Without Apology

by Aubrey Bondurant

  Even a year ago, who would’ve thought I could ever be so happy living in a suburb of Dallas? But I was. Despite Peyton’s propensity for being late, her clutter, and the way she threw things into the dishwasher like an animal—messing with me because she knew I’d have to go behind her and arrange everything carefully—I was undeniably in love with her. Her yang to my yin made me appreciate so much more in life. I couldn’t wait to spend the rest of it with her. We’d promised as much with our vows yesterday in front of our friends and family. And of course, Cooper had also been part of the festivities, with a big bow around his neck.

  It seemed strange that I’d come to think of her family as my own in only a few months, but I’d become ‘Uncle Simon’ long before it was official.

  In the backseat of the chauffeured car, I glanced over at my wife and then took her hand. I loved the feel of her wedding ring against my fingers. “You all right, Mrs. Granger?”

  She practically beamed. “God, I love the sound of that, Mr. Granger. And, yeah I’m okay. Although I probably should’ve taken Emma up on her offer of a Xanax.”

  We were on our way to the airport where we intended to take a plane to Cabo. I’d been more than fine with driving somewhere for our honeymoon, but she’d been adamant about going to a fancy resort and enjoying some time in paradise.

  “Drugs would not mix well with what I have planned to take your mind off the flight.”

  She lifted a brow, looking curious. A year ago, she’d braved the return flight from New York by starting with a few drinks in first class and then, while gripping onto me for dear life, sleeping the rest of the way. It hadn’t been easy, so I was proud of her for conquering her fears. That being said, I’d be the first to support her if she’d simply wanted to scratch flying off her list and never do it again. But here we were, with her adamant and me proud of her for the effort.

  “What do you have planned?”

  “You’ll see.” We made the turn into the airport and kept driving to the private terminal where the car stopped in front of the private plane. It was larger than we needed, but I knew she didn’t like the small ones. I only hoped she’d be okay with it.

  “We’re flying on a private plane? Isn’t that extravagant?”

  Although she was now well aware I was worth millions and she had money of her own, I appreciated that she remained sensible when it came to spending it.

  “It is, but it’s our honeymoon, so it’s worth it.”

  She leaned over and kissed me. The anxiety was rolling off of her in waves, but I hoped to change that soon. We boarded the plane and were greeted by both the pilot and flight attendant, the latter of which was happy to get us drinks right away.

  “Jim has flown me all over the world. He’s a former Navy fighter jet pilot. After his service, he flew for commercial airlines before switching to private planes about six years ago.” I’d specifically requested someone I knew and about whom I could reassure Peyton regarding the flight.

  As we took our seats, she looked around. “Thank you. I already feel better, although—”

  She accepted her whiskey and proceeded to drain the glass midsentence, looking like she was in a chugging contest. I was a combination of impressed, turned on, and concerned.

  “—that’s much better. Whoo, it really burns.”

  I took a sip of mine. “I bet. Remind me not to challenge you to a drinking competition anytime soon.”

  She laughed. “It really does bring back the college years.”

  “Do you want another?”

  She shook her head. “I think I’m good now.”

  “Excellent. Come on.” I took her hand and led her to the bedroom in the back of the plane where there was a queen-sized bed.

  “Wow, you really went all out. But don’t we need seat belts with takeoff and landing?”

  “The bed has them.”

  “Does it now?”

  A whole host of dirty thoughts floated through my mind about how I could enjoy strapping her down to the bed. “It does indeed, wife. Now then, I think you should get more comfortable. I’ll turn off our phones.”

  I had no problem turning off my phone these days. I no longer worked for Phillip, having left the Stone Group to pursue my own real estate interests. We’d parted on good terms, and from time to time I’d still advise him regarding some of his investments. But it was a relief to choose my own projects, select the people I worked with, and most especially, make my own schedule. Along with my new business partner, I’d started two major commercial building projects in the Dallas area, keeping me local.

  Roots. I’d never had them, but now that I did, I would do anything to keep them growing.

  My beautiful wife removed her shoes and took a seat on the bed. She, too, had struck a nice balance in her new role of CFO. Phillip had been more than impressed when she’d implemented a new financial system and increased profitability. Yet for all our accomplishments, we ensured we had dinner together on most evenings and took our weekend time very seriously.

  We’d even managed to fulfill her office fantasy, christening her new desk and flinging all of her papers onto the floor. It had taken exactly three minutes afterward before I was kneeling down and cleaning up the mess. What could I say? Old habits died hard. She’d simply laughed and let me do it while tugging her clothes back into place.

  Now for Operation Distraction. It started with me buckling her into the bed belt while she giggled every time I copped a feel during the process. “I have something to show you,” I told her.

  She flashed a sexy smile. “Is it the same thing you showed me last night? Because I really enjoyed that.”

  Her reminder of how I’d carried her over the threshold at the hotel room near the airport before stripping her out of her wedding dress brought back vivid memories and almost made me want to forgo my current plan. “Soon.”

  I put my bag on the bed and pulled out the first two items of Operation Distraction. As expected, the first one started doing the trick. Her eyes immediately focused on it.

  “You got me a bag of gummy bears?”

  “Yes, which for the record are still disgusting.”

  She laughed, clearly indifferent to what they were made of.

  “Also. I have this.”

  Her reaction to the box of chocolate-flavored frosted flakes was a squeal of delight, something which made me laugh.

  “The question is chocolate or plain milk with them?” I asked.

  She scoffed. “Chocolate, of course.”

  I pulled out the carton of chocolate milk to show how much I knew my love. Her face was completely captivated until the engine started, and she tensed.

  Time to break out the next phase. I handed her a stack of stapled papers while taking a seat beside her.

  “These are houses?” Her expression was confused as she thumbed through them.

  “Houses and land. Toward the back are some architectural drawings of possible homes.”

  We’d talked about finding a bigger house once we got married. We wanted to have kids in the next couple of years.

  “This one is in my sister’s neighborhood.”

  I’d put that one on top.

  “I thought it might catch your interest. It’s five bedrooms. Needs some updating. But we could remodel it before moving in. Or there are a couple of lots where we can build. Up to you.”

  “I like the thought of our kids playing with their cousins down the street.”

  I smiled, the vision of her as the mother of my children causing an unexpected lump of emotion in my throat. “Me, too.”

  “Tell me your vows again from yesterday.”

  We’d written our own for the ceremony. Last night, she’d also wanted me to repeat them. “Peyton. There’s no one else in this world to whom I’d rather say the I love you’s, I’ve missed you’s, and especially the I’m sorry’s. I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together.”

  She sighed, melting into me when I kissed her lips. Then the
jet moved, and she suddenly tensed again.

  Now for the final part of the distraction plan. I undid her jeans and peeled them down her legs.

  “What are you doing?” she wanted to know.

  “Making you a member of the mile-high club.”

  She didn’t have a chance to answer as I buried my face between her delectable thighs and didn’t come up until we’d leveled out and the pilot came over the speaker to say we were free to move about the cabin.

  “Jesus. I think you just broke all records.”

  I climbed up her body, unsnapping her seatbelt and curling her into me. She was completely relaxed. Then again, five orgasms should do that to a person.

  “Took your mind off of things, though, didn’t it?”

  Her hand snaked out to undo my trousers. “Sure did. Guess I know how we’ll be spending the entire flight.”

  “That was the plan.”

  “Have I told you today how much I love you, husband?”

  I tucked my face into her neck, breathing in her scent. “I love you, too, wife. By the way, whether we remodel or build, we need to have separate offices.”

  She pulled back, grinning. “You don’t want to share with me?”

  “Not a chance. I adore you, but the clutter makes me twitch. Don’t worry, I’ll visit, and we can have as much desk sex as you’d like.”

  “We should probably have separate closets, too.”

  Considering hers was jam-packed and messy, I couldn’t disagree. “Good point. And we’ll need to fence the back yard for Cooper.”

  I shed the rest of my clothes and then helped her to do the same.

  “Does that mean we decided on the house on my sister’s street?”

  Pinning her to the bed, I tucked the hair behind her ears sweetly. “It would seem so.” The worry line between her eyes appeared, making me kiss it. “What’s wrong?”

  “What if it’s not available once we get back in a week?”

  “What if I told you I already put a down payment on it?” I’d also been worried it would go quickly.

  “I’d say you earned yourself a blow job.” She shimmied down and pushed me onto my back.

  “For being presumptuous? Excellent. I can do that quite often.”

  She laughed. “I’ve heard they’re great for bribes or thank you’s in a marriage.”

  It was my turn to chuckle. “I’m loving that idea. And just wait for what I have in mind for landing.” I might’ve packed some battery-operated toys to play with.

  “Flying just got a whole lot better.”

  Later, as we lay there sated, a point more than halfway through our journey, she reached over to look at our house a second time. “Anything else you can think of we’d need?” I asked.

  She turned to kiss my chest. “Only you, Brexy. Oh, and all of your suits. How does a man own over forty?”

  I chuckled. “You know you love the suits.”

  “It’s true. Are you sure you can see spending the rest of your life in Texas?”

  I did my best version of a Southern accent. “You’re my home, darlin’, no matter where we settle.”

  “Aw. Spoken like a Brit trying to do a terrible Texas accent. I think I’ll keep you.”

  I kissed her softly. “Consider me kept.”

  Thank you so much for reading the first book in my new series. Emma’s story will be in the second book, Without Regret, so be sure you’re signed up for my newsletter to find out when it’s available. Add it to Goodreads here. Here’s a peek at the blurb!

  Rejection and I have an understanding: I don't put myself out there and it doesn't screw with my life any more.

  I keep my feelings hidden, and my heart locked away.

  It was working well until he came along and threatened my impenetrable armor, one honeyed word at a time.

  With his clean-cut looks, and southern manners, I'm convinced he's not my type. Until I learn Trevor isn't the same gentleman in the bedroom as he is in the boardroom.

  But once he learns my secrets, and my carefully constructed facade starts to crumble, it's my turn to do the rejecting.

  I only hope he doesn't listen.

  If you have a few minutes to leave a review, I’d be incredibly grateful. It makes such a difference for a self-published author. Email me a link to it at aubreybondurant@gmail.com, and I’d love to thank you with a personal note.

  Sincerely,

  Aubrey

  About Aubrey Bondurant

  Aubrey Bondurant is a working mom who loves to write, read, and travel.

  She describes her writing style as: "Adult Contemporary Erotic Romantic Comedy," which is just another way of saying she likes her characters funny, her bedroom scenes hot, and her romances with a happy ending.

  When Aubrey isn't working her day job or spending time with her family, she's on her laptop typing away on her next story. She only wishes there were more hours of the day!

  She's a former member of the US Marine Corps and passionate about veteran charities and giving back to the community. She loves a big drooly dog, a fantastic margarita, and football.

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  Email her at aubreybondurant@gmail.com

  Books by Aubrey Bondurant:

  The Something Series

  Tell Me Something

  Ask Me Something

  Bet Me Something

  Teach Me Something

  Show Me Something

  The Without Series

  Without Apology

  Without Regret (Coming Soon)

  Dirty Intentions (part of the Dirty It Up Anthology)

  Dirty It Up

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  I want to once again say thank you to my loyal, amazing readers!! I’ve been lucky enough over this last year to meet some of you and can’t tell you how humbling it is to talk about my characters with people who love them like I do! Every tag you make, every share, every person you recommend my books to means so much!

  To my family: Thank you for understanding this is more than a hobby, but a passion! And for knowing how much it means to have you supportive of it!

  To my editor, Alyssa Kress. I just can’t say enough great things about you! From helping me in the beta stages to finding all the little things that make my books better, I thank you so much for being part of this!

  To all of the amazing bloggers. You work tirelessly to promote authors like me and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it! Many of you have been with me since the beginning of this journey and I can’t tell you how much it means that you can’t wait for my next book!

  To all of the amazing authors who said yes to being a part of my 1-click addict release day party-Thank you! I’m so blown away by how supportive and encouraging you each are!!