Hard Hit: IceCats series

by Toni Aleo

  Thankfully, Jean’s dad is doing better, and she’s back to working for Kirby full time. I love how comfortable she makes things for Celeste and Kirby. I know he stresses when he is gone, but Celeste is in such great hands, and I can’t seem to stay away anyway. If I don’t get my daily dose of Celeste, I’m bummed. I think that’s why I can’t wrap my head around the fact that Lilly doesn’t want to be in her life. I absolutely adore Celeste, love her, and she isn’t even my blood. I don’t understand it.

  Unfortunately, Lilly didn’t show up for their court date. Kirby was pissed when the judge decided to give Lilly another chance to be in Celeste’s life. He believes a daughter needs her mother, no matter how wonderful the dad is or what she says through text. It’s bullshit in my opinion and in the opinion of everyone else too.

  Kirby’s case is the talk of the office, and Feliciana is pissed. She is actually having dinner with the judge tonight, not that I can tell Kirby that, but I’m hopeful she will be able to sway him in Kirby and Celeste’s favor. We’ll see how it goes. Add in the fact that my mom has been riding me hard for dinner with Kirby, and I’m stressed. My dad didn’t get back to town until the middle of the week, so I got out of dinner for that Monday, much to my mother’s and Kirby’s dismay.

  He really wants to meet them.

  I think he was lying when he said he was falling for me. I think he already fell, and I may have too. Though, neither of us have said it, and I don’t think either of us will until I sleep in his bed overnight. It’s so frustrating. As much as I say I’m trying, I’m not really sure I am. As soon as Celeste goes to bed, Kirby and I make love, and then, after cleaning up, I leave. I am so frustrated with myself, and I know he’s reading into it. I want more, but I don’t know how. Maybe I should just jump right in. What could it hurt?

  Could be fun.

  I glance at the time and groan loudly. It’s almost eight, and I still haven’t left the office. I won’t be able to go to Kirby’s, which bums me out since I want to see him and Celeste. It’s as if he senses I’m thinking of him, because my phone goes off with his notification sound.

  Kirby: Hey. Working?

  Me: Yeah, unfortunately. I’m having difficulties with a contract, and I’m trying to find a way around one issue. I’m sorry. I miss you.

  Kirby: Don’t apologize. You’ve got to work. I miss you more.

  Me: I doubt it. What are you guys doing?

  I watch the little text bubble, and when the text comes through, my heart stops dead in my chest.

  Kirby: Standing in the lobby, staring at your gorgeous self, holding dinner and Celeste.

  My lips curve as I look up, meeting his gaze. He’s carrying a bag from Southern Kitchen, a tray of drinks on the table next to him as Celeste bounces in his arms, opening and closing her palm in my direction. I don’t know why tears burn my eyes as I get up, ignoring my shoes, and walk out of my office. He comes toward me, grinning from ear to ear, looking so damn sexy. He has on a polo shirt with a pair of khaki shorts. His hair is combed to the side, and he hasn’t shaved today, so his jaw is dark with stubble. Celeste is wearing the sweetest little yellow dress with her hair pulled into a stubby pony on top of her head.

  I’m overloaded with emotions.

  “This is a surprise.”

  “Said you were having a rough day, wanted to make it better. Plus, for my own selfish reasons since I miss you.”

  I grin as I approach him, kissing him hard on his lips. He presses his nose into mine, and we share a grin. “You’re incredible.”

  He kisses me once more before I go to Celeste, kissing her as she squeals happily for me. I take her, hugging her close. “Aren’t you the cutest! Are you surprising me with dinner? This was all your idea, huh?”

  She hugs me tightly before babbling something and pressing her open mouth on my cheek. I laugh as I hug her tightly, kissing her sweet little face. “I have crap everywhere in my office. Let’s go to the conference room.”

  Kirby grins in agreement, and we head to the conference room. Together, with Celeste babbling cheerfully, we set the table with the amazing dinner he got us. Once we sit down, I dig in, realizing I am starving. “This is so sweet. Thank you, Kirb.”

  “Absolutely. How much longer you got?”

  I shrug. “I’m nowhere near done, but sitting here with you two, I don’t want to go back.”

  He grins. “I don’t want to distract you.”

  “Sure, you don’t,” I tease, feeding Celeste a bite of my potatoes.

  “Okay. Maybe it was my plan to steal you away.”

  “Oh, really? Where are we going?”

  He holds my gaze. “A hotel.”

  “A hotel?” I ask, confused. “Why?”

  “I figured maybe I can trick you into sleeping with me in another bed, and it’ll lead to mine.”

  I smile, but I don’t want to tell him that’s not the reason I won’t stay the night with him. Hotels are easy; a man’s bed is a whole other issue. Instead, I say, “That’s not a bad idea.”

  “I didn’t think so. I had Aviva pack you a bag, and Jean is swinging by to get Celeste. So, we can head there once you’re done.”

  Talk about emotional overload. “Really?”

  “Yup. I got us a ritzy suite, with a spa tub in the room so you can relax.”

  “Stop it right now. That’s too much,” I protest. “We could just stay at my place.”

  He shrugs. “True, but I’ve got to get you into that bed with me so you feel safe. No naughty business at all. Just relaxation and sleep.”

  “No naughty business? I don’t believe that.”

  “Yeah, that was a lie. But the other stuff is true,” he says, his eyes sparkling as he gazes at me.

  “Kirby, you’re doing too much, and I feel like I’m failing you.”

  He shakes his head, reaching for my hand. “Never, Jay. I get it. We’ll work through it.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Absolutely. We’ll defeat this together.”

  I hold his gaze. “I want that.”

  “Good, because we’re moving forward, you and I. Meeting the parents, falling in love. Jay, we’re making a relationship here.”

  I wait for the fear, I wait for the need to run, but instead, I just grin. “We are.”

  “You and me—and Celeste.”

  “And Celeste,” I say, kissing her temple, and she leans into me, nuzzling her nose in my neck.

  And then, the most beautiful sound leaves her little lips. “Mama-mama-mama-mama!”

  My eyes widen as I meet Kirby’s stunned ones. “Did she just say what I think she said?” he asks, and I look down at Celeste as she giggles sweetly, repeating the sound once more as she taps my cheeks.

  “Mama-mama-mama-mama.”

  I shake my head, unable to grasp what she is saying. It’s silly. She’s a baby; she doesn’t know what that means. “I hear ‘Mama,’ but she’s just making noises, right?”

  Kirby shifts, his eyes burning into mine. “Or she knows who loves her and who she loves.”

  Once more, my eyes get itchy with tears. “Is that okay?”

  His gaze doesn’t leave mine. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

  “What about Lilly?”

  His eyes are dark. “Is she here? Is she loving on Celeste right now?”

  I gaze back at Celeste, and she gives me a gummy grin before openmouth kissing my chin. I want to believe her little babble to be true, and that catches me off guard. My mom was right; this is an instant family, and I want it. I crave it. I hold her close. “Are you saying mama, my sweet baby girl?”

  “Mama-mama-mama-mama!”

  We both laugh as Celeste giggles and then squeals happily. I hug her tight, kissing her. And as easy as it is to breathe, I tell her, “I love you so much, baby girl.”

  She nuzzles in close to me, and when I look at Kirby, his eyes are shining with love. He then pulls me toward him since my chair has wheels. He kisses me, hard, and I feel like I’m f
alling at speeds unknown. As we part, he strokes his fingers along my throat, and I gaze at him, overwhelmed with love. I never thought in my wildest dreams that Celeste would say that to me or that it would be that easy to tell her I love her. My eyes are glossy as I gaze into his. The words are right there. I feel them everywhere. But then, I hear a voice.

  “Sorry to interrupt. I didn’t realize you were still here.”

  I look toward the door where Feliciana is standing, and my heart tries to force its way out of my chest. Kirby sits back, smiling politely at Feliciana, and she looks between us.

  I clear my throat as Celeste reaches for more potatoes. “Hey, I was working late, and then my boyfriend surprised me with dinner.” I hold my hand out to Kirby. “Kirby, this is my boss, Feliciana.”

  Kirby grins at me as he stands, holding out his hand to Feliciana. “Kirby Litman. It’s nice to meet you.”

  Feliciana takes his hand, shaking it slowly as she gives him a wide grin. I can see she’s putting two and two together and knows my truth. Knows what I was trying to hide. But instead of saying anything, she replies, “It’s wonderful to meet you. I have to say, good job on locking her down. She’s my favorite workaholic.”

  “That she is. But I call it driven.”

  She grins. “I love that. I like him,” she says to me, but I’m freaking the hell out.

  I clear my throat. “I thought you were heading home after dinner?”

  She nods. “I was going to, but I need to grab something. Then I saw you guys in here and thought I’d come say hello,” she says, grinning at Celeste. “Is this your daughter, Kirby?”

  Kirby smiles proudly. “Yup. This is Celeste.”

  “She’s adorable,” Feliciana says sweetly.

  Kirby looks over at me. “We think so.”

  My heart. Shit. I feel a fluttery feeling, but then my gaze meets Feliciana’s. She has a smile on her face, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “I hate to interrupt, but can I speak to you in my office, Jaylin?”

  I almost say no, but I know that would be rude and disrespectful. I nod as I stand, handing off Celeste to Kirby. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Of course,” he says, though his eyes are full of concern. I know he is worried, so I squeeze his shoulder as I walk past him to reassure him I’m fine.

  Even if I’m not sure I am.

  I follow Feliciana toward her office in silence, and I know this is about to go bad. I enter her office, and she closes the door behind us. “I assume that is the Kirby Litman who is in a custody battle with his ex for that sweet little girl?”

  I swallow as I cross my arms over my chest. “It is.”

  “How long has this been going on?”

  I pause, gathering my words. “I met him over a year ago, but his ex popped up pregnant, so we couldn’t pursue what we wanted back then. We linked back up when our office was recommended to him for representation, and we have been together ever since.”

  She sits down in her chair, crossing her legs as she nods. “We have a policy against getting involved with clients.”

  “Since he isn’t my client, I didn’t think it would be an issue or that I’d be breaking policy.”

  Her eyes hold mine. “I get the sense you wouldn’t care if you were breaking policy, because you want to be with him and no one can say otherwise.”

  I blink. “He means a great deal to me, as does his daughter.” She nods, and for some reason, I say, “I feel like my whole life fell in line the moment he came into it.”

  Feliciana’s lips pull up at the side, but she doesn’t smile. “How does Willa feel about it?”

  “She’s upset that I’m dating him since she worries it might jeopardize her case, but I don’t think that will happen.”

  “I don’t see how it would. His ex has a boyfriend and, by all accounts, is a piece of shit. He’s a good man, with a smart, successful, and gorgeous woman by his side who obviously loves his child and him.”

  I smile softly. “I feel the same.”

  “No one can question that he’s smitten with you. It’s all over his face.” I don’t know what to say, and after studying me for a moment, she says, “You’re scared?”

  “Petrified.”

  She laughs. “Don’t fight it, my love. I can see it’s real.”

  “I feel the same, but there is always fear with giving yourself to someone like this. It could crumble into a billion pieces.”

  “Absolutely. Especially when there is a baby mama in play, which hopefully won’t be an issue much longer.”

  “I hope not. She doesn’t deserve them.”

  “She doesn’t,” she agrees as her lips turn up. I want to ask about dinner, but I know it’s not my place. Nor do I think she’ll tell me now that she knows Kirby and I are together. “You look so happy, Jaylin.”

  “I am,” I admit on an exhale. “Celeste just said ‘Mama,’ and I know she’s probably only making noises, but it made me feel unbelievably loved.”

  Feliciana beams at me. “I’m so very happy for you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. You’re correct that your relationship is not explicitly against our firm’s policies. He isn’t your client, but let me know if Willa gives you any trouble. You know I don’t tolerate that kind of conflict between attorneys.”

  I swallow back the emotion threatening to suffocate me and nod. “Everything is fine.”

  “Good. Now get back to dinner with your boyfriend.”

  We share a long smile before I turn and head out of her office. There is a little pep in my step as I head into the conference room, where Kirby sits with Celeste in his lap. Once Celeste sees me, she babbles, “mama-mama.” I can’t describe the feeling it gives me.

  “I know. I’m sorry I was gone!”

  I take her from Kirby, but I don’t get far before he pulls me down in his lap. With his lips at my ear, he asks, “Everything okay?”

  I look over at him, leaning in to kiss his nose. His eyes drift shut, and my heart explodes in my chest. He tilts his head back, and I kiss him softly on his lips. As Celeste leans her head on my chest, I whisper against his mouth, “Everything is absolutely perfect.”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Kirby

  * * *

  I want to say I woke up since I know Jaylin has to be at work early and I need to hit the rink to work with Evan, but the truth is, I don’t want to waste my time sleeping when I can be gazing at her.

  The sunshine peeks in through the curtain and shines on her ebony skin, making it glow. Jaylin sleeps soundly, her bonnet on her head and her sleep mask over her eyes. I lie on my folded arm, stroking my finger along her back, up and down, the bumps of her spine lovely against my fingertips. We had a beautiful night, and we needed it. I hope I made her feel safe. I mean, she went to sleep quickly without much tossing and turning. I’d spent the day sick to my stomach, worrying that she wouldn’t sleep. That she would just stare at me, wondering if I would hurt her. I know she doesn’t believe that at all, but in my head, I confuse the issue. She doesn’t want to sleep over because she thinks I’ll hurt her. Stupid anxiety.

  I kiss her shoulder as I cup her butt, snuggling closer to her. She tangles her legs with mine, inhaling hard, and shifts herself closer to my lips. I kiss her once more, moving my lips along her soft skin, finding myself intoxicated by her presence. How can I not? She’s stunning. After a long night of lovemaking and soaking for hours in the tub, she’s gloriously naked, and I am too. My cock reminds me of that as it awakens at the feel of her hip against it. I run my lips along her shoulder, nuzzling her neck as she smiles.

  “Mmm, good morning,” she moans as she wraps her arms around my neck. I kiss up her throat to her chin, but before I can reach her mouth, she covers it with her hand as she lifts her eye mask. “Morning breath.”

  “I don’t fucking care,” I say, taking her by her wrist and then pinning it to the bed before I devour her mouth. I roll her onto her back, covering her body wi
th mine as I kiss her, positioning myself between her legs. She wraps her legs around my waist, her foot sliding down the back of my calf, revving all my engines. I feel her wet center against me, and everything inside me goes burning hot. “I love that you’re always ready for me,” I say roughly against her lips as I enter her in one simple motion, her slick pussy surrounding me. She makes me feel as if I drive her as crazy as she drives me. The sensation is incredible as her nails drag along my skin, her body arching into mine.

  “Oh, Kirby,” she moans softly, her mouth trailing along my collarbone and chest. I thrust into her as she lifts her hips so I can go deeper. I’m lost. I reach for her leg, holding it for support as I move in and out of her quickly. I need her. I want her. Forever. Each thrust is better than the last, and her body is sinful in my hands. So thick and soft in all the right places. I glide my hand along her thigh, gripping her ass as I pound into her wanton center. Her moans are loud, and I love them. It’s like a symphony to me. When she explodes, it’s as if she punches me in the gut, I’m so breathless.

  I’m hers. Completely hers.

  I’m not far behind, my release so strong, I’m surprised by it. I feel it everywhere, my body shaking as if it’s exploding. I still inside her, dropping my head between her breasts as I suck in deep breaths. She holds me, her hands moving up and down my back as she kisses the top of my head. I trail my lips up her chest to her neck, nibbling on her flesh before licking her jaw and capturing her mouth needily. She kisses me back just as feverishly as we hold each other, our bodies trembling.

  Then I realize something. “Shit, Jay, I forgot a condom.”

  She kisses the side of my mouth, not even the least bit concerned. “I have an IUD.”

  “Oh,” I say, unexpectedly disappointed by that. What did I think? I was going to knock her up? Does she even want kids of her own?

  “Why do you sound upset by that? Were you trying to knock me up, Mr. Litman?”

  I brace myself up, grinning down at her. “I seriously was thinking the same thing. I don’t know why I sounded so disappointed.”

  She eyes me. “Are you?”