by C. M. Owens
Britt has no idea that changing her last name to Sterling might have severed the ties to her past, but it has basically made her off limits to any guy in Sterling Shore that is attached to keeping his balls.
“The few males who have approached me and were willing to have sexual relations with me didn’t stimulate me enough to become aroused by their appearance, and I hear it can be painful without arousal,” Britt adds, and Corbin groans again while I laugh even harder. “It’s a rite of passage that I need to pass into adulthood. That’s all it is, so stop acting as though it’s a bigger deal.”
Allie turns to me, her eyes wide in her head in disbelief, and Corbin tugs Britt’s hand, glaring at every guy in here that is staring at her ass.
“Maybe some men would prefer a more aggressive female,” Britt states, ignoring Corbin’s insistent tug. She spaces out as though she’s thinking it over in her head. She turns toward Allie. “Have you had a lot of sexual encounters?”
Allie chokes on air.
“How did you convince Wren to have sex with you? He’s not the type to seduce women.”
The hell? I seduced Allie, damn it. I just don’t go after any woman.
“He… um… actually, he’s the one who initiated it,” Allie says uncomfortably. “And if a guy isn’t willing to come after you, then you shouldn’t have sex with them,” she adds, trying to keep Corbin and Maverick from having an aneurism.
“We’re taking you home,” Maverick growls.
“But I still haven’t found someone compatible to—”
“Now,” Corbin growls, interrupting her. “I’ll call our driver. Dane is going to blow a gasket.”
They wave at us while Britt frowns.
Allie turns toward me again. “They wouldn’t have sex with her, would they?” she asks, concerned.
My stomach roils. “Hell no. They’re literally taking her home. They’ll probably try locking her in her house. They consider her family, even though she’s not blood related.”
She calms down slightly, and I silently curse the way our first date has gone. Damn Sterlings.
“You want to dance?” Allie asks, looking up at me with a vixen’s grin. “I wouldn’t mind hearing your voice do that deep thing it did when I ground my hips on you earlier.”
She’s temptation by definition. “I’ll end up dragging you to the bathroom and fucking you.”
A slight blush creeps up her neck, and she bites down on her bottom lip before freeing it. “I’ll let you.”
Yeah. My cock is officially painfully hard now.
“Then lead the way.”
Chapter 28
ALLIE
Bella follows us inside Tag Master’s ungodly huge home. Wren’s house is the same massive size, but we don’t go there. Bella keeps me from slipping up and forgetting that I can’t let Angel know I’m dating her father.
Yes, I realize how screwed up that sounds.
If we were at Wren’s home, Bella wouldn’t be there, and I’d end up revealing to Angel that I’m very much head-over-heels in love way too soon. I keep telling myself it’s just the honeymoon phase, but I’ve never done this before.
I’ve dated guys, but it was dinner or a movie. Then after a few weeks of dating, it was a trip to their house and quick sex. Then we’d date for a while, but nothing changed. I never felt a close enough bond to risk exposing Angel to a possible heartbreak.
I never spent the night with them, I barely got to see them because, well, I’m a mother, and the sex was just there to scratch an itch. Sex with Wren is consuming, addicting, intoxicating… And then there’s so much more.
He spends every moment with me. His laptop is officially stationed at my house. He comes over as soon as I get home, then he leaves out the front door to sneak into my window at bedtime. And I swear there’s no way I can ever sleep again without the feeling of his hard body pressed against mine.
“Holy crap,” Bella says under her breath, taking in the high ceilings and lavish surroundings, bringing me back from my thoughts.
Angel is on Wren’s back as he guides us through the house, and she’s clinging to her father and laughing as he bounces her. Out of everything he’s done, the time and love he devotes to Angel is what’s making me fall the hardest.
Tag Masters suddenly appears in front of us, grinning broadly while walking around in a pair of board shorts and no shirt. It’s too cold for that.
“Hey, Angel,” he says, offering his hand for a high-five next to Wren’s shoulder. She slaps it, laughing lightly. I guess they bonded in Aspen.
Bella stiffens next to me, and I know she’s taking in Tag, who hasn’t even noticed her. Tag, who doesn’t really remember her, motions toward the back.
“Everyone’s out on the patio eating brunch. Ash cooked. I’m about to throw on some clothes. I attempted to help cook, and got shit all over me, which is why I’m dressed like this.”
“And she manages to get him to help her cook,” Bella whispers. “She’s definitely magical,” she adds, her voice still in a whisper.
We follow Tag, who is talking to Wren at his side, and Bella stays at my side. Fortunately, she’s relaxed now, even if she is ogling Tag’s ass.
“Remember how hormonal I was when I was pregnant?” I whisper to her, “Ash is pregnant and jealous. Don’t forget that.”
Bella nods, laughing lightly. “I’m more into Wren, but thanks for the warning.”
I playfully glare at her, and she shrugs innocently. “Tell him to start wearing a shirt when he’s at the house if you don’t want him starring in my fantasies. I’ve sworn off bad boys, and Wren is a mixture of bad and good that is really hot.”
I laugh when she winks. She loves goading me.
“I’ll get you guys something to eat,” Tag says, but I intercept him.
“Bella and I will get it,” I tell him, and he nods curtly toward Bella before turning and walking away.
“I’ll help you,” Wren says, running his eyes down my body for the fifth time. Maybe I wore the tightest pair of jeans I own on purpose.
“I’ll get yours. Just take Angel out there so she can find Carrie. She’s been dying to see her.”
He nods, his gaze shifting to my ass as I turn away, and I smile over my shoulder like an idiot.
“You two almost make me sick. How long before you tell Angel?” Bella asks.
That sobers me. “I… don’t know. This is uncharted territory for me.”
As soon as we walk into the kitchen, Ash greets us with her adorable baby bump. I did not have an adorable baby bump. I looked like a swollen cow during my pregnancy, so obviously I pout.
“You must be Bella,” Ash says, smiling.
Bella—being her usual comedic self—bows suddenly in front of Ash. “It’s an honor to meet such a majestic force. Teach me the ways of magic, sensei.”
I burst out laughing, while Ash stares at Bella like she’s crazy. “Ignore her,” I say, still laughing while grabbing two plates.
Bella chuckles while standing and helping me fix another plate for Angel. And we carry the French toast and poached eggs out onto the patio where everyone already is.
Reflexively, I take the space by Wren, and Melanie eyes him with suspicion. She’s not supposed to know we’re together, since Wren seems to think she’ll kill him for some reason.
I’m surprised to see the setup—it looks like it’s right out of a rich and famous magazine. The table is huge, accommodating all the Sterlings—including Britt—as well as Tag, Melanie, Ray, Rye, Brin, Tria, and Rain. Ethan, Kade, and Raya are the only three missing from their group. Tag has changed and is wearing a long-sleeved shirt and washed out jeans, looking casual instead of looking like a sex icon.
Orange juice is already poured into a glass in front of my place, but Wren tells me he poured it for me. There are several pitchers of it on the table, and several pitchers of other drinks as well. No coffee though.
“Where’s Trip?” Wren asks Tag.
“Shopping wit
h Ash’s parents. He just learned to walk, so they’re having a hard time keeping him in his stroller. But they showed up and kidnapped him anyway. They’re jealous of Melanie since she gets to see him more.”
I forget how much Melanie loves Tag. He’s just like her third son, and since he doesn’t have a mother, I’m glad she loves him that way. How did Billy come from her?
“He’s getting harder to keep up with,” Ash adds on a sigh. “At the rate my stomach is growing, I’m going to be in trouble. Tag keeps trying to get me to hire a nanny for the hours he’s not home to help, but I don’t want someone else raising my kid. At least I’m getting a workout.”
Maverick and Corbin start arguing about something, drawing my attention away briefly. Kode gets in on the action, finally peeling his lips off Tria’s neck for a second. They start laughing at Corbin when Dale says something. Even Rain laughs. Dane rolls his eyes, but a mocking smile is on his lips.
“I’m not going to be celibate!” I hear Corbin hiss. Apparently the conversation down there is about Ruby. I’m still curious.
“I stopped by your house the other night,” Melanie says, prompting me to pay attention to our end of the table once again.
Angel is already making a huge dent in her French toast and ignoring the poached egg. She’s sitting across from Bella and next to Carrie. Ray is on her other side, and Melanie is beside him.
“Oh?” Wren muses, picking up a bite of his food.
“You weren’t home. It was late. I thought you might need more clothes for Angel at your house, and I brought over a bunch. Did you find them?”
Wren nods. “Yeah. In her room. I saw them.”
“I don’t spend much time at Daddy’s house,” Angel announces. “He comes to my house every day now.”
Wren chokes on a bite, and Melanie glares at him while he chugs orange juice to swallow down the lodged bite.
“Is that so?” Melanie pries.
“Yep,” Angel says, smiling innocently. Shit. “We play a lot and he helps me with my homework. He even comes over to take me to school in the mornings.”
He sneaks out after showering and changing clothes, then comes in the front door to drive her to her new school on his way home. It helps, since I have to leave for work and Angel is spoiled to not riding the bus anymore. It also keeps her from having to use the before-school program she was using at her old school.
“And he picks me up to take me home,” she adds, digging Wren’s grave a little deeper when Melanie’s eyes turn to slits.
Maverick Sterling laughs, but he turns it into a cough when Melanie jerks her gaze toward him. Ray Capperton is expressionless as he eats, not daring to interject, since Wren told me he knew.
Corbin is practically mocking Wren with his eyes, since Wren delighted in their meltdown last night at the bar. Dane is grinning broadly, but Rain discreetly elbows him in the ribs, trying to make him leave Wren alone.
Tag—who is smiling like the Cheshire Cat—leans over the table, propping his elbows up like he’s dying for a show. And Ash seems to be enjoying Wren’s discomfort as well. Rye acts bored, but I can tell he’s fighting back a grin.
“What’s up with that?” Corbin teases. “You two getting along?” he adds, taunting Wren all the more.
Wren glares at him before asking, “So what all did you two do last night? I heard rumors about a redhead you guys took home. Tag team?”
Maverick, who is leaning his chair back on two legs, suddenly tips backwards, and the chair falls with him in it until he thuds against the ground. I can’t help but laugh, especially when Corbin spews orange juice at the same time.
“That was me,” Britt says, looking over at Wren. “Don’t you remember? Or has the alcohol disrupted your memories?” she asks earnestly.
Dane is the one to spew orange juice this time, and Rain’s eyes widen in her face.
“It’s so not what it seems!” Corbin yells when Dane stands up, fury etched in his features.
“They made me leave the bar before I could find—”
“There are kids here!” Maverick says quickly as he stands, motioning toward Carrie and Angel. Then he faces Dane. “We took her home to keep her from completing a mission, if you know what I mean.”
Dane turns his glare on Britt as he sits back down, but she resumes eating as though nothing is wrong.
“We’re done,” Angel says, breaking the tension. “Can we go on the beach?”
Melanie’s interest in Wren has faded, and she stands. “I’ll take them looking for seashells,” Melanie announces. “I’ve been promising to take Angel and Carrie both out on the beach.”
It’s chilly, but it’s nothing like a late January is back home. It’s cool enough to wear a sweater, but warm enough to sit on the patio and eat brunch.
As they leave, Corbin throws a piece of egg at Wren who dodges it effortlessly.
“What the hell?” Corbin growls.
“You started it,” Wren points out, smiling mockingly.
Ray grins as he stands. “I think I’ll join Melanie and the girls.” He grabs all four plates and carries them inside like a true gentleman.
Ash settles in next to Tag when he puts his arm around her. Bella just grins, loving the drama fest I’ve brought her to.
“Britt,” Dane growls.
“I’m still a virgin,” she says, eating her food like nothing is going on.
Rain bursts out laughing, and Dane rolls his eyes at her. Tria and Kode have no idea anything is going on, because Kode’s lips are on her neck, and she’s oblivious to the world around her as she curls against his side.
“Someone change the subject,” Dane grumbles.
“This French toast is the most awesome thing I’ve ever eaten,” Bella says, supplying the requested subject change. “What do you do different than me?”
Ash grins over at her, and with a straight, honest face, she says, “Most people use milk, eggs, and cinnamon. I use everything except for regular milk. I use breastmilk instead.”
My stomach lurches, and Bella drops her fork back to clatter on her plate at the same time I do. Bile rises to my throat as Wren’s fork pauses inches from his lips, but he waits a beat and then pops the bite into his mouth.
What the hell?
Every guy at the table, except for Wren and Tag, start gagging. Tag continues eating as though she hasn’t just destroyed everyone’s appetite.
Even Kode starts gagging, and he runs off the patio, heading for the beach to probably hurl. Rye follows, leaping over the last few steps that carry him down, and makes it five more feet before I have to turn away from the retching.
In seconds, the table has mostly been vacated except for the girls, Tag, and Wren.
“Why’d you that?” Tag asks Ash, pulling her onto his lap after she stands up and laughs.
“It wasn’t my idea.”
My stomach is still churning, but Wren seems to eat as though nothing is wrong. He’s a sicko. I’ve finally found a flaw.
“Don’t worry,” Britt says, her eyes scanning my face. “If that’s worry you’re exhibiting, I mean. Ash doesn’t lactate and never breastfed Trip due to a biological chemical imbalance that made her milk undrinkable. And she won’t start lactating again until her child is born, unless my data is incorrect. I realize there are exceptions to almost every rule. But in this case, it was apparently a lie to leave the men in a state of disgust.”
“What?” Bella croaks, spitting something into a napkin.
Ash bursts out laughing harder right along with Brin. “Sorry I couldn’t warn you,” Ash tells Bella and me. “There wasn’t time.”
We were alone with her in the kitchen. There was time, damn it!
My eyes flick to Bella, and realization dawns when I see Ash casually glance her way. Ahh. Ash is pregnant and not acting jealous of a woman who has slept with her husband. But this was sort of a genius way to be mean without actually being mean. I can’t say I would have been able to pass up the opportunity if I had been
in Ash’s shoes.
Rain is grinning, apparently having been in on the joke. I wish I hadn’t been collateral damage.
This is the last time I bring Bella with me to Tag’s house. At least until Ash isn’t pregnant anymore.
“I owed Rye big time,” Brin announces. “The rest of the guys were just a bonus.”
“You knew that? How?” Bella asks Wren as he swallows down another bite. I’ll never eat French toast again, but I am interested in his answer.
“I stayed with them some when Trip was still a baby. There was… stuff going on, and they needed help. I made several bottles for Trip, and none of them were made from breastmilk.”
Wren smiles at me, but I can’t seem to get my stomach to settle down. He leans over and kisses the corner of my mouth, before pulling me out of my chair and tugging me into his lap. Everyone grows silent when they return, all eyes on us as I get comfortable.
Angel is too far away to see us, so I’m not worried.
“You lied?” Rye demands questioningly. “For her?”
He points to Brin, and Ash laughs harder as Brin beams up at him with the fakest innocent smile I’ve ever seen.
“That’s for turning my feet black,” she says so casually.
Immediately, I bend over, looking under the table, and Wren grunts when my ass digs into his very hard erection. I really wish I hadn’t noticed that.
Brin’s wearing tennis shoes though, so my curiosity isn’t sated when I lean back up. The guys all gulp down orange juice to rid their mouths of the foul aftertaste they must be suffering.
“The doctor said it would fade within a week,” Rye says with a shrug when Brin scowls at him.
How do you turn someone’s feet black for a week?
“Damn it, Ash,” Kode groans, returning to Tria’s side. “Now I need to brush my teeth.”
“You’re just mad that you can’t devour Tria in front of all of us with your puke breath,” Maverick says with a wicked tilt of his lips.
“Cut me some slack. I’m in a good mood. That dick Pete went crazy and attacked a guard. After his psych evaluation is over, they’re moving him to a maximum security prison in no more than three weeks, possibly as soon as one week. He’ll be there with some of the most violent criminals. I doubt he’ll ever make it out again to fuck with my girl.”
