Keep My Heart (Top Shelf Romance Book 7)

by Lex Martin

  But as she’s reaching for me, I catch her wrist.

  “Don’t move,” I instruct as I grab a dark towel from her bathroom and the lube I tossed in her nightstand last week. After I slide the towel beneath us and kick off my jeans and boxer briefs, I flip open the bottle and drizzle the clear liquid over my length before snapping it shut and tossing the container on the bed.

  Eyes wide, pouty lips wet, she watches me palm my length and spread the lube. Squeezing from root to tip, I curve around the swollen head and back, the pace languid. Because it’s for her.

  A deep flush paints her cheeks and tints her plump, pert breasts. “You’re making me crazy right now,” she whispers before licking two fingers and dipping her hand into her panties.

  A groan catches in my throat.

  Is there anything hotter than watching a stunning woman touch herself? Fuck, no. And especially not my woman.

  My cock swells in appreciation of the quick motion of her hand underneath the lace. Of the way her other hand pinches her nipple with a hard tweak. Of her ravenous stare.

  “I could watch you do this all night.” It’s true. Tori’s a vision. A goddamn goddess. Hair tangled around her, tits high and flushed, slender hips gyrating to a tempo I can feel, a heavy thumping bass that extends all the way down my hips.

  With a squeeze to my balls, I edge back before I embarrass myself.

  Her sultry voice zings through me. “Ethan, touch me.”

  She swallows when I caress her legs, from the back of her knee to where her thigh reaches her ass. My fingers dig into that sweet dip between the two until they meet in the middle and she’s out of breath.

  “Gonna take these off”—I finger the lace scrap adorning her pretty pussy—“and then you’re gonna come.”

  She nods on a pant that has me palming myself again.

  Her eyes are hazy with lust, but beneath the desire, beneath the craving, I see something I’ve never had in any other relationship. Absolute trust.

  And it makes me fall that much harder for this girl.

  Keeping my eyes pinned to hers, I guide her panties down until they’re out of my way, and then I kneel between her open thighs. Pulling my length up, I let my cock slap against her swollen mound, and she gasps, arching toward me and telling me yes. My girl likes it rough sometimes, though tonight, I want to take it easy on her. Mostly.

  With a leisurely thrust, I glide against her. Notching through her folds. Knocking the head of my cock against that sensitive nub.

  Slow, I remind myself.

  But then she parts herself so I can fit even closer, and my balls draw up tight.

  “Goddamn, baby.”

  A gasp escapes her at the sensation, and she pulls her knees to her chest, the sight enough to send me right back to the edge again.

  Really and truly, I want to thank Jesus right now for the honor of fucking this beautiful woman.

  My thrusts make her tits bounce, delighting the caveman in me, who wants to carry her to my lair and fuck her into the next ice age.

  Nearly mindless with desire, I squeeze her pussy lips that cradle me, tightening her around me, and when she gazes down at my slick crown parting her, that’s all it takes for her to come with a muffled cry.

  Head thrown back, body tight and arched, her body heaving, Tori’s still shuddering when light dots my vision and that tidal wave of pleasure barrels through me.

  My body quakes as I shoot my release on her stomach, the sensation so intense, I catch myself on one arm before I almost crush her.

  So. Fucking. Good. How does it get better every time?

  When I can finally breathe again, I laugh. “Sorry, sweetness. Didn’t mean to make a mess on you.”

  She gives me a sleepy, sexy smile and yanks me closer. Guess we might need that shower after all.

  Tori

  For the record, Ethan was totally right about the endorphins. I feel freaking fabulous.

  With a contented sigh, I push my nose into his neck, loving how he smells. I could stay in this bed with him for the next year if left to my own devices.

  I’ve never even contemplated getting naked with a guy when Aunt Flo was visiting. Jamie wouldn’t touch me with a ten-foot pole. I thought all men were like that. Even though, really, most of what Ethan and I did was in the shower, so there wasn’t a mess. I’d never consider it unless I really trusted a guy, but Ethan makes me want to open up to him. I mean, I’d have to trust him to let him run the red light.

  His palm brushes over my stomach, an area I’m less than pleased with this time of the month, but given how we just jumped each other in the shower, I’m too boneless and hopped up on sex to care.

  “What time do you need to get up in the morning?” My voice is hoarse from sex. For real, that’s a thing I never really got until this summer. Thank God I don’t share a bedroom wall with the kids.

  “Around four thirty.”

  With a strained effort, I crack open my eyes to check the clock on my nightstand. “It’s almost midnight. Don’t you need more sleep?” The man has to be exhausted. I don’t know where he gets his stamina.

  “Gonna be too hot this week to work in the afternoons, so I’ll need to get more done at night. The upshot is maybe I can grab a nap during the day.”

  “Let me know what you need me to do, how I can help you.”

  “You do enough, baby.”

  Rolling over to use him as a body pillow, I toss my leg over his. We’re both wearing underwear, but our chests are skin to skin, and he’s so warm, I wanna purr.

  “Don’t tell anyone, but I’ll be your sex slave,” I admit. “It’s a rough job, but someone has to do it.”

  The rumble of laughter in his chest makes me smile. “I happen to have an opening.”

  “Lucky me.”

  He kisses the top of my head. “I’d say lucky me.”

  We lie in silence, the moon casting long shadows through the curtains at the edge of my room.

  Drawing circles on his chest, I let out a sigh of relief for how today went. “I’m so glad the judge approved your proposal.”

  “God, me too. The guy who provides the livestock is on board, and we’ve worked out that contract. I just hope negotiations with Allison go as smoothly. We spent a lot of time arguing last year, but I thought things were beginning to chill out.”

  Hmm. I have a theory.

  “I’m sure her finding us half-naked in the back of your truck didn’t help much.”

  He heaves a frustrated sigh. “You’re probably right.”

  “Sometimes it’s hard for people to move on.” I think back to Vivian’s situation with her ex David, whom she tossed away like a used tissue. When we spoke earlier today, though, you’d think he was the love of her life.

  “The only thing I’m concerned about is Allison’s willingness to be a silent partner. She’s never taken an interest in the horses or the business, so that bodes well for us, but having an ex as a partner is not ideal. Logan just wants me to compete again, and he’s willing to do anything to make that happen, even put up with her.”

  My hand stills on his chest. Yeah, when I came up with the brilliant plan, I wasn’t really thinking about how that would connect Ethan to Allison even more long-term. This is why I should stick to things like cooking and crafts and bartending.

  But I don’t want to compound Ethan’s worry. “Maybe you guys need time for the dust to settle.”

  “I hope so, babe.” Turning me in his arms, he lets out a laugh. “I feel like you know my dirty laundry. Please tell me you have a crazy ex story too.”

  That’s one topic I haven’t shared this summer, but it’s probably not fair that I know so much about his life, and he doesn’t know this huge thing that happened to me last year.

  “I do. In fact, I could probably top your crazy.”

  “Really?”

  “Oh, yeah.” I nibble on my lip, hating this subject but wanting to have this conversation out of the way. “I dated someone my last year at UT
. I guess I thought we were getting serious only to find out the guy lied the entire time we dated. Pretended to be devoted. Pretended he cared. Made all kinds of promises. Until the day I found out the bastard was married.”

  “Are you fucking serious?” Ethan’s whole body stiffens, and he shifts us so he can see my face. “What happened? Please tell me his wife caught his sorry ass.”

  Shame washes over me, and I sit up, pulling the sheet up and tucking it around me. “Not exactly.” Part of me hates that I never ratted him out to his wife.

  Leaning up, he pulls me to his chest. “I’m so sorry he hurt you, baby.”

  “That was the reason I didn’t want to work for you. After Jamie, I didn’t date anyone for over a year, until I moved in with you. I felt like I couldn’t trust my judgment anymore because he had me so fooled. When I interviewed with you, I think I was such a bitch that day because you scared me.”

  “I scared you?”

  I nod, glad he can’t see the heat traveling up my face. “There you were, this really handsome, intense guy.” Closing my eyes, I can see him that day. The way those stormy blue eyes pierced through me. The way our chemistry pulsed in the air like a live current. “You were dripping wet from washing off in the kitchen sink, flashing those abs and tattoos. A girl would have to be dead, dumb, or decapitated not to be attracted to you.”

  His quiet chuckle makes me shift around to face him.

  “You think this is funny? That I thought you were so hot, I probably subconsciously sabotaged the interview because I didn’t want to work for someone I was into? That, deep down, I liked the fact that you were pissed off that day? That I couldn’t decide if I wanted to slap you silly or ride you next to your commercial range oven?”

  He groans. “Option number two, please.”

  “Shut up. You made me break my man diet.” I laugh and smack his arm, but he catches my wrist and pulls me down until I’m resting on his chest. “Do I win? Does my ex’s crazy trump Allison’s?”

  “You definitely win.”

  The way he kisses me makes me grateful I couldn’t stay away from him.

  Maybe the worst is behind me and the best is yet to come. If Ethan is a part of my life, I’m becoming more optimistic about those odds.

  Tori

  I’m folding a green jumper embroidered with tiny frogs when my Aunt Imelda sits primly next to me and folds her hands.

  “Isn’t this a lovely shower?” she asks, her intention as obvious as the gun-toting, hooded thief who screams, This is a robbery!

  “Yes, tía. It’s perfect.” No dildo cakes. No mis-gifted sex toys. No embarrassing games. My mother must be delighted. Although… my cousin Natalia melted chocolate candies in diapers and made everyone sniff them to guess the candy. That’s gross, right?

  Forcing myself to smile, I try to be grateful. My sister got a beautiful shower. She was happy, and that’s all that matters. I won’t retaliate with laundry hijinks.

  My feelings are still a wee bit hurt, but I’m an adult. I can be mature. Isn’t this what people call a “learning experience”? And today, I’ve learned you have to get to the front of the line for the cake because that shit goes fast.

  Aunt Imelda elbows me while her unibrow wiggles like an angry caterpillar. “So when are you going to settle down and marry a good man? You’re not getting any younger.” She points to the corners of my eyes like I’m an old hag.

  Jeeesus. “As soon as I pay off my attorney bill from that time I almost got a felony.”

  My mom chokes on her sparkling soda.

  What? If I give Imelda a civilized answer, I’m giving her positive reinforcement to be an asshole.

  I don’t think my mom hears my internal dialogue because she gives me scary eyes, the ones that make me grateful I’m out of reach.

  Ugh, I need to get out of here. I always revert to a teenager when I’m around my family.

  Of course, it takes ten years to clean up after the party—thanks, cuz, for not helping with that—hug everyone, and trudge to my car.

  By the time I reach Ethan’s gravel driveway, I’m in desperate need of an alcoholic beverage, preferably something so strong you can light it on fire, especially when I see Allison’s sleek black Lexus parked in front of the house.

  Motherfuckity.

  I consider backing out, but she’s standing on the porch with Ethan and the kids, and they see me.

  When I catch the time on the dashboard clock, I let out a curse. Why didn’t I realize I might run into her? It’s Sunday evening, the time I usually hide from the harpy.

  When they shift around, probably as bewildered why I’m showing up now as I am, I’m startled by how much they look like a family. All beautiful and tan with dirty-blonde hair and big, blue eyes, the kind of perfect people you see glossing the covers of magazines in the grocery store.

  Reluctantly, I park my junker next to her import, and it rushes through me—how much I hate this comparison. I’ll never be Allison with her designer clothes and French manicures. I know Ethan doesn’t care about that stuff, but it’s hard to feel confident next to someone who looks like his ex does.

  With a quick glance in the rearview mirror to make sure I don’t have raccoon eyes, I smooth down my sundress and slide out of the car. Hey, I tell myself. At least this time I’m wearing underwear, and I’m not half-naked and hungover in the back of Ethan’s truck.

  Ah, gallows humor.

  Ethan’s attention zeroes in on me like a shaft of sunlight. His eyes connect with mine, travel down my dress, pausing on my cleavage, dip down to my legs, and make a slow lift back to my face. I can’t help but smile at him.

  “Hey, guys.”

  The kids immediately grab my legs and try to scale me like a mountain.

  Allison huffs, ignoring me altogether. “Can I invite my parents or not?”

  Ethan shifts awkwardly, running a hand over his scruffy chin. “Didn’t think y’all would want to come, honestly.”

  Her chest heaves. “You thought I’d miss my own kid’s birthday party?”

  “I thought you’d do something for Cody with your family.” His voice is calm despite the hellishly awkward vibe in the air.

  “That’s stupid, Ethan. I should bring my parents here for your party. There’s no point in doing separate events for a two-year-old who won’t even remember it. They could use something cheerful since my grandfather just passed.”

  Her shrill voice makes Mila’s bottom lip tremble.

  I hate interjecting, but Mila’s two seconds from crying, and if she cries, Cody might join her, especially since he’s tired and rubbing his eyes. “Can I take the kids inside?”

  “No. You cannot take my kids inside,” Allison barks.

  Ethan places a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Actually, hon, do me a favor and take the kids to the diner for some ice cream.” He pulls out his wallet and hands me a twenty-dollar bill.

  It’s obvious he doesn’t want Mila and Cody to witness the showdown happening here. I’ve already told Ethan I’m not comfortable driving his truck, but this is probably his way of not contradicting Allison while still protecting the children. He’s such a good guy. He tries so hard. I barely refrain from shooting Allison a dirty look. How could she not want this man?

  “I don’t have car seats in my—” I motion toward my rust heap, and I swear Allison’s eye twitches.

  “Take the truck.” He’s reaching for his keys, and I’m shaking my head no, and Mila’s yanking on my dress.

  No, no, no. I can’t explain why I shouldn’t drive them in front of Allison, not when she’s looking at me like I might infect her with the plague.

  But Ethan opens my palm and makes me take the keys. “Please.”

  One word.

  That’s all he has to say for my resolve to wane, but I have a sinking suspicion his conversation with Allison was going fine until I showed up, so I want to help him however I can.

  “Sure. Yeah.”

  I just hope he’s not upset wi
th me when I tell him I can’t keep doing this.

  Forty-five minutes later, Logan strolls through the door of the Lone Star, pausing briefly to flirt with one of the waitresses, before sliding into our booth. Cody is asleep in my arms, his ice cream melted into a puddle in his bowl, and Mila clings to my other side, stressed out from watching her parents argue.

  “Hey, little darlins,” Logan drawls.

  I’m too tired to do more than lift my hand.

  I don’t ask why he’s here and Ethan’s not, but something about that pisses me off more than being in the middle of everything. But damn it, it hurts to hear Mila cry over her parents and how she’s worried they’re mad at her. Just thinking about it makes my eyes sting and my belly burn with frustration.

  I want to protect these kids, but they’re not mine to protect. I want to protect Ethan, but sometimes he doesn’t feel like he’s mine either. Like on that porch earlier this evening, I had zero control about anything.

  And really, who am I to have any say here? I’m the nanny. Not their mom.

  Logan taps a finger on his cell. “Heard you guys had a rough time at the ranch. I’m supposed to bring you home as soon as I get a text.”

  The meaning is clear. When Allison is gone, we can return.

  She’s still there? Jealousy tears through me at the thought of her being alone with Ethan.

  Get used to it, genius. You did suggest they remain a team for the sake of the ranch. Plus, it was her house first.

  Fuck me sideways, this sucks.

  My emotions must be clear as day because Logan gives me a sympathetic smile. I hate that look. I know it well. It’s the one all my friends gave me when they found out I’d been unknowingly dating a married man. “This will all work out. I know my brother.”

  I nod, fear making me wonder, Work out for whom?

  His phone vibrates, and he smiles as if this is proof of our impending happiness.

  But I have a bad feeling about this. All of this.