All About the D

by Lex Martin

  Seriously, the man inspires me. And I’ve learned to never underestimate him.

  So I shouldn’t have been surprised when I came home one day to find he had created a blog for me. No, not like his. He designed a Do It Yourself blog for my renovation projects and helped me post all of the improvements I made to my fixer-upper.

  And since this is Josh we’re talking about, Mr. I Never Do Anything Half-Assed, the blog was beautifully designed and got an amazing response. Within three months of my first post, it was being featured on Huffington Post and BuzzFeed with headlines like “The New DIY Girl Can Grout” and “The Next Bob Villa.”

  I’m sure it didn’t hurt that Josh made a few cameos. Even with all of his clothes on, he’s sexy as hell.

  No one seemed to mind our goofy selfies. In fact, people ate it up. Along with my step-by-step breakdown of how to re-tile your kitchen backsplash. Our only rule for the blog was that we have fun because life is too damn short to not do something you love.

  Once we finished the renovations, we had my dad move in because we loved the house too much to sell it, and then we started looking around for another project to flip.

  And we found it. That’s where we’re headed later this morning.

  Josh’s grip tightens around me as I sink deeper into his hold. Our bed is warm. The last thing I want is to get up, but we have a lot on the line today.

  “Mmm.” I tilt my head and shiver when his lips run along my shoulder. “We can’t or we’ll be late.”

  “Ten minutes,” he whispers, his voice gravelly, as he tilts his hips so I can feel exactly what I’ll be missing out on.

  “You’re not playing fair.” I thrust back against the huge erection pressing against my ass. “But my face will be flushed if we don’t stop now, and I’m not sure I can go on camera like that.”

  Groaning, he plants another kiss on my neck and then releases me. “Who decided on this obscenely early call time?”

  Sitting up in bed, I don’t bother grabbing the sheet when it falls to my lap. Josh’s eyes travel over my naked body, his hungry expression heating my skin. “You did, Einstein.”

  I plant a quick kiss on his lips and slide off the bed, letting him watch as I bend over to grab my robe. Letting him watch as I slowly pull it on but leave it open.

  “Evil woman.”

  “I’ll make it up to you.”

  He snorts. “Yes, you damn well will.”

  I smile, and he smiles back, and then I’m hustling into the bathroom because we can’t be late.

  By the time I jump out of the shower, my phone is lighting up with a notification from @CockasaurusRex. I can’t fight the smile on my face or the pulse between my legs as I swipe my finger over the screen.

  This one is for my dirty girl. A promise of what she’s gonna get tonight.

  He’s posted a video to his blog, but now it’s private with entries just for me.

  I still can’t get over how he deleted AATD. He walked away from it like it was no big deal. His family wanted him to denounce his blog while the media seemed hell bent on getting him to admit those pics were him, but he shrugged it off. He’ll only smile and say no comment. I know he doesn’t want me to face any backlash, because if he’s the guy in those photos, people will assume I’m the girl who was wrapped around him. At the same time, he’s one of the most honest individuals I know, so he won’t lie and deny it.

  I fucking love that. All of that. That he’s willing to go up against everyone. For me.

  Of course, his ambiguity has only made the speculation skyrocket, which meant Caligula sales went through the roof. Along with his brother’s poll numbers. Josh’s situation actually helped his brother’s senatorial race. Apparently, voters thought Spencer Cartwright was too stuck-up and blue-blood, but having a potential porn blogger in the family showed him in another light, one liberal Oregon voters liked. Go figure.

  So now I have this hot man candy all to myself, which is fine by me since I’ve learned I have a teeny jealousy problem, but Josh and I try to talk about it whenever his fangirls accost him when we’re out in public. He knows I get jealous. I think some part of him secretly enjoys it, but if he can stop showcasing his wang because he loves me and wants to reserve that intimacy for us, then I can get a grip and trust him. Because I do trust him. With my whole heart.

  My eyes widen as the video plays. I turn up the volume to hear his breath, choppy and rough. But it’s that low growl that makes me want to toss my towel aside and race back to the bedroom.

  I flush all over as I watch his hand shift over his thick cock that glistens at the tip.

  You’d think this would get old. But trust me, it doesn’t. Watching your guy jerk off because you made him so hot never gets old.

  Wait. Why did I turn him down this morning?

  His thrusts get more intense, his hand tightening with every stroke, and it’s all I can do to not stick my hand under my towel to relieve the pressure.

  But just when I think he’s going to come, the camera lifts to his face. His sexy grin melts me. “Nope. Not giving you the full show.”

  Then the bastard winks before the screen goes black.

  Shaking my head, I roll my eyes.

  Even though I need to get my ass in gear and get dressed, I decide to leave him a little something to think about and click on the comment box. Because a little tit for tat is fair play.

  Tit. I giggle like a ten-year-old.

  My thumbs race across the keypad. “I’m throbbing so hard from your post. Wish you could take care of it for me.” Since I’m feeling extra wicked, I snap a pic of my damp cleavage, which I haven’t dried off yet.

  A minute later, as I’m applying some mascara, I smile when I hear him groan from the other room and know he’s read my response to his video.

  Payback is a dirty bitch named Evie.

  I snicker, knowing Josh loves this.

  This is what we do. We make each other insane with lust and then come home and rip each other’s clothes off. Yes, it’s crazy, but it’s our kind of crazy.

  By the time we’re both seated in his car, the sexual tension is thick. I know he got off this morning, but he’s looking at me that way.

  His eyes travel over my simple V-neck T-shirt and jeans and then back up again. “Definitely not waiting until tonight to get my hands on you.”

  He’s the only man who makes me feel beautiful when I’m wearing Levis and work boots.

  Laughing, I thread my fingers through his thick hair and kiss his beautiful lips. “Let’s go before we’re late.”

  Chauncey pokes his wet nose between the seats, nudging me back, and Josh rubs our pooch’s furry head before he tells him to sit. Of course, Chauncey moves back and actually sits. When I give him a direction, the damn dog just wags his tail and smiles at me like I’m an idiot. So you can add dog whisperer to Josh’s many talents.

  The drive to the property is only about a half hour, but it’s so scenic, I forget this is work.

  That’s been the biggest change in the last year, aside from moving in with Josh. While I love helping him and his architecture firm when they need it, I’m also filling my days renovating a hundred-year-old farmhouse. It’s this gorgeous property with high-beamed ceilings and a beautifully rustic vibe. We’ve made it bright and airy and so damn homey, I might cry when we sell it.

  But the insane part is that the whole process is being filmed for a TV show. Because after six months of posting on that fancy little blog Josh designed for me, two Bravo producers approached us about doing our own DIY renovation show. Just like This Old House!

  Josh’s cell lights with a call, and he answers it on the speakerphone. “Morning, Penny. What’s up?”

  “Morning, Josh! I just wanted to remind you about that conference call this evening with that museum about the sustainable garden.”

  “Thank you. Can you follow up on the license for the Anderson property for me?”

  I smile as I watch him talk, loving that he hired P
enny when he had an opening at his firm. Because she really kicks ass at her job, provided the phone system isn’t archaic.

  As Josh’s SUV bumps along the last stretch of road before we reach the property, he reaches over and weaves his fingers through mine.

  “You nervous?” he asks me when he gets off the call.

  I shake my head. “I’m excited. I can’t believe we’re wrapping on the first season today.” Truthfully, I’m so completely elated. “This whole thing—the farm, the blog, the show—it’s a dream come true. Thank you, honey. I can say for a fact that I wouldn’t have done this without you.”

  He pulls my hand to his mouth and presses a warm kiss to my wrist. “I have a little surprise for you.”

  I know I’m smiling like a fool, but my boyfriend’s surprises are the best. “Tell me!”

  “Nope. That would ruin the surprise.” He pushes up his black-rimmed glasses and gives me a cheeky grin.

  “Who’s the tease now?” I huff.

  That only makes him smile wider.

  When he pulls up to the driveway, I stare in wonder.

  “Why are all of these cars here?” Usually it’s just us and the small film crew, but there have to be at least ten other vehicles here.

  “We’re having a little party to celebrate your show.”

  “Our show. And you’re throwing a party at”—I glance at my phone—“eight a.m.?”

  He shrugs. “You know, when the taping is done. So it’ll be brunch or lunch or whatever.”

  “Really?” As soon as he turns off the engine, I fling my arms over and wrap him in a hug. “No one has ever thrown me a party.”

  Leaning back, he frowns at me. “That can’t be true.”

  “You know it was just my dad and me growing up, and I didn’t want him to stress out over my birthday, so when he asked if I wanted a party, I always told him no.” I kiss his cheek. “Thank you. This is so sweet of you.”

  My stomach is fluttering by the time we open the front door, but when I see my dad, Kendall, and Josh’s parents standing there, I start to freak out.

  Turning around, I blink back tears.

  Josh pulls me to his chest and whispers, “It’s your big day, baby. Everyone is so proud of you.”

  Nodding, I wipe away the tears. “I’m just overwhelmed.” I look up at him and give him a watery smile.

  “Love you, Evie.”

  My eyes sting. “Love you too.”

  He presses a gentle kiss to my forehead and slowly turns me around to face our friends and family. I smile when I see Josh give my dad a bro hug. Those two have come a long way. Yes, my father had some serious reservations, but Josh made it clear he wasn’t going anywhere. It doesn’t hurt that my boyfriend invites him over every Sunday afternoon to barbecue and watch sports.

  I follow behind him, hugging my dad.

  “Good job, jelly bean,” he tells me. “This place looks great.”

  “Thanks, Pops.”

  As soon as I let go of my dad, Kendall practically tackles me, and we both laugh and jump around a little, but when I get to Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright, I freeze. I’ve never hugged them before. Frankly, they seem so untouchable. Thus far, we’ve only had a few awkward lunches, but I know they’re trying.

  His mom’s eyes soften as she takes in my emotional state, and the next thing I know, she’s wrapping me in her arms. Holy shit. Josh’s mom is hugging me!

  “I’m so glad my son has found a wonderful girl like you, Evelyn. Congratulations on your show.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Cartwright. That means a lot to me,” I say as we part.

  “Call me Mitzy. For now at least.” She gives Josh this quirky little smile, and I look at him, totally confused. What does that mean? For now, at least? And she’s giving me permission to call her Mitzy?

  I nod, but I don’t have time to get any more freaked out because Josh’s dad is hugging me too. I’m officially in The Twilight Zone.

  In fact, I’m so out of my element, I can’t even scowl when I see Drew lingering in the corner. Yeah, I’m not over that yet. I get that he didn’t deliberately out Josh’s connection to the blog, but it still rocked our world and nearly broke us up. But despite Drew’s noteworthy douchebaggery, I know he and Josh are close, and I don’t want to come between that. Doesn’t mean I like him, though. But I force myself to give him a small wave, and he smiles back.

  It takes me a while to settle down. It’s weird to have so many people on set while we film the last episode. We still have a lot of work to do on the property, but we couldn’t squeeze in all of the improvements during this first season, so we’re posting updates on my blog and partnering with Bravo and Home Depot to promote it. That’s the big difference for my show. My producers understand how important it is that viewers stay connected to my projects online. They’ve even told me they think my blog is one of the main reasons my show has gotten so much buzz.

  By the time we’re almost done taping, I’m exhausted. My producer loves that our friends and family are here and decides to put them in the last shot. I motion for Josh to come stand with me, because he needs to share this moment with me. Yes, he really does emphasize that this is my show, but he’s wrong. This whole journey has been about us.

  He beams me this beautiful smile as he steps up to me and wraps his arm around me. God, he’s so handsome in just jeans and a fitted gray T-shirt.

  I turn back to the camera and wait to get the go-ahead.

  “Thank you so much for watching the first season of DIY Girl. Josh and I have had a blast renovating this house and answering your questions online. We hope you’ll stay tuned this summer for our updates.”

  Josh nudges me, and I look up at him. “Can I add something?”

  Laughing, I nod. Josh loves these unscripted moments. “Of course.”

  “Anything?” he asks, teasing me.

  “Yes, Joshua, anything,” I say coyly. I mean, how do you not flirt with Josh Cartwright? I don’t bother trying anymore.

  He gives me a mischievous grin as he steps back and rubs his chin. “It’s kind of big, Evie. Something I think your viewers would like to know.”

  “Okay.” Seriously, what’s going on? But we’re filming, so I can’t shake him and make him spill it already. “How big?” I almost choke when I say it, because with the ten thousand dick jokes he and I tell each other, I’m afraid we’ll quickly devolve into X-rated territory.

  But he surprises me when he says, “Farmhouse big.”

  “What?” I’m confused again, but I continue to smile.

  “You know how we said we’d flip this house. Sell it when we’re done?” Josh asks. Nodding slowly, I wait for him to finish. “Well, I’m thinking we should keep it. I know it’s too much space for us now, but it seems like the perfect place to raise a family. You know, for when we have one.”

  It takes me a second to process what he just said. Long enough for him to drop to one knee. Oh, my God.

  I suck in a breath as a wave of emotion hits me.

  “Evie, you are the love of my life. I would love nothing more than to spend my days grouting bathroom tile with you and raising our children together. Be my wife.”

  I’m laughing and crying and nodding.

  He didn’t ask a question.

  My smile widens because I don’t need a choice. I’ve already made it.

  “I’d be honored,” I whisper through my tears as he puts an enormous ring on my finger.

  I tug him up to stand and lean up to kiss him. But before my mouth reaches him, he grabs me and dips me back until I’m almost parallel with the floor.

  Taken by surprise, I grip him tight, and he smiles.

  “See, this is how you kiss your fiancé,” he whispers. And then his lips seal against mine.

  Mr. I Never Do Anything Half-Assed strikes again, I think as I thrust my hand into his dark hair, our kiss deepening, my heart a riot in my chest.

  “Keep it PG, people!” someone yells, and I chuckle as Josh straightens me and
tucks me into his side.

  When I turn, I realize we’re still being filmed. My face flushes more. I cling to Josh as I stare into the camera and laugh. “I don’t think I’ll ever top this episode, because holy crap, we’re getting married!”

  Josh picks me up and spins me, and our friends clap. Somewhere in the background, my producer barks, “It’s a wrap.”

  But he’s wrong. So wrong.

  Because we’re just getting started.

  To Our Readers

  Thank you for reading ALL ABOUT THE D! We’d love to hear what you thought and hope you’ll consider leaving a quick review on Amazon and Goodreads. Keep flipping for samples from our other books!

  Will Drew Merritt will ever find redemption? We’re thinking he should try, and Kendall is the perfect girl to kick his ass in the process. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay connected and get an email when we release Drew and Kendall’s book: SUBSCRIBE

  Shameless by Lex Martin

  A USA Today bestseller

  Brady…

  What the hell do I know about raising a baby? Nothing. Not a goddamn thing.

  Yet here I am, the sole guardian of my niece. I’d be lost if it weren’t for Katherine, the beautiful girl who seems to have all the answers. Katherine, who’s slowly finding her way into my cynical heart.

  I keep reminding myself that I can’t fall for someone when we don’t have a future. But telling myself this lie and believing it are two different things.

  Katherine…

  When Brady shows up on a Harley, looking like an avenging angel—six feet, three inches of chiseled muscle, eyes the color of wild sage, and sun-kissed skin emblazoned with tattoos—I’m not sure if I should fall at his feet or run like hell. Because if I tell him what happened the night his family died, he might hate me.