Gripped (Prescott #2)

by Joanne Schwehm

  Every fiber of my being wanted the exact same thing. “I say, absolutely and unequivocally, yes!” I threw my arms around his neck. “I love you so much.”

  Our lips came together as we tasted and savored each other, enjoying this moment. He laid me down on the couch and hovered over me on bent elbows.

  When our lips parted, he said, “I love you more than I ever thought possible.” Kiss. “You are my perfection.” Kiss. “There’s no one on this earth I’d rather be with.” Kiss.

  I stared up my gorgeous man and reached up to brush his unruly hair out of his eyes. “I love the way you make me feel.”

  “How do I make you feel?”

  “Cherished.”

  He smirked at me. “Then I must be doing something right.”

  “More than something. Compared to how you were during your single days, it’s pretty astonishing,” I said with a wink, but my smile vanished when Dane’s expression changed from fun-loving to serious. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by that.”

  He sat up and positioned me on his lap as he stared into my eyes. “No, you’re right. I never wanted any of this, or at least, I didn’t think I did. But then I met you and everything changed. I guess it just took the right woman.”

  Our lives before meeting each other seemed like a lifetime ago. Shaking my head, I said, “I’ve changed too. Who would have thought I’d be seeing a professional golfer? Of all the people to fall for, I’d have to pick one who plays the game that’s annoyed me most of my life.”

  Dane grinned, but his expression sobered. “Yeah, about that. You do realize the season starts in January. When I signed the contract with V1, I agreed to play in ten tournaments.”

  He studied me for a reaction, but I did my best to stay neutral. Yes, I was going to miss him, but this was his dream job. There was no way I’d make him feel guilty about that. Time to pull out my virtual pom-poms.

  “You’re going to rock it too,” I said, giving him a big smile. “I know you will. And while you’re playing, Katie and I will be watching and cheering for you here at home.”

  He reached for one of my hands, playing with my fingers as he said, “I’ve been thinking about that. For the tournaments close to home, I’d like for the two of you to come for the weekend rounds. This way I can see you both. Thanks to my endorsement deal, I’ll have more than enough money to fly you both out and make sure you’re back in time for work and school.”

  At that moment, it dawned on me that we’d never discussed any specifics. Was it even any of my business?

  “They’re paying you that much?” I said without thinking, then backpedaled. “I’m sorry. That was rude of me to ask.”

  “No, it wasn’t, and yes, they are. They’re paying me a ridiculous amount of money to wear their logo on my hat and shirt.” When he told me the number, my mouth dropped open and Dane chuckled. “I know, it’s crazy. That’s just for the first year. If I have a successful year, then that can quadruple, and that’s just the apparel sponsorship. That doesn’t count the commercials and other publicity that can earn me up to a half million, if not more. According to my agent, HitRight clothing line is interested in me too. If I have a dual sponsorship, then it’ll be a lot more. Also . . .”

  Dane paused, and his face took on a reddish hue. “The marketing department for HitRight wants me to be their advertising model. They think I have a look or something.” He let out a chuckle.

  Tweaking his stomach, I said, “Well, you are okay in the looks department.”

  “Thanks a lot.” He tickled my sides and made me squirm. Once I stopped giggling, he explained a little more about what his potential earnings could be.

  I couldn’t help but blurt, “Holy shit! That’s fantastic. I’m so proud and happy for you.”

  “For us. Be happy for us. We’re going to have a wonderful life together, but not because of the money, because we have each other. Everything else is a bonus.”

  As we snuggled together on the couch, blissful in each other’s arms, I realized Dane couldn’t have said it better. Being with the people you cared about and loved was much more important than any material things. Love and kindness were two of the most important blessings in our lives, things no one could put a price tag on.

  They’re priceless.

  CHAPTER 39

  Christmas Eve

  ~ Dane ~

  While I waited for Beverly to finish tucking Katie in, which took longer than usual since Santa was coming tonight, memories of my childhood Christmases came rushing back. Josh, Gretchen, and I would wait in my room, since it was closest to the stairs, and put our ears to the door, waiting to hear Santa’s sleigh. Drake and Jack were older and didn’t care as much.

  One year, Gretchen opened the door and screamed when she saw all the presents being placed under the tree by a man in a red suit. Before Josh and I could get a peek, the man darted out the front door. We never asked why he didn’t use one of the chimneys in our house, figuring his way was easier. He was Santa, after all.

  Beverly started laughing as I retold her the story when she joined me in the living room.

  “I never did that.” She shrugged. “It was just me, so I’d just go to bed, no pomp and circumstance. My parents would tell me the sooner I fell asleep, the sooner Santa would come.”

  “Is that why you said that to Katie tonight?”

  Beverly cocked her head to the side. “I didn’t even realize I did, but yes, I suppose that’s why.”

  I waggled my brows at her. “Well, I think you should go to bed, little girl. Santa may have a surprise for you.”

  “A surprise, huh?”

  “Yup, so run along now.”

  Beverly bounced off of the sofa and made a face at me, so I gave her ass a playful smack as she turned to go to bed.

  Now was the time to put my plan into action. When I was sure she was gone and not peeking, I went to the hall closet and grabbed what I needed, put my gifts under the tree, and headed to the bathroom to get ready for bed.

  When I opened the bedroom door, Beverly was sliding into bed, naked. She looked at me and bit her bottom lip. The only thing I was wearing was a Santa hat. I watched her gaze rake over my body as mine did the same to hers. God, she was stunning.

  Before she could say anything, I locked the bedroom door and strutted toward her. “Have you been a good girl?”

  “Why yes, Santa. I’ve been told I’m very good.” She smiled, and my cock stiffened like an arrow, pointing to what he wanted.

  My lips twisted into a grin. “I can’t argue with that,” I said as I sat next to her. “Why don’t you sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what you want?”

  She straddled me, and my hands automatically found her hips. “Well, let’s see . . .” Her index finger tapped her bottom lip. “I’d like you inside me.”

  “Now, is that any way to talk to Santa?”

  Beverly licked her lips. “But I’ve been such a good girl.”

  The sultriness of her voice made any plan for seduction I had in mind fly right out the window.

  Drawing a finger down her bare arm, I said, “Since you’ve been so good, who am I to deny your request?”

  Beverly was practically giddy as she bounced on my lap. Santa’s big helper, aka my dick, was more than ready to give her anything she wanted.

  Giving her a big grin, I said, “I think it’s time to show Santa what a naughty little girl you can be.”

  • • •

  With eyes as wide as saucers, Katie stared at the presents under the Christmas tree the next morning. Beverly had outdone herself. Each gift was meticulously wrapped with the perfect ribbon or bow adorning it.

  “Merry Christmas, Katie!” Beverly hugged the pink-pajama-clad little girl, who then came over and hugged me.

  I slid on my red Santa hat. “Ho-ho-ho!” I said as Katie giggled. “Who wants presents?”

  Katie slid to her knees and bounced up and down as I divvied up the gifts. One to Katie, one to Beverly, then three
to Katie, one to me, then two more to Katie—well, you get the idea. Then one big gift for both of them, which they decided to open last.

  Once the floor was littered with discarded wrapping paper, Beverly and Katie stood next to the last gift.

  “This box is almost as tall as I am!” Katie exclaimed.

  “Why don’t you two open it?” I said. “Pull the ribbon and stand back.”

  They gave me curious looks and then took a step back, both holding the end of the gold ribbon encircling the box. With one swift tug, the ribbon released and the sides of the box fell open, revealing a huge dollhouse.

  “Dane, this is gorgeous.” Beverly stared at the white house with blue shutters sitting on turf that resembled grass, with a wraparound porch, a maple tree in the front yard with a swing hanging from it, and a pool in the backyard. “It’s so lifelike.”

  Katie was speechless. She looked into all the windows, trying to see what was inside. Then she said, “Hey, there’s a picture of me in there.”

  I sat on the sofa and waited for Beverly to figure it out. A moment later, she noticed the hinges on the side and opened the house, splitting it down the middle. There was a kitchen, four bedrooms, a family room, a dining room, an office that looked more like a library, bathrooms, and a sports room. The details were intricate and realistic.

  “See?” Katie pointed to the picture of her in the pinkest room in the house. “There I am, and look! There’s you and Dane.”

  Beverly’s eyebrows knotted together and she turned to me. “Dane, is this what I think it is?”

  I walked over and knelt next to them. “It is if you’d like it to be. I bought a piece of property and had an architect design this house. Things can be changed; nothing’s set in stone. If there’s something you don’t like . . .”

  Beverly threw her arms around me, making my back hit the floor, and Katie laughed out loud. “Are you kidding me? I love it.”

  Our lips met and then she peppered my face with kisses, ending up with her lips against mine again. Muttering against her lips, I reminded her, “Sweetheart, we aren’t alone.”

  Beverly grinned at Katie and rolled off of me to start gathering the blizzard of discarded wrapping paper on the floor. “We need to get going,” she said. “There’s a lot to do before Drake and Lucy’s wedding tonight.”

  After I’d taken a few deep breaths to calm myself down, I said, “Who wants pancakes?”

  When Katie grabbed a new doll and clutched it tightly as she bounded across the room and into the kitchen, all Beverly and I could do was smile at each other.

  We weren’t just a couple anymore. We were a family.

  CHAPTER 40

  ~ Beverly ~

  On Christmas night, Jack’s oversized living room had transformed into a bride’s fantasy come true. His furniture had been removed, replaced with a red-carpeted aisle flanked by chairs covered in white organza and wrapped in cream-colored silk bows. Candelabrum were placed strategically throughout the room, lending just the right amount of soft lighting.

  “The ladies are upstairs.” Josh walked up to us wearing a black-on-black three-piece tuxedo. He leaned over and gave Katie and me each a kiss on the cheek, and shook Dane’s hand. “The guys are in the library,” he said with a chuckle.

  Dane smirked. “Is our brother freaking out?”

  I could only imagine how nervous everyone must have been. I was nervous, and it wasn’t even my wedding.

  Josh laughed. “You could say that. We haven’t told him yet that Lucy has arrived, even though she’s been here for over an hour. He’s been texting and calling Gretchen all afternoon, since she spent the night there, and she won’t pick up her phone.”

  I let out a gasp. “That’s horrible! You need to tell him. Wait—they didn’t spend Christmas morning together?”

  Josh shook his head. “Nope. They celebrated their Christmas last night. Gretchen picked Lucy up before midnight.”

  Dane slung his arm around Josh’s shoulders. “So the calm, cool, and collected Prescott brother is sweating right now?”

  Both brothers started laughing, and Josh added, “Jack was just telling him he should have brought another shirt.”

  I shook my head and tried to hide my smile. “You guys are terrible.”

  Katie tugged on my coat. When I looked down, her big eyes stared up at me as her new doll dangled from one hand. “Can I go put my dress on now?”

  “Yes,” I said, and grabbed her hand. “Let’s leave these boys to their antics.”

  When we opened the door to the master bedroom where Lucy and Gretchen were getting ready, my breath hitched.

  “Lucy.” I pressed one hand to my chest, covering my heart. “You’re stunning.”

  The full-length trumpet-style gown draped perfectly over Lucy’s figure, lots of creamy silk lace flowing into a chapel-length train. Rather than a traditional headpiece, she wore a pillbox hat with a birdcage veil.

  “You’re here!” When Lucy walked toward us and gave us a hug, her eyes filled with tears. “I’m so emotional today,” she said with a sniff.

  “Do not ruin your makeup,” Gretchen bellowed from the adjoining bathroom.

  Lucy reached over and grabbed two garment bags. “Here are your dresses. There’s a huge walk-in closet you can change in right there.” She pointed to a tall wooden door.

  “We’ll be right back,” I said, and Katie and I scooted away.

  After I slipped on the strapless burgundy dress, I turned and Katie helped zip me up. Examining myself in the full-length mirror, I had to smile. Even though the gown was formfitting, the chiffon it was made from flowed effortlessly.

  Once I’d slipped on silver pumps, Katie clapped her hands with excitement, her eyes glowing. “You’re so pretty, Mommy Beverly,” she said, and my heart clenched.

  Not wanting to call too much attention to it, I said, “Okay, pretty girl, it’s your turn.”

  Lucy had picked out a white tea-length dress for Katie with cap sleeves, using a burgundy sash around the waist to tie in her dress with ours.

  Katie looked beautiful. When we walked back into the bedroom, Lucy, Gretchen, and Tina all made a fuss over her, bringing out her bashfulness, which made me smile.

  Gretchen took her hand and said, “Come on, Katie, let’s go do your hair,” and tugged her into the bathroom. I had already done my hair at home, figuring loose curls would be perfect for today.

  There was a knock on the door and Tina sighed. “That must be my impatient son.” Turning to Lucy, she said, “You’d better go hide,” and we all laughed.

  When Tina opened the door, a tall, strikingly handsome brown-haired man wearing a black tux walked in. His hazel eyes could make a woman swoon.

  “I heard there’s a beautiful bride in need of an escort,” he said, his deep voice almost as sexy as he was.

  “Mason!” Lucy hiked up her gown and ran toward him, releasing it as she launched herself at him.

  Not seeming surprised at all, he wrapped his arms around her and swung her around, grinning down at her.

  So that’s Mason. No wonder Gretchen blushes anytime his name is mentioned. Lucy had said he was a soccer coach, and wow, did it show in the way he was built.

  “Luce, let me look at you.” He released his hold on her and she did a 360-degree turn. “God, you’re gorgeous. Prescott is a lucky man.”

  “Speaking of, I’d better go check on my nervous son,” Tina said before she left the room.

  “It’s so great to see you, Mason. You cut your hair!” Lucy exclaimed as her fingers threaded through his hair.

  “I told you I was going to cut it,” he said, giving her a beaming smile that belonged to a model in a magazine.

  Turning toward me, Lucy made the introductions. “Mason, this is Dane’s girlfriend, Beverly.”

  He chuckled and extended a hand to me. “It’s nice to meet you. I heard you took my job,” he said with a wink.

  “Yes, I did,” I said as I shook his hand. “Thank you for
moving to California.” I smiled and he let out another laugh. “Glad I could be of service.”

  “Are you ready to see the prettiest girl in the world?” Gretchen called out from the bathroom.

  Katie came out first, and we all gasped at how adorable she looked. Her ponytail sat high on her head, curled into adorable little ringlets that cascaded down.

  “Isn’t she a doll?” Gretchen finally appeared and stopped dead in her tracks, her eyes locked on Mason’s. It was like watching a tennis match, but no one was hitting the ball.

  The rest of us exchanged glances, waiting to see which of them would be the first to make a move.

  “Hello, Gretchen.” He strutted, yes, strutted toward her. “You look beautiful.”

  Point, Mason. I’d never witnessed a speechless Gretchen before.

  Her eyes were huge as she whispered, “So do you.” I wasn’t sure it was meant to be a whisper, but it was.

  Mason’s lips quirked up and he pulled her in for a hug. She wrapped her hands around his waist for a second, and then just as quickly, she released him and took a step back.

  Another knock sounded and the door opened. Jack rushed in, seeming harried.

  “Can we get the show on the road, please? Drake is running out of shirts.” He looked at Lucy and his eyes widened. “You look beautiful. My brother is going to burst when he sees you.” Then he took in all of us and added, “You’re all stunning.”

  When Mason cleared his throat and raised an eyebrow, Jack shook his head and scowled at him. “I don’t think so.”

  We all laughed and made our way downstairs, each of us girls holding a single long-stemmed white rose, except for Lucy. She carried a red one.

  A stringed trio was set up in a corner, and once the music started playing, I turned to find Dane waiting for me at the entrance to the living room. My heart swelled with love, making my breath catch in my throat at the sight of him. The first time I’d met him he’d been wearing a tux. Knowing him now, I realized a tux wasn’t really his style. But the man could wear it, and wear it well.