by Katee Robert
“Not just any meat—grade-A prime rib.”
If anything, his eyebrows rose higher. “You’re something else.”
“Something awesome.” It had to be the orgasm going to her head, because she felt positively punch-drunk. “Now get over here and lay one on me.”
He crawled onto the bed, his muscles flexing beneath golden skin. “Oh, sugar, I’m about to lay something on you all right.”
She barely waited for him to kiss her before she pushed on his shoulders. “Wait, wait, wait. You promised I’d get to be on top. It’s most definitely my turn now.”
“I’m not going to argue with that.” He flopped onto his back, pulling her with him so that she sprawled over his chest. Adam’s eyebrow cocked up, a grin pulling at the edges of his lips. “Well, you have me at your mercy. What are you going to do with me?”
Everything. With all his skin laid out for her enjoyment, she didn’t know where to start. She sat up so she could see more of him and trailed her hands down his chest, watching the way his muscles jumped beneath her touch. He had the body of a man who worked, his muscles clearly defined without being over-the-top. “I’m going to have some fun.” More fun than should be legal.
Adam’s gaze traveled over her breasts, making her nipples pebble and her skin tingle. “You have a very limited time before I toss you down and have my way with you.”
“I thought I was in charge here.”
He rested his hands on her sides, his thumb tracing her hipbones. “You’re enough to tempt a saint to sin, sugar. And I’m nowhere near a saint.” He stroked up her sides to cup her breasts. “Though I like the view too much to stop—you’re right on that note. The sight of you sliding up and down my cock… Yeah, I’m willing to take a backseat for that.”
Funny, but it didn’t feel like he was in the backseat while coaxing little shivers from her body by kneading her breasts. Jules arched her back, pressing herself more fully into his palms. “Don’t stop.”
“I won’t.” But he paused. “I don’t suppose you have condoms in this place?”
Her cheeks heated, but she wasted no time scrambling for the top drawer of her nightstand. When she got there, though, she paused. For all her optimism of getting laid sometime this decade, she hadn’t even bothered to take the cellophane off the box. Jules shot Adam a look, but there was no way she could unwrap it without him hearing and/or seeing.
But the alternative was to not have sex with Adam again, so…
Jules decided right then and there that she could afford a little dose of humiliation with that carrot dangling in front of her.
She ripped into the wrapper, tearing it off like a kid with a Christmas present. “I am only 75 percent prepared. Don’t judge me. They didn’t cover this in Girl Scouts.”
His laugh rolled through the room, foreplay all on its own. “Never a dull moment.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” She finally freed the box and yanked out a condom. Or, rather, she yanked out a string of a dozen condoms. Jules held it up, feeling sheepish. “How are we looking for an hour’s worth of time?”
Just like that, the amusement was gone from Adam’s face, replaced by desire. “Why don’t you get that sweet ass of yours over here and find out?”
Lord, but she was more than happy to do exactly that.
Chapter Twelve
“You’re going out with the Rodriguez girl again, aren’t you?”
Adam paused in the middle of shoving a bottle of wine into a backpack. There was absolutely no reason to feel guilty. Jules knew this was temporary. Hell, if anyone should feel hurt, it was him, because it seemed like every time he turned around, she was going on about making a scene and creating a scandal. That was her focus, not falling head over heels for him. But none of that stopped the slow turn of his stomach when he straightened to face his mama. “Yeah.”
She searched his face, her brown eyes somehow seeming faded, like a part of her had already given up. “Good.”
He blinked. “What?”
“You’ve got two ears in your head, son. You heard me just fine.” She turned around and wobbled to the recliner. “Jules is a good girl.”
He followed, still half sure he’d heard her wrong. “Which is exactly the reason you told me to stay the hell away from her before this point.”
“Maybe things have changed.”
“Nothing’s changed.” He helped her sit down. There had been another doctor’s appointment this morning, and, like all the others, she wouldn’t let him come with her. He tried really hard not to resent his mama’s decision, but it was a chicken bone stuck in his throat. It wasn’t like he didn’t know exactly how bad things were. Hearing it from the doctor firsthand wouldn’t change anything.
Except maybe it would. Maybe it would make everything a whole hell of a lot more real. Maybe I’d lose my shit.
Or maybe there’d be some avenue to pursue that my mama refuses to try.
He looked at the backpack he’d been stuffing with things for his date with Jules, suddenly feeling like the lowest piece of shit in existence. “I don’t have to go.”
“Adam—”
“You’re right. I shouldn’t. I’ll go get us some dinner and we’ll watch that chick flick you’ve been tittering about with Lenora—the one with that guy who writes letters to his girlfriend while he’s away at war.” It sounded boring as hell, but it wasn’t about what he wanted.
Her hand on his arm stopped him, her grip surprisingly strong. “No.”
“But, Mama—”
“No.” She shook her head. “I love you, my boy, but you can’t stop living just because I’m sick. You’re here for me and that’s all that matters. Go take your girl out, show her a good time, get into a little trouble. Live.”
He looked down at her, recognizing the stubborn set of her mouth. It was the same one he saw in the mirror when he’d made a decision he wouldn’t be swayed from. She wanted him out of the house tonight and going to spend time with Jules. He might not get her reasons, but he wasn’t going to be able to change her mind. “If you’re sure.”
“I am. Lenora is coming over. We want to cuddle and critique the movie alone.” Her expression softened into a small smile. “It would be a dreadfully boring night for you.”
“Time spent with you is anything but boring.”
Her eyes shone a little. “Baby, you’re the best son a woman could ask for.”
“Yeah, well, I had the best mama a boy could dream of.” And if he didn’t get the fuck out of here, the barbed ball of emotion in his chest might actually break free. He’d done a damn good job of keeping it locked down since he found out she was sick, and he had no intention of letting it out anytime soon. He covered her hand with his and squeezed. “You call me if you need anything.”
“I will.”
There was nothing left to do but leave. Adam zipped up the backpack and walked out the front door without looking back. He’d learned a long time ago that a final glance over his shoulder was a great way to have regrets dogging his heels every step of the way.
…
Jules was finishing up her shift when Adam pulled up to the curb. There was something really sexy about that man in an obviously well-loved truck that had seen him through the years. Had it been the only thing he’d kept with him all that time? Her heart gave a funny lurch at the thought, and she turned back to lock the front door to cover the reaction.
It’s just because we had sex. I’ve always been awful at keeping emotions out of it…probably because I never thought to try.
“Looks like your boyfriend is here!” Jamie sang from her place by the register. She grinned from ear to ear when Jules shushed her. “What? This is the most exciting thing to happen to you in your entire life. I know everyone loves Grant, but you traded up, girl!”
She shushed her cousin again, trying to ignore the bu
oyancy Jamie’s words brought and turned back to find Adam within reachable distance. Jules tugged at the bottom of her sundress, not sure what to do with her hands. Was she supposed to kiss him? Wave? A freaking handshake?
Adam took the decision away from her, hooking the small of her back and pulling her against him. “Hey.”
“Hey.” She frowned. “Are you okay? You look like you haven’t been sleeping.” She’d been having a hell of a time getting shut-eye, but that was all self-induced. Every time she closed her eyes, she was assaulted with memories of their time together. Her trusty friend B.O.B. had been getting a solid workout as a result.
But Adam didn’t look like he’d spent far too much time wanking it. He looked…haunted.
His mouth tightened. “I thought we covered the fact that I hate that question.”
They had. But a silly part of her thought that maybe things would have changed because of last night. She forced a smile. “My mistake.” It hurt, though. It didn’t matter that she had no right to the emotion—it still burrowed deep, twining through her and squeezing hard enough that she could barely draw a breath for one eternal second. “So what’s on the agenda tonight?”
He held up a backpack. “Moonlight picnic.”
Jules blinked. “That sounds…” Romantic. Which it most certainly couldn’t be, because he’d been very clear about what this thing was. The hurt still lingering from him shutting her down had her mouth getting away from her, “Explain to me how that’s going to get Grant off my back?”
“Sugar, it’s going to be a good time.”
That wasn’t an answer. And she had no doubt it would be a good time—too good a time. They’d had sex a grand total of twenty-four hours ago, and she was already having trouble keeping her emotions inside that cute little boundary fence she’d constructed. No, the very last thing Jules needed was a romantic picnic with Adam. She straightened her shoulders and started down the street. “Okay, then.” She headed to the door. “Call me if you need anything, Jamie.”
“I won’t!”
She pushed out into the early summer heat, driven by the messy emotions turning her insides into a maze of confusion.
“Where are you going?”
She didn’t know, but her gaze landed on the bar and inspiration struck. “I’m going to go take some shots.”
“What?” He caught up with her, matching her pace. “What’s gotten into you?”
Just that you’re sending mixed messages like whoa, and I can’t deal with it. I also can’t tell you that you’re sending mixed messages, because you flat-out told me that this couldn’t be anything, and I’m an idiot for looking too much into a theoretical moonlit picnic because it’s all about the plan.
But she couldn’t say that aloud. It sounded crazy in her head, and giving it voice would just confirm that she was a basket case. “I’m giving people something to talk about. If you want to go on a romantic picnic afterward, fine.” She crossed the street and pushed through the front door.
Jules didn’t spend much time in the bar because Aubry was kind of a shut-in and preferred to drink in her comfort zone. Plus…why would she walk down the street and pay double for alcohol she could just buy at the store? Especially when the bar’s wine selection left something to be desired.
She eyed the scattering of people. There were Kelli and Kelly over by the jukebox, dancing all slow and sexy with each other. Maybe I was wrong and they like like each other. But then they shifted and Jules nearly cursed. Grant. Because of course Grant would be there. As she was trying to figure out the best course of action, he lifted his head and met her gaze.
Crap. There was nothing for it. If she turned around and bolted, he’d know he was the reason. She felt Adam’s presence at her back, as comforting as it was aggravating. When in doubt, rush ahead as quickly as possible. Good, sound advice that had gotten her into more awkward situations than she cared to count.
She looked around the room a second time, searching for salvation. A group of old-timers huddled around the bar, and she recognized her uncle Rodger, Daniel’s dad. Perfect. “Uncle Rodger!” Jules sailed over and gave him a hug. He was a giant bear of a man who, with his long hair, craggy face, and beard, would look at home in some illicit motorcycle club. And he made the best cupcakes this side of the Mississippi. “What are you doing here?”
“Poker night.” He lifted her off her feet and squeezed. “You’ve lost weight, Julie Q.”
“Guess you better make me a dozen of those red velvet cupcakes. Better yet, make it two dozen.”
He gave a great laugh. “I’ll do that.” The smile fell away from his face as he set her down and looked over her shoulder. “I heard a rumor you were dating that Meyer boy, but I didn’t believe it. Tell your uncle Rodger it isn’t so.”
The only way they could get Grant to believe it was to get the entire town to believe it. Jules didn’t like lying to her family, but it was only a tiny, white lie. “What can I say? He’s swept me off my feet.”
“I bet.” One of the men behind Rodger snickered, but the sound died quickly when her uncle leveled a glare over his shoulder.
He sighed. “I suppose you’re too old to have me threatening him with my shotgun? Your daddy and I were dying to do that song and dance back when you were in high school, but that Thomas boy didn’t seem like that much of a threat.” His brows slanted down over his eyes. “But then he went and broke your heart.”
Jules had never wanted lightning to strike her on the spot so badly as she did in that moment. “That’s so great that you’re going to trot out my past humiliations for everyone’s amusement, but that’s ancient history—and no, you don’t get to play big badass uncle and try to scare Adam away. I like him.” Possibly too much.
“That’s what I’m afraid of. You know it’s my job to look out for you while your parents are off living the big-city life.”
“They only moved six hours away, and we see them once a month.”
“Too far, if you ask me.”
If they’d asked her, it was, too, but it hadn’t been her decision. She missed her parents like whoa, but her mom always entertained her with stories about new restaurants they were trying and how she’d talked her dad into taking a salsa class, and Jules couldn’t help but be happy for them. They were happy.
Adam’s arm settled around her waist, and her entire body sparked to life. God, she was in so much trouble. This close, she got a whiff of his spicy cologne, and it smelled like something a cowboy in a commercial would wear—manly and rough and…what the heck was she thinking?
Jules started to move away, but he tightened his hold on her. “Rodger.”
“Adam.” Her uncle eyed the arm around her waist, almost like he was considering whether to make an issue of it or not. Apparently he decided Jules was a grown woman and could make her own decisions—or, more likely, he was going to go straight to the nearest phone to tattle on her to her parents. “Y’all have a good night.”
“We will.” She grinned so hard that her cheeks hurt. “And on that note…shots!”
“Sugar—”
She ignored Adam and slipped out of his hold. The bartender winked at her. “Hey, darlin’. I haven’t seen much of you these days.”
It took Jules a whole second to place him. “Stuart! I thought you up and moved to San Antonio.”
“I did.” He grinned, his teeth bright against his dark skin. “I went, I saw, now I’m back. Devil’s Falls is a siren call that I couldn’t ignore.” He gave her a long, slow look. “You’re looking good.”
“She’s also looking taken.”
Jules rolled her eyes. “Stuart, this is Adam. We’re dating.” Sort of. “Adam, this is Stuart. We went to high school together.”
“Holy shit. I heard you were taking a walk on the wild side, but seeing is believing.” He leaned across the bar and lowered his voice until she cou
ld barely hear him. “I have to say, I thought for sure you were going to marry Grant and pop out a couple kids.”
Yeah, she knew. That’s what everyone had thought after graduation, and probably again now that he was back in town.
Not. Interested.
This was exactly why she’d come up with this insane plan to begin with. The only problem was that she had a feeling proving them all wrong was going to come back to bite her in her butt, because Adam was a wildfire that would burn her up if she wasn’t careful.
And a tiny part of her wanted to douse herself in gasoline and welcome the flames.
Chapter Thirteen
Adam wasn’t sure when the night had taken a turn for the what-the-fuck, but Jules seemed determined to throw herself into getting shit-housed drunk to be scandalous. She was three shots down and weaving on her feet. He recognized that look in her eye, though. There would be no backing down, and if he tried to derail her, it would backfire.
Whoever put it into the woman’s head that she was on the shelf was a goddamn fool.
“How about—”
“You’re right. Stuart, another purple nurple!”
Stuart shot him a wide-eyed look but started pouring Jules another of the sickeningly sweet shots. Adam wasn’t sure why she couldn’t just shoot whiskey. It was a classic. He leaned against the bar. It was time to distract her before he had to carry her out of here over his shoulder. “So you’re planning on showing Grant up by, what, getting blackout drunk and passing out facedown in a pile of your own puke?”
“Ew, gross. No.” She made a face and then had to catch herself on the bar when she swayed too much to one side. “Don’t be silly. I’m stunning him with my amazing drinking abilities.”
“Amazing is one way to put it.” At least her uncle had left ten minutes ago. The man had been staring at him intently enough that Adam was half sure he’d walk out the door and find Rodger and his friends waiting for him. “Why don’t we head back to your place?”
She shook her head. Well, she shook her entire body. “Not yet. I want to play darts. Or maybe start a bar fight. That’s a thing people do in bars, isn’t it?” She frowned. “I don’t get out much, and Aubry is the one who starts fights, so I never get to drink too much and let go. Let’s let go tonight!”
