Captivated On 5th Avenue: Book 3 (5th Avenue Romance Series)

by Abbie St. Claire

  I watched from my front windows as Shawna took delivery of our fresh flowers and let Jorge’s caterer supply delivery inside. There wasn’t much longer to wait.

  With my dressed stashed in Ty’s closet, I finished my hair and makeup while Ian looked on.

  “You sure are going all in. What’s the occasion? Is this party all that lah dee dah?”

  I winked. “Just trying to look pretty for you.”

  “You know I think you’re the most beautiful with your hair down and face fresh.” He kissed my neck several times.

  “So you say.” I shivered at his sudden tempting. “Easy, tiger, we don’t have time for that,” I pulled my shoulder up.

  “A quickie?” He remained intent on his agenda.

  “You’re never quick. I promise, after the party.”

  “Suit yourself. You know my motto, never turn down a piece of ass, you’ll always be a piece behind.” He wiggled his brows and swatted my rear.

  “You are so bad and yet so good. I love you.”

  “You too, my beauty.”

  “What am I supposed to wear?” He yelled from the closet.

  “Your tux is hanging on the back of the door.”

  He dressed and I looked at the clock. Twenty minutes after five. Perfect.

  I went to Ty’s room and slid my dress and shoes on. When I walked out, he was standing in the kitchen holding his phone.

  “Marry me.”

  He met me in the middle of the room. “I’ve been patiently waiting. Yes.”

  He lips consumed mine.

  “You were not patient,” I teased.

  “I tried.” He jokingly shrugged.

  “Epic fail, I would say.” I started out the door.

  “Before we go, I have something for you.”

  He opened a black jeweler's case. Inside were three strands of various size pearls as bracelets. Each one had different diamond spacers. It was stunning.

  “To hand down to our daughter if we have one, or one for each daughter-in-law on her wedding day.”

  My hands trembled with joy. “It’s beautiful and such a thoughtful gift, I’ll cherish forever.”

  He fastened the bracelet on my wrist and we walked hand in hand towards Shawna and Jorge’s driveway. I stopped at the sidewalk to his place. “Come with me.”

  Oddly, he didn’t question where we were going; it was as if he knew all along, despite my careful attempts to cover up with the charity party.

  I put my hand on the door lever.

  “Wait, what are you doing?” The rest of the surprise was just beginning to hit him.

  “You’ll see.”

  When I opened the front door, we were both taken aback by how beautiful everything was. The grand staircase was just that, with red and gold holiday trim mixed with fresh greenery climbing up the banister. Oversized bows and ornaments covered it as well as the fireplace mantle. We didn’t get a chance to truly take everything in because the boys were right behind us, and our guests started arriving.

  With lots of love and champagne flowing, we greeted each one and welcomed them to what would be our new home.

  “This is incredible. I don’t know how you pulled this off, not to mention falling short of the doctor’s instructions, but I couldn’t be happier.”

  “But not surprised?” Truth test.

  He grinned.

  I got my answer. “Jorge,” I called out and found him in the huge gourmet kitchen. He was in his element.

  “Dude, you cannot keep a secret.”

  He shrugged. “A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.” He took a bite of food and smiled.

  “You are so friend fired. But don’t stop cooking because I’m hungry.”

  He laughed. “Then go get your groom and get this shindig started.”

  And that’s exactly what I did.

  The sun was setting through the great room cathedral windows. As the light reflected on the fragile, crystal ornaments decorating the tree behind us, their reflection shined like diamonds scattered on the floor.

  We wrote our own vows and there was a line in Ian’s that made my heart melt. “Waking up every day loving you is the sweetest feeling inside—it’s like ooey, gooey, hot-out-of-the-oven cookies that only you know the recipe to make me whole.”

  To that, I answered, “I promise you a lifetime of hot cookies, hot romance, and hot flashes when the time comes.”

  The ceremony was short and sweet, but the party was long and amazing. All of our friends, our children, our lives—all were coming together as we started our next chapter. Posing for photographs, I was sad that our baby wasn’t in them. But, I knew there would be many wonderful holidays in our home to come.

  Shawna and I were standing in the kitchen enjoying another piece of cake when Ian came in.

  “Seconds or thirds?”

  “Oh stop it,” Shawna smacked his arm. “Welcome to the family, Bro’.” She kissed him and gave him a big hug.

  “It’s a nice place to be.” His declaration meaningful.

  Jorge walked up behind them. “Hey, hey, paws off my wife. You’ve got your own now.”

  They hugged and I couldn’t help but smile. He was as close to my friends, our friends, as I was and that couldn’t have been more of a blessing.

  “Is this where the party is?” Izzy and Mick barged in, champagne in hand.

  Right behind them, Sabrina and Jason followed.

  “Yes, I guess this is now the party house,” Ian offered.

  “Yay,” the crowd cheered.

  After the guests had started leaving, Denise took the boys back to my house so that we could have our wedding night alone.

  “Oliver seemed happy,” I yelled from the bathtub.

  He came into the bathroom and sat on the counter. “He’s happy to be home. I didn’t get a feel one way or the other about our marriage. He realizes we are a family and I told him nothing changes other than your last name and our address. Everything else is still the same. Well, minus Rip.”

  I’d wanted to ask about Rip, just knew the answer wasn’t good. “Can you talk about what happened?”

  “It was at my parents’ beach house. We’d been down to the point surfing and playing Frisbee.” He looked so sad at that moment. “Rip jumped out of my car and ran right into oncoming traffic. He died in Oliver’s arms. I just don’t mention it. It was just days before he came back here to Mam and Grumpa’s.”

  “Oh gosh, I’m so sorry. They were best friends.”

  He sighed heavily. “I’ve thought about a replacement, especially since there’s competition between them.”

  “When things settle, let’s get him a puppy. I know the perfect place.”

  “You are a great mom but are you sure? You’re about to have a baby.”

  “I’m sure. You have the doggie door here and training will be easier. I’m in for the ride of a lifetime as long as I have you.”

  I may have worn a white wedding gown, but my choice of bridal lingerie was anything but white. As I slid the black stockings up my thighs, my body tingled with my mind racing with images of him removing them. My small baby bump was hidden beneath the short, black silk and lace chemise and matching panty.

  When I opened the door, Ian was sitting in bed, waiting. He got out of bed and handed me a glass.

  “Champagne?”

  “A sip or two won’t hurt you. A toast to an amazing life together.” He kissed me sensually, his tongue exploring the contours of my mouth. When he took the glass from my hand, I was already drunk on his love.

  “You’ve never been more beautiful to me. Tonight is about us committing to each other everything we have. Do you trust me?”

  I nodded. My skin pelted in goosebumps, excited about what he wanted to explore.

  “Yes.”

  “Do you believe me now when I say you’re beautiful and you’re the only woman for me?”

  “Yes.”

  He pulled a blindfold and the memorable black ribbons out of his nightst
and drawer and placed them on the bed. With his tongue in my mouth, the straps of my nightie were lowered, allowing the chemise to fall to the floor around my bare feet. Tucking his thumbs into the sides of my panties, they too descended my thighs.

  “Lie down on your back.” He commanded.

  I did as he asked.

  He placed the blindfold over my eyes and proceeded to tie my hands above my head. I could tell from the way he struggled that restraining me was a bigger chore than before, but he managed to do it without hurting me.

  “Roll your hips slightly to your right. At any time, let me know if you need to stop.”

  I did as he instructed. He pushed my left thigh forward. The next thing I felt was pressure on my backside entry. Anal play wasn’t something that I was used to. He placed something cold and hard in the valley between my cheeks, but didn’t slip it inside my anus. When the buzzing started, I tensed.

  “Don’t panic, it’s not going in. I’m just letting you have a little extra vibration to see if you like it.”

  I loved the new sensation and it definitely turned up my arousal. My nipples were hard, my sex was soaking wet, my need for him at an all-time high.

  Flat on my back and legs lifted, he kissed the backs of my knees and thighs, dragging his tongue with a sensual assault. At times, he would get close to me and I could feel his erection touch my body. I knew it would be sweet when I finally felt him inside me.

  “How do you feel?”

  “Amazing.” My breaths panting in unknown expectations.

  “Tell me about it. Describe it.”

  “My vagina feels empty without you inside me.” I moaned. “I crave that friction. My nipples are tight and hard, with a fever for you to suck them. I’m so wet, slick and ready. I’m going to explode if you don’t hurry up and take me.” I pulled against the ribbons.

  “Easy baby. Be patient,” his voice soothed while he drug something soft against my ribcage.

  I sucked in a deep breath as the unknown object tickled my flesh.

  I heard him move something and then I felt a tickle on my breast—something soft. Stimulating. Had to be a feather. As he drew it across my flesh, I felt a sensual prickling, heightening every sensation.

  He began kissing my belly—our baby bump, showing sweet love to our creation. Letting his lips trail, he found my nub and began to lick and suck on it. My mind raced ahead of my heart, thundering along an erotic highway.

  I felt the head of his cock at my entrance. With my legs spread wide in the air, I was open to him. Slowly, he edged his way into my slick channel. The fullness of him, along with the vibrator, sent me to heights I’d never known. He began to rock my body, using my legs for his support. A riveting climax claimed me—unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.

  “Amazing,” I moaned.

  His thrusts came faster, his breaths shorter in pants. He placed most of his body weight on top of me as his essence shot deep inside me.

  “There’s no one for me but you,” he groaned against my neck.

  “I love you,” I whispered as a tear slid down the side of my face.

  * * *

  Propped on his chest, soft music serenaded us from the background house speakers. By now, we’d made love several times and feasted on leftovers from the reception. Still, when I tried to dress, he stopped me.

  “Please let me enjoy seeing your body. After tonight, we will rarely be alone. I love stolen moments, but you’re exquisite and I want to enjoy you tonight.”

  I smiled, then kissed him. “You make me feel free, unlike anything I’ve known before, Mr. Briggs.”

  “You’re welcome, Mrs. Briggs.” He touched my nose then finished his bite of crab dip. “Oh, by the way, when are you going to share how you got the bitch to move out of my house?”

  I laughed at his labeling. “She mentioned being ugly. Turns out, she wanted to take another transfer at work. When I told her my plan, she was more than congenial.”

  “The decorations are incredible. Had to be Parker.”

  “Yep.”

  “The furniture? Please tell me you got movers to do everything?”

  “I did. In fact, Phyllis recommended them. So, what do you want to do with my house?”

  “Rent it. You could do an executive rental and leave it furnished with the pieces you don’t want to move in here. My house is now our home Chelsie. I want you and Ty to be at peace here.” He fed me a bite of his piece of the wedding cake.

  “That cake is so good; I’ve had four pieces,” I moaned. I thought about his suggestion. “I like the idea of renting, but I want all of my stuff out. I guess I’ll put it all in storage and work through it, but renting, it is.”

  “Can’t wait to get moved in here entirely and have the boys upstairs so you can get loud and naughty again.” He wiggled his brows.

  “You’re a wicked boy.”

  “You want me to show you wicked? I’ve still got a few moves you haven’t seen yet…”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  The Christmas holidays were a flash with everything going on in our business lives and all the in and out of my house. Once the boys started back to school and Oliver moved back to our school district, life became a little less stressful. Ian and I used those first two days to move our things over to his house. The boys got new room decor for Christmas and we put them both upstairs. With three bedrooms up and three down, we had room for the baby downstairs, which would make it easier.

  I stood in the doorway of the empty guest room downstairs and pictured what a nursery theme might look like for a boy or girl, and for neutral. All of a sudden, I couldn’t wait to find out, but I knew Ian wanted to save it for the delivery. So I devised a plan.

  “What’s going in here?” His arms circled my waist.

  “Not what. Whose.”

  “Whose?”

  “Baby.”

  “You want this room for the nursery? The other guest room is much bigger.”

  “Yes, but baby furniture is not that big and I like all the dividers built in this closet. Plus, it’s on the side of the house, so if the boys are in the backyard playing or swimming, they won’t wake the baby up this summer.”

  “Nice. I love the way you think.”

  By the end of the week, we had my personal keepsakes in storage and my house on the market for lease. By Monday, I had an interim executive with a hospital lease it for six months. He and his wife were older and it was the perfect size for them. Ian helped me with my first landlord real-estate experience.

  “We should probably pick up some more properties when things settle.”

  “Do you see things settling?” I took some of his french fries.

  “Careful there, your gallbladder will be screaming.

  Forgot. I hadn’t been sick in a couple of weeks.

  Then I noticed something. He was eating fries with his right hand.

  “Ian, your hand,” I squealed. Everyone in Chili’s turned to look at me.

  He stuck his hand out in front of me then picked up his fork. “I wondered when you’d notice. Yeah, I’ve been doing some PT at work. I have a guy, I think he’s gay, come by right before we opened. He’s been awesome.”

  Our wedding night. The tying of the ribbons. Before, he couldn’t tie his shoes and had to wear the slip-on style or leave them tied, but loose.

  “Hmm, a partner for Parker?”

  “Do not got there.”

  “This is super exciting.”

  Life was only getting better, day by day.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  The next few days were spent watching her breathe and praying she remained stable. Once we began the Kangaroo bonding care with Zoey, it was amazing to hold her tiny body. I’d started to use the breast pump but no real boobie action was happening yet.

  So much for feeling like a true woman.

  Ian held her while I took pictures of them. She was comfortable in his arms all snuggled up to his bare chest.

  “This is all my fa
ult. I shouldn’t have gone to see Carson.”

  “What?” he whispered.

  “He made a desperate attempt to get me to not testify. He told me about RedTube, which I understand you took care of and he made threats about Jason. I forced my way into the DA’s office and she came up with a great plan to get custody rights for you and still have me testify.”

  “How are you going to do that, especially now?”

  “My attorney just sent me a text. The papers are ready for him to sign. She’s having someone in her office do it. The moment they are signed, I’m back on the witness list. I want you to be able to adopt Ty if you ever want to do that.”

  He just looked at me and swallowed hard. “Really?”

  “At some point, it would be awesome for everyone if we were a complete family. Our boys need it. They both have been hurt so many times, they deserve this. Will you adopt my son?”

  He couldn’t answer. All the emotion showed on his face, and when he slowly nodded yes as he gazed into my eyes, I knew it was the right thing to do.

  After school each day, Denise brought the boys to see their baby sister. They were so excited, and I was proud of the way they behaved themselves in the hospital. I noticed Ian talking to Oliver out in the hallway, and I hoped nothing untoward went on at home while we were away. We were coming and going as we watched Zoey get better with every passing moment. We didn’t need another fiasco.

  When Ian and Oliver came back in, Oliver asked to hold his sister. They allowed it long enough to get a picture, then I put her on my chest and snuggled her close.

  “Ms. Chelsie, will you be my Mom, too?” His eyes were bright and his smile was wide.

  I looked at Ian and he nodded. I then knew the meaning of the conversation in the hallway. “You want me to adopt you and become your mom?”

  “Yes. Can I call you Mom, too?”

  “Oh sweetie, of course, you can.”