by Marie Harte
With any luck she wouldn’t kick him out of her house—and her life—come the morning.
* * *
He woke later that morning, his underwear down his thighs and a frisky woman all over him. She kissed and licked him to a happy orgasm before he could fully function in more than grunts and moans.
“Happy New Year.” She winked, then ditched him for the bathroom.
Foley tried to control his breathing, but his heart wouldn’t stop racing. He felt boneless, light-headed, and totally replete.
She’d gone down on him, no condom, all the way.
He struggled to a seated position on the bed and heard the shower running.
The perfect opportunity. He stripped down and joined her.
She raised a brow when he entered, looking like a sleek, stacked mermaid with the water racing down her body.
“You blew me.”
“Yep.” She soaped herself, watching him.
“So, uh, you’re not mad at me?”
“Not exactly.”
He groaned. His nightmare coming to life. “What can I do to make things right?”
“Two things.”
“Anything.”
“One, next time, don’t tell me on the way there that we’re going to a place where we’ll probably run into one or two of your exes. Give me a chance to decide to go or not go. Okay?”
“My bad. Totally. I won’t do it again. What else?” He could stand there all day staring at her. God, she was gorgeous.
“Why don’t you return the favor?”
Before he could ask what she meant, she widened her stance, then spread her folds for him and waited.
He didn’t need to be told twice and gave his girlfriend not one, but two mighty climaxes where she shrieked his name.
“Now that’s how you ring in the New Year,” he said with a chuckle. “Pass the shampoo.”
* * *
He spent the day with her, returning home only to gather clothes and some personal items before leaving again. Fortunately, Sam hadn’t returned. Foley wanted to smash his face in. What the fuck had Sam been thinking?
Foley understood Sam not taking to Cyn right away. But hell. If he’d give her a chance, they’d get along. She was kind, funny, and genuine. What was Sam playing at?
Foley and Cyn spent the day together enjoying board games, of all things, and joining Cyn’s brother and his family for dinner.
Foley had a blast playing video games with the boys, until Nina threatened to twist Vinnie’s arm if he didn’t stop hogging Foley.
Then Nina had embarrassed the hell out of him by hugging him tight and declaring him her hero for saving her son. Matt hadn’t looked too pleased about the hug, and neither had Cyn.
Only after they returned from the dinner had Cyn let him in on the joke.
“Ha. You should have seen your face. You look so cute when you’re mortified.” She laughed at him as they got ready for bed.
“Cute?”
“Well, in a mean, brutal sort of way.”
He flexed his biceps, satisfied when she sighed and stroked his muscle. “Brutal is right, baby. I’m a mean bastard, and don’t you forget it.”
“Oh, I won’t. Because if I do, I’m sure Stacy or Monica or Erica or Tracy will remind me.”
“Shit.”
“Or Celine. Forgot about her.”
He buried himself under the sheets.
She laughed at him. “Nope. Sorry, Sexy Sanders. You don’t get to be in my bed unless you’re naked.”
“I’m just following your lead.” He waited while she stripped out of her clothes. “Have I told you lately how much I like looking at you?”
“So you’re objectifying me?”
“I’m sorry. I can’t hear you. I can’t look away from your tits.”
She turned a delightful shade of pink. “You mean breasts.”
“What?”
She leaned down to say it again, and he grabbed her closer and drew her breast to his mouth.
They didn’t talk again until morning.
* * *
Cyn hadn’t enjoyed a New Year’s party in forever, but she had to say, Joaquin’s hadn’t been as bad as she’d thought it might be. Despite meeting Foley’s past lovers, she came away from the experience feeling less intimidated. How funny to feel beautiful surrounded by such loveliness.
Yet even as she felt it, she chastised herself for allowing a man to make her feel one way or another about herself. She had to stop fixating on her looks. If she wanted other people to see past her body parts, maybe she should start with herself.
She and Foley spent the weekend enjoying each other’s company and mentally preparing for dinner with his mother and the dentist guy—Jacob. Of Sam, Foley refused to say much other than that he wasn’t talking to the jackass.
Not wanting to get in the middle of his relationship with his best friend, Cyn kept out of it. She had her own worries.
She hadn’t expected to meet his mother so soon. And especially not after realizing Sam didn’t like her. Foley had two close ties in his life. With his best friend and his mother. Because of Cyn, he currently wasn’t talking to Sam. She could only imagine how long she’d last if Eileen Sanders didn’t like her.
The car swerved to avoid a pothole, and she glanced out the side window at the muddied snow on the ground. The drive to Eileen Sanders’s home filled her with trepidation, so she spoke to distract herself.
“I still think you should talk to Sam.”
“I will, but not yet. I don’t trust myself not to rip his head off,” Foley growled as they closed the distance to his mother’s house for dinner. Eileen had insisted on cooking them all a meal, not wanting to eat out, so they could have a family dinner.
More like bringing her foe in close, on her terms, so Cyn would be helpless and friendless on the battlefield.
“And not one more word about dining with the enemy,” Foley said, no doubt recalling her earlier worries. “My mother will love you. Sam will too. He’s just being an ass.”
“So he’s been like this before?”
“Once, a long time ago. But he was a lot nicer to Desiree. Unfortunately, she was a snot and a bitch. I tried, but I couldn’t make it work with her. She wanted an executive, and I’m a mechanic to my bones. She also hated my friends.”
Cyn knew some anxiety. “I like your friends. I just don’t think your friends like me.”
Foley squeezed her hand. “Honey, they love you. Sam will too. Just as soon as he gets his head out of his ass.”
He’d worn nice jeans and a sweater, so she knew today was special. For the gathering, Cyn had dressed in her favorite black wraparound dress and her power heels. She looked good. Strong but feminine. She could only hope she’d impress Foley’s mother.
Her brother and Nina liked Foley. Her nephews loved him. Cyn’s mother… not someone Cyn wanted to spend time with right now. She’d fared the storm with Foley’s exes well enough, but a little lecturing from Ella Nichols and Cyn worried she might fall into a crisis of self-doubt too easily. She could only hope her dad would like him when she got around to introducing them.
They pulled up to Eileen’s home, a nice town house just a few streets over from Foley’s. Cyn wiped her palms on her dress and saw Foley do the same on his pants.
She smiled. “Nervous?”
“My mom can be a tough one. But she’s a softie on the inside. Tell you what. You play offense while I’m defense.”
“Um, are we playing football or going to meet your mother and Jacob?”
“Yes.”
“Funny.” His nerves didn’t make her feel any better.
They moved up the walkway and knocked. Foley fidgeted, and she squeezed his hand tight, giving him reassurance through contact. But when she tried to disengage, he balked
.
“Foley, let go.”
“To hell with that. We’re a team.”
“What?” She turned to him and was blindsided by his kiss. Foley went all he-man aggressive on her, turning her to absolute mush. She clung to him, barely aware of the couple standing in the doorway, gaping.
“Much better.” Foley dragged Cyn under his arm and hugged her. “Mom, Jacob, this is Cyn. My girlfriend.”
Tongue-tied, Cyn could only smile and nod. Foley Sanders, I am so going to get you for this. She pinched his side, felt him flinch, then stepped on his toe.
He swore, and she smiled through her teeth. She didn’t call them her power heels for nothing.
Chapter 19
The dinner passed in a blur of polite manners, pleasant conversation, and two couples dancing around each other with a skill that made ballroom dance look easy. Eileen had made a mouthwatering meal of steak, baked potatoes, and a Caesar salad. Simple fare, yet it went down easily. Too easily. Cyn had wanted to ask for seconds upon taking her first bite, so she ate slowly in between answering questions about herself and her businesses.
She finally placed her cutlery down, pleased she’d left a third of her meal on her plate. Enough to prove she’d liked everything without making a pig of herself. “What a delicious dinner, Eileen.”
“Thank you.”
“No kidding, honey. You’re an amazing cook.” Jacob shook his head. “I don’t understand how Foley’s so trim. I think I’ve already gained twenty pounds off your cooking.”
Eileen blushed. “Oh stop.”
Cyn thought Eileen and Jacob made a lovely couple. He complimented her, acted like she walked on water, and had offered to help at every opportunity.
“Good stuff, Mom.” Foley had cleaned his plate. He glanced at Cyn’s and raised a brow, which she ignored. “So let’s get straight to it.”
Cyn contained a groan. Eileen let hers be heard.
“Jacob, how serious are you about my mom?”
“Well, I—”
“Don’t answer that.” Eileen scowled. “Maybe I should ask you and your girlfriend the same thing.”
“Yeah, maybe she should.” Cyn glared at Foley. They’d agreed to be subtle and polite tonight. The only reason she’d agreed to come. “Your mother is a grown woman. And Jacob seems a few years past adolescence.”
“A few,” Jacob said with a grin.
Foley folded his arms over his chest. “Hey, I want to know.”
“So do I.” Eileen folded her arms over her chest, and mother and son locked glares.
Cyn sighed. “I’m not getting in the middle of this.” She left the table to clear some plates.
A smart man, Jacob did the same. They stayed in the kitchen while voices rose in the dining room.
“Good idea.” Jacob nodded at the dishes.
Cyn shrugged. “Better than getting caught between them.” She filled the sink and started doing the dishes. Jacob grabbed a towel and dried.
“So what do you think?” he asked.
“About?”
“Me and Eileen.”
“It’s not my place to say.”
“But you said enough already, didn’t you? For the record, it’s been forty years since I was sixteen.”
She chuckled. “Sorry. I love Foley, but he, um, I—” Dear God. She’d confessed the L-word. Out loud. “I mean—”
“I know.” Jacob patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry. I feel the same way about Eileen. She’s amazing, but sometimes she can be pretty stubborn.”
“Ah, yeah. Foley too.” She hoped her cheeks looked less red than they felt. “He sure loves his mom. I was hoping she’d like me, but the way he’s acting, she’ll probably never want to see me again.”
“Nah. She was pretty excited to meet the woman who turned her son down flat.”
Cyn groaned. “Who told her that?”
“Does it matter if it’s true?” He chuckled and picked up another plate to dry. “I’m impressed. I have to say, he can be a little intimidating when you first meet him.”
“True. Unfortunately I have a redhead’s temper. He pissed me off.”
They shared a laugh.
“Now Eileen and I”—Jacob paused—“the first moment I set eyes on her, I fell in love. Hard. Never felt like that about anyone in my life. Not even my ex-wife.” He shook his head. “But something about Eileen pulled at me. I just knew she was special.”
“Foley too.” She let out a breath. “But I’m so different from his usual type.” She didn’t mean to confess that to Jacob, but talking to him felt oddly liberating. “I worry I won’t measure up.”
“Seems to me that man in there arguing with his mother should be measuring up to you.” He nodded. “You’re a beautiful, intelligent, independent woman. One who doesn’t seem to need a man to make a living.”
“Nope. Not a bit.”
“Exactly. So it’s not as if you’re out to use Foley to get at his money.” He gave a wry smile. “Just as I’m not out to rob Eileen blind.”
She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I heard. I can’t believe Foley asked you that.”
“It’s a legitimate question. That boy loves his mother, and for that I can’t fault him. Eileen might not seem like it, but she can be too nice sometimes.”
She’d been pleasant to Cyn, but Cyn had seen the assessing look in Eileen’s eyes. “Foley told me his mom has always looked out for him. And that he’s watched over her too. So you have to know he’ll be protective.”
“I have no problem with that. It’s Eileen that does.”
“I’ll bet.” After a few moments, she heard nothing. “Does it seem a little quiet to you?”
He set down the towel. “I’m going to go check things out.”
“Be careful.”
He laughed and left through the swinging door.
A moment later, Eileen entered. “Oh no. You shouldn’t be doing the dishes. You’re a guest.” She gently tugged Cyn from the sink and handed her a towel to dry off.
“So are you and Foley okay? I don’t see any blood,” Cyn teased, trying to make light of an awkward situation.
Eileen sighed. “I know his heart is in the right place, but that rock-hard head of his won’t let him listen to reason. So I left him to Jacob while I interrogate you.”
Cyn started.
Eileen narrowed her eyes, then gave a soft laugh. “I’m kidding. I have manners. So does Foley, when he chooses to remember to use them.”
“Good luck with that.”
Eileen smiled. “So, you told me about your family and your businesses. Now tell me about my son.”
“Don’t you know him best?”
“I do, but I’m curious as to how you’d describe him.”
“Well, if you want me to be honest…”
“Please.”
“Foley is sarcastic, swears a lot, and uses his size to his advantage.”
“All true.”
“He also hides a big heart behind that gruffness.” He’d helped her nephew, constantly tried to make her feel good about herself, and was unquestionably loyal to family and friends. “He and Sam aren’t talking now, and it’s because of me. But Foley said he’d give it a day or so before making up. He loves Sam. He loves you. And he’d do anything for the people he loves.”
“Yes, he would.” Eileen gave a knowing nod. “My boy will pull out all the stops for those in his heart.”
“Yes.” Hadn’t she just said that?
“So what is it you want from him?”
“Me? We’re dating. Enjoying each other’s company. Foley’s fun.”
“Uh-huh.”
“What? You don’t believe me?”
Eileen studied Cyn. “My son has dated quite a few girls in his time.”
“Yeah, I know.” I met a
bunch of them a few days ago.
“But I’ve only ever met three. One in high school, one a few years ago, and now you.”
“That’s it?”
“Yes. So you’re obviously more than one of his stripper friends at that club he sometimes works at.”
“What?”
“Didn’t mention that to you, did he?” Eileen’s lips curled. “Far as I know, he’s not working there anymore. Now he spends all his time at the garage or with you.”
“A strip club?” Cyn wanted to smack him.
“And that bothers you because…?”
Cyn glared at Foley’s mother. “You’re telling me it wouldn’t bother you if Jacob spent time ogling naked women?”
“Not as long as he brought his ogling home to me at the end of the night.” Eileen shrugged. “I’m older and wiser. But, honey, it’s not about looking. It’s about feeling. My son brought you here so I could meet you.”
“And because he wanted to know what I thought about Jacob,” Cyn muttered.
Eileen cocked a brow, just the way Foley did. “Is that right? So you’ve been dating a little while, and he thinks so much of your opinion already?”
“I guess.” Now Cyn felt foolish for having brought it up. “He loves you more than anything. He’s just afraid of you being taken advantage of.”
“Well, two can play at that game.”
Cyn didn’t trust the gleam in Eileen’s eyes.
“Uh, Eileen?”
Eileen studied her from head to toe, then shook her head and smiled. “Damn if you don’t remind me of a redheaded Marilyn.”
“Excuse me?” Another of Foley’s exes to contend with?
“Never mind. Look, I like you, Cyn. And I get the feeling you like my boy.”
Cyn blushed, unable to help it. “I do. He can be a real asshat at times, but he’s an amazing man.”
Eileen burst out laughing. “I get the feeling you’ll keep him on his toes. Don’t let him push you around.”
“That won’t be a problem.”
Eileen seemed pleased. “Didn’t think so. You’re too strong willed for that. But, Cyn? Go easy on him. He might seem like a steamroller, but he’s got a soft heart. He’s been through some shit in his life, but he’s a good man. Not to say he won’t make a ton of mistakes. I do know my boy.”
