by BJ Harvey
“Anything what?”
“A dress worthy of Doctor Hottie that meets all of the aforementioned requirements.”
She hums thoughtfully. “I don’t, but I know who does. What are you doing tomorrow morning?”
“Spending ten million hours getting ready.”
“That’s a lot of effort to go through for just a ‘friend,’ Abs.”
“Are you gonna help or question the length of my getting ready regime?” I retort.
“Can I help while arguing why you shouldn’t need a whole day to get ready for a date?”
“It’s not a date!” I say, a little louder than required.
“Right . . .” Her voice is disbelieving. “Alright then. How about tonight?”
“What about tonight?”
“Are you still half-asleep? Hello? Is anyone in there?”
“I can’t help it if I’m a little tired.”
“Did you work last night?”
“Yeah.”
“Any house calls from Dr. Carsen lately?”
“My vagina needs a vacation from his penis and besides, I saw him the other night before work . . .” And by God did I see him. “In fact, I gave his personal thermometer a lot of attention.”
“Interesting . . .” she muses, and I roll my eyes even though I know she can’t see me. “Bet you’re rolling your eyes at me right now.”
My head jerks back, and I scan the room for hidden cameras. “Have you got some super-geek secret video feed going to your computer or something?”
She giggles. “Why?”
“Because either you’re tele-pathetic or—”
“Don’t you mean telepathic?”
“That too,” I quip.
“Well, since you’re still in lack of sleep zombie land, how about I swing by around ten tomorrow morning?” she says. “I’ll give Zoe a call. She has lots of dresses, and she’s as tall as you. She’s bound to have something perfect for you.” I breathe out a huge sigh of relief at the fact that 1) I get to vege out on my couch tonight for the first time all week and 2) between Dani and Zoe, I’m sure to find something to wear to the fundraiser.
“Sounds awesome. See you tomorrow. And Dani?”
“Yeah, babe?”
“Tell Zach he’s slacking in the orgasm department and if he doesn’t lift his game, we’ll need another sex battle.”
“This one?” Zoe suggests, pulling out a blush pink peplum cocktail dress with a low V-neck. The whole bodice is covered in pearl sequins, giving the fabric a flashy ‘look at me now’ feel. It’s beautiful, but not me.
I shake my head but even though it isn’t what I’m looking for, I can’t stop looking at it. “It’s damn pretty though,” I say on a sigh.
“I wore it to our engagement party that Noah’s parents threw for us. Probably the same kind of crowd that’ll be there tonight.”
I lift my hands to my forehead and squeeze my eyes shut. “Why did I agree to do this again?” I ask no one.
Dani—of course—answers. “Because it was Doctor Hottie who asked you.”
“As someone with her own hot doctor, that is reason enough,” Zoe says with a laugh.
My head snaps up to look at the two of them. “It’s not like that. We’re just friends.”
“That bang,” Dani adds, helpfully.
“I’m the mother buffer,” I clarify.
“And what exactly does that role entail? Because sleeping with the guy—added bonus, romantic dinner for two—seems out of the mother-buffer job description,” Dani continues.
“You went on a date with him?” Zoe gasps. “How did I not know this? If my husband knew this and didn’t tell me, he’s in so much trouble.”
I sigh—loudly. “It wasn’t a date!”
“Heard that before,” Dani mutters.
I put my fingers in my ears. “La, la, la, I can’t hear you,” I say in a singsong voice before pulling them out again.
“You’re in denial. D. E. N. I. A. L.”
“Oh wow, Dan, you can spell,” Zoe mocks. Dani replies by poking her tongue out at her older sister, but thankfully lets the conversation go.
Zoe’s phone chimes with a text and her fingers swipe over the screen, her eyes narrowing just before her fingers furiously type out a message. “My husband has been holding out on me!”
“That happens after children, I’ve heard,” I retort.
“Ha, fucking, ha. Even after two children, Noah and I have no problem in that department.”
“Gross!” Dani groans, continuing to flick through the hangers in Zoe’s walk-in closet. “It’s bad enough that I’ve heard Cade and Abi going at it. I don’t need the idea of you and Noah in my head, too.
Zoe’s head snaps up, and she looks at me and then her sister. “You’ve heard them? What? When? How . . . ? Why?”
“Long story,” Dani replies, her cheeks going a lovely shade of red.
“Let’s just say there was a sex battle in our apartment, and we all won,” I explain.
“Knew I wouldn’t want to know,” Zoe mutters.
“So what did Noah not tell you?” Dani asks.
Zoe jabs her finger at her phone, furiously typing out a text. “He knew about the date—”
“Again, not a date . . .” I reiterate.
Zoe waves her hand at me. “Whatever. He just told me you guys have been banging for a while.”
“I wouldn’t say a while . . .” Does a ten-month gap between romps count?
Zoe quirks a brow at me. “How long then?”
I open my mouth to brush her off but yet again, my best friend freely offers the information. “Once last year, then again last weekend after that night out at Throb, and—probably—the other night after their date.”
“It wasn’t a—”
“Date, we know,” Zoe and Dani reply in unison.
It’s six thirty, and I’m pacing my living room primped, primed and ready to pretend like a pro and Cade’s late. Yes, the man is late. My anxiety levels are sky high, and during the past ten minutes I’ve gone from freaking out to slow, deep breathing, to picking up my phone and going so far as to bring up his name on my phone before quickly putting it back in my purse.
I’m a basket case and as every minute ticks by, I’m second guessing my decision to agree to this fake relationship business—the promise of unlimited orgasms be damned.
Something stuck in my head after spending the afternoon drinking champagne with Dani and Zoe—well Dani and I did, since Zoe is still nursing.
A knock at my door breaks me out of my freak out, but my body remains frozen in place, excitement, sudden-onset nausea, and nerves holding me back.
Telling myself that I got dressed up for this shindig so I should damn well enjoy it, I force my limbs to move and make my way to the front door, swinging it open with a disgruntled grunt to stop dead in my tracks at the sight of a tuxedo-clad, mighty fine-looking Cade staring at me with his mouth dropped open.
The minute I see her, it takes everything I have not to push Abi back through her apartment door, slam it shut, and spend the rest of the night tasting and touching every inch of her body. In fact, there is nothing else I would prefer to do more.
She’s a knockout normally whether it be made-up and on the prowl at the bar, or first thing in the morning without a scrap of makeup on her. I could even say I preferred her naked as the day she was born, hazy from sleep, looking across the bed at me with nothing but sated eyes and a cute pouty smile. It may have only happened a few times but still, it was those moments I looked forward to just as much as the hot-as-fuck sex.
But seeing her standing in front of me in a dress that is both elegant and sensual, classy and the most effective aphrodisiac even though I just need to think about her to get hard these days.
It’s red—a deep, sexy red—with one arm bare, the other covered by a long sleeve lined with a lace insert that catches my eye before the sloping neck lining her breasts draws my attention. The matte fabric clings to her cu
rves all the way to her hips before draping down to the ground, a knee-high slit giving me a peek at black heels with a red sole.
Her golden hair is a mass of loose curls, pinned to the side and flowing over her bare shoulder. My lips ache to kiss her neck, and I clench my fists to stop myself from reaching out and trailing my hands down her sides. My cock strains against my suit pants, unfortunately reminding me that I can’t stand on her doorstep all night, or ensconce myself inside her apartment and spend the night buried inside her.
“Uh, Cade? Do you plan on standing in the doorway all night staring at me or are we gonna get this show on the road?”
My eyes clear from their lustful appreciation and drift up her body until I reach her face. “One look at the club that first night and you had me. Had you worn this dress, I would’ve dropped to a knee and asked for your hand in marriage.”
We stand there staring at each other, sparks coursing through me along with thoughts I really shouldn’t be having about my—what did she call it?—mother buffer.
Without giving her a chance to hand me a sassy reply, I hold out my hand, and I grin when she laces her fingers in mine. Her eyes blaze with unspoken emotion, and as much as I’d love to walk her backwards, slam the door, and process whatever just happened between us, I know we have to get out of here. It’s the danger zone right now. Pissing off my father would be more than worth it, but with her looking like that, there’s nothing I want more than to walk into a room filled with the who’s who of the city and know that for all intents and purposes, she’s mine.
“Let’s go, Spitfire. I have a feeling tonight is going to be fun.”
Walking into the ball room of the Peninsula Hotel, having already made our way through a gamut of photographers and reporters, I lead Abi towards my waiting parents. They’re immaculate in their appearance, as always. Abi’s breath hitches when she sees them, and my fingers instinctively draw her closer into my side.
“It’s just my parents, Spitfire.”
“They look like the Graysons from Revenge,” she whispers, turning her head towards me.
I chuckle because she’s not far wrong. “The difference is they’d never dare try and double cross each other. It would be uncouth.”
Looking down, I’m met by wide eyes and her cute-as-fuck slow-growing grin. “Uncouth? Are you serious?”
“Unfortunately so.”
“So I better get my best mother-buffer game on?” she asks with a knowing glint in her eye.
“Just be yourself, Abi. I’ll never ask you to be anything you’re not.”
A strange look crosses her features before she hides it. “The exception being your fake girlfriend,” she says quietly, and I fight not to grit my teeth, second-guessing my decision to put her in this position. Too late now, Carsen.
I look down at her, determined to keep this show moving along. “Be the woman who kicks ass and takes names.”
“Now that I can do,” she says before planting a beaming smile on those perfect lips of hers—the ones I love seeing wrapped around my cock—and facing forward.
“Caden,” my mother croons, stepping towards me. Letting Abi go, I place a hand on Mom’s arm and kiss her cheek. “Mom.”
“And is this the mysterious Abi?” Mom asks, turning to her. “You’re beautiful. No wonder my son has kept you a secret.”
Abi’s body tenses before she checks it and sets about her task. “Mrs. Carsen, it’s wonderful to meet you.”
“And you, my dear. I’d love to get to know you better. You and Caden should come for dinner one night. Don’t you agree, Cade?” she asks my father.
“Indeed. Hello, Son,” he says, holding out his arm. I shake his hand but don’t miss his calculated scan of my date.
“Good evening, Mr. Carsen,” Abi says warmly. Something weird passes behind my father’s eyes as he focuses on Abi’s face before he quickly schools his features and turns on the charm.
We’re saved by Thomas, Noah, and Zoe, who magically appear by my side.
“Annabel, you look ravishing,” Thomas says, embracing my mother and giving her a peck on the cheek. “You must let me steal you away from Cade Senior one day.”
“Oh Thomas, behave,” Mom gushes, giving my father a sideways look. She turns to Noah. “And Doctor Taylor, I’m so pleased you could make it. Your parents are already here.”
“Thank you for inviting us. It’s not often my wife and I get to go out like this now, so we’re making the most of it.”
“Caden told me you had a new baby. I hope all is well?” Mom asks, directing the question at Zoe.
“Yes, thank you. Misha is perfect.”
“Such a pretty name,” my mother replies saccharine sweet, and I struggle not to roll my eyes at the pretense of the situation, knowing full well that my mother doesn’t care if Noah has had a new baby—or if she even remembers that Misha is my goddaughter.
“Is this the lovely Abi?” Thomas asks, turning his attention towards the woman at my side.
“You know it is, TJ,” I reply. He smirks at me before holding out his hand to Abi, lifting her fingers to his mouth, and placing a kiss on her knuckles when she acquiesces.
“Nice to finally meet you, Thomas,” she says.
“You haven’t met my son’s friends yet?” my mother asks inquisitively.
“Unfortunately Thomas and I keep missing each other,” Abi replies, not missing a beat.
Thomas grins and winks at her. “I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other,” he says, earning a knowing laugh from Abi.
My shoulders tense and my jaw tightens instinctively, something Thomas doesn’t seem to miss. “Don’t worry, Cade. I’d never try and steal her away.”
Asshole.
“I think the bar is calling me,” Thomas announces once my parents have made their excuses and moved on to the next guests waiting in line to greet them. “Are you guys coming?” he says to the group.
“Considering you gave us a reprieve from the impending inquisition of my date and our surprise relationship, I think I owe you one.”
He moves to my side and claps me on the back. “You know me—I’m never one to turn down a free drink.”
“It’s an open bar,” Noah adds dryly.
“Even better. My shout then,” Thomas says before turning and making a beeline for the bartender, Noah and Zoe following closely behind him.
I reach down and lace Abi’s fingers in mine, giving her a meaningful squeeze.
“That was intense,” Abi says, walking beside me.
“Welcome to any interaction with a Carsen,” I reply.
“Hey,” she says, stopping both of us in our tracks and turning to face me. She moves in close, wrapping one arm around my back and lifting her hand to my jaw. She sweeps her thumb across my cheek, and my taut muscles instantly relax. How the hell does she do that?
I lift my hands up to her hips and look into her now soft eyes.
“You’re strung so tight it’s a wonder you don’t snap,” she says.
I lean into her touch and drop my forehead to hers, not caring that we probably have an audience. “Chalk and cheese have got nothing on me and this life.”
“I can tell,” she says quietly, wrapping her other arm around my back. “I’m here for you, Cade. Just focus on what happens after the night is over. That’s what I’m doing.”
My lips curl up. “Are you telling me you’re a sure thing?” I ask with a grin.
“No, I’m saying I know I’m gonna get laid because you are. Besides, you owe me at least one orgasm so far.”
“I do, do I?” I ask dryly.
“At least.” Her lips curl up into a sexy smile.
“I always pay my debts,” I murmur, my eyes locked on her lips as my head moves lower.
“I might charge interest,” she adds, her voice sounding the same as it does when I’m building her up to climax—rough, raspy, and hot as hell.
“Now that I can pay.” I drop my mouth to her ear, draggin
g my hands around her waist, holding her hips against my now very hard cock. “Don’t turn me on when it’s hours until I can get inside you again.”
“Fair’s fair. I’ve been wet since I opened the door and saw you in your tux,” she whispers before nipping my jaw, her hands roaming up my arms and sweeping down the lapels of my jacket. “And I’m looking forward to feeling that stubble against my thighs, too.”
“Fuck,” I groan. I’ll let her have that one. It’s a sweet loss though, one that I know will turn out to be a win for both of us once we’re back behind closed doors.
“Are you two gonna come up for air long enough to have a drink or should we just leave you to your show?” Noah quips, and both Abi and I turn our heads towards him, neither of us moving away or letting go.
“I’ll move when his pants aren’t going to cause more of a scandal than the fact he turned up with a date,” Abi jokes.
Noah and Thomas’s eyes go wide before they snigger and Noah looks at me, nodding in silent approval. “Finally, a woman that keeps you on your toes, Carsen. About time you were kept in line.”
Before I can offer a smartass retort, Zoe butts in, one hand on her hip and eyes narrowed on her husband. “Are you saying I do that?” she asks tersely.
Noah—being the smooth operator he is—immediately switches to ass-saving mode. “Sweetheart, you tie me in knots and turn me upside-down all while keeping me in line, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
I watch Zoe go from haughty to soft in the blink of an eye, her eyes now gentle and gazing at her husband. “Sweet talker,” she murmurs. His hand moves around her back and into her hair as he slants her head and kisses her long and deep, right there in front of everyone.
I swear to God there is a collective swoon from every woman within a ten-mile radius—single or otherwise. He’s just that damn good.
“Damn he’s good,” Abi murmurs.
“Never thought I’d see Noah settled down and happy, but meeting Zoe was the best thing that ever happened to him, even if it did involve him getting drunk, making out with her, and forgetting he’d done it.,” I say.
It isn’t until after the dinner and speeches—including my father’s unsurprising mayoral announcement—that my mother decides to pounce, this time using my sister, Callie, as a shield.
