“Love you too, Dad.” Jack turned up the ringer on his phone, placed it on the nightstand, and shifted closer to Em so he could spoon her. Bliss.
Jack woke at eight with Em in his arms. Much better. His hand cupped her breast, and his hard-on nestled between her cheeks. He rubbed his groin against her, and she moaned softly as her hips rocked into him. He kissed her shoulder, and she sighed.
“Mmm, that for me?” Her voice was still raspy with sleep.
“Sure is. Fuck me.” Jack rolled onto his back, grabbed a rubber, and rolled it on.
“The only thing I like better than late-night dirty talk is early-morning dirty talk.” Em settled herself over him and slid down.
Her warmth surrounded him. Fuck, that feels good. He wished he was bare. It drove him wild that she wanted sex as much as he did. He had a very healthy sex drive, but his past girlfriends hadn’t always matched up to him in that area. Especially when they were passed out drunk or high as fuck on drugs. Fuck. Why was he thinking of Christie? Probably because his dad had brought her up.
He pushed all thoughts aside as Em leaned forward and kissed him while she continued riding his cock. He fondled her breasts and broke the kiss so he could take her nipple in his mouth. “Baby, your tits are fucking perfect.” She smiled and contracted her inner muscles around him. Fuck, that did it. “Oh fuck, baby.”
Her hands stroked his pecs as she rose and fucked him harder. God, she was perfect. He came hard and was so lost in his orgasm he hadn’t realized until she collapsed on him that she’d come. If she hadn’t, he’d have eaten her pussy until she did. He still might.
Emily nuzzled his neck and kissed his shoulder. He didn’t want to move, but he needed to use the bathroom. “I gotta get up.”
Em rolled off him and snuggled under the covers with a satisfied grin.
When he returned, she was on her back with her legs spread wide. Nothing turned him on more than a woman who wasn’t shy about telling him what she wanted. He crawled up the bed and kissed his way up her inner thighs, careful not to linger near her scars. She was sensitive about it, but he hoped, in time, that she’d let him touch and kiss her freely. They were part of her, and he loved her completely. He dipped his tongue in. “Mmm.” He was almost ready himself, but this was for Em, so he focused on her pussy, loving her sweet, musky taste.
Em groaned. “Oh, yes. I love that.”
He knew she did.
Rush’s “The Trees” sounded from the nightstand. “Shit. That’s my dad.” He’d hoped it wasn’t bad news. Grabbing the phone, he connected the call. “Hey, Dad.”
“Jack, we’d love to have your new girlfriend join us for dinner.”
That sounded more like his dad. “Great. What time?” Em gestured to him. “Hold on.”
“I have to go home first. I need clothes.”
“Right. Dad, is one o’clock okay?”
“That’s what I was going to say. See you then.”
“Can’t wait, bye.”
She pulled the sheet up to cover her beautiful naked body, but he wanted to finish what he started, so he whipped them off her.
“Jack, we don’t have time for this. We have to eat, shower, get to my place, change, and then get to your parents’ house. I don’t want to be late.”
Damn. She was right. He licked his lips to get the last bit of her essence. “Okay, rain check. You’ll need to pack clothes for here.”
“Why?”
“Aren’t you staying this week?”
Emily scooted off the bed. “I have to go to work.” She walked into the bathroom and closed the door.
Jack stared at the paneled door. They needed to talk. He’d expected her to spend the next four days with him at the hotel. Since Emily should’ve been on her honeymoon for the next three weeks, he’d assumed she was off. He wanted her to stay with him and not just time after she got off work. He needed more. They’d be apart enough because he was on tour. Too much. But most of all, Jack needed to stop pressuring her, like he had last night, to get her to agree to come to see his folks today. For the life of him, he just couldn’t stop himself, and he didn’t understand why.
After breakfast and an argument with Jeff over spending the day with Em without security, they left the hotel in the rental that Jack had ordered. Em’s apartment in Oakdale, New Jersey, was thirty minutes west of Manhattan, and they arrived at eleven thirty. He parked in back and they walked hand in hand to her door.
Once inside, Em turned to him. “I’ll only be a few minutes.” She walked down the hallway and disappeared into the bedroom. He followed, waiting in the doorway, until she turned to see him.
“What?”
Jack walked in and sat on the bed. “I want you to spend the week with me.”
Her brows drew together. “I thought that was the plan.”
“I’d assumed that you were off all week.”
Em sat next to him and took his hand. “You want me spend the week at your hotel?”
“Yeah.”
She stood and paced, and he could see the wheels turning. “I canceled my vacation time.”
“But you were off Thursday and Friday.”
“Yeah, because my bosses told me not to come in until I got my shit together.” Emily smiled. “They were nice about it, but I’d been screwing up everything. I’m usually reliable, but after I sent copy for approval to our client’s competitor by mistake, who’s also our client, which cost us both accounts, I really thought they’d fire me.”
Jack stood and hugged her. “Hey, you went through something terrible. I’m sure they understand.”
She rested her head on his shoulder. “They do. They’ve been good to me.” Jack felt her smile. “I started as the receptionist, and they gave me the opportunity to move into copywriting.”
“I’m sure you earned the opportunity.”
“I didn’t have a degree to back it up, but they didn’t care about that. A lot of places would’ve.”
“Can you take a few days off?”
Emily pulled out of his embrace. “That’s what I’m trying to figure out. We have two new clients coming in this week, and I could probably miss those appointments, but the established client asked for me specifically, so there’s no way I can miss that one.”
He’d thought she was concocting an elaborate excuse to not be with him. His chest swelled with pride that one of their clients respected her work so much that he wanted Em on his next campaign.
“I have to call my bosses and see what works for them.” She walked into the living room to make the call.
Her bedroom wasn’t overly feminine, but there were touches here and there. The bedspread was purple with gold trim. Oh fuck. That fucker slept in this room with her, in that bed. Under that bedspread. Jack shook his head to dispel the images.
“You okay?” Emily asked.
Jack stared at the bed. “You need a new mattress.” No way was he making love to her in that bed after—
“It’s only three weeks old. I got rid of the sheets and bedspread too. They made me sick.”
He was such a prick. He should be worried about her not himself.
Emily smiled. “I had a hard time hauling the mattress out, but the box spring was easier.”
“Why didn’t you ask for help?”
Emily looked down. “I was humiliated, Jack. I didn’t even tell Nicki until Monday. Besides, Vince lives in California, and I couldn’t wait for Eddie to drive up. It exited the apartment shortly after they did.”
Vince and Eddie were Emily’s friends who helped her survive the aftermath of the accident, and Jack remembered what Nicki had told him about how Em had thrown he fucker out. He was proud of her, and he couldn’t help but grin.
“Nicki told you, didn’t she?”
“Yeah. Naked, huh?”
“They were lucky they got out in one piece.” Emily took out an overnight bag and packed. “I have to be in the office Thursday by
one and Friday. Damn.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I never called Vince.”
“Call him now. I’ll call my dad and tell him we’re running a little late.”
“I hope Vince isn’t at the airport.” At Jack’s puzzled expression, she added, “He threatened to get on a plane if I didn’t call him this weekend.”
Jack liked Vince already and couldn’t wait to meet him. “Take your time.” Jack went to the living room to give her privacy. He was on the phone with Buzz when Em walked in. Unfortunately, Buzz had a bad night but had just left a NA meeting. Since Buzz was going to visit his family later, they might see him because their families were neighbors.
“Ready?” she asked.
That bag didn’t look full, but he was used to traveling with Christie. “Uh, one more thing.”
Emily raised her brows.
“I’d like to read your books, but I don’t know your pen name.” Emily’s shocked expression surprised him until he remembered that the fucker hadn’t been interested in her writing career. Asshole.
“Paperback or e-book?”
“Paperback.”
Smiling, Emily turned and went into her office. She returned with a canvas bag. “Here.”
Jack opened the bag and pulled out the first book. In A Heartbeat by Emma Ryan. The cover featured a bare-chested man and a woman in a skimpy bikini. They were kissing, and his hand rested close to her breast. Her arms were around him, her hands disappearing below his waist. Jack swallowed hard and looked up at her. “I meant so I could buy them.”
“The four on the bottom are the most recent ones, the others are all out of print, so don’t lose them, okay? They’re my only copies.” Em smirked at him. He knew she understood his reaction and was enjoying his discomfiture. He’d like nothing more than to bend her over the kitchen table and fuck—shit, they had to leave. “Nice cover.”
“People do judge a book by its cover.” Emily headed down the stairs.
Jack adjusted himself and followed.
***
Emily stared out the SUV window as Jack drove north on the Garden State Parkway. The thirty-five miles to his parent’s house in Pine Hill, New York went by in a blur. The only indication that they’d crossed into New York was the welcome sign. This section of New Jersey and New York were so similar. The neighborhoods nestled among tree-lined streets were such a stark contrast to the skyscrapers of Manhattan. Emily was glad she and Sully had decided to look for a house after the wedding. One less memory. Unlike Sully, Jack wanted to read her books.
When the SUV hit a pothole, Emily jolted awake. She stretched and smiled as she glanced at Jack. Then she remembered where they were going, and a groan escaped.
“What’s wrong?”
Emily shrugged.
“Hey, talk to me.”
“I’m nervous.”
Jack pulled the SUV over and cut the engine. He tilted her chin so she’d meet his eyes. “Tell me.”
“It’s been a long time since I did the meet the family thing, and usually, we’d have been dating for several months.” Emily sighed. “Sully’s parents are…reserved. They’re not openly affectionate to each other or Sully. Certainly not to me. I don’t know what to expect with your family.”
Jack grinned. “Total opposite, very emotional. My dad will probably hug you.”
Her family had been like that, but she didn’t want to reminisce.
“My dad’s a plumber, and my mom teaches high school English. My sister, Trish, is getting her PhD in psychology, and my brother, Jimmy, is doing an internship for his fifth year toward his bachelor’s in architecture. I have tons of aunts and uncles and about a million cousins.”
Emily had no family except her grandparents. The only time she’d heard from them in ten years was the response card from her wedding invitation with the box checked for regrets. No explanation, letter, or phone call. She’d known they wouldn’t come, but it’d still hurt.
“Hey.” Jack kissed her tenderly. “I don’t want you to be upset. We don’t have to go.” Jack looked down.
“It’s not that. Your family sounds wonderful.”
“They are. My folks are cool, and they’ll love you. Trish is nosy, probably why she’s interested in psychology. Jimmy’s a good kid, but…”
“What?”
“I don’t know, he doesn’t seem to like me very much. One day, we were buddies and having a good time, and almost overnight, he couldn’t stand to be in the same room with me. And if he does talk to me, it’s always something nasty. I don’t know what his problem is.”
Emily thought she might. She’d had a similar reaction to Riley moving out. “We’d better get going.” She hoped their being late didn’t mess with his mom’s dinner plans. Emily wanted them to like her. She didn’t have to think why; Sully’s parents hadn’t liked her very much.
As Jack pulled back into traffic, Emily used her mantra to calm down. She radiated peace, love, and goodwill to all.
Jack exited the New York State Thruway. The village had an old-world charm about it. As they turned down the main street that ran though Pine Hill, a large clock in the center median read 12:57. The sun glinted off the windows of the store fronts. A few more turns and Jack pulled into the driveway of a white bi-level house with dark blue shutters and trim. A large red van with McBride Plumbing and Heating in white lettering across the side was parked next to the garage.
The front door opened, and Jack’s dad jogged out, his arms spread wide before Jack was out of the truck.
Jack hugged his dad. “Dad, you look great.”
Emily walked around the truck and stood next to Jack.
“Oh shit, sorry, baby. I should’ve gotten the door for you.”
“No rock star language in this house, young man.”
Emily bit back a chuckle. She liked Jack’s dad already.
“Sorry, Dad. This is Emily. Em, William McBride.”
“Emily, a pleasure to meet you. Please call me Will.”
Nearly as tall as Jack, Will was more muscular, but he had the same friendly smile and blue eyes. His dark brown hair was shorter than his son’s. “Thank you for inviting me.” She extended her hand, but Will pulled her into a bear hug. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jack grinning.
Will released her and turned as the front door opened again.
“James Marcus McBride, now!” Jack’s mom yelled as she wiped her hands on a towel that rested on her shoulder. When she saw Jack, all aggravation left her face, replaced by love and a brilliant smile. “Jack.” She sprinted into Jack’s open arms. He lifted her and swung her around.
He kissed her cheek. “Mom, you look beautiful, as always.”
“You look thin, Jack. I know touring is grueling, but you have to take care of yourself.” Her worried expression warmed Emily’s heart. “You’re not eating enough.”
“I eat plenty. Just ask Em, she doesn’t know where I put it.” He stepped back and placed his arm around Emily’s waist. “Mom, this is Emily. Em, my mom, Margaret McBride, but you can call her Maggie.”
Something flashed in the jade-green depths of Margaret McBride’s eyes. Wariness maybe. Her light-brown hair was cut in a neat bob. Emily extended her hand. “Mrs. McBride, nice to meet you.”
Jack shot her an odd look.
Margaret McBride accepted her hand. Another flash, this time aimed at Jack. “Please call me Maggie.” Her lips curved in a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
“Thank you for inviting me.” They all knew Jack strong-armed them into her being here. Emily had no doubt they were reluctant to say no to him.
“Let’s go inside.” Will took his wife’s hand.
Jack took her hand, swinging their arms slightly as they followed behind his parents. As they walked up the lawn, Emily was sure of three things. Will wanted to like her, Mrs. McBride didn’t, and there was no rock star bullshit allowed in the McBride household.
&
nbsp; A handsome young man, about Jack’s height with a leaner build, same eyes, and lighter hair greeted them in the kitchen. Greeted wasn’t right. When he heard them enter, he looked up from the sandwich he was eating at the counter and nodded in their direction. “Hey.”
Mrs. McBride walked to her son, opened a cabinet, and handed him a plate. “If you have to eat standing up, at least use a plate.”
“Don’t need one.” Jimmy pointed to the sink.
Will smacked the back of Jimmy’s head. “Use a plate. And chew with your mouth closed. We have company.”
“Right, Prince Jack has a new girlfriend.” He turned from the sink as he wiped his hand on his pants. “’Sup?”
Will smacked his head again, and Mrs. McBride turned away in disgust.
Master of conversation. Emily assumed he was addressing her. “Hi, I’m Emily. Jack tells me you’re getting a degree in architecture? Where are you going?”
Surprise flashed across his face. “NYIT.” He looked down. “I’m Jimmy, very nice to meet you.” He tilted his chin at Jack. “She’s pretty.”
That was all the invitation Jack needed. He grabbed his brother and hugged him. “Good to see you too, Squeak.” Jack lifted Jimmy off his feet then dropped him.
Jimmy smiled. Will smiled. Damn, now she knew where Jack got that charming lopsided grin.
Will stepped between his sons and put his arms around them. “Magpie, how long until dinner?”
“Trish and Brad should be here in half an hour, so about an hour.” She smiled at her family.
“Come and see the GTO. Jimmy and I have been making progress,” Will said.
Jack hesitated.
Emily smiled at him. “It’s okay, go do guy stuff.” Shit. The last thing she wanted was to be alone with Mrs. Doesn’t Like Her, but Jack looked so happy she’d suck it up. He’d owe her. Her dirty mind supplied a picture, and she was certain he’d be happy to pay the price.
Jack grabbed her, dipped her, and kissed her passionately. When he finally let her up, she grabbed his shoulders for support. Then she remembered they weren’t alone. What the fuck is wrong with you? She narrowed her eyes at him. Emily could tell from the look on Mrs. McBride’s face she knew. Fuck.
With You: A Rock Star Romance (Rocked in Love Book 1) Page 30
