From This Moment

by Lexi Buchanan

  Scrambling back into his jeans, he grabs his shirt from the floor and shoves it between my legs. With a quick wipe he tosses the shirt into his toolbox and quickly yanks my panties and jeans up my legs at the same time that I straighten my bra and shirt.

  “Jake?”

  “It’s Justin,” Jake whispers to me before shouting, “We’re in here. Just give me a second.”

  Jake walks toward his toolbox, while I pretend to be interested in the new countertop that Jake fitted today.

  Justin appears in the archway, and looks between the two of us before grinning. “I guess I have bad timing.”

  I feel my face heat as Jake returns Justin’s grin.

  Men!

  The fact was Jake had felt so good inside me that I hadn’t wanted him to stop, regardless of the fact that someone was on their way into the house.

  Chapter 25

  Rona

  It’s six in the morning, and I’ve slept since late afternoon yesterday. Cade woke me a couple of times when it was time to take some painkillers, but other than that, I was really out of it.

  Trying to move slowly, I realize that most of my aches and pains are gone, but there’s still a dull throb in my hip. I’m just thankful I’m not any worse.

  Cade is flat out in bed, facing me. I bet he’s tired from worry for me. He looks so relaxed in sleep, and it’s nice seeing him like that.

  Sitting up slowly, I manage to stand without too much effort, and make my way to the bathroom. It does get easier the more steps I take.

  In the bathroom, I switch on the shower, relieve myself and look in the mirror. I wince at the bruising that is still rather vivid against my pale skin. Hopefully makeup will hide most of it if I go out anywhere.

  Sighing, I climb into the steaming shower to enjoy the hot water as it pounds on my aching muscles—it’s a good sort of pain. I wash and rinse my hair, feeling ten times better.

  Opening the door to the shower, I find Cade holding a towel out to me.

  I smile and step out, allowing him to wrap me up in the blue, fluffy towel.

  He cups my face in hands, inspecting the bruising before he meets my gaze. “Feeling better?”

  Smiling, I give him a sexy grin. “I am now.”

  Of its own accord my hand reaches out and rubs the head of his cock, standing hard, and erect from his body in all its naked glory.

  “That isn’t what I meant.” He removes my hand and bringing it up to his face, kisses my palm before closing my fingers over his kiss.

  My heart melts.

  “I’m still slightly sore on my hip,” I answer his original question, “but everywhere else feels okay. I feel pretty good, and I’ve decided,” I pause, considering his present condition, “that there will be no sex until we’re on vacation.”

  Cade frowns. “Are you serious?”

  “Yes I am. Just think how much more enjoyable it will be coming together after waiting a few days.”

  “It’ll kill me.” He looks at his cock.

  “I think you’ll survive.” I walk past, brushing my hand over him.

  “I’m taking a shower. A very cold one.”

  I laugh. “I’ll meet you downstairs. Are Jake and Elise back?” I pull my clothes on while waiting for his reply.

  “Yes, they came back late last night,” Cade shouts from the bathroom.

  Quickly dressing, I hurry downstairs wanting to make sure Elise really is doing okay.

  I find her making breakfast. “Morning, Elise. Where’s Jake?” I hug her real tight before letting go and pouring myself a freshly brewed coffee from the pot.

  “I’m here.” Jake sneaks up and kisses me on the cheek in passing before sweeping Elise into his arms and locking lips with her. He turns back to me, but keeps Elise close to his side. “How are you feeling?”

  “I’m good today, thanks.”

  Sipping my coffee, I watch the interaction between the two of them, and realize something is up. Elise is trying to signal something to Jake while he’s frowning at her. His frown soon turns to a smile with a slight roll of his eyes.

  I grin. “Will one of you please spit it out?”

  They both give me an innocent look before Elise bursts with excitement and shoves her hand in front of my face.

  “We’re kind of engaged, but not officially just yet. Hence the ring being on this finger and not my other.”

  “You are?” I’m not surprised they’re getting engaged, but I’m surprised they’ve discussed it so soon after everything that has happened.

  Seeing Elise’s face start to fall, I realize I’ve been staring at her like an idiot. “God, I’m sorry, Elise.” I take her hand and examine the ring more closely. “Well, Jake, you’ve certainly chosen well,” I look up to him, “and I don’t just mean with this stunning ring.” I pull Elise back into my arms, whispering, “Congratulations. I’m really happy for you both,” into her ear.

  Breaking away from her, I walk over to Jake and pull him down for a hug as well. I feel tears building behind my eyes because I’m so happy he has his girl. “Congratulations.” I’m so choked up, my voice wobbles as I give in to the tears and start crying in his arms.

  “Fuck, Rona. Please don’t cry. My dad will blame me.”

  I pull away. “I’m not crying.” Wiping my eyes kind of makes a liar out of me. “Okay.” I swat at Jake. “I’m just so damn happy for you both.”

  “Rona?” Cade appears and walks over to me, tilting my face up so he can have a closer look. “What’s wrong?”

  I shake my head. “I’m fine, but your son has something to tell you.” I smile so he doesn’t think it’s something bad.

  “It’s not official yet,” Jake starts, “but Elise is going to marry me as soon as this whole mess is over and done with.”

  Cade’s grin splits his face. “About damn time.” He laughs and pulls his son into his arms for a hug before making a grab for Elise who blushes. Jake doesn’t help because as soon as Cade releases her, she’s swept into Jake’s arms for a heated kiss.

  “I’m making breakfast. You go sit with Rona while we guys wait on our girls.” He grins and nudges Elise toward the table.

  “Well, I’m certainly not going to complain about that idea.” I smack Cade on his bottom, and get a heated look from him on my way to the kitchen table and chairs.

  Dropping down into a chair, I grin at Elise as she joins me, but what causes me to laugh is how we’re both watching our men in the kitchen.

  There’s something so sexy about a man moving around in the kitchen, not to mention from where I’m sitting I have a view of Cades backside, and Elise can ogle Jake’s.

  I turn to glance at Elise and we both start laughing. After a few minutes the laughter fades away and I swipe the tears from my eyes. I needed that, but concern rushes through me as Elise’s smile fades to a frown and she turns to me with a serious expression. “You don’t think I’m rushing this with Jake?”

  I cover her hand with mine. “Elise, you’ve always been Jake’s girl, and the fact that you’re waiting to make it official should keep the tongues from wagging. I’m just glad Jake has put a ring on your finger because now you know he’s more serious than he’s ever been.”

  She smiles. “Thanks, Rona. I’m happy, but I can’t help feel sad for Tom, you know. He wasn’t always like he was in the end, or maybe he was and just hid it from me. I always felt he was controlling, but I chose to ignore it for an easier life. Until I couldn’t anymore.”

  “Try not to think about the past anymore and look toward your future with the hot stud in the kitchen who’s making you breakfast.”

  Glancing into the kitchen, she has a dreamy look on her face. “He is, isn’t he? So is Cade.”

  “Mmm, I’m teasing Cade at the moment.”

  Elise glances back to me. “Do tell.”

  “I’ve banned sex until we’re on vacation.” Elise looks stunned. “I thought it would be really hot when we get there and I don’t mean the weather.”

>   “And what does Cade think about that?” She smirks, obviously knowing my answer.

  “I don’t think he’s too happy, but he’ll go along with me.”

  “I’m going to tease Jake,” she whispers and mischief flashes in her eyes. “Hey, Jake. Rona’s come up with a great idea.”

  Jake stops what he’s doing and gives Elise his full attention, but Cade looks at me so I grin at him followed by a wink. His eyes narrow; he knows I’m up to something.

  “Should I be worried?” Jake looks between his father and me.

  “Rona’s banned sex until they’re on vacation.”

  Cade’s eyes bulge at Elise’s words while Jake looks horrified, which sets me off laughing. “So,” Elise throws a look toward me, rolls her eyes and continues, “I was thinking perhaps we should abstain until we’re married. What do you think?”

  Jake finally finds his tongue. “I think you shouldn’t listen to a word Rona says.”

  Walking toward Elise, Jake plucks her out of her chair and plants a hot kiss to her lips. As he pulls back, I grin at the bewildered expression on Elise’s face, and so does Jake.

  “No more listening to Rona.” Jake quickly kisses Elise on her lips before grinning at me.

  I return his grin. “I was only trying to help.”

  He laughs. “Oh really? I think we’ll leave those kinds of ideas to you and my dad.”

  “I have my ways of changing her mind, if I so choose.” Cade sets coffee, pancakes and syrup on the table. “Breakfast is served.” He plants a hot kiss to my lips. As he pulls back, I see Jake pulling Elise with him further into the kitchen.

  He catches my eyes. “I’m expecting a delivery in about ten minutes,” he kisses Elise, “so I need to get over to the house.” He kisses her again.

  I don’t know why he doesn’t just take her with him so they continue in private.

  He wraps Elise up in his arms once more for a hot kiss and whispered words before he disappears through the backdoor.

  Elise joins me at the table and after a few minutes of silence, while we munch on the pancakes, I decide we both could do with some distracting today.

  “Elise, would you like to go shopping with me? I need some clothes for my vacation with Cade. I only have winter things with me.”

  “I’d love to go. Will you help me choose a sexy dress to wear for Jake?”

  I grin back at her. “With pleasure.”

  “You’re going to drive him crazy. You know that, right?” Cade adds as he sits down with us as the table.

  “Well, that’s my intention.” Elise smirks.

  “In fact, Elise, I’ll take you to where I bought the red dress.” I wink at Cade.

  Cade

  Red dress. Heck, that’s all Rona needs to say and I start to harden. If I live to be a hundred, I don’t think I’ll ever forget the ‘Red Dress.’ Trying to hide what’s going on in my sweats from Elise, I only half-listen to them going on about clothes and shoes. I picture Rona in that dress, the way it felt under my hands, the way it hugged her curves and the way it looked wrapped around her waist as I made love to her. Groaning inwardly, I try to force the memory from my mind so I can get my erection under control.

  “Cade.” Rona brings me back to the present. “Will I need underwear on vacation?”

  “I think I’ll go and freshen up for our outing.” Elise suddenly jumps up and runs off toward the room she shares with Jake.

  “Unless you want to give me a heart attack then, yes, you do, but buy some bikinis. I like those.” I wiggle my eyebrows, which makes Rona laugh.

  On a serious note, I say, “I don’t like the idea of you going out while Nick is still at large. In fact, I think I should go with you.”

  “Cade, you can’t do that, it’s a girls’ shopping trip and we’ll be in public the whole time. We’ll be okay.” Rona tries to reassure me.

  “I still don’t like it. Why don’t I drive you both and wait in the car while you shop?”

  “Cade, I can’t stay in a shell. I know you’re worried, but I won’t live my life being afraid that Nick is going to appear again. I can’t live like that.”

  “I don’t like this. I hear what you’re saying, but I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

  “I know you don’t but I also need to know that you’re safe as well,” Rona says, her eyes are full of concern . . . for me.

  I sigh. “We’ll figure something out. Are we going to have a disagreement if I give you a credit card to use?”

  “Yes, we are. You know that I have my own money. I didn’t push about the vacation, because I could see how happy it made you doing that for us. But it would make me feel very uncomfortable letting you pay for my clothes as well.”

  “Will you take the card and buy one special dress with it, just for me?”

  She smiles. “I’m not sure you would look good in a dress!”

  “Ha ha, wiseass!”

  “All right, Cade. I’ll only use it to purchase one special dress. Any particular color in mind?” She starts to collect the dishes from the table.

  “White. With a tan, you’ll look stunning. Make sure it’s something sexy that you can be seen in public wearing. You don’t necessarily need shoes because of the sand there.” I caress her face. “God, I love you.” I sweep in for a quick kiss, as I spot Elise walking back toward us.

  “I’m ready to go Rona, but Justin is going to drive us. I phoned Jake to tell him I was going shopping with you but he wasn’t pleased. The compromise was agreeing to let Justin take us. He said Justin is going into town and would act as driver and bodyguard.” Elise rolls her eyes.

  “Thank God. At least I won’t be in a panic the whole time you’re gone now.” I feel relieved.

  “When will Justin be here?” Rona asks Elise.

  “In about five minutes.”

  “Let me just go upstairs for my purse and boots.”

  As the girls leave me alone in the kitchen to drink my coffee, I feel rather pleased with myself. I knew Rona wouldn’t let me pay for her clothes, but she would have also refused the dress if I’d gone straight with that. At least I know what tactic to use when I want to buy her something.

  She seems to be moving a lot easier today, although once or twice I caught her limping slightly. I certainly wasn’t going to suggest putting her shopping off until tomorrow since she’s almost bursting with excitement at going shopping with Elise.

  All too soon Rona is walking downstairs, slowly, with her boots on and her purse and jacket in her hands. She catches me watching her and her face glows. I walk over to her and wrap her up in my embrace at the bottom of the stairs.

  “You did that well. How’s the pain today?” I need to make sure she really is okay for her outing.

  She slips her hand down the back of my jeans and shorts, squeezing my rear. She pulls away grinning, knowing exactly what she does to me.

  “I’ve just taken another painkiller to keep the pain at bay. I’ll be walking more today than I have since the attack, plus I’ have a spare painkiller with me. Please don’t worry about me.”

  “I’ll try not to.”

  “Are you going to be working while I’m gone?”

  “Yes, I’m going to try and catch up with everything over the next couple of days so Jake won’t have to sort the paperwork out. He’ll also cover for me at the stables.”

  “You ready to go?” Elise shouts.

  “Yes, I am. I’ll see you later honey, and remember, I love you.” She kisses my cheek before following Elise out the door.

  I stay standing at the stairs for a short while after Rona leaves, staring out the window and feeling a slight tingle of loss that she isn’t here with me. Shaking my head to clear it, I grab another coffee before heading up to my office to finish up the paperwork and orders.

  Rona

  I’m really excited to be going shopping with Elise. It’s been a long time since I went on a girls’ shopping trip. I’ve always shopped on my own in the past because I
don’t have the patience to hang around while someone else gets what they want. Elise is different though, and we seem so in sync that we should have a good day.

  The first stop is going to be the boutique where I bought my red dress, since that’s what I promised Elise. When I was there, I noticed that they had them in different colors, and I’m thinking with Elise’s blonde hair that she’ll look good in blue to match her stunning blue eyes.

  Spotting the boutique coming up on our right, I point through the window. “Justin, can you drop us off over there, please?”

  “Sure, I have something to do then I’ll come back for you both. Is an hour enough?”

  “That’s fine. Thanks for this.”

  “Just be vigilant, and don’t go wandering around until I get back.”

  “We won’t.”

  Justin watches us enter the store before I turn and wave to let him know we’re good. Heading into the boutique, I laugh at Elise because I don’t think she expects the kind of fashion she sees on the hangers. Her eyes are wide and a slight blush is coating her cheekbones. I decide, for once, to leave my teasing at home because the last thing I want is Elise changing her mind about being in here.

  “Elise, come over here. You have to try this one on.” I hold up the blue backless number.

  Elise’s eyes nearly pop out of her head.

  “That’s the reaction I’ll expect from Jake when you wear this.” I chuckle at her expression, and then I spot matching shoes. “What shoe size are you?”

  “I’m around a five. Why?”

  “They have matching shoes for the dress.” As she approaches me, I pass her the shoes. “Here, go in there and try them on.” I push her into the dressing room. “Give me a shout when you have it on.”

  Browsing through the clothing, I end up at the maxi dresses and move toward the white ones. They’re gorgeous. One in particular catches my eye. Pulling it off the rack to have a closer look, it feels like silk in plain white with a low-cowl neckline. The arms appear to have been cut from the same material as the front of the dress. There’s no back to the dress and it’s cut very, very low. I turn around and head back to the dressing rooms. I have to try it on.