“Thirsty?”
“Parched.” She held up a glass, blinking up at me through thick dark lashes. “Pour me a drink and tell me something I don’t know about you Davis.”
“I’m from a small town in Missouri called Oak’s Bluff. No idea why, since we have no oaks or bluffs.”
She laughed. “Well I am also a midwestern girl. Sort of. Mostly. I guess. I mean we spent a few years in Wisconsin when Mom went through her landscape phase, but mostly we lived in a Boston suburb. Nothing too exciting.”
“It was just me and my mother ,but she’s great. Happy I’m not smoke jumping anymore, but sad I’m so far away. It’s only for your sake that I’ve put off her requests for a visit.” She froze and I knew she was about to tear me apart. “Relax. The last thing you want is my mom in here asking about grand babies and trying to fatten you up.”
Her brow arched. “Fatten, as in food? I love food, Davis and I love food cooked by someone else more than any other kind of food.”
“So you’re saying I can invite my mom to come visit us?” I didn’t believe that for one second, but I took her at her word and shot off a quick text to my mother. “Now you can’t back out.”
“Moms generally like me. Probably not for their sons, but as a person.” She didn’t look nervous, but her attempt at casual with that comment failed.
“She’ll see how happy I am, and love you for just for that.” I could tell by her expression that she didn’t believe me and I shrugged. She would see for herself.
“You’re so cheesy,” she accused, but the way she blushed told me my words hand hit their mark.
“You love cheese.”
“Only the creamy French stuff, but you’re all right too.”
I leaned in close and nibbled on her jaw. “Keep on complimenting me, Mags, I feel my head swelling.”
With a wicked smile, she turned to me. “That’s another thing I love about you. A constantly swelling head.” Goddammit the heat in her eyes nearly tore me apart one hand gripped her thigh under the table because no matter how much I wanted to comment on the thing she loved about me, I knew now wasn’t the time.
It was a slip of the tongue. I knew that, but the hope inside of me didn’t. “Maybe don’t tell my mom that, yeah?”
She laughed. “She thinks you’re a virgin?”
“No,” I growled and squeezed her thigh harder. “Then she might feel compelled to share her own…tidbits.” That only made her laugh even harder.
“Good to know.” The mischief in her eyes was unmistakable and I knew that her and my mom together would be trouble. The best kind of trouble.
The kind I hoped would make her see our future together clearly.
Magenta
“You want me to what?”
I was sitting in my new favorite spot on the planet, straddling Davis when he was buried deep inside of me, throbbing as I clenched around him. We both were still coming down from another cataclysmic orgasm, breaths coming in deep gulps.
Davis kept his eyes trained on mine, the definition of intense . “You heard me. I want you to design a tattoo for me.”
I wasn’t sure if he meant it, or if he thought this was a way to please me. Both options made me happy because I’d love to put a tattoo on his skin, all those miles of smooth sun kissed flesh, and those dips and planes of his hard body.
“I’ll do it. But only if you’re sure.”
“I’m sure. Design something you think I’ll like.” His expression was determined, serious, and while I wanted him to be certain, I already had a few ideas running through my mind. “I trust you.”
“Why?” I put his hands on my chest and clamped around him, rolling my head back and closing my eyes.
“Shouldn’t I?”
“You can trust me with your skin, Davis.” That was about all he could trust me with, but the weekend had been so nice I didn’t want to ruin it. Yet. “Now where were we? Orgasm number two or three?”
“Who’s counting?”
I grinned at him. “I am.” I was up by one and determined to even us up before we got dressed for an afternoon walking around the city.
Just over an hour later we left the hotel hand in hand, lost in our little bubble of…whatever. “I say beignets and coffee for breakfast. Irish coffee. What do you think?”
“I think your kisses will taste delicious with powdered sugar on it.” His words were so cheesy, but I loved it and that was…unsettling. But I was going with it because Davis gave good, genuine compliments and he was easy to be with. I didn’t have to pretend, I could just be.
“I’m buying.”
He pulled closer and I could see the scowl on his face thanks to the little bunching of skin between his eyebrows. “We’ll see about that.”
“Sexist,” I pouted playfully.
“Hey,” he leaned in and kissed my cheek. “I let you be on top, didn’t I?”
“Let? You’ve been hanging around the guys at the firehouse too much if you think that choice was yours.”
“Come on. I need some coffee before your sass makes sense to me.”
I let him pull me along through the streets of New Orleans, musicians already set up on their corners with sultry, bluesy tunes drifting on the breeze. Hand in hand with an honest to goodness good guy, it seemed surreal, like the dreams I used to have back before I knew better. But I leaned against him and gripped his hand tighter, let him guide me until we found a cute little restaurant with white tablecloths and big comfortable chairs. We were seated by the window so we could watch the city outside. It was perfect. “This is just right, you know?”
His blue eyes softened and he placed his hand on top of mine, looking at me like this was real. Really real. “I do know, Mags. It feels like we’ve done this a million times, doesn’t it?”
I nodded, because what the hell else could I do? “Thanks for coming with me.”
“I’d go anywhere with you, Magenta.”
“You really know how to make me go all squishy, don’t you? Are these practiced lines, or are you just that good?” It was something I always wondered about him, especially in those months after we first parted when I missed him like crazy.
“I think maybe you just bring it out of me.”
“I think I might like the thought of that.”
As the day progressed it became more than a thought. It became a dream that started to focus and sharpen in my mind. Weekends like this with Davis between busy weeks filled with work and errands, long nights in bed. It all was too real. So real I could feel the happiness skating along my skin, the actual warmth in my chest.
It was creepy.
And scary.
“Come on, let’s go burn off some of this caffeine.” I surprised Davis when I took his hand and clasped it with mine, tugging him back out onto the crowded street filled with tourists up to start a new day, musicians just heading home for a nap and an odd mix of other walks of life. It as refreshing.
It felt right in all the ways that matter, exploring such a rich and artistic city with Davis. “Why aren’t all these people making albums,” he said as we passed a teenage girl with the voice of a woman twice her age.
“We all want to succeed on our terms, Davis. Even you.”
“There’s only one way to fight fires.”
I looked up at him. “Really, aren’t smoke jumpers like totally elite and exclusive?” Looking at his boyishly handsome face, especially when he smiled, you’d never guess he was a firefighting badass. But once glimpse at that body and it was either firefighter or superhero.
“Okay, fine. Point taken.”
“I’ve never gotten to spend any real time in this city. It’s an experience.”
I loved this city. It was definitely one of my top five cities because of the quirky vibe it had, the deep roots and rich history. Something about this place called to me, which was probably why I had no problem staying in Belle Musique so long.
“It’s a way of life.”
“Does that me
an you’re thinking about staying?”
I looked up at him and I saw the questions in his eyes. He wanted me to stay, or at least he thought he did. “I haven’t thought about anything else since you showed up, Davis.”
“But you’re not happy about it.” It wasn’t a question, because though we hadn’t known each other long, Davis knew me.
“I’m no good for you, Davis. Things are fine, now, but eventually my quirks will get on your nerves and my smart mouth will annoy you. You’ll resent the things you think you like now, and we’ll grow to hate each other.” The last thing I wanted was to admit to all of this out on a crowded city street, but the hope he had was contagious and it made me forget.
Davis looked down at me, heart in his eyes. Looking sad and apologetic at the same time. “You really believe that?”
I nodded. “I do. I’ve never been able to make any relationships work, Davis.”
“Bullshit,” he challenged, refusing to release me when I try to tug free. “You have a relationship with Trish. Vivi and Maddie, hell even Aunt Mae. Mason. Me.”
“Now.”
“That’s how relationships work, Magenta. They don’t work out with most of the people in the world until you find the friends, the family, that one person who gets you, who understands you and who loves you for exactly who you are. Smart ass and all.” His lips quirked into a smile, but I could see the seriousness in his gaze. “Then those people stick. Look at your brother, none of his relationships worked out before. Until Trish.”
“Okay, yeah but-,”
“Same thing with Vivi and Nash from what I hear. Zeke and Maddie too. Plus every other couple in the world. Got anymore excuses?”
Nope. I had none. Dammit.
“I didn’t think so. Come on, I heard there’s a place where we can get grownup slushies. With booze.” Without another word or any further pressure, Davis wrapped an arm around me and pulled me along.
It was the best date of my life. We walked around the city, stopping along the way to buy souvenirs, get drinks and snacks. Art. We talked and laughed, dipped into shaded corners to make out, and we couldn’t keep our hands off each other.
To me, it felt a lot like love.
God, I hoped I was wrong.
Davis
“Tomorrow, try not to look so smug, will ya?”
Scott scowled beside me as we both took off on foot from the station.
“What in the hell do I have to look smug about? We both just came off the same forty-eight hour shift, except you somehow smell worse than I do.”
“The ladies love my man scent. And you know damn well what I’m talking about. The whistling, the staring off into space with a goofy I just got laid grin your face. I take it things are still blissful with you and wifey?”
“We had a good weekend, but honestly, I don’t know. She’s skittish as hell.”
“Magenta? Hard to imagine, but tough girls are always soft on the inside. Is she worried you’ll cheat?”
“Nope. Thinks she doesn’t have what it takes to be in a relationship.”
“You just have to prove her wrong.” He smiled at me like he was confident I could do it.
“What makes you so sure?”
He shrugged. “I saw how she looked at you at your party. Like you were a Hemsworth.”
“There are more than one?” I shook my head with a tired laugh. “Are we really having this conversation?”
“My point is that she’s gone over you. Head over heels in love.”
I wanted to agree with Scott, but I knew there could be a lot of hope involved in my perception, so I didn’t respond. “None of that matters if she’s scared.” Which is what scared me the most.
“Have a little faith, Davis. You already have her in your house and your bed. You just have to keep her. Play dirty. See ya later.”
Scott went his way and I went mine, thinking about what I could do to play dirty without crossing any lines. Sex was the obvious answer, but as great as it was, I didn’t think it would be what made her stay. Though I probably could use it to get her to agree to a few things. The possibilities were endless, and when I walked into the living room and saw Magenta asleep on the sofa, a small strip of skin showing at her midriff, I knew just where to start.
With a soft touch.
After a quick shower, I took a quick detour to the kitchen because my woman loved to eat, and I loved watching and listening to her eat. She didn’t take little bird bites and she wasn’t about food moans. It was all I thought about while I chopped up some vegetables for stew. Magenta did the shopping and I did most of the cooking, because if I didn’t, she’d eat boxed macaroni and cheese and takeout every night.
I liked taking care of her, and though I knew she would never admit it, she liked it too. I just had to keep showing her in subtle ways. Like dinner. And cuddling. After setting the timer I slid behind her sleeping body, wrapped my arms around her and fell asleep with my face buried in her hair.
I don’t know how long we were asleep, but sometime later I felt her nose brushing against mine. “How did you get behind me?”
“I’m stealthy like that.” She smiled against my lips and I licked at the seam of her mouth and pulled her closer. “You looked so peaceful I didn’t want to wake you, but I couldn’t resist a snuggle.”
“A snuggle?” She arched those brows at me. “Your hand was gripping my boobs when I woke up.”
“They fit perfectly. I can’t help that.” She looked down at me with a sleepy smile while one hand stroked my hair gently.
“You’re lucky I think you’re cute.”
“You’ve been drawing.” Her drawing pad was open on the table and a few discarded sheets were around her feet on the sofa.
“I have. Just some ideas I’ve been working on, a few are for your tattoo.”
“Can I see them?”
“Not yet. When I have something to show you, I will.” Her eyes searched mine and a soft smile touched her lips. “I’m working on a few pieces for a competition. In Toronto.”
“Canada. You’re going to Canada?” My tone was harsher than it needed to be, and she pulled back.
“Yes but it’s just for a few days.” Her smile dimmed and I felt like an ass. “I thought you’d be excited.”
“I am. Just wondering if you’re coming back.” I sounded like a clingy girlfriend and I knew it, but I needed to ask. I had to.
“Why wouldn’t I?” She searched my expression closely and then realization dawned. “You think I’d just run away? Not come back? That’s not a very flattering image you paint of me, Davis.” She was on her feet in seconds, putting as much physical distance as the emotional distance growing between us.
I was on my feet and on her tail. “Mags, wait. I’m just worried you’ll get scared and run.”
“I’m already scared, Davis and I’m still here.”
And I was scared to death that she would leave. “We’re a pair, aren’t we?”
She laughed. “Yeah, a pair of idiots.” The timer saved us from more awkward conversation and I pulled her along with me to the kitchen.
“This idiot made dinner though.”
A laugh bubbled out of her. “Thank goodness, because I haven’t eaten all day.” Her stomach let out a loud growl that made her laugh even harder. “What can I do?”
“You bought some bread?”
“Yeah, can you believe Mason has a bread box? When did my brother turn into an eighty year old woman?” She pulled out a thick crusty loaf. “Bread is a must. Want to eat in front of the TV?”
I grinned over my shoulder. “Is there any other way?”
Her smile grew wider as she reached for a knife and wood board before turning to take it into the living room. “Beer or soda?”
“Beer,” I told her. “And water.” We spent the next few minutes getting everything settled in the living room in a comfortable silence that came from being able to relax. When we were finally settled side by side on the sofa, Magenta leaned into
me while she ate.
“This is nice.”
“Better than nice, Mags. Close to perfect.”
She turned to me with a question in her eyes. “Close?”
“It’d be better if you were naked. I’d settle for in nothing but a pair of panties. Then it would be perfect.”
“You want me to eat piping hot stew with my tits out?” She burst out laughing and shook her head at me. “I’d prefer to eat chicken and mashed potatoes without any clothes.”
“What a coincidence, that’s what we’re having for dinner tomorrow night.”
She laughed again, this time it wasn’t as loud, but it was with her whole body and her whole face lit with happiness. She was gorgeous. “Then tomorrow we both get what we want.”
I wanted that to be true so bad I could see the future laid out before us.
Magenta
I had just finished my final sketches for next weekend’s tattoo convention when the bell rang.
I wasn’t expecting any company, but Belle Musique didn’t operate that way, so I took a few cleansing breaths as I walked to the door, squeezed the knob on a deep exhale and pulled it open. The older blond woman was tall and beautiful with big blue eyes that I’d know anywhere, and that’s when my stomach turned to sawdust.
“Davis’ mom.”
“Call me Darlene. Or Mom,” she said and pulled me into a fierce hug that lasted about ten seconds too long, but it felt too nice for my usual snark and I closed my eyes. Savored it. “It’s so nice to meet you, Magenta!”
She was really chipper. “It’s nice to meet you too, Darlene. Come on in.” I stepped back to let her in, helping her with one of her two giant suitcases. “I thought you were coming tomorrow. And staying for just a few days.”
Darlene laughed prettily and stepped inside, giving the place a mother’s appraisal. “Don’t worry, I won’t intrude on your honeymoon for too long.”
“It’s no problem. We just got back from a couple days in New Orleans. It was nice.” It was more than nice, but I didn’t think that was something you said to a guy’s mom.
Accidentally On Purpose: An Accidental Marriage Boxset Page 58