My eyes close and a deep sigh leaves me, but I quickly snap out of it, pushing him away. “Tyler, this isn’t a joke. I don’t just want you to tell me what you think I want to hear. The only reason you’re even saying any of this right now is because you didn’t like seeing me with another man, isn’t it?”
“I meant every word of it, Amy.” His hands come up to cup my cheeks as he presses his lips against mine once again. He’s slowly walking me backward until my back presses against the fridge. When I’m out of steps, his hands leave my face and lock on to my hips, lifting me up against him.
“I won’t lie…” He grits his teeth, causing his angular jaw to flex. “Walking into that bar and finding you in the arms of another man, it pissed me off. It took every ounce of strength I had to keep from walking over there and laying him out. I want you, Amy. You’re mine, and if I ever see another man touch you again, I promise, I won’t be able to hold back.” He presses his mouth against mine, and my eyes flutter closed. He kisses me passionately and with so much force, my teeth nip his lip.
I pull away. “But what about not being able to move forward—be in a relationship? You just said you weren’t looking for that.”
He shakes his head as his heavy breathing blows across my lips. “Fuck what I said. If I know one thing and one thing only, it’s that I want you. There’s something different about you. I mean, fuck, I can’t even control myself when I’m with you.” He takes my hand and places it against his growing erection. Just my hand touching him over his jeans makes his jaw tense and causes his Adam’s apple to bob. His eyes squeeze shut, and he leans his forehead against mine. “I need you, Amy. Please, just take me back and I promise I’ll do anything I need to prove to you that I’m serious.”
Something about the way he’s pleading with me makes denying him impossible. My arms snake around his neck, pulling him closer, and I’m kissing him as hard as I can. He responds immediately, deepening the kiss. A part of me is happy because, for the second time today, it’s a promise of the happy future I’ve been dreaming of. But it also means I now have something to lose.
However, every thought slips away when he unfastens my skirt and pushes it down my legs. In the same instant, I find myself in his arms with my legs wrapped around his waist as he carries me through the house.
When I open my eyes, I find that he’s walking us through the room I’ve been staying in and into the connected bathroom. He kicks the door closed behind us, then spins me around to press my back against it to hold me in place while he works at removing his shirt.
My hands rush to my top, unbuttoning it as fast as possible and throwing it down on the floor. His mouth never leaves mine as we remove the rest of our clothes. Pulling my naked chest against his, we step into the shower where we connect as one.
Chapter 10
The rest of the week flies by since every free minute is spent with Tyler. If he’s not working and I’m not working, we’re together: eating dinner, playing with the horses, or wrapped around one another.
Vesper and Liam make it home and I find myself a little sad since Tyler won’t be as close since I have to go back home to my apartment. But there is one good thing: I can finally show Liam my proposal.
Tyler and I take them both out to dinner, where I hand Liam my findings.
“You know you don’t have to do this, right?” He looks at me with a lifted brow. “I mean, I agreed to be a silent partner. Whatever you need, it’s yours.”
“I know, but I want to do this right. And I want your honest opinion. I think it’s a good deal. I’ve known the man who owns it forever, and I think he’s looking forward to coffee being delivered to him every morning,” I joke.
“I’m so excited for you, Amy,” Vesper says with a wide smile as she leans closer to Liam to peek at the paper.
“You’ve really done your homework here.” He looks at me from over the top of the folder. “Our next step is to get some estimates from some construction companies.”
I nod once. “Already done. This past week, I’ve had three construction companies come in and give me estimates. The one Vesper hired to build the new clinic is by far the cheapest. You’ll find his estimate on page six.”
He looks impressed when he flips a few more pages and finds the estimate. “What about startup costs? The coffee machines, a register, all the inventory?”
“Turn the page,” I tell him, lifting my wine glass and taking a sip.
“Did the construction company say how long it would take them?” Vesper asks.
“Three months from the day they start,” I answer.
“This is amazing, Amy. What do you think of your girl now, Tyler?” She flashes him a smile and a wink.
He laughs, reaching over to place his hand on my thigh from under the table. “I think she’s amazing. I couldn’t be prouder.”
I look over at him and notice the way his jaw is twitching, and his eyes are darkening. I have to squeeze my thighs together to hold off the flood of wanting that his look brings on.
Liam closes the folder and sets it down. “Amy, it looks like you have everything under control. In fact, tomorrow I’ll go to the bank and open a shared business account. That way, when you need to pay for something, you won’t have to come to me with another presentation.” He laughs.
A feeling of overwhelming happiness and gratitude fills me. “Thank you, Liam,” I breathe out, relief washing over me.
The rest of dinner is free of business talk. Instead, we talk about Vesper and Liam’s vacation, and how Tyler and I have become more than friends. Tyler and Liam seem to have a natural friendship. They talk about the ranch, memories from working together, the horses, and what their dreams are for the ranch.
While the guys talk, Vesper and I sit back and have our own conversation.
“Hey, how’s your brother?” Vesper asks with a light smack to the knee.
I roll my eyes. “Who knows? I haven’t talked to him in months.”
She’s wearing a big smile and her eyes are shining.
“What? Why’s that funny?”
“How ya doin’, little sister?” someone says from behind me.
I quickly turn my upper body around to see my brother coming to a stop behind me, dressed in his military fatigues.
I squeal and jump up so fast my chair nearly falls backward. But I don’t care. That doesn’t stop me from jumping into his arms.
“What are you doing here?” I ask as I squeeze him tighter.
“I’m done. I’m home for good,” he says with a smile as he places me on my feet.
He’s really grown since the last time I saw him. His hair is dark and cut short. His green eyes that match mine hold so much happiness they sparkle. His defined jaw is smooth, and every muscle is bulging.
“Sit and have dinner with us. I’ll introduce you to everyone.” I take my seat, scooting it toward Tyler so he can sit between Vesper and me.
“You know Vesper, and this is her fiancé, Liam.” I point to him and they both shake hands. “And this is Tyler, my…boyfriend.” I realize that this is the first time I’m actually referring to Tyler as my boyfriend and it feels awkward, especially around my older brother, who’s beaten up all of my boyfriends in the past. After being raised the way we were, he’s extremely protective of me.
Ethan leans over and shakes Tyler’s hand, but he doesn’t seem overly friendly. He keeps his jaw cocked and brows furrowed together like he’s angry, or maybe just studying him, looking for something he can pick apart later when we’re alone.
Ethan takes his seat, and the moment he pulls his gaze away from Tyler, his facial features smooth over and his smile goes back in place. He pats my hand and asks, “What’s been going on, little sister?”
“I’m opening my own coffee shop here in town. Can you believe it? I’m going to own my own business!” I gush.
He wraps his arm around my shoulders and pulls me to his side for a hug. “That’s amazing! I always knew you would.”
When he releases me, I pick up my wine glass and take a sip. “Have you heard from Mom?” I ask, loud enough for him to hear me, but quiet enough that nobody else does.
He presses his lips together and looks down at his lap. “I tried calling. I guess her phone is shut off.”
I look around the table to find Vesper and Liam in their own conversation. Tyler is looking around the restaurant, trying to pretend he’s not listening, but I know he is.
“I gave up on her completely, Ethan. I can’t do it anymore. Her phone’s shut off because I’m not over there every day picking up after her and making sure she eats and pays her bills.”
He nods slowly. “I’m surprised you lasted as long as you did, Amy.”
I look up at him from beneath my lashes. “Will you go over there and make sure she’s okay? I haven’t talked to her in over a week. She could be dead for all I know.”
He lets out a deep sigh but agrees. “And I hope it’s okay that I’m staying with you until I can find a place.”
I smile and hug him. “Of course it’s okay!”
When dinner ends, Vesper and Liam leave to go back to the ranch. Ethan gives me a hug, but then leaves on his own to go check on our mom. Tyler and I head back to my apartment. The second we walk in the door, I grab us both a beer and we sit on the couch.
“So, that’s your brother, huh?”
I laugh and nod. “That’s my brother.”
“I don’t think he likes me.” He lifts the bottle to his lips and takes a swig.
I place my hand on his angular jaw and turn his head until his dark eyes are locked on mine. “It’s not you. He’s just worried about me, is all. He’s afraid I’ll end up like our mom: all alone with a couple of kids and doing nothing but drinking myself to death. After our dad left, Ethan was the one who took care of me. He was just a child and he was raising a baby. He’s always been protective of me. Trust me, it’ll be easier to confront him and get everything out in the open now. The longer you put it off, the angrier he’ll get. I can’t tell you how many of my boyfriends he beat up.”
“I thought you said you’ve never had a boyfriend.”
I hold my finger up. “No, I said I’ve never been the relationship type. I’ve had many boyfriends, just none who were serious.” I shrug one shoulder. “And to be honest, I haven’t had a boyfriend since high school.”
His arm wraps around my shoulders and he pulls me to his side. “So you think that if I just talk with your brother, everything will be fine?”
I nod. “Absolutely. He doesn’t have a problem with you. He just wants to make sure you’re not going to turn out like our dad did.”
He leans forward, placing his beer bottle on the coffee table before taking mine and doing the same. “I’d never be able to do that to you, Amy,” he says as he closes the distance between us, pressing his lips to mine as he lays me back.
He kisses me softly and teasingly with his hands cupping my face. He slowly breaks the kiss and looks into my eyes. “I know you think that I’m just some playboy who will probably fuck everything up, but I swear to you, when I give my word about something, I stick to it. You mean something to me, Amy. And that’s a first for me in a long time.”
My heart swells. This Tyler is so different from the Tyler I started messing around with. That Tyler was fun to be around, but he was closed off and always keeping everyone at arm’s length. This Tyler is opening himself up to me in ways I didn’t think possible. He’s showing me a side of himself that nobody else knows about. He’s sweet, and soft, and kind. But he’s also passionate and dominating.
I’ve always been a very strong, independent woman. I never wanted to feel dominated by a man. But with Tyler, I love the ways he controls my body, and I love the way my body craves his touch.
“I don’t think you’re a playboy, Tyler. I think you’ve been hurt and are trying to do anything you can to stop that from happening again. But my word also means something. And I promise I will never hurt you.” I lift my head and press my mouth against his this time, wanting him to feel my honesty—needing him to feel every emotion he brings up inside of me.
My arms hold him close, never wanting this kiss to end. My legs automatically wrap around his hips, wanting to feel him against me, wanting to feel his weight pressing down on me. I love the feeling of him holding me to this earth. It’s like without him, I’d float away. I had nothing before, and now, I have everything.
His left hand lands on my right thigh, switching from a soft caress to a firm squeeze. His right hand is tangled in my hair, and his mouth is quickly moving against mine as our breathing picks up and fills the room around us.
“You don’t even know how sexy you are, do you?” he whispers against my lips as his hips grind into mine. He presses another kiss to my lips. “You’re beautiful, kind, sexy, and smart.” His mouth returns to mine as his hands travel my body, softly massaging my breasts, stomach, and hips. “There’s something about you, Amy, that I can’t resist.” His lips leave a hot trail from my mouth to my ear, and then down my neck.
I let out a soft moan. The way he’s touching me causes every muscle to harden with anticipation.
The door slams loudly and Tyler jerks away from me. We both freeze when Ethan walks into the room, back straight and head held high as his angry gaze looks down on us.
“Hey,” I breathe out, scooting myself back up into a sitting position. “I thought you were going to check on Mom.”
He nods as he walks back into the kitchen. I hear the fridge open and the sound of a popping top. He saunters back into the living room, leaning against the wall and sipping a beer. “I did.”
“And?” My heart is still pounding, and my breathing hasn’t yet calmed down.
“We’ll talk about that later. Right now, I’d like to have a talk with Tyler if you don’t mind.”
I look from Ethan to Tyler.
Tyler presses his lips together but gives a short nod.
“Okay. But be nice,” I warn, pointing my finger in Ethan’s direction as I stand and walk down the hallway. If he really thinks they’re going to get complete privacy, he’s fucking crazy, because I plan on standing in this hallway and listening to every word.
Chapter 11
I walk down the hallway and open and close my door, so it sounds like I entered my room, but then I walk back up the hallway, staying in the shadows so they won’t see me.
“Look, man,” Ethan says, “I don’t know how long you’ve been foolin’ around with my sister, but I’m back in town now. And I’m staying.”
“Before you say anything else, I want you to know that I’m not foolin’ around with anyone. Amy and I, we’re together. I’m not going anywhere. This isn’t a game to me. She knows the kind of person I was before, and if you talk to her, she knows the changes I’ve made for her. She knows I wouldn’t do that if I wasn’t serious.” Tyler’s voice is hard and strong, a tone I haven’t heard come from him. He’s not being callous about the subject. He’s not teasing, or just telling my brother what he wants to hear. He’s serious, and it causes a smile to spread across my face.
“If you know my sister at all, then you know the shit she’s been through. We don’t have family. We’re all each other has, and I’m extremely protective of her. You hurt her, and you’ll be dealing with me.”
“If I hurt her, I’ll come directly to you, so you can kick my ass. It isn’t my intention to hurt her or use her. Amy…she’s different. I don’t know how or why, but she owns me. Just don’t tell her that.” He laughs.
Ethan joins in on their light laughter, and I use the opportunity to quickly open my door and step out of the shadows. “I heard laughing. Does that mean we’re all cool now?”
Tyler turns around to face me and he’s wearing a wide smile. He holds out his arm and I step up to his side, looking at Ethan.
Ethan smiles. “We’re good. But I seriously need to talk to you about Mom.”
“On that note,” Tyler says, pulling away.
“I’ll give you two some privacy to discuss things and catch up. I’ll see you tomorrow?” He turns to look at me directly.
“Absolutely.” I lean in and give him a quicker kiss than I’d like, but with my brother watching, it’s all I feel comfortable with.
“Later, man,” he tells Ethan with a quick handshake before leaving us alone.
“So, will the beer I have work for this conversation, or do I need something stronger?” I ask, flopping back down on the couch.
Ethan takes a deep breath, then runs his hand over his dark hair that’s shaved so short, it springs back into place. He takes the spot next to me and takes a drink, shaking his head. “We have to do something.”
“What do you mean? I’ve been begging her for years to go to rehab. You can’t make her go.”
“No, we have to make her go, Amy. Her phone is shut off, she doesn’t have any power, and based on the trash piling up on the curb, I’m going to guess she hasn’t paid sanitization. Which we both know is billed with water, meaning, she probably doesn’t have water either. When I got out of the car at her place, I could smell the rotten trash on the curb, and there were, like, four eviction notices on the door.”
I shrug, finishing off my drink. “What can we do? Wait until she’s kicked out?”
“Maybe we can have her sent to the hospital for an evaluation. That would at least get her sober.”
I laugh. “They can only hold her—what—twenty-four to forty-eight hours? She’ll get out as soon as the withdrawals kick in, Ethan.”
“An intervention?” he asks with a raise of his brow.
“She doesn’t have anyone left in her life but you and me. Let’s just wait until she’s hit rock bottom. We’ll bring her back here and make sure there’s nothing in this house to drink. I mean, we’ll have to throw out rubbing alcohol, cough syrup, cooking wine, everything!”
He lets out a deep breath and rubs his temples. “I never thought it’d come to this.”
Claimed By Him: (Contemporary Romance Box Set) Page 21
