by Layla Hagen
“If you keep doing this, you won’t.” He pulled back his hand, and I rolled my shoulders.
“I won’t, I promise.”
“Then we won’t have a problem.”
“Are you sure you want me to work from here? I won’t be doing much besides writing e-mails and reports and making phone calls.”
“And I’ll make you breakfast and lunch, and give you massages when you’re too stiff. I’ll do my best not to distract you. No promises, though.”
“What’s in it for you?”
He smiled wickedly. “I didn’t say where I’ll be giving you massages.”
We made sandwiches together, and after breakfast I started on my phone calls right away. I’d given myself a two-week deadline. If I didn’t manage to bring more donors on board, I had to call the ones who had agreed to help and tell them the project wasn’t happening. That prospect was worrying, because I knew once I did that, the likelihood of them collaborating with me in the future was slim. No one wanted to feel they’d wasted their time.
Ashley texted me during the day, which was surprising, because she never worked on weekends.
Ashley: I don’t know what to do about Greg. He’s being even more of an asshole than usual.
I felt for her. His misogynistic streak was evolving into downright emotionally abusive behavior. Ashely and I were considering how to best approach human resources about it.
By the time the afternoon rolled around, I was ready to face-plant on Will’s couch. I’d gotten two vague promises, but even if they followed through, the money they were willing to donate was peanuts. At five o’clock in the afternoon, I curled on the couch and hid my face in the pillow.
“Babe?”
“It’s not going to work out, Will. It just won’t, and it’s killing me. Those people are counting on me. I didn’t make them any promises, but you should have seen the way they were looking at me when I talked to them about the possibility.”
I felt his hand at the back of my neck, applying pressure just where I needed it.
“You’re so good at that,” I whispered into the pillow. “So damn good.”
He sat next to me and I scooted a little to make space for him.
“I’m grumpy,” I informed him. I’d been grumpy after the third phone call, and now on a scale from annoyed to fucking pissed off I was Godzilla. I was more emotional than usual, and didn’t know if it was because of PMS, or a potential pregnancy.
“I gathered that. I’ve got a solution on the way.”
I peeked at him with interest. “You mean there’s an orgasm in the making?”
He smirked. “Early dinner and wine.”
“Ooooh, that’s even better.”
“Now you’re just stabbing my pride. Dinner and wine are better than orgasms?”
I saw my mistake and sought to rectify it immediately. Otherwise, this hottie might start again with his dangerous ideas, like not giving me orgasms.
“No, no. Not what I meant at all. But a grumpy Paige with a full stomach is better than a grumpy Paige with an empty stomach.”
“I see. Are you done with your workday?”
“Yep.”
He gave my ass a little smack. “Then lose these clothes.”
“What?”
“Take a shirt from my dresser. And don’t wear any panties. I want to see your sexy ass.”
“Those are very... specific instructions. And by the way, I haven’t been wearing panties the entire day.”
Will stopped in the act of groping my ass. “And you didn’t tell me.”
“Well, no. Why tempt you?”
He bit my shoulder lightly, fondling my ass again. “Go change.”
“Yes, boss.”
I rose from the couch as Will’s phone rang. I didn’t move further as he went to answer it.
“Hi, Elliot!” He frowned, and nodded, dragging his hands down his face. “Well, we knew there was a good chance it would play out this way. Thanks for the call.”
He was gripping his phone so tightly when he disconnected the call that I thought he might break it.
“I’m sorry, Will.”
He nodded tightly, then pressed his palms against his eyes. I walked up to him and wrapped my arms around his bare middle—he was still wearing only shorts. He returned my hug, resting his chin on top of my head.
“Go change. Dinner will be here soon.”
Now we were both grumpy. But as I searched through the stack of T-shirts in his bedroom, instead of drowning in my own problems, I was brainstorming ways to comfort him. Step number one: I would wear the shortest T-shirt he owned. It wasn’t an easy task, considering he was as big as a mountain, but eventually I did find a T-shirt that looked like it had shrunk from washing. My ass cheeks were visible. Oh yeah, that would give him something to look at. I pulled my hair into a bun before remembering he liked to run his hand through it during our sexy times, so I let it fall around my shoulders.
Our dinner had already been delivered when I returned to the living room, and Will was setting it on plates.
“Smells delicious.”
He looked at me over his shoulder, then slowly turned around, taking in my outfit. His gaze was on my bare legs. I twirled once, showing off my ass.
“You like this?”
He didn’t respond. Well, at least not with words. The look in his eyes was... feral. I sashayed toward him until we were only inches apart. Will was standing with his hands at his sides, as if not touching me cost him all his willpower, but then he lost the battle. One hand went to my waist and the other slid down to my ass, pressing me against him.
“You’re so fucking sexy, Paige.”
“Back at you, hunky detective.” I looked over his arms at the avocado nuggets he’d ordered. “Food’s getting cold.”
Will lowered his mouth on mine, tracing my bottom lip with the tip of his tongue.
“Maybe I’ll just eat you instead, Paige.”
Oh, my. I clenched my thighs, nibbling on his lower lip.
“Stay here tonight.” It wasn’t a question, but neither was it a request. I’d planned to go home because I needed fresh clothes, but when Will added, “I need you,” it didn’t even cross my mind to say no.
“Of course, I’ll stay. I’ll warm up your bed and make someone very, very happy.” I ground my hips against his to drive my point home.
My big, strong man needed me. I rained kisses on his chest, from one side right to the other. Will fumbled with his fingers through my hair, and I sensed he had more to say.
“What would you say to working from here on my days off?” His shifts were at odd hours, so some days he didn’t have to go in.
“You mean like making my home base here?”
“Yes. Or I could hang out with you at whatever beach you want to work from. I just don’t like that we go days without seeing each other.”
“I can do that. Except when I have meetings.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“You’re going to take care of me every day like you did today?”
“I am.”
“And you’re also going to entertain me with the muscle view?”
He laughed. “Yes.”
“And will you finally do a better job at tempting me than you did today?”
Will threw his head back, laughing. “You did not just say that.”
I put on my most impish smile. “I most definitely did. You didn’t even bother to check if I had panties today. You’re losing your touch, Will Connor.”
Famous last words.
The man moved so fast, I was barely aware of what was happening until he’d pinned me against the wall. Oh, yeah. My legs were wide apart, and he slid one hand between them.
“What are you doing?” I whispered.
“Checking if you’re wearing panties.”
Bastard. He knew very well I wasn’t, but he made a big show of checking.
He strummed his fingers on my folds, then circled my clit until
I whimpered.
“You’re still not sure?”
“Got to be thorough.” He pressed his thumb on my clit, and a bolt of energy coursed through me. My entire upper body shot forward, and Will skimmed his hand over my thigh to cup my bare ass cheek.
“I like my shirt on you. I like having you here, in my house, sharing my clothes, and smelling your girly stuff in my bathroom.”
I’d grown roots, I realized. My life was intertwined with Will’s, and I liked it. I felt as if the roots made us stronger. We were both having a rough time at work, but here we were, laughing together, teasing each other. I knew this was just as big a step for Will as it was for me. I tried to push all my worries about the condom scare to the back of my mind, but didn’t quite manage it.
“Do you want to talk about the case? No details, just... to clear your mind?”
“We did our best. The whole department worked on it, but at this point, there is nothing to do except let go.”
“And you’re okay with that?”
He gave me a rueful smile. “Oddly, yes. I think your sexy little ass is distracting me.”
“Just my ass?” I batted my eyelashes, scooting closer.
“Your sassy mouth too.”
“Hey, so question, if I bring some clothes here, can I still wear your shirts too? They’re very comfy.”
“Only if you don’t wear panties.”
I pretended to think about it. “Well, I suppose that’s a fair request, since I’ll be wearing your things and you’ve agreed to parade that muscly gorgeousness for me too.”
Will set his empty plate on the coffee table and focused on me.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I’m waiting for you to finish eating.”
Hmmm... he didn’t say more, but that glint in his eyes made it easy for me to fill in the gaps. I ate so fast, you’d think there was something chasing me. Then I pointed to the chocolate mousse.
“Moving on to dessert?”
“You bet we are.”
***
Will
Paige set her empty plate on the table, but when she made to grab the ones with the mousse, I cuffed her ankles, pulling her where I wanted her, how I wanted her, which was spread out wide before me. I settled between her legs and pushed the T-shirt up and laid a trail of kisses on her bare skin, starting from her pubic bone, up in a straight line to her navel, then between her breasts, teasing each of her nipples with a single stroke of my tongue. I pulled the T-shirt over her head before moving my mouth down the same path. When my lips were above her pubic bone again, I brought one of the dessert plates closer to the edge of the table. I dug one finger in the white mousse and spread it on that patch just above her clit. Paige sucked in her breath as I licked it clean, careful not to touch her sensitive spot. Not yet. Then I moved up to her breasts, smearing mousse on the undersides, licking slowly. Then on top, licking even slower. Her nipples were so erect; they were just beautiful. But I still didn’t lavish them with attention.
“I just discovered my new favorite way of eating dessert.”
“Will, you’re killing me.” Her voice was breathy and husky.
I finally remembered my master plan when I realized Paige was grinding against me.
“I didn’t say you could do that.”
“You were too busy to say anything, so I thought I’d show some initiative.”
“You’re not allowed to grind against me.”
She reached for my boxers. I stopped her.
“Or touch my cock.”
She licked her lips. Fuck me.
I continued to smear the mousse on her, this time from her pubic bone to her clit.
“Your pussy is so soft, so pink.”
I licked in between words, and her thighs quivered. Suddenly, I didn’t want to tease her anymore. I grabbed a condom, and after rolling it on, I slid inside her. Damn. I’d worked her up too good; she was so tight I wouldn’t last long. I moved slowly, pressing my pubic bone against her clit on every thrust. She came apart beautifully, and I drank her all in. Her toes curled, and she dug her heels deep in the couch. Her legs were shaking as she rolled her hips into me.
“Will. Will. Oh God. I can’t... Will.”
I lasted two more seconds after she came, then exploded so violently that the air was knocked out of my lungs.
I rested on top of her, breathing deeply.
“I’m out of commission,” Paige whispered. “I can’t move.”
“Can’t talk” was all I managed.
I went for her mouth, giving her a deep, slow kiss. Her heated response and the way she pressed her breasts against me consumed me. But that was a running theme with Paige.
Today, the proverbial final nail had been slammed in the case we’d worked on for a year, but I wasn’t taking it as hard as I usually did, and it was because of Paige. I knew with a certainty I couldn’t explain that she was my match. It was a powerful feeling—and frightening too. I hoped she felt just a strongly. I wanted to earn this woman’s love.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Will
“This is going to be a lot of fun, I promise,” Paige said when we arrived at her parents’ house for dinner. It was the tenth time she’d said it. I took it as a sign that my girl was actually nervous. I interlaced my fingers with hers and kissed the back of her hand.
“I know it’ll be fun,” I reassured her.
Her family welcomed us as a group. Her sisters were practically jumping up and down, and Mrs. Lamonica straight-up hugged me. Her father and brother smiled pleasantly, but they practically crushed my hand shaking it, which I recognized as the general guy code for if you mess with her, we’ll come after you. I gave Graham the exact same handshake when he joined us for Friday night dinner the first time. A handshake was worth more than a thousand warnings.
They’d set up a grill station in the backyard, and her dad was tending to steak, tuna, and salmon.
“Honey, you can’t eat steak,” Mrs. Lamonica admonished her husband once we were sitting at the table and everyone was helping themselves to food. “Have some fish. You know what the doctor said.”
“Yeah, yeah. Steak will kill you. Butter will give you a heart attack. What’s the point of living?” Mr. Lamonica shook his head, but helped himself to salmon instead. Mrs. Lamonica was fussing around everyone, Paige most, I noticed. She was also loading my plate with three portions of everything.
“Sorry, she’s just excited you’re here,” Paige muttered under her breath when her mom went to the kitchen for a fourth serving of mashed potatoes.
“Don’t sell hot air to Will,” her dad said. “Your mother is always like that.”
“I don’t mind,” I said. Mom used to do the same. She’d fuss around us at the table, making sure everyone had plenty (read: too much) of everything. I smiled at the memory. I could get used to this.
After everyone was full, we relaxed at the pool, and I had a front-row seat to experiencing Paige in “brat mode.” She’d definitely earned the nickname. She caused more trouble than even the kids. Her brother was at the edge of the pool, just dipping his feet, but Paige threw so much water at him, the guy was soaked.
She crooked her fingers at me a few times, but even though I had swim trunks on, I didn’t trust myself anywhere near her when she was wearing that tiny bikini. I was fighting a hard-on just watching her. She was happy and relaxed, showing her nieces how to do a perfect breaststroke. Paige had gotten her period last week, and I won’t lie, it had impacted me more than I’d expected.
Her mom was sitting on the sunbed lounger next to me. We were on the wide side of the pool, adjacent to everyone else.
“You’re close to your family, Will?” she asked, just like that. Her voice was casual, but I was a damn good detective. I picked up the gist of the question.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“That’s lovely to hear.” We both looked at the pool as Paige turned her focus on her father, splashing him.
“That must have been hard, having your husband away so often.”
“I got used to the distance, but not the danger.” She smiled sadly, pointing to the hair at her temples. “My hair turned white here in a single night. We’d heard some bad news from his deployment unit. That his unit hadn’t made it back after an attack. I tried to keep it together in front of the kids. They were young. Paige was eleven. She found me hiding in my bedroom, crying. Gave me a hug and said, ‘Momma, we’ll take care of you if something happens to Daddy. Don’t cry.’ I’m ashamed to say that there were many mornings when I could barely get out of bed. Paige would make breakfast for the other kids, make sure they had lunch packed for school. I think she learned from me to hide when crying. She’s a tough girl, my Paige.”
“She is,” I agreed. I’d sensed that in her the first time I’d seen her. She was a dreamer and a force to be reckoned with when needed, fighting for the project she believed in, determined to give it her best. She was an amazing woman, and it was a privilege to be by her side.
I knew that she wasn’t entirely comfortable with my job. Yes, she’d said she’d gotten used to it, but I also knew her well enough to catch on to the telltale signs: getting used to something wasn’t the same as liking something. I remembered how she’d reacted when she’d seen the scratch on my neck after our first night together, and wondered if that underlying fear would keep her from loving me. Was there something I could do to make this easier for her?
Paige interrupted our talk by splashing water on us, completely soaking me. When I glared at her, she shrugged. “Sorry, had to save you from Mom before she scared you away.”
“And soaking me was the only way you could save me?”
She nodded with conviction. “Absolutely.”
Mrs. Lamonica laughed. I jumped in the water and Paige half chuckled, half shrieked when I pulled her flush against me. We were alone in the pool, but everyone was on the edge, watching us.
