“Just one guy was the problem or…there’s a history?”
She kissed his neck. “Hurry up and finish your cereal. I want to try something with you I’ve never done with any man before.”
He gave her a knowing look. “I told you my story.”
She hopped off the kitchen stool and walked around him to the sink, rinsing out her bowl. Only a moment later, his hand reached past her, turning off the water, his arms wrapping around her waist.
“Lex.” His voice was a rumble in her ear. “I just want to know why you get so worked up about cheating. Sometimes it seems like you think all men are scum.”
“Not all men,” she said, turning in his arms and wrapping her arms around his neck. She pressed her body against his. “Not you.”
He stroked her hair. “You trust me in bed. I know that, or you wouldn’t let go like you do, but do you trust me out of bed?”
She dropped her hands from him and looked away. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings because she loved him; she was pretty sure that was what this was. She’d never felt like this about anyone before, but the truth was…she just wasn’t there yet. Her trust in men had been broken a long time ago.
He cradled her jaw, turning her back to him. “That’s okay. I’ll earn your trust, I swear. Just tell me why you think men are scum, me being the exception.”
She grimaced, hating to out her family, but wanting to be as open with him as he’d been with her. “You’re right. It’s not just my cheating ex.”
His hands went to her hips, holding her lightly.
She took a deep breath, staring at his chest. “My dad and older brother are cheaters. I never trusted either one of them because they lie and sneak and hurt the women who love them.”
“Ouch.”
“Yeah, not my favorite topic.” Agitated, she wanted escape, but Marcus still held her by the hips, standing in her personal space. She lowered her lashes, unable to sustain eye contact. “I’m not used to sharing so much.”
He kissed her gently. “I don’t want to feel numb with you, Lexi.”
She blinked back stinging tears. “I’m a little overwhelmed. I’ve never felt like this before about anyone.”
He kissed her and then smiled, a wicked smile that stole her breath. “Are you ready to move on to the part where I blow your mind?”
“Yes,” she breathed, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him.
The rest was a hot blur, their mouths hungry, hands grabbing. He ripped her T-shirt off, leaving her completely naked. She yanked his boxer briefs down and off, stopping to drop a kiss on his hard cock. He jerked, which only encouraged her. She wrapped her fingers around him and then took him into her mouth.
He groaned. “Lexi.”
She’d barely gotten started, turning herself on with each suck, when he pressed on her jaw, making her loosen her hold. He pulled her to her feet, lifting her, his lips sealing over hers. She wrapped her arms and legs tight around him, loving the feel of all that hard male.
Mouths fused, he walked with her until her back hit the wall. He ground against her, creating delicious friction. She dug her nails into his shoulders, soaked for him. Needing more, she held him, guiding him inside.
His head jerked up, and he shifted her so he could pull out. “Fuck. Condom.”
She didn’t let him go, her arms and legs wrapped around him. “Hurry and get one.”
He walked upstairs with her still in his arms, set her on the bed, grabbed a condom from the nightstand drawer, and rolled it on. Then he pulled her out of bed in one quick move, already marching her backward. “I want you against the wall.”
“Yes!”
He wrapped an arm around her waist, kissing her and guiding her over to the wall. And then he was lifting her, taking her in one powerful thrust, his arm behind her back to cushion her, fucking her and taking care of her at the same time. She hung onto his powerful shoulders, his thrusts sure and deep, rocking her.
His dark eyes gazed into hers as he slid a hand between them, stroking her, making her wild, bucking and clawing at his back. He pinned her still, pumping into her and stroking rapidly. Oh, God. The intensity skyrocketed, her breath coming in short bursts, white-hot pleasure surging through her.
She threw her head back, her body tightening around him, on the knife-edge of release.
His voice reached through the haze, gruff and growly. “You’re trembling. Just let go. I got you.”
She came hard, sensations exploding through her, hot and pulsing with life and love. Pure incandescent love. She pressed her lips against the side of his neck, bottling the words deep inside. His head arched back with his release, the tendons in his neck pulling tight. She bit gently on the cord of his neck and he roared, rocking her with his final pumps.
He breathed heavily for a moment, one hand on the wall behind her, one arm still around her waist, supporting her. Then he tossed her over his shoulder and palmed her ass. “Back to bed.”
The blood rushed to her head, making her dizzy at the sudden change. “Yes, please,” she managed.
He groaned. “We’re going to kill each other.”
She laughed, a giddy happy laugh as he gently set her down on the bed. “But we’ll have fun doing it.”
“Be right back.” He went to the en suite bathroom, and she relaxed in his big bed, breathing in his scent in the sheets, his taste on her tongue still fresh.
He returned and smiled wickedly. “Now you’re going to do that thing with me you’ve never done with another man.”
“Oh, hmm…” That was, of course, a distraction.
He climbed over her, his palms on either side of her head, straight-armed, and looked down at her. “Let me guess, you made that up to distract me from our talk.”
“Well…”
“Don’t worry, I’ve got all sorts of ideas for you. You can tell me when we get to one you haven’t tried.”
She stroked his back, knowing he wanted only to make her feel good. It made her want to be more open. “Marcus, I-I almost trust you. Out of bed, I mean. I’ll get there. Just give me a little time.”
He kissed her, his fingers stroking down her throat. “Okay. I trust you, you know.”
“That’s because I’m very honest.”
“So am I.”
“Then just keep being honest.”
“You have the worst beard burn on your neck.” He shifted and rolled her to her belly, his hand sliding up the inside of her leg. “And right here.”
She looked at him over her shoulder. “Totally worth it.”
He stroked his fingers down her spine, bringing an electric tingle, before smacking her ass lightly. “Assume the position.”
She lifted her hips. “Is this what you want?”
“Is this what you want?” he growled. And then his wicked tongue did wicked things and she fucking loved it.
Her world a kaleidoscope of colors behind her eyelids, she let go—
And she flew.
Knowing he’d take care with her, knowing he adored her, knowing, deep down, love.
Chapter Twelve
So she’d spent the weekend with Marcus. He’d invited her to stay and then he’d made it easy for her, taking her shopping for a change of clothes and toiletries so she could feel comfortable at his home, giving her his laptop to finalize the event details. The S trifecta that was Marcus Shepard—smart, sexy, sweet—on full display. Swoo-oo-ny sigh. He’d driven her home on Sunday. They’d checked in on his mom, who was in good spirits, and then he’d stayed at Lexi’s place.
Being with Marcus was easy. They just fit. She respected him. And she didn’t give respect to a man easily. He was honest, open, and responsible. A man she could depend on. Probably the first time she’d met a dependable man in her entire life. His bad rep and the rumors about him just didn’t fit with the man she knew. Most importantly, he wasn’t a cheater. Yes, he’d been seeing multiple women at one time, but that was a reaction to his failed marriage, and he’d
been honest with those women that it wasn’t exclusive. He’d changed, and now he was with her. Exclusive.
He’d left her place early on Tuesday morning for a meeting in the city about the coffee shop that was opening in the space next to his bar. She spent the time on all the last-minute details for the Mardi Gras event happening tonight. She planned to drive into the city with the decorations. She’d tackle the setup and then she’d check in with the kitchen and the bar. The menu looked awesome—gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp with grits, and miniature king cakes. She’d found a bakery in the city to make the cakes and had them add a cherry in the middle of several of them. The person who found a cherry would win beads and a gift card to The Burrow. She was excited and nervous and hopeful all at the same time. Kind of the same way she felt about Marcus.
She stepped into The Burrow late Tuesday afternoon with three boxes of decorations that nearly obscured her view. She set them on the bar and looked around. The place was open, but nearly empty since it was early. Only one guy sat at the bar.
Marcus appeared through the employees-only door. “Lex, you should’ve texted me. I would’ve helped you carry stuff.”
She couldn’t help her smile. He actually took offense if she didn’t let him help do stuff. Not only that, he made the bed each morning, his and hers, making sure there were no wrinkles in the blankets and fluffing the pillows. He was a manly man in touch with his feelings and quite domesticated—a truly extraordinary specimen.
She gestured toward the street. “There’s more in the car. All the stuff for the activity stations and the prizes. I parked in the lot at the seaport.”
“Key.” He wiggled his fingers for her car key as he walked over to her, all masculine competence. So frigging sexy. “I’ll move your car closer and bring the stuff in.”
She pulled the key from her purse and handed it over. “Thank you.”
He leaned down, smiling, and kissed her. “You can thank me later in your special way.”
She grinned. “If you’re lucky.”
He laughed and headed out the door, saying on his way out, “I already got lucky finding you.”
She sucked in air. Sometimes he just said these things, these amazing things that just slayed her. He pushed open the door, turned, and winked at her.
She ran to him, grabbed his shoulders, and went up on tiptoe to kiss him. He met her halfway. “I’m lucky too,” she whispered. “Go, just go.” She shoved at his chest before he could see the tears in her eyes.
He was immovable. “Lexi, baby,” he crooned, smiling with a soft look in his eyes.
She turned her head away, blinking back tears. He cupped her cheek for a moment and left, giving her some space.
She walked back inside, her hand on her pounding heart. She loved him so much it was crazy, like jittery happy, part scared, part thrilled. Her cheating ex had been the first time she’d had a serious relationship. All the other guys before him she’d been too scared to stick around long enough for something that might get serious. What she’d felt for her ex was nothing like this. And she thought maybe Marcus had deep feelings for her too.
She rubbed her forehead, belatedly wishing she’d invited her friends tonight, especially Sabrina. Her counselor friend could calm her and reassure her it would all be okay. She was sort of a love specialist. She pulled out her phone and typed a message to Sabrina: I’m in love with Marcus. She broke out in a sweat and deleted it. Just seeing the words made her adrenaline spike.
Focus. Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras. Her brain blanked on her, all the details she needed to remember suddenly gone. Overload, overload, overload.
The event had to go off perfectly, and she was falling apart. She’d never done a solo event before, and the pressure to succeed combined with her roller-coaster emotions had her in a near panic. She needed Hailey, the ultimate planner, to help her through. Hailey had been working solo for years.
She sent a quick distress signal to Hailey. I’ve got two hours until the Mardi Gras event and I’m freaking out!
Hailey replied a moment later. Do you want me to drive out there and help? I could be there by six thirty.
Lexi’s throat tightened. Hailey was such a good friend. And Hailey must be so busy with all her wedding planning. How did she manage to keep her cool with so many weddings and all those brides she had to shepherd through an emotional time?
Lexi texted back: That’s okay. I’m sure you’re busy.
I just finished up with a client.
Never mind. I got it. Thanks anyway.
Sure?
I’m in love with Marcus. DELETE. She took a deep breath in and out, and then she texted back: Yeah, all good. Momentary freak-out. Thanks for being there.
Anytime. You got this! Go, Lexi, go!
Lexi smiled, actually feeling calmer with her friend’s cheerleading. She tucked her phone away and opened the first box of decorations—festive garland for the periphery of the room. She could do this no problem. Just focus on the event. One step at a time. She looked up to the high ceilings with punched tin tiles. She needed a ladder or a stepstool to reach.
She asked the bartender where to find one, and he gave her directions to a back storage closet. She dragged the stepstool out and got to work, starting in the front of the bar. She’d done half the room when Marcus returned with some boxes, setting them down on the floor.
“Lex,” he boomed across the room, “I’m getting you some help.”
She pressed the sticky double-sided tape in place and looked over at him. “I’m good.”
He ignored her and went into the back. A few minutes later, he returned with two twentysomething cute hipsters she’d never met before. “This is Sara and Caleb. They’ll give you a hand.”
She gave them a friendly wave. Sara had long pink hair, a nose ring, and wore a black T-shirt with cutoff shorts and black tights. Caleb had curly messy brown hair and wore a short-sleeved blue shirt with white palm trees and brown corduroys.
Her new helpers jerked their chins at her with a friendly, “Hey,” as Marcus watched them like a hawk. Seeming satisfied with their response, Marcus turned to her. “I parked you a block away. I’m going to get the rest of the stuff.”
“Thank you!” she called after him.
He lifted a hand in acknowledgment and kept walking.
She sighed, watching his broad capable shoulders disappear through the door. Nothing better than a man who’s got his shit together.
“He has that effect on women,” Sara said.
Lexi stiffened. “I’m sure.”
Sara nodded. “Everyone on staff has a crush on him, even one of the guys.”
“That’s nice,” Lexi said evenly. “Could you find the box with the tabletop decorations? Caleb, maybe you could set up the long table over there.” She pointed to where she wanted it. “Marcus said there was one in the basement storage.”
“On it,” Caleb said.
Sara lingered. “So you and Marcus are official, huh? He called you his girlfriend.”
She felt herself flush. “Yeah, I guess it’s official.”
Sara lowered her voice. “Just be careful. I heard—”
“Marcus and I are good. I don’t want to hear the gossip.” She was past that. She knew this man, had taken a risk, and now she was in deep. She had to learn to trust in him.
“Suit yourself,” Sara said cheerfully before heading to the bar for the next box of decorations.
~ ~ ~
Two hours later, with the event in full swing, Lexi was happily guiding people through the activity stations. Sara and Caleb helped her for the rest of the night. It turned out Sara was a waitress/artist and Caleb was a dishwasher/musician. They were really good with the customers, and she could see why Marcus would want them on staff. Marcus jumped in frequently to help and had done the white twinkling lights by himself, but he was also busy managing stuff behind the scenes, working with the kitchen staff, and jumping in to help with bartending.
The crowd just kept bui
lding as the king and queen of the bar contest spread through social media. They had twenty people enter the contest and put a poll on their fave social media hangout. Their friends were voting, sharing, and coming in to see the results. It was awesome.
Hurricanes were flowing freely, along with purple martinis made with blueberry vodka, and the fave of the night, the King’s Cup, a champagne and vodka concoction in commemorative gold goblets she’d ordered special for the occasion with “Mardi Gras at The Burrow” printed on one side. The music was a cheerful Cajun zydeco. Later for the masquerade speed dating, she’d switch the music to jazz.
She stopped by the long table, where Sara was teaching people how to make floats out of miniature cereal boxes. “How’s it going?” Lexi asked.
“Awesome.” Sara lifted a small Froot Loops float with gold glitter and green feathers glued all over it. “This one’s mine. I had to make an example.”
“Nice!” Lexi turned to Caleb at the bar, who was egging people on to get more votes in the king and queen poll. He smiled over at her, and she grinned back. She turned back to Sara. “We’ll wrap this station up in an hour and give out the prizes. Clear the table completely because it’s going to hold dessert later. Everyone gets beads just for participating.”
Sara grinned. “No flashing, huh?”
“No flashing. I’ll get you a few necklaces to wear, and then you can hand out the others.”
She glanced toward the booths in the back, where people were eating New Orleans-style food. She’d originally thought they’d do the masquerade speed-dating rounds in the booths, but there was no way she could kick people out of their seats. She’d just have them do the speed-dating thing standing. And it would be super speedy. Three questions, mark a yes if you were interested, first names only. She was pleased with the questions too and planned to eavesdrop as she kept the time for them. She’d asked Marcus a bunch of the questions earlier to whittle them down to the ones certain to have the most creative answers. The winners were: What superpower would you want and why? What would you buy with a million dollars? And what’s your favorite cereal? The goal was fun and laughter, not a love match, but who knew? She and Marcus had bonded over cereal.
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