The Choice

by Shayla Black

  The surge of electricity flowing between them shocked Beck. Awed him. He didn’t want to let her go, didn’t want to stop touching the sweet cunt only he had stroked. He wanted to stay, brand her thick feminine scent to memory.

  It fucking sucked that she had to be at work in two hours and refused to call in sick. God, he’d spend all night making his fantasies come true while teaching her new ones she’d never dared to dream of.

  One last time, he tangled his tongue with hers. She tasted like sunshine and sin. Beck couldn’t deny this innocent little girl had obliterated his very soul.

  Finally, with a groan, he pulled away. Heavenly gasped as she continued fluttering and quivering around his fingers. Beck kissed her cheeks, her nose, her lips softly as she glided back down, with a glassy, dazed look in her eyes.

  She was stunning, ethereal. Everything he hadn’t known he’d been searching for.

  “Oh, my gosh,” she breathed, blinking at him. “You did that. To me.”

  He sent her a wicked laugh. “It won’t be the last time. I promise you.”

  Beck sipped at her swollen bottom lip before he reluctantly withdrew his fingers from her sweltering center. With the other hand, he untied the napkin and slid it from her wrists, massaging them one at a time.

  “I don’t…” she whispered, sounding lost. “I’ve never felt anything like…whatever you did to me.”

  Oh, fuck! She’d never even given herself an orgasm before? Beck wasn’t sure how that was possible, but her words galvanized him to vow he’d sail her to the stars every chance he got.

  “Did I put out the fire, like I promised?”

  A sleepy, sated smile stretched across her face. “Yes, and then some.”

  After settling her panties back in place, he lifted his hand from beneath her dress. Her essence glistened in the muted light. Her pungent scent clung to his fingers. His mouth watered. He snagged her gaze and held it as he drew his hand to his mouth and slowly lapped at her warm, tart cream with a moan.

  Heavenly sucked in a shocked gasp, her cheeks flaming.

  He couldn’t help but grin. “Get used to this. I won’t waste a single drop you offer me, little girl.”

  “I think you were right.”

  Beck raised a brow. “About what?”

  “You are the man my mother should have warned me about.”

  He nodded. “You’ll remember that when I’m taking you hard, dirty, and often.”

  Her eyes grew wide and she swallowed tightly. “Oh. My…”

  “You protesting?”

  “No.” She didn’t hesitate.

  “Just what I wanted to hear.” He winked, then looked at his watch. “Angelo will be here with our food shortly. Why don’t you take a minute to freshen up in the ladies’ room? While we’re eating, we’ll decide what sounds good for dessert.”

  “Okay.” She all but floated out of the booth and straightened her skirt, her cheeks still pink. “Thank you.”

  He stood and wrapped her in his arms, slanting his lips over hers. He kissed her, slowly and sensually, hoping he conveyed how special she was to him.

  When he reluctantly pulled away, she lifted her heavy lashes and started to giggle. “You’re wearing my lip gloss. I’m not sure that’s the right shade for you.”

  As Heavenly walked away, his stare glued itself to the sexy sway of her hips while he gave himself a mental pat on the back. He might be lacking when it came to suave, seductive lines and romance, but he’d given the girl her first orgasm. His only regret? That shithead Seth hadn’t been there to see Heavenly dissolve. Not that he wanted to share her pleasure with him. But after watching the bastard tongue-swab and dry-hump her, Beck wanted him to know exactly how it felt to stand on the sidelines while having his balls kicked.

  But maybe he could extract a little payback through a different means…

  Yanking out his cell phone, Beck snapped a selfie with Heavenly’s shiny gloss smeared all over his lips. “Sweet revenge.”

  Chuckling softly, he tapped out a message to Seth, attached the image, and hit send.

  Seth’s flight to New York the Monday following Hammer’s party was night-and-day from his trip home a mere nine weeks ago. The frustrations and questions then had been erased by happiness and hope now. His scowl was long gone, replaced by swagger.

  He’d kissed Heavenly Young—been the first man to taste her lips, drink in her passion. Even forty-eight hours later, she still lingered on his tongue.

  Christmas didn’t assault him on this trip through the terminal. Now, he saw hints that winter was almost over. Yankees’ spring training would start in a few days. It was no longer cold enough to give his balls frostbite. Most of all, he had a new outlook on life.

  Because, after eight years of misery, he was finally going to embrace his future.

  First, he had to say good-bye to his past—both the good and the bad. Since he still had family here, this wouldn’t be his last trip, but it would be the last time he called the city home.

  Not too long ago, this plunge would have messed with his head. Even when he’d impulsively hopped on a plane back to California two weeks ago, he’d been intent on nothing beyond laying eyes on Heavenly and ending his misery. The idea of moving out West had seemed farfetched, surreal. Despite Liam’s cryptic warning about Heavenly, she guided him like a beacon toward a new home. He was going to spend his life with her. Every gut instinct he possessed told him so.

  When he reached baggage claim, his mother stood waiting for him, just like his last trip. She looked every bit as vibrant now as she had at Christmas.

  Carl must still be in the picture.

  He hurried to her, swept her up in his arms, and kissed her soundly on the cheek. “It’s good to see you, Mom. Thanks for picking me up. How’s the family? Anna Mae growing? And how’s, um…Carl?”

  “We’re all fine. Your niece is a good eater, just like all you boys. Carl is good.” She smiled. “It’s nice to have you home again. Now kindly put me down, son.”

  Laughing, Seth lowered her to her feet. “It’s good to be here.” He sobered. “But I’m not staying. I’m moving to California.”

  His mother blinked and set a hand over her chest. “You’re serious? So things went well in Los Angeles?”

  “Very well.”

  “Tell me everything.”

  “For starters, Hammer is out of the woods. The bogus case against him has been dropped and justice has prevailed. He, Raine, and Liam are free to live happily ever after. And I think they finally will.”

  “Then I’m happy for them.” She dropped her voice. “But I meant things with Heavenly. Did you see her?”

  “I definitely did.” In fact, he’d more than seen the woman. He’d pressed his lips to hers, sunk his tongue into her mouth, and felt her body cling to his. He still couldn’t stop thinking about it. “You were right, Mom. I left LA too soon. I want this girl. And I finally have the validation that she wants me, too…so I’m moving.”

  “Oh, honey. Everyone is going to be so surprised.” She paused, looking uncertain. “But moving is such a big step. Are you sure?”

  Liam’s riddle at the party flitted through Seth’s head again. Nope. No way was he letting Heavenly slip through his fingers, especially not for good.

  “More sure than I’ve been about anything in a long time. You’ll love her. Just look at her.” He whipped out his phone and showed her the picture Bryn had taken of most everyone at the party the other night. “She’s the pretty blonde. She’s really sweet, Mom.”

  “She’s beautiful.” His mom looked a little misty-eyed. “Do you love her?”

  “If I don’t already, I’m pretty sure it’s only a matter of time.”

  She squeezed his arm. “Liam and Hammer look very happy. Is the brunette between them…”

  “That’s Raine,” he finished. “She’s a doll.”

  “And the other man with the beard?” She pointed to the right of Heavenly.

  “Remember that ass
wipe I told you about at Christmas, Beck?” At her nod, he continued. “Well, he still wants her, too. And you can bet while I’m away, packing up and arranging my move, that he’ll be trying his damndest to convince Heavenly he’s her best choice. Just because he’s a doctor…” Seth sighed.

  “What are her feelings for him?”

  “I don’t know.” When his mother would have objected, he cut her off. “And I don’t care. What matters is what she feels for me. And I don’t intend to settle for anything less than making her mine.” He bent to retrieve a suitcase from the turning carousel. “This is it. I left the rest back in LA. You ready to get out of here?”

  She took his free arm. “Let’s get you back to the house so you can tell the family.”

  Absolutely. He’d thought this through over the past two days. He had a timetable and an agenda.

  Thirty minutes later, he sat at the dining table in his mother’s house, surrounded by his family. He was holding his newborn niece on his lap and was captivated as the blue-eyed cutie stared back solemnly. She had that unforgettable baby smell, soft and fresh.

  “She looks good on you.”

  Seth looked up at Maggie. “You did good. Here, take her before I scare her. She doesn’t look too sure about me.”

  For a moment, he had an image of a blond-haired cutie with eyes like her mother and almost laughed aloud. Christ, one step at a time. He looked over at his mom, her hand in Carl’s, lost in conversation. The twins wolfed down food like they hadn’t eaten in days. Danny smiled at his baby girl. Matt looked back at him, like he knew something was up.

  “Matt, Cooper Investigations is yours if you want it.”

  “What?” He reared back. “I don’t understand. What are you going to do?”

  That halted conversation around the table. Everyone paused to look at him.

  Their mother smiled. “Go on. Tell them.”

  He looked at the faces of those who’d been his world for as long as he could remember. Everyone was carrying on with their lives…finding their way. The only one who’d been standing still was him. That realization no longer bred bitterness. He had a reason to move forward now. It was time to finally release the reins of caretaker and give himself permission to live his own life.

  “I’m moving to LA.”

  Eyes grew wide. Mouths gaped open and chaos erupted.

  “You’re what?” Danny barked.

  “Moving? You mean for good?” Shock lined Matt’s face.

  “What made you decide to do that?” Danny demanded.

  Conner smirked. “I bet he found a woman out there and—”

  “Is she hot?” Jack looked far more interested than he had moments ago.

  “Definitely,” Seth assured.

  “I knew it! That’s the reason you were so sad over Christmas, isn’t it?” Maggie leapt from her chair and hugged him. “I knew you couldn’t possibly be a boinking manwhore for the rest of your life! I’m so happy for you!”

  “What kind of work do you plan to do out there?” Matt asked, still looking stunned.

  Carl didn’t say a word, simply chuckled, while his mother sent him an encouraging smile.

  Seth raised his hands to ward off the barrage of questions. “If you’ll give me a minute. I’ll explain. Her name is Heavenly and—”

  “Is she a stripper?” Conner asked with an eager grin.

  “No! What the hell is wrong with you?” Seth growled as he smacked his idiot brother upside his head. “She’s a very sweet nursing student.”

  “And she’s willing to date you?” Jack scoffed. “Must be something wrong with her.”

  “Ha ha.” Seth wasn’t amused. “Do you want to listen to what I have to say or just bust my balls?”

  Conner shrugged. “We can do both.”

  “Hush, you two,” Grace admonished the twins with a scowl, then turned an understanding gaze Seth’s way.

  “As far as what I plan to do out in California, well…I’ve decided to open up a branch of Cooper Investigations out there.”

  “So, we’ll be working together on opposite coasts?” Matt arched his brows.

  “Absolutely. We can expand our client base and cover more territory. I’m sure there are plenty of cheating spouses, missing persons, embezzlers, and assorted troublemakers to keep us busy.”

  “You’ve thought this through, haven’t you?” Matt gaped.

  “Yep.”

  “Are you going to ask Heavenly to marry you?” Maggie asked with a wide grin.

  “One thing at a time,” Seth dodged. But strangely, the thought wasn’t nearly as terrifying as it had been in the past.

  “Hey, can we come to your place and hang out on the beach for spring break?” Jack asked.

  “That would be epic!” Conner chimed in as they high-fived.

  “We’ll see.” Seth chuckled. “I have to find a place first.”

  Though he had a suspicion they’d fit right in at Shadows…

  “What does Heavenly look like?” Jack asked with a lurid grin.

  “Curb your hormones, bro,” Seth chided as he slid out his phone and passed around the photo of Heavenly he’d shared with his mom earlier. “She’s the blonde.”

  “Damn. How’d you bag a babe that gorgeous?” Conner jabbed.

  “He must have bought her on the Internet,” Jack taunted. “No way could he ever snag a girl that fine on his own.”

  “Bite me,” Seth growled.

  “Does she have a sister?” Matt grinned hopefully. “I could move out West with you and—”

  “No. She’s an only child, and your ass stays here to run the business.”

  “While we’re on the subject of good news, I have some to share as well,” Grace announced at the other end of the table.

  “Oh, my god. You’re not pregnant, are you?” Matt choked.

  “No!” She blanched. “Honestly, Matty. What goes on in that head of yours?”

  “You don’t want to know. Trust me.” He grinned.

  Grace sucked in a deep breath and darted a nervous glance toward Carl. “I’m—”

  “We,” the man beside her corrected, squeezing her hand for support.

  “Right. We—Carl and I—are getting married. He asked, and I said yes.”

  A collective silence filled the room. Seth skimmed a stare over his brothers, cataloging their expressions. There wasn’t a hint of anger or resentment, simply stunned surprise. Tears spilled down Maggie’s cheeks as she smiled sweetly and sniffed.

  Maybe his job holding them all together wasn’t quite finished, after all. Seth picked up his wineglass and raised it in the air. “Congratulations. I’m truly happy for you two.”

  That was all the icebreaker that his siblings needed. Another barrage of questions and chatter echoed off the walls, proving once again that dinner at the Cooper household was never boring.

  Grace smiled at Seth. “I expect to see you and Heavenly at our wedding, son.”

  “We’ll be there. Who do you think is going to give you away?”

  Tears filled her eyes. “You’d do that for me?”

  He rose from his seat and wrapped his arms around her. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t let me.”

  “Then I’d be honored. Thank you, sweetheart.”

  “Have you set a date yet?”

  “No. Everything is still in the planning stages. There’s no rush, and summer is Carl’s busy season, so it’ll be a while yet.”

  Thank goodness. While he had no doubt his family would love Heavenly, he needed time to prepare her. Meeting his big, boisterous clan might be more than a tad overwhelming for her.

  Later that night at his brownstone, Seth lay in bed as visions of Heavenly flashed through his brain. He pulled out his phone and started to call, but decided a text might be best. He didn’t know if she was at work or, god forbid, on a date with Beck. When she replied seconds later, a satisfied grin tugged his lips.

  An hour passed, then he told her to get some sleep and said good night.
She answered by telling him to have sweet dreams and added a heart emoji. After tossing and turning for another hour, making a mental checklist of all the things he needed to do, Seth switched off his brain. He focused once more on Heavenly and drifted off to sleep, contentment filling his soul.

  During the next four days, Seth temporarily forwarded his mail to Shadows via the post office. He’d also hired a moving company to pack up his belongings and haul both his SUV and motorcycle to LA. He’d spoken to a couple of Realtors, laying the groundwork for the sale of his apartment here and finding both a new condo and office space to rent there.

  By early Friday evening, he and Matt finally had finished sorting through the file cabinets in the office. His brother had already transformed the old space with a fresh coat of paint and new furniture. It looked polished and professional. Seth couldn’t help but smile.

  Matt opened the bottom drawer of the massive desk and drew out a bottle of whiskey and a couple of tumblers. “I think a shot or two is in order.”

  Seth chuckled as he eased onto the edge of the desk. He watched his brother pour the golden-amber liquid, then each took a glass. As he raised it, a sense of melancholy slid through him. “To bittersweet endings and promising new beginnings.”

  “Hear. Hear.” A wealth of understanding lined his brother’s face.

  Matt had seen Seth at his best and worst, but his brother’s love and support, through good times and bad, were a constant. And Seth was grateful beyond words.

  They clinked the rims and took a long gulp. As the burn slid down his throat and warmed his stomach, Seth reached into his pocket and presented his key to Matt. He swallowed the emotion lodged in his throat. “This place belongs to you now.”

  Matt looked both thrilled and heartbroken. “Already? I didn’t think you were leaving for another week or two.”

  “I’m not. I’ve got a few more loose ends to mop up.” And he wanted to spend more time with the family while he could, before detective work and winning Heavenly became a full-time job. “But I want you to feel comfortable with the fact it’s now yours.”

  “Thanks, man.”

  “I’m a bit late in telling you this… I’m sorry I was a douche over Christmas. I had a lot to work through. But I’m proud to call you a partner and even prouder to call you brother.”