KNOTTED: The Manhattan Bound Series, Book Three

by Juliet Braddock

  “No, little one,” his voice gentled her as she attempted to sit astride him. “Stand and turn around...”

  Spinning slowly, Maxine obeyed with a quick, “Yes, Sir...”

  Unable to resist his urges any longer, he reached out and skimmed his hands over her bottom, so boastfully admiring his own work. “Sinfully gorgeous...”

  Taking himself in his hand, he settled her right down over the throbbing ache of his cock. Inch by inch, he eased inside her until Maxine was perched in his lap, her back facing him so that he could look at the rise and fall of her stippled ass while they joined.

  “Lean forward just a little...right there,” he groaned. “Perfect...”

  Drew studied the Kama Sutra like some men studied the Bible. There was simply no point in doing anything without a full commitment to mastery.

  Tossing her head back, Maxine rocked unhurriedly, easing herself up and down the length of his cock with the strength of her own legs, all the while lost in the throes of never ending orgasm. Oh, this was so very deep—their movements seemingly choreographed as his hands roamed her torso, plucking away the wax from her nipples before dipping between her legs for another feel. Closing her eyes, she indulged in the complete fullness of their union.

  Desperation had given way to tenderness once more. All the delicious while, as Drew's whispers filled her ear with unbridled devotion, Maxine felt herself tightening around him, readying for one more fervent release.

  She could feel his lips playing against her shoulder, curving into a smile. “You'll come with me, little one?”

  “Oh, yes...” And she quickened her pace in anticipation of his command.

  “Almost there, Maxine...doing so well...” he encouraged. “Just like that...keep going...oh, what you do to me...”

  The tug of his fingers at her nipples and at her clit—just barely pulling—brought a gasp to her lips. “So good...”

  Then his hands moved with greater urgency to her hips, holding her so fiercely close as he throttled himself against her. “Now...now, Maxine...!”

  The flood of pleasure that had been rising caught her in its fierce tide, washing away every last nerve within her body with ripple after ripple—bubbling over and leaving her nearly limp in his arms.

  The only sounds echoing throughout that huge and lofty room, other than the dying embers crackling from the fireplace, were those of the strangled, collective breaths of Maxine and Drew.

  “My Maxine...” he rasped. “My precious Maxine...”

  Turning her in his arms, he squeezed her with the last bit of strength he could muster. “I just love you, little one...I just love you...”

  Her soft chuckle tickled against his chest. “I love you, too.”

  As much as he hated to ruin what he’s spent the afternoon doing, Drew began to gently pluck the wax from her body but made certain to take a photo first. Both he and Maxine wanted to preserve the memory.

  Lathering up his hands with lotion, he coated her ass with aloe, as both simply lingered in tranquility. Sometimes, their quiet sentiments spoke louder than words.

  Hoisting her into his arms, he headed for the couch. Often, Maxine curled up with her head in his lap, dozing off while Drew held her. It was one of his favorite times with her. Words weren't necessary. Comfort came in her simple need to just be close to him.

  However, he hoped that she could keep her eyes open for just a few more minutes.

  Covering her with the thick throw they’d kept on the back of the sofa, Drew smiled down upon Maxine, and then slipped back into his boxers. “Wait right there, little one. I have one more surprise for you…”

  Always the magician ready to pull another trick out of his hat, he disappeared so quickly up the stairs, leaving Maxine to wonder yet again what he was up to.

  For once, he actually wasn’t in any sort of hurry to inspect her entire body inch by inch after they’d scened. In fact, she even thought he seemed a bit distracted. He’d already proposed. Maxine had no idea what he could be worried about now.

  However, she didn’t have to wait very long.

  Down the stairs, his bare feet pounded like a child on Christmas morning, and when he stopped in front of Maxine, he garnered just the reaction for which he’d been hoping.

  Hands rushing to her open mouth, Maxine panted in pure delight against her fingertips as she looked at Drew, holding a kitten in each hand. As her eyes widened with that childlike innocence he so adored, she couldn't help but to squeal, then stopped herself, fearing she'd frighten those two little gray bundles of fur.

  “Kittens!” Maxine breathed at last and hurried over to snuggle them both before reaching for the boy and coddling him against her. Then, with a closer look, realization washed over her. “Drew—his eye! They’re the kittens from Vicki’s office!

  He couldn’t fight his own grin—or the urge to nuzzle the tiny girl closer. “They are indeed, little one.”

  “But what—” Maxine was so excited. She could only hope that she didn’t get the hiccups. “How did you…”

  “Adam flew out to get them yesterday, and your dad and Vicki met him on the tarmac,” Drew explained. “They spent the night at Jillian’s and—”

  “And that’s why I ran into Adam in the lobby!” Maxine said and stretched her neck out to kiss Drew. “I can’t believe you’ve gone to such lengths…”

  “Anything for you, little one,” he said brushing a kiss over her forehead.

  “You’ve surprised me like no one else ever has, Drew. This is…”

  His smile was simple as he nodded. “It’s the beginnings of our little family, Maxine.”

  “The perfect beginning, Drew—with twins!” She pulled back to look at her little squiggling baby boy once again. “Oh, you two need names!”

  Slumping down beside Maxine, Drew placed sister next to brother in her lap. “Something theatrical…”

  “Of course!” she agreed.

  “Evita and Che…”

  Maxine’s sideways glance said it all. “Drew…”

  “Tony and Maria?” he pressed her. “Oh, no…wait…how about Sweeney and Lovett?”

  “Daddy really does have a tragic mind, doesn’t he?” she whispered to the kittens playing upon her thigh. “What about…something sweet…and traditional—like Emile and Nellie?”

  “From South Pacific?” he asked, leaning in for his own snuggle with the pink-collared kitten. “You know, I like that. And this one looks like a Nellie…”

  “Emile and Nellie…” She lowered her head to rub her nose between them. “I think you two have names…”

  “Now not to put a damper on this glee, but you know Vicki said he might lose that eye…”

  “Drew, I don’t care,” Maxine said. “He’s still a very sweet kitty. If we had a child born with an imperfection, we’d still love him the same…”

  “Yeah…” he said and reached under Emile’s chin. “We’d love him even more…”

  With a quick steal of a kiss from his lips, she whispered, “And I have the best Valentine in the world...”

  “I have to argue you on that one, Best Valentine in the World...” he teased her back. “How we all head upstairs, and I’ll take another look at that little ass for you...”

  “That sounds like a plan,” Maxine murmured. “And I’m sure we can find ways to keep each other warm…”

  “You know...a blowjob in bed might be nice...it's been a couple of days...”

  “Mack! Not in front of the children!” she squealed then moved in to steal another kiss. “Oh, Happy Valentine's Day...'

  “Oh, yes, little one,” he groaned. “A very happy Valentine's Day...for all of us...”

  Chapter Three

  The snow had stopped intermittently—just long enough for Vicki’s flight to arrive that following Friday evening—but the temperatures were still bitter enough to freeze those once fluffy drifts into mounds of ice. Once again, Maxine found herself indebted to Lou for driving out to LaGuardia to pick up her
guest in such terrible conditions. However, Vicki made a solemn promise to Maxine that she’d be there for the selection of her wedding gown. No nor’easter could keep her away from New York City that weekend.

  Drew was at the theater, and Maxine thought it might be nice to have a glass of wine with Vicki once she arrived. They actually had late reservations at Joanne Trattoria—the delightful Italian restaurant owned by Lady Gaga’s parents—with Ben and Jeffrey later that night. They were all hoping for a sighting. For the moment, though, Maxine figured Vicki could use a little warm-up before trudging back out into the frigid New York night.

  “Max!” Vicki squealed as she opened her arms wide. Lou happened to really take a fondness to both Tom and Vicki, and he helped her upstairs with her bags. “How are you, sweetie?”

  Maxine returned Vicki’s hug and kiss. They were like a pair of old friends now, and Maxine couldn’t imagine getting through this weekend without her. “Missed you so much!”

  “Maxine,” Lou interrupted, “would you like me to stick around tonight and get yous to the restaurant?”

  “That’s very kind, Lou, but we’re good—it’s just down the street,” Maxine said. “But thank you.”

  “Well, then, I’m off to pick up Mack,” he saluted, “I’ll see yous tomorrow morning bright and early.”

  “Thank you for everything, Lou,” Maxine said, her smile heartfelt. “It means the world to me.”

  As Lou quietly slipped out the door, Vicki’s attention turned immediately to the two kittens swerving in and out of her legs.

  “Oh, they missed you!” Maxine said with a sense of guilt rising that perhaps they’d taken them too soon from Vicki’s care.

  Bending over, Vicki scooped them both up in one armful and turned to Maxine and smiled. “I think Emile and Nellie are in very good hands now…”

  Leading her toward the couch with the kittens in tow, Maxine began to catch her up. “Speaking of their care, Drew and I took him to that feline ophthalmologist you recommended….”

  “Your dad said she put a contact lens in his eye!” Vicki said, taking a seat on the couch. She then turned her full attention to Emile to study his little winker. That sweet furry boy couldn’t even hold his eye open with the painful sores that covered his cornea. “Yep—I see it there.”

  “She said it will help protect the ulcers as they heal, but he’ll still get the drops he needs,” Maxine filled her in. “And he likely won’t have to have this eye removed!”

  “Poor little guy, but I can already see a difference.”

  “Drew was so cute with him at the doc’s, holding him still and keeping him calm,” Maxine said. “And Nellie has just fallen for his charms. She cries for him while he’s at the theater…”

  While Emile seemed quite happy to see Vicki, he always wiggled his little way back to Maxine. “I’m so happy for all of you right now, kiddo,” Vicki said and accepted a glass of Merlot from Maxine. “I think we all deserve some joy. Cheers, Max.”

  “And to you, Vicki,” Maxine tapped her glass to Vicki’s. “So how’s Daddy getting along without you this weekend?”

  “Oh, he’s terrified—thinks I’m gonna get robbed or arrested or something,” Vicki shook her head and laughed. However, she found Tom’s worries so endearing. “But we’re keeping him busy. He’s got his cats—my four-legged brood—and he’s got that meeting about that treehouse tomorrow…”

  Any mention of the word treehouse just made Maxine giggle anymore. When her father attempted to tell her about this new endeavor the previous evening, Maxine lost her attention in her memories of that late fall afternoon with Drew. “So tell me more!”

  “Someone your dad built a house for recommended him,” Vicki said. “The client is one of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he’s having it built for his family in the backyard. They’re just discussing your dad’s plans tomorrow. But it’s not just any treehouse, Max. This crazy thing has multiple levels and a wraparound deck—even air conditioning!”

  “And all these years, I just had that rotting box up in the trees out in the backyard!” Maxine chuckled. “Well, it’s certainly filled with memories…”

  “As is this weekend,” Vicki took her hand. “Thank you for thinking of me. I am so very touched and honored to be with you tomorrow.”

  “Aw, Vicki, you’re too kind,” Maxine said.

  Vicki, though, felt as if Maxine had something else on her mind—a distraction. But she didn’t’ want to push her. Probably jitters. Every bride was nervous, and Maxine had the added worries of marrying someone whose life was on display for the entire world. Vicki just wanted to be there to support her on her journey in any way she could.

  “Listen, sweetie…” Vicki took Maxine’s hand somewhat awkwardly. “I know I’m no stand-in for your mom. Hell, I don’t’ even know the first thing about parenting. But as your friend…do you need to talk?”

  That concern touched Maxine deeper than Vicki could ever realize, and her words caught in her throat. “Oh, I’m fine, Vicki!” she insisted. “Just so much happening right now.”

  “Max, if you need an ear…I’m here for you,” Vicki said. “And I won’t say a word to your dad if that makes you feel better. But I just want you to know that I adore you. And you’ve got me here to lean on.”

  “Vicki…” Maxine blinked only to feel the tears fall down her cheek. “Oh, I’m just so emotional at the moment!”

  Combing her fingers through Maxine’s hair, Vicki said, “Oh, I didn’t mean to make you cry! Oh, Max...”

  Into Vicki’s arms, Maxine relented, and she needed that hug so desperately, even though she couldn’t gather her thoughts as to what she wanted to say.

  “Vicki, thank you for being there for Daddy,” Maxine managed. “You don’t realize it, but you’ve helped him conquer so much these last few months—mom’s death…my moving away. And I’ve seen that spunk return. He’s got that glimmer in his eyes again. And now that I’m getting married, I’m so glad he doesn’t feel so alone in this world. Thank you, Vicki. From the bottom of my heart.”

  “Hey, now, Max,” Vicki squeezed her tighter. “You two have made my life a whole lot happier, too. You were both such an expected gift to me. I was sort of sworn off men until your dad brought his kittens in one day. And I’ve found a dear friend in you.”

  Taking a step back, Maxine looked so thoughtfully into Vicki’s concerned gaze. “You’re an amazing lady, Vicki.”

  “So are you, Max—and thank you for being a part of my life…”

  Hooking Vicki’s arm through her own, Maxine said, “Well, let’s go make some memories, shall we? Are you ready to meet Lady Gaga?”

  Vicki leaned in close with a silly grin upon her lips. “I don’t think I could pick her out of a crowd,” she admitted. “The question remains—is Ben ready?”

  “Let’s go find out!”

  However, Vicki’s phone began to ring, and they both knew who was on the other line, just waiting to speak to both of them.

  “Didn’t we just speak when I landed?” Vicki answered playfully.

  “But that was over an hour ago,” Tom said as she hit speaker so that Maxine could hear, too. “What’s up, Doc?”

  # # #

  “Oh, Jillian…” Ben called out the second she stepped into the salon, arm-in-arm with Maxine. “Did you happen to see my picture with the great Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta from last night? You might know her as Gaga, but—”

  While they were hoping for a sighting during dinner the previous evening, never did Ben expect his icon to show up mid-meal. All were thrilled for him, having the chance to meet his Lady in person. However, this was one event in Ben Worthington’s life that would eventually weather everyone’s patience in their circle of friends.

  “Six times, Benjamin. Between you and Max and Jeffrey and Vicki—I got it from every angle,” Jillian assured him. “Did I not click like on every picture on Facebook?”

  “Oh, he was so excited!” Vicki squealed.

 
“I think he peed himself….” Jeffrey chimed in.

  “Hey, this is a big moment in my life,” Ben said—as if he had to remind everyone. “She’s the only woman I’d sleep with—”

  “You’ve slept with Max,” Jeffrey reminded him.

  “Ah, but not in the carnal sense. Drew’s the only one who’s had that privilege.”

  “Ben. Ja. Min.” Maxine stomped her foot as her face engulfed in flames. She could only hope those words didn’t reach Maggie’s ears. Sometimes, her Uncle Benjy got a little too loose with that sharp tongue. “How—”

  “And Gaga’s my pass, right Jeffrey?” Ben nudged him.

  “Only if I get Cher, pal…” Jeffrey countered.

  “Alright…” Anxious to change the subject, Jillian rubbed her hands together, then proceeded to initiate a conversation with Vicki. “So how’s my Papa Kirk, Vick?”

  “He’s doing just fine, Jill,” Vicki shook her head and laughed with a knowing wink at Maxine.

  As Vicki and Jillian continued discussing all things Tom, Maxine drifted backward into her thoughts yet again to her first introduction to this salon.

  Devious remembrances of her scavenger hunt filled Maxine’s mind as she looked at Maggie, who sat so pensively in that same spot where she’d scened with Drew only a few months ago. If her dear, sweet almost-mother-in-law only knew what happened on that shiny mahogany table behind her—where a mini-breakfast buffet had been set, complete with coffee, tea, and champagne—she would have perhaps chosen a different salon.

  All chatter halted, however, as four shopping assistants wheeled in a selection of wedding couture for Maxine to try. There was far more pomp and circumstance than Maxine could have imagined, with everyone so quickly turning their attention to the bride-to-be.

  Suddenly, the mood shifted, and Maxine’s body tensed—her shoulders braced, her jaw locked and her legs stiffened. As she pulled an unsteady breath into her lungs, no one missed that something was so very wrong. In fact, Maggie circled her waist with her arm and pulled her closer, her mother’s instinct kicking into overdrive.