“Well, I’m here now. Won’t you walk with me?” he asks.
I take his proffered arm, and we walk around the maze of greenery.
I like to get up early in the morning. I like the solace that comes with this time of day. I like to be up before anybody else, so that I have a few precious moments to myself.
Of course, I’m not at all upset that Evan has interrupted this. It’s a pleasant surprise. I’ve been wanting to talk to him for a while now.
I saw him at the party, and he invited me to dinner last night. But aside from that, we haven’t had much interaction. That doesn’t mean I haven’t been thinking about him.
He’s been on my mind almost constantly. I’ve been wondering what it is about me that he doesn’t like or appreciate because he hasn’t approached me like a couple of the other guys have.
Both Matt and Paul have made their intentions known, but it seems like Ian and Evan are either taking their time. Or I’m just not the girl for them. But then, Evan is here now, and I choose to focus on that.
I look at his handsome profile against the morning light and think how lucky I am to be in this position. I’m living in the most gorgeous mansion with four of the most handsome men I’ve ever seen in my life. My conundrum inside is that I have a thing for all of them, not just one.
But for now, it’s only Evan on my mind, because he’s come and found me.
“How was your night?” he asks.
I freeze at his question and refuse to take another step. What is he implying? He must’ve known that I went off with Paul.
“Why are you asking me that, Evan? You know I was with your brother. What are you trying to get out of me?” I say, almost furiously.
He takes me in his arms and looks down at me. His gray eyes darken as he says, “It’s okay. Meg. I don’t care that you were with my brother. That means nothing to our relationship. Besides, my brother and I…are used to sharing, as long as one of us wins in the end.”
His words soothe me a little bit and so does the strength of his arms. I decide not to be mad. He’s evidently unfazed by the fact that I was with Paul last night.
Oh, glorious Paul.
It was quite a night.
I realize, as my thoughts begin to stray into territory that doesn’t include Evan, that I need to categorize my time with these guys. Right now, I’m with Evan, and there’s no use thinking about Paul...hmm, Paul...he was amazing.
I’m freshly fucked and sore from last night. I try to put all thoughts of his rippling abs and giant cock out of my mind, so that I can focus on Evan. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t relish the feeling between my legs, the feeling of where Paul was.
I walk with Evan a little ways. We come upon a sequestered spot in the gardens, where a table is magically lit with candles. There are fresh roses, a teapot, and the most gorgeous looking breakfast I’ve ever seen.
I look up at him, and he smiles.
“This is you? You did this for me?” I say incredulously.
“I saw you walking out here alone. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from you. I wanted to do something special, so that we had quality time together. I had the chef prepare this gorgeous breakfast, and it’s all for you.”
I am aghast. No one has ever done something so meaningful for me.
Certainly, Simon never went out of his way to make me feel very special. What was I doing with him for so long anyway?
With Evan’s one grand gesture, I realize what I’ve been missing out on in a man. I’ve really been selling myself short by staying with Simon. I know now from having sex with Paul last night that Simon is sorely lacking in the sex department.
And between Matt and Evan, I’m starting to know what desire and romance really feel like.
He pulls out a chair for me, and I sit down, suddenly realizing that I’m still in my little nightgown. At least it’s cute. It’s made of white lace, and it’s my favorite one.
I packed only my favorite things for this journey to the mansion, because secretly, in the back of my mind, I knew that I might be making my escape when everything plays out at the end.
I’ve known for a long time that I’m going to leave Simon. I just needed a plan—and now I have one.
Evan is pouring me some hot tea, and I bemoan the fact that I need to ask him delicately about his father’s inheritance. I’ve gotten nowhere in terms of finding the will, and I know Simon is blowing up my phone—probably even as we speak—for information.
“So, Evan, your father really left you all of this?” I ask, hating myself.
His eyes narrow at the talk of money, but he says, “Yes, this and several developments in the city and also his entire fortune. I guess you can say we’re a lucky family. But, Meg, you must know that I’ve made my own money for my entire life. I’m a very shrewd financial advisor when I’m not out here playing hooky in the country.”
“Oh, really? Can you advise me?” I tease him.
He looks at me darkly and says, “I can’t only advise you, Meg, but I can show you a few things, too. Let me just be frank here. You’ve never been with a man like me. This is something I can guarantee, and it’ll be well worth your time.”
I look to him in pure shock at his blatant conversation.
“This is no talk for brunch,” I scold him flirtatiously, because I don’t know what else to say.
He reaches across the table and places his hand on top of my own. The gesture makes me shiver with desire and passion. There’s something about Evan that has captivated me from the beginning. He’s been very forthright with me, and I appreciate the fact that he’s willing to get to know me before we fuck.
He’s a gentleman. What can I say?
“Meg,” he says, imploring into my eyes. “I want you so bad. I’m just going to say it. And I think you should know that I have certain talents that my brothers don’t have.”
He takes my hand underneath the tiny little table that’s meant for a garden. Beneath the long tablecloth I feel his giant, throbbing cock underneath his pants, and I’m suddenly made aware of what exactly he’s talking about.
I suck in my breath and try to tame the warmth that’s taking over my body.
Not here. Not now. Obviously, we can’t have sex in the garden where everyone can see us.
But one thing’s for sure, I want Evan now more than ever. Not only is he kind, chivalrous, and handsome, but also, he’s got the largest shaft I’ve ever felt in my entire life. I’m eager to bend down beneath the table and start sucking him, but I hold back.
Best to let him make the first move.
We make eyes at each other, and it’s understood that at some point, we’ll be fucking. And all I can think about is how that large cock will feel, sliding in and out of my little wet pussy.
I cross my legs to keep the wetness under control and from dripping down my leg. That’s how bad I want Evan. And as I stare into his gorgeous, smoldering eyes, I can think of nothing else than of how it will feel to be with him.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” he asks.
I nod my head yes, because suddenly I find there’s a lump in my throat.
And just as I’m feeling his hardness underneath the table, I hear a voice over my shoulder—and it’s Ian.
“Hi guys, fancy seeing you here,” he says with a smug expression, obviously aware of what he’s interrupting.
Chapter 14
Ian
I sip my coffee and look out the window with salacious eyes.
What I’m currently seeing has me at a loss. There’s Evan, my dear brother, having a beautifully setup lunch with Meg...my heart’s desire.
We’re all aware that she spent the night with Paul, and that’s enough to make my blood boil. But now, I have to wake up to this? Who does romance before noon, anyway?
I’m watching them, and she looks as sexy as ever in her white lace nightgown. Truly, she’s the most perfect house guest the mansion has ever had. Is she a maid or a guest?
I’m still unclear as to how Meg got here. She obviously has a prime education, so why is she working for us again?
I like the idea of being her boss. I’m one of the most successful lawyers in the city, and I could definitely take her on as an intern or an assistant. She obviously has the brains for it.
But at this moment, she’s being wooed by my brother Evan, and I feel disgruntled by it. That should be me out there wooing her. With four of us brothers around the house, there’s always stiff competition for women.
But this is getting insane.
People are vying for Meg’s attention like she’s the Hope diamond. Indeed, she’s close to being that. She really is that beautiful, and I guess we all know that makes the rivalry begin.
I push the blonde hair off of my face and get away from the window. I don’t need to see more of that. Evan obviously didn’t waste any time in getting to know Meg, and I think I’ll do him one better.
I get on the phone and arrange to have the limousine come by the house in about an hour. Then, I call my assistant and have her arrange all the details.
“Tammy. Hi, it’s Ian. Listen, I know that I’m out in the country, but you’re in the city. I need you to arrange a couple things for me.”
“Okay, sure. Whatever you need, I can do,” she says, always ready to please me.
“Well, it’s about a woman. I need you to arrange an afternoon of luxury shopping. You can do it at the outdoor mall that’s here. I need you to warn all of the stores that we’re coming so that we receive the very best treatment possible.”
“Sure thing, no problem. What stores did you have in mind, exactly?” she asks.
“I want to go to all the best, Gucci, Chanel—and don’t forget Agent Provocateur.”
“It’ll all be arranged, sir. All I need is about an hour to get it done,” she says.
“And Tammy, it would be nice if you can organize a dinner at a romantic restaurant. I want our time to extend into the evening. I want everything to be perfect. And if you can make sure there’s a bouquet of roses waiting for us in the limo, that would be great,” I say.
Tammy’s pretty used to me arranging this sort of thing, though it’s not very often I go out of my way for a woman like this. She knows it must be someone special if I’m pulling out all the stops. At the same time, she knows that I’m not a one-woman kind of guy.
Everyone in NYC does.
Ian Sullivan doesn’t settle down for anyone. That’s the talk on the town. I assume my reputation precedes me.
I doubt Meg will change any of that. But for the time being, I’m just interested in having fun and beating my brothers in this game of ours.
I’m going to steal Meg away for an afternoon of shopping. She deserves a life of luxury and the clothes to go with it. Besides, it’ll give us some quiet time away from the mansion to get to know each other a little bit better.
I can’t wait to break up Evan’s little surprise lunch, brunch—or whatever the hell you call it. Paul already claimed her last night, and I won’t have Evan doing the same thing today. I’m ready for Meg to be mine, and it’s about time she understood my intentions.
I put on my finest Armani suit, groom my thick blonde hair, and put on some cologne. Then, I happily make my way out to the garden, knowing I’m about to ruin Evan’s moment.
I walk through the lengthy mansion and see all of the staff. Mrs. Simmons smiles at me, and I see other maids going about their tasks. I’m so glad that Meg’s not a part of that today.
We’re gonna have to get her off the maid thing.
I imagine that Paul or Evan have arranged for her to have the morning off. I think maybe I should tell Mrs. Simmons that Meg needs to have the afternoon and evening hours off, too.
So as I pass her I say, “Mrs. Simmons, I need to have Meg for the remainder of the day. Please relieve her of any duties you might have had planned. Thank you.”
She knows better than to argue with me. Mrs. Simmons is a kind woman, but she’s a tough boss, and I can’t imagine Megan having to work underneath her.
For some reason, I want Meg to have only the best. I want her to never lift a finger for the rest of her life. I want to spoil her and for her to be all mine. If she were mine, she’d never work a day in her life that she didn’t want to.
I walk through the gardens. If I hadn’t seen them from the window, it wouldn’t be an easy task to find Evan and Meg. There’s virtually a maze of greenery out here, common to the English style. I know Evan is trying to keep their little rendezvous a secret, but luckily, nothing much gets past me.
As I go, I swipe a rose from one of the bushes, minding the thorns. I hide it behind my back. And then I see them.
I approach quietly to surprise Meg and say, “Hi guys, fancy seeing you here.”
She swings around to see me, and Evan casts me the evil eye. I catch them in the act of something. He’s got her hand under the table, and I can only imagine what’s going on down there.
Looks like my timing is perfect.
“Ian!” Meg pulls her hand away and jumps up to greet me.
I pull her in for a hug and feel like I’ve already won. I press her closely against my body so she can feel the outline of my muscles.
“Meg, it’s so good to see you. I’ve been missing you already since last night.”
Evan is glaring at me the entire time. I pay him no mind.
I’ve obviously won this round.
“Why Ian, what are you doing here? We’re obviously having a private brunch. I hope that you have a good reason for interrupting us,” Evan says, the constant alpha male thinking he can dictate to me.
“Actually,” I say, releasing Meg and admiring her little nightgown up close. “I’m here for a reason. Meg, I need you to get dressed as quickly as possible—I have quite the afternoon planned for us.”
“You do?” she asks me with hopeful eyes.
“Trust me,” I say to her. “You’re gonna love it.”
She looks at me and says, “But Ian, I think I have to work. Mrs. Simmons has a whole outline of things that need to be done around the house. I’m afraid I can’t go with you.”
I look at her and think it’s almost humorous how she thinks that she has to work today. If it were up to me, she’d never lift a beautiful finger again. If it were up to me, I’d spoil her instead of making her work. And that’s exactly what I plan on doing this afternoon.
“Meg, don’t worry about that. I’ve had a talk with Mrs. Simmons, and everything was arranged. Work should really be your last priority.”
I look over her shoulder, and Evan is enraged. I enjoy seeing his angry expression. It means I’ve gotten under his skin, and most of all, that I still have a chance of taking Meg away from him. He mustn’t be very secure in their connection if he’s getting this mad at me for taking her away.
Although, if I were in the same position, I’d be pissed too. Every second spent with Meg is valuable.
“So go get dressed honey, and meet me out front. The limo will be waiting,” I say.
She reluctantly walks over to Evan and gives him a kiss on the cheek, “Thank you, Evan, for a wonderful morning. I’ll see you later, okay?”
He smiles and nods at her.
“Go, have a good time. I’ll see you later, Meg,” he says.
He’s trying to be the bigger man, but I can see under his façade that he’s incredibly annoyed with me and likely exasperated.
Well, Evan thought he was going to arrange for the perfect rendezvous in the garden and that nobody would see them. He was mistaken. He should’ve chosen a better spot if he wanted to fuck this beauty today.
Meg runs towards the house eagerly, anxious for an afternoon of luxury.
“That was mighty slick of you,” Evan says.
“What is it?”
I feign not knowing what he’s talking about.
“You played this one well, Ian. But it won’t last forever. At some point, I’ll swoop in and take her from you,” he sa
ys.
“Whatever you say, man,” I say over my shoulder as I walk towards the house.
I’m unaffected by Evan because I’m sure of myself and of my way with women. After today, Meg will be thinking of nobody else but me.
I go inside and prepare to meet the limo out front. I also go and make sure it’s stocked with champagne and anything else that Meg might desire.
Chapter 15
Meg
I practically run up to my room, eager to get out of the mansion for a day.
Granted, on my way, Mrs. Simmons shoots me a disapproving look. I imagine she thinks I’m flirting with the guys, garnering all this attention instead of working. In truth, that’s only half the case.
The guys have been coming after me—not the other way around.
They’ve requested my time off work. But I’m not complaining. I don’t want to work as a maid anymore.
It’s been exhausting, and I feel like I have more valuable things to do with my time…like hanging out with Ian this afternoon.
“Hi, Mrs. Simmons,” I wave. “Bye Mrs. Simmons.”
She says nothing but nods her head in my direction as I hurry past. I need to go for a quick bath and figure out what to wear. Ian obviously has the afternoon planned, and I want to make sure I look cute.
In my room, I take a quick bath without washing my hair. Then, I smooth some nice almond oil all over my body, spritz myself with perfume, and put on another one of my favorite dresses that I brought. It’s a little maroon bohemian dress that I match with knee-high boots.
As I get ready, I see that my phone has several messages from Simon on it. I’m hesitant to even look at what he has to say. I don’t want him ruining the afternoon that Ian has planned for me.
And that’ll surely happen if I hear from Simon and feel the guilt of knowing I have to spy on these men. In the end, I can’t help but look.
There’s a text from him that says, Meg, where have you been? You’re supposed to be reporting to me. What have you found?
Another text sent a little while later says, Are you ignoring me? You better not be ignoring me. You know what will happen if you don’t do this for me, Meg. I can ruin you.
4 Men Of The House with correct Also By page Page 7
