my throat and the feeling of dread that settled over me was oppressive.
“Your father will explain everything, dear,” she said.
Without a word, Terrance turned and led the way down the hall to dad's office, simply expecting us to follow in his wake. Adam was the first one through the door, sauntering into the office, Danielle at his side.
“Wait here, peach,” he said, kissing her and motioning for her to sit outside. “Family business.”
Danielle didn't argue, but she looked over at me, an inscrut
able look in her eyes. When we were together, she'd been considered family, and was allowed to sit in on all family meetings and functions. We hadn't been engaged, but most people considered it to pretty much be an inevitability, and my family had simply accepted her as my wife-to-be.
Now that we were done, and she was with Adam, she'd been downgraded to just a girlfriend. A hanger-on. An outsider who didn't warrant a seat at the family table. It was petty, but it gave me a small sense of satisfaction. I headed into the office without sparing her another look, but she grabbed my arm as I was passing her by.
“Malcolm, can we talk afterward?” she asked.
I pulled my arm away and didn't bother to answer her. I had nothing to say and there was no reason for me to have a conversation with her. I held the door open for my mom, who gave me a curious look.
She mouthed, “What happened?”
“Later,” I told her.
I knew I'd have to explain everything to my family sooner or later. I'd figured I'd have more time to broach the subject. My family had come to like Danielle a lot and I knew our split was going to hit them a little bit hard. Then she showed up hanging all over Adam though, and the cat was out of the bag about our breakup. There was no gentle way to break it to them after that. Oh well – not much I could do.
I stepped into my dad's office and closed the door behind us, shutting Danielle out. If she'd wanted to be part of this family, perhaps she should have acted like it. Betraying my trust was not the way to go about it. I would have done almost anything for that woman, and she’d taken it for granted. And now? Hooking up with my half-brother not even twenty-four hours after we'd broken up? That was low, even for her. Though, I guess I should have expected her willingness to stoop to that level after what she'd done to me. I probably shouldn't have been all that surprised.
My dad's office had always been a sacred space. His sacred space, to be more precise. It was a sanctuary I hadn't been allowed to set foot in until I was old enough to work for him. Which in his eyes, was when I was fifteen. I worked for him after school while others played football or went on dates or did whatever it was kids my age typically did.