“You wanted to have this conversation while we were hungover?” She laughs.
When she puts it like that, that really was a shitty idea.
“I wasn’t thinking about being hungover. I just didn’t want to add to what is already a stressful day today. Tomorrow, we get to relax and just veg.”
“I see your point, but I think it's safe to say tomorrow won’t be a great day to discuss moving. That said, if you’re thinking about it too, why don’t we start looking? Since we’re only renting this house, and I’m pretty sure we’re either on a month-to-month lease, or we only have two more months on our current lease, let’s start looking,” she adds.
“Do you think it would be weird living in the same building as all our friends, or would it be better to look at Rex’s building? We can also talk to a realtor about something over by Trey if you want,” I suggest as I come to a stop a my first red light. I’m more than halfway home, finally, and am a bit shocked this is the first time I’ve had to stop.
“There is no fucking way I’m living in the same building as Zoe, so Rex’s place is out. It would be easier to be in Forest’s building if, and when I get pregnant, but I’d rather find something like Trey has. Even if it’s a townhome, I like the idea of having some type of yard. Then I can still have a garden.”
“Doesn’t Calla have a garden in her apartment, or did they create something on the roof?” I ask as the light turns green.
“I think she has both,” she says, answering my question.
“How about tomorrow, when we feel up to it, we start searching for places we want to look at––condos, lofts, and houses––online. Then next week, on our days off, we’ll set up times to go look at a few places. I doubt we’ll find something quickly, so let’s take our time and find the right place for us...and hopefully, our growing family.”
“I like that plan,” she agrees.
“Cool. I’ll be home in about fifteen minutes. You sure you don’t need anything? I haven’t passed the store yet, but I’m close,” I tell her, coming to a stop as I wait to turn left.
“I’m still good. I’ll let you go. See you soon. Love you.”
“Love you too,” I reply and end the call.
Kenny Chesney and Dave Matthews’ voices blast from the speakers as they sing I’m Alive. Every time I hear this song, I want to hold my wife. There’s a reason it’s our song, and as we keep finding out, those reasons have had many repercussions that we never could have imagined. But today, I can’t dwell on the past. I have Nessa in my life, and that’s all that matters. And with that thought, I sing along to our song as I drive the rest of the way home.
Nessa’s waiting at the door as I pull into the driveway. She’s so fucking beautiful. Even after being together for years, she still takes my breath away, and I can’t wait to celebrate yet another New Year’s Eve with her.
Getting out of the truck, I grab Ella’s dress and head toward the door. When I get close enough to Nessa, she wraps her arms around my neck as I lean down to kiss her. What starts out as a soft, sweet kiss hello turns into a deeper open-mouthed, tongue twisting hunger. Damn this woman always knows how to turn me on. She takes a step back, and a sly grin forms on her plump lips.
“You’re up to something,” I observe, stepping closer.
She takes another step back, and I follow, yet again. It’s becoming a slow chase as we move into the house, and I’m able to close the door behind me.
“Beautiful?” I question, dropping everything in the entryway.
And with that, she winks and darts toward our bedroom.
God I fucking love this woman!
Chapter 5
Rex
With every step from my office to the construction zone that will soon be a new speakeasy attached to The Escape, anticipation grows. It’s been a few days since I walked this hall, and I really shouldn’t be doing it now, but I want to see what’s been going on. Stopping at the staircase, I turn and glance up at the ceiling.
Single, vintage lights hanging from pipes would be cool down this hall. It would give it more of the mysterious air I’m wanting for this section of the club.
The buzzing of my phone draws my attention from the ceiling to the vibration on my ass. Pulling the phone from my pocket, I glance at the text.
Wes: Dude, are you bringing a date tonight? You never RSVP’d, but Calla knew you’d be here tonight. Give me a head count so we can make sure there’s plenty of food.
Rex: I’m not bringing a date. It’s just me.
Wes: No date? Really?
Rex: Yes, really. I need to check on the construction. You still stopping by to check it out?
Wes: I won’t have time today. How about tomorrow after we all have breakfast? Ella is about to help me with one of the dishes for tonight.
Rex: Still putting her to work?
Wes: lol. You bet! We’ve gotten a lot of inspiration from her. Speaking of, I need to go.
Rex: Later.
Shit! I can’t believe I didn’t tell Calla I was coming. Where the fuck was my head?
Since Calla’s finally gotten Belladonna’s menu under control, she’s given me the inspiration to open up this new section of The Escape. With Wes’s help, last week the contractors began the construction on the speakeasy, and soon, I’m going to have Teagan, Wes, and Calla to stop by and take a look at the space. But first, I have to see what the construction crew has been doing.
Heading down to the lower floor, I hit the light switch as I enter the bar, and while it’s a complete mess in here, I can’t wait to see the finished setup. The blueprints didn’t do this place justice. I can’t believe they’ve done as much as they have in this short amount of time. Even if they get finished early, I’m not going to open this section of the bar until late spring. Fuck, I still need to talk to Teagan about being the manager of this place. Pulling my phone back out of my pocket, I open my text messages.
Rex: Hey! Can you come by the bar? I’m down on the lower level. I think you’ll need to walk down the steps instead of using the elevator.
Teagan: Uhmmm, Rex, you need to get your ass out of the bar and get home. You only have an hour to get ready for the party.
Rex: Are you shitting me?
I back out of the messages with Teagan and click back into the ones with Wes.
Fuck Me! Wait...how does she know I’m going to Belladonna early?
Rex: Forget coming in. I thought it was a hell of a lot earlier. But I do need to talk to you tonight at the party.
Teagan: Find me. I’ll be in a little red and black number.
Rex: Damn, girl. Just the thought of you in a little red and black number definitely makes me want to find you.
Teagan: If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were hitting on me, and we both know you’re a serial dater––if we can call it that.
Rex: Dating is overrated.
Teagan: That is one thing we can agree on. But seriously, have you been tested? I’ve seen the chicks you’ve slept with, not to mention the subs that come in from Crave that you’ve been with.
Rex: How the hell did you know they were subs?
Teagan: Oh, I know more than you think, but that’s a discussion for another day. You need to get your ass home and get to Belladonna. Calla said y’all were meeting up early when I saw her on the elevator.
Rex: On it. Thanks.
Teagan’s right. I do need to get my ass home. Where the fuck did the time go? Jogging to the staircase, I take the steps two at a time and make my way back up to the main floor. Bypassing the staff that have arrived for their shifts, I grab my keys from my office, leave through the back door exit, and quickly make my way to my Jeep.
Thankfully, Calla didn’t want black tie for this shindig, but I still need to get cleaned up and in a nice suit. Though the suit is more Wes’s idea than Calla’s. They’ve hired a photographer for the night and have decided that the family needs pictures.
What am I thinking? I bet good money the suit was
Nessa’s idea and not Wes’s. Ugh.
To top it off, Sam, Noah, and Ben are in town, and it’s the first time we’ve all been together since Wes and Calla got together. Wes has gotten all sappy and shit. What the hell are his brothers going to say tonight? Or Ben for that matter? I chuckle.
Pulling out of the parking lot, Demons by Imagine Dragons spills from the speakers, and I turn up the volume. Singing along, I downshift as the light changes. Tennessee Whiskey starts up next as the muscle car next to me revs its engine. Rolling my eyes, I have to wonder if the driver understands that my car is bigger. Sure, his might be faster––if he knows how to drive the thing. The light turns green, and he floors it but doesn’t get very far as the cop sitting at the next light pulls him over. I shake my head and snort out a laugh as I pass them, and my phone rings.
“Hello,” I answer.
“What time are you going to arrive at Belladonna?” Wes asks.
“Hell if I know. I lost track of fucking time while checking out the speakeasy. I was going to have you, Calla, and Teagan check it out before the party tonight and was told I didn’t have that much time. So, tomorrow afternoon, your ass better be at The Escape so y’all can check this out. The space is fucking perfect. I just want to run some ideas by y’all. More the girls, though. I know how your tastes run.” I smirk.
“Fucker,” Wes responds. “Just for that, I shouldn’t bring Calla over.”
“Don’t be an ass. I want the speakeasy to apply to women just as much as it will to the men that come in, and I think Calla and Teagan will have the right perspective. Unlike Nessa,” I add, shifting as I come to the last light before I’m home.
Laughter fills the interior of my Jeep. “Yeah, don’t let Nessa near the place. But if you want to doll it up, she’s your girl.”
“True that. Thankfully, she has great taste and style, but it’s a little too feminine for what I need,” I agree as I make a right hand turn into my parking garage.
“I’m probably going to lose you. I just pulled into the garage. I’ll be at Belladonna at most thirty minutes late, but I’m shooting for on time.”
“I’ll let Calla know. We’re still home. Calla’s going to help Ella get ready for the party.”
“Cool. Later,” I say as the line disconnects. “Well, that’s one way to get off the phone,” I mutter to myself.
Proceeding to my parking spot, I start to pull in, only to find another vehicle in my reserved spot. “What the ever-loving fuck?” I growl, backing up so I can drive over to the guest parking.
I bet Wes doesn’t have this issue anymore now that he’s over in Calla’s building.
I park, grab my things, and head into the building. Taking a few deep breaths, I stop by the office, which is, of course, closed for the holiday. I dial the number on the door and leave a message for someone to call me at their earliest convenience. With that issue on hold for now, I move to the elevator and wait.
How weird would it be for me to move over to Wes and Calla’s building? Since Wes moved, and Zoe’s still here, this place has gone to shit. Someone not paying attention to reserved parking spaces is just one of the many issues lately. Hell, just the other day, Zoe came knocking to see if I’d take her to Crave. Chills of disgust ripple down my body.
The elevator dings, the doors open, and speak of the devil––Zoe steps off.
“Hey, Rex. I was thinking of stopping by tonight, maybe letting you tie me up for New Year’s?” She moves closer to me in an attempt to touch my arm.
Sliding out of her reach, I sidestep her and duck into the elevator. “Sorry. I have plans tonight, but I’m sure you’ll be able to find someone to help you out. Though, it would be best to stay away from Wes’s friends and family. None of us want you,” I quip as the doors close, and the car ascends.
Another reason to move––I wouldn’t run into her anymore. Instead, there’s a chance I could run into Teagan. A lot. That reason alone makes me want to move. And living closer to Calla and Wes, not to mention Ella and Forest, would just be icing on the cake.
Waking up my phone, I open the messaging app again.
Rex: I think I want to move into your building. Thoughts?
Wes: Are you fucking serious?
Calla: What happened?
Rex: Yes, I’m serious. Let’s see...someone was in my reserved parking space, and Zoe just tried to hit on me.
Wes: Uh yeah...you need to move. Get as far away from that psychotic bitch as you can. Sorry, man.
Calla: Do you want us to see if there are any openings in the building, or have you already contacted the office?
Rex: I haven’t. I wanted to see if you guys would be okay with me moving in over there? I’m also throwing around the idea of buying a house.
Wes: We’ve thought about a house too, but we don’t have time for all the upkeep. Do you?
Rex: Good point. Let’s talk about this more later. I need to get a shower and get changed.
Calla: See you in a bit.
Wes: Later.
Stepping off the elevator, I make my way down the hall to my apartment and let myself in. Dropping my keys and cell in the bowl on the counter, I head to the bar and pour a whiskey. The first sip burns going down, but the vanilla caramel flavor is blissful. I walk down the hall, taking another swig as I head to my room to get ready for the party.
And for Teagan.
Chapter 6
Jax
Helping out over at Belladonna was so much fun earlier. I mean, I always have fun when I cook with Ella and Forest, but being in the restaurant and working with all of Forest’s friends and coworkers was fucking amazing. I now understand why even on shitty days he’s happy to be there. It’s exactly how I feel working with C.J. at Voodoo.
Speaking of which….
I search my apartment for my phone but don’t find it. Walking over to my nightstand, I pick my watch up off its charger and hit the search feature. My phone rings, and I hunt for the sound. It's faint at first, but when I get closer to my purse and the front door, it's easy to determine where I left my phone. Cell in hand, I pull up my text messages and shoot one off to C.J.
Jax: Do you want to meet at Belladonna, my place, or Voodoo?
C.J.: You sure it’s okay for me to be at this thing tonight?
Jax: Yes. You’re my plus one.
C.J.: Don’t you think you should be available for Forest?
Jax: You know it’s not like that. We’re friends, and he’s not looking to date as he gets settled in with Ella.
C.J.: That’s bullshit and you know it. Don’t get me wrong. Months ago, I would have bought that line but not anymore. Y’all are always together with Ella.
Jax: Yeah, I’m helping him with Ella. You know this. Why the fuck are we talking about this?
C.J.: I just don’t want you to get hurt.
Jax: I appreciate that. Now can we move on from my nonexistent love life. Where are you meeting me?
C.J.: I’ll meet you at Voodoo, and we can walk down.
Jax: I’ll meet you at 7.
C.J.: See you then.
Sliding my phone in my back pocket, I head back to my room to get ready for the party tonight. Grabbing my phone, I make sure the bluetooth is connected and turn the music on as high as I dare with Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon filling the room. I toss it on the bed as I strip and head into the bathroom. Turning the shower on, I give the water a bit to warm up and jump in. The heat from the water beats on my shoulders, releasing tension I didn’t realize I had. Standing there as long as I can, the water starts to cool before I get my ass in gear and wash my hair, shave my legs and everywhere else that needs shaving, and scrub my body. By the time I finish, the water is cold, and I keep stepping under the spray and quickly stepping out of it. Shivering, I use my foot to turn off the shower.
I need a fucking towel warmer if I’m going to do shit like this.
Reaching for the towels, I wrap my hair first to stop the water from dripping down my back then dry off with th
e other one. Once I’m dry, I rub lotion on and move toward the closet. I didn’t go out to buy something new, so whatever I find is going to have to do for tonight. Forest told me that anything was fine, but C.J.’s comments are running through my head, and now I want to wear something that will make Forest notice me.
Rummaging through my closet, I find the perfect outfit for tonight. I check the time on my phone as I set it aside. I don’t have to meet C.J. for another three hours… Awesome. I have time for a nap.
My phone beeps with an incoming text.
Forest: I have to show you this, though Ella really wants to surprise everyone tonight.
It takes a second or three for the picture to load, and holy shit...Ella’s outfit is perfect. She has on a pale pink sweater with a light gray tutu that stops just above her knees. The skirt has what looks like a satin waistband that stays in place with a satin bow.
Jax: OMG! She loves it, doesn’t she?
Forest: Yes. I’m going to have issues getting her out of it later.
Jax: I bet. She’s going to want to wear it to school too, I imagine.
Forest: She’s already asked.
Jax: LOL. I’m a little shocked Nessa went with something more down-to-Earth and more...Ella.
Forest: Funny you say that. Nessa’s dress had a busted zipper. Calla picked this out just in case the other didn’t work.
Jax: Haha! Seems Calla understands Ella a little better than your sister.
Forest: That’s an understatement. Nessa means well, and I get she wants to dress Ella up and make sure she looks stylish, but Ella does have her own style.
Jax: She does. Nessa just doesn’t want her style to only be jeans, tee shirts, and workout gear. Granted, Ella is very active, and she wants to do everything the boys do.
Forest: Yeah, even though she’s into cheerleading and gymnastics, she’s a tomboy. Hopefully Nessa will get that.
Jax: It’s not a bad thing for Ella to get the best of both worlds. You want her well-rounded. That way, when she actually starts liking boys and wants to get dolled up, you won’t have a heart attack.
B.A.K.E.: Belladonna's Arousing Kissable Extravaganza Page 3
