by Layla Hagen
“Not yet, sweetheart. I promise I will make you come hard, but not yet.”
I kissed his chest as he climbed over me, rolling lower to trace the line of his abs with my tongue, feeling his erection across my chest. Graham pulled me back up until our mouths were level. He captured my lips, sliding in his tongue, kissing me ferociously. This man wasn’t just kissing me. He was making love to my mouth. I became so turned on from his kissing I felt I would combust soon. I brought Graham’s hand to my clit. He slid two fingers inside me, groaning against my mouth when he realized how slick I was.
Pressing the heel of his palm against my clit, he moved his hand rhythmically, driving me crazy. My body was at his mercy: his tongue explored my mouth, his fingers filled me, his palm worked my clit. I exploded all around him, bracing my palms on those muscle-laced arms. I felt him move slightly on the bed, then heard him slide on protection before he pushed inside me.
“Oh, oh, oh... Graham.” My inner muscles were still clenched tight from the orgasm, and Graham slid in a few inches.
“You feel perfect.” Another inch. “Perfect.”
I rolled my hips then, taking in all of him, reveling in the exquisite pleasure. He loved me until we were both satiated and spent.
“Mmmm... every afternoon should be like this,” I declared a while later, after we’d showered and returned to bed.
“I can make it happen.” Graham bit my shoulder lightly. His hands were naughty again. He was propped against the headrest, and I was lying with half of my back against his chest. One of his hands was circling my nipples, turning the skin on my breasts to goose bumps. The other was drawing small circles on my lower belly, inching dangerously close to my clit.
“Your hands are wandering a lot today,” I admonished.
“They are, aren’t they? Entirely your doing.”
“How do you figure?”
He kissed one shoulder then the other. “You’re the one tempting me.”
“Oh, I see. So you’re not going to claim any responsibility?”
His lips spread in a grin. “None whatsoever.”
I moved one of my hands between his thighs, squeezing his erection. He groaned.
“You were saying, Graham?”
“Lori.” His voice held a hint of warning, but I ignored it, pumping along the length until I was satisfied that he was just as hot and bothered as I was. Then I stopped touching him and swatted his hands away, turning so I was half straddling him, laying my head on his chest.
We stayed like that for a long while, and eventually, I asked, “What’s on your mind, Graham? I can feel your wheels spinning.”
“My dad. Wondering what’s the best way to deal with him. I was thinking about asking him to work at the club again instead of just giving him money. Maybe it’ll teach him about responsibility.”
“I think that’s a great idea.”
“You do?”
“Yes.”
“But I don’t trust him handling any money.”
“How about PR? I saw a few old interviews with him. He seemed good in front of the camera.”
He kissed the top of my head. “That’s definitely a good plan. Amber could keep a close eye on him. She’d love it. Thanks for the idea.”
“Anytime. Thank you for talking about it with me.” I wanted to give this man everything he needed: my love and support, my strength. I cuddled closer to him, then moved on top, propping my chin on his chest, looking up at him. Graham feathered his fingers up and down the sides of my torso, paying extra attention to my breasts. I squirmed against him. He groaned.
“You have more ideas, huh?” His voice was rougher now.
I licked my lower lip. “Plenty.”
He cupped my ass with both hands, squeezing a little. “Why don’t you show them to me right now?”
“I’m trying to decide which one to pick first.”
***
A few days later, after Milo fell asleep in the evening, Graham brought up Jeff.
“My accountant said that he hasn’t cashed that check.”
“Wow. Why do you think?”
“Talked to one of the club’s lawyers. He said Jeff’s likely waiting for the malpractice suit to be over to cash it; otherwise, he could lose that money too. I want my lawyer to draw up a document for that scumbag to sign that he’ll never bother you and Milo again, and if it’s okay with you, I’d ask him to give up parental rights too. I’d like Milo to see me as his dad one day.”
I swear my heart grew in size. “I’d love that, Graham. I’d love it.”
Jeff didn’t give in easily. His first reaction when we approached him with the document was to ask for more money. Then Graham and I brought out the big guns, setting up a meeting with Jeff and a sharp lawyer.
I made it clear to Jeff that not only would I drag him through courts for the accrued child support, but that we’d accuse him of extortion too. When the lawyer and Will—who’d insisted on attending the meeting and flashed his badge at every turn—explained to him that cashing Graham’s check could constitute proof of extortion, which is punishable by two to four years in prison in California, not only did he agree to sign our papers, he also returned the check and gave up his parental rights.
“See, brother?” I teased as Will, Graham, and I stepped out of the attorney’s office. “The badge does work on someone.”
Will winked. “Works on everyone I’m not related to.”
Graham kissed the side of my head, pulling me into a half hug. “Let’s go pick up our boy from school.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Graham
Two months later, I asked Lori to let me pick Milo up from a play date. My official story was that I was taking him to try out some new soccer equipment because he was outgrowing the one he already owned. We were going to shop for new equipment, but that wasn't all I had planned for today.
While I waited for Milo, I scrolled through my e-mails. There was one from the lawyer who’d handled our issues with Jeff. I’d asked him to keep us informed on the outcome of the malpractice suit. The final decision had been reached last week. Jeff lost every penny he had to his name, and the right to practice. He had it coming.
As for my father, I was trying out the new arrangement Lori and I came up with.
I'd told him that the monthly payments would stop. From now on, he'd pay his debts and earn a living as an employee of the LA Lords. He'd seemed pleasantly surprised that I'd allow him to be involved with the club again. My hope was that the job would make him grow up, especially because he’d be working under Amber's strict supervision in PR and didn't have any direct access to the club's funds. Our interactions were as awkward as ever, but Lori insisted that would change with time. Maybe it would work out. I wasn't holding my breath, but it felt right to make that change.
"Are we really going to the store?" Milo asked the second he climbed into the car.
"Yes, we are, buddy."
"Can we go to the toy store too?"
Since I was liable to be talked into buying the entire store if I said yes, I shook my head. "We promised your mom we'll all go together next time, remember?"
He jutted out his lower lip, but didn't press the issue. I loved the little rug rat. I couldn't wait for him to have brothers and sisters, but all in due time.
We arrived at the club's store about thirty minutes later. It was almost closing time, but I'd already arranged for Christie, the vendor on shift, to keep the store open longer for us. Milo was ecstatic as he tried on jerseys and shoes. He didn't need a new ball, but I bought him one anyway, because he'd been eying it since we stepped inside the store.
"What do you say to pizza for dinner?" I asked once we strolled out.
"I love pizza. Is Mom coming too?"
"No, just the two of us. I need to talk to you about something."
He eyed me cautiously. "Am I in trouble?"
"No, not at all." I ruffled his hair, but he didn't seem to relax.
"Okay. I love p
izza."
"Me too, buddy."
I led him to an Italian restaurant one block away from the club. It was one of my favorites. They used wood for their pizza oven, and the smoky smell was thick in the air. They made the crust thin and crispy. The wall paneling imitated natural stone, which made for a relaxing ambience.
Since it was relatively early for dinner, there were few patrons. I was a regular here, so the owner, Enzo, came to greet us. He was thin with olive skin and black hair on which he'd painted green strands.
"Graham, finally getting to bring your little one here too." He patted Milo's shoulder. I liked the sound of that. Your little one.
"Yeah. I'll bring Lori around soon too. I promise." I turned to Milo. "What do you want to eat?"
Milo tore his gaze away from Enzo's hair. "Can I have lots of pepperoni on my pizza? And onions?"
"One pizza with pepperoni and onions for him, and one with cheese for me," I said to Enzo.
After he left, Milo looked at me expectantly. He was still nervous about what I had to say. I'd planned to wait until dessert to lay it all out for him, but I decided to switch things up.
"Here's what I wanted to talk to you about, buddy. Your mom and I have been together for a while now, and I love her very much. I love both of you, in fact."
He swallowed hard and fidgeted in his seat, but he didn't say anything.
"I want to marry your mother, and I wanted to first talk to you, man-to-man, ask if you're okay with it."
Milo cast his eyes downward to the tablecloth, fiddling with the fork between his hands. Something was clearly eating at him, but I couldn't figure out why. I could only wait for him to open up.
Eventually, he looked up, and asked, "So you will always be with mom and me?"
"Yes I will."
"You won't leave?"
Punch straight to the gut. He'd become tiny while he'd asked the question, hunching his small shoulders. I chose my next words carefully.
"No, Milo. I won't leave. I promise. I love you both, and I'd like to be part of your family."
He played with the fork in his hand some more. I could tell he had other questions, and I waited patiently.
"If you marry mom, will you be my dad?"
"Yes, I will be."
"So I can call you dad?"
My smile seemed to encourage Milo to smile too. "Of course. I'd love that.”
"That's so cool. I never had anyone to call dad before."
Something twisted in my chest. I wanted to hug this kid.
"So you'll do dad things with me?" Milo continued. "Come to parents' day? Buy presents for Mom on Mother's Day?"
"Yes."
"Can I tell everyone at school I have a dad now?" he continued, almost as if he couldn't believe it.
My chest twisted some more. "Absolutely. So, what do you say? Do you give me your permission to ask your mom to marry me?"
"Yes! You have my permission."
Epilogue
Lori
One Month Later
"Wake up, sleepyhead," a soft voice murmured. I yawned, but instead of opening my eyes, I scooted closer to the source and was met with Graham's clothed chest. What the heck? Per my request, my man was sleeping only in boxers, so I could feel him up every chance I got. But now he was wearing a shirt and, by the feel of it, jeans too, which meant he'd been up for a while. I blinked open one eye, then the other. Through the glass wall of his bedroom, I noticed the sun was high up in the sky.
"What time is it?"
"Ten."
"I love lazy Saturdays. But you had a meeting this morning. How come you're home?"
The word still felt a little foreign on my tongue, even though Milo and I had moved in here a week ago. Graham had asked us to move in a while ago, but we had to wait until Milo's school year was over. I liked my house, but... I loved the villa more. There was more space, and the view of the ocean was simply amazing.
"Moved it to Monday so we could enjoy the morning together."
I detected an edge in his voice.
"Nervous about tonight?" I teased.
"Not at all."
We'd invited my family for a barbecue on the beach. They were set to arrive at six o'clock. Milo had a sleepover last night, and Will was picking him up on the way here.
That meant we had the entire morning just for us. Graham's gorgeous eyes twinkled. He was planning something; I could tell. But what?
He braced his forearms by my sides, caging me in. He kissed my neck, then kissed even lower, swiping his tongue over one nipple—because we'd negotiated a tit-for-tat arrangement when it came to pajamas; he'd sleep without a shirt only if I did too. At the moment, I was at a clear disadvantage. I was squirming by the time he moved to the other.
"What a way to wake up," I whispered on a moan. Graham moved farther down, skimming his hands over my waist and hips.
His mouth was marking a red-hot trail everywhere he kissed: my breasts, my stomach, my belly. When he nudged my thighs apart, I readily opened for him. He swiped his tongue once over my entrance, taking my clit between his lips. A bolt of heat zinged me. My hips swung upward of their own accord. A small tremor coursed through me, spreading from my center right to my toes.
"I want you," I muttered, lifting myself up on one elbow and reaching for his shoulder, tugging at his shirt. I pulled at the fabric until he relented and moved up until his mouth was level with mine. I took off his shirt as fast as possible, then the rest of his clothes. He trapped me under him, rubbing his erection against my inner thigh, teasing me. I rolled my hips invitingly, and he entered me the next second. He loved me slowly, slipping a hand between us, strumming his fingers over my clit until I exploded, taking him over the edge with me.
"I don't think my body can handle so much sexiness first thing in the morning," I whispered, curling in his arms.
"Practice makes perfect."
"I could definitely get used to it... with more practice. And since today is a lazy day..."
Graham pulled back a little, kissing my knuckles, motioning with his head to the door. "We still have some of your boxes to unpack. Thought we'd make some headway this morning."
I hid under the covers. "I think I'll go back to sleep now."
"Come on, lazy girl. You heard what Nana said.”
“If you have to swallow a frog, do it first thing in the morning.”
We’d visited Nana last month, and I adored that woman. She also gave great advice, so I should lift my lazy ass from the bed. But I wanted to try one more time.
"I have better ideas." I peeked from under the covers.
"Unpacking first."
I wasn't going to win this battle, that much I could tell. Perhaps it was a good thing, because if I had it my way, those boxes would remain unopened until Christmas.
"Okay, okay."
Twenty minutes later, I joined Graham in the living room. While sipping my morning coffee, I surveyed the small mountain of boxes tucked in one corner.
"I could swear it was smaller yesterday," I muttered when I finally dragged myself closer. On top were four identical small boxes that looked unfamiliar, but that wasn't saying much. I'd been in a frenzy while packing. I started with the first small box. It was empty except for a card with one word. "Will."
I frowned, trying to remember if these were supposed to be samples of wedding keepsakes. Boxes with printed poems on a card were not uncommon. Both the box and the card were definitely elegant enough for it—rectangular, with a glittery texture.
I opened the next one, hoping it would shed some light on the mystery. Another card, another word. You.
My heart started beating a little faster. There were two other boxes. Out of the corner of my eye, I tried to locate Graham in the room, but he wasn't in my line of vision, so I surmised he was somewhere behind me. My fingers were shaky when I opened the third box.
Marry.
I covered my mouth with one hand, blinking at the word. Then I opened the fourth box, and arranged a
ll the cards next to each other. Will You Marry Me?
I felt Graham come up behind me. He brought his mouth to my ear, and whispered, "Marry me, Lori Connor. You're the sweetest and strongest woman, and you have my heart. Nothing would make me happier than knowing you want to be my wife, that you'll trust me to make you happy for the rest of our lives. Will you be my wife? Will you and Milo be my family officially?"
"Yes, yes! Yes! I want to marry you."
He put an arm around my waist, flattening my back against his chest. Looking down, I noticed a ring in his open palm. A beautiful, princess-cut diamond set in a platinum band. Even without a ring box with the Bennett Enterprises logo on it, I knew this was one of Pippa's creations.
“This is my vow to you, and to Milo. I’ll always put you first, and love you.”
“Oh, Graham. I love you so much.”
My hand was shaking when he slid the ring on my finger. My chest was so full of emotion that I didn't know what to do with myself. Turning me around, he pressed his mouth to mine. We kissed as if we hadn't kissed in weeks. It felt like our first kiss all over again.
I hadn't been expecting this. After all, he'd been wary of marriage when I met him. I'd accepted it because I knew it didn't mean he loved me less. Yes, strange line of thinking for a wedding planner, and especially for me, but I was happy living with him and loving him. I didn't need a ring on my finger. Of course, that didn't make me any less ecstatic for actually receiving a ring. When I felt him hoisting me up in his arms, I wrapped my legs around him on instinct.
"Where are you taking me?" I asked, holding on tight.
"Upstairs to celebrate. We can unpack later."
***
My family started arriving at about five thirty. I was waiting for everyone to be here before I showed them the ring. Val and Hailey were the first ones. Val had brought her signature homemade barbecue sauce, and also some perfume samples for us to test and give our opinion. Landon, Maddie and their newborn daughter Willow arrived next.
