by Lee, Nadia
What a contrast to my dad, who wants me to move back home and marry the guy who will never be able to abandon me for career reasons, so I’ll always be taken care of. Oh, and help my dad’s career along the way.
Will Mrs. Darling take a dim view of my presence in David’s life if she finds out I might not be capable of being independent?
“You look tired,” David says.
“A little.” At least I don’t look worried. “I don’t know why. I slept on the plane.”
“Yeah, but that was just a few hours. I know you probably want to nap for a bit, so we can wait if you want, but…I have something I want to talk to you about.”
I always thought it was the woman who said, “We need to talk,” and the man was the one who felt the prickling sense of anxiety. But now I feel it. Maybe it’s because, in my experience, nothing good usually comes after such a declaration.
“Let’s talk about it now. I don’t think I can relax otherwise.” I’ll obsess about it endlessly.
“Okay.” He moves to the bed and reclines on it. “Come here.”
I do, and we end up cuddling. His arm is around my shoulders and pulling me closer until my palm is resting over his heart. It beats against my hand, and I swear that my entire body pauses and restarts its rhythm to match it.
“I want you to know I was hoping to take you to my favorite spot to do this,” he says. “And with a little bit more romance and a, uh, prepared statement.”
“This is good enough.” I don’t know where his favorite spot is, and I don’t want to wait. And a “prepared statement” is never anything good. Dad always had those when he had to cover his ass, so to speak. My stomach knots. Maybe I shouldn’t have had all that French toast plus four strips of bacon.
“I want to make what we have permanent.”
I blink, not quite processing what he’s saying. Then I push away from him as the words sinks in. “You want to be engaged for real?” I say, swiveling around so I can face him.
He toys with the ruby engagement ring he put on my finger. “Yes.”
“To me?”
“Yes.”
Shock jolts through me. “But why?” I know I’m staring at him, but this doesn’t make any sense. Why would he want to… Why would he want to do this?
“That sounds like a trick question.” David kisses each of my fingers. “Because I want to. I love everything about you, and I respect your quiet strength and curious mind.”
I shake my head. He’s saying this because he doesn’t know the whole story about me. And I can’t let him do this. “But… What if I… What if I get sick? Or become, you know…weird?” I say, not able to bring myself to tell him the full weight of my future, all the fear and doubt my dad sowed for so many years of my life.
David’s eyes soften. “It’s fine. Everyone gets sick from time to time, and everyone has a weird quirk or two.”
He doesn’t get it. “But you deserve somebody perfect,” I say desperately.
He raises both eyebrows. “Define ‘somebody perfect.’”
Somebody not like me. But I can’t say the words. God, I’m a terrible, greedy human being.
David takes my silence for acquiescence. “Exactly. You can’t. Only I know who the somebody perfect I deserve is. And I’ve decided it’s you.” He kisses my knuckles, then threads his fingers with mine, linking our hands tightly. “I love you, Erin Clare. Be mine, for real.”
Something warm and honeylike fills my heart, making me languid and content and happy. I desperately want to hold him and make him feel this…this joyful affection with me. Is this love? If so, it’s too sweet and achingly beautiful to bear.
“Well?” he prompts when I’m quiet too long for his taste.
“If I say yes, I’m being selfish.” And God forgive me, I so, so want to squeeze my eyes shut against all the reasons why I shouldn’t even entertain this and just grab him and hold on to him as hard as I can.
Amusement glitters in his gorgeous gray eyes. “I love it when you’re selfish. You should be selfish more often.”
I kiss him instead of giving him the answer he seeks, the answer I wish I could give. Pour all the longing in my soul, all the dreams I can’t have.
He cups my face as though he’s holding something infinitely fragile and rare. As our tongues tangle, breaths mingle, love thunders in my heart.
Unable to contain all the swelling feelings, I sneak my hands inside his shirt and touch his warm, taut body. I want this man right now. I need to see his face break with the pleasure I can give him.
Shedding my clothes, I straddle him. His cock is already hard and nestles perfectly against my folds, sending a wave of liquid heat through me. I pull at his shirt, dragging it up his torso and over his head.
“Take everything off,” I say, watching his eyes darken with desire.
I lift my hips, and he gets rid of his pants and underwear, takes out a condom from a pocket and lays it on the pillow. I position myself back over him, so now it’s bare cock against my wet heat. My toes curl, and the air in my lungs grow thick. I glide along the shaft. Every time the cock head bumps against my clit, my body trembles with hot streaks of lust.
“Erin… God, you’re gorgeous,” he rasps, his breathing uneven.
I smile. “So are you.” I wish you could be mine forever.
He kisses me again, trailing his fingers along my spine, then the sides of my breasts, flicking across my nipples. Everywhere he touches, I’m on fire.
I let my hands roam his hot, hard body, greedy and eager. Every little sound he makes deep in his throat encourages me to continues, my nerves hypersensitive for him.
Giving his mouth one final lick, I reach over and grab the condom. I can’t wait anymore. I fumble with it, my hands unsteady.
“Let me.”
He reaches over and helps me with the uncooperative foil. Then I sheathe him, protecting both of us. The smile he gives me is hot and wicked, and anticipation sparks along my back like fireworks.
I wrap my hand around his thickness and guide myself over it carefully, then sink onto him, filling myself delicious inch by delicious inch. His eyes are on mine, and they’re saying I’m in control. He’s mine for now. The eroticism of the moment sends a pulse of desire through me, followed by intense possessiveness that leaves me breathless.
With a deliberate, slow rhythm, I ride him. Pleasure glazes his silvery eyes and roughens his breathing. I pick up the tempo, wanting to see him shatter, cry out my name.
The muscles in his neck tighten. The planes of his face get sharper. Bliss swirls around me, then pools between my thighs.
“You’re so pretty when you’re on top.”
At his rasped words, excitement sizzles over me. He thumbs my beaded nipples, cups my breasts. Then, as if he can’t control himself anymore, he thrusts upward to meet me. The impact reverberates, sending a shock of pleasure through me, making me clench my teeth against a rising moan, my back arched.
He does it again. And again.
And I cling to him, my nails digging into his chest, my eyes on him.
His fingers grip my hips, and he moves with me, my name on his lips like a desperate prayer…or a vow. Ecstasy is building hard and fast. My vision blurs. Sobbing his name, I squeeze my eyes shut as an orgasm explodes. Hear him groan and feel him grind against me as a climax hits him.
I collapse onto him, my hands on his solid shoulders. He pulls me closer, holding me like he’ll never let go.
I wish time would just freeze right here, with us entwined, replete with pleasure. But it won’t. So for the moment, I close my eyes and pretend I’m just a normal person with normal dreams and all the normal future possibilities.
Chapter Forty-Four
Erin
Mrs. Darling turns down my offer to help with the dinner prep. She says it’s being catered. If I remember correctly, that means David’s dad and his uncles are going to be barbecuing. And I note a large grill in the backyard, and Mr. Darling hauling two huge
bags of charcoal.
I return to our room and put on a magenta Versace that Josephine helped me pick out. It’s sleeveless, but conservatively cut with a flirty skirt that reaches right above my knees. She said I had to buy it because I looked at it for more than three seconds and sighed with longing. I just loved the cut and the color—the bright cheeriness of it all. I pair it with nude sandals and long chandelier earrings, then put on a coat of mascara and some pink lipstick.
Already dressed in a blue button-down shirt and dark gray slacks that mold to his lean body perfectly, David kisses the side of my neck. “Yum, you’re gorgeous.”
Ignoring the hot shivers sliding down my back, I poke him in the side with my elbow. I recognize that wicked expression. “Don’t even think about it. I don’t want to be late.”
“They won’t mind.”
“Uh-huh. And they’re all going to know why we’re late. So no.”
David rolls his eyes, but there’s laughter in them. “It isn’t my fault you’re so beautiful.”
“Control yourself, Mr. Beast.” I turn around, then place a quick peck on his cheek. “I just want to make a good impression.” It’s already terrible that I have no intention of marrying him even if he wants to make our engagement real. I haven’t said that outright yet, even though I know he thinks the sex afterward was a yes. And I hate it that I’m such a coward about this. But I’m too scared to tell him. He won’t give up. He’ll want to know why—and he’s entitled to an explanation. I just can’t bear the idea of him looking at me differently, just like the people in Saintsville did after my mom’s death.
David runs a soothing hand up and down my back. “My family likes you fine, and they’ll love you in time. Trust me.”
I merely smile. I think I’ll be fine. I’ve gone through job interviews with the most ridiculous and pathetic résumé ever. But this feels so much more important than a job. I don’t want to embarrass myself. Or, God forbid, David.
“Do you think your grandmother remembers me?” I ask.
“If you’ve met her before, yeah. Her brain’s like a bear trap.”
Oh, great.
He peers at me. “What’s wrong?”
“I met her once. And probably didn’t make a good impression. When I saw her, I was too awestruck to say anything. If I recall correctly, I might’ve managed to squeak my name.”
“It’s fine. A lot of people do that,” David says. “She can come across as a little aloof.”
“Understandably.” The woman founded and runs one of the most successful tech companies in the country, and she defies stereotypes. She isn’t young or in Silicon Valley. She did everything her way. There are some whispers that she got lucky, but it wasn’t luck. It was sheer will and smart moves. “I mean, she’s Alexandra Darling.”
“No, it’s because she smiles funny. She never shows her teeth when she smiles. So even though she’s smiling, it can look sort of stiff, if you know what I mean.”
“Really? How come?”
David shrugs. “Dunno. I never asked, but it’s true. Just watch if you don’t believe me.” He takes my hand. “Ready?”
I inhale slowly to center myself. “Yes.”
We make our way downstairs. Some orchestral music is playing on the speakers. David’s younger brothers Derek and Trent are already here. They look so much alike with their dark hair and deep-set chocolate brown eyes and high cheekbones that it’s a little shocking to learn that they aren’t twins.
“Good to see you, Erin,” Derek says, getting up from an armchair to give me a hug.
“Welcome back to Virginia,” Trent says with a big grin and a hug.
“Thank you.” I smile and take a seat with David on a sectional.
“You don’t have a brother, do you?” Trent asks.
“No,” I say. “Why?”
“If David doesn’t treat you right, just let us know.” Derek cracks his knuckles. “We’ll be your honorary brothers. Brothers-in-law are good for that.”
I laugh, amused and touched at the offer of unconditional support. “David’s fine.”
“Hear that? I’m fine,” David says. “Where are the old guys? I know they got here early.”
“Engaged in a battle royale for the grill, as usual. They arrived an hour ago. I don’t get it,” Trent says.
“Old guys?” I ask.
“Our uncles. They’re supposed to be mature, but…”
“You won’t get it until you’re older and like to play with fire,” Mrs. Darling says, coming out of the kitchen. “Love your dress, Erin. Quite cheery. Would you like some wine? A little snack?”
“No, thank you.” My belly’s too knotted with nerves.
“Smart move. If you say yes, she’ll turn you into a whale. Or try, anyway,” comes a voice from the kitchen.
A very pregnant redhead waddles toward us. Jan. She was David’s assistant before me, and when she transitioned to the app dev team in the headquarters, the position opened up for me to grab. I spent a few days with her to learn the basics.
Her husband Matt walks beside her, like a man ready to catch a priceless Ming vase should it fall. He doesn’t relax until Jan and he settle on a couch.
“He’s been like this ever since I tripped and almost fell at home,” Jan whines.
“It’s his job to fret,” Mrs. Darling points out.
“Exactly,” David says, fist-bumping with his friend. “A man needs to safeguard his woman.”
“Sorry I sat down without a welcome hug. But I don’t know if I can get up again,” Jan says.
I don’t blame her. Her ankles are swollen, and she looks uncomfortable, even in a loose empire-waist dress. I go over and hug her. “There.”
“You’re such a sweetie,” she says, while Matt massages the back of her neck. “I just can’t believe I have almost three more months to go.”
“I’ll be with you every second,” Matt says soothingly.
She squeezes his hand. “You’re the best.”
The love between them is potent—and intimate. Longing pulses through me, and I blink as tears suddenly well up. I’m being overly sentimental. Must be the family. I’m simply not used to this. Even when Mom was alive, it was just the three of us—her, me and occasionally Dad. When she was gone, it was just me. Dad’s always been too busy being a mayor, and he didn’t have the time or energy to spare on a teenage girl, even if she was his own child.
“You okay?” David whispers.
“I’m fine.” I give him a pat smile, hoping he buys it. “Just a little overwhelmed.”
The door opens, and more people come in. Grateful for the distraction, I turn around and recognize the arrivals—David’s cousins, Cora and Alec. They’re siblings, both stunning with inky black hair, amber eyes and the best bone structure I’ve ever seen outside of fashion magazines.
Cora hugs me, while Alec shakes hands.
“I’m so happy to reconnect.” Cora lowers her voice so only I can hear her. “A guy going out after midnight to pick up tampons for you? That’s true love.”
“Oh my God. How on earth do you know about that?”
“He called and asked me what to pick out.”
There’s no way he listened to her based on what he brought. “What did you tell him?”
“Unscented. Standard only, since he didn’t know exactly what you wanted.”
I giggle. “Well, he did get me unscented, thank God, but he ended up getting me one of pretty much everything.”
Cora laughs. “That’s so David. Always thorough.”
A black-haired woman walks in from the yard. She’s in a simple summer dress with a floral print, her feet bare. But even so, she’s like Aphrodite emerging from sea foam. “Who’s thorough?” she says.
“David,” Cora says. “Are you bringing us beer?”
“I was bringing your father beer.” She rolls her eyes and turns to me. “Hi. I’m Margo Darling. The mother of these two.”
That explains the extraordinary beauty. Cora
and Alec must’ve gotten it from their mom. Kathleen, too.
“So where are Marcus and Linda? And Josh and Ned?” David asks.
“Held up in a meeting. They texted to let me know they’re arriving late,” Margo says, sitting next to Trent.
“Josh just wants you to save him dessert,” Alec says.
“Can you blame him? He knows I’m making three different pies,” David’s mom says.
David leans forward, his expression as serious as when he’s in a budget meeting. “What kind?”
“Apple, pecan and cherry.” She looks at Cora with a wide grin. “With all the butter and sugar they deserve.”
“Yay!” Cora raises her fists in the air. “Delicious fat and sugar. Real flour, too, right?”
“Yup. I don’t do gluten-free. That’s your sister’s thing.” David’s mom shakes her head. “Poor Kathleen. So deprived.”
I smile at the obvious affection and love flowing among the Darling family to hide an almost painful longing to belong to it. And all I have to do is accept what David offered earlier. Pretend everything’s going to be fine. These people are so nice and open that they’ll take me into their fold, no problem.
David leans over. “Cora eats everything Kathleen won’t,” he whispers.
“A sibling thing?”
“I can hear you,” Cora says. “Why should I give up good stuff when I don’t have to stand in front of a camera and worry about the extra pounds it’s going to add? Besides, our app has filters to make you look fashionably thin.” She waves her hand dismissively. “Life’s too short to give up pie.”
The door opens again, and Alexandra enters. I straighten as nervous energy runs through me. She’s a huge influence, not just over David but everyone here. Everything I’ve read and heard about her says she has an unusually incisive mind. What if she sees through me?
There’s such a youthful radiance to her that it’s hard to believe she’s in her late sixties. Her hair is done in a sleek gray bob and there are laugh lines around sharp, bright eyes. A coral jumpsuit hangs on her slim frame, and her small feet are encased in teal leather flats, a woman who wants to look good and be comfortable.
