“I always like everything you do.”
“Oh yeah?” I pulled her a little closer so she was standing between my legs. I tugged her lobe between my teeth, growling low in my chest as she ran her hands up my thighs. “Laura,” I warned. “You’re getting awfully close to Mr. Smirky.”
“Is that what he’s doing? Smirking?”
“I think if you got a closer look, you’d see some winking, too.”
“What did you have in mind?”
I grinned down at her. “Two things. One, a heavy make-out session in here. Two, I’ll come home with you and take you so hard, you’ll be the one needing the nap.”
“You up for that?”
“I’m getting there.”
She giggled. “I was sure you were going to take me here.”
“Part of me wants to, but I think your dad would actually explode. And now that I’ve gotten you pregnant, I’ve fulfilled my purpose. It would be cement time for me. But…”
“But?”
“We could let him think—”
She chuckled, her fist clutching my shirt. “How?”
Just then, I heard Hank’s voice.
“Are they still in my office?”
I heard Jen answer, “Yes.”
I grinned, lifting Laura into my arms. “Work with me, baby.”
She wrapped her arms around my neck and her legs around my hips. “Do it.”
I strode out of the office, holding Laura close. Her face was buried in my neck, and I could feel her giggles. I nodded at Hank, who was looking completely shocked. He had been certain I was in deep shit.
“Thanks, Hank. Hold my calls, okay, Jen? We may be a while.”
Then I walked into my office, shutting the door firmly behind me. I pressed Laura against the wall, making sure to be gentle.
“Was his face red?”
“Almost purple.”
“We’re awful.”
I brushed my mouth over hers. “Awful good.”
“I still get my hot make-out session, right?”
“Yep.”
“And when we get home?”
“My cock and I are yours.” I paused in thought. “Afterward, a nap?”
She laughed. “I can work with that.”
“Good.”
Epilogue
Jackson
The hospital was quiet, and I was grateful Laura was alone in her semi-private room. I smiled at my wife as she held our son, cooing to him quietly. The click of the camera was the only other sound in the room.
She glanced up, meeting my eyes. “You’ve taken way too many pictures already, Daddy.”
I shook my head. “Impossible to take enough pictures of something so beautiful.” I bent forward, brushing my fingers over the soft down of my son’s head. “He’s so perfect, Laura.”
With a gentle smile, she slipped him into my arms and leaned back against her pillows. “He looks so much like you.”
I looked down, chuckling at the way he had his fist jammed into his mouth, sucking away. He was a big baby—long and lean, and weighed in at over ten pounds. Watching Laura give birth to him had been an amazing experience. Being there with them as he came into the world, holding her as she dropped, exhausted, onto my chest as he was born, yelling and protesting, had been the greatest moment of my life. Holding him for the first time, and every time since, had been life-affirming.
“Your dad is a bit pissed about not being here.”
She yawned and nodded. “He insists you convinced the baby to come early just to mess with him.”
I slipped my finger into my son’s hand, in awe of how he clutched on tight. “He’ll calm down when he meets him and hears his name.”
“Mason Hank Cooper,” she whispered. “It suits him.”
“It does.”
Mason blinked up at me, his eyes fluttering with fatigue. The same fatigue his mother was experiencing. I stood, gently setting him into the bassinette beside Laura. Then I turned to her, checking to make sure she was comfortable.
“You need to sleep, sweet girl. You and my boy have had a very busy day.”
I knew how exhausted she was when she didn’t argue. She moved gingerly, curling her fist under her chin, her eyes drifting shut.
“Love you,” she mumbled.
I bent down, brushing kisses to her cheek. “I love you, Laura. Thank you for our son.”
I settled in my chair and watched my family. They were both out, heads turned slightly, resting on their hands. In profile, he looked even more like me, which made me smile, but I hoped his eyes would stay blue like his mother’s. He definitely had her dark hair.
She was the best thing that had ever happened to me, and he was the best of us combined.
The door opened, and her nurse, Sabrina, came in. “Everyone’s settled for a while?” she asked, checking them out but not disturbing either of them.
“Yep.”
“A Hank Simmons called. He said he’s Laura’s dad?”
“He is.”
“He said to tell you he’d be here shortly.”
I glanced at my watch. “It’s past nine. Is he allowed in?”
“He’s family. He can’t stay long, but he can come in briefly.”
“Okay.”
She paused at the large arrangement of flowers by Laura’s bed I had bought her. The roses and lilies filled the room with their scent. “Beautiful.”
“Like her.” I indicated Laura with a tilt of my chin. “She thought they were too much, but after today, I don’t think they’re close to being enough.”
She smiled. “It’s a life-altering experience.” She patted my shoulder. “Your love is enough for both of them. The flowers, though, they add to it. Keep that up, and you’ll be fine.”
She left, and suddenly I was excited. I’d get to introduce Mason to Hank. Show off my son. Place my child in the arms of my best friend and father-in-law. I had a feeling the two of them were going to be buddies.
Mason grunted, letting out a small cry, and I was out of my chair instantly, peering down at him. His tiny fists beat the air, and I lifted him, holding him close and sitting back down, tucking a pillow under my arm, grinning as he settled right away. I gazed at him, unable to stop. I started talking to him, much the way I had while Laura was pregnant. Silly thoughts and plans for the future. All the things I’d show him. All the wonders we’d discover together.
I blinked at the moisture in my eyes. My emotions were very close to the surface today. Mason’s birth had opened up another protective streak I thought only existed for Laura. I knew I would do anything to keep my son safe. To keep my family safe. I would be their rock. They would be my focus for the rest of my life.
“You’ll spoil him,” Laura murmured drowsily. “You’ve hardly put him down.”
I cleared my throat. “I intend to. I’m going to spoil both of you. Now, back to sleep. Mason and I are getting to know each other.”
“I miss you both.”
I laughed low and stood, pulling my chair close. I entwined our fingers, lifting her hand to my mouth, kissing the knuckles. “Better?”
“Hmm.” She frowned. “Are you all right, Jackson?”
Carefully cradling Mason, I leaned over and kissed her. “Never been better.” I kissed her again. “Thank you, sweet girl. For you. For my son. For making me happier than I ever thought possible.”
“You do the same for me.”
“Good.” I ran my hand through her hair, humming quietly, knowing that would relax her.
Soon, her deep breathing told me she was out again. Mason wriggled, burrowing into the warmth of my skin. I shifted, getting comfortable, not planning to move until I had to. I had my son and my wife—both close, safe, and content. Tomorrow, we would go home. Hank would be here soon, and our family would be complete.
I nuzzled the tender skin on Mason’s head.
Life couldn’t get any better.
The door opened, and Hank peeked in, his eyes twinkling. I held my finger to my lips, and
he came in, grinning and holding a huge teddy bear.
“She okay?” he whispered.
“Exhausted. She worked hard today.”
He set down the bear and held out his arms. “Lemme see my grandson.”
With a frown, I placed him in Hank’s arms. “Careful with his head.”
“I’ve held babies before, you know. Laura turned out all right.”
“She told me about the time you almost dropped her. And she has that scar behind her ear from the day you showed her how to climb a tree and she fell on the branch.”
He shook his head. “A man makes a couple of mistakes,” he muttered. Then he looked down, a huge smile on his face.
“Look at him. Isn’t he something else?”
I had to smile. “Yeah, he is.”
“He looks like you.”
“I know. He’s a handsome devil,” I chuckled.
“I was hoping he’d look more like Laura,” he deadpanned. “Maybe he’ll grow out of it.”
“Gimme back my son.”
“No.”
“Will you two shut up?” Laura mumbled. “Neither of you are going to get to hold him if I kick you out.”
“Now look what you did,” I snarled.
“You were arguing too,” Hank shot back.
Laura groaned. “I’m calling the nurse.”
I leaned over her. “Are you in pain? What do you need?”
She met my eyes, her blue gaze amused. “Stop it. You are not setting a good example for Mason.”
I bent closer, whispering, “It’s okay. He doesn’t know words yet. I can give your dad a hard time for a few more months.”
Her lips curved into a smile. So did mine when Hank handed me back my son and showed Laura the teddy bear. He hunched over her, talking quietly, and I walked the small room, rocking my boy and giving them some privacy.
Hank was smiling as he joined me. “She’s out again.”
“Hardly surprising.”
“So, she told me. Mason Hank Cooper.” He smiled. “That’s a good, strong name for my grandson.” He held out his hand. “Thank you.”
I rolled my eyes and gave him a one-armed hug. “You’re my friend, Hank. My wife’s dad. A huge part of our life. We wanted to honor that. I hope he grows up to be the kind of man you are. Loyal, compassionate, and strong.”
Hank blinked. Blinked again. His dark eyes looked glossy, and he turned and looked at Laura. He cleared his throat. “Okay then,” he muttered. Then he clapped me on the shoulder. “I’ll be at the house tomorrow.”
He leaned down and pressed a kiss to Mason’s head. He paused at the door. “Jackson.”
I turned. “Hmm?”
“My daughter and grandson are lucky to have you.” He paused. “So am I.”
Then he was gone.
I looked down at Mason. “If I knew the way to get him to leave was to get sentimental, I would have hugged him a long time ago.”
Mason grizzled into his blanket in agreement.
“Good plan,” I whispered. “We’ll remember that for next time.”
I sat back beside my wife, still holding my son. I held her hand in my free one and smiled.
Life was good.
Very good.
And as far as I was concerned, this was just the beginning.
Chapter 1
Jenny
I squinted in concentration as I leaned forward, trying to keep my balance and open my door. Why wouldn’t the damn key go in? Frustrated, I heaved a sigh, causing my hair to lift away from my forehead as I tried once more. I desperately needed to lie down.
Damn Jackey. This was all her fault. When I called her earlier, she was the one who insisted we go out drinking to give me a chance to vent. She was the one who kept ordering the drinks. She was the one who picked up the bartender and left me alone in the bar.
Now, I couldn’t get into my apartment. I studied the key, frowning. I was scratching up the door with the key instead of opening it. Why wouldn’t the damn thing turn? Groaning, I kicked the wood in frustration, only to hiss in pain after my foot made contact. I placed my hand on the door and tried one last time to put the key into the lock. If it didn’t work, I would have to find the super and ask him to let me in.
I gasped in shock as the door I leaned against swung open, and I lurched forward. The only thing that prevented me from hitting the floor was a strong pair of arms wrapping around me. Blinking in surprise, I looked up into the confused eyes of my very favorite neighbor.
Officer Connor Michaels. He was tall and broad, his shoulders filling the doorway, his barrel chest pressed to mine. His dark hair was damp, his T-shirt clinging to his well-defined muscles.
“Connor?” I slurred.
“Jenny.” His amused voice purred my name.
“Why–why are you in my apartment?”
He pulled me upright, setting me on my feet as he smirked. “I’m not. You’re in mine.”
I gaped at him, then looked at the door.
Damn it.
His deep chuckle let me know I’d said that out loud.
I gazed at him, my already warm cheeks becoming even hotter. Good God, the man was gorgeous. I kinda wanted to lick him. I couldn’t, but I wanted to.
“Sorry, Connor. I obviously went down one door too many. Sort of like the drinks this afternoon.” I snorted in embarrassment. “Guess that explains why my key didn’t work. I’m–I’m kinda drunk.”
“I can see that.”
“I keyed up your door.” I waved my hand and hiccupped. “I’ll fix it—but not today. I need a nap.”
I turned to go and tripped over my own feet. Connor’s arms shot out, keeping me upright. He lifted me, carrying me effortlessly into his apartment, and set me down on his couch. He sat beside me; his long fingers tilted up my head, and I looked at him with bleary eyes. God, he was so handsome. He had such beautiful eyes. They were blue and as deep and fathomless as the ocean. He was rugged and strong, his neck thickly corded, his face intense. For me, however, there was always a smile and a softening of his expression, a kind word and a gentle hug. I liked that. I liked him.
The way his eyebrows shot up made me wonder if I uttered that out loud, but I wasn’t sure and he didn’t comment.
Instead, his voice was quiet and concerned. “Why are you drunk at three in the afternoon, Jenny?”
Traitorous tears filled my eyes. “I broke up with my boyfriend.”
“Ah. I’m sorry.”
I lifted my arm. “I bought him a watch.”
Connor grinned, that sexy dimple on the right side of his face deepening. “I don’t think you understand this whole breaking up thing. The last girl I broke up with slapped me so hard I had a bruise on my face for a week. She didn’t buy me a watch.”
I shook my head. He was so funny. Funny, handsome, and lovely. I frowned. Why would anyone ever break up with him? He was so wonderful. I thought he was pretty fucking perfect.
He was grinning at me again. I wasn’t sure why. Did I say something? What were we discussing again?
Oh right, the watch.
“No.” I tried to explain. “We hadn’t been getting along well lately. He always seemed to be mad at me, and I thought it was my fault. So, I bought him a watch to say I was sorry.”
“Okay?”
I sniffed. “He works from home a lot, so I took it over to surprise him. Only he surprised me. When I walked in…he was fucking his assistant against the wall.”
“Oh.”
“I don’t think it was my fault now. He wasn’t very happy to see me.”
He cupped my face tenderly, wiping away the tears from my cheeks that rolled down despite my efforts to stop them. “I’m sorry that happened to you, Jenny. You didn’t deserve that.”
“I kept the watch. I think I can return it.”
“Good decision.” He rose and went into the kitchen, coming back with a glass of water. “Here, drink this.”
I accepted the glass and sipped the cold liquid.
/>
“What did you do? I hope you gave him a piece of your mind.”
“I might have yelled a lot. And I might have bitch-slapped her when she got in my face about what a lousy girlfriend I was to John.”
“And him?”
“I, um, I threw his cell phone off the balcony into the pool, then I kicked him in the crotch.” I groaned, remembering my impulsive reaction. “I kicked him hard.” I held out my foot. “These pointy shoes are lethal.”
His lips quirked, and he had to look away as he tried to hide his smile. I didn’t want him to hide his smile. I loved his smile. It was especially attractive with his sexy dimple. I wondered if it tasted as sexy as it looked.
This time when he grinned at me, I knew I’d said that out loud. Damn it.
“Well.” He smirked. “I think that concluded his wall-banging fun for the day—maybe even two.”
I giggled, clapping my hand over my mouth to cover the snort I knew would follow. I always snort-laughed when I was drunk. Jackey told me it was highly unattractive.
Connor leaned over and uncovered my mouth. “Laugh, Jenny. I much prefer you laugh than cry. And the bastard deserved it.” He chuckled. “Just remind me not to let you too close when you’re pissed at me.”
I giggled again.
Connor frowned at me. “I get the crotch attack, but why his cell phone?”
“He loved that thing. That and his precious car. More than anything.” I sighed. “Certainly more than me.”
“He didn’t deserve you. Anyone who would love their cell phone or their car more than you clearly isn’t right in the head.”
I giggle-sobbed, followed by a hiccup, while I rubbed the top of my arm, and winced a little. “Well, I guess he’s not my problem anymore.”
Connor’s eyes narrowed as he watched my hand, and he pulled my sweater from my shoulder. “Did he leave a mark on you?” he hissed.
I looked down at the bruise that was forming where John’s hand had gripped me. “Um, I guess so. He was really mad over the whore-cheating-girlfriend-slapping thing, and, I imagine, the crotch attack, but probably the angriest over the cell phone in the pool. He grabbed me hard when he threw me out of the apartment.”
Happily Ever After Collection Page 21
