“What do you mean?” She needed to proceed with caution regarding answering questions about Grace’s private life, since the answers might not be hers to give and she didn’t gossip about Grace.
Justine bit her lip and looked out the window at the cars passing by. “I’m not being nosy or anything. I just think that she seems like she’s super happy with Jack, and Adam, and Ethan. They’re so sweet to her and Rose Marie.”
Charity nodded, recalling a recent conversation with Ransome involving Grace and her men. “They are. I don’t think she could accomplish as much as she does in a day without their love and support.”
Justine nodded and was quiet for long seconds before glancing up at her mom. “I heard that Jack, Ethan, and Adam are cousins.”
Heat crept up in Charity’s cheeks because she had an idea of where the conversation was going. She’d never shied away from talking to her kids about the facts of life, which for them happened to include a ménage in the family. “Yes, they’re distant cousins. I think they have great-great-great-great-great-grandparents in common, or something like that.”
“I’ve grown up thinking of Val and Ransome as uncles more than second cousins.”
Charity nodded. “They’re like brothers to your dad, and always have been since they were all born so close to the same time. Did you want to ask me something?”
Justine grinned and shook her head. “No, I just noticed that they fit in to the family really well. There’s symmetry when they’re around…sort of like Aunt Grace has, um…symmetry.”
“Such as…”
“Well they don’t act like houseguests. They act like members of a family. They don’t just clean up after themselves, they help out, too. Like Val was doing laundry this morning.”
Charity suddenly sat up straight. “Laundry? Which laundry?”
Justine burst into laughter. “Don’t worry, Mom, he didn’t touch your stuff. I heard Dad warn him about doing that.”
Charity snickered, recalling early on in their marriage that he’d decided to be helpful and had done her laundry for her. Once. “What did your dad tell Val?”
Justine snorted with laughter and then adopted a deep voice, imitating her dad. “Don’t fuckin’ touch Charity’s shit. She will castrate your ass with a spoon. If it looks like something she’d wear, leave it the fuck alone.”
Charity burst into giggles and said, “Listen to your potty mouth. We’re such bad examples as parents.”
“Nah. You’re great. I can hardly speak like that with a straight face.”
“I know. Maybe that’s why it sounds so funny coming from you. I’m glad you feel close to them, though. They’re family.”
“Why didn’t the four of you ever get together?”
Charity blinked at Justine’s hastily asked question. “Um.”
“Mom,” Justine quietly said, reaching out to place her hand over her mom’s. “Maybe I’m like Aunt Grace, Rachel, and Veronica and I see romance everywhere I look. I don’t know. It just seems…”
“Seems what?” Her voice caught on the last word.
“Seems like the natural progression? Beau and I will be out of your hair before you know it. Empty nest and all. I don’t mean to stick my nose in your extremely private business, but it’s not like I’m really shocking your prudish sensibilities, am I?”
Well, hell. What do I say to that? “Um. Well…there’s history there. Not history-history. It’s more complicated than it looks. Grace and I have different temperaments. And your dad…”
Justine stopped her with an upraised hand. “I was just curious. I just think the four of you look…” Justine’s words trailed off for a few seconds before she made eye contact with her and then glanced away. “…great together. That’s all I’m saying. I’ll shut up now. Sorry.”
“It’s okay, sweetie. I appreciate that you care about us. That kind of relationship isn’t in the cards for everyone. Remember, Grace and the guys are the great exception.”
“And Teresa and the guys…and Rosemary and the guys…and Maya and the guys…and...I just thought you could take your chance with us no longer underfoot.”
Charity shook her head. “Stop trying to empty my nest so fast. Your observation is noted, sweetie.”
Justine let out a slow breath and smiled at her. “Whew. That’s been on my mind.” At Charity’s arched eyebrow she raised her hands in surrender. “Dropping it.”
“So…Noah Cassidy has gotten…tall.”
Justine glanced up at her and a blush stained her cheeks. “I guess I earned that, huh?”
“Spill, sweetie.”
Chapter Five
Justin tried to hide his grin as he led Charity by the hand into the entry of the large log cabin. She looked up at the rustic antler chandeliers and cast her gaze around the open floor plan which had been furnished with an emphasis on comfort and warmth. She smiled when she saw the crackling fireplace and the view out of the huge picture windows that faced Bowie Lake.
“Wow,” she whispered. “Where are the bedrooms?”
Justin gestured with his head and tugged her down the hallway. “There’s only one.”
Her eyes widened as they entered the spacious master suite. The fireplace was also lit as he’d requested and the soft snap and crackle of the flames drew her near as she looked around the room.
He noted the frown that knit her brows for a moment as she studied the furnishings. He assumed she was wondering if the role-playing scene he’d mentioned the month before was happening that weekend or if this was just a run-of-the-mill getaway weekend. What he had planned was anything but run of the mill but he wasn’t going to tell her that, at least not yet. Keeping her off-balance waiting was half the fun.
She slid a hand down the length of one of the posters on the bed, probably noting that there were no restraints connected to them. His kinky woman loved bondage and having her choices taken away from her but that wasn’t necessary this weekend. And the choices were all hers. All he wanted to do was push her a little into accepting that she had options. After that hurdle was breached, they’d tie her up all weekend if that was what she needed.
His phone buzzed in his pocket and he read the message with a smile.
On our way.
Perfect.
He placed her overnight bag on the bathroom counter as she followed him into the room which had been built for decadence and luxury. She gasped when she saw the big whirlpool tub and that the fireplace was visible from the bathroom as well as the bedroom. He turned on the tub faucet and said, “First on your agenda is a long, hot soak in this tub.”
“Really? Don’t you want help with supper?”
“No. I want you to unwind for a while. We have the whole weekend ahead of us.”
She lifted the hem on her scrubs uniform top. He’d been so ready to get on the road with her that he’d not even allowed her time to change clothing before they left. He leaned down and nuzzled her cleavage as she dropped the top on the counter and loosened the drawstring tie at the waist of her pants. Her sensual fragrance made his cock stiffen with interest but it would have to wait.
She slid her fingertips into his hair and lightly scratched at his scalp and tugged lightly on his long hair in a way that he’d always enjoyed. “You sure you don’t want to join me? It looks like there’s room enough for two, or three or more.”
He planted one last kiss against her lush flesh. “If I do we’ll never get any supper. I want to take care of you this weekend. Trust me. You’re going to need the sustenance for what I have planned.”
Hope flashed in her sparkling blue eyes and she said, “Is this part of our role-playing?”
Smirking, he shook his head. “That comes later.”
She slid out her lower lip in a pout and said, “Later? Later when? How about now?”
He slid her scrub pants and her thong down her thighs and squeezed one of her butt cheeks. “It happens when I say it happens, that’s when. Now get in the tub.”
The blush in her che
eks and the way she bit her lip told him she enjoyed him toying with her as well as the way he took charge and gave orders. She smiled and turned her back on him as she bent over and picked up the pants and underwear she’d stepped out of. The move gave him a glimpse of her pretty pussy, which blushed a little pinker and looked slick with arousal already.
“Just keep teasin’, woman,” he murmured in warning as his palm itched to pop her sweet ass, and his cock throbbed with the need.
A chuckle came from her. “I intend to.”
When he returned to the bathroom with a glass of white wine for her, she was soaking in the steaming tub with her eyes closed. The bubbles parted and gave him teasing glimpses of her nipples as she took a deep breath and sighed blissfully. Even after twenty-two years, she could still stop him dead in his tracks. Her skin glistened like golden satin in the fading sunset glowing through the picture window in the bathroom.
He placed the wineglass on the edge of the tub and she opened her eyes and smiled. She sat up, preparing to climb out and he stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. Leaning down to kiss her, he pressed the button to turn on the whirlpool jets and said, “Stay put and relax. I’ll come get you when everything is ready.”
He saw her little pout as he pulled the bathroom door closed. So she was curious about what he had planned, was she? He took the smaller case from his overnight bag and carried it outside to the extra-wide chaise lounge located on the back deck that looked out over the lake.
The plan was a simple one. In his experience with Charity, sometimes the best ones were.
* * * *
Charity raised her heavy eyelids when she heard the sound of the crystal wineglass being lifted from the edge of the tub. The hot water and two glasses of wine had drawn the tension from her muscles, leaving her feeling loose and a little lightheaded after her long day at work. She hoped she revived during supper. Otherwise she was liable to conk out completely.
Charity sat up when Justin silently opened a towel for her. The heat from his gaze warmed her as he watched the bathwater sluice down her body. Stepping onto the bathmat, she went to him and he wrapped the towel around her loosely and began patting her dry.
“Hungry?” he asked as he squatted down and she slid her hand over his tan bare shoulders and back. The muscles under her hand rippled as he moved efficiently, drying her calves and feet.
“Mmm-hmm.”
He glanced up at her and smiled in what seemed like approval. “Sleepy?”
“Nope.” She shook her head, feeling gloriously languid, and giggled as he caught her nipple with a soft slurp of his lips as he stood to his full six feet and seven inches. God, but you are gorgeous. Her nipples tingled and love for him swelled like a wave in her heart.
“Am I?” he asked, with humor glimmering in his eyes and she realized she’d said it out loud.
She allowed him to pull her nude body against his and murmured, “The wine has loosened my lips. Yes, you are, babe. You make me hot.” She laid an openmouthed kiss on his pectoral and then snuggled closer. His quiet growl was the only sign of his own impatience to set the sheets on fire.
“Supper is ready.”
He helped her slip into the short white mesh robe she’d packed and led her out of the bathroom and straight through the doors that opened out onto the back deck looking out over the waters of Bowie Lake. The last pink rays of the sunset shimmered on the rippling water.
Trusting her body and her safety to him, she didn’t bother looking around to make certain no one could see her in the sheer robe that barely hid the dusky pink of her tightening nipples. He hadn’t tied the sash and the mild breeze caught the edges of the robe and lifted them away so that her breasts and pussy would be visible to anyone who happened to look their way. The thought heightened her arousal and made her rapidly engorging pussy lips swell even further. This was the power he held over her and he knew it…and enjoyed it. He protected her privacy while allowing for the tantalizing possibility that they might be observed.
Certainty swelled in her pounding heart as she anticipated whatever it was her husband had planned for her this weekend. She had no idea when the role-playing would start but felt secure and safe with him.
He’d spread blankets and pillows over the wonderful, comfy-looking chaise lounge on the back deck, which was positioned near the edge so it faced the lake. Dark shades of red and blue on the linens were barely discernable in the light of the candles that he’d placed in holders around their comfy spot.
The last rays of sunset dwindled as he helped her get comfortable amidst the pillows and large blankets. If she got cold, all he’d have to do was turn the edges of the blankets up around her. She smiled at the thought of sleeping outside wrapped in such luxurious comfort. The weather was perfect for it, if that was what he had planned.
She glanced in the living room and noticed candles were flickering in there as well, to provide soft, sensual lighting for wherever the night took them. Justin removed his jeans, letting them fall to the deck before kicking them away. He spared a last hawklike gaze at their surroundings making sure no one was near, and then slid his dark, knit boxer shorts down his hips, revealing the thick cock he’d wielded with such finesse throughout their marriage. A deep breath slid from her as his hardened length twitched under her gaze. Her cunt quivered as she imagined taking in all those hot, granite-hard inches of pure heaven. He never veered his gaze from her as he joined her on the chaise, completely naked and confident.
He handed her a warm platter-sized plate and grinned as he drew her into his lap. Taking advantage of her filled hands, he slid his palms over her inner thighs and lightly caressed her bare mound with the backs of his fingers as she settled with a stuttering gasp. She couldn’t help squirming when she felt her drenched pussy lips part and slide together with the movement, making her hyperaware of how wet she was.
Confidence filled his eyes as he said, “You’re already so hot for me, aren’t you, my pretty baby.”
She whimpered softly, loving that possessive endearment. “Yes. All you have to do is look at me and I’m putty in your hands.”
“I know it. I love giving you what you need. Part your thighs for me and don’t spill that plate.”
She moaned but did as he asked, the air rushing from her lungs as he delved the fingertips of one gentle hand between her drenched lips. His fingers slid with ease through her slippery arousal, teasing her clit with the barest touch before sinking into her opening, and he growled with approval. “You’re ready for my cock aren’t you? Ready to do anything I ask?”
“Yes, Justin. Oh, yes. Anything,” she replied, the plea obvious in her voice before crooning with pleasure as he stroked her rapidly swelling clit. “I’ll do anything you want.”
His chest rumbled with another sound of approval. “I’m happy to hear that because that’s what I want from you tonight. Anything I want you to do.”
Her breath trembled in her throat and her cunt throbbed with skyrocketing arousal. She wondered if he felt the way her cunt tried to grasp at his fingers and she had her answer a second later as he chuckled deeply and withdrew his fingers.
“It’s early yet. I want to feed you first.” He took the plate from her hands and she felt his cock, like a steel pole beneath her bare ass as she settled back against his chest. The desire burning inside her was definitely not one-sided.
She knew as the sky grew darker he would grow bolder, as though he was some nocturnal beast, bent on having her in every feral, primitive way he could and her heart pounded with love and lust for him. One shoulder of her robe slipped down and she didn’t bother to replace it.
“I don’t know how I got so lucky to be the one you love.”
“Stole my heart, pretty baby,” he murmured confidently as he fed her a bite of the steak he’d grilled. “You were my first fantasy and the only woman I’ve ever loved. I want to give you everything, even more than the first time we made love, and that’s saying a lot. I didn’t have any idea ho
w I could love you more than that first time but I was wrong. Every year, every night, I love you more. I want you more.”
She slid a bite into his mouth with her fingertips and sighed at the heavenly sensation of his lips and tongue sucking her fingers clean. “I could combust, just listening to you, babe.”
He smiled and said, “Not yet.”
They fed each other bites from the large, tender steak and grilled shrimp he’d prepared, along with slices of grilled onions and sweet red and yellow bell peppers. He chuckled at her happy sounds as she enjoyed the meal. As they neared satiation with food, he wiped his fingers with a damp towel before pursuing more earthly satisfaction, judging by the hungry sound in his throat. He laid kisses on her bared shoulder and stroked her hot, slippery cunt until she gasped and couldn’t stop herself from rocking against his questing fingertips.
The moon rose in the sky as they took their time, in no hurry to bring the night and each other to climax. The robe wound up on the deck and he slid his callused hand along her spine as she stretched across him to place the plate on the small table positioned between the chaise and two other smaller chaise lounges on the deck. When she sat back, she noticed the black blindfold dangling from Justin’s fingers.
Biting her lip, she took it from him as he lifted her so she straddled his lap, trapping his thick cock between them. She slid the black satin ribbon ties between her fingers as she gazed up at him. “Is this it? Does it begin now?” Her voice sounded small in her ears, maybe because her heart was pounding so hard.
“Put it on and find out, pretty baby.”
No further request for consent was needed. She laid the soft blindfold to her eyes and tied the ribbons at the back of her head and then put her palms against the hot, lightly furred expanse of Justin’s chest, grounding herself as her head spun a little from arousal and the wine.
She lowered her head and breathed in his unique, masculine scent as she slid her hands of up his pectorals to his throat. The heat and energy built up between them with the soft growl that vibrated in his throat beneath her hands, making her tremble.
Divine Charity [Divine Creek Ranch 18] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 8
