Ask Me Why

by Rae, Harloe

  She raises a sassy brow.

  I grunt. “Please, babe.”

  “That has a nice ring to it.”

  I hold up a palm. “Now, now. I never said anything about a ring.”

  Braelyn giggles. “I don’t need any of that. I’m happy just having you by my side. Paradise is life with you and Ollie in it.”

  This woman and her words. She gets to me.

  “No worries there. You, Braelyn Miller, are the lucky owner of this bitter, cynical heart. I hope you enjoy it.” I pat the area on my pec.

  Her hand settles over mine. “I will cherish it with every breath.”

  “That’s all I ask. I didn’t plan on falling in love. You know, the romantic kind.”

  Braelyn’s grin stretches wider. “Then why did you?”

  “Couldn’t help it if I tried.”

  She purrs against my jaw. “We’re gonna owe Ollie and our friends big time.”

  I shake my head. “I never had a horse in this race.”

  “The stakes were too high?”

  I sweep that off. “Nah, I just didn’t wanna bet against us.”

  Her gaze sparkles brighter than the fragment in my pocket. “Yeah?”

  “Of course, babe. We’re stronger together than we’d ever be apart.” I kiss her again. We haven’t done that nearly enough. “I’m going to take you on a proper date.”

  Braelyn wiggles against me, eliminating the sliver of space between us. “Will there be dessert?”

  I ghost my mouth over her lips. “Is that even a valid question?”

  “You already know how to make me break. Let’s see if you can put me back together.”

  I palm her ass and press us together. “Want me to smooth the hurt? Mend the cracked edges?”

  “Mm-hmm, I think you already have. But we can test that theory. Maybe later we can put your tie collection to use.”

  My cock gets hard just thinking about her squirming against those silky bonds. She gasps when noticing my reaction.

  Ollie chooses that exact moment to collide into our duo. But there’s no denying him. He’s proven the power of this trio. This is our new normal. I’m more than ready for it.

  “Did you guys make up yet?”

  I wink at Braelyn. “Yeah, buddy. We sure did.”

  His grin is full of mischief. “Took you long enough.”

  “Well, you weren’t quite persuasive enough. I had to beg Braelyn to give me another chance.” I can’t go giving him all the credit. I’ll never live it down.

  He gawks at us. Little fists notch on his hips. “Do you need another timeout, Daddy?”

  I give him a blank stare. “For what?”

  Braelyn sucks air through her teeth. “No, Ollie. Your dad said sorry. And I apologized too. No more timeouts.”

  He yips. “Forever?”

  “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” I tell him. Braelyn winces and mouths something about making it up to me. That’ll do just fine.

  Ollie shrugs. A second later, his face lights up. “Daddy?”

  “Yeah, buddy?”

  “Can I sleep at Uncle Jordy’s house tonight?”

  Ollie blinks at us. Braelyn laughs. I smirk at my son. “I already have it taken care of.”

  Brance

  Fences

  Ollie wiggles in his seat while I finish adjusting the straps. This kid needs to stop growing. It seems like yesterday he was facing backwards in the carrier. I’ve learned my lesson about the value of time. A few hours can change so much, as in a life’s worth of poorly executed decisions.

  I started this day with a massive chip on my shoulder. Selfish motivation was in the driver’s seat. I set out to prove everyone wrong, including that damn soft spot that refused to shut up. Turns out I should have been listening all along. I rub a thumb over the smooth glass in my pocket. Lucky for my stubborn ass, Braelyn is crafty enough for the two of us.

  That woman has every reason to be guarded and jaded. But she’s not. Her inner strength persevered in spite of the shit hand she was dealt. Braelyn has given me the ass-kicking I needed to be a better man. And I’m far overdue on proving myself.

  “Daddy?” The little voice interrupts my rapid planning.

  “What’s up, buddy?”

  “Why’d we leave Thicket? I was having fun.”

  I smirk at my son in the rearview mirror. Ollie was having a blast singing and dancing around Braelyn’s legs. A tune that sounded an awful lot like The Wedding March had been humming off his lips. I’m certain he’s already planning the big event. A slight pause gives me a moment to digest that. There’s a tingling sensation spreading through my chest. The space reserved for Braelyn blooms and swells. The thought isn’t unpleasant or terrifying. Hell, maybe my kid is onto something.

  First step is getting Braelyn into my bed on a nightly basis. Waking up to her gorgeous face is how I want to begin each morning from now on. We’ll see what happens from there. I gave her the key. She’s opening the damn floodgates.

  A chuckle escapes me. “We can’t stay at Thicket forever, Ollie. I think you love that store more than anywhere else.” Although, it’s the woman behind the counter he really cares about. Leaving her behind will no longer be an issue. “Braelyn has to close the place up. She’s gonna meet us at the park.”

  He stretches to glance out the window. “Which one are we going to?”

  “You’ll see. Uncle Jordan is meeting us there.”

  “But where?” His huff borders on the type of annoyance I’m very familiar with.

  “How does batting practice sound?”

  Ollie’s pinched lips burst into a wide grin. “We’re going to Otter’s Grove? Yay!”

  His legs flail all about. I imagine him tearing it up around the bases. He’s going to kill it in Little League. All the more reason to smack some balls around.

  Jordan is leaning against the chain link when we pull into the lot. His smile is cocky and too knowing. I’m sure he had this all figured out with Ollie and Sadie. I can’t even be mad about them going behind my back.

  He straightens and waves at us. “Hey, guys. All went better than expected, huh? I figured Ollie was just restocking his taffy supply.”

  The teammates exchange a wink. Real covert. Great sneaking skills, right there.

  “Uh-huh. My daddy swooped in and saved the princess. Miss Braelyn is happy again.” My son has quite the active imagination.

  Jordan gives him a high-five. “I’m sure you slayed the dragon, little man.”

  Ollie nods. “Yep, it was really big and scary. I had to use my super-sharp sword.” He stabs the air with this newfound weapon.

  “I knew you could do it,” Jordan roots.

  That gets him a snort from me. “Listen, Nancy Drew. You’ve been real helpful and all. But I have plans of my own, thanks for asking.”

  He bounces his brows. “Big?”

  “Huge.” I spread my arms wide.

  He claps me on the back. “There’s the man I always knew was hiding under the bullsh—crap.”

  Ollie points at him. “I get an extra hour before bedtime.”

  My friend looks at me for confirmation. I just shrug. He deserves a little runaround.

  “Well, in that case, I better tire you out. Batter up, kid.” He hitches a thumb at the equipment resting near the cages.

  Ollie squeals and bounds over the pile. He slips a helmet on, patting his head. Safety first.

  Jordan glances over my shoulder. “Ah, good timing. Your lady-love has arrived.”

  I turn and follow his line of sight, the beginning of a smile curving my lips. Braelyn parks next to my car and steps out. The heat in my chest expands beyond means. Her steps are slow, as if she’s dragging this out on purpose. I don’t mind the show one fucking bit.

  Blonde hair spills over her shoulders and arms in loose waves. The skirt of her dress billows in the slight breeze. The short hem kisses her upper thighs. I wonder what color her panties are. Maybe she’ll flash them at me on our w
ay to the restaurant.

  Jordan laughs beside me. “You’re sunk, brother.”

  “Don’t I know it.”

  Zero fucking regrets.

  “Hey, Braelyn. I hear you’re stuck with this ass on a more permanent basis.” My friend sure knows how to talk me up. Guess it worked on the one lady who matters.

  She rocks on her flip-flops. “Something like that.”

  “Well, congratulations. Don’t let him scare you off again.”

  Her warm eyes lift, melting into mine. “I won’t.”

  I stroke a finger down her arm. I’m rewarded with a sexy shiver. “Ready for date night?”

  Braelyn nods. “Do you have a place in mind?”

  “Sure do. Mind driving?”

  I’m granted a giggle for that. “Not at all.”

  Jordan claps. “Well, this is a nice change of pace. We’re all one big happy family.”

  “Not quite.” I chuckle. “But getting there.”

  Braelyn tucks her chin, a rosy blush already rising in her cheeks.

  I check my watch and smile. “We should get going, babe.”

  “You two enjoy yourselves.” Jordan shoos us away.

  “Thanks for taking care of my little man. Don’t wait up.” I give Jordan a salute and steer Braelyn toward the parking lot.

  His laughter booms behind us. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

  “What’re they spending the evening doing?” Braelyn asks.

  “Ollie is more than ready to play Little League. Jordan has graciously volunteered to help him perfect his swing.”

  “You’re such a good dad.”

  I link our fingers together. “One of my best qualities. I hope to add being a great boyfriend to that list.”

  She squeezes my hand. “You’re well on the way.”

  “I’m gonna wine and dine you so hard.” I dip down and nibble on her earlobe.

  Braelyn grips the front of my shirt in her fist, hauling me closer. “Are you sure we need to eat first?”

  “It’ll be fast, promise.”

  “Okay.” Her pout almost does me in, but this is important.

  We buckle up, and I get the address keyed into the map app. The robotic voice bleeps out directions. We’re only a few miles away. Plenty of road for an appetizer.

  I emit a low grumble and stare at her lap. Braelyn bites her lip, making a very subtle shift to her hips. The fabric rides up, and I’m treated to a view of blue lace. My growl is a starving man staring at a feast fit for a king. Show me to the damn throne. I’m swinging for the fences.

  The drive goes too quick. We arrive at the restaurant a few minutes later. Braelyn shifts her car into park and cuts the engine. The lot is dotted with other vehicles, but not many. Should be another quiet Saturday night. I can always count on The Lair to deliver.

  She whistles. “This is more what I picture for you.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” I look through the windshield and try to picture the place through her eyes.

  Braelyn waves toward the brick building in front of us. “This bar screams upscale establishment. When you took me to Pour Spout, it threw me off. The Lair fits your swanky image.”

  “Should I be offended?”

  She quirks a sassy as fuck brow. “That I’m calling you classy and sleek? Uh, sure?”

  “Give me that smart mouth.”

  I lean over the console and kiss her. Our lips brush for a few moments, the fire burning hot in my blood. This is going to be the greatest test of control. Or a kinky push of limits. I’ll have to see where the evening takes us.

  We stroll hand in hand. I open the door for the woman on my arm. She falters when we step inside.

  “Oh, yeah. This place is very attention-grabbing. I feel a little spoiled.” Braelyn’s eyes are wide while she absorbs the interior.

  It’s clear I made the right choice. “Good. Our first official date should be one to remember.”

  She presses into my side. “I’ll never forget a single moment of it.”

  I guide her toward the gleaming main attraction ahead of us. A few short months ago, Jordan was hassling me about Braelyn. We were sitting on these stools, in this bar. All I had to do was believe. I refused to see what was directly in front of me. Braelyn had been there, waiting, the entire time. I’d been a blind fool.

  But look at us now.

  She’s still looking around. “Is this one of your regular haunts?”

  “It is.”

  “Very cozy and intimate.”

  “That’s the idea.” My gaze sweeps around the dimly lit space. I stop on an empty corner spot, shadows cloaking most of the table.

  I smirk at my girl. “Wanna get a booth?”

  Braelyn

  Goals

  Brance’s palm is a scorching brand on my lower back. I’d let him lead me around anywhere with this gentle nudge. A zing of electric current blazes across my hypersensitive skin while he guides me to the darkened corner. We’re in a public place, yet this seems salacious. The fantasy I’ve had on several occasions brews in my lower belly. Maybe I’ll scrounge up the courage to ask… or beg.

  I sit on the bench seat and slide in. Brance is hot on my ass, slipping in beside me. A server bustles over right away and grabs our drink order. Brance murmurs something to him I can’t quite hear. Not that I’m trying too hard. Having his sinfully muscular body pinned so closely to mine is the ultimate distraction. I can’t concentrate long enough to appreciate the stunning room we’re in.

  When we’re alone again, I arch a brow at my date. “Same side seating?”

  “Only way to appreciate these booths.”

  “Oh?”

  Brance’s palm rests on my bare thigh, drifting up and higher. “Yeah, babe.”

  I spread my legs without hesitation. With one touch, I’m dragged under his seductive spell. Those talented fingers roam further, disappearing beneath my dress. I’ve never been more grateful for my choice in clothing. He reaches my satin covered center with no signs of slowing down. I really like the direction he’s taking.

  “W-what are you doing?” My tone is barely a rasp.

  Brance ghosts his lips over my cheek. “I’ve missed you. Just a little starter while we wait for the main course. Relax, babe.”

  I grip the table’s edge, my knuckles white. “Brance, we’re gonna get caught.”

  “We won’t if you’re quiet. No one can see anything.”

  And he’s right. My lower half is hidden from view. If someone passes by our hidden alcove, they won’t realize what’s happening. I clamp my jaw and pass over the reins. Brance traces the edge of my panties, slowly pushing the silk out of his way. A shot of molten arousal gets injected into my veins. A whimper begs to drip off my tongue. I squirm, slouching lower to give him easier access.

  “Have you done this before?” I don’t know why the answer is so important. His answer could shatter this moment or launch me into the stratosphere.

  Brance’s nose brushes my ear when he leans in. “Never wanted to until now. This is only for you, babe.”

  That’s exactly what I needed to hear. I sag against the seat in a pliable puddle, ready for Brance to mold me into his making. The rest of my resistance fades when he swipes across my slit. I’m so wet, almost embarrassingly so. Telltale tingles are already creeping up my legs. The thrill of getting caught. The tender warmth in his searing gaze. His strong strokes against my clit. It’s a recipe for a sharp and powerful climax.

  I clamp a hand over my mouth and moan. Tremors wrack my limbs, an eruption cracking through the volcanic surface. My eyes roll back while I shudder in his grip. I do my best not to rattle the booth.

  “You’re so fucking sexy.” His voice is a hypnotic pulse lulling me deeper into the waves of euphoria.

  Whoa. My mind is swirling in a lusty fog. I’m out of breath, utterly spent from that quick release. That hit the damn spot. I wipe the dots of perspiration off my brow. “We’re gonna need to come here more often.”

/>   “That is definitely what she said,” he murmurs against my flushing neck.

  I gather my bearings and take stock of our position. No one appears to be scandalized at first glance. Two women are turned around on their barstools. But they’re not staring at me. Those hungry eyes are sweeping over my boyfriend.

  A fierce wave of possession crashes over me. This man is mine. I have some claim to him. There’s a faint sound of someone growling, but I’m too zoned into these hussies.

  Brance follows my glare and laughs. “Easy, babe. Put the claws away.”

  I shake off the odd sensation. “Huh?”

  “Looks like you’re about to leap over the table and attack those chicks.”

  I blow out a puff of disbelief. “Was not.”

  He bends to my ear. “I love that, babe. Didn’t think you could get any hotter. Fierce Braelyn gets me even harder than I already am.” Brance grabs my wrist and guides me to his lap. He settles my palm over the tent popping up there. I add a little pressure, rubbing up and down.

  Brance hisses. “Fuck. I can’t wait to be buried inside you.”

  It’s my turn to snuggle close. “I’m sure there’s a bathroom around here.”

  He chuckles. “Dirty girl. I can be patient. Plus, it’s about to get even better.”

  The server appears in front of us as if conjured up from thin air. He sets this glorious creation down in front of me. Piles of ice cream, caramel syrup, crispy pieces of churro, sprinkles, whipped cream, chocolate chips, and triangle pieces of waffle cone fill my hazy vision. My mouth waters while my body still trembles with aftershocks. Is it my birthday?

  I scoot to the edge of my seat. “This looks like the greatest combination in dessert history. What is it?” The wonder in my voice echoes around the elegant bar.

  “Dessert Nachos.”

  I lift my bulging eyes to Brance. “What kind of magical treat is that?”

  “All of your favorites in one bowl.”

  My stomach grumbles in agreement. “Wow. I never knew these existed.”

  His smirk stretches into a full grin. “Glad I could be of service.”

  He reaches for a waffle cone chip. I tug the confection out of reach.

  “What’re you doing?” I raise a brow.