She started to move, sensuous and beckoning. Bella turned to face them. She blew a kiss to their table, then walked across the stage, singing. Keenan sat forward, shocked, then slumped back.
He put his arm over Julianne, saying by her ear, “Another family member. Why didn’t you just tell me?”
“Didn’t think it was necessary with Mr Observant.”
She’d got him. Julianne often commented on him being so observant. Keenan laughed, kissing the side of her face.
“Maybe I’ll even introduce my Honey Boyfriend to her,” Julianne said playfully.
“One or the other,” he said. “Is Bella a sibling or a cousin?”
“Cousin. She was at the hospital that night,” Julianne said.
Keenan racked his mind, thinking of the people who had been there. His eyes widened as he remembered the woman who had been standing in the corner nearest the bed, hair pulled back, in casual clothing and sans makeup. It had been Bella.
“Now, hush and let’s enjoy the music.”
Keenan stopped talking and they sat listening to Bella sing. After they’d enjoyed a scrumptious meal, Bella came by to chat, but left as she was called away. When the meal was complete, they went to the dance floor in front of the raised stage. Keenan held Julianne as she moved against him. He swallowed thickly. Julianne rotated her hips into his, then turned her back. Lowering his head he kissed her shoulder. He placed his palm against her belly as Julianne raised a hand, putting it behind his head. They moved together. Keenan groaned, his erection hard and needing.
She undulated her hips and moaned softly. The sound broke his control.
“Let’s go.” He grabbed her hand and strode off the floor.
They stopped at the table, getting her bag from where she had left it, stating no one would trouble it. Bella had already said the meal was on the house for family, so he continued skirting the tables as he headed across the dining room to the door.
“Bye, Keenan! It was nice meeting you. See ya, Jules!” Bella’s amused voice called.
“Nice to meet you!” Keenan didn’t stop pulling Julianne behind him.
He gave his ticket to the valet.
“Is—”
“Shh…not a word,” Keenan said.
He couldn’t even look at her. Julianne laughed, then went silent. The valet brought his truck. He tipped him and escorted Julianne in and strode to the driver’s side. He pulled out into traffic.
“Ke—”
“Hush,” he growled.
Julianne didn’t say anything else. They drove to his house. Exiting quickly, he opened her door, helping her out. Closing the door to the vehicle, he hustled her to his door, unlocking it. He pulled her inside and shut the door behind him.
“Ke—”
He kissed her hungrily, swallowing her gasp, then moan. He slid his hand behind her hair and untied the bow that held the halter-top dress up. With quick movements, he pushed the dress off her body. Still kissing her, he tugged her panties off. Keenan slid a finger into her wetness and Julianne moaned, opening for him. He thrust into her, using his other hand to open the button of his slacks and lower the zip. Julianne fucked his fingers, holding his shoulder tightly. He pulled a condom out of his pocket, fumbling to get it open. Julianne wrenched away, taking it from him. She rolled her hips against his hand while ripping open the condom.
She pulled his cock out of his pants with her hot hands and she smoothed the protection onto his erection. Julianne pressed herself against him, raising her leg and hooking it over his hip.
“Come…on… Please… Keenan… Yes!” she roared as he filled her.
Julianne placed her hand around the back of his neck. She gripped him, moving on his embedded cock. Keenan groaned, gripping her thigh with one hand and cupping her butt cheek with the other. He pulled her against him, thrusting into her. Julianne moaned, nibbling along his neck—he put his head back against the door.
“Fuck…me… Yes…there. Right there.” Her voice vibrated against his neck.
Her pussy clenched around him. Keenan’s sac went tight. She undulated her hips and spasmed. Keenan groaned as he came with her. Her walls gripped and released him as she came. She sagged against him and, breathing hard, Keenan held her. Her rapid breaths echoed his.
Her voice hoarse and shaky, she said, “I think I like this anticipation thing.”
“It’s overrated.” Keenan grunted.
“Only because when the shoe is on the other foot it isn’t as much fun.” Julianne chuckled.
“Umm…” He nuzzled her throat.
Julianne leaned her head back, giving him access as he licked along her skin, nibbling softly.
“Let’s take this to bed,” she murmured.
She slid her leg off his hip. He steadied her as she wobbled, smirking.
“That blush again.” Julianne cupped his cheek.
He turned his head, kissing her palm, then took her hand off his face.
“Blushing is a good idea. We can try out my new mirror.” He pulled her behind him.
“Oh…my. What are you waiting for? Hurry up.” She smacked him on his butt and ran to the stairs.
Keenan laughed, running behind her. He lifted her over his shoulder. Julianne screeched, laughing, as he headed up the stairs.
In the bedroom, Julianne gasped as he caught her, turning her into his arms. Keenan kissed her then guided her backwards. He stopped and pulled her hand behind her. With a wanton sound she shifted her body, rubbing against him. Keenan continued to ravage her mouth as he slid his hand down in-between her legs. Widening her stance, she canted her hips, seeking his touch. He didn’t disappoint. Keenan pushed his big fingers into her, moving them in and out, then rubbed her clit. His touch was as electrifying as it always was. Keenan knew how to play her body. He was a wicked tempter, in and out of the bedroom.
Julianne arched into his touch, rocking against his digits. Keenan withdrew and turned her. Julianne’s eyes locked on the mirror he had. It was an antique one with a sturdy base. At the sight she flooded with wetness, knowing it would hold her very well. Keenan crowded against her back as he moved her closer to the mirror. Once she was near enough, Julianne braced her hands along the side, holding tight. In the glass she watched Keenan. His gaze was fierce and possessive. The same sensation of longing and vulnerability filled her as she watched him take a condom from a table close by the mirror and don it. Keenan returned to her, his eyes locked on hers.
Keenan pulled her back slightly making her ass lift into the air. His gaze was still on hers. She felt his blunt tip sliding against her slit before he pushed inside her, moving in urgent thrusts. Julianne gripped the mirror. She rolled her ass, moaning as she revelled in his taking her. Keenan held her hips, holding her steady as he set a hard, demanding pace. Julianne curled her toes as he stroked into her.
“Julianne,” he grunted.
Julianne whimpered deep in her throat, widening her stance, shifting back. Keenan’s movements were setting off even more need. He thrust in three quick successions, then alternated with a rotation of his hips. He repeated the movements over and over again. Julianne slid her hands down the side of the mirror. She hissed at the burn of her palms. Keenan took her hands and raised them up, placing them on the top of the mirror before he released them and lifted her body, holding her with a hand on her stomach. Julianne gripped the top of the mirror. Keenan pressed her against the cool glass as he started to thrust again. Julianne rocked—she growled, frustrated, as she couldn’t get any leverage. Keenan held her firm as he moved behind her.
Her wail was wild and high as she registered her vulnerability to him. His strength alone kept her pinned against the mirror. His movements in her clutching pussy gave her pleasure—Julianne’s wetness soaked out of her as she rested against the glass and took all he could give. Keenan thrusts were hard and sure. The deep stroke of his cock inside filled her. She moaned, shaking as her release filled her. Julianne watched Keenan over her shoulder as she came—his
eyes were on hers. His lips drew back in a snarl and his body shook against hers as he too came. Keenan slumped forward, pushing her against the mirror. Julianne groaned then whimpered as her heated body touched the cool glass.
“Kiss me,” Keenan demanded.
Julianne turned her head and his lips met hers. His kiss claimed her. Julianne moaned as she gave him what he asked. Keenan’s hand on her stomach held her against his large frame. Julianne relaxed, giving herself into his care.
Julianne hummed as she prepared breakfast. She glanced towards the doorway as she heard the sound of footsteps. Keenan’s rumpled appearance made her smile widely. In the week since their date at Bella’s and their hot encounter afterwards they’d been spending a lot of time at his house. As she did each summer, Rissa was doing her rounds, spending time with all her family. This week she was staying with her grandma and grandpa. Julianne missed her when she was gone, but this year spending time with Keenan had alleviated some of the loneliness. Julianne frowned. She’d been noticing a lot lately that her thoughts turned to him as often as they did to Rissa. She’d see or hear something and couldn’t wait to share it with them both. Through the day, Julianne had found herself sending more and more emails to Keenan’s private email address. She knew he checked it on his work computer or his cell. They would email back and forth before they saw each other. When they did manage to be alone, it would usually only be minutes before they were naked and going at it. Julianne dampened thinking about the last time. Keenan had taken her while she lay on her side and he behind her—it was one of their favourite positions. She shook off the thought before she gave in and dragged him back up the stairs. They had too much to do. Keenan kissed her when he arrived at her side—a gentle brush of lips, then deepened the kiss. Julianne recognised what he was up to—she withdrew and stepped back. She held out a filled plate to him.
“Nope. We have to get to work on getting your yard ready for the barbecue,” Julianne said.
Keenan frowned but didn’t complain. He sighed and took the plate, grabbing a glass of juice she had on the counter already for him. Julianne lifted her own plate, retrieved her juice and joined him at the table in the breakfast nook. They ate, flirted and enjoyed the sunshine, bright outside the window.
“This is going to be a very good day,” Keenan said.
He kissed her again. Julianne agreed very much. Food, friends and flirting with this man. Later they would have fun fulfilling the promise of pleasure behind his kiss. But for now they had work to do. She withdrew and cupped his cheek.
“Come on. I have lots for you to do.”
“I say we call everyone and cancel for another day and go back to bed.”
“After all the work I put in?” Julianne arched an eyebrow.
“No. My head is saying no but my body is saying hell yeah.” Keenan sighed.
Julianne chuckled. “Listen to the head for now. Later when people start to stay too long, we can go with your body and politely get them to go.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Keenan rose, taking their plates and cups.
He put them in the dishwasher and Julianne stared at his ass in his pyjama bottoms. It would take moments to remove them and have her way with him.
Control, Julianne. Anticipation.
She breathed out then stood and hurried from the room. As they worked to prepare for the barbecue she had to remind herself of that often. Finally, when Julianne couldn’t stand it anymore, she sent him off so he could get the grill ready. When he left she braced her hand on the table and took deep breaths. She still had a whole barbecue to get through without dragging him off to a corner somewhere.
Come on Julianne you can do this. She picked up a centrepiece and took it outside. She bit her lip as she spotted Keenan standing at the grill. Julianne went back inside and took a seat by the island until she could get herself under control.
“Do you need any help?” Julianne’s hand touched his back.
“Nope. I’m good. The grill is ready to go. Now just waiting for guests.” Keenan closed the lid of his grill.
He turned and slid his arms around her. Julianne raised her head. He kissed her gently.
“Hmm…” she murmured.
“Thanks for helping me with the barbecue.”
“Yeah. Since I have no experience at planning a party, it was so hard.” Julianne blinked playfully.
“I think I taste sarcasm on the air.”
“You know it, buddy. Ohhh…I forgot the ice cream machine.” Julianne hurried away.
Keenan chuckled. He should have figured asking Julianne about having a barbecue would have been more than the simple slapping things together he usually did. She’d worked out the menu based on what the people invited were bringing, then figured out what they would need. He knew what she did for a living, but to see her in action was a tad frightening. Her attention to detail extended to the most minor things.
He wandered over to one of the tables she’d had delivered from Moments. It was covered in a tablecloth she had purchased for his use, saying if he decided to have any more get-togethers he should have proper linens. There was even a centrepiece with live flowers that looked summery and fun. When she had shown him the sketch, he’d mentioned they didn’t need that sort of thing. She had overridden him and said Dakota would be offended if he turned down his contribution to the barbecue. And that was that. Around the vase were cloth napkins in various shapes. Scattered on the tablecloth were decorative leaves and vines, all going with the summery feel. He picked up the plates, shaking his head. They were lovely and complemented the tablecloth and napkins.
“Hey, don’t mess up my setting. I want everyone to get the full effect.” Julianne took the plates from him and put them back.
She pulled him away from the table. Keenan glanced around the rest of the yard at the various tables with the same setting. He was awed at how she had taken a simple cookout and given it ‘oomph’, yet kept the sense of a backyard get-together, keeping it warm and friendly. The tables were set around his yard, making it easy for people to get around and sit close enough to talk. Music played from the speaker placed by the spot for dancing. The tables for the food were set up next to the right side of the back door leading to the kitchen and along the fence leading to the grill. The left side of the door was designated for the desserts. He spotted the ice cream machine they would be using for homemade ice cream.
“Thanks for doing this with me.” He ran a finger down her nose.
“Our first barbecue.” Julianne did the same gesture then cupped his cheek.
He lowered his head and kissed her.
“Save that for later. Show me the grill,” Harmon’s voice boomed.
Keenan slowly released Julianne, touching the side of her face.
He turned to Harmon and said, “Right this way. I got the wood you demanded. You better have the sauce.”
“As if I would use anything else.” He held up a gallon jug of his barbecue sauce.
Keenan’s mouth watered, imagining how delicious it would be. He showed Harmon to the grill and left his friend muttering about the temperature.
“Keenan! Rayne needs help. She’s out front,” Julianne called.
Keenan turned, spotting Julianne and Paris Cooper—her partner, the baker for Moments. They were setting up various pastries on the dessert table. Julianne shifted, and Keenan’s eyes widened when he spotted the beautiful cake.
“No wonder Julianne took the store-bought cake out of the cart when we went shopping,” he muttered.
He skirted around the tables then went around the side of the house. Keenan hurried to the dark grey Sequoia. He grabbed a bag that Rayne was juggling.
“’Bout time someone came to help me. Come on. I need to get into the kitchen to get the appetisers done. And the salmon balls done, and the lasagne put together,” Rayne Hawkins said. She was a chef and another of Julianne’s partners.
Keenan frowned. “I didn’t know you were making that in my kitchen.”
“Don’t worry. I have all I need. And Julianne got me the pans and so forth that I need. Now lift the cake, Honey Boyfriend.” Rayne laughed.
Keenan scowled. He would get Julianne for telling her that. He did as she asked and took it out. Rayne got out, grabbing a bunch of bags.
“Let me help.” Dakota came up.
The rest of the partners in Moments, who had just arrived, helped take in bags. Keenan led the way as they went back around the side of the house. He watched as the baker added some piping to the cake.
He walked towards the door. The partner who was the photographer for Moments was taking pictures of everything. She waved, snapped his picture, and moved on to something else. Keenan shook his head, bemused. He entered the kitchen. Rayne was at the stove, already cooking. Julianne and the rest of her partners were helping. Rayne spotted him and grabbed the bags.
“Good. Sit here.” She pushed him towards the table where a cutting board was waiting. “Use this and wipe off your hands. Take these veggies and cut them up.” She gave him a wet towel, then pulled out a black holder and unzipped it.
Keenan raised his eyebrows as she took out a long knife. Rayne set the tomatoes on the board and proceeded to cut them really fast.
“Like this. No, bigger, and please don’t bruise them,” she said.
She put the knife down and went back to the stove. Keenan wiped his hands with the wet towel as he sat, then he started cutting vegetables. He listened as they talked, laughed, and chatted. He smiled. Julianne had done as he’d asked and invited some people to the barbecue. She had invited her partners in Moments, her siblings, and a few other people. His smile faded. Rissa wasn’t coming. Rissa was spending the day with Julianne’s cousins, Bella and Sampson. Although Julianne’s explanation that the plans for Rissa to spend the day and night with her cousins had been in place before the barbecue was sound, he still wondered if she couldn’t have cancelled them so Rissa could attend.
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