Leaning Into Series: The Complete Box Set

by Hayes, Lane

  Thankfully, he took the bait. His zoned-out expression faded as I talked about our home and whether it was ideal for raising a child. We loved our place, and we knew we wanted to stay in the Marina district. But our townhouse had a ton of stairs. Too many for my peace of mind. Zane suggested putting up gates, but I wasn’t sure that would be enough. We had an open floor plan with a family-style kitchen and generous bay windows with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.

  I suppose I’d gotten caught up pontificating the amazing amenities in the area and hadn’t thought anything of it when he skirted the island to rinse out his coffee cup before coming to stand beside me. And when he slipped his warm hands under the elastic of my pajama bottoms and gripped my cock as he nuzzled my neck and murmured “Mmhmm,” I’d figured he was trying to distract me. It didn’t necessarily mean he wanted to act on it. Zane had a habit of casually sticking his hands down my pants when we were home doing mundane things like watching TV or brushing our teeth. Sometimes it led to more, but not always. I’d gotten too worked up about school districts and property taxes to think that he might have an ulterior motive. And frankly, I was glad he’d stopped thinking about his mom. But then he lowered my PJs and briefs and sank to his knees behind me.

  He bit my left cheek and smacked my right one, pulled my ass open, and licked my entrance. And suddenly, nothing else mattered. It happened so fast, I hadn’t had a chance to do much more than grip the countertop and reach for my dick when he darted his tongue inside. Zane was an expert at the art of rimming. He licked, sucked, and flicked his tongue over my sensitive skin until I was a whimpering, needy mess. When my chant of “Fuck me, fuck me” escalated, he stood abruptly and unzipped his jeans.

  He opened a drawer in the island and fished around in the back for one of the many bottles of lube he insisted should be stored all over the house…in case of emergency. He flashed a devilish grin my way and kissed me hard before instructing me to stay where I was and bend over. I’d hummed in appreciation, turning my head to watch him pull his jeans and boxer briefs over his rigid pole and apply a liberal amount of lube. He moved behind me, wrapped his arms around my chest, and molded his length against my crack as he whispered sweet nothings. The dirty version he knew I loved. When he slid his middle finger alongside the sensitive skin, I might have gone a little crazy and held my ass open and begged him to fuck me. He didn’t hesitate.

  Zane lined his cock at my entrance and pushed, slowly making his way inside me. He didn’t stop until he was balls deep. He kissed my neck as he reached for my aching cock. And then he moved. Sweet and steady. Not too fast and not too slow. At least that was how it started. He probably knew I’d want it harder and faster the second he rubbed his thumb over my slit and sucked the precum from his digit. And when he whispered how fucking amazing I tasted…that was when the tempo changed.

  Zane’s calloused hands roamed along my spine. He pistoned his hips with growing urgency and picked up speed, clutching my left shoulder for purchase and smacking my ass. That was all it took. I’d shot ropes of cum over my fist and across the countertop, and Zane was with me a moment later. He lost his rhythm and roared my name as his orgasm slammed into him and held me close, trembling wildly in the aftermath.

  We didn’t move immediately. He was probably trying to catch his breath…and me? I always wanted him inside me for as long as possible. I loved this connection. I loved the feel of his body against mine and his cum dripping from me. And if I complained about the mess we made later, he knew I was kidding. I loved him more than I could say, and I’d do anything to keep him close.

  The memory faded and I stared at his profile in the SUV, linking our fingers before kissing his hand. “It’s always hot.”

  “True. Now quit talking about sex. I gotta concentrate on the road,” he grumbled playfully.

  I threw my head back and laughed. “I didn’t say a word.”

  “You were thinking about it.”

  “Guilty,” I admitted with a chuckle. “So what were you saying about elephants?”

  Zane snorted. “I really don’t know.”

  “Spirit animals, favorite animals…” I reminded him.

  “Oh yeah. Have you ever had that conversation with Geordie? Josh told me that’s what led to their super-sized bunny. I’m kinda wondering what giant stuffed animal we’re going to be carting home tomorrow. Elephant sounds about right. It just better not be life-sized.”

  I chuckled. “It could be some kind of a water animal for you. A stingray or a dolphin or a—”

  “Shark,” Zane said, lifting my hand to his mouth and nipping my thumb.

  “Ouch. We’ll see soon enough.” I pulled my hand away and reached for my cell just as we neared the gated entrance to the winery.

  “Did Geordie say how many people are coming tonight?” he asked.

  “Just family…or friends who’re like family. Josh said his dad and Lars were going to swing by at some point too. We’re all staying at Nick and Wes’s, but Geordie and Levi have room for extra guests.”

  Zane parked the Range Rover and unbuckled his seat belt. “Like who?”

  “Does it matter?” My reply was carefully flippant.

  “No. I hope it’s small, though. Just us and the guys.”

  “What about Lauren? She might stay for dinner too.”

  “Sure. Lauren’s cool, but it would be nice not to have to make small talk with thirty people we don’t know well,” he sighed before opening his door.

  “Hang on. You love these gatherings. We’ve spent plenty of holidays here. It’s always beautiful. Geordie makes sure of it and—”

  “I know. And…hey, I’m sorry. I’m happy to be here. That’s not it. I just—I don’t get why my mom didn’t tell me at the beginning of December that she’d made plans for the holidays. It’s not like her. We could have gone up last weekend to see her and told her about the baby. Honestly, I’m worried about her. Did she tell you who she was going to be with? She said ‘friends’ to me. Very generic. Do you think she’s seeing someone?”

  “She didn’t say, but maybe. I don’t know. Zane…” I caressed his cheek and brushed his hair away from his face. “She’s fine. We’ll see her very soon. We’re going to have a great time with people we love tonight and on Christmas day. And we’ll see our families right after. I’m sorry the plans changed, but—”

  “Don’t apologize,” he assured me with a grin. “You’re here. That’s all I care about. Come on, babe.”

  My smile faded when he stepped outside. The sooner we were surrounded by our friends in the winery, the better. Fuck. I should have known this might not go smoothly.

  Zane

  Conrad Winery was decked out for the holidays. As in a team of elves had descended and made sure every nook and cranny in the main tasting room had a touch of Christmas. Sprigs of holly and fresh garland were draped along the bar and along the mantel of the stone fireplace on the opposite end. A massive tree twinkled in the corner, and mistletoe hung from the spherical iron chandelier, delineating the tasting and lounge areas. Holiday music was playing in the background. “Silver Bells,” I thought. I couldn’t tell over the din of laughter and the sweet sound of familiar voices. When Danny yelled a greeting, the room erupted. I was immediately overcome with a feeling of joy and gratitude. Eric was right. This was where we belonged tonight.

  I dropped our overnight bags and a bag of gifts in the middle of the room and waited for Eric to meet me under the mistletoe. He set the presents he’d carried in on one of the high tables, slipped his arm around my waist, and glanced up at the bough of green tied with an ornate red ribbon. “Are you going to kiss me or what?”

  I chuckled and ran my hands down his chest, then sealed my lips to his. He hummed into the connection, oblivious of our friends’ catcalls and wolf whistles a few feet away. I broke the kiss, whispering something slightly lascivious in his ear that made him laugh. I yanked him against me in a playful embrace and felt the edge of something like a small
box in his coat pocket. I stepped aside and was about to ask what it was, but we were surrounded before I had a chance.

  “Merry Christmas, darlings!” Geordie effused with his arms outstretched. “What would you like to drink? Levi, my love, made a rum eggnog concoction. Heavy on the rum. I assured him it’s the only way to drink eggnog.”

  “Sure, I’ll try some,” Eric said. “And thank you for hosting again. You must be exhausted, Geord. Was the winery open today?”

  “We closed at two o’clock. More than enough time to prepare for tonight. Besides, it’s just family.” Geordie beamed. “Look at how handsome you two are, decked in your holiday finest!”

  He snickered at our holiday sweaters. Eric’s had a menorah with dancing dreidels while mine featured Santa stuck in a chimney, ass up. The chimney was wrapped in lights and yes…both of our sweaters blinked obnoxiously. They were seriously ugly, but it was tradition. Just like it was tradition for Geordie to be the only one who never participated. When we first met him, he was mourning the death of his long-time partner, Mike, who’d started the winery with Wes fifteen or more years ago. He’d dressed only in black with the exception of eye-catching jewel-toned shoes until he met Levi. Nowadays, he didn’t participate because according to him, he wasn’t made for tacky sweaters.

  There was no denying Geordie was a beautiful man. He was six foot four with a lean, willowy build, dark hair, and olive skin. He emanated warmth with a serious dose of fabulous. The combination drew people in. To be included in Geordie’s orbit of those he considered family felt like an honor. I was glad he’d met someone like Levi, who seemed to get that without having been told. They were complete opposites. Levi was a former baseball player turned restaurant owner. He had an athletic physique and the patience of a saint.

  I laughed when he nodded at Geordie’s rapid-fire instructions about cocktail orders and where the luggage should go, rolling his eyes playfully.

  “…to our house. Eric and Zane are staying in our blue room.”

  Levi set his hand on Geordie’s hip and pulled him against his side. “Got it. What time do you want everyone at the house?”

  “Five sharp. We have plenty of time for…”

  Everyone was talking at once now. I could see Eric hugging Grant and Miles before crouching low to greet Anna while Josh and Finn smiled nearby. Nick and Wes stood with Ryan and Danny behind the bar. Lauren sat at one of the barstools chatting with Jeff, Josh’s dad, and his husband, Lars. A young man I didn’t recognize and a woman with her back to us hovered nearby. Maybe Lauren’s friends. A couple of extras, but everyone I cared about was accounted for.

  If the holiday went according to plan, we’d have appetizers in the tasting room, then head to Nick and Wes’s for dinner. At some point, Geordie would lead a sing-along and insist on watching holiday movies until we all pleaded exhaustion. Eventually, we’d retire for the night in the rooms we always slept in when we stayed at Conrad Winery. And Eric and I always stayed at Nick and Wes’s.

  “Excuse me.” I held my hand up to interrupt Geordie before he spun away to oversee official holiday duties. “We’re happy to stay at your place, but—”

  “Wonderful! We’re thrilled to have you. I was going to have Jeff and Lars stay with us, but we have an extra guest, so I think this will work out better.” He patted my arm sweetly and stepped backward with a wink. “I hate to give away too many secrets at once, but Levi and I have a very large gift for you both.”

  “Is it the ginormous elephant next to the tree?” I asked with a laugh. Eric was going to love being right about this one.

  “Yes, indeed!”

  I smiled. “We’re prepared. I drove the Range Rover.”

  “Smart man. Have I told you how happy we are for you?”

  “You did, Geord. Thank you.”

  He’d sent a giant bouquet of pink and blue flowers to our house and made a big mushy toast at the annual holiday party he’d hosted at Conrad Winery a couple of weekends ago. Part of me wanted to beg him not to give us a stuffed animal too, but I didn’t want to rain on his parade. Family was important to Geordie. I hoped he and Levi would have kids one day too. They’d be amazing dads.

  “Don’t thank me. It’s my pleasure. I never thought we’d host family parties with a kids’ table. Look at us now. Things have certainly changed….and in a very good way.”

  Eric returned to my side and looped his arm through mine. “Are you thirsty?”

  “No, I’m okay.”

  “Are you sure?” he prodded.

  “Positive.”

  “Glass of wine or a beer? Maybe we should try that eggnog or—”

  “Zane, my darling…go to the damn bar,” Geordie sighed theatrically before turning away, singing “Santa Baby” at top volume.

  Levi snickered at my confused expression. “Come on. I’ll get you a beer.”

  I frowned at Eric. “Is something going on?”

  “I don’t think so. Why?” he asked, gently tugging at my sweater.

  “ ’Cause everyone’s acting weird.”

  “Don’t be silly.”

  I greeted our friends with fist bumps and hugs and razzed Josh about his tacky sweater before bending to scoop Anna in my arms. She was almost three years old now and super chatty. I complimented her beautiful dress and pretty blonde hair and got an earful of toddler chatter. I nodded and bounced her in my arms until she giggled. Then I ramped it up a notch and tossed her in the air, accidentally bumping the barstool behind me. I tucked Anna on my hip and turned to apologize…and froze.

  “Mom?”

  “Hi, honey.”

  She launched herself into my arms just as Josh pulled Anna from me. I pushed back slightly and stared at her in wonder. Wendy Richards was a beautiful woman. She was a quintessential California girl with blonde hair and blue eyes who exuded health and a sense of well-being. She was a true free spirit and the best woman I knew.

  “What are you doing here? I thought you said you were going out of town.”

  “Yes. This is out of town for me! Eric wanted to surprise you and…well, surprise!”

  I looked over at my husband in wonder. Eric hurried forward and hugged my mom tightly, then motioned for me to join in. I obeyed automatically. I couldn’t speak, though. I knew exactly what he’d done now, and I was overwhelmed by the gesture.

  “Let’s go by the fireplace,” Eric said, stepping backward. “It’s kind of loud over here.”

  Our friends gave us high fives and raised their glasses as we walked into the adjoining space. Eric grabbed our bags of gifts, handed one to me, and went directly to the tree. He kneeled, signaling for me to come close.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yes. Thank you. You’ve got some big plan going here, don’t you?”

  Eric smiled bashfully. “I thought it would be nice to have all the people we love the most in one spot tonight.”

  “What about your family?”

  “We’ll see them after Christmas. They’ll be excited for sure. But they’re out of town anyway, and this is your favorite day. I want you to have everything you want.”

  “Er…baby, I do.” I bit the inside of my cheek to keep my emotions in check. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” He rested his forehead against mine and kissed me. “Come on. We have to tell her now before anyone slips up. Unless you have anything special you want to say or do, I have a gift for her that should tell her everything. Your call, Daddy.”

  I stood slowly and inclined my head toward my mother, standing in front of the fireplace. “Go on. Give her the gift.”

  Eric pulled a small red box with a white satin bow from his pocket. I set my hand on his shoulder. He smiled at me, then presented the gift to my mom.

  “Are we opening gifts now? Yours are at Geordie’s house. Maybe we should wait until later,” she suggested, fiddling with a tassel on her wacky penguin-themed Christmas sweater. It looked like she got the sweater memo, I mused as I pushed the box into her palm. />
  “We’re doing things out of order tonight, Ma.” I laughed. “I’m really happy you’re here, and I’m pretty sure I married the coolest fuckin’ guy on the planet…excuse my language. He found a way to fix something I’ve wished I could address for a long time, and—look, I can’t explain. You just need to open that.”

  She knit her brow as she pulled at the end of the ribbon and tore the paper open, revealing a plain white box. She glanced between us before lifting the lid.

  Silence. I actually thought I could hear “Silent Night” in the background now. That was almost a little too perfect.

  Then my mom set her hand over her mouth as she pulled the ultrasound from the box. She shot an incredulous look between us. “Oh, my God! A baby? A real baby? I’m going to be a grandmother?”

  “Yeah. You are.” I pulled her into my arms and held her for a moment. When I thought I could speak, I reached for Eric’s hand and cleared my throat. “We’re gonna be dads. And…it’s a big deal. We’re scared out of our minds, but we’re ready at the same time, if that makes any sense.”

  “Trust me, I know exactly what you mean,” she said in a half laugh, half cry.

  “I know you do. Sometimes, I think about how it was always just me and you. You probably weren’t ready for me, and I know that being a single parent wasn’t easy. I used to wish we had more family around. The nonjudgmental kind who just wanted to be part of our lives. Especially around the holidays. But as I got older I realized how lucky I was to have someone in my corner who devoted every resource she had to make my life richer. Not with money, but with experience. With opportunity.

  “You made it possible for me to meet every person in this room, including the man I love. I didn’t have a dad, but I had…have an amazing mom. Even though I’m sure I’ll make mistakes, I think Eric and I are gonna be okay. And spending this holiday with my amazing mom, my husband, and the family we chose…this is the best Christmas ever.”