Kade moved back into the big house on Friday morning, leaving the guesthouse for Jason. As he walked through the beautifully renovated mansion, he’d never felt more alone in the large, rambling rooms. Why did he need a house this size? He wanted to share it with Lexie—and have a family with her.
If only Lexie were here with him.
What hurt the most was that he loved Lexie more than she loved him. He wouldn’t care if he lost everything he owned, as long as she was by his side. Yet, she couldn’t forgive him one tiny cabin.
He knew that wasn’t fair to her. He hadn’t had her upbringing. He’d had a loving mother and father and led a privileged life. He hadn’t been raised by a junkie mother, or ended up in foster care, only to have her mum return and then lose her to a terrible wasting disease. Nor had he had his self-respect and dignity trampled on by a drug-addict husband who’d left her destitute and then tossed her aside like garbage.
He understood what that cabin represented to her. He just hoped that if he could see her, touch her, she’d remember that he loved her and she’d forgive him.
He took one last look around before glancing at his watch. He was meeting Tom this afternoon, who had agreed to help him design a plan to get Lexie back.
Shit, he best move it. They were meeting at Tom’s house, since he was looking after the kids today.
It took about twenty minutes to drive to Tom’s, and he suddenly felt stupid. How the hell was Tom going to help him get Lexie to see him, let alone make her love him again?
Tom greeted him with no animosity, which surprised Kade. The man was Lexie’s biggest fan. He handed Kade a beer as they sat outside on the porch.
“Nice house,” he said.
“We like it. Now, let’s hear it.”
Smiling, Kade threw a ball for Connor, Tom’s little boy. Ignoring the shard of sorrow that pierced his heart, Kade said, “I’d appreciate any help you can give me. I never meant to hurt Lexie. Just the opposite. It sounds dramatic, but I wanted to give her everything—the cabin would have been just the beginning.”
“I get that,” Tom said. “She’s just grieving the loss. Give her time.”
“I’m so angry with myself. I underestimated Charlie Erickson. I got careless. Short of threatening to murder him, there isn’t anything that will make him sign it over until we have evidence to charge him and that is taking time.”
“Look, she’ll get over the cabin. You just have to remind her you love her, and she’ll forgive you.”
That surprised the hell out of Kade. “I was hoping you’d say that.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a box, placing it on the table in front of Tom. “Open it.”
Tom met his gaze for several moments before setting his Coke bottle on the table and picking up the box. After another glance at Kade, he lifted the lid.
A large princess-cut diamond set in a rose-gold band sparkled in a plush bed of satin. A matching rose-gold chain was threaded through the ring. “As a mechanic she can’t wear it at work, so I got the chain so she can hang it around her neck under her work clothes.”
Shock shone in Tom’s eyes as he looked at Kade. “Good thinking. It’s stunning.”
Kade smiled. “I bought it the same day I was supposed to secure the cabin for her. I’m just not sure if it’s the right time to give it to her. I’m not sure she loves me enough.”
“She does,” Tom quickly said. “I’m sure of it. But she’s not even divorced yet. You can sort of understand why marriage may not be appealing just yet.”
“We don’t have to get married straight away. I just want her to understand I’m in this for the long haul,” Kade said.
Tom shut the box and pushed it over to Kade. “I think deep down she knows that. Tell her what you want.”
Kade hesitated, but took the box and put it back in his pocket. “Chance would be a fine thing. She’s avoiding me like the plague.”
Tom smiled like a sly fox. “I think that’s about to change.”
“What do you mean?”
“Where do you think Kendra is? I told you I’d help you, and I’ve got Kendra on the job. She’s probably singing your praises right now. She thinks you’re the best thing that’s happened to Lexie, by the way.”
Kade’s face broke into a grin. He clunked his beer bottle against Tom’s Coke bottle. “Brilliant. And women think they are the romantics.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Kade whistled to himself as he pulled into his garage. If Tom thought he could win Lexie back, the world looked a much brighter place.
Engrossed in his ideas of how to approach Lexie, it took him a minute to note the lights were on in the living room. He walked down the hall towards the lights and slowly pushed open the door. Were the Ericksons after him? Well, come and get me, you bastards.
The first thing he saw were rose petals scattered all over his newly laid oak floor.
Not the Ericksons.
A smile formed on his lips. He moved farther into the room, and a pink thong dangled over one of his antique lamps. His smile grew wider while his heart pounded in his chest. He followed the bra and the tank top into the dining room, and the sight before him almost brought him to his knees.
Lying naked on his new dining table was Lexie.
She’d set the table for two. Candles burned at one end, casting soft lighting over every inch of her delectable skin—and sitting atop her stomach were two plates with huge burgers on them.
She looked at him with such love in her eyes, his heart melted. “I hope you’re hungry. I made you something special.”
His blood started rushing south as he let his eyes travel over the shape of her body, a body he knew intimately. There wasn’t an inch of her he wasn’t familiar with, any inch he hadn’t already worshipped, and he’d never get enough of her.
“Only for you, my love. I’m hungry only for you.”
“Then come and get me.”
He moved as if in a dream to stand at the edge of the table. He lifted the plates off her and pulled her down the table until her long, sexy legs hung over the edge and he stood between them.
She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. “I’m so sorry if I let you think I didn’t love you. I do. So much. It’s just—”
“Ssh. I know. Let’s forgive each other and simply get on with the loving.”
“You’ve done nothing that needs forgiving, unlike me.” Caressing his jaw, Lexie said, “I love you.”
He smiled and removed his shirt, ripping the buttons as he was in such a rush. “I’ve missed you so much.”
She sat up and began undoing the buttons on his jeans. “I’ve missed you more.”
Kade brushed her hands away in impatience. “I doubt that. You mean everything to me.”
Drawing back, Lexie gazed into his eyes. “You mean more to me than a cabin. I’m sorry it took me so long to understand that.”
He freed himself from his briefs. “Let’s talk later. I’m hungry—for you.” He set about feasting on his beautiful lady, his soul filled with such happiness he wondered if this was a dream.
Success! Her plan worked. But all thoughts of victory fled as Kade leaned forward and touched her with his tongue, just lightly caressing. Her body recognized the sensation, and she pushed her hips forward, begging for more.
His hands encircled her buttocks, pulling her down and then upwards to give his mouth better access. Kade knew exactly where and how to touch her to prolong her pleasure. She’d never, ever felt anything like it, and she was sure she was about to faint from the heightened sensations sweeping over her.
Her breathing grew ragged. She no longer cared that the table was cold and hard against her back. She wriggled closer, urging him on. His tongue stabbed deep within her, making her shudder. Her head lolled from side to side. Her flesh seemed to burn; a heat consuming her from the inside.
It was almost too much to endure, yet she prayed he’d never stop. Her eyes widened in anticipation of what was yet to come—then she
closed them tightly as her climax ripped through her.
His tongue lapped at her, making it last, drawing out each shuddering sensation until she was so satiated, she couldn’t move.
Before she could gather herself together, he stood over her and took her mouth in a deep, searching kiss. His tongue swept in so she could taste herself. Her arms crept around his neck, and he pulled her close to him.
“God, you’re addictive. I want you more than I’ve ever wanted any other woman. The taste of you drives me wild. I’ll never have enough of you.”
He couldn’t wait any longer so he used his thighs to part hers wider and pressed his aching cock into her, savoring her tightness as, inch by inch, he slowly entered until he had filled her to the hilt.
Her eyes rolled back and she let out a deeply satisfied sigh. “I love having you deep inside me.”
Gratified by her response, his body rejoiced at the hotly arousing sight of her beneath him. He held himself still above her, his arms shaking. He wanted to pound into her, but knew if he did so, he wouldn’t last.
When he refused to move, she opened her eyes. “We have all night, Kade. Hell, we have forever.”
She was a prize, all right. God almighty, she was tight and fiery around his cock. She punctuated her words by arching her body, forcing him to withdraw and then sink back into her, penetrating her deeper. As she moved, he looked down, and the sight of his erection coated with her juices increased his own craving until he couldn’t deny her anymore. At this rate, she would make him come faster than a schoolboy.
He used his hands to steady her hips so he could thrust in more deeply. He pushed her legs up higher, opening her fully, and at last his control evaporated. As if on the edge of insanity, he pounded into her hot depths. She tilted her hips, matching him thrust for thrust, her bountiful breasts jiggling enticingly as he slammed into her. He could feel his balls become tight and full as they brushed against her. He would not last…
A sharp cry broke from her lips as her fingernails dug deep into his buttocks, and her tight sheath contracted around him with spasms of pleasure, her breath coming in loud gasps.
As she continued to contract around him, the tightness drew out his own release. With a roar, he thrust one final time and climaxed. He collapsed on top of her, completely spent, unable to hold himself up any longer. His body throbbed with pleasure.
He drank in big gulps of air, enjoying the feel of the slowly ebbing waves of their climax.
“I love you so much, Kade.” Her soft words were the greatest gift she could give him.
“I love you, too, Lex. What do you say we move you in tonight?”
“Wow. You’re in a rush.”
Cupping her face, Kade said, “I’ve been going crazy without you, and I don’t want to be apart from you one more night.”
“I think that sounds like a fabulous plan. Let’s spend the weekend moving me in and making love in every room of this very large, beautiful house.”
He pulled her off the table, and they both laughed as they saw the burgers and plates on the floor.
“I hope you didn’t spend too much time making those.”
“Nope, it was more about getting the bedroom ready, and the petals.”
He scooped her into his arms. “Bedroom? That sounds intriguing. Dinner can wait.”
“But I can’t.”
He kissed her soundly. “Your wish is my command.” And he carried her upstairs to their bedroom, where he spent the night showing her how much he loved her.
The next morning, Lexi woke to find Kade sleeping soundly beside her, and happiness surged. Last night she’d thought she’d die from pleasure. Never had she been loved so thoroughly.
She lay back, soaking in the delicious Kade, marveling at how handsome he was. How had she gotten so lucky? It was about time, really. But as usual, she wondered what else could go wrong. Life usually sent her a curve ball just as good things happened.
She pushed her insecurities away. Kade loved her. She’d believe in that.
She quietly slipped out of bed and quickly showered and dressed. Today she was moving in with the man she loved. Nothing would destroy the happiness of this moment.
She wanted to make him breakfast and tidy up downstairs before he woke. She walked into the dining room and smiled at the memory of last night. She picked up all the mess, and soon she had the plates cleared and the table sparkling clean.
Finally, she picked up Kade’s discarded shirt and jeans, and something fell out of a pocket.
She stood staring at the little blue box as it lay on the floor, and she froze. Did she want to know?
Of course she did.
She bent and picked up the box. Easing up the lid, and a gasp escaped.
The diamond ring was so beautiful. Had he bought it for her? When?
She heard Kade coming down the stairs and quickly slipped it back into his pocket and placed his folded clothes on the chair, before heading into the kitchen to make omelets for them both.
Or try to make omelets. She tingled all over, not sure what her response would be if he asked her. Her divorced wasn’t final, and it was too soon to think about marrying again. Or was it?
She felt his body heat as he slid his arms around her, pressing a kiss to her neck. “You should have woken me. I would have helped clean up since I contributed to the mess.”
“You earned a sleep-in. Besides, I want to impress you with my cleaning skills since my cooking skills suck.”
He moved round her. “Then I’ll make breakfast. Can you make coffee?”
“That I can do.”
They bustled along nicely and soon they were back at the dining table, but eating off it this time. They’d barely started when the doorbell rang, and in walked Jason.
Lexie hadn’t seen him for a week, but he looked well.
“Sorry if I’m intruding.” Kade shook his head and beckoned him forward. “I’m all moved into the guesthouse,” Lexie threw a look at Kade. “And I’ve brought the divorce papers, all signed.”
“You signed them?” Lexie asked, amazed.
“Yeah. Sorry it took me so long, but I had to get my head on straight.” He took a seat at the table. “I’m sorry I put you through so much, and really, I’m happy for you and Kade. I’m looking forward to starting over and earning forgiveness. I know I have a long haul in front of me, and I’m hoping we can all get along, because I’ll need all the help I can get from my family and friends.”
“Thank you, Jason.” And she meant it. “It’s good to see you looking so well.” She reached for Kade’s hand. “We’re always here if you need us.”
“I know. You look good together.”
This was awkward. It was obvious she’d spent the night with his brother. She couldn’t help feeling a tad uncomfortable.
“Would you like some breakfast? There are plenty of omelets to go around.” When Jason nodded, Kade rose to get him a plate and some coffee.
“I also have something else for you,” Kade heard him say to Lexie as he entered the kitchen.
Then he heard Lexie cry out, and he rushed back. “What did he do? Are you all right?”
Lexi looked up at him, tears welling in her eyes. “He’s given me the deed to my cabin. I own it again!”
“Well, technically, Kade’s given the deed to the cabin back to you. I used his money. Well, I gave Mrs. Erickson my word that Kade would pay her for the cabin, actually.”
Lexie was out of her chair and hugging Jason.
“How the hell did that happen?”
“When I heard your story about Charlie and Jack, and what they were doing, I knew Mrs. Erickson would have no idea. Her husband built that racing team, and she’d be appalled at what her sons were up to. If they get caught, it would destroy the family business. So I told her everything. She agreed to sell the cabin back as long as you kill the story. She’s promised to stop their illegal activity. And she’s hired a me to head the parts division to ensure that happens.”
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br /> Kade sighed. “You had no right to make that deal. It’s my story.”
At Kade’s words, Lexie said, “Come on, Kade. You bought a wreck and spent a fortune getting me to restore it, only to ensure I didn’t press charges against Jason. Mrs. Erickson is only asking for the same chance to keep her sons out of jail and her business intact.”
Lexie’s words tore at him. Jason’s offending was not at the same level, or was it? It was to Lexie.
“You did that for me?” Jason asked.
“Well, I had an ulterior motive. I had the hots for Lexie.”
The three of them burst out laughing, and suddenly the awkwardness vanished.
“I’m moving in with the man I love, Jason is looking healthy and he has a new job, and I get my cabin back, all on the same day. Who would have believed it?” She beamed a smile at them both. “Life couldn’t get any better.”
Kade knew it could. He saw the outline of the box in the pocket of his folded jeans. Now was not the time to propose. It was too soon, and Jason was here. He’d ask her later. Once she was all moved in.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Stella and Kendra were busy helping her pack and load her Jeep with her few possessions.
“I’m so happy for you, Kade’s an awesome guy.”
Stella’s words sounded wistful, and when Kendra left to carry another box to the Jeep, she had to ask. “What’s going on between you and Marcus?” At Stella’s silence, Lexie added, “I saw you coming out of Bad Boy Autos one night, and you were kissing. It looked like you two were an old married couple.”
Stella’s eyes welled. “I wish.”
Lexie rocked back on her haunches, the book she was about to place in a box forgotten. “What?”
Stella angrily brushed the tears from her face. “I’ve stupidly fallen in love with Marcus. Please don’t tell Kendra, she’d try to get involved and it will only make everything worse.”
Purr For Me: Bad Boy Autos (Drive Me Wild Book 2) Page 18
