by Hart, Lea
“I think we should let her answer.”
David and Chris came up to the table at that moment. David put his hand on the guy’s shoulder in a firm grip and smiled at the guy as he turned around. “Like Frank said…we got it.”
The guy looked at the three large men with easy smiles on their faces and decided it wasn’t worth it. He smiled at Cary and walked away, shaking his head. Cary stood up and stared the three of them down. “I’m perfectly capable of speaking for myself. I could’ve taken care of it by myself.”
David sat down and signaled to the waitress. “I know you can handle it, but where’s the fun in that?”
She shook her head as the waitress came up to the table, and ordered a margarita. “I could’ve handled it.”
Frank leaned forward and spoke across the table. “I don’t want Travis to give me a hard time when he gets home. I told him I would keep an eye out, and that’s what I’m doing.” He held up his phone and showed her the texts he was receiving from Travis. “By the way, he says you shouldn’t have more than three margaritas, because you got really sick the last time you had tequila.” He looked down at his phone as another text came in. “He also says you look really pretty and did an amazing job with the song.”
She leaned across the table and gave Frank a death glare that he totally ignored. “I do not need a babysitter.”
David leaned over and put his arm around her shoulders. “We’re not babysitters. We’re brothers watching out for you. Just because Travis isn’t here doesn’t mean that he’s not here.”
Cary was touched and frustrated and confused about how she’d ended up with a boyfriend and family all in one fell swoop. “I’m not sure how I feel about this, but I should thank you for coming out tonight and keeping us company. Since you’re here, one of you gets to sing with me.”
Chris shook his head hard. “I don’t sing. David and Travis are swim buddies and best friends. He’s going to sing with you.”
“I can’t sing, either. No one wants to hear me.”
Catalina spoke up quickly. “Everyone wants to hear Cary sing, so all you have to do is get up there and sing softly.” She pushed the notebook in his direction. “Pick a song.”
David shoved the book toward Cary, “You pick. Just make sure I don’t have to sing too much.”
Cary smiled at him as she patted his arm. “Make sure that someone records this. I want everyone to be able to see this.” She heard David groan next to her and Chris laugh. This is going to be fun.
Cary chose Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now.” “This shouldn’t be too hard. You just sing as much as you want.”
“Fine.”
Cary got up and went to sign them in. As she walked back to the table, she felt a wave of longing. She missed Travis and wished he were here. Darn, that man has worked his way into my heart without me even knowing.
She sat down and listened to the conversation as she drank her margarita. She picked up her purse to get her lipstick out and noticed that Travis had blown up her phone with texts again.
“Congratulations. I loved the song you sang. I was blown away by your beauty and talent, just like I am every day. I wish I was there to cheer you on. I hope having the guys there lets you know that I support you even when I’m not there. Have fun tonight and let David drive you home. I’ll call you tomorrow when I land. Can’t wait to get home and wrap you up in my arms and kiss you. Xoxox”
She finally decided to text him back.
“Be safe and come home without any bullet holes. See you on Saturday.”
It wasn’t very much, but it was something. She didn’t want to confess her feelings in a text. She wanted to tell him in person. She heard her and David’s names and pulled herself out of her funk. “Come on, David, let’s do this.” She grabbed his hand and dragged him toward the stage. Before they walked on, she leaned over and reminded him that it would last only three minutes. “You can survive anything for three minutes.”
He looked at her and gave her a doubtful look. “I would rather be in a firefight.”
“I know, but this will be more fun.”
“No, the firefight would be more fun.” The music started, and Cary looked over at him and smiled as she sang the first verse of the song. She pointed to the monitor and signaled that it was almost his turn. He took a deep breath and decided to go for it. What the hell? His dignity was already in shreds. He might as well make a good show of it. He leaned into the microphone, sang his part and looked over at Cary as she gave him a big smile. She sang over him and under him and somehow managed to make his voice sound OK. She also belted out a couple of lines, and the crowd went crazy. They mercifully made it to the end of the song, and people were actually clapping and not booing. He swung Cary up and gave her a hug. “Next time, Travis gets to come up here and do this.”
She nodded and smiled as they made their way off the stage. I hope he feels like being with me after I tell him.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Cary stood outside her pod as Chad let the doors swing open, she looked at all her stuff and felt a wave of relief. She finally was moving into her home. She looked forward to never moving again, and this was the first step. “Don’t touch anything,” Chad said. “The guys are on their way over, and they’re going to put everything in the house.”
“How did they know I was going to be ready to move in today?”
“Because I told Adam and Adam told David. Travis told Adam to let him know. Apparently he didn’t trust you to wait until he got home. He wanted the guys to help if he wasn’t here.”
“I’ve liked you up until this point, Chad.”
“You still like me, because I did a great job on your house.”
“I like you a little bit less after this.”
“I can live with that. I like Travis, and I don’t need him up my ass because I didn’t let Adam know. You have free movers and should be thanking me.”
“I feel bad the guys are doing this. I’m sure that they have other things to be doing.”
“You don’t get it, do you?”
“I guess not. Why don’t you fill me in?”
“They would be pissed if you let strangers come over and move you in. You’re now part of the family, and there’s no way they would allow you to pay for it.”
“I’m not married to Travis. We’re just dating.” She watched Chad start to laugh and shake his head at her. “I’m glad you find this so funny.”
“I’ve never seen one of these guys just date once they fall for a girl. It’s just a matter of time before he hustles you down the aisle to get married.”
“I’m going to tell him I love him as soon as he gets home, so he may end up running away from me.”
“He’s not going to run away from you. He’s going to run at you hard and fast. Congratulations.”
“Let’s save that until we see how he feels.”
“I know how he feels. He’s checked in with me every week since I started this job and came out with a bunch of guys to install a state-of-the-art security system. He made sure that we made a dog door because he wants you to have a dog. This man is planning a life with you.”
“I hope you’re right, but I don’t know what to say.”
“Don’t say anything. Go look at your new house and tell me what you think.”
Cary walked up the front steps of her home and admired the wide plank flooring that was now painted white. She opened the front door and stepped in and let out a big breath. It was perfect. The pale yellow walls looked beautiful against the dark wood floors. Chad and the guys had done an amazing job with all of the built-ins and restored them beautifully. She looked into the kitchen and admired the countertops and all of the fixtures that she’d chosen. This was going to be the center of the home, and she couldn’t wait to have a house-warming party. She heard Chad come in and turned to smile at him. “Thank you for making me a beautiful home.” She stepped toward him, wrapped her arms around his big frame and gave him a hug. She l
ooked up at him and felt tears start to fall down her face. “This is my first home and I can’t thank you enough.”
She squeezed him again, heard the front door open, looked up and saw Travis walk through the front door.
“Is this what happens when I leave for a week? Did you find another man already?”
Chad released Cary and she flew toward Travis and jumped into his arms. “You made it home.”
“It looks like a good thing, too. I knew you had a thing for Chad, so I had to come home and remind you why you like me better.”
Chad cleared his throat. “I’m heading out. Call me if you need anything after you do the final walk-through. You have about an hour before the guys start showing up to move you in.”
Travis held on to Cary and proceeded to kiss the hell out of her. It felt like he’d been gone for a month instead of a week. He lifted his mouth, rested his head against hers and let out a big breath. “I missed you, baby.”
“I missed you more because I seem to have fallen in love with you.” Looking up into his eyes, she held her breath and waited for him to respond.
He tightened his hold and spun her around and let out a loud hooyah. “Damn, I love you, too! I’m in love with you, and I can’t wait to marry you.” He ran his tongue against her mouth and released all the desire that he’d banked for the last week.
She lifter her head. “I missed your face.”
“I missed your face more.” He ran his hand up her leg. “Do you really love me?”
“More than you will ever know. I’m not sure when it happened, but I am. Completely and madly.”
“Finally!”
“Travis, it’s only been two months. That’s not long at all.”
“I’ve felt this way for a long time, so it seems a like a long time to me. I’m going to ask you to marry me, so get yourself ready.”
“OK.”
“OK.”
They heard cars pull up and doors slam, and that was the end of the conversation for now.
********
Travis stood on the front steps, watched everyone pull up and appreciated that everyone had shown up. It was one of the many benefits of being in the brotherhood. You always had a group of guys who would show up without hesitation. He now understood that it included the women, as well, as he saw Birdie and Mark drive up.
As everyone started pouring out of cars and trucks, he felt Cary walk up behind him. He wrapped his arm around her. “Are they all here for us?” she asked.
“Yes, baby. This is what we do on moving day. We all show up and move stuff in.”
“I don’t know what to say. I’ve been alone for so long and doing everything on my own. This is a little overwhelming.”
“You’re getting not only a husband but also, a family to go with it. We always help each other out. No questions asked.”
She watched as Birdie directed her husband toward the cooler in the back of her car. “She looked up at Cary and waved, “I brought water, soda and beer.”
“Thank you, Birdie.”
Cary moved down the path and gave her a big hug. “Wow, this is so nice of everyone.”
“My pleasure. Now show me your house because I’m dying to see it.”
“Shouldn’t I be out here, helping them move stuff in?”
“They’re not going to let you do anything. Just stand inside and direct them where everything goes.”
“OK…I guess.”
Travis kissed her cheek as he went out to the storage pod and started directing the guys as they pulled furniture out.
Max and Mark walked up to him and clapped him on the back. “Did you get the ring?” Mark asked.
Travis looked around to make sure that Cary was nowhere near them. “I did! I found what I was looking for when I was in the UAE. I just have to figure out where I’m going to ask her.”
“You have to make it special,” Max said, “because they want a good story. Take your time and think of something really good.”
He looked at Max with his eyebrows raised. “You proposed in the middle of a department store on a Saturday afternoon. I’m not taking advice from you.”
“I had to work with what I had. I proposed at Neiman Marcus, which is Rory’s happy place. I wanted to ask her before we found out if she was pregnant. It all worked out, because she loves telling people that I proposed next to the Chanel table….it makes her very happy. That’s all that counts.”
“I guess I have to figure out Cary’s happy place and then go from there.”
Mark nodded. “Do what you have to, man. It’s all worth it.”
They were interrupted by David and Chris as they came up to the storage pod. “Let’s get this done, move out of the way.” Chris said.
Cary stood at the front door and directed the guys. All the boxes were labeled, which made the job go quickly. She watched as Travis and Chris brought in the bed and smiled as they made their way upstairs. It took no time at all for the men to get everything inside the house.
Cary went into the kitchen and started pulling out drinks as Travis and Chris walked in. Travis grabbed a water and handed one to Chris. “We’re done unloading everything. This was an easy move because you had everything organized.”
All the guys came in and started washing their hands. “Thank you for helping me everyone,” Cary said.
Travis spoke up. “Yeah, we appreciate the help, guys.”
Cary looked around her new home and the people who had gathered to help her move in. It was overwhelming. She’d spent most of her life alone, and having all of these people in her life made her feel like she was part of a family. She looked over at the man who was responsible for all of this and knew she’d chosen a good man to fall in love with.
********
They stood together at the foot of the bed and regarded the king-size bedframe that Travis and David had just finished putting together. Cary held on to Travis’s hand. “I guess, I hoped for a tall man. This bed had the option of a footboard, and I decided not to get it. I must have had some idea that I was going to fall for a big man.”
“So you’ve fallen for me?”
“I have…completely. It seems that I like you a lot more than I originally planned.”
“I love you, Cary Simmons. I wasn’t looking for you, but I’m sure glad I found you. I’ve fallen in love with you, and I would like the chance to make you happy.” He saw a tear fall down her face right before she buried her face in his chest. He encircled her in his arms and leaned his head against the top of hers. “I’ll make sure that our adventures never end, and I’ll let you know you are loved every day for the rest of our lives.”
She took a step back and stared at him. “I love you Travis. I’m not sure how it happened, but you broke down every defense I had. You have my heart, and I want you to be careful with it.”
“I promise to take good care of you and your heart.”
“That’s all I ask. Let’s go and try out the tub.”
He watched her turn around and walk toward the bathroom, leaving a trail of clothes behind her. He got rid of all his clothes in less than a minute. He stalked after her like a lion as he took two big steps and caught her up in his arms. He felt her laughter against his chest as she held on to his shoulders and they made their way into the bathroom. After her laughter died down, he felt her mouth run against his neck, and the effect on his body was instant. He released her and set her down slowly. “Let’s see if we can get at each other in this tub.”
She laughed as she turned on the water, and opened a bottle of bubble bath. “I think seeing my big bad spec ops boyfriend in a bubble bath is going to fun.” Putting her hand on his face, she felt the stubble beneath her fingers as she traced the lines on his face. Standing on tippy toes, she kissed his mouth gently, slowly and thoroughly. She threaded her fingers through his hair as their eyes met and felt his fingers stroke her gently. Her hips pushed against them as she tried to relieve the pressure that was starting to build and he slowly l
et his fingers slip inside. She let her hand play over his hard flesh as she squeezed and stroked him and felt his hips push against her fingers. “Let’s get in the tub and see if we can figure out how to christen this room.”
He stepped into the tub and held his hand out to help her in. He sat down slowly in the water and held her hand and she lowered herself on top of him. “I like your direct approach,” he said.
“I missed you.” She looped her arms around his shoulders as she slowly lifted herself and then slid back down on him. Like a good soldier, he was ready and waiting and standing at attention. She lifted herself slowly and lowered herself again and felt like the queen of the world. He filled her completely, physically and emotionally. She lowered her mouth and kissed his lips as she proceeded to pleasure both of them.
Travis held on to her hips and helped her move up and down as he felt her tight welcome. He knew her slow strokes were going to drive him to madness, but this was her show, and he needed to let her set the pace.
Their eyes met as he started to thrust his hips hard against her. As she started to come apart, he moved into her harder and deeper, keeping her on some delicate balance between pleasure and pain. The climax lasted forever as the entire world fell away. When she thought she couldn’t take any more, he swelled inside her and, with a shout, erupted into orgasm, jetting fiercely into her depths. She collapsed against him and he wrapped her up in his arms as he tried to make their bodies’ one.
“I think this tub was a good idea,” he said.
She laughed and continued to lie against him. “I agree.”
They finally got up and moved into the shower to rinse off. Travis looked down at the woman who’d stolen his heart and smiled. “I’m glad we both fit in here, because this will be the next spot we try.”
Slipping out of the shower and grabbing a towel, she studied him. “I imagine that you’re going to say that about a lot of places in this house.”
