by Kristen Echo
“No. You should stop.” Her voice quivered as she fisted his shirt in her hands, yanking it free from his pants.
“I loved you when we were younger, and I should have said those words. From now on, you’ll always know how I feel.” He kissed her lips softly.
A gentle brush that left her chasing his mouth. “I loved you too.” She tore open his dress shirt, sending a barrage of buttons in all directions.
“My feelings are stronger than ever, and I want to build a life with you. Gwen, I’m not interested in a fling or some fly-by-night relationship. I’ve never done the casual thing. Ever.” He helped her remove his shirt when it got caught on his forearms. “I don’t know how to give less than one hundred percent. Nor do I plan to ever give you up again. I don’t have time for games or bullshit. My life is full and insanely busy.”
“My life is a mess. All I do is make mistakes. I’ve been an emotional wreck every time you come into my life.” Gwen ran her hands over the hard planes of his torso, settling over his heart. “You’re too good for me, but I love you.”
He lifted her dress over her head and tossed the garment aside. “Say it again,” he demanded as he removed her bra.
Exposed. She had nothing to hide the blush that covered her. “I love you.”
“Life isn’t easy for everyone. You’re so much stronger than you give yourself credit for.”
“I’m not—”
He silenced her protest with a kiss. The soft caress caused her knees to weaken. She clung to his broad shoulders and kissed him back. His tongue stroked the inside of her mouth. Deliberate and slow. He made love to her lips until she whimpered.
“I’m not letting you leave. Gwen, I’ve been waiting a long time to feel this way again.” He lifted her into his arms. “Stay with me.”
She wrapped her legs around his trim waist and her arms around his neck. “I want to, but I’m… scared I’ll take you down with me. I eventually hurt everyone I’m close to.”
Spencer carried her away from the broken glass and pressed her against the door. “Don’t be scared. The only way you could hurt me would be to leave again. This might be coming on too strong, but I want to grow old with you. I want to wake up each day with you by my side.”
Her eyes closed as his words delivered a swift blow. “I want to grow old with you too.” She squeezed him tighter. “All those years ago, it was too hard to accept your clear view of our future. I was so unsure about everything, but I knew I loved you. Leaving you was harder than you know. I won’t leave again.”
“Promise.” He brushed the stray hairs away from her forehead and stared into her eyes. “My heart is yours. I own damn near everything I’ve ever wanted, except your heart. I can’t buy it. You have to give it to me freely. But know once it’s mine, I’ll never give it back.”
Gwen nodded and held her pinkie out. He chuckled and linked fingers with her.
“I pinkie promise we’re in this together. My heart belongs to you. It’s always been yours.” She kissed him and rubbed her lower half shamelessly against his belt. All these promises and being this close with him were making her horny. “Please make love to me.”
He growled and set her down on the floor. His body hovered inches from her as he removed his pants. “This is your home. Our home. I need you safe and within reach because I plan to make love to you everywhere,” he said as he coated his cock with her moisture. “Often.”
It felt so good. Her body arched to get closer, but he continued teasing her slit with his tip. She begged and moaned as he pushed his fingers inside, prepping her.
“I’m ready,” she panted. “Take me.”
“Not until you agree to stay here.” He flicked his thumb over her clit.
“I promise I’ll stay in your house, but only until my first check. I want you, but I don’t want your money.”
He stopped moving. “Not good enough. What’s the point of having money if I can’t spend it on my family?”
Gwen lifted her hips, chasing the lost friction. “Can’t we finalize those details later. We’re dating. We’re together. Isn’t that good enough? Don’t be so demanding.”
Spencer shoved two fingers in deep as he pressed his body onto her, letting her feel his full weight. He wasn’t light. “This negotiation is far from over. You have no idea the lengths I’ll go in order to get what I want. I didn’t get where I am today by being easy to handle.” He twisted his fingers and pulled them out.
She shrieked with dissatisfaction. “Don’t you dare tease me.”
“Do you want me to make love to you?” He licked his fingers.
“Yes,” she hissed as he grated his chest against her hard nipples.
Kissing his way down her body, he lavished her breasts with attention, drawing out the foreplay until her juices were dripping down her leg. “Move in with me. Permanently.”
“No,” she answered, reaching for his cock and getting her hand slapped.
He sat back, gripped his cock and teased her slit. Once it was soaked with her arousal, he stroked it and smirked. Sexy bastard. “Keep your job and your money but live here and let me spoil you.”
“I’m keeping my job. You have no say in that. I don’t want you to spoil me unless it’s with your body.” Frustrated, knowing he wouldn’t give up, she pulled her hair.
“My body is yours,” he said, spreading her lips open with his fingers and teasing her.
She groaned when he stopped. “Then give me what I want.”
“Agree to my terms first.”
As if his sexy as sin gaze wasn’t tormenting her enough, he tapped her clit with the bulbus head of his cock. Over and over until she was writhing on the floor. Each time he struck, her entire body convulsed with need. She couldn’t keep going.
“Fine, I’ll stay with you. Your home is my home.” She sat up and gripped the back of his neck. “Let’s spoil each other with love. Deal?”
His smile widened larger than the Cheshire Cat’s. “You’re cheesy, but I love that you like doing things the hard way. Deal.”
She reached between them and aligned his cock at her entrance. He wiggled his way inside and she breathed a sigh of relief. Life without a challenge was no fun. He pushed deeper until they were fully joined. Nothing had ever felt so right.
Chapter 16
Often her first day at a new job was nerve-wracking, but Gwen took to this position like a fish to water. She’d swam through the paperwork and dove headfirst into the deep end. Interacting with the teenagers and young adults fighting addictions, never failed to pull at her heartstrings. These were good people. A few poor decisions wreaked havoc on their lives, but it would not define them. Gwen could relate on many levels and was glad to be doing her part to end the cycle.
Mid-way through day one, a sweet bouquet of multi-colored roses had been delivered without a note. Followed by a landscaping company adding garden boxes in the front of the drop-in center. They would be able to grow enough vegetables to feed several families.
Her new boss appreciated the kindness of the anonymous donor. Reba explained this wasn’t the first time someone had delivered random gifts to the center. They both knew it was Spencer though he’d denied it when she’d called. He’d even downplayed his compassion to Reba when she’d tried to thank him.
The first week had been full of surprises. Spencer Northcote was the best boyfriend on the planet. When he said he’d spoil her, he’d meant it. The gifts continued on a daily basis. They were all completely over the top and beyond generous. If he’d showered her with presents, she would have refused them. But the way he delivered something exceptional to the group wasn’t easily dismissed. He proved that he knew her well. Rather than buy her something, each present was for the center. Instead of buying her a morning coffee, he had an extra coffee machine and a year’s supply of grounds and filters delivered. Instead of taking her to lunch, he had it catered for all the staff and enough for anyone using the facility.
This amazing man was her
s. Her heart was so full. Every night when she’d return to him, she threw herself in his arms. Peppering his strong jaw with kisses, she thanked him. He didn’t want her gratitude, but he’d earned it. The more time they spent together, the deeper in love she fell. How she’d ever walked away from this man baffled her. She’d never make that mistake again.
Gwen was a lucky lady to be given a second chance. The love they shared grew stronger with the passing days. It consumed her in the best possible way. She showed her appreciation in her own way. Spencer loved her body and her mouth, and she granted him full access. All he wanted was her time and her love. She gave him both, but he deserved more. So much more.
Trying to find a gift for a billionaire was daunting. Beyond their bedroom fun, he loved his family more than anything. Gwen decided to surprise him with the biggest birthday bash of the century. That gave her two months to plan an epic end of summer party. She enlisted the help of Caroline and Connie to pull off the impossible. Big parties were difficult for Connie, but his girls loved the idea of surprising their dad. Keeping a secret from him wouldn’t be easy, but it would be worth it.
“What are you two whispering about?” he asked as he entered the kitchen.
Gwen shuffled her feet and looked at the countertop. The woodgrain on the butcher-block suddenly seemed very intricate. This was the second time he’d caught them cavorting. “Nothing. Want a top up on your wine?”
“Full glass waiting for me outside, but thanks.” He narrowed his eyes at her. “The way you’re blushing gives me the impression it’s more than nothing.”
Caroline flipped her hair over her shoulder. Her locks cascaded down her back like a blonde waterfall. “I was telling Gwen about something that happened at my last show. It’s inappropriate for little ears,” she replied, pointing at Connie.
The young girl sat at the island, adding olives to each deviled egg. Her attention was one hundred percent focused on the task. A herd of running elephants couldn’t distract her.
“Oh. If it’s not suitable for your sister, maybe you shouldn’t be telling it.” He crossed his arms over his chest.
“Relax, Papa Bear. She’s putting the finishing touches on the hors d’oeuvres.” Caroline walked over to her sister and kissed the top of her head. “Good job. I think that’s enough. You’ve made two-dozen and there are only six of us.”
“Four each,” Connie said.
He uncrossed his arms. The top three buttons on his dress shirt were open, drawing Gwen’s attention. A faint red mark and three scratches decorated the tanned skin. Remnants from their wild morning.
“Forget the food. You ladies have been hiding inside for too long. The sun has set.” He opened the door to outside, letting in a wave of hot air. “Let’s set off some fireworks.”
Connie added one more olive and then jumped off the stool. She raced towards her dad. “I don’t want to miss the Canada Day show.”
Gwen grabbed the noise-canceling headphones from the table. “Don’t forget these.”
Loud noises freaked Connie out, but she refused to go to sleep before the big display. “Thank you,” she said, taking them.
“Save room on the blanket for me,” Wes said with a smile.
So much had changed in a few short weeks. Moving to Winnipeg was the best decision she could have made for her family. Wes was thriving in her new role as Connie’s caregiver. At Spencer’s insistence, she’d enrolled at the University. Her daughter was taking her medication and her depression seemed under control. Some days were better than others, but the good days outnumbered the bad.
“Are you still heading out with friends for the concert downtown?” he asked in his overprotective father voice. “Make sure you bring your phone.”
Spencer treated Wes like a daughter. He doted on her and their bond was growing. Gwen tried not to tear up watching them interact. Likewise, his girls had captured her heart, and she loved them both dearly. She’d heard horror stories of blended families, having tough times connecting. This transition was seamless. It felt like one big happy family.
In addition to the added family, Westlyn’s social circle had expanded tenfold. Gwen trusted her daughter’s judgment. It helped that most of her new friends were hockey players and their entourage. Caroline had taken her under her wing and introduced her to a great group of people.
“Yeah. Altered Chords is hitting the stage at midnight. I promised Carly and Beth that Nico and I would pick them up.” Wes glanced at Caroline’s husband and gave him two thumbs up.
Nico stuffed two deviled eggs in his mouth. He returned the hand gesture, and everyone laughed.
“Wow, I didn’t realize it had gotten so late.” Caroline checked her watch. “Once the fireworks finish, I need to kick it to the venue.”
The group made their way outside into the muggy July 1st weather. The humidity hung in the air, threatening rain. After a long day at work, she looked forward to a relaxing evening with her family. The holidays weren’t an easy time for most people. She used to dread them too. As everyone sprawled across the sea of blankets, she struggled to catch her breath.
Spencer pulled her back against his chest. “Everything all right?” His chin rested against the top of her head.
Gwen looked around at her extended family and wished her sister was with them. After the call from Spencer, Cherie had asked for time. The invitation she’d sent her to join them had gone unanswered. As the days passed with no contact, she was losing hope. Leaning against him, she inhaled a full deep breath.
“I’m good.” She snuggled into his embrace.
They threaded their fingers together as the first burst of light blasted above.
Holding hands with the love of her life, she soaked in the amazing display. She smiled at the sky as hundreds of sparkles exploded. A blanket of twinkling lights painted the heavens in rainbows.
Canada Day with the Northcote’s was nothing short of spectacular. The fireworks brightened the darkness above for over ten minutes, showing no signs of stopping. Her cheeks hurt from smiling and her butt was numb. She shifted and caught sight of someone lingering on the deck.
Cherie.
“I’ll be right back,” she said as she climbed to her feet. Her younger sister had come. Gwen jogged across the lawn towards her and stopped at the bottom of the stairs. “I’m glad you came. Want to join us on the blankets?”
With her face angled to the sky, Cherie shook her head. “No. I… can we talk for a moment? Alone.”
“Of course,” she replied.
They sat across from each other at a long glass table, far away from the group. The pops and crackles of fireworks filled the silence. Gwen wiped her sweaty palms on her shorts. “It’s good to see you.”
Cherie adjusted the strap on her dress and stared at Gwen. “I’m embarrassed by my actions,” she huffed. “And I’m tired of being mad at you. It’s exhausting hating the nicest person you know.”
Gwen laughed. “I’m not that nice.”
“Yes you are,” Cherie challenged. “I got the jewelry the other day.”
“What jewelry?”
“Mom’s stuff. Her wedding rings and the locket you lost when those druggies had raided your apartment,” she explained. “When the package arrived, I cried. Thank you.” She reached across the table and covered her hand. “Why didn’t you leave a note or call me?”
Another selfless act of kindness from Spencer. She’d told him about all the mistakes she’d made. Giving addicts the benefit of the doubt. Trusting the wrong people had cost her so many things over the years. Money and possessions never mattered much to her. But they mattered a great deal to others. Her heart skipped a beat as she glanced over her shoulder at her man.
“Spencer sent those. I had no idea,” she said as her eyes filled with tears.
“He must really love you.” Cherie cleared her throat. “I’m sorry I tried to hurt you by going after him. That wasn’t cool. I’m sorry for being jealous and pushing you away.”
&
nbsp; Gwen turned back to her sister and squeezed her hand. “Apology accepted. I’m sorry for being needy and selfish. I never meant to hurt you.”
“Apology accepted.”
She let go of her sister’s hand and poured them each a glass of lemon water from the pitcher. “Can we start over?”
“No, but we can move forward.” She raised her glass for a toast. “Happy Canada Day, big sister.”
Gwen clanked glasses. “I love you. Happy Canada Day, Cherie-bo-berry.”
The sisters sat together and watched the last of the fireworks. As the smoke cleared, and the stars twinkled overhead, she switched chairs to sit next to Cherie. “Does this mean I can call you and you’ll answer now?”
“Probably. But I’m a workaholic. My schedule doesn’t offer much time for a social life.”
Spencer and the group joined them at the table. “Make time for your family. When people ask for the secret to my success, my answer is always the same. Surround yourself with great people and the rest will fall into place.” He leaned down and kissed Gwen, searing her lips with his heat.
When he finally released her, she was breathless. “I love you,” she mouthed, squeezing his hand on her shoulder.
“Thanks for the tip.” Cherie pushed away from the table. “I should get going. I didn’t mean to interrupt your family time.”
“Stay,” Gwen commanded. “You’re a part of this family. We’ve got food and plenty to drink. The kids are leaving shortly, and I’d love to catch up with you.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” she countered.
“It’s settled, you’re staying. I’ll be back with a glass of wine after I tuck Connie into bed.” He grabbed his daughter’s hand. After she’d said goodnight to everyone, he dragged her into the house.
The rest of the kids left for Caroline’s show, leaving Gwen alone with her sister. “Thanks for staying.”
