by Casey Hagen
They opened the door to the smell of warm lemon pound cake. The modest entry opened to a bright living room. Robust hydrangeas adorned the coffee table and bay window ledge. Flowing lace curtains framed the bay window with a sweeping view of the front yard and driveway. The welcoming room beckoned a guest to sit and have a cool drink, out of the oppressive heat of Modesto.
Nerves frayed, Corrine slid her fingers in Everett's. He smiled down at her and gave her hand a squeeze. "I'll forgive her anything, since she baked. Come on. I'll introduce you."
Keeping a tight hold on his hand, she glanced at the family pictures as they walked through the short hallway into a large open kitchen and dining room. Everett's dad stood at the sink over his mother with his lips pressed to her neck, making her giggle. When Everett cleared his throat, they broke apart.
"They're here!" Barbara cried, moving quickly for such a short woman. She pulled her son down into a tight hug. "I've missed you, young man."
Before Corrine knew what was happening, Barbara pulled her in for a hug, just as loving as the one she gave her son. Corrine held on, not able to remember the last genuine hug she’d received from her mother.
"You're even more beautiful in person! Come in. Sit. Have a snack."
On the way in, Everett's dad pulled her into a warm hug, lifting her right off the floor. "Everett's told us a lot about you. Seems our boy here is pretty attached."
Everett grinned and winked at her as his mother led Corrine to a line of stools along the kitchen island. In just seconds, she had a plate, heavy with pound cake, and a tall glass of lemonade before her.
"So, tell us all about how you met," Barbara said, her eyes moving back and forth between them.
"Corrine propositioned me."
Her mouth dropped open. She wanted to protest, but how could she? She did proposition him.
Turning his stool, he wrapped a strong hand around her neck and kissed her. He took his dear, sweet time about it too. Pulling back just enough to look into her eyes, he said, "And it was the best damn thing that has ever happened to me."
"Oh," she whispered. How had she gone her whole life without this man? This man that cherished her, took care of her, respected her?
Everett told his family every detail of the night she dared him to go with her to Fiji. He recalled her clothes, jewelry, the way she wore her hair, flattering her with his focus. Just as he finished, a striking man with an intimidating, rock-hard body came through the back door with three kids in tow.
Emily took his hand and grinned up at him with a twinkle in her eye. Corrine caught her shiver when he whispered in her ear. Easy affection appeared to run in the family. Barbara and Frank had set a wonderful, loving example for their children, and despite Emily's complaints, Corrine suspected she liked her parents’ easy affection.
"Corrine, this is my husband Mike. That handsome young man next to him is my son Michael Jr., the one behind Michael trying to steal pound cake without washing his hands is Trevor, and this little one here is our daughter, Morgan."
The boys each had blond, wavy hair like their mother, but they had their dad's vibrant green eyes and square jaw. Their little girl, however, had an angelic face much like her mother, and her and Everett's bright blue eyes. Her dark curls fell to the ribbon tied on the back of her sundress. She tugged on her dad's pants leg and raised her arms up, wiggling her little fingers in the air. He swung her up on his arm and nuzzled her cheek.
Watching the way Emily's face softened at the sight of her husband loving on their little girl made Corrine long for her own family. She turned away, her gaze landing on Everett's intense stare.
25 The One
They grilled chicken, in deference to his dad's cancer and his red meat restrictions. "God, what I wouldn't give for a medium rare burger loaded with bacon and cheese right about now."
Everett laughed as he flipped the last breast and closed the lid of the grill. Corrine lounged in an Adirondack chair with his mother, Emily, and Mike. Corrine chatted away with them, nodding and smiling, more relaxed than when they’d arrived. Morgan had taken a liking to Corrine and was sitting in her lap. Did she know how she looked at kids? Like she wanted them more than her next breath?
Since he had a minute with just his dad, Everett asked, "When did you know you were in love with Mom?"
His dad laughed, tipping back his ice water. "When she told me, son."
Everett laughed, enjoying the way his father returned to his easy banter. He hadn't been feeling well for so long with the chemotherapy and radiation. For a time, Everett wondered if he would ever get his easygoing, hardworking dad back. Although he wasn't out of the woods yet, he was well on his way.
For the first time in two years, Everett thought the planets were aligning so he could go after what he wanted. Now that he’d met Corrine and fallen in love, all he had to do was work out his work schedule.
"Seriously, son, I knew I loved your mother two days after I met her. I never once doubted my decision. I imagine I look at her the way you keep looking at your Corrine over there."
Her rich laugh drifted to them. She carried on her side of the conversation and braided Morgan's hair without missing a beat. "I didn't realize, until I fell in love with her, that I'd never been in love with anyone."
His father clasped his shoulder. "That's the way it goes, son. So, what are you going to do about it?"
"I'm going to get my shit in order so I deserve her."
His dad nodded. "Well, there you go. A man with a plan. Just don't wait too long. You're getting a little long in the tooth."
"Dad, I'm thirty-three. I hardly think I have a foot in the grave."
"You'd be amazed, son, how quick time flies. You love that girl, she loves you—don't worry about what's proper. Go for it. I did with your mom and have never regretted it."
Laughter and chatter accompanied their feast of grilled chicken, potato salad, Caesar salad, picked vegetables, and peach cobbler for dessert. Corrine got along wonderfully with his family. Seeming at ease, she laughed, engaged in conversation, and gave her avid attention to his niece and nephews. When the sun started to set, and the blood-sucking insects found them, he lit the tiki torches surrounding the back deck.
His eyes strayed more often than not to Corrine, with the now sleeping Morgan snuggled in her arms. Corrine hugged his little niece to her, rubbing her back as she slept. Morgan's face lay pressed against Corrine's chest, her thumb sliding out of her mouth as she fell into a deeper sleep.
His dad was right. He didn't want to wait. He wanted her now. He wanted her every day. He wanted forever.
After another hour of conversation, Emily and Mike bundled up their kids and headed out. Taking Corrine's hand, Everett pulled her out of the chair right up snug to his body.
"Ready to go, Angel?"
"If we have to." She tilted that soft face up to his. "I had a great time tonight. I love your family."
Smoothing his palm over her cheek, he leaned in and gave her the merest whisper of a kiss. She tasted of sweet wine and peaches. "They love you too."
Craving more, he slanted his head and dove deep, kissing her hungrily. Pulling her up on her tiptoes, lining her hips with his, he plundered her mouth while pressing against her in a vain attempt to soothe the ache he carried for days. "I need you, Corrine Anderson. Let’s hit the road," he said, pulling her with him into the kitchen.
"Mom, Dad, dinner was excellent as usual. We're going to head out." He hugged them both and waited for Corrine do the same.
His mother took out her phone. "Give me your number, sweetheart, and we'll do lunch soon."
Corrine recited the number, as his dad shot Everett a pointed look, and mouthed, "She's the one."
He nodded and mouthed back, "I know."
Everett thanked the heavens for the light traffic allowing him to make it to his condo in record time. He took Corrine's bag in one hand and her hand in the other, trying to not drag her into his place.
"Gorgeous kitche
n—" she began as he pulled her through the foyer and up the stairs. Pulling her into his room, he flicked the lights on, grateful they were set to dim so he didn't blind her. Pressing her against the door, he lifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist. She rotated those sexy hips, pressing herself against him. The ache grew, and he needed to be inside her.
"In a bit of a hurry?" She smiled.
"Watching you with my family…" He shook his head. He just didn't have the words. Which was new for him. He always had words. Often, too many. Or just enough to get him in trouble. But seeing her fit in so well in his world. The way she played Frisbee with the boys and played with Morgan's hair. The image of his young niece curled into her, giving her one hundred percent trust. She made him crazy with love for her.
She cupped his face in her hands. "Hey, what is it?"
He took a ragged breath. "I want you. All of you. I want what Emily and Mike have…with you."
She searched his face, and for the life of him he had no idea what she saw, but when she smiled at him and a lone tear rolled down her cheek, his heart took a rough roll in his chest. He ached with want. He wanted fast and slow, all at the same time. He wanted to be tender as much as he wanted to dominate.
Making an effort to rein himself in, he forced himself to go slow. He would cherish. He would plunder. He would do it all, with enormous love in his heart and a single-minded focus on making sure she knew just how much she meant to him.
Sliding the strap of her sexy little dress off her soft, kissable shoulder, he tortured them both by taking his time. He savored the feel of her skin. He memorized every gasp, every sigh. She’d skipped the bra, something he was glad he didn't know earlier. Her upturned breasts called to his hand. His tongue. He held off on the tiny lace panties, drawing out every moment.
The way she tortuously unbuttoned his shirt had him panting by the time she slid the fabric off his shoulders. Unable to take it, he laid his hands over hers when she reached for his pants. "I'm out of my mind wanting you right now. I'll do it." He carried her to his bed and set her on her pretty little feet while he pulled back the comforter. Grazing the tip of her breast, he kissed her, swallowing her moans.
Following her down on the bed, he continued to tease and taste. He tortured himself as well as her. He pulled at the snap on his pants and slid them down his legs, sending his black boxer briefs with them. Hooking his fingers between her round hips and the edge of her panties, he dragged them down her silky legs and tossed them over his shoulder.
Poised at her wet center, he drove into her. Hard. Her back bowed up off the bed. He pulled all the way back and did it again, satisfied when those hands fisted on his sheets, turning her knuckles white.
Her hazy eyes met his. "More."
He gave her everything he had. Thrust after thrust. Her excitement grew and she matched him, lifting her hips to his every plunge. The telltale pressure signaling his release started, so he slowed. He slowed until every slide of his most sensitive skin inside her tortured him. Taking it slow, sliding as deep as he could, he watched her through three powerful orgasms, the final one leaving her so wrecked she sobbed her release, hot tears running down her face. Only then, only when he knew for sure she was as lost as he, did he let himself fall over the edge. Gritting his teeth with a harsh growl, he thrust one last time as deep as he could go, and held there until the spasms of his release subsided.
Rolling off her, he pulled her into his arms, where she curled close and held on tight. He kissed away the tears as she softly cried in his arms.
"Did I hurt you?"
"No."
"Then why the tears, Angel?"
"I've never felt anything like that. Like our connection. It's overwhelming."
He kissed her sweetly, relieved he wasn't the only one lost in this. "Overwhelming in a good way. You're mine, Corrine."
"And you’re mine," she whispered as she started to drift off into oblivion.
26 Judgment
Tuesday evening, Everett arrived on her doorstep with flowers in hand, decked out in a sharp black suit, a pinstriped shirt, and cobalt-blue tie, almost the same color as his eyes. Those eyes swept over her now in the hot, assessing way she had grown to love.
When he wrapped those strong arms around her and kissed her like a starving man, every thought evaporated from her mind. Not an easy feat, with worry plaguing her at the thought of the impending dinner with her parents. When he let her up for air, she took the delicate pink roses and arranged them in a crystal vase.
She’d resigned herself to the fact her mother would never change. She would never approve. Surprisingly, that was okay. Corrine didn't need her approval. The past several days, creating beautiful pieces of jewelry that brought tears to her eyes, had convinced her she was on the right track. She owed a huge debt of gratitude to Everett for giving her the final push she needed. For believing in her even when she didn't believe in herself. His confidence in having her spend her money on this endeavor was just what she needed. After all, finance was his life. He knew risk and profits. He knew what it took to succeed, and he believed she had it.
As much as she didn't need her parents’ approval, she worried about her mother's reaction to Everett. On a good day, her mother was judgmental, quick to form an opinion, and horrible at keeping her opinions to herself. Corrine prayed her mother would be respectful to Everett, and not do anything to offend him. Not that she worried he would walk away, but he came from such a close-knit, loving family—how would hers look in comparison?
She didn't want him to feel sorry for her. If she saw a look of pity on his face, she would just die. Her parents may leave a lot to be desired, but her sister—her sister supported her always, so all wasn't lost.
Her eyes drifted shut when he stepped in right behind her. His arm curled around her waist, and his musky cologne invaded her senses.
"Why are you so tense?" he mumbled against her exposed neck. When her hair wouldn't cooperate, she gave in and hitched it in a sleek ponytail, because her arms were tired and she didn't have it in her to do much else. Amazing, how the feel of his lips on her skin made her grateful for losing the battle.
"I'm dreading this dinner."
Turning her in his arms, he dragged those lips along her jaw to her super-sensitive ear. Goosebumps rose on her arms with the light caress of his breath. "It's just dinner. How could it go wrong?"
She snorted. "You're kidding, right? My mother is frigid. My father uninterested. My sister likes to push buttons. Josh, Hannah's husband, sits back in rapt fascination watching it all. You—I'm not sure what to expect from you."
"I'll be on my best behavior, but I won't tolerate anyone hurting you. I won't hesitate to speak up if they do."
"You don't have to protect me. I'm used to it."
He cupped her chin, lifting her face up to his. "I'll always protect you." The intense stare made her shiver. She had never met a man like him. For the first time since the fiasco with Jordan, she knew peace. She even owed Jordan a debt of gratitude. As repulsive as they were, his actions had led her to Everett. Not that she would ever thank Jordan. If she had her way, she would never have to see him again.
"I'm so glad I fell in love with you." She took his hand and took a deep breath. "Okay, last chance. You sure you want to do this?"
"Absolutely, Angel.”
Commuter traffic clogged the roads, making a twenty-minute drive take almost forty. He didn't mind. That was almost twenty extra minutes he could spend holding Corrine's hand. Her hand turned cold as ice as they got closer to their destination.
"It's the one right there with the black gate."
Pulling up to the gatehouse, he opened the window to a serious-looking guard. His face split into a kind smile when Corrine leaned over and said hi.
"Well, hello, Miss Corrine. So good to see you. I'll buzz you right in."
"Thanks, Tom. Give my love to Marie!"
"Will do. Good luck tonight, Miss Corrine."
Did she gro
w up behind a gate? Everett understood the premise of safety first, but the idea of her locked behind tall iron gates irritated the crap out of him. Around the corner, the sterile white mausoleum came into view. The stunning view left him cold. How had Corrine survived growing up here? She had to have been stifled. She needed color. She needed cozy, funky furniture. She needed warmth and family.
Trying to be objective, he bit his tongue instead of voicing his observations. No wonder she seemed so fascinated by his family. She had no idea what it was to have a close-knit one. He wanted to give it to her. He would do anything to give it to her.
He parked behind a maroon Land Rover and turned to her. "You seem to be close to Tom."
"He's been with my parents since I was six. He's the last one left from my childhood."
"What do you mean, the last one left?"
"Well, we had a nanny, Amy. She left when my sister turned ten. My mother figured at ten and twelve, we were old enough for Rosa to keep an eye on us. Rosa was our maid. With it just being my mother and father now, she has a cleaner who comes in twice a week. She hires a caterer for dinners and a personal chef for nights it's just her and my dad. Meaning usually just her."
Her eyes turned sad. He cupped her face. "Sounds lonely."
"Very." She leaned her face into his hand and turned her head to press a kiss in the center.
She’d needed her parents, and although her happiest memory was a long ago day spent with her mother, they weren't there for her. He could see the signs of that wounded little girl. Damned if he didn't want to vanquish those feelings forever.
"Are you ready for this?"
She took a deep breath and nodded. "As I'll ever be. Just do me a favor and don't hold my parents against me."
"Never." He opened her door and offered her a hand.
Everett frowned when Corrine rang the doorbell. He couldn't remember a time when he didn't just walk into his childhood home. It was what his parents expected. It was what he always felt welcome to do. He would expect the same of his own children someday.
