by Carrie Elks
He slipped his thumb into the waistband of his pants, wriggling it down his hips. Becca pushed herself above him, letting him kick them down past his feet. He looked up at her breasts, propping himself up on his elbows to capture a nipple between his lips. Her head fell back as she whispered his name, her hands grabbing at the sheets in an attempt to steady herself.
He slid his fingers between her legs, his lips curling softly as he felt how ready she was for him. Flicking her with his thumb, he kissed her hard, not caring about the cuts on his face, or her worried glances. He wanted to give her pleasure, to feel her submit to it. To feel her ripple around his fingers until she couldn’t form a coherent sentence.
And once he’d done it, she leaned forward, her lips trembling as she kissed him softly. A moment later, he heard the rip of foil, and felt her hands sliding the condom over his hardness. Soon, her palms were replaced by the warm sheath of her over him, her tightness taking his breath away.
“Does it hurt?” she whispered, when he gasped.
“So good.”
She laughed and rocked her hips, making him groan louder.
“Don’t leave me again,” he said, his palms cupping her hips, stilling her so he could take over the rhythm. His eyes closed tight at the pleasurable pressure they were creating.
“Never.”
He thrust inside. “Not even when I’m an asshole?”
She gasped. “I like it when you’re an asshole.”
“I don’t want to be an asshole,” he murmured against her lips, kissing her again because he could never get enough of her. “I want to be good enough for you.”
“You can be both.” She was breathless, her cheeks flaming, her eyes shining.
She began to undulate around him as the pleasure built, her head tipping back as he held her up, giving her everything she needed. From the darkness in his eyes, he could feel it, too. This never ending desire, coiling in the pit of her stomach, in her breasts, all over her body.
“Daniel…” she was breathless.
“I’ve got you,” he said, his voice gritty. He really did. And when she soared, her body tightening around him, he found himself following moments later, pleasure wiping out the pain they’d both been feeling since they’d been apart.
He had her now and forever.
He kissed her hot and fast. “Baby, I’m never going to let you go.”
Epilogue
SIX MONTHS LATER…
“Be careful,” Eliana warned as Becca walked up the executive corridor. “He’s in a terrible mood.”
Becca bit down a smile, because those five words sent a little thrill through her. Dark-Eyed Daniel was back, even if only for a few hours.
“Thank you.” She lifted her brows at Eliana. “I’ll try to get out of there unscathed.”
She rapped her fingers lightly against the door, her smile deepening as she heard a growled, “Come in.” Pushing down the handle, she walked inside his office, spotting Daniel standing in front of the window that overlooked the G. Scott Carter estate. He turned around, and sure enough his mouth was twisted into a scowl, his eyes dark as they roamed over her.
“What’s got you all messed up?” she asked softly. “Everybody said you’ve been snapping at them.”
“The first run was terrible.”
She stepped forward, running her tongue along her dry lips. “Of course it was. First runs usually are. That’s why we take our whiskey from the heart of the run. You know that.”
“It was a damn stupid idea, putting so much money into the single malt.”
“No it wasn’t. We’ve made adjustments, run it again. You should come try it now.”
“What kind of adjustments?” Daniel frowned.
“Nothing major. Just come see.” She held out her hand. “Before you combust.”
He walked over to her, his expression still tight. She put her hands on his chest, feeling his heartbeat through his white shirt. “You need to stop catastrophizing everything,” she murmured, pressing her lips to his. “You nearly made Garrett cry when you snapped at him.”
Daniel squeezed his eyes shut. “Sorry.”
“Tell it to him, not me.”
He dropped his brow to hers, staring at her through thick eyelashes. “I will. But I’m sorry if I upset you, too.”
“Don’t be. I like it when you’re all dark and moody.”
His lip quirked. “You do?”
“Yeah. It means we’re in for a fun evening.” She smiled. “I like the way you take all your frustrations out on me. Have you tested your glucose levels, by the way?”
“Half an hour ago. All good.”
“Then let’s go try some whiskey.” She laced her fingers through his, and led him out of the office. Nobody gave their linked hand a second glance, they were used to their relationship by now. The gossip had disappeared about a week after they went public. It was amazing how boring a good relationship was to people.
“You calm me, you know?” His voice was gritty.
“Yeah, I know.” And he calmed her, too. Held her when she cried. Whispered soft words when she was afraid. Made her feel safe in a way she never had before.
When they walked into the still room, it was a hive of activity. With their hands still intertwined, Becca led him to the spirit still and poured out the clear liquid, which contained the distilled water, malted barley, and sugar, heated and condensed before being turned to liquid again. Holding up the glass, she gave it to Daniel, who lifted it to his nose and inhaled deeply.
“What do you think?”
“It’s better.” He nodded.
The whiskey was fiery and potent, not yet mellowed by years of resting in an oak barrel. They’d chosen three different barrels for the single malt to age in, a bourbon, a virgin oak, and a burgundy cask. Each would impart a different flavor, and once mature, they’d mix the single malt to the right taste.
“It’s going to be a long wait,” Becca murmured, as the still men worked hard, piping the whiskey to the casks, where they’d be taken to the barrel room to mature. “In seven years I’ll be in my thirties.” She lifted a brow at Daniel. “You’ll be almost forty.”
He shook his head, amused. “Thank you for the reminder.”
“Ah, you’ll age well. You know you will. A few sexy greys at your temple, and maybe some deeper lines.” She grinned. “And you know what they say, you’re only as young as the woman you live with.”
“That’s the only reason I’m keeping you around.”
She arched a brow. “The only reason?”
“That and your baking.” He’d stopped teasing her about having a sweet tooth and started asking when she was making her next batch of treats. She’d known she’d win him over to the dark side in the end.
Even after six months together, he could still make her weak in the knees with a single glance. And though he seemed mollified, she knew he was still a little pissed about the first run. Maybe tonight she’d rile him up a little more.
Let him take it out on the punching bag, then indulge her in her favorite kind of pastime. Turning Daniel Carter’s dark eyes light.
They balanced each other. She was slowly learning that she didn’t have to be a people pleaser, starting with him. And he was learning that she wouldn’t run screaming if he showed his weaknesses. Instead, she’d give him advice that he’d listen to and absorb.
Seven years. That’s how long they had to wait for the whiskey to mature. Maybe longer, if it hadn’t aged to where they wanted it to be. It was all about patience, trusting the process, and not rushing things that didn’t need to be rushed.
Having faith in something you couldn’t see with your naked eye.
And she had faith in them. They’d gotten through the worst night of their lives together, and each day after that had been a step toward the happiest of futures. Of course, it wasn’t perfect. Lawrence and Daniel still hated each other, but at the rare time they saw each other at Nina’s house, they were scathingly polite.
It
helped that Lawrence, along with Nina, had signed his shares to Daniel and Nathan and didn’t have to pretend to show an interest in the distillery any more. And that Melissa had apologized quietly to Becca about her behavior. There’d been no repeat of it since.
Garrett Rhys walked into the still room, blanching when he saw Daniel standing there. He glanced at Becca, and she nodded in an attempt to tell him that Daniel was calmer now.
“Garrett?” Daniel said, putting the glass of distilled whiskey down.
“Yes, Sir?”
“I apologize for biting your head off earlier. It wasn’t your fault. You’re doing a good job.”
Garrett blinked, as though shocked. He wasn’t officially working on the new single malt, preferring to be the lead distiller for their traditional lines until retirement. But he’d stepped in to help Becca while she was in the office calling for more supplies, and had inadvertently taken the heat.
“That’s okay.” Garrett nodded. “Whiskey does that to all of us.”
Daniel smiled. “I appreciate you helping out. How are those grandchildren of yours?”
Becca listened as Garrett described a birthday party he’d been to the previous weekend. Daniel looked at the photos on Garrett’s phone, his expression interested. He was learning to be human. And it warmed her heart.
The next morning – Saturday – was sunny and bright. Becca grinned to herself as she stepped out of the shower and saw Daniel sleeping. He dreamed like he did everything else in life. With passion and energy. His legs were twisted in the sheets, his arms flung out on the mattress, his hair a mess that only a shower could cure.
She’d moved into his place a month ago. It had been a wrench to leave her condominium, though she’d leased it out rather than sold it. They’d talked about finding somewhere new together, but for now Daniel’s house was the more sensible option. It had space and light, plus a gorgeous yard that they spent their evenings in, watching the leaves rustle and the sun dip below the mountain peaks.
And he had one killer of a kitchen. She was constantly filling it with new appliances, loving having all the space she needed for her latest experiments.
“Hey.” His eyes blinked open, the corners crinkling as he saw her standing there in a towel. “Come back to bed.”
“Nope. I don’t have time. I promised Van I’d get to the restaurant early to help decorate.”
Daniel sat up. “The baby shower. I forgot about that.”
She smiled. “No such luck, pal. On the plus side, it’s only a few hours and then we can come back here.”
“That makes it sound slightly more appealing.”
“I also made my brothers promise that there won’t be any shenanigans. No football games, no pig stampedes. You’ll leave as unblemished as you arrive.”
He grinned. “I’m not afraid of your brothers.”
No, he wasn’t. They’d welcomed him into the family with open arms, treating him like one of them. One by one, they’d told her how much they liked him, and what a good guy he was.
It made her warm inside.
“Are you going to meet me there?” she asked, unravelling the towel, and ignoring the way his eyes darkened as he watched. She slid her underwear on, then pulled a dress over her head, searching in the dresser drawers for her hair dryer.
“Yeah, there are a couple of things I need to do first.”
“At the distillery?” she asked, looking over her shoulder at him.
“Nope. In town.”
“Don’t tell me, you’re going to the salon for a back, crack, and sac wax.”
Daniel grinned. “I’m not a masochist. Gray wanted some help with something at the studio. Maybe he’s taking some equipment to the restaurant, I don’t know.”
Becca shrugged. “Okay. I’ll see you at the restaurant this afternoon.”
Daniel climbed out of bed and kissed her cheek. She could feel the warmth of his skin against hers. “That you will. By the way, you look beautiful.”
“My hair’s wet and I haven’t put on any make up.”
“Exactly. Beautiful.” He winked and walked over to the bathroom, his swagger making her smile. Damn, he was gorgeous, even in his black jersey shorts, his hair all mussed. Her mouth felt dry as she watched the muscles in his back ripple as he pushed the door open.
“I know you’re looking at me,” he said, still staring ahead.
“I’m just wondering if I’ll look that old when I get to your age,” she teased.
He laughed. “I’m looking forward to finding out.”
Five pairs of eyes stared back at him. Five mouths unspeaking. Daniel crossed his legs and bit down a smile. It was like being at an interview, but worse, because he knew he didn’t deserve this job.
But he wanted it anyway.
“I’m not asking for your permission,” he said, his voice deep. “I’m just showing you respect by informing you of my intentions. Any permission has to come from Becca.”
Their father stood, and gave Daniel a nod. He’d quietly accepted Daniel into the family, saying hello whenever Daniel came to his house for dinner. Aunt Gina, on the other hand, always gushed over him. It made Becca laugh when she tried every way she could to see Daniel’s chest again. “It’s fine by me,” Becca’s father said. “Now I need to find my paper. I was halfway through my crossword.”
He left the room, so there were only five of them left. Daniel and Becca’s four brothers. He looked at Gray. The eldest and the spokesman for them all.
“You’ll treat her well?” Gray asked.”
“As if my life depended on it.”
Gray nodded.
“What about kids?” Tanner asked. “Are you planning on having any?”
“Can you shut up about kids?” Gray said, shaking his head. “First of all, that’s their business. And second of all, you haven’t got any yourself yet.”
“I will in a few weeks.” Tanner crossed his arms over his chest, a smug smile breaking out on his lips. “And I’m only asking because I know Becca wants a family.”
“I intend on making Becca very happy. If she wants a family, I’m good with that.”
An image of her pregnant with his child flashed in his mind. She looked all swollen and radiant. He would be more than good with that. He wanted a family with her.
Wanted to be the father he never had.
Logan shrugged. “Anybody who runs head on at a herd of stampeding pigs is good with me.” He gave Daniel a crooked smile. “You have my blessing, for what it’s worth.”
“And mine.” Cam nodded. “Especially if you’re serving whiskey at the wedding.”
“So easily bought.” Tanner shook his head.
“Says the guy who begged Daniel to save him a barrel of the single malt.”
Tanner shrugged. “It’s an investment.” He cleared his throat. “But yeah, you have my blessing, too.”
Daniel looked at Gray, the final brother. “And you?”
“You love her,” Gray said. It wasn’t a question, but Daniel nodded anyway.
“More than anything. And I know how much you all love her. How protective you are of her. But the most amazing thing about Becca is that she doesn’t need our protection. She’s strong enough to protect herself.”
“I can’t believe she’s old enough to be in a relationship,” Gray muttered. “What happened to the little kid who hated me pulling her pigtails?”
Daniel smiled at Gray’s wistful expression. “She grew up into a beautiful woman.”
Gray’s eyes met his. Their gazes held, an unspoken understanding forming between them. Gray had taken care of his siblings all his life, and now he was having to let go.
Having to trust Daniel to be the one to take care of Becca into the future.
Until death do they part.
A slow smile pulled at Gray’s lips. He stood and held his hand out, and Daniel shook it firmly, a rush of warmth speeding through his veins.
“Welcome to the family,” Gray said.
&nbs
p; “She hasn’t said yes yet,” Tanner pointed out.
No, she hadn’t. Maybe that’s why he wasn’t intimidated by her brothers, or their grilling of him when he’d told them he bought an engagement ring. As he’d said to her before, so many months ago, it was her opinion that counted.
In a few hours, he’d find out exactly what that was.
The sun was setting behind the mountains, casting a fiery glow on their peaks. Becca was standing outside Logan’s restaurant, the baby shower over, her family whispering behind her as Daniel suddenly dipped to one knee.
Her first thought was that he had fainted. But then he was smiling up at her, his eyes crinkled and warm. No sign of darkness at all.
“Becca Hartson, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Her heart started to hammer against her ribcage. She felt like she was going through an out-of-body experience, watching the two of them in the cornfield, Daniel looking at her as though she was the most beautiful thing he’d seen.
She opened her mouth to answer, but no sound came out. Instead she nodded, and Daniel’s smile widened into a grin. He rose to his feet and took her hand in his, sliding the ring onto her slender finger. She swallowed hard, looking down at the square cut diamond, then back at him.
“I…”
“She’s speechless. Damn.” Logan was laughing. She turned to look at her brothers. “You knew?”
“I asked for their blessing. And your dad’s,” Daniel told her.
“Not their permission?”
He shook his head. “Only you get to give me that.”
“I do.” She nodded, so full of love for him. “And I do.”
Daniel laughed, pulling her into his arms. She exhaled heavily, loving the way he held her. The way he kissed her softly. She could never get enough of him.
And now she didn’t have to. Ever.
“You really want this?” she asked him, her eyes shining.
“I do.” His voice was solemn, but his grin was wide.
“You know if you marry me, you marry my family.”
“I understand.” He glanced at them all standing there watching. Gina was dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief.
