They stretched out on the couch to watch a movie, but Em fell asleep, so he turned off the TV. He enjoyed the steady sound of her breathing and started her third book.
Jack woke after midnight and carried her to their bed. She’d changed into sweats, and even they were sexier than those hideous pajamas. She had an amazing body that needed to be covered in satin and silk, if at all.
He woke up when she moved away from him, but it was only to strip off her sweatshirt. The moonlight streaming through the open blinds illuminated her perfect breasts. Jack reminded himself that she was still recovering. She slipped the sweatpants off. Damn, she’d been naked underneath the whole time. He’d known she wasn’t wearing a bra—guys could always tell—but no panties either.
He’d take care of his needs later, but right now, he had to taste her. He’d read that orgasms helped relieve headaches, so hopefully he could convince her.
Em lay on her back. He leaned up on one elbow, cupping her bare breast with his other hand. She moaned and arched into his hand, so he leaned down, moved his hand to cup her other breast, and took her nipple into his mouth.
“Oh.”
Her body shifted closer to him. As his lips moved up her neck, his hand stroked a path down her side and across her hip, settling between her slightly parted thighs. He caressed her mound then slipped two fingers between her lips. Her moisture coated his fingers, and this time, he moaned.
He kissed her lips as he stroked her clit, and his tongue mimicked the movement of his fingers. Her hand trailed down his stomach and curled around his dick. Jack loved her touch, firm yet tender. He wanted her, but he wasn’t entirely sure he’d be able to control himself, so instead, he slipped two fingers into her and worked her clit with his thumb. She convulsed around his fingers and moaned into his mouth as she climaxed.
Jack rolled onto his back, and she nestled into him, her fingers stroking his chest. He was painfully hard, but he’d leave it up to her what would happen next. He didn’t want sex badly enough to cause her discomfort of any kind.
“Mmm, that was a nice way to wake up.” Emily kissed his neck. Her tongue peeked out and licked his skin, which sent a shudder down the length of his body.
“That didn’t go exactly as I’d intended.”
“How so?” She kissed his jaw.
His blood continued its southern trek, making it hard to think. “I planned on going down on you, but you came too quickly.”
Emily’s giggle warmed him. “That’s your fault, you’re really good with your hands.” She snuggled closer, throwing one leg over his. “And your mouth.”
“It’s been so long, are you sure you remember—”
Her hand stroked his cock. He’d been about to ask her something but lost it when her hand closed around him. “Yeah, that feels good.” He knew it had to do with fucking, fucking and…oh right, his mouth. “Sit on my face.”
She continued stroking him as she sat up and only stopped when she’d straddled his torso. Walking up on her knees, she settled her pussy over his face. After a deep inhale of the intoxicating scent of her arousal, Jack closed his lips around her. Her body shuddered as he swirled his tongue around her swollen clit. He needed to come, so he jerked it while feasting on her.
“Oh, yeah…” She swiveled her hips over his mouth, temporarily breaking contact as she gripped the headboard. “Jaaack?”
“Yeah, baby?”
“I want to suck your cock.”
He immediately released himself and helped her turn around and settle over his face again. She leaned down, her knotted nipples grazing his abs. Then he was in her mouth, and her tongue moved up and down his length, as her hand grasped the base of his cock. “Yeah” was all he could manage. He had better things to do with his mouth, so he pushed his thumb inside her as he suckled and licked. She was so fucking wet, always so wet for him, and he couldn’t get enough.
Emily sat up and ground her pussy onto his face, as she stroked his cock, her saliva providing all the lubrication necessary. His balls tightened, and her mouth was on him again, not a second too soon, as he erupted into her waiting mouth. He held her hips in place as her orgasm shuddered through her. He wanted every last drop.
She bucked over him. “Yes.” Her cries echoed off the walls.
He helped her to climb off and pulled her into his arms. “I love you.”
Wednesday morning, Jack woke alone. The rich smell of bacon frying drew him out of bed. After a quick trip to the bathroom, he joined her in the kitchen. Em wore his T-shirt, which rose as she reached into a cabinet, giving him a delightful view of her bare ass.
He couldn’t help the moan that escaped his lips. She was so damn sexy that Jack didn’t think he’d ever get enough.
She turned and smiled. “Morning.”
Em looked much better. Her color was back to normal, and her smile held no hint of discomfort or pain. He hated seeing her in pain, but she let him take care of her. That was progress.
Jack poured himself a cup of coffee and refilled hers. She tended to the bacon, so when the English muffins popped out of the toaster, he buttered them.
Christie had never cooked him breakfast. She detested cooking and would eat cereal or yogurt for every meal to avoid it. He’d convinced her to take a cooking class when they’d first moved to L.A., but she’d hated it, so Jack went alone. He enjoyed working with his hands. Music, of course, but also the car he, Jimmy, and their dad worked on together. Cooking was another outlet for his creativity. He enjoyed the process of creating a meal from scratch, from choosing the fresh ingredients to chopping the vegetables. He liked simple food but enjoyed experimenting with variations on his favorites. He’d hoped cooking would be something he and Christie could do together, another bond to form. Jack hadn’t minded doing the cooking, but it would’ve been nice if they could’ve shared it.
“Do you want to eat here”—she pointed to the counter—“or in the dining room?”
“Here’s fine.” He couldn’t resist grabbing her when she placed the platter filled with bacon and scrambled eggs on the counter. She went on tiptoes, and their mouths crashed together. Her lips tasted of mint and coffee.
“Mmm.” She pulled back from the kiss, her eyes alight with desire for him. “We should eat first.”
He reluctantly released her, and she hopped up on one of the tall stools. They shared a comfortable silence as they filled their plates.
“Thank you for this,” she said, indicating their food.
“My pleasure.” Jack frowned. “Em, I don’t want money to be an issue between us.”
“I was mad. I’m sorry. But I meant what I said about wanting to pay for the food. I don’t want you to feel like you’re my meal ticket.” She smiled and waved her hand over the platter. “Literally.”
Jack put his fork down and turned to her. “That thought never entered my mind. You’re the most independent person I’ve ever met. But, I want to be able to help you, and if I see something that I think you’d like, I want to buy it for you without you biting my head off.”
“Yeah, sorry. I overreacted.”
“So, is there anything I can help you with?”
Emily’s fork stopped midway then she placed it on her plate. “You saw the bill, didn’t you?”
Jack put his hands up. “I wasn’t snooping. I forgot my notebook and needed some paper. It was on the floor, so I picked it up, but Elegant Affairs caught my eye. Why are they sending you the bill?”
Emily dropped her head in her hands. “Because Sully told them to.” Emily pushed her plate away. “Why would he tell the guy it was my idea to cancel the wedding? He cheated, that was his idea. You don’t cheat three weeks before your wedding when you want to get married.”
“Baby, don’t work yourself up over this again. I’ll pay it.”
Emily’s eyes darkened. “The fuck you will. I’m not a kept woman, Jack.”
“That’s not what I meant. Look, it’s onl
y eleven hundred bucks, let me pay for it, then you don’t have to deal with him again.” The fucker obviously had a plan all along; although, for the life of him, Jack had no idea why that bastard would screw with her like this.
“It’s a lot of money to me.” She ground her teeth and clenched her fists. She took a few deep breaths. “You can’t just swoop in here and fix this.”
She was being stubborn. “Why the hell not? I have the money.”
Emily shook her head. “We just agreed not to let this kind of stuff be an issue between us. I thought you understood that I have to deal with him. I appreciate that you want to fix this for me, but it’s my problem. You have to let me take care of it.
“This bullshit has been dogging us since we first met, and I need it to end. How am I supposed to move on with you if this shit keeps cropping up?” Emily flopped on the stool.
His temper flared. Why does it matter so much? She admitted they’d had issues. “Why are you so hung up on this asshole? If I make you happy, the past shouldn’t matter.”
Emily’s head snapped up. “Because you overwhelm me, and even when you’re not here, all I can think about is you.”
A ridiculously goofy smile spread across his face. She couldn’t stop thinking about him, which made him insanely happy. “Let me pay the bill. We’ll get him out of our lives, and you can pay me back if you want to.”
“Absolutely not. I’m not paying the bill. This was his responsibility, and if he forgot, then he’s the one who should pay.” Her jaw set in that stubborn way he’d come to recognize as intractable.
“You haven’t heard from him?”
“No. He was supposed to be back last Saturday, so I texted him about picking up his stuff, but he never responded. The guy at Elegant Affairs said Sully told him to send me the bill.”
Jack pounded his fist on the counter top. “That fucker has an end game.” He stood and paced, but Emily stepped in his way and stopped him, putting his arms around her.
“I wish I didn’t have to see him again, or to still be dealing with this crap, but the sooner I get in touch with him, the sooner it’ll be over.”
“What’s his number, I’ll take care of it.”
“No, Jack.”
His pulse hammered. “Why are you being so stubborn? Let me help you.”
“Because it’s my problem, and I’ll handle it.”
“I feel like you’re pushing me away.”
“I’m not, but I need to handle this, please…” She rested her head on his shoulder.
“I don’t want you seeing him without me.” Jack kissed the top of her head. He needed to keep his shit together over this before it blew them apart.
chapter
TWENTY-ONE
Emily hadn’t been able to contact Sully while Jack was staying with her. Jeff had offered to “visit” him, but Emily didn’t want this escalating out of her control. Her boyfriend and his bodyguard were both control freaks. Okay, that was harsh. Jack worried about her when they were apart, and Jeff had an avuncular affection for her which was very endearing. Her dad had watched over the families of his fallen brothers and sisters in much the same way, so she understood.
Emily continued to text Sully several times a day, mostly to annoy him. He was avoiding her, but she couldn’t figure out why he hadn’t picked up the rest of his stuff. He’d have a new place by now, and surely, he’d want his favorite black leather recliner with heat and massage in his new place? If she was petty, she’d slice it up with scissors, but that wasn’t like her.
It was, however, not above Wanda’s behavior. That was the name Eddie had given her when she’d refused to tell him hers. Wanda was the first character she’d created and had become Emily’s alter ego, who she’d drawn strength from while recovering from the accident. Wanda didn’t take shit from anyone. She was an in your face, bitch-slapping, six-foot-tall blonde who wore five-inch spiked heels, miniskirts, and a black leather jacket. The jacket looked remarkably like the one Eddie still wore. He was a bad ass, and he didn’t take shit from anyone, not even her. It was one of the things she loved about him.
When she’d started physical therapy, it had taken longer than she’d thought it would to see progress, so she’d stopped going. So Eddie had come to her room and had annoyed the crap out of her until she’d agreed to return. He’d told her about his accident, his three surgeries, and the tattoo artist that did the cover-up over his scars. He’d shown her pictures before and after the tattoo, and his scars were a lot worse than hers. Once she’d completed her rehab, he’d shown her the finished tattoo. It was cool, but she didn’t want that. She’d never be able to wear shorts or skirts again. A tattoo covering her scars wouldn’t change that. And no cute heels or any shoe that changed the angle of her ankle too much. The pins and screws ruled her.
J
Monday, as soon as Emily shut off the engine, the front door to Eddie’s house crashed open. She was barely out of the car when her three nephews attached themselves to her legs.
“That’s enough, boys,” Eddie yelled, as he ran down the walkway. “Give Aunt Emily a break.”
Three little Eddies pouted and released her but still crowded around her. They looked just like him from the jet-black hair to the azure blue of his eyes. Hopefully, baby girl Burris would take after Sheryl. She was a petite blonde with stunning green eyes.
“Now, boys, we talked about this. You have to be gentle with all girls. No roughhousing.”
“Bwut Unty Emwe wikes it when we pway wif fer.” Little Nicholas pouted. Nicholas was small for his age; Teddy and Michael towered over him.
Eddie picked up his youngest son and put him on his shoulders. “Nicholas, you can play with Aunt Emily but gently. I’ll get that.” Eddie took her overnight bag and the carrier that held the cake and cookies she’d made yesterday. Teddy and Michael held Emily’s hands and didn’t let go until they all walked into the kitchen.
Sheryl pulled a roast out of the oven. At five months pregnant, Sheryl glowed and had a well-rounded baby bump. Her petite frame was deceptively strong. She routinely beat Eddie at arm wrestling, and Eddie assured them that he didn’t let her win.
She hugged Sheryl. “You look radiant. I’m so happy for you.”
Sheryl pulled back and studied her. “You look glowy yourself.” She winked at Eddie. “I want all the details about Jack. Eddie tells me he’ll be joining us for dinner next time he’s in town.”
Eddie grunted. “Grill first, and if he passes, he can stay for dinner.”
“I want a cookie.” Teddy and Michael said in unison.
“Mwe twoo.” Nicholas bounced.
Eddie put the cookies on top of the fridge. “After dinner.” He turned and stared them down. All three boys burst out laughing. Eddie shook his head. “They used to be afraid of me.”
“Who are you kidding, Eddie? You’ve never even raised your voice to the boys.” Sheryl hugged her husband, who easily lifted her and kissed her full on the lips.
That sent the boys into fits of gagging and making vomit sounds along with a chorus of “ews” and “yucks.”
Eddie set Sheryl on her feet and smiled proudly. “Still got it.”
Grossing the boys out was one of his favorite pastimes and no easier way to do it than to kiss their mom in front of them.
Sheryl shooed the boys from the kitchen. “Go wash up, dinner will be in ten minutes. And help Nicholas.”
Stomping feet went up the stairs, and the water faucet turned on full blast.
“It’s good to see you, Emi. Sheryl’s right, you do look all glowy.” Eddie hugged her and kissed the top of her head. “Something you want to tell me?”
Sheryl swatted her husband’s arm. “Pregnancy isn’t the only thing that makes a woman glow.” She gave Emily a sympathetic smile. “Your new boyfriend is in for it. He’s been on the phone to Vince twice about it. Vince may even fly in if he can get away.”
A ruckus broke out upstair
s, so Eddie went up to intercede.
“Can I help?” Emily asked.
Sheryl looked around. “Nope.” She gave Emily a knowing look. “Don’t want to share the details just yet?”
Emily looked down. “Not really. He’s great, but with everything that happened with Sully, I’m not sure I can still trust my instincts.”
“Hey, we’re family.” Sheryl took her hand. “You couldn’t have done anything that would make what he did okay. Take your time, and don’t let Eddie and Vince pull that older brother routine on you. Tell us when you’re ready.”
Truth was, she liked the older brother routine. Riley always protected her.
The boys stampeded down the stairs and into the kitchen, followed by Eddie, whose T-shirt was spotted with water.
“I’m wungwy.” Nicholas reached for his dad.
“Well, that’s good, because dinner’s ready.” Eddie picked Nicholas up and put him in his highchair.
Emily was so blessed that Eddie and Sheryl had taken her into their family. They were both estranged from theirs. She and Vince were godparents to the three boys, and Eddie had asked them again for the new baby.
After dinner, Emily helped Eddie give the boys a bath so Sheryl could rest. They had dessert, and Emily made up three stories before the boys fell asleep. Teddy volunteered to sleep in his sleeping bag so Emily could have his room. Eddie tucked Nicholas in, kissing him on the head.
“What are you going to do after the baby comes?” Emily asked as they went downstairs. They had a three-bedroom split level.
“We’re going to get bunk beds, and Teddy will move in. He sleeps on the floor in their room most nights anyway.” The three boys were very close. When Teddy went to preschool, Michael cried for two days, and Nicholas was jealous that he couldn’t go to school with his brothers.
No More Yesterdays: A Rock Star Romance (Rocked in Love Book 2) Page 21
