Always Delightful: A Romantic Comedy (Always Series Book 1)

by Shayne McClendon

  I was fully naked and in the daylight, it seemed inappropriate. Wrapping a towel around my body, I walked downstairs to get my bag.

  Once I was dressed in my typical weekend uniform, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I pulled my hair into a messy bun and looked around for something to keep me occupied.

  I decided it wouldn’t be intrusive to make some coffee. I set it up and glanced in his fridge.

  He had outstanding ingredients on hand and before I realized what I was doing, I ransacked his kitchen for the right utensils and pans.

  “Bitch, you can at least make the man food for those orgasms.”

  So true.

  I was whipping eggs when he appeared downstairs in nothing but basketball shorts.

  “Good morning, Petra.” Looking at the chopped veggies, bacon, and cheese, he grinned. “You’ve been busy.”

  “Do you mind?” I shifted my weight to the other foot. “I figured you’d be starving.”

  He walked around his island and took the bowl from my hands. Setting it gently on the counter, he pulled me close and laid a kiss on me that made me moan.

  A long while later, he lifted away to say, “I am. You didn’t have to do all this. I wanted to take you to brunch.”

  I snorted. “My food is better. Trust.”

  “Don’t you dare give me another reason to worship you.” He tilted his head. “I thought…with the yogurt.”

  “Oh. I can make my own but Mom making it means it’s naturally got this extra something.” I shrugged. “I love to cook.” Gesturing to the ingredients, I added, “I figured you cooked to have all this.”

  “My housekeeper. She preps stuff for the week and I reheat.”

  “Then I think you’ll like this.” I crossed my eyes. “We need sustenance. Specifically, protein. Damn.”

  He laughed and I moved around him to return to whipping eggs. Pouring them in the pan, I added the other bowls of diced ingredients, sprinkled more cheese over the top, and seasoned everything with a mysterious blend I found that smelled delectable.

  Sliding it into the oven, I set the timer and turned around in time for him to press me to the refrigerator.

  “You look even better in casual clothes.”

  His mouth trailed up my neck and made me immediately breathless. He smelled so good…

  I wanted to eat him up.

  Turning us, I knelt on his kitchen floor, pulled down his shorts, and thanked him for two bouts of explosive orgasms by taking him to the back of my throat.

  The sound he made sent chills all over my body. I took my time, used every skill I learned from having a gay man for a best friend, and took him apart one suck, one lick, at a time.

  His legs shook and he locked them out. His breathing was ragged in the quiet kitchen.

  When he was close, I focused on his face while he panted through parted lips and stared right back at me.

  I swallowed everything he gave me, cleaned him up, and settled his shorts in place before standing.

  The timer sounded and I grinned. “Food.”

  He didn’t move as I washed my hands, took the frittata from the oven, and found plates.

  I cut us slices and poured us cups of coffee. I set everything at the bar and watched him snap out of the trance he’d been in since I sucked every drop of come he managed to produce in the hours we’d been sleeping.

  “You’re incredible.”

  He said the words in awe and it made me feel incredible. Sitting beside me on a barstool, he dropped a kiss on me before cutting into his food.

  Eyes closing, he chewed slowly. “You must be a witch.”

  “I’ve heard that a time or two. Also, rhymes with bitch.”

  “In my case, I mean magical as fuck.”

  His stomach growled and I watched in awe as he made the slice disappear in under a minute. Laughing, I got him more.

  He ate two-thirds of the pan before he admitted he was full but greedy. I didn’t know where he put it. I’d gain ten pounds immediately if I put that much food in my body.

  I tried to clean up the mess I made but he insisted, “You sit right there and enjoy your coffee. I’ll do this and take you on a tour of the house.”

  We spent the day together and I fell in love with photos he’d never published that decorated his walls.

  He took me again on the leather couch in his studio and I was stunned to discover it was just as powerful – and Jack was just as patient – as our first time together.

  Halfway through, he held me tightly as he turned into a seated position and kept me over his lap.

  Broad daylight, fully naked, straddling a fine man who made me weak with need. The resulting orgasm was almost too powerful.

  When I could hold myself up, I leaned back and watched his face as he smoothed my freed hair over my shoulder. Again, he kissed all the potential awkwardness away.

  We showered and took an accidental nap. Near dark, he frowned. “I wish you could stay.”

  “I’ll be in San Diego for the next three days for a client.”

  He smoothed a lock of my hair that slipped from the new bun. “Do you mind if I text you?” I shook my head.

  Jack drove me home and I showed him around my condo. He smiled at several photos of me in my office. I had tons of them with friends and family.

  I worried things were moving crazy fast between us but decided not to overanalyze and just let things shake out however they would.

  At my door, he kissed me thoroughly and whispered, “I’ll see you in a few days. Be safe.”

  “I will.” He turned to go. “Jack?” He paused. “Thank you for an experience unlike anything I’ve ever had. It meant more than you know.”

  Returning to stand in front of me, he massaged my shoulders. “For me, too.” One more kiss and he was gone.

  It was insane that I missed him already.

  * * *

  Every morning of my trip, Jack texted me hello and attached a photo from his collection.

  In the evenings, he texted me ideas for places to eat or visit while I was in San Diego.

  It was thoughtful and made me smile every time.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Landing at Ft. Lauderdale International four days later, the jet lag about kicked my ass. I claimed my bag and smiled at the car service waiting to take me home.

  I dozed off and tipped the driver extra for taking my bags all the way into my lobby.

  After a quick shower, I fell naked into my bed before it was even dark outside. I slept until the next morning.

  It was an unfortunate call from my sister that woke me. “What do you want?” I asked groggily.

  “Before you go getting attached to Kevin’s brother, you should know the man is a total psycho.”

  Prepared to hang up, I said, “Grow the fuck up…”

  “Petra! He literally knows everything about you. He’s like, stalked you and shit. It’s creepy and inappropriate.”

  Rolling to my back, I sighed. “Kevin telling his loser friends about how I was in bed wasn’t inappropriate?” She gasped and I did a little fist-bump to the air.

  “Don’t change the subject, Petra.”

  “I’m not. I’m ending the conversation.” I hung up and growled at the sun shining through the huge window in my bedroom.

  Her words stuck in the back of my mind.

  An hour later, Mom called. “Don’t listen to your sister.”

  The fact that they were the first words out of her mouth put me on high alert.

  “Alright. Spill everything you know, Mom.”

  By the time she finished talking, I didn’t know if I was angry, flattered, worried, or confused.

  After the call, I stared at the ceiling above my bed for several minutes. That was it for sleep. I was wide awake.

  Pulling up my text history with Jack, I sent him one. “I’m back and rested. I’d love to take you to lunch. Are you free?”

  He replied in under a minute. “Give me two hours to finish develo
ping this batch. Can I pick you up?”

  Um, no. “I’ll pick you up. See you in a bit.”

  I walked naked to my bathroom and took a long shower. It knocked the last of the cobwebs away. I briefly considered dressing casual but changed my mind. I needed to arm myself.

  I took my time with my hair and light but dramatic makeup.

  In my closet, I selected nude lingerie, a deep green wrap dress, and exactly right nude wedges to go with it.

  Dangling emerald earrings and a bracelet completed the look and I opened the box that held antique pieces from my mom and her family. A princess-cut emerald ring and I was done.

  Pausing in front of the full-length mirror in the corner, I decided I presented a much more put-together image than I did at Ava’s wedding.

  Spritzing a bit of my favorite perfume in all the right places, I picked up one of the few designer bags I owned – a gift from my mother – and walked out the door.

  Jack’s place was only a few miles from mine. At the gate, the security guard greeted me with a smile.

  “Petra Andreadis.”

  “Yes, ma’am. I was told to expect you.”

  He opened the gate and I drove through a neighborhood that was a lot more impressive in the daylight.

  Parking in his driveway, I inhaled carefully, quickly checked my makeup in the mirror, and got out of my BMW.

  Approaching his front door, it was thrown open before I could knock. Jack wore slacks and a dress shirt unbuttoned at the throat and leather loafers.

  He took me in from head to toe. “Jesus, Petra. You look wonderful.” His eyes met mine. “Good enough to eat.”

  I wasn’t about to lie. “You look great, too.”

  “Come in.”

  Laughing, I shook my head. It took everything in me. “Food first. I haven’t eaten yet today and I’m getting a headache.”

  Reaching behind him, he picked up keys and locked his door.

  “Definitely food first.” He opened my door and stared at my mouth when I was seated behind the wheel. “I don’t want to mess up your lipstick.”

  “You won’t. I use a lip stain so it doesn’t smudge.”

  Leaning in, he cupped the nape of my neck and claimed a kiss that rattled me to my core.

  Focus! You have questions!

  Resting his forehead against mine, he whispered, “You look and smell and taste like heaven. I missed you.”

  “I missed you, too.” It was the truth.

  Another kiss and he stepped back to close my door. He jogged around and slid into the passenger seat. “What are you in the mood for? I cleared the rest of the day.”

  My eyes widened. “You did?”

  “I haven’t seen you in four days and considering I can’t stop thinking about you, I figured it was the smart move.” He grinned. “It’s okay if you have to work. I’ll be useless.”

  I chuckled. “Useless? I highly doubt that.”

  Backing out of his driveway, I drove to a restaurant my family owned along Miami Beach. The seafood was to die for and if things got weird, my huge cousin was the chef.

  Once we were seated, he reached across and held my hand. I felt a little anxious but concealed it.

  “Tell me about your trip. Did you accomplish everything you needed to?” I nodded with a smile and he returned it. “Did you try the steak place?”

  “I took my clients. I don’t know if they’re literally serving cows that receive daily massages or what but the ribeye melted in my mouth. I could have cut it with a fork.”

  “I told you! Vodka?”

  “Too much vodka. Thank god for the car service.”

  We ordered a bottle of white wine and I spoke with our server. Rebecca was a sweet young woman who was dating a second cousin of mine.

  “Guess what, Petra?” she whispered excitedly. “I’m pregnant.”

  I blinked. “Uh. That’s…great, Rebecca.”

  She nodded happily. “We’re getting married in a few weeks.”

  “Wow. Congratulations.” I repeated it in Greek. “How old are you again?”

  “Twenty-one. Mom thought I’d be married by now, you know. I was a rebel!” She laughed and I faked one. “Michael wants me to be home with the baby so I won’t be here after the wedding.”

  “Of course.” I faked another smile. “Let me know if you need anything. I’m happy to help.”

  “You’re so great, Petra. Everybody’s big sister.” She stuck her pen in her trim black apron. “I think it’s really brave that you decided to build a career instead of going the traditional route.”

  “Agreed. We can only have one or the other, am I right?” The young woman nodded and completely missed my sarcasm. “Give us a few minutes to think about what we want, okay?”

  She bounced away and I stared at the menu trying to get my temper under control. I expected some comment on my marital status but such an exchange was more than I bargained for.

  Fuck.

  I told Jack without looking at him, “Everything here is delicious. They get fresh deliveries every morning.”

  I felt him looking at me.

  Glancing up with a sigh, I said, “It’s fine. I’m fine.”

  Crossing his arms on the table, he leaned toward me. “I know you are. Just because everyone else moves with the herd doesn’t make it right, Petra. You’re one of the few people who know you can have everything you’re willing to work for.”

  It was the exact right thing to say.

  It reminded me what I needed to talk to him about. “Thanks.”

  Rebecca returned with our wine and a basket of bread. I placed an order for a mixture of appetizers so Jack could try several specialties on the menu.

  The moment she was out of hearing, I met his eyes. “I’d like to ask you something.”

  He didn’t move, he didn’t blink. He said, “I wondered how long it would take.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Until my brother and your sister compared notes and gave you a call. I should have known they’d have nothing better to do than talk about us on their honeymoon.” He sat back, tapping his finger on the table. “Ask your question.”

  “Did you stalk me before you met me at the wedding?”

  “Yes.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  I was so shocked at the simple answer I couldn’t look away from Jack’s face. My mouth opened and closed twice as I tried to formulate a response.

  Finally, I managed, “For how long?”

  “Off and on since you started seeing Kevin.”

  “Why?”

  “You weren’t his type and he’s a douche.”

  “Am I your type?”

  “Yes.”

  “Are you sure? Maybe you sort of made me your type.”

  “I doubt you’ll believe anything I say about this.” He glanced through the window to the water beyond. “I realize it looks bad. Nothing I say is going to change the fact that I behaved inappropriately.” He returned his gaze to me. “I’m afraid I don’t regret it.”

  “You don’t?”

  “No. I don’t.

  I took a sip of my wine. “What do you think my sister told me?”

  He released a humorless laugh. “I can only imagine.”

  “What do you think my mother said about all of this?”

  “You spoke to your mother?” I nodded. He gave me a genuine smile and I saw some of his tension ease away. “I’m glad you did.”

  “Ava isn’t a reputable source. My mother is above reproach.” The silence drew out between us and I watched him watch me. “At first, I was angry. I felt manipulated.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “That changed to confusion because I’m not the sort of woman men lose their shit over.”

  “I disagree. You’re magnificent.”

  “Hardly.”

  “You’re my ideal, Petra. I won’t apologize for that. I will apologize for being weird, upsetting you, and not telling you everything at the wedding.”

/>   “How do you think that would have turned out?”

  “Poorly. Which is why I withheld the information.”

  Tapping my nail on the glass, I considered. “Start from the beginning. Tell me now.”

  Rebecca brought our appetizers and refilled my wine. She didn’t interrupt us for our meal order. I think she could tell our conversation was serious.

  Jack took a deep breath then a drink of his wine. “I was home after an assignment in Asia. I wanted to find a house I could use as a home base and Mom had some ideas.”

  “Mine filled me in on her reputation as a real estate tycoon.” I wasn’t kidding.

  “When my dad died, she used his life insurance money to get into it. She tripled what he left her in five years.”

  “It’s how she met my mother.”

  His gaze was intense. “Yes.”

  “They wanted to do some matchmaking…”

  “Kevin found out about you from eavesdropping on Mom’s call with Leda. I was out of the country so he got to you first.”

  “Nice.”

  “She was furious to learn who he was dating. By the time I got back, you were on your second date.”

  “I remember it painfully.”

  He took a longer swig of his wine. “At first, I figured you were with him because of my mom.”

  “If maybe I was looking for a paycheck marriage?” He inclined his head and I didn’t blame him for wondering.

  “I started digging. The more I learned about you, the more confused I was that you were dating my idiot brother. It certainly wasn’t about money.”

  I cleared my throat. “I needed a date for my ten-year high school reunion. That’s how it started. He asked me out twice before but I said no. The third time, I was vulnerable. I needed a date.” With a shrug, I added, “My standards were low. Look decent in a suit and don’t make me look bad.”

  “Kevin shared every detail of your relationship. No matter how often my mother and I told him to stop, he wouldn’t.”

  Jack removed his phone and pulled up a screenshot of a text conversation with Kevin. He’d attached a photo of me at the reunion and wrote, “Looks like your type is more into your little brother.”

  He shook his head. “He needed to rub it in. To overshare.”