Finding Us
Page 23
Lady fell in love with the ranch and often accompanied me on work days, either in the truck or when I was on horseback. She was in her element here—another thing we had in common.
The nightmares were gone for now, and I knew exactly how to fight them if they ever came back.
I was happier than I’d ever been in my life and letting myself enjoy every second of it. And I knew unequivocally that whatever life threw at us—or gifted us with—as long as I had Jules by my side, I was home.
Chapter 22
“What Means the Most”
Colbie Caillat
“Mom, could you run an errand with me?”
“Yeah,” my mom called out. “Where do you have to go?”
“Just to the store for a few things.”
My mom grabbed her bag and we took her car into town.
“I have some stuff to come clean about,” I said.
“Okay. Hit me,” she said happily.
“I quit school.”
“What?!”
Definitely not happy.
“Last year.”
“Last year was your first year!” she exclaimed, confused.
“I finished my first semester, but then my professor suggested I submit my writing to a publisher, and it was accepted.”
“Really? That’s great! But why would you have to ditch your education?”
“I became a best seller.”
“Will you spit it out please?!” She could obviously tell that there was more to this story that I wasn’t telling.
“A New York Times bestseller.”
“GET OUT! Why didn’t you tell me? When did this happen?”
“A little over a year ago. I actually have three best sellers now,” I admitted.
“JULES! Why haven’t I read them? What is wrong with you?”
“They’re erotic, sexy romances, Mom.” I watched her out of the corner of my eye, waiting for her reaction, but she didn’t seem to even flinch.
“You didn’t think I’d like that?”
“It’s not that I thought you wouldn’t read something like that, I just couldn’t have you reading my something like that, Mother!”
“Oh, come on! Don’t be silly. It’s not like you’re Natalia Morris! Now that’s some steamy romance.”
“Right,” I said in a monotone voice. “Anyway, I am starting school back up next month, three-quarters time. Getting my degree in Literature and Creative Writing is important to me, and my books are still selling plus I have a good combined income with my wealthy husband to be. So it’s a good time to finish school.”
“Good, I like that,” my mom said. “What does Nate think?”
“He’s completely supportive of whatever I want to do.”
She nodded, seemingly satisfied.
I couldn’t believe that I had waited this long to tell her, and the whole thing had turned into such a non-issue! Somehow I had built this conversation up in my head and gotten myself all freaked out over it, when really I should have known that my mom would support me.
Nate had been right about me holding onto guilt about lying. Coming clean had been so simple and yet I’d been so scared to do it. But I had found it in myself to be brave when it came to Nate; I needed to start doing it everywhere else in my life too. I needed to stop hiding, just like he needed to stop running. This was a good first step.
A few minutes later, we parked and went into the store.
“Damn, I have to go to the bathroom again,” I complained.
“I have to trek to the back for some milk and iced tea,” Mom explained. “What do you need?”
“A few things in health and beauty, how about I meet you back at the checkout?”
“Okay.”
After the bathroom stop, I picked up another bottle of flu medicine—I still hadn’t shaken this bug—and then circled around to the feminine aisle for a box of contraceptive film, which Nate and I had started using after our first two trysts.
I liked how they marketed all of these products together. I laughed a little out loud thinking they should call this the “Sex Aisle.” First, there were lubricants, warming creams and edible flavored gels—to get it on. And then right next to those were the contraceptives: condoms, sponges, pills and films—to prevent pregnancy. Then, in case those didn’t work out, you had the pregnancy tests.
“I have to write this in a book,” I quipped to myself, smiling.
I walked away and was hit by an idea before I got to the end of the aisle. “Huh.” I turned back around and went back to stare at the selection.
Someone was coming so I grabbed some of that warming stuff and a couple other products, dropped them into my basket and hurried my ass to the checkout so my mom didn’t catch me buying this stuff.
Later that evening, I put lasagna in the oven, lit candles throughout the house, and put my Colbie Caillat playlist on my iPod, which was sitting on the dock. I poured myself a small glass of wine, changed into Nate’s favorite sundress and checked the clock. He’d be here in about fifteen minutes.
An idea floated through my head like a sweet breeze so I snatched up my laptop.
I looked over his beautiful body, at his skin, bronzed from outdoor work under the sun, at his colorful tattoos—especially the one for me. His expression was so sincere, I knew he’d give me heaven and earth.
My hands were all over him, and I didn’t want to waste any time with foreplay. “I want all of you—hard and deep.”
He looked at me lustfully as I rose up on the bed, lay back and beckoned to him with a wave of my finger.
“Cover me with your body, baby,” I requested, and he was more than willing to comply.
He fell on top of me, catching himself with his arms, his muscles pulled tight, and set his forehead against mine as he possessed me in every way.
He found a beautiful rhythm. “You’re so wet and tight and perfect,” he moaned, his eyes on mine, glossy and heavy lidded.
“I love how you make my body feel.”
“Oh fuck!” burst from his lips. He closed his eyes, threw his head back and thrust his shaft inside me to the hilt. “What did you do, what is that heat?”
“Oh that little something extra was a warming gel I picked up today, thought … we could … give it … a try,” I panted.
“Damn it! I can’t hold out any longer.”
“Don’t hold out!” My walls quivered around him, squeezing his shaft. “I want to make you come.”
“Oh God!” he bucked harder, and my body floated with his every stroke.
He groaned from deep within his chest as his orgasm joined with mine.
A few moments later he caught his breath and collapsed on top of me. “I love you, woman.”
“I love you back.”
He rolled to get comfortable and I snuggled into his chest.
“You’re perfect,” I said.
“I think that might be the other way around.” He stroked my hair.
I laughed. “You are officially the best feeling in the world.”
My head snapped up when I heard the door open. My heart was pounding.
“Hey, baby!” he called.
“Hi, love.” I watched him get out of his boots so he didn’t track mud through the guest house.
“Mmm, something smells good. And look at you, beautiful.” He caught me up in his arms.
“I made lasagna,” I crooned.
“My favorite!” he exclaimed and kissed me. “I’ll go wash up.” He walked to the bathroom. “Wow, candles too. Am I missing an important date?” he called behind him.
“No, I just have a surprise for you,” I sang.
“Well, you know I love your supri—” he cut out in mid-sentence from the bathroom.
I let out a steadying breath as my heartbeat kicked it up a few notches with a rush of adrenaline.
I listened but heard nothing. There was utter silence.
He’d seen it. I knew he’d seen it, he had to have seen it! Was he upset?
Uh oh.
“What is this on the sink? Is this what I think it is?”
That depends on what you think it is!
He came back into the kitchen where I sat. He was holding in his hand a plastic wand that revealed two little pink lines in the display window.
“Is this?” Nate seemed lost between confusion and shock.
“I can tell you it’s not the flu.”
“Not the flu,” he echoed and shook his head.
“Remember the other day you said how you had everything you wanted.”
He nodded. “Yeah.”
“I guess there was a little something else you were meant to have.” I smiled tentatively and stood up to get closer to him.
“You’re? We’re?” He kept darting his eyes between my eyes and my belly. Suddenly, he yanked me off my feet and spun me around the kitchen. “WOO-HOO!”
I laughed, relief flooding through me. “Spinning, not a good idea.”
“Oh, baby!” He picked me up and kissed me ardently as I wrapped my legs around his waist. “And my baby!” He pressed his hand over my tummy.
“Oh God, girl, I love you.” He held me tightly. “Does anyone else know?”
“No way. You had to be the first.”
“Do you want to tell them now or wait until after the wedding next week?”
“Your call.”
“How long before the lasagna’s done cooking?” he asked.
“Half hour.”
“Perfect timing,” he growled and carried me out of the kitchen.
“Perfect timing for what?”
“For taking you to the bedroom.”
The End
Allie Juliette Mousseau writes sexy, emotionally charged New Adult Romance in a variety of genres and temperatures. She writes from passionate and angsty; fun and light to intense and epic. She incorporates a lot of romance, tension, and hot and sexy spice. Always a HEA and stand alone - even in a series.
Her alter ego:
Alana Jewel Mousseau creates captivating YA worlds through the magic of ink. She writes brave but "human" main characters, imaginative plots and complex worlds; from High Octane action to exploring the deepest emotions - you won't want to put down your book!
She can always be found writing, playing in puddles with her children, hiking with her husband, or adventuring somewhere in the world. Her favorite place to write is outdoors, but when the weather gets too chilly she'll be inside at her desk looking at the mountain view from her home office in Montana where she lives with her loving husband, children, and 85 pound golden retriever, who likes to sleep on her feet while she writes. With a free spirit, Allie loves to travel and has spent three years sparking her imagination while travelling the U.S. and Canada in an RV with her family. She looks forward in continuing her journey to see the world, while finishing her degree in Literature
Other Books by Allie Juliette:
“True North Series” New Adult Contemporary Novels
“True North Book 1 Finding Home Livie and Jake”
“True North Book 3 Finding Now Kate and Sam”
“Enemy Lines” An Adult Dystopian Romance Novel
“Without Borders” A Contemporary Adult Erotic Military Romance Short Story
Books by Alana Jewel:
The Scars Saga A YA Paranormal Romance Series
“Scars of the Bifrost” Book 1
“Unlocking Brisingamen” - Book 2
“Ragnarok” - Book 3 ~ The Finally
Visit Allie Juliette on Face Book or at:
http://www.alliejuliettmousseau.com
http://www.alanajewelmousseau.com
Author Teaser Swap:
Enjoy this teaser from my good friend, Author M. Clarke
My Clarity
By M. Clarke
Available now-sold world wide.
US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K96BNIIUK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00K96BNII
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When we got home, I thought Lexy would have left, but she stayed. I headed straight for the bathroom to take care of my wound. Lexy followed behind me and leaned against the door.
“Sorry, Alex. I shouldn’t have brought you there. I thought it would help get your mind off your dad.” Her tone was apologetic at first, and then it became filled with excitement. “But wasn’t it fun?”
“I did have fun, Lexy,” I confirmed. I didn’t want her to feel bad for doing something thoughtful. “I’m glad you took me. I’ve never been to one of those before. It was exciting. But do the cops come every time?”
“No. Sometimes we get lucky. They change the location every time. The guys who were taking the money are the ones who arrange it all. Either someone ratted the location or the cops played a hunch this time. If you get caught, they’ll throw you in jail and let you out the next day.”
“How do you know?” I asked, pumping liquid soap in my hands, and then running them under the sink. Thankfully, I only had minor scratches.
Lexy gave me a sly smile and handed the towel to me. “Jimmy got caught once.”
“Really?” I said, laughing as I hung the towel back on the rack. Our laughter was cut short when we went to the living room and saw Seth and Elijah walk through the door. Elijah was still huffing mad. His jaw muscles were tight and his lips were pressed in a thin line.
“Out!” Elijah was short and to the point. He made everyone jolt.
Thinking he meant me as well, I started heading to my room. I didn’t want to be around him either.
“Alex, where are you going?” he said softly, confusing me.
I stopped when he called my name. Without answering, I went to the kitchen instead and waited for him. I heard harsh whispers as if they were arguing and didn’t want me to hear, but it didn’t last long.
“Good night, Alex. See you tomorrow at work,” Lexy said.
“Good night, Alex,” Seth said next. “Go easy on her.” I heard him say to Elijah. Why would he say that?
“Bye,” I said loudly without a thought to walk them out the door.
Feeling restless, my heart hammered faster as I took out the milk carton and a bag of chocolate chip cookies. It was late at night, but I just felt like having something. After pouring milk into the cup, I took out a cookie as I watched Elijah walk in.
Though his shoulders were relaxed compared to a minute ago, I could see the worried look in his eyes, but not for long. “What are you doing?” he chuckled lightly, apparently finding humor in what he saw.
“Dunking my cookie in my milk. Haven’t you ever done that before?”
“No.”
“Then you’re missing out. Want some?” As I wondered if he would maintain his calmness, I took a bite.
“No, thanks. Not right now. I’m not a big fan of milk.” He paused for a second, dragged his hair back with his fingers, and released a short, sharp sigh. “Look. I’m sorry I got angry earlier. It wasn’t toward you. It was toward the situation and Lexy. She shouldn’t have brought you there.”
After I swallowed, I retorted, “Why not? Have you seen the crowd? Why can’t I be there?”
“I can’t believe you’re asking me that question.” His face tilted, angling his brows at me as if I should have known better. “Have I seen the crowd? Have you seen the crowd?” He blinked rapidly, rattling off his words, but his piercing, beautiful brown eyes and long lashes were distracting me. “There are gang members, gamblers, drug addicts, not to mention the cops.”
“I didn’t know about the cops, and who put you in charge of me anyway?” I challenged.
“I did.”
“I don’t need you to take care of me because I’m Jimmy’s cousin. I wish everyone would stop doing that.” My tone went up a notch.
“That’s not the reason.”
“Then what is? And I didn’t see any gang members or drug addicts. Although I wouldn’t know what they look like.” I dunked the cookie again and took another bite.
“Exactly. And have you ever been in a jail before?” “No.” Biting my cookie helped me deal with how he continued to distract me. Something about the way he was being so protective and how he was staring at my mouth, he oozed sex appeal.
“Exactly.”
“Stop saying ‘exactly.’ Have you?”
He didn’t answer. I’d guessed that was a yes. Before he could walk away from me, I pointed at him with the half-eaten cookie in my hand as I asked another question. “How about the other students and your friends? They were all there, too. Am I not good enough to be there?” I don’t know why, but anger boiled inside me.
“No, you’re not!” he stammered, startling me. When he took a step toward me, I backed away and bumped into the cabinet.
His words were like a dagger to my heart. Did he really say that to me, making me feel worthless? How dare he!
With his hands planted on either side of the cabinet just inches away from my face, his body was way too close to mine. I couldn’t help but stare at the tattoo that curved as his muscles flexed. His broad shoulders and his hard, defined chest were too much for me to handle, especially recalling how he looked without a shirt on.
Blistering, heated energy ignited in the space between us. I was drowning into his smell…into him…into that cage he created around us, and I wanted to dive into his arms. Lowering his head and brushing his lips against my ear, accentuating one word at a time, he murmured. “You. Are. Better.” Then he paused. No movement… completely still.
I don’t know how long we stood like that. A second seemed like an eternity. I had no control over what I was feeling just then. After a soft intake of breath, he continued. “I don’t know what I would have done if something were to happen to you.”
His words quickly soothed me, making me melt in awe. I tried not to choke on the cookie still in my mouth. When I felt the warmth of his breath against my neck, I wanted so badly for him to devour me right there. The heated feeling got worse when I saw his lips heading toward mine with a slow hesitation. My heart went into overdrive as the room spun around me. We were now face-to-face as he stared into my eyes with want and need.