“The ones you don’t like?” Her world was so interesting.
“Really it’s just the one I don’t like.” She wrinkled her nose. “The rest of his family is really great.”
It seemed so funny that there was someone that Heather just didn’t like at all. I had a hard time picturing it.
“What about him?” She nodded to Dean.
I shrugged. “Don’t know. He never really said.”
“Might just be too far away for him to go home so easily,” she suggested.
I looked down at Dean. It wasn’t that hard for him to go home. I suspected he wasn’t going home because of me.
We came to a stop outside the huge house. Dean moved his head in my lap, and I looked down. He was watching me. I wondered what he was thinking.
“We’re here,” I said quietly.
He nodded. Everyone started to make their way out of the car. When we were the only two left, he held me back a moment.
“I’m here because I want to be here,” he said. “I wanted to be with you for Thanksgiving.”
My heart beamed at his revelation.
“Me too,” I whispered.
“Hey,” Emma hollered. “No making out in my car.”
“You’re one to talk,” I mumbled to her as we made our way out.
Despite it not being my home, it always felt like home when I came over. Maybe it was just default since it was Emma’s home, so I felt welcome.
I was glad she had changed out some of the furniture and paintings. Her Gran had been one cool lady, but she was still an old lady with old lady tastes.
Emma led us all upstairs. I was surprised when we stopped outside what used to be her Gran’s room.
“Everything’s pretty much new in there, and it’s got its own bathroom.” She beamed.
I opened the door and instantly loved it. The theme was a sweet pale blue. Everything only seemed to accentuate the very pale blue.
“Thanks, Em,” I said.
I walked in and sat on the bed. Dean followed and closed the door.
“So,” he said after setting the bags down.
“So,” I said back and grinned.
He took his hat off and laid it on the dresser.
“Oh not the hat.” I pouted.
Dean chuckled. “You and that hat,” he said. “What is it about the hat?”
He came to sit with me on the bed. I crawled up to the pillow and lay down. Dean followed.
“The hat is just rugged,” I tried to explain. “It’s the kind of hat a man would wear if he had been working hard. All glistening with sweat and shirtless.”
Dean laughed. “You know that describes just about every day in the summer for me.”
“God, I hope so,” I mumbled. My eye brows shot up at my unintentional revelation.
Dean grinned and rolled to his side to look at me.
“Oh, is that so? Like thinking of me like that?” his voice purred in my ear.
I turned and looked him in the eyes. “Yes,” I said boldly. I leaned forward. “It’s how I’ve been picturing you at night when I’m all alone.”
Dean groaned, grabbed ahold of my hip and slid forward.
“Keep that up, and we won’t make dinner tonight,” he said.
I grinned. “Have to go to dinner. How am I going to keep up my strength otherwise?”
Dean laughed. “Point taken.”
My phone buzzed, and I pulled it out of my pocket.
Chance: This week is going to be hell.
I glanced up to Dean. He scowled at the phone.
Me: Just try and keep her occupied.
Chance: I’m a guy. I have no idea what she likes.
Me: Just ask her.
Dean rolled over and hopped off the bed. I could tell the texting bothered him, but it was good that Chance was keeping things up with his sister.
I put the phone back in my pocket and wrapped my arms around Dean’s middle from his back.
“Was it him?” he said. His voice was hard and clipped.
“Yes,” I said quietly.
“I just…” He turned around. “I just don’t understand why you can’t just tell me.”
“Because it’s not my secret to tell,” I said flatly.
“Do you understand how this is making me feel? I’m going crazy wondering if he’s going to win you back,” he said. His eyes held so much pain.
“It’s not like that,” I said. “And even if that’s what he wanted, I’m not interested.”
Dean nodded when I put my hand to his cheek.
“Let’s not do this,” I said. “You’re the one I want.”
I reached down and put my hand in his.
“Not let’s go get some dinner.” I winked.
Dean gave a sad smile and nodded.
I knew he was hurting, but there wasn’t much I could do about this other than just not having anything to do with Chance and Vivien. And that wasn’t fair. Dean was just going to have to come to terms with things as they were.
***
Chapter Fifteen
I woke up warm and cozy the next day but not near as satisfied as I had hoped to be. After dinner, we all sat around playing a few board games. Through most of it, Dean had been nearly falling asleep. A few rounds in, we excused ourselves for bed.
Considering how tired he was, I couldn’t exactly have my way with him. So instead I wrapped myself in his arms and went to sleep. I rolled over and found he was still sleeping. His face was peaceful and quiet. I reached up and placed a hand on his face.
He must have been studying very hard that week to be so tired. I wondered what class was giving him trouble. He really didn’t share those things with me. I hoped the he felt like he could, but Dean seemed to keep a number of things to himself.
I rolled back over and checked the time on my phone. Nearly seven. I couldn’t even believe that I was awake that early. We must have gone to sleep earlier than I expected.
I jumped when Dean’s arms snaked around my waist and pulled me snugly against him. The morning scruff on his face tangled in my hair.
“Morning,” he rumbled in my ear.
“Morning,” I replied quietly.
“Any new messages?” he asked quietly.
I sighed. “No, I was checking the time,” I said. This was getting to be old. I just wished he could see that there was nothing there. That this was all about Vivien, but I couldn’t tell him.
“Good,” he said and pulled me back against him hard. I felt the hard length of him poking against my ass.
I turned in his arms. “No, not good. Chance is just a friend,” I said firmly. “He needs help, and I’m going to be there. You either need to get over this, or move on. I’ve promised my help, and right now he doesn’t have anyone else.”
Dean frowned. “I just don’t understand why it has to be you.”
I sighed and sat up. “Because I’ve known his family my whole life. In truth, we’re practically like family.”
“Why can’t Gavin help then?” He sat up.
“He would if he could, but this requires a woman,” I said. “This isn’t even about Chance. It’s about someone else.”
“Who?” He said, raising his voice.
I froze, I could tell him it was Vivien, but this was more than just needing to know. He didn’t trust me. If he did, this wouldn’t even be an issue. I didn’t make these assumptions with him. And it hurt. Hurt that he would think I could treat him like that.
“Why can’t you just trust me?” I asked quietly.
The room fell quiet for a moment. All I could hear was our breathing.
“I’m sorry,” Dean said and pulled me into his arms. “I’m really sorry.”
I wrapped my arms around him and enjoyed the warmth. We stayed that way for some time, wrapped in each other’s arms.
I was the first to pull away. “I think I’m going to take a shower.”
Dean looked uncertain for a moment before speaking. “Can I join you?”
/> My pulse kicked up. “I don’t want our first time to be in the shower,” I said bluntly.
Dean grinned. “What about other things?”
I blushed and nodded.
Dean leaned forward and kissed my lips softly. “I really am sorry,” he said.
“I know,” I whispered.
I crawled out of bed and stretched for a moment. When I opened my eyes, Dean was staring at me.
“Were you wearing that all night?” he stared at me in disbelief.
I looked down. I had just grabbed out something last night, not even really thinking. The blue satin gown clung to me like a second skin. It landed just about mid-thigh and dipped low in the front. It was pretty but not my best.
I looked back to Dean and smiled. “This is what I normally wear to bed,” I said.
Dean stood. “That’s not what you wore last time.”
I laughed. “Last time you were Mr. Handsy, and I wasn’t ready to go all the way.”
Dean grinned. “You thought I was Mr. Handsy then? You haven’t seen anything.”
I giggled and ran for the bathroom. I turned on the shower. When I turned around, Dean was standing just behind me.
He stepped forward and grabbed the hem of my gown. In one motion, Dean pulled it off. I took in shallow breaths. I hooked my thumbs on my panties and let them fall to the floor. Steam filled the air.
I turned and opened the door to the shower. When I glanced over my shoulder, Dean was yanking his boxer briefs down.
I stepped into the warm spray and smiled. It just felt so good, and even better when Dean stepped in behind me. His warm hands caressed my back and arms.
“So beautiful,” he whispered behind me. I leaned back against him and enjoyed the slippery feel of his skin against my own.
I moaned when he kissed my neck. His hands moved around my middle and cupped my breasts. He rolled my nipples in his fingers. The points hardened against his calloused fingers.
My hips pushed back against him. He grunted when my slick center slid over the length of him.
“Grace,” he moaned.
His fingers moved faster over my nipples. When he tugged on them, I slipped a hand between my legs to stroke him.
Dean groaned and moved his hips against my hand. I moved him against my slick folds, so he would bump my clit as he moved. I closed my thighs, trapping his movement.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Grace,” he said through gritted teeth.
“Just shut up and move,” I said and grabbed his ass to move forward.
He moved his hips easily between my thighs, and I groaned each time the head hit my clit. It wasn’t sex, but it was pretty darn close. The faster he moved his hips, the faster he moved his fingers on my nipples.
My climax rose in me. The ache started deep in my stomach, the first flutters just a precursor to the big finale.
“So close,” I whispered.
He dropped his hands to my hips and sped up. “Not yet,” he grunted.
The wet slapping of our bodies echoed in the shower, heightening my arousal.
I reached down and brushed the tip as he poked through a few times.
“Fuck,” he growled and went even faster.
Before I could stop it, my climax hit me, nearly knocking me off my feet. Dean pumped a few more times before he shot out on the front of my thighs. The shower spray quickly washed it away.
As I turned to kiss him, my knees shook.
I wrapped my arms around his neck and let him hold me up. We kissed, sweet and unhurried.
I rested my head against his chest for a bit. “Close but not quite.”
His chest rumbled as he laughed. “Took the words right out of my mouth.”
I looked up and gave him another gentle kiss on the mouth.
“Tonight,” I said.
His eyes blazed and nostrils flared. It was nice having that sort of effect on someone.
“You sure we can’t just stay in bed all day?” He grinned.
I smiled back. “I don’t miss Thanksgiving dinner for anyone.”
I shut off the water and tried to dry off. He claimed to have been helping, but I was pretty sure he just wanted to cop a feel. I passed him a towel from the rack.
“Your turn,” I said.
He frowned. “You aren’t going to help?”
“Nope.” I laughed and smacked his butt. “Better get a move on.”
“Oh, I’ll show you how fast I can move,” he said and lunged for me.
I shrieked, ran out of the room into the bedroom and landed on the bed. I covered up and peeked out from underneath.
“Those covers aren’t going to protect you,” he said from the door.
I swallowed. He looked great with the towel wrapped around his waist. The steam had left him glistening in the morning sun.
I jumped out of bed and grabbed the hat from off the dresser.
“Just hold still for a minute,” I said and placed the hat on his head.
“What are you up to?” he asked.
I stepped back and marveled at him. A droplet of water fell from his hair and trailed down his stomach to the towel. I licked my lips.
“Grace,” Dean said in a low voice.
My eyes shot up to his.
“Just where are you looking?” he winked at me.
I flushed. “You know, I’ve been thinking Thanksgiving isn’t that important.”
Dean chuckled. “Oh no you don’t. Off you go.”
I turned around and huffed as I sifted through my suitcase.
I paused when Dean came up behind me. “I like the pink,” he whispered in my ear.
I picked up the blue and raised an eyebrow at him.
I yelped when he smacked my ass. It hadn’t really hurt so much as surprise me. He kept his hand on my naked ass, caressing the skin there.
“Turn about,” he whispered in my ear before kissing his way across my neck to the other side. “Wear the pink, Grace,” he said in my other ear. “Please.”
I dropped the blue and picked up the pink. As much as I didn’t want to follow orders, this one might be in my favor.
“Everything okay in there?” Emma called outside the door.
I turned to Dean wide-eyed.
“Fine,” we both answered.
I snorted.
“Okay,” she said, and I knew she was embarrassed to even be asking. I’d pop Gavin in the nose if this was because of him. “Well, breakfast is ready when you come down.”
“Thanks, Emma,” I said and covered my face with the clothes I’d picked out.
Dean put his hands on mine and pulled them down.
“Totally worth it.” He grinned.
He leaned over and kissed me softly.
“Now let’s get this day over, so we can go to sleep.” He winked at me.
I giggled. “Deal.”
***
Chapter Sixteen
“Emma, that was fantastic,” I exclaimed.
“Really good turkey,” Heather said.
I smiled at Emma from across the table. It had been a very nice day over all. We watched several movies and played games until dinner was ready. It was so great spending the day with the people that meant the most to me.
I linked hands with Dean under the table and enjoyed the feeling of his thumb stroking the top of my hand.
“So, who’s ready for desert?” Emma grinned.
Everyone groaned.
My phone chimed in my pocket. I pulled it out and looked at the caller. Chance.
“I’ll be right back,” I said and walked into the sitting room by the fireplace.
“Hello?” I said.
“She’s gone, Grace. I went out to get the food she said she wanted, and now she’s gone.” Chance’s panicked voice came over the line.
“When did she leave?” I turned toward the fire to muffle our conversation.
“I left about an hour ago,” he said. “Oh God, I should have just ordered like I wanted to.”
“Do you have the names of the places where the PI saw her?”
“I think so,” he said. I could hear him ruffling through papers. “Got it.”
“Okay.” I looked over my shoulder to see Dean standing just inside the door, watching me. “You’re going to get in your car and meet me at my dorm. If I have my car, we can cover more ground.”
Dean turned in anger and walked out of the room.
“Thanks so much, Grace,” Chance said over the line.
I paused for a moment before talking. “I’d like to tell Dean,” I said.
Chance went quiet for a moment. “We don’t know him.”
“But I do,” I said.
“Grace, do we have to do this now?” His voice was tight with worry, and my heart hurt a little.
“No,” I said quietly and shook my head. “We’ll talk about it later. See you in a bit.”
I hung up the phone and went back to the dining room. Dean was unsurprisingly missing.
I turned to Emma. “I need someone to take me back to the dorm.”
“Is everything all right?” She stopped clearing the table and looked at me in worry.
I shook my head. “She’s gone.” I heard Dean’s heavy footfalls as he came into the room. “Chance needs my help,” I said.
“And of course, you’re going to run right over to help him,” Dean said behind me.
I whirled around to face him. “Yes. Yes I am.”
Hurt flashed on his face before it turned to ice. “Well of course,” he said. “Can’t not have someone tell you what to do.”
Pain tore through my heart, and I bit back the tears that threatened to fall.
“That was low,” I said quietly.
“No.” He stepped closer. “Low is letting someone think there could be more and then running off with another man.” He stopped. His hands shook when he ran them through his hair. “For Christ sake, you won’t even tell me why. Why Grace? If you’d just tell me why.”
Tears spilled out as I shook my head. “I can’t,” I whispered.
His eyes shuttered, and a layer of ice settled between us.
“I’d like to go home,” he said to Gavin.
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