by Amy Gregory
“If you hadn’t been so dense all these years, we’d be married by now, and I wouldn’t still be,” he inserted two fingers as he swept his tongue over her, “a virgin!” She squeaked out, her voice several octaves higher as she rode the waves of the first orgasm she’d ever had. “Oh my God…oh my God…oh my God,” she squealed out on a single breath. Her eyes were shut so tight bits of color danced before her as he continued ringing every last bit of pleasure from her. Then her body went limp. Dallas kissed his way back up her body, but she was so spent she wasn’t even ticklish at the moment. “So that’s what I’ve been missing all this time. I get it now.”
“And I’m dense, huh?”
Alex’s eyes flew open. Dallas was once again blanketing her body, but she was naked now and his swimsuit was the only piece of material between them. His boyish smile replaced the hunger she’d seen in him before, and he teased her as he kissed her neck.
“What?” She breathed out.
Resting with his forearms on either side of her head, a devilish smirk tipped his mouth. “You said you wouldn’t still be a virgin if I weren’t so slow. Actually, ‘dense’ was the word you used.” He winked.
Her shock fell away and she just closed her eyes, shaking her head. “I can’t believe it.”
“What? That when you’re really worked up and horny, you forget what you’re doing, and you start speaking your mind?”
With her tongue in her cheek, Alex left her eyes closed. Knowing exactly the type of roguish charm she’d see if she dared to open them.
“Huh? Is that it? Come on, it’s cute.” She shook her head. “You have to open your eyes at some point, Lex.”
Dallas lowered to take control of her mouth once more. The teasing faded into the background once more as she quickly heated again.
Dragging himself away, Dallas’s lips finally lost the connection he had with hers. “Thank you, Alex.”
“For what?”
“For waiting all those years for me…to be mine and only mine. Thank you.”
“I love you, Dallas.”
“I love you too, Lex.”
Propping herself up to study him, she shook her head. “Oh holy hell. I just thought of something. God. I can’t believe I never…good grief.”
“What is it?”
“I just hadn’t thought about putting two and two together, but with the wedding coming up, I need to…well…I need to go on birth control.”
“Or.”
The tiny word fell off his tongue instantly, and she was puzzled as she saw his smile grow, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “Or what?”
Dallas winked. “Or, maybe you don’t?”
Reaching forward, she brushed a quick kiss against his mouth before falling against the blanket, staring at the man smiling back at her.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
“Tell your mama to hurry up, Ruby,” Dallas said patting the pile of fur trying to sleep on their bed. “She’s going to be late for her own birthday.” As usual, all he got was one raised doggie eyebrow. “Some help you are, girl.”
“Us women gotta stick together, huh, Rube?”
The dog barked at the voice coming from the walk-in closet.
“I see how you are. You know what I’m going to do? I’m going to get a boy dog. Just to even things out a bit around here.” Ruby barked a second time. “Ah-ha! You really are just like your mama—horny girls. I swear,” Dallas said with a wink as his woman walked out fully dressed. Starting at her eyes, he made a slow pass over the black lace dress molded to her curves. It was on the short side of the law, and hotter than hell itself. Continuing on down the legs that went for miles to the fuck-me heels he’d never seen before. “Oh. My. God.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment?”
“Stealing my line? It’s illegal in fifty states to look that hot. Come here, babe.”
Running his hands over the dress, even with the solid black underpinning, Dallas was very easily able to tell just exactly what she had on underneath this little number. Nothing. “Damn it to hell. We have to get that freaking house done, get hitched, and get this party started. I’m going crazy.” Alex batted her big blue eyes at him. Dallas leaned in for a kiss just as she reached her palm out to run it over his crotch. “Whoa.”
She grinned the biggest shit-eating grin he’d ever seen. “Oh holy hell. I’ve created a monster.” Again she didn’t answer. Instead she played the new sex-kitten role she was so well suited for. “No. Do not bite your lip and wiggle your little eyebrows at me, missy. You be a good girl or I’m going to—”
“Is she being a brat?”
“Jack. Oh thank God. Save me from your sister.”
“What? This beautiful angel? She couldn’t possibly do anything wrong, now could you, Lex?” Jack walked in and high-fived his twin.
“Dude. What happened to uniting with your bros?”
“She buys better Christmas presents than your lazy ass does. I’m not stupid,” he smarted back, kissing his sister on the cheek.
“You’re shameless, Jack. Shameless.”
“Part of my charm. I have to go pick up someone, I’ll meet you guys at the restaurant, okay?” Jack said as he tapped the door frame and was gone.
Dallas walked to the closet. His jacket was hanging on a hook just inside the door. Digging in the pocket, he fished out a small box. “Speaking of presents. Happy birthday, baby.”
Her jaw fell open, “Dallas. You didn’t need to do that.”
“It’s your birthday. Yes, I did.”
“You’re giving me a house, remember?”
“And you’re agreeing to make an honest man out of me. Remember? I want to give you things. You’re special to me. It means a lot to me to see the smile on your face when I make you happy.”
“You make me happy just by lying down with me at night and waking with me in the morning. You make me happy by walking out to see the house with me and Ruby. You make me happy working at the track with me during the day and eating dinner with me afterward. It’s just you. That’s all I need. Well, and my girl.”
Dallas reached for her hand. With her palm flat, he laid the small blue box in the middle and waited. “Please?”
“You’re too much. Thank you. I know I’ll love it.”
Watching her take her good old sweet time untying the bow was almost painful. He opened the box for her, and her tears welled instantly. “Ruby?” She whispered, then glanced at the dog that lifted her head at her name.
Nodding he took the box from her, and gently removed the two and one-quarter carat princess-cut ruby and platinum pendant. Lifting her long blond waves, Alex turned, and waited for him to clasp the short necklace around her perfect neck. There was no way she’d have known ahead of time, but the all black dress made the red stone pop like a flash of brilliance at her throat.
“It is beautiful, Dallas. Thank you. I love it…almost as much as I love her.”
“You are more than welcome, Lex. I love you, happy birthday.” Taking her in his arms, he kissed his fiancé as if no one else was in the house. He continued to stand, her in his arms, taking an extra minute to soak in the feeling. Loving that he was the man lucky enough to be the one who would gather those kinds of memories with her over the years.
~~~
Walking in the restaurant on the arm of the most handsome man in the world was thrilling enough. The double-date he’d planned with her brother for their shared birthday was their first night out since she’d thrown herself back into work.
Even with Dallas by her side, they worked all day, and then played catch-up on paperwork until the late night hours. The one difference—they did it in bed. No more after-hours for her. Not away from home at least.
The drive was a peaceful one as they talked and sang along to the radio, but it was further than she’d planned. Jack and his date weren’t waiting in the entry area yet, so she excused herself to run to the restroom. Seeing her reflection, her eyes were drawn to the beautiful ruby stone at
her neck. It was gorgeous in its own right, but the meaning that was attached to it was more powerful than any other present he could have chosen. Dabbing at another round of tears, she blinked to get herself under control. With a quick sweep of lip gloss, she left before she got emotional again.
“Um…do you know where the gentleman who standing right here went?” She asked the hostess as she looked around.
“Oh. Yes. I believe he was seated. I’ll take you to him.”
With her brow furrowed, her gaze swept the restaurant. They’d never been there before, but it was very odd for them to have sat him, instead of just waiting. So far, their service was not impressing her.
“There she is.”
Alex came to a sudden stop, her eyes wide as silver dollars. Scanning the room, there were several small tables and a stage. It wasn’t private, but their family took up almost a full corner. No one was saying anything, they were all just staring at her. And glancing at the stage, it was Dallas who had spoken. Tilting her head, she gazed at him, quite confused about what in the hell he was doing.
“So I know everyone here has an idea of what’s going on, except my beautiful fiancé standing there. She’s been left entirely out of the loop. See, not only is today her and her twin brother Jack’s birthday, our good friend Levi has an additional surprise for her. Come sit down, hon. Levi, you want to take it from here, man?”
‘Entirely out of the loop’ couldn’t begin to describe where she was in this plot. “What the hell is going on, Dallas?” she whispered as he came closer and whisked her away to a table and chairs in the middle of everyone. Her mother leaned over and kissed her cheek, then ran her finger under the necklace.
“Oh, Dallas, it’s beautiful. I love it, honey. Were you surprised?” her mother asked with a smile.
“Oh, yes. Completely. But? What is going on? I thought we were just going for a quiet dinner.” She turned to Dallas, not expecting to see anyone other than Jack and a date, let alone her man announcing her entrance through a mic. “Where are we? I thought we were just eating dinner, then going back to Grandma and Grandpa’s for cake?”
“Well, we’re still doing the last part. But Levi and I have been talking.”
“Okay, well, at least there are witnesses here if she decides to kill me.” Levi joked to the growing crowd as a band stood behind him. “There are actually two parts to this secret only Dallas knows about. That’s why we invited all of you guys here tonight. I felt like this needed to be shared. Alex, just remember you love me as you’re wrapping your little hands around my neck.”
She furrowed her brow at the man on stage, then glanced at her family. Her Uncle Jesse tipped his head at her. Alex jerked her shoulders. In truth, she had no idea what was about to happen.
“What you guys don’t know is this band is mine. And although, she didn’t take me seriously, and probably doesn’t remember even giving me permission, we’re about to play some new stuff for you. Written by Alex.”
Her jaw dropped. Staring at Levi’s proud grin, she sat still. Her face heated, and though she didn’t bother to turn, Alex knew all eyes had fallen on her. Forcing herself to blink, then breathe, she was shell-shocked. It wasn’t a secret she meant to keep, but it wasn’t something she ever planned on announcing. Questions from her family buzzed around her regarding what, why, where, and when. But their whispers to her were drowned out as the music started to float through the speakers. She had no answers. Still too stunned to do anything but stare, she shook her head at Levi’s boyish grin. He winked back, and Alex felt Dallas take her hand from her lap.
“Don’t be mad, baby. They’re really beautiful. You two did an amazing job. I was blown out of the water. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Her fingertips went to the stone at her neck. She would have given almost anything to be in a pair of cozy sweats with her other Ruby curled up beside her—at home.
Levi’s soft voice drifted through the air. His music, his voice, her words.
Alex was immediately taken back to the day when she had sat scribbling her heartbreak onto a piece of lined paper. Meant for no one’s eyes but her own. It was the one page in her notebook that she’d meant to tear out. The day that sent her walking toward hell as another woman walked toward Dallas. She could still feel the cool breeze as she drove down the driveway away from him. She could still picture seeing his missed calls on her cell. It was still so real with those words coming through the speakers.
Dallas nuzzled her neck, speaking quietly as Levi told her story. “It all worked out, Lex, but I will never forgive myself for causing you that much pain.”
She turned to him, the tears in her eyes were ready to fall, and kissed his mouth that was already inches from hers. “I love you.”
“I love you, too. And even though it was born of pain, that’s a beautiful song.” Dallas gathered her close, and laying her head against his shoulder, she closed her eyes, listening to the words.
Why is it that I stand planted
Watching you walk away
How is my love
Not enough to make you stay
I am not whole without you
I have no dreams that you’re not in
My fate was sealed the day I met you
For you alone are my destiny.
“Now, just so you know you’re not the only one I’m picking on tonight, Alex, this my dear is for you, Tasia.”
Alex peeked over at her lifelong friend, cousin, soon to be sister-in-law.
Tasia sat on the edge of her seat, wide-eyed and smiling brightly. Unlike Alex, she was used to being center stage, and although it wasn’t as if she craved attention like a high-maintenance girlfriend, she certainly hadn’t turned near the shade of red Alex had. Glancing at Levi, he was singing directly to the girl watching his every move.
“I think there is really something there, Dallas,” she whispered.
Letting out a defeated breath, a smile tugged at his mouth, and she knew all he cared about was that his sister was happy. They’d all been through too much over the course of two generations and had learned by the hellish trials, in life all that mattered was family, friends and happiness.
“Yeah, I think you’re right.”
They continued listening to Levi’s band play their entire set list, including three more of the songs she’d written. Once he was seated in the crowd close to Tasia and the room was quieter, Jesse stood, announcing he was going to buy a round of drinks.
“A Shirley Temple for you, Tay and Roy Rogers for you, Marc. Coming right up.” Jesse grinned patting Dallas’s younger brother on the shoulder.
“Dude, that’s embarrassing, Uncle Jesse,” Marc pleaded to his back. Jesse only waved, not even turning around as the laughter rose around them.
“Sweetheart, I had no idea. I am just so impressed.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Alex almost smiled. She was twisted inside, feeling half guilty for keeping something from her family, especially her parents. “It really was just nothing, until Nosy got involved.”
“I’m glad he did.” Dallas kissed her temple.
“Okay…okay. Here we go. In honor of two very important birthdays in this family, and the debut launching of a second career for my very beautiful, and very talented niece, to her musical sidekick who is the newest member of the family, and to the upcoming wedding of the best couple in the world…I raise a toast to being a Noland, each in our own way.”
“Honey, you got tequila shots? What kind of drink is that to toast with…and especially for Honor and Molly. They can’t handle liquor.” Emery chuckled. “What were you thinking, Jess?”
He started to sit down, but Alex had seen that look in his eyes many times over the years, and she knew they were in for something off-the-wall. Forgetting her embarrassment, she peered around Dallas to watch Jesse and Emery with a raised eyebrow.
“Oh!” Jesse stood back up, his shot in one hand, a lime in the other, talking to his wife, but loud enough to address not only their group,
but the entire section of the restaurant. “My dear, Em…how could I have forgotten…you weren’t there when Molly taught us all…just exactly how to do a shot. Come on, Mol…show ‘em what you’ve got, girl.”
“Jesse Frost, I will freaking kill you.” Molly pointed at him, grinning, but ten shades past mortified. “My kids are here and my parents.”
“It’s the perfect time then, don’t ya think?”
“Yeah, the perfect time for me to beat your ass.”
Carter wiggled his eyebrows. “Come on, gorgeous. Just once? For old time’s sake?”
Alex’s jaw dropped and she glanced at her twin. Jack was the mild-mannered one of the entire bunch, conservative and quiet, brooding and professional with hint of steel under his exterior. She knew him better than most and could get away with teasing and torturing him. To most, he came across as cold, but in reality, he was just shy. He was extremely good at what he did, and he would be a sought-after architect like their grandfather, someday. Now though, he stared at their parents as shocked as she was, but he had a fiery smirk tugging at his mouth.
That was the Jack only his family got to know.
“This is the problem with you boys. You forget nothing. Can’t you just leave the past where it belongs? In the past?” Molly shook her head trying not laugh.
“Now, baby girl. If you think your mother and I haven’t heard this little story, you’d be sadly mistaken.”
“Dad! You’re not helping. And by the way, remind me to call George tonight when we get home and thank him, since I know that’s who ratted me out.”
“Come on, Mom,” Jack taunted.
“Hey, Dallas, just warning you this is how they ended up with twins.” Eli smarted off right before Honor smacked at his arm. “Hey Mol, don’t forget it was me you batted your eyes at before asking for the salt.”
“Oh, E…bite me.”
“That’s my girl.” Eli winked back.
“Fine. You all are going to hell for this.” Then pointing at the younger family members, Molly shook her head. “If I ever hear of any of you speaking even one word of this, I’ll ground you all myself.”