by Tanya Kelly
Nick was giving Lacey advice on her grand opening. “His name is Rob and tell him I said he owes me and better give you a big discount,” Nick said, referring to his friend who worked at the local radio station in order to get the grand opening some air time. “Also, give Reilly some flyers and we’ll put them up the bar and I’ll pass them around to some other businesses in the village. In fact, that gives me an idea. We’ve been talking about trying to drum up more business on Wednesday nights. We were going to try a ladies’ night with half price appetizers and martinis. Maybe we can talk about some mutual beneficial marketing for both of us.”
As Nick continued to discuss business with Lacey, Julia gave him a wink and thumbs up sign. He smiled in return. She leaned over and whispered in his ear. “I like her. Beautiful and smart.”
Oh yes, she was. She discussed ideas with Nick and he could tell Nick was impressed as well. Julia coughed discreetly and grabbed Lacey’s hand. “Okay, I hate to interrupt business but come on, Lacey, I want to show you around and introduce you to some of our friends.” Julia pulled Lacey away and she tossed a smile at him as they walked away.
“Smart lady. Not sure what she sees in you.” Nick laughed at his own joke. “You won’t see her for an hour or maybe even the rest of the night now,” Nick remarked. “Come get some food.”
They walked over to the table and Reilly heaped some food on a plate while his eyes followed Lacey as she walked up the stairs with Julia. He didn’t need his friends to tell him what a catch she was. He knew that. But while he had caught her, he was still trying to reel her in and she was putting up a good fight.
* * * *
“Can you believe it? He actually stuck the Lego piece up his nose.” Lacey laughed as Julia’s friend recounted stories of her busy toddler. She took another sip of her wine, her second glass of the night and she was feeling a bit lightheaded. She hadn’t actually ate much today and she should probably get some food in her. Her eyes searched for Reilly and found him talking with a group of men, including Nick, as they hovered by the food, eating and drinking beers.
He looked her way and raised his eyebrows as if to ask her if she was okay or did she need him? She smiled and winked before returning back to the conversation. Julia was sweet and Lacey immediately liked her. Her friends were nice as well but Lacey felt like she didn’t have much in common being the only single, childless woman in the group. They jokingly bitched and moaned about their husbands and told stories of how exhausting their kids were. Lacey smiled and laughed but didn’t interject much in the conversation.
“Lacey, tell us about yourself,” the red-headed woman said. Lacey couldn’t remember her name but she seemed to be the youngest of the group. Probably Lacey’s age.
“Not much to tell,” she replied shyly. She’d never been much of a fan of being in the spotlight or talking about herself. But she didn’t want to be rude. She explained she was from Toronto and had recently moved here. She skimmed over personal details and talked mostly about the store she and Kim were opening. The women all said they’d attend the grand opening.
“How did you meet Reilly?” the redhead asked.
“Oh, um, through my friend Kim,” she replied vaguely.
“Lucky girl. He’s quite a catch.” Another woman interjected and shot Reilly a smoldering look. “He’s just scrumptious and that accent…yummy.” Lacey laughed awkwardly and found Reilly looking at her from across the room, a quizzical expression on his face.
“We’re just friends,” she stated, heat flushing her cheeks.
“Well, Reilly does like to play the field,” the redhead continued, with a bitchiness in her voice. “So watch out. Us girls gotta look out for one another.”
Lacey smiled but didn’t care much for the catty way the woman spoke or the way she’d been casting Reilly glances all night.
Just then, Reilly came up beside her. “Hello, ladies.”
They all giggled and said hello except the redhead who smiled tightly with some visible hostility.
“I just wanted to steal Lacey away for a bit and introduce her to some friends.”
They excused themselves but not before Julia insisted on topping up her wine. She reminded herself to sip slowly and eat something right after.
“You looked like you might have needed rescuing,” he whispered.
“I was okay, but I got the feeling I was being warned off.”
“Janine isn’t as perfect as she pretends to be.” That was the red head’s name, Lacey recalled. “She had me make her a dining set but wanted a little extra thrown in if you know what I mean. I declined. She’s been bitchy ever since.”
“You don’t have to explain anything to me,” Lacey said nonchalantly. Even though her stomach turned at the thought of Reilly and the pretty redhead having sex.
“I have nothing to hide and I want you to understand…”
“It’s about time you come over and say hello,” a high-pitched, slightly whiny voice said. Lacey and Reilly had been slowly making their way to a group in the living room as they whispered back and forth. A beautiful young woman approached them. The one who’d looked ready to eat Reilly when they’d walked in the door. Lacey braced herself, fairly certain, she wasn’t going to be a fan of this girl either. Shit, she sounded like a jealous bitch herself.
She forced a smile as they approached her, wondering what Reilly had been about to say. What did he want her to understand?
“I haven’t seen you all week. I’ve missed you,” the blonde said with a sultry pout on her cherry-red lips and placed her hands on his bicep. She completely ignored Lacey. She gritted her teeth at the long red acrylic talons on Reilly’s arm. Upon closer inspection, the girl was attractive but in a heavily made up way. Her blonde hair obviously came from a bottle, judging by her roots. She looked at Reilly with hooded eyes lined with thick black liner and heavy mascara.
Reilly smiled politely and turned toward Lacey, succeeding in moving away from her hands. “Sophie, nice to see you. I’d like to introduce you to Lacey, a friend of mine.”
“Hello, nice to meet you.” Lacey put out her hand to shake and Sophie smiled, showing perfect white teeth before giving Lacey a limp handshake. She moved her attention right back to Reilly.
“When are you coming back to work?” she asked, batting her eyelashes.
Lacey had to cover her mouth and take a sip of wine to hide her chuckle. This poor girl was smitten with Reilly, and subtlety wasn’t her strong suit. She turned away and introduced herself to a young man next to her. He worked at the pub as well and kept glancing at Sophie and scowling at Reilly while they talked. This poor young man obviously had a thing for Sophie. Lacey groped for polite conversation with him but she felt like she was from another planet with these two. So young.
She glanced at Reilly as he talked with Sophie, who’d inserted herself between them and now had her back to Lacey. With an inward sigh, she excused herself and made her way to the bathroom down the hall. The door was closed and she could hear water running. She leaned against the wall and waited for the occupant to come out.
When the door opened, Lacey looked up, a polite smile on her face. David’s face broke out in a large grin. “Lacey, nice to see you,” he said, giving her a warm hug.
“David. Hi. Nice to see you, too.” Her smile widened. It was nice to see someone she knew. “I didn’t know you were here.”
“I just got here actually. I had another function I had to put an appearance in.” He leaned against the wall next to her. “You look great by the way.” His eyes roamed over her appreciatively and she blushed.
“Thank you. So do you. Are you a friend of Nick’s then?”
“Yeah, he’s a good guy.” He put his hand up on the wall next to Lacey, bringing them a bit closer. “You smell great.”
Lacey laughed. She knew David was flirting and she was flirting back a bit. The wine had gone to her head and she was tired of fighting off bitchy women who wanted down Reilly’s pants. David was a matur
e, responsible man. Closer to her age. Why couldn’t she have sparks with David like she did with Reilly?
“I didn’t realize you knew Nick as well.”
“I don’t actually. This is only the second time we met,” she replied with a laugh.
“Oh, are you here with someone then?”
“Um, well, I came with Reilly. Do you remember him? He works bar at Nick’s pub.” David raised his brows and Lacey rushed on. “He’s a friend of Kim’s and we were supposed to come the three of us, but she bailed. I didn’t want to be rude and cancel as well. I figured I’d still come and get to know some people, make new friends,” she finished. Lacey felt awful lying and knew she was a coward.
But she’d seen David’s expression when she first mentioned coming with Reilly and the lie just slipped out. She couldn’t stand the judgmental looks people gave her mom when she was with much younger men. Lacey dreaded being the recipient of such a look.
“That’s good, I’m glad you came,” he said in a low voice. His eyes stared at her intently and he leaned closer. Lacey got the horrified feeling he was going to kiss her. A shadow passed over them and she stepped away quickly.
“Sorry, David, drank too much wine. I need to use the bathroom.” She grinned and tried to move past him. David smiled but didn’t move and Lacey had to brush against him to get past. She closed the door behind her and leaned against it before gulping down the rest of her wine.
After using the bathroom, Lacey moved toward the mirror and pulled out her lipstick from her clutch. Satisfied with her appearance, she pulled open the door. Reilly stood on the other side, his lips drawn into a thin line and his eyes dark. She couldn’t read his expression but he didn’t seem happy.
“Hey,” she said with a smile.
He remained silent. His jaw flexed as he ground his teeth. “I’m ready to go if you are,” he finally said.
“Already?” Not that she minded leaving but she knew something was wrong.
“Yeah, I’m tired and I’d like to get to the shop early tomorrow.” Reilly ran his hands through his hair. “But if you’re not ready to go, you’re welcome to stay.”
“No. I’m ready to go.”
He turned his back and walked back toward the kitchen and Lacey followed, chewing on her bottom lip. They found Nick and Julia and thanked them for their hospitality. Reilly explained they both had lots of work to do in the morning.
“Yeah, yeah, sure you do,” Julia said with a smile and a wink, oblivious to the tension between them.
Lacey smiled back but quickly reassured her she did have a million things left to do for the grand opening and said she hoped she’d see Julia there.
“Of course, I’ll be there.” She smiled warmly and hugged them both good-bye.
Lacey grabbed her purse and coat, her awkwardness turning to anger. What the hell was his problem? She hated moodiness and having to walk on egg shells around people and she hadn’t realized Reilly was the moody type. But why else would he suddenly be all angry and almost rude to her.
They said some quick good-byes to a few others and Lacey caught David’s eye in the living room. He smiled and gave her a friendly wave which she returned. Reilly scowled and strode out the front door, leaving her to follow. Was that the problem? He knew she went on a date with David and maybe once he’d seen David at the party, he wanted to leave. She hoped not, because she didn’t like jealousy any more than moodiness and she and David had only ever had one darn date.
Lacey got in the truck and returned his stony silence. She’d be damned if she’d ask him what was wrong. Reilly flicked on the radio and they drove in silence until he pulled up at Kim’s condo. That was pretty clear. He didn’t want her at his house.
“Thanks for the ride and introducing me to your friends,” she said coldly. She looked at him and he mumbled you’re welcome before turning his gaze back ahead.
Lacey felt tears sting her eyes. Dammit, she would not cry. She got out of the truck and walked quickly to the front door, her eyes blurred with tears. She missed seeing the patch of ice on the walkway and lost her footing, landing ungracefully on her butt and elbow. Great, now she could add humiliation to her night. She angrily brushed her tears away and moved to get up when suddenly Reilly was beside her, picking her up in his strong arms.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“I’m fine,” Lacey bit out and moved to walk away. She let a yelp as she put weight on her ankle. Reilly reached out to steady her when she almost fell again. Damn, she must have twisted her ankle. She tried again to put some weight on it in order to get inside the comfort of her home and let the tears fall but the pain was excruciating.
“Here, hang on to me.” Reilly put her arm around his neck and helped her hobble to the front door. “Keys?” He held his hand out.
Lacey gave him her keys and he opened the door and helped her in. He sat her on the bench in the entrance way and removed her coat. “I’m fine, thanks. I’ll manage from here.”
“Let me take a look at your ankle.” He gently removed her boots and studied her ankle. “It’s a bit swollen but hopefully just a sprain. I’ll help you get to your room.”
Kim’s car hadn’t been in the driveway so Lacey couldn’t ask her for help so she reluctantly let Reilly help her. Once in her room, she sat on the bed. “Thanks, I’m good now. Just going to lie down.”
“Hang on.” He left and she could hear him rummage around the kitchen. He returned with a bottle of water, some Advil and a Ziploc bag filled with ice. “Drink lots of water and ice your ankle.”
“Yes sir,” she replied in a snarky tone and saluted him. Reilly’s eyes narrowed. Well to bad, she was pissed as well at his rudeness, not to mention a bit tipsy from the wine. She just wanted him to go so she could have a small pity party. “You can go now. Get your early night.” Sarcasm dripped from her voice and she waved her hand toward the door.
Reilly leaned over and she breathed in his wonderful scent. His eyes darkened and his mouth pressed into a thin angry line.
Lacey stared at his lips. They were so close, if she leaned forward, she could brush her mouth against his. She was angry and hurt but as he crowded her space, she recognized another emotion. Desire. Damn, she still wanted him. She sucked in a deep breath as Reilly’s brooding gaze travelled from her eyes to her lips and down the line of her neck to her breasts. She was fairly certain her hardened nipples were visible through the lace bra and light T-shirt.
When his eyes returned to her face, Lacey nervously chewed her bottom lip. Reilly growled low in his throat before his head descended and he slanted his mouth over hers in a hard, demanding kiss. Her arms automatically went around his neck and she hung on for dear life as his tongue plunged into her open mouth.
Then just as suddenly, he pulled away. “Fuck,” she heard him mutter under his breath, seeming to be at war with himself. Lacey sat up a bit and put her arms behind her, which pushed her breasts forward. Reilly’s eyes still flashed anger but she could see the hard outline of his cock in his jeans.
He stood but instead of leaving, he pulled off his shirt. “Take your shirt and bra off,” he demanded. Lacey hesitated. She could tell he was still angry and she didn’t understand why. She should tell him to just go home. But dammit, the words wouldn’t come out. She wanted him. In fact, his bruising kiss had made her panties moist. He pulled down his pants and his boxers and his cock sprang free, hard and long. Lacey’s mouth watered at the sight of it. He pulled a condom on and kneeled on the bed.
God, how she wanted him. Mind made up, she pulled off her own T-shirt and bra, her hard, distended nipples aching for his touch. Reilly unzipped her jeans and gently pulled them off her body, careful of her ankle. Next came her panties. He spread her legs and parted her folds to stroke her clit. She moaned and arched her body off the bed.
He said nothing as his fingers fondled her clit. He leaned over and thrust a finger inside her and clamped his mouth down on her nipple, sucking hard. Reilly inserted a second f
inger and moved to the other nipple. Lacey whimpered and grabbed his hair as he fingered her.
He lifted his head from her breast and inserted a third finger. “Your pussy is so wet and ready for me.” He fingered her harder and faster. “What you really want is my cock fucking you, don’t you?”
His voice and his touch were angry and demanding but Lacey was beyond caring. She did want his cock—inside her—now. “God yes, I do. Fuck me,” she gasped.
Reilly removed his fingers and lay beside her. “Turnover on your side.”
She turned away from him and he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her ass close until his cock was nestled between her cheeks. His hands were firm and insistent as he moved her, yet gentle whenever he came near her ankle.
“Lift this leg up.” He tapped her leg with the uninjured ankle and she did as she told. Reilly pressed his cock against her opening and gripped her hips as he thrust deep inside her. Lacey moaned and clenched the pillow next to her. He lifted her leg up even further until it was almost straight in the air, resting over his hip as he fucked her. His one leg was in between hers, again careful not to touch her ankle. In this half-spooning, half-doggie style position, Reilly’s hands were free. He pinched and rolled her nipples causing her breathing to quicken. He then lowered his hand and began rubbing her clit as he drove into her.
Lacey was incredibly turned on and within seconds of him stroking her, she climaxed, loudly calling his name while burying her face in the pillow. As her pussy tightened around him, Reilly cursed. She felt him tense up and his cock jerk inside her as he came. He stilled his movements before pulling out of her and fell back on the bed. Lacey collapsed on her back as well and tried to steady her breathing. The sex had been mind-blowing and her body was weak with satisfaction. But tears still threatened to fall as she hugged the pillow. She realized she’d just received what Kim referred to as ‘angry sex’. Reilly hadn’t once kissed her anywhere, which was unusual when they had sex. Normally his lips were all over body.
