by McBain, Mara
“Sweet Jesus, Cole. Please!”
Her teeth sank into his shoulder as he filled her. Cole’s powerful body shuddered as he pulled back and sank into her again.
“Yes,” she hissed in his ear.
The tempo built slowly, his hard thrusts stabbing deep. Her heels dug into the upper swell of his buttocks, spurring him on. Hooking her chin over his shoulder, she held on as his body sent her crashing over the edge. Try as she might, a keening cry still clawed from her throat as her body clamped around him and lights flashed behind her tightly closed lids. Her release seemed to free Cole’s control. He pounded into her until she fought for breath. She felt his whole body tense and clamped a hand over his mouth as his head fell back. Her palm muffled most of his roar, and she nearly laughed out loud in relief and jubilation as he slumped against her.
He kissed her palm and she let her hand fall away so he could catch his breath. His barrel chest rose and fell and his heart slammed against her. Aftershocks shuddered through his body. Kissing the corded muscles along the side of his neck Adrienne let her hands glide up and down Cole’s back, soothing him.
“Sorry,” he panted.
She laughed against his ear, hugging him. “Don’t be. That was amazing.”
Tightening his arms around her, he stepped away from the wall and backed to the bed. She held her breath, but he merely sat down, their bodies still joined. He stroked her thighs and captured her lips in another kiss that made her head spin. He let out a slow breath when he came up for air.
“You make my knees weak,” he confessed, leaning his forehead against hers.
Adrienne laughed. “If you think I could stand up right now, stud, you underestimate yourself.”
A boyish grin carved his handsome face and Adrienne couldn’t resist cupping his cheeks in her hands.
“I love your smile,” she whispered.
“I love your laugh and the way your eyes sparkle when you’re angry or really happy,” Cole answered with a chuckle.
“Is it the same sparkle?”
“It is,” he confirmed, grin widening. “So, what I’m thinking is, I could enjoy it while you’re pissed off at me, and then again when we make up.”
Adrienne threw her head back and laughed until tears leaked from the corner of her eyes. Laughing with her, Cole pulled her close, kissing the top of her head. She nuzzled his throat, relishing the protective cradle of his body. It felt right.
“If the offer is still open, the answer is yes.”
Chapter Seven
Cole’s hands shook as they closed around Adri’s shoulders and gently pushed her back from him to look into her face. Her lips quirked in an adorable smile, and the sparkle he loved so much lit her shamrock eyes.
“You’ll marry me?”
“If you’ll still have me,” she said, her voice steady, but tension creeping in to mark her face with the slightest of worry lines over the bridge of her nose.
“I’d be honored if you would be my wife,” he said, cupping her cheek and drawing her lips to his for a slow kiss. His hips rocked of their own accord. Still impaled, Adrienne squirmed in his lap. “And I bet you thought I couldn’t get less romantic than the original proposal,” he said dryly.
That husky laugh of hers wrapped around him, and he couldn’t help kissing her again.
“Actually, I feel very loved right now,” she whispered, pulling his head back down.
Cole laced his fingers through Adrienne’s as they descended the stairs together. He stole a look at her, pleased to see a satisfied smile still turning her full lips. At least he wasn’t alone. He couldn’t wipe the goofy grin off his face and refused to even try. The most beautiful woman in the world had just made his knees weak and then agreed to be his wife. Hallelujah.
“There’s my lovely Nurse Nightingale,” Nate croaked from his seat in front of the fire. “Why don’t you come and tell me that story you promised? These two keep getting wrapped up staring at each other and forget that I’m in the room.”
Cole rolled his eyes at his little brother’s whining and glanced at the other couple. Genevieve looked guilty. Trey didn’t bother. Adrienne’s finger’s tightened on his.
“You’ll survive, pretty boy. Why don’t you stick your nose in a book? It was always your escape before,” he suggested.
“The eyestrain is giving me a headache.”
“Don’t whine like a petulant child. It’s not Gen and Trey’s job to entertain you. If you’re tired, take a nap,” Adrienne snapped.
Nate’s head jerked around, hurt flashing across his face. Adrienne glared at him, as if daring him to dispute her statements. Trey caught his eye, lifting a questioning brow. Giving his older brother a nod, he waited.
“Maybe it would be best if I moved up to the guest room out of everyone’s way.”
“If that’s what you want make sure you’re strong enough to go up and down the stairs,” Trey ordered. “Gen’s not carrying trays up and down.”
“I’ll be fine. I didn’t mean to inconvenience everyone,” he sulked.
“If he needs a little more peace and quiet, maybe it would be best if we set him up in the office. We can keep a fire going in there and no one will have to go up and down the stairs,” Gen said, looking up at her husband.
“He’s playing on our sympathy, little sister,” Adrienne said, her voice still chilly.
Cole almost felt sorry for the baby of the family. He’d take the heat of Adrienne’s ire over this current icy resentment any day.
Gen looked between her friend and husband, uncertainty furrowing her brow.
Trey was giving Nate that hard assessing look that made a person want to crawl under a rock.
“Are you milking it, boy?”
“I’m not your boy,” Nate snapped. “In case you missed it, I’m all grown up. I’ve got a law degree and a job at one of Philly’s most prestigious law firms.”
“A fancy piece of paper doesn’t make you a man.”
“What makes you a man, Trey? A farm that Daddy built? I made it through college and law school. I’m the only one here that can say I went out and made my way.”
Trey surged to his feet and Cole held his breath. The big man was so livid his hand shook when he leveled a finger at Nate.
“Don’t you ever throw your degree in my face, boy,” he bellowed. “I busted my ass in the oil fields to help pay your damn way through school.”
Silence hung over the room. Adrienne moved closer to him and Cole put a comforting hand on her lower back. He wished he could do the same for his sister-in-law. Shock and worry lined Genevieve’s pale face, and she’d stood to hover uncertainly behind Trey.
“You did what?” Nate choked out.
“You heard me.”
“Why didn’t you ever tell me that?”
“It wasn’t my place. Did you actually think Daddy and Mama could come up with that kind of money without mortgaging the farm?”
Nate looked uncomfortable but didn’t answer. Cole winced. He knew what was coming.
“Let me guess. You didn’t think about it,” Trey said, disgust dripping off his words. “It didn’t matter how they were coming up with the money, as long as you were getting what you wanted.”
“That’s not true.”
“Isn’t it? Then answer the question, little brother. When everything went to hell in a hand basket, how did you think they were still shelling out the cash to help you?”
“Why would you do that?”
“Because Mama wanted you to be a lawyer every bit as much as you did.”
“And there is nothing you wouldn’t have done for Mama,” Cole muttered.
Both brothers turned to look at him. He shrugged. They all knew it was true.
“If anyone should have a bitch it’s Cole.”
It was Adrienne’s turn to be the center of attention. Her chin came up, eyes narrowing in defiance.
“While you went off to school, and you had a chance to go to Texas and choose your lif
e, Cole stayed here. He did the work of three men and took care of your parents while you two followed your dreams. As their baby, you’re their pride and joy and success story and Trey inherits the farm because he’s the eldest, but Cole is still here,” she said.
Cole winced every time she stabbed a finger at his brothers. Thankfully, Trey was just staring down at her with a slightly bemused expression on his broad face. Her outburst had at least diverted his attention from Nate.
“I might be the success story in the family, but you can ask Cole, that ox is both Mama and Daddy’s pride and joy,” Nate said, hooking a thumb at Trey. “And if it makes you feel any better, I agree that Daddy should have left the farm to Cole.”
Trey glowered at Nate again. Cole rubbed the back of his neck and shook his head. “I really appreciate the show of support,” he said, brushing a quick kiss behind Adrienne’s ear. “But I think both of you are missing a couple of important points. Daddy didn’t just give the farm to Trey. Trey sent money home to keep this place afloat, to pay your tuition, and to pay off the bank. He bought a solid chunk of this farm. On top of that, I told Daddy I wasn’t sure farming was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. That’s why he called Trey home from Texas.”
“Don’t make him out to be the martyr. Trey didn’t have to come,” Nate said, glaring back at their oldest brother.
“Come on. You know he wouldn’t have questioned Daddy if the old man had told him to jump off the top of the barn,” Cole scoffed.
“You both remember I’m standing right here, right?” Trey asked, hands on his hips. “And it’s called showing respect. Our parents deserved that.”
“You don’t let anyone forget it for long,” Nate said snidely. “And for your information, blind obedience and respect isn’t the same thing.”
“Trey’s loyalty to his family is one of his finest qualities,” Gen said softly.
“You’ve known him three months, honey. Butt out.”
The sneer was barely out of his mouth before Trey’s fist sent Nate crashing to the floor. Adrienne gasped, hand flying to her mouth. Genevieve leapt forward to catch her husband’s arm as Trey towered over the fallen brother.
“Trey, please. I’m sorry. I should’ve kept my mouth shut,” she pleaded, but Trey shook her off.
“You ever talk to my wife like that again, and I will beat you within an inch of your spoiled little life. You got me, boy?”
“There’s the bully we all know and love,” Nate muttered, wiping at the blood flowing from his nose and mouth.
Shouldering between his brothers, Cole pulled Nate up by a fistful of shirt. “What in the hell is wrong with you?” he snapped, giving the smaller man a shake. “You’ve always been spoiled and full of yourself, but Mama didn’t raise any of us to be disrespectful to a woman. Gen didn’t deserve that and, frankly, neither does Trey.”
“When did you become the big man’s ally?”
“I work with the man every day. I think I know him better than you do,” Cole sighed, digging out a handkerchief to staunch the blood flow. “He’s a stubborn ass at times, but I respect him.”
“I don’t know how you do it,” Nate said, shooting a resentful look in Trey’s direction.
Cole was glad to see Gen had distracted their elder brother. “We have our disagreements, but we’re not kids anymore, Nate. We deal with them like men and we move on. You should do the same thing.”
“How does she do that?”
Following Nate’s frown back to Gen and Trey, Cole smiled. Trey’s head was bowed so his forehead rested against Gen’s. His fingers were on her hips, thumbs stroking her still concave belly. He was putty in her hands.
“I told you. She’s good for him. He loves her, if this didn’t drive the point home,” he said, prodding at the pretty boy’s split lip.
Nate winced, jerking back. “The ox needs to learn how to communicate without his fists.”
“I think he made his feelings clear. This was just a nice exclamation mark.”
“My damn tooth is loose now.”
“I guess you’ll think twice about talking to man’s wife like that. You’re a guest in their home. Show some manners.”
“I’m his brother!” he said in disbelief. “Do you actually consider yourself a guest here?”
“Technically, I am. I have a house of my own, but I’ve been spending most of my time here,” Cole said, glancing at Adrienne. “That’s about to change.”
“I hear your proposal came out a little weak. Just saying you wouldn’t be opposed to marriage isn’t going to land you a sophisticated beauty like Adrienne. You’re going to have to wine and dine that one. She’s not going to be swayed by cheap picnics and wild flowers. I’ll show you how it’s done.”
“Do you want me to finish knocking that tooth out along with a few of its neighbors?”
Blood stained Nate’s smile. “It’s no wonder you and Trey are getting along so well. You act just like him anymore. You used to be the peacemaker.”
“If he doesn’t smack the taste out of your mouth, I will,” Adrienne said firmly. “I’m not a toy to be fought over in your childish game of sibling rivalry.”
“Nothing about you is a game to me, baby,” Cole reassured her, shoving the soggy handkerchief at his brother and turning to take her in his arms.
He kissed her softly at first, keeping it light until the tension started to ease in her back and then deepening it. She was a puddle in his arms by the time he pulled his head up. Running his hands over her back, he waited for her eyes to flutter open and smiled down at her.
“Mmmm,” she murmured in a happy little hum.
“Uh huh,” he agreed, dropping another kiss on her lips.
“You don’t need to show him anything,” she said to a speechless Nate. “Your big brother has it all figured out.”
Her words and smug smile made Cole’s chest swell with pride. He glanced at Trey and Gen. His older brother was watching him with a knowing grin, his beaming wife tucked in the crook of his arm. Cole cleared his throat and squeezed Adri against his side.
“Adrienne agreed to be my wife.”
Gen squealed in joy, flying across the room to pull Adrienne into a delighted hug. Trey skirted the twirling females and offered his hand.
“Congratulations, little brother. I’m damn happy for you,” he said, shaking his hand and thumping him on the back.
“Thanks. That means a lot to us.”
“Well, damn. Why didn’t you tell me you were serious,” Nate said, stepping over to offer an awkward half hug.
“I thought I made it fairly clear when I threatened to throw your ass right back out in the blizzard,” Cole said dryly.
“You love her?”
“I wouldn’t have asked her to marry me if I didn’t. Besides, what’s not to love? She’s the most stunning, spirited, infuriating woman in the world. There will never be a dull moment married to Adrienne.”
“You’re such a sweet talker,” Adri laughed, reaching up to cup his cheek.
He kissed the inside of her wrist and pulled her close again. They both looked up startled as the lights came back on.
“See. Even God approves,” Cole quipped.
Tightening the sash on her green and white silk robe, Adrienne descended the stairs, turning to the living room. As soon as they’d checked pipes and pilot lights, Trey had encouraged everyone to grab a quick shower in case the power went out again. Now all clean and snug in nightclothes and slippers, they were starting to convene around the fire again, even though the furnace now hummed. The radio played softly in the background. She hadn’t realized how much she listened to it until it was gone. The house had seemed so quiet without it.
Settling between Cole and the end of the couch, Adri leaned in for a kiss. He flashed a boyish smile, his dimples stealing her breath even as his lips landed on hers. The kiss was warm and drugging. She slumped against his chest when he pulled back. Drawing a deep breath, she sighed. Fresh from the shower, he
smelled fantastic. Smoothing the lapels on his pajamas, she ducked her head under his chin and snuggled close.
It was strange how a simple verbal acceptance seemed to grant her new rights to his person. She smiled against his neck. He was hers now. The thought sent a thrill through her, and her palms caressed the hard swell of his chest muscles. She really was looking forward to exploring every hill and valley of her handsome fiancée’s body. He was a very well put together man. His hand stroked from her waist to follow the curve of her hip in a soothing caress. She smiled. Obviously, Cole felt the same liberty where her body was concerned.
“Have you two discussed where you want to settle? New York is an amazing city.”
Eyes opening a slit, Adrienne studied Nate. His expression was sincere but there was just something about the question. Cole glanced down at her, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. Did he feel it too?
“We’re going to settle right here.”
“By right here he means on the farm, in Mama and Daddy’s house next door,” Trey drawled dryly.
Cole laughed at his brother’s pointed jibe, but nodded. Adrienne smiled at the exasperated look Genevieve shot her hulking husband.
“What about your family, Adrienne? Are they all back in New York?”
“Gen’s my only family now. Falling in love with Cole is a blessing in many ways.”
“How so?”
“Not only am I getting a strong handsome husband, but I get the opportunity to be close to my little sister, and even gain two charming brother-in-laws in the deal.”
“I don’t know about Trey being charming,” Nate said, wincing in doubt.
“Trey and I might have gotten off to a rocky start, but we’ve found common ground in that we both love Gen,” she said, smiling at the giant who was cuddling Gen at the moment.
“Was this before or after you supposedly hit him with a blackjack?”
“After.”
“If she ever comes at you with her purse, run,” Trey said dryly.
“So it’s true?” Nate croaked, eyes widening.
“My wife scared ten years off my life running out into traffic, and when I caught up with her I was understandably…” Trey’s mouth twitched behind his golden goatee. “Irked. I grabbed her arm, and I guess Adrienne thought I was going to hurt the silly thing, because she brained me with her purse.”
