Simply because he asked.
He gasped, and my eyes flew open. Our gazes locked. My hand gripped his, my breathing shallow.
“What are you thinking about?” he demanded.
I shook my head. I couldn’t tell him.
“Deirdre…”
A shiver ran through me at the single word.
“That day, in front of the closet. The way you touched me.”
His eyes drifted closed, and a smile curled his lips. “That was a good day.”
“Y-yes.”
He drew my hand to his mouth, kissed the palm, then pressed it to his face. “There will be more.”
“Will there?” I hated the need I could hear in my voice, the unspoken question.
“If you want there to be.”
“Do you love me?” I asked.
“I told you I did.”
“That was before you were hurt. Before I rejected you.”
He shrugged. “I said it. I meant it. The question now is: Do you love me? Did you mean what you said in the shower, or was that your remorse talking? I need to know once and for all.”
“It isn’t remorse. It’s how I feel.”
“Then say it.”
“I’m scared you won’t say it back,” I whispered.
“Bullshit,” he shot back. “You gave your blood to me. You’ve been here every fucking day. Bentley told me you refused to leave. You fought everyone. You’ve seen me at my worst, and you’re still here.” He tugged my hand gently. “Stop being a coward, Deirdre. Look me in the eyes and say the words. We’ll go from there. Take the chance.”
I looked into his eyes. For the first time since he woke up, I saw the fierce determination I associated with Maddox. The fighter.
The man I loved.
I let out a long breath. “I love you, Maddox. I love you so much it terrifies me.”
“Do you want a life with me?” he asked.
“Yes,” I confirmed.
He reached out, and I leaned forward so he could cup my cheek. “Was that so scary?”
This time, the word was soft. “Yes.”
He pulled on me, and I unfurled my knees to hunch over him. Gently, he tugged me down to his face, brushing his mouth over mine.
“I love you, Deirdre Wilson. And if you try to run this time, I’m going to be so pissed that I’ll chase you. I’m never letting you go again. Do you understand me?”
“Yes,” I sobbed.
“You could make it a lot easier on me if you would get on this fucking bed.”
Cautiously, I lay beside him, resting my head on his pillow.
“This is where you belong.” He brushed the tears off my face. “Now, stop crying. I want to kiss you.”
I sniffled and he smiled.
His arm tightened on my waist. “I wish we were alone.”
“We are.”
“A nurse could walk in here any minute. I doubt they’d approve of what I want to do to you right now.”
“You just had surgery and woke from a coma. You won’t be doing that for a while,” I reminded him.
He smiled and winked. “I still have hands.” He lowered his face to my ear. “And a tongue.”
My eyes widened.
He captured my mouth and kissed me. It was slow and sweet. Long, sensuous passes of his tongue. Whispered words of adoration against my lips. Promises of the future.
I felt his forgiveness, his desire.
And his love.
In return, I gave him mine.
“Ahem.”
I woke, still beside Maddox. He slept, his head on my chest, holding me close, my blanket draped over us. Aiden smirked, clearly amused. Cami smiled widely, holding a tray of coffee.
“We thought you could use a little pick-me-up this morning, but I see you’ve got that covered,” Aiden said. “I’m not sure this is in keeping with hospital policy though.”
Two nurses had already informed me of that. Yet, neither made me move. Instead, they grinned knowingly and left after checking on Maddox. He barely stirred when they recorded his vitals, then settled and slept again until the next time they appeared.
“You know, this is the second time you’ve shown up in my room uninvited,” Maddox mumbled. “Go away, Aiden.”
“I don’t think you want that to happen.”
“Why is that?”
“Because Dr. Sampson decided to spring you today.”
My breath caught. “Really?”
“Yes. He came in here to tell you, but, ah, you were otherwise engaged. He told us and said we could share the good news. He’s preparing the discharge papers.”
Maddox groaned. “Good. I can go home and get back to my life.”
I shook my head as I slid from the bed, ignoring his pout.
“Just because you’re getting out of here means nothing. You still need time to recover.”
“I’ll take it slow.”
I laughed. “You certainly will. You aren’t going back to work. You’ve been hit by a car, had surgery, and been in a coma. You’ll be sleeping, resting, reading, and doing what I tell you.”
“Is that a fact?”
I crossed my arms. “Yes, it is.”
Maddox smiled. “Okay, then. Just wanted to be sure.”
Aiden chuckled. “And here we go.”
Maddox
It wasn’t much of a surprise to anyone to discover how bad of a patient I was when it came to recovery. I lasted about ten days—the exact amount of time Dee stayed home from work with me. After that, I drove her, and everyone else, crazy.
They took turns checking on me. Aiden and Bent would drop by and bring me up to speed on work. I was allowed limited computer time, and I used it to stay on top of my department and Ridge Towers. I snuck in some extra hours until Reid figured it out. He loaded something on to my computer that cut me off after my allotted time. I ordered another laptop, but Dee found it and gave me supreme shit.
“You’re recovering! What are you doing?”
“I’m bored. I can’t sit around all day. My God, have you seen the shit they have on TV? Speaking of which, if I can watch TV, why can’t I work? I’m staring at a screen either way,” I argued.
She threw up her hands and walked away. I found it sexy when she was in bossy mode, but I refused to let her know that piece of information.
I called Dr. Sampson and pointed out my argument. He agreed that as long as I continued to recover at home, I could work a little more. I tried not to be smug when Reid disabled the restricting program on my computer.
I failed.
I walked on my treadmill—slowly—building my strength. Aiden showed me some exercises and worked with me.
Sandy came by every couple of days. I let her fuss and tell me what to do. She was going to do it no matter what I said, so it was easier.
Richard called frequently, helping me pass the time as he entertained me with stories of his kids, discussed the marketing, and teased me endlessly about anything he could think of—including the garbage pile incident. He sent packages, often containing childish drawings, as well as thoughtful gifts. Oscar the Grouch, sitting in his garbage can, made Dee laugh hard, and earned a place of honor on the shelves in my den. Every phone call, video chat, and package that arrived made us closer and solidified our friendship.
Finally, after three weeks, the doctor cleared me to return to the office, part time. It felt good to be back at my desk, even if I was exhausted after a few hours. Dee was waiting when Frank dropped me off, and I was lying down before she had to ask.
She curled up beside me.
“I guess I can go home now.”
My eyes flew open. “No!”
“But you’re getting better.”
“I still need you.”
“I’ll check on you every night. We can have dinner together.”
I discovered I loved to cook with her. Our style in the kitchen was similar, and we worked well together. It had become our thing: to decide on menus, list the ingre
dients we needed, then cook our meal together.
“I still get dizzy in the shower. And really tired.” To prove my point, I lay my head on her chest, burrowing close. “I need you to hold me up.”
She ran her fingers through my hair and kissed the scar on my crown. The hair was finally growing over the jagged reminder. “Ah, Maddox,” she crooned. “You are so full of bullshit.”
I grinned against her skin. “Okay, fine. I just want you here.”
Her fingers stilled. “What are you saying?”
I tilted my head up to meet her eyes. “Move in with me. Be here every night. When I get home from the office and wake up in the morning.”
I saw the wariness in her gaze, and I tightened my grip around her waist.
“Isn’t that a little fast?” She stalled.
“Maybe, but I don’t care. It feels right.” I studied her face. “Don’t you like being here?”
“Yes.”
“There is plenty of room for your things. You love the kitchen.”
“Yes,” she agreed thoughtfully.
I nudged her chin with mine. “You love me.”
“Yes.” This time she said it with a sweet smile.
“Then why not?”
She paused, lifting her hand. I grabbed it before her thumb went between her lips.
“It’s not going to happen, Dee. You aren’t going to lose yourself being with me. I wouldn’t allow it. You make me stronger, and I’ll do the same for you. I love you just the way you are.” I kissed her thumb. “Defective chewed thumbs and all.”
She smiled. “Okay.”
Disbelief widened my eyes. “Yeah?”
“Yes.”
I kissed her leisurely and deep. As usual, when I was close to her, my cock lengthened, pushing against her hip. She whimpered, pressing herself closer. As long as I moved carefully, sex wasn’t an issue now. It was when I moved without thinking that things went haywire.
I had discovered easy, slow lovemaking with Dee was as satisfying as when I fucked her hard. I still talked dirty, and I liked to be in control. Dee liked it as well. I knew, once my body fully healed, we would return to our more vigorous antics. But until then, I simply wanted to be close to her.
Our clothes ended up on the floor. I kissed her soft skin, loving how it felt against my coarser body. Long moments passed with our mouths and bodies showing our love, speaking a language too intimate to voice out loud. I moved with easygoing strokes, buried deep inside her. She whispered my name, gripped my shoulders, and held me close. I lost myself, finding pleasure only she could give me. Cradled by her body, I was home.
Finally, home.
Weeks later, I glanced at my watch, late on a Friday afternoon. Life had returned to normal. The office was busy, Dee moved in, and all was great.
I shifted in my chair, ran a hand over my chest, and winced. I’d had a tattoo done over my heart and it was still tender. My first—and my last. I’d gotten the idea one night, and I’d talked to Aiden about it. Once I was ready, he took me to his guy and I got inked. It was something I never planned to do—but then again, I’d never planned to fall in love either. Dee was the force behind both deviations.
Dee had wept when I showed it to her.
My Dee it read in cursive ink set into an infinity symbol. It was private, personal, and only a few people would ever see it. The same few people who ever saw the real me.
Dee’s appreciation had been rather demonstrative once the tattoo began to heal. She liked to use her tongue and trace the ink. I liked it as well.
Bentley walked in, tugging on his sleeves. I grinned at the tight expression on his face.
“You ready?”
“I can’t believe I let myself get talked into this.”
“It’s tradition not to see the bride the night before the wedding. You’re going out to dinner, then taking her to the hotel. I’m dropping off Dee and Cami to join her.” I leaned back. “You’re not the only one giving up your woman for the night, you know.”
He snorted and sat down. “Your woman. Listen to you.”
Aiden strolled in, a cookie in each hand. “Holy shit, have you guys tasted Becca’s cookies? They rock!”
Becca had arrived two weeks ago and was busy settling in. Reid was overly fixated on her office setup, deeming it needed tweaking almost daily. It was amusing to watch.
Aiden flung himself on the sofa. “I’ve had six today. I might not fit into my tux tomorrow.”
“Six. Try a dozen. Every time I’ve seen you today, you’ve had a cookie in your hand. And one in your mouth.” I grinned. “I hope Jen brings reinforcement buttons.”
Aiden flipped me off and turned to Bentley. “You ready for tomorrow?”
“I think so. You have the ring, right?”
“For the hundredth time, yes.” Aiden patted his pocket. “It’s right here.”
“Okay. Just checking.”
Bentley glanced my way, and I lifted my hands. “I have all the paperwork, Bent. We’ve got your back.”
He sighed. “Fine.”
“What time are you coming over?”
“I’ll be there in the morning.”
Bentley had decided he wanted to spend his last night as a bachelor alone. Knowing Bent the way I did, I wasn’t surprised. He would want the time to reflect since that was the way he worked. The wedding wasn’t until early evening, so we would have most of the day together, hanging out.
“Great. We’ll work out, then go to breakfast. I’ve booked us a court at eleven. Richard and Katy arrive tonight, and he is joining us for some one-on-one tomorrow, then we’ll head to the hotel, relax with a few drinks, and get you married.”
Bentley nodded.
Aiden wiped his mouth, licking the crumbs off his fingers. “The girls are spending the day getting pretty.” He chuckled. “I don’t think they need it, but whatever.”
“It’s their bonding time. Jen says since neither of us wanted a traditional bachelor or bachelorette party, it was a good substitute. They’re getting facials, massages, pedicures. Girlie stuff. Katy is joining them while Richard is with us. He wants to spoil her a little while she’s here. The girls are excited to meet her.”
I laughed. “I prefer beer, pizza, and basketball.”
“I dunno,” Aiden mused. “Cami likes it when I get a pedicure. She says she likes it when my feet are soft. I have talented toes, you know.”
Bentley and I groaned.
“Go get more cookies. It’s better when your mouth is full.”
Bentley stood, still looking nervous. “Okay, I’ll see you guys in the morning.”
He left, and I glanced at Aiden. “What are you doing tonight?”
He grinned. “Spending it with you. Dee told Cami you’d probably pout and feel sorry for yourself if you were alone.”
“Whatever,” I mumbled. Dee knew me well. I hated being without her now.
Aiden chuckled then stood. “I get it, Mad Dog. Believe me, I get it. So we’ll keep each other company.”
“Fine. Bring beer. Lots of it.”
“On it.”
I glanced at Aiden across the table the next morning. The nervous, anxious Bentley was gone. In his place was distracted, all-over-the-place, smiling Bentley. He ordered breakfast, asked for a scotch, then proceeded to chat.
Bentley didn’t chat. Or drink scotch in the morning.
He talked about dinner, his house, Emmy, Ridge Towers, the lakefront, local news. He never shut up. And he checked his phone constantly, typing with the strangest smile on his face.
Something big was up. Bigger than the wedding.
“How much caffeine have you had, Bent?”
“A few cups. I didn’t sleep much last night.”
“Did you give Emmy your wedding gift?”
“What? Oh yeah. She loved the earrings.”
I looked at Aiden, lifting my eyebrow. The earrings had taken three visits to Darlene, a dozen calls, and four revisions to get them perfect. And all he ha
d to say was she loved them?
“What’s going on, Bent?”
“What? I’m getting married today.”
“And?”
He huffed a sigh, reaching into his pocket. He hunched forward, lowering his voice. “I don’t think I’m supposed to say anything.”
I exchanged another glance with Aiden. “Okay.”
“But I have to.”
I nodded.
“Emmy gave me a present too.”
“I think that’s customary.”
He pulled his hand out of his pocket and opened his fist. “Look.”
I stared at a mound of yellow fluff. “Did that used to be a baby chick? Did you kill it in your pocket?”
He glared at me. “No. Look!” He held out an object to me and handed one to Aiden. I took it from him, mystified. Then I saw it.
“Holy fuck.”
Aiden let out a curse of his own.
I met Bentley’s gaze. His eyes filled with joy. There was no other word to describe it.
“I’m gonna be a dad.”
“But… I thought…”
He chuckled. “You know what I learned last night? When a person is on antibiotics, it cuts down the effectiveness of birth control. When you had your accident, Emmy was sick.” He shrugged, his ears turning a dull red. “She, ah, got better. You got better. We celebrated.”
“You must have been surprised.”
“She’s been nervous the last couple of days. About telling me.” He took the tiny baby bootie from my hand, rubbing the soft wool between his fingers. “She was so scared, she was shaking. But…” He swallowed, the emotion and wonder evident in his voice when he continued. “This is the best wedding gift in the world.” He looked at us, tears in his eyes. “I get Emmy, and I’m going to be a daddy. I get them forever. It’s so much more than I ever thought, ever hoped to have.” He looked down at the ball of fuzz. “I’m the luckiest man on the planet.”
I sat back, letting the news soak in, waiting for the shock.
Except, I wasn’t shocked.
I started to laugh. Aiden was married. Bentley was getting married and going to be a father. I was living with a woman I was so in love with I couldn’t be without her for a night.
All because of a worn rucksack and cup of coffee. Three girls who stepped into our lives and made them complete. Made us complete.
Vested Interest Box Set: Books 1-3 Page 70