Teach Me Something (Something Series Book 4)

by Aubrey Bondurant

  Home.

  That’s what Catherine represented to me. After spending equal amounts of time in Australia and the US before traveling the world over, I’d never considered any place as permanent until now. Ironically, it didn’t turn out to be a location at all, but rather a feeling that no matter where I was, so long as it was with this incredible woman, I was home.

  “Are you all packed?” I asked.

  She smirked. “What do you think?”

  The plan was that after spending a couple of days with Catherine’s family, we were heading to LA to see my father and then going to Australia for New Year’s to see my mother and siblings. My mum still wasn’t completely over my father being once again involved in Thomas’s life or paying for his care, but we were working through it slowly. However, despite it being a little awkward, I was looking forward to the trip. In part, this was because I couldn’t wait to take both Thomas and my little sister, Janet, into Sydney to watch the fireworks at the harbor to ring in the New Year. It would be a treat for all of us.

  “I think you probably had your list in Excel over three weeks ago, a suitcase out and ready a week ago, and everything ready to go at least two days ago.” I might tease her about her tendencies to keep everything in lists or orderly, but the truth was her formidable organization fascinated me.

  “I managed to wait until three days ago to take out the suitcase. And in my defense, it isn’t easy to pack for winter and summer all in the same trip. Now then, have you mentally prepared yourself for another holiday with my mother?”

  I chuckled, recalling Thanksgiving weekend had been—well—amusing as hell. Although in her eyes, I could see where she might not share the sentiment. The truth was I’d never had a family dynamic that I could remember over the holidays. So I’d enjoyed every moment in spite of Catherine’s embarrassment.

  “I packed four bottles of wine for the occasion since we can take them on the train.”

  A smile tugged at her lips. “Is that your polite way of saying it’s me you have to manage?”

  I shook my head, fighting the grin. “No, love. However, I do find the more wine you drink, the more amusing you find your mother.”

  She crossed back over to her desk, powered down her laptop, and began putting her things in her bag. “Indeed.”

  “Although I have another suggestion for a way to relax you.” I lifted my chin, indicating her desk. She’d been the one to put it on our newly formed, ever-evolving sexual bucket list, but I’d been thinking about it for weeks.

  Her blue eyes got big with surprise, but then her mischievous grin took over. “Forget the wine; I think you may be onto something better.”

  ***

  We arrived at her parents’ house shortly before dinner, only taking a slight detour from the train station in order to check into a hotel a few miles away. Catherine had been adamant about staying somewhere other than her parents’ house after her mother had almost ‘accidentally’ walked in on us one morning under the guise of bringing us coffee during the Thanksgiving weekend.

  I’d found it hilarious, but I knew if it had been my mum, I would’ve opted for a hotel room the next time, too. Besides, having Catherine alone was preferable considering she wasn’t the quietest in bed. Since it was my privileged mission to make her scream my name as much as possible while I did naughty things to her gorgeous body, the situation didn’t exactly lend itself to staying with family.

  I smiled as I watched her help her mother in the kitchen and give her a hug filled with affection. Despite her occasional grumbling, she adored her parents and spending time with them. It was clear the feeling was quite mutual. The only thing missing was Catherine’s younger brother. He was spending the holidays abroad but was due home in time for Easter.

  After a delicious meal, which included Mrs. Davenport’s legendary sweet potato casserole—a legend that hadn’t been exaggerated—we sat in the living room by the Christmas tree, drinking wine and visiting. Their family tradition was to open up one gift tonight, with stocking stuffers and other presents reserved for the morning.

  When it was Catherine’s turn to unwrap the one from me, she did so slowly, tearing the paper carefully and giving me a smirk as if to say she’d never be a rip-it-apart sort of girl. That was okay; I more than liked the fact she loved to savor things.

  Pulling out the silver ball, she glanced over inquisitively until she turned it over and recognition dawned. It was a magic eight ball I’d had custom-made in silver for her office or maybe for the bedside table. I watched her hold up the card and read it, knowing what I’d put down word for word.

  “For life’s adventures… So long as they’re with you, it doesn’t matter what the ball has to say.”

  Her blue eyes went misty, and she threw her arms around me, whispering in my ear, “I love it and you.”

  “Let me see, honey. What is it?” her mom questioned.

  Catherine held it up, about to explain.

  But much to her horror and my amusement, her mother’s gaze narrowed. “Is that a sex toy?”

  “Why on earth would you think Will would give me something like that especially in front of my parents?”

  “What? It’s a silver ball, and they’re the new thing in those smutty books I enjoy. What do they call them? Ben’s balls? Or something like that. Basically, they’re those things you insert—”

  Cath held up a hand. “I beg of you. No more. And it’s magic eight ball to which you ask questions and it gives you answers.”

  If she hadn’t been so horrified, I’d have been laughing on the floor. As it was, I could only bite my lip and try not to make eye contact so I didn’t lose it completely.

  She turned towards her father. “Dad, you seriously need to monitor those books Mom has been reading lately. She’s out of control.”

  He shrugged. “Now, honey, why would I do that when I’m the one benefitting?”

  “Oh, my God. I walked right into that. I need another drink,” Cath muttered, pouring more wine into her glass and trying to fight her smile despite her horror.

  This time I couldn’t keep it in and roared with laughter. I mean, where else could you get this sort of comedy? “I think we should all agree that first-year etiquette dictates no sex toys, but come next year, all bets are off.”

  Everyone cracked up, including Catherine, but then she leaned over. “You have no idea what kind of embarrassing hell you’ve unleashed for next year.”

  Once we arrived back at the hotel, she turned and looked at me while taking off her coat and snow boots. “You know, after all this family time, we’re going to need a vacation from our vacation. April can’t come soon enough.”

  We had a week-long getaway planned for St. John with only the two of us. It was her graduation present to me for getting my Masters, and one I more than looked forward to. After my surprise graduation party, that was.

  So, I may have accidentally overheard Haylee and her discussing plans, but there was no way I’d spoil it, not when Cath was putting so much effort into inviting all of our friends and making my event a big deal. Truth be told, I was grateful for the heads up, else I might become emotional in front of everyone. I couldn’t remember ever having a party thrown in my honor, not even a birthday party. I’d just have to work on my ‘shocked face.’

  The party wouldn’t be the only surprise during that week. In a few days, I planned on getting my grandmother’s opal-and-diamond wedding ring from my father with the intention of popping the question during our time in paradise.

  But in the interim, there was another question I’d been anxious to ask. Between my continued modelling gigs and my counseling job at the hospital, which sometimes had odd hours, plus her job, which was equally as day-to-day, we didn’t often get a chance to see one another during the week. I was hoping to change that.

  I pulled her into my embrace, tugging on her earlobe with my teeth before whispering, “How long do you think it would take for you to get sick of me if we were to live toget
her?”

  She pulled back, searching my eyes. She knew the bigger deal than taking the step of living together was me being able to accept moving into her condo. Months ago, I’m not sure my pride would’ve allowed it. But the desire to go to bed every night and wake up each morning with the woman I loved had trumped any lingering insecurity over the fact it would be at her place.

  Who cared what anyone had to say about it when I adored this smart, generous, classy woman, independent of her money, job, or material possessions?

  Swallowing hard, she shook her head. “Was that a trick question? You know I’d never get tired of you.”

  “Would you be okay with me contributing towards the mortgage each month?” I had no idea how much it was, but I wanted to give something.

  Her gorgeous face was confused, but then she smiled brightly. “I paid cash, so there’s no mortgage payment.”

  Of course she had. I grinned at the fact I hadn’t considered this.

  “Um, you could pay for the groceries for all those amazing breakfasts you’re going to be in charge of making daily.”

  “Deal.” I kissed her then, running my hand up to the base of her neck and tipping her head back. “God, I love you Cath.”

  “I love you, too.”

  Not being able to resist teasing, I whispered, “Now about those books your mother has been reading…”

  Her swat was well worth the jest, but then she turned the tables. “Oh, I’ve read them, too.”

  I chuckled, thinking the word ‘boring’ would never describe her or our future, that’s for sure. “In that case, maybe it’s time for you to teach me something.”

  Thank you so much for reading Teach Me Something. I’d love to hear what you thought about Catherine and Will’s story. And if you have a few minutes to leave a review, I’d be incredibly grateful. It makes such a difference for a self-published author. Email me a link to it at aubreybondurant@gmail.com, and I’d love to thank you with a personal note.

  I’m currently working on the fifth book in the series, Show Me Something. For those of you who have loved Mark since book one, well it’s finally his turn. Sign up for my newsletter here to find out once I have a release date.

  Sincerely,

  Aubrey Bondurant

  Acknowledgements

  Never in a million years did I think I’d be publishing a fourth book. And I’d be remiss if this time around I didn’t thank my editor, Alyssa Kress first and foremost. I’m so very grateful that I lucked into finding her website from the very beginning and showed her Tell Me Something for a beta read. That first nail biting moment of knowing someone was reading something so personal that had never been shared with the world could’ve gone so many directions. But thanks to her guidance, support and constructive feedback, it went this one. This changed my life. And is the reason you’re reading the Something Series today! Thanks for being part of the journey Alyssa!! www.alyssakressbookediting.com

  To my husband and kids, thank you for allowing me to balance it all (sometimes better than others)-I love you!

  And to my friends-those that have been so very supportive throughout this journey-who ask about my characters as if we’re all hanging out with them-I heart you!

  There is something very special about this Indie community to meet fellow authors who are always willing to help, inspire and support you. To Josephine, Owen, SJ and Rachel: Thank you!

  To Kristy: Thank you for taking the time to explain vegemite to me. That scene is dedicated to you my friend!

  To Sam: I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to make educate me on some Aussie-isms to ensure Will sounded at least half-Australian!

  To Karen for your awesome covers and my hard copy formatting, thank you for being so quick and formatting endless pictures of shoes until I found the right ones for this series! www.coversbykaren.com

  To the bloggers. Each year, I get to know more of you and can’t tell you how much I appreciate your tireless efforts to support authors! You’re amazing and your words lift me up and make me realize I’m doing what I was meant to do.

  And last, but never least. To all the readers who choose to spend hours in this world I’ve created: Thank you for the privilege. For those who leave reviews, comment with my books on Facebook, join me for author takeovers: You don’t have to take the time, but you do and you know what, I read and love every single review. Seriously you rock for making the effort and not only helping get the word out there, but to make my day whenever I see my books mentioned!!

  So I’m venturing into book signings for the first time, so be sure to check out my website http://www.aubreybondurant.com to see if I’m coming to a signing near you! Would love to see some friendly faces!

  Also-one more thing: I have some super cute silk shoe bags to give with signed paperback purchases (I also have bookplates) on my website. My signed books ordered through me are cheaper than Amazon (shhhh-don’t tell them that) Check it out!! Much love!