LEVI’S BACKYARD WAS buzzing with excitement. The sandwich bar was a big hit, and Tara paused to take it all in on her way outside with another container of potato salad. Joey was playing ball with Hadley and Leilani, while Jock, Shelley, Tara’s father, and Tonya chatted and watched her. Joey was on cloud nine from her win, and she’d told anyone who would listen all about the yard sale and her lemonade stand. Tara spotted Robert talking with Joker and a handful of the other Dark Knights. Most of them, including Robert, had been flirting with Leni all afternoon, but Leni was back to her snarky self, being a little flirty, then yanking their chains. Tara had a feeling Leni was enjoying the game and didn’t need or even want a man in her life.
She glanced across the yard at her ruggedly handsome boyfriend. What a funny word that was. Levi was far from a boy, but manfriend sounded even funnier, and partner didn’t sound intimate enough for how close they’d become. He was talking with his father, Jesse, Brent, Archer, and Grant. He glanced her way, and her breath caught at how quickly those beautiful, loving eyes turned wicked. He’d taken advantage of every opportunity to drop a seductive whisper in her ear or sneak a touch as he walked by, and she’d had fun doing the same.
Jules walked into her line of sight and set her hands on her hips.
Tara hurried over to the sandwich table. Jules had been trying to corner her all day to pump her for information about her and Levi’s relationship, but with so many people around, Tara was nervous about being overheard.
“You can’t avoid me all day,” Jules whispered harshly.
“Not if you follow me, I can’t.” Tara refilled the potato salad. “You know I’m dying to talk about it, but I can’t.”
“Well, I have a secret. I’ll tell you if you share something with me.”
Tara looked around to make sure nobody was in earshot and whispered, “What do you want to know? That I think your brother is some kind of sex god and that acting like we’re not together is killing me? Because both of those things are true. He’s loving and protective, and when I’m in his arms, I never want to leave.”
Jules squealed and hugged her, and a handful of people looked over.
“Would you stop! Now, what’s your secret?”
“Grant and I chose a wedding date!”
“That’s great. When?”
“We want to say our vows at the Christmas tree lighting, because that’s where we got engaged.”
“That’s so romantic. Grant is okay doing it that publicly? He’s usually so low-key.”
“My low-key fiancé proposed to me in front of the whole community, remember?”
“I know. Talk about out of character.”
“It just goes to show what true love can do to a person, and this was his idea. He knows how much I love the holidays and our community. He said he thought I’d like to give everyone a chance to be there with us.”
“Aw, Jules. I love that.”
“Me too.” She gazed lovingly at Grant. “I fall more in love with him every day.”
“I know the feeling,” Tara said without thinking, and quickly snapped her mouth closed.
“I knew it! You love him.”
“Would you be quiet?” Tara chided her. “I never said the L word.”
“Sorry,” Jules whispered. “You didn’t have to. It’s in your eyes, and he looks like he’s going to come over here and stake his claim right here and now.”
Tara stole a glance at Levi, whose piercing gaze sent her heart into a tizzy. She turned away, needing to regain control and trying to get Jules to stop talking about them. “So why haven’t we received a group text about your wedding date yet?”
“We just decided this morning, and this is Joey’s big day, not ours. Plus, I need to talk to the mayor and get his approval.”
“You mean my father,” Tara pointed out.
“Yes. Will you help me figure out the best way to ask him? Do I need to sweeten the pot to get his approval? Should I bring him something from the Sweet Barista or a gift certificate to the bookstore or something? Is that considered bribing a public official? Can I get fined for that? Or go to jail?” she asked as their grandmothers sauntered over. “What’s the best time to ask your father about something like this?”
“Ask my son about what?” Grandma Blanche asked.
“Um…?” Jules clamped her mouth shut, looking guilty as sin.
“Jules was just asking me about…” She scrambled for something to say. “The charity drive Mom and Goldie are hosting.”
Jules nodded emphatically. “Yes. Exactly. I was thinking about dressing up in a costume to entertain the kids, and I wanted to get the mayor’s permission.”
Lenore and Blanche exchanged a disbelieving glance.
“Bull hockey,” Lenore said.
Grandma Blanche lowered her voice. “Tell us your secrets and we’ll share ours.”
“I already know some of yours, Grandma, and I don’t think I can handle any more.” Tara needed to get Jules out of there before their grandmothers got her talking and she accidentally spilled the beans about her and Levi. “Jules, I think Grant just waved you over.”
“What?” Jules whipped around and waved to Grant. “He probably wants a kiss. See you ladies later.”
As Jules hurried away, Lenore said, “What’s she hiding?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Tara held the empty potato salad container against her chest like a shield. “I’d better bring this inside.” She’d taken only two steps before her grandmother called her name. Tara closed her eyes, inhaling deeply before forcing a smile and turning back. “Yes?”
Her grandmother handed her the mustard container. “This is empty. Can you get another?”
Relieved, she said, “Sure.”
“I can’t hold it in any longer,” her grandmother said giddily. “Lenore and I have a date with Joker’s grandfather and a friend of his next week.”
“Wow, you two didn’t waste any time, did you?”
“Life’s too short for wasted time,” her grandmother said. “So whatever you and Julesy are hiding, you don’t have to hide from us.”
If there was one person who Tara believed would keep her secret forever, it was her grandmother, but with Joey’s heart on the line, she wasn’t taking any chances. “We’re not hiding anything, Gram. I’ll get more mustard.”
She headed inside, musing about her grandmother and Lenore. She was throwing the empty containers in the trash when Levi walked through the patio doors. He stalked toward her like a puma on the prowl, his predatory gaze making her pulse quicken.
He didn’t say a word as he took her hand, leading her out of the kitchen.
“Where are we going?”
He tugged her into the powder room and closed the door. His mouth descended on hers in a deep, delicious kiss that went on and on. When their lips finally parted, he said, “I’ve been dying to do that.”
“Same.” She pulled his mouth back to hers, and his strong hands clamped on to her waist. Without breaking the kiss, he lifted her onto the sink, wedging his big body between her legs.
“God, baby,” he said against her lips. “How can I miss being close to you this much after only a few hours?” He trailed kisses along her jaw. “You own me, sweetheart.”
“Same,” she panted out, wishing she could form a sentence, but his tantalizing kisses were so much better than stringing words together. His every touch, every sexy whisper deepened her desire. When he pushed his hands into her hair, taking her in a soul-searing kiss, her thoughts fell away, and she surrendered to the need building inside her. She clung to him, wrapping her legs around his waist, and rocked her hips. He ground against her, intensifying her desperation. Their lips parted on a moan and a growl, but he kept her face close, biting her earlobe, sending fire between her legs. She gasped with pleasure, pleading, “Again.” He did. “Levi—” Her plea was silenced by another ravenous kiss. He pushed his hands under her bottom, leaning into her, and she couldn’t hold back a needy moan.
The bathroom door swung open, and they startled apart.
Tara’s mother stared wide-eyed and appalled, her cheeks reddening. “Tara Ann!”
“Mom, what are you—” Tara scrambled off the sink, but Levi moved slower, more determinedly, hooking his arm around her waist, standing tall and protective beside her.
“You.” Her mother glared at Levi. “It’s not enough that you soiled one of my daughters? You have to go after Tara, too?” She turned that venom on Tara. “Is this why you’re here all the time, Tara Ann?”
“No, but that—”
“Let’s just slow down a minute,” Levi said emphatically. “I will not have you taking that tone to Tara in my house. This isn’t what you think it is.”
Her mother scoffed. “Oh no? I think it’s pretty clear what this is. I never should have trusted you around my girls.”
“Would both of you stop, please?” Tara stormed out of the bathroom, shaking with anger as she turned on her mother. “What I do with Levi, or anyone else, is none of your business. I’m not a child, and Levi sure as hell isn’t the kind of man who can’t be trusted.”
“He impregnated your sister, Tara. Does Amelia know about this?”
“It’s none of her business, and yes, Amelia got pregnant by Levi, but it takes two people to make a baby. Amelia is not innocent, like you pretend she is.” Tara was vaguely aware of movement in the kitchen, but she was too upset to slow down. “She slept around in high school, and the whole town knows it, whether you want to admit it or not, and yes, she got knocked up. Get over it already.” The words flew like rapid fire. “You got a beautiful granddaughter out of it, and your precious Amelia hasn’t done shit to take care of her. Levi gave up his life at twenty years old to raise their daughter. He has cared for her day and night and built a happy, full life for her, putting himself last in every way. He has done nothing but what is best for Joey since the day she was born, and you and your warped sense of importance have tried to tear him down for it. Well, guess what, Mom?” Hot tears streaked her cheeks.
“Watch yourself, Tara Ann,” her mother said coldly.
“No. It’s time you watched yourself,” she said as Levi came to her side. “I have nothing but respect for Levi, and I don’t care if you disapprove of how I feel, because I love him. I love him for the kind boy he was when he found me hiding in the pantry at parties because my own sister called me fat, unworthy, and ugly every chance she got, and you not only allowed it, you taught it to her, nitpicking at me to this day, as if I’m never good enough. And while you make me feel bad about myself, Levi makes me feel good every time we’re together, and he always has. I love him for the caring friend he’s always been to me and the loving father he is to Joey, and I love him for being the man I can laugh and cry with, without fear or judgment.”
“T,” Levi cautioned, taking her hand.
Tara shook her head, looking up through teary eyes. “I have loved you since before I even understood what that word really meant, and she needs to know it.”
“This is not happening, Tara Ann,” her mother said evenly. “Not as long as you live under my roof.”
Tara should have expected her to try to use the house as leverage, but it still gutted her. She lifted her chin, meeting her mother’s gaze. “Then it’s a good thing I’ve been looking for another place to live, because I will not end things with Levi just to please you.”
Levi squeezed her hand, his expression an anguished mix of heartache and pride.
“You want to be my daddy’s girlfriend?” Joey’s quiet voice came from behind Tara like a knife to her chest.
Oh God. What have I done? She looked at Levi apologetically, and with her heart in her throat, she turned around, shocked to see their family and friends standing at the threshold of the living room in stunned silence. Joey was holding Shelley’s hand. Tara took in Joey’s confused expression, and Shelley mouthed, Sorry.
Swallowing hard, Tara said, “Yes, Joey, I do. More than anything in this world.” She held her breath as interminable silence ticked by. Worried she’d really screwed up, she started to apologize, but Joey broke away from Shelley and ran to her, throwing her arms around her.
“I want that, too,” Joey said.
More tears spilled down Tara’s cheeks as she hugged her. “I love you.”
Her mother huffed something and stormed out of the house.
Tara bowed her head, tears falling as Levi put his arms around her and Joey. She closed her eyes, thanking her lucky stars he wasn’t pushing her away, and heard Shelley ushering everyone out of the house. Tara looked up at Levi, mortified that he and Joey, and their families and friends, had witnessed her fight with her mother. Baring her heart for him, and everyone else, to hear was nothing compared to the well-being of the precious girl in her arms. “I’m sorry. I…”
“Shh. It’s okay, babe.”
She choked out, “Joey…?”
Levi mouthed, She didn’t see it all.
Tara realized that was why he’d cautioned her, and as Joey blinked curiously up at them, she tried to remember what she’d said after that warning. I have loved you since before I even understood what that word really meant, and she needs to know it. Hopefully she hadn’t heard what Tara said about her sister and mother. “I’m sorry you saw us arguing. Do you want to talk about what you heard?”
A tentative smile curved Joey’s lips, as if she were unsure if it was okay to be happy after witnessing so much strife. “Daddy, do you want to be Tara’s boyfriend?”
“Yes, peanut, more than anything.”
That earned a confident smile from Joey, but it quickly faltered. “Aunt Tara, was Grandma the mean girl you told me about? Was she the reason you used to eat so much?”
Tara sighed, debating if she should lie, but lies never ended well. “Sometimes.”
“But it was mostly Amelia,” Levi said tightly.
Tara gave him an imploring look, silently asking why he’d upset Joey any more than she already was, but the firm set of his jaw told her he had his own agenda.
He crouched beside Joey, taking her hand in his. “You’re old enough to know the truth. Amelia wasn’t a very nice girl when she was younger, and she made Aunt Tara feel bad about herself.”
“But she isn’t like that anymore,” Tara said quickly, unsure why she was protecting her selfish sister.
Joey’s brow furrowed. “She makes me feel bad.”
More tears sprang to Tara’s eyes.
“I know, and I’m sorry, sweetheart. That’s my fault, and I won’t let her do that to you anymore.” He hugged her and drew Tara into the embrace.
“Dad, you can’t make someone be nice,” Joey said. “All you can do is stand up for yourself and figure out if you’re going to let their words hurt you.” She paused, face tight with consternation. “Maybe next time Amelia makes me sad, I’ll stand up to her like Tara stood up to Grandma.”
“We can talk about that another time,” Levi promised. “Peanut, I want you to know that Tara and I were going to tell you how we feel about each other soon.”
“But I didn’t want to do it until after spring break,” Tara explained. “I’m sorry we ruined your big day.”
“It’s okay,” Joey said. “At least you guys didn’t have a fistfight like Uncle Archer and Uncle Jock did.”
Levi put his hand on Joey’s back. “Attagirl. Always look for that silver lining.”
“Can I go play with Leilani and Hadley?” Joey asked.
“Sure.” Levi kissed the top of her head, and as Joey ran outside, he pulled Tara into his arms. “I’m sorry, baby. What can I do?”
“Rewind time and make me keep my mouth shut.”
“You had a lot to say.”
She was mortified, and the reality of what she’d said about her mother and sister, and her feelings for Levi, was hitting her with full force, and she felt the walls closing in. “I don’t want to talk about it. I can’t right now. I need to apologize to everyone before they think I’ve lost my mind.”
“Nobody thinks you’ve lost your mind, T. You’ve been through enough. Why don’t you relax and I’ll talk to them.”
“No. It’s my fault. I should…” She saw her father, grandmother, and Robert walk back inside, heading their way.
Levi followed her gaze, keeping her close and standing up taller. “Tara’s been through enough for today.”
Her father held his hands up. “We’re not here to cause more trouble. I want to apologize for my wife. I thought she’d gotten over blaming you, and I’m sorry for what she said.”
“I appreciate that,” Levi said, “but I’m not worried about myself.”
“Jelly Bean, all I’ve ever wanted is for you to be happy,” her father said tenderly. “I’m sorry I didn’t believe you about Amelia all those years ago. There is no excuse. I guess I didn’t want to believe she could be so cruel.”
“A witch in disguise,” her grandmother said under her breath.
Her father gave her a stern glance. “That’s enough, Mother.” He turned a softer gaze on Tara. “As far as you and Levi go, I’ve seen this coming for a while. Levi, you are everything Tara said you were, and you two have my blessing.”
Fresh tears filled Tara’s eyes. “Thanks, Dad.” She looked at her brother.
“I’m cool with you two,” Robert said. “But why didn’t you ever tell me what Amelia was doing?”
She shrugged. “You’re so much older than me—you weren’t really around.”
“Well, I am now, and if anyone hurts you…” Robert glanced at Levi.
“Dude, don’t look at me like that,” Levi said. “I’d never hurt her.”
“I know you wouldn’t, but if you did, I’d have to try really hard to kick your ass.”
“Duly noted,” Levi said.
“Thank goodness you finally saw what was right in front of you,” her grandmother said to Levi. “I thought I was going to have to introduce Tara to my business associates, and I don’t need that kind of competition. A cute young thing like her can get any guy she wants.” She winked at Tara. “If you’re moving out, you better have a room for me.”
“I will, Gram. Charmaine’s looking for rentals for me.”
“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll give you some privacy and go talk with my family.” Levi kissed Tara. “I’ll be right outside if you need me.”
LEVI HEADED FOR the slider, but he stopped short and went out front instead. Tara’s mother was sitting in the passenger seat of their car, presumably waiting for the rest of her family. He knocked on the passenger window.
She opened the door but stared out the windshield, her jaw tight, eyes glassy.
Levi leaned down, speaking kindly but firmly. “I’m sorry you had to find out about us this way, and I’m sorry you don’t approve of me and Tara being together, but I didn’t enter this relationship lightly, and I don’t intend to walk away from it. I hope one day you’ll see past the embarrassment or whatever pain you experienced when Amelia got pregnant and see me for the man I am. But, more importantly, I hope you can find a way to see Tara for the person she’s always been. Your daughter is an incredible woman who loves so deeply, she puts everyone else before herself. She doesn’t deserve to be pushed aside or treated like she’s disposable.”
Marsha’s chin trembled, but she pressed her lips together and continued staring straight ahead.
“I’d like to think that Joey can grow up without feeling like the way she came into the world will always be held over our heads, but that’s not something I can fix on my own.” He paused, giving her a moment to speak, but she said nothing. “Thanks for coming to support Joey today. Have a safe trip back.”
As he walked away, he heard the car door close and hoped to hell she’d come to her senses and do the right thing. He made his way to the backyard, where his family was waiting anxiously. Joey was playing with Hadley and Leilani, giggling and running around. Was she really that resilient? Forge and Tonya were watching over them, and the rest of his Dark Knights were talking among themselves, respectfully standing a few feet away from his family. This was all his fault, and he’d give anything to change places with Tara and be the one dealing with a hellish mother. Thank God the rest of her family wasn’t like that.
“Hey, man, that was heavy,” Archer said compassionately. “Is Tara okay?”
“Are you okay?” Jock asked.
Levi blew out a breath. “I’m fine, and Tara is about as okay as she can be after that nightmare.” He wasn’t sure she was, and he was worried about what the fight with her mother would do to her once it really sank in. How the hell was he going to fix this?
“Is it okay if I go talk to her?” Jules asked.
“Maybe we both should,” his mother suggested.
“She’s with the rest of her family,” Levi said. “I think she needs a minute with them.”
Leni crossed her arms. “I had no idea Amelia did that to her. Where is Amelia? I want to go kick her ass.”
“That won’t help the situation,” their father chided.
“Now, hold on. I’m with Leni on this,” his grandmother said. “Amelia needs a good ass whooping for treating Tara like that, as does her mother. Marsha should be ashamed of herself.”
Levi tried to remain calm. “There’s a lot of history there, Grandma. Tara and I will get it figured out.”
“What can we do?” Jesse asked.
“Nothing, man. Thanks. I appreciate y’all sticking around, but we’re good. I think I’m just going to clean up and call it a day.”
“Want some help?” Jesse offered.
“Yeah, man, just tell us what to do,” Brent added.
“We’ve got this,” his mother assured them. “You boys were such great support for Joey today. She’s lucky to have you both. Go enjoy the rest of your day with your friends.”
Levi thanked them and said goodbye to his buddies. After they left, Jules hugged him.
“I’m sorry this is so hard,” she said.
“Family shit sucks,” Grant commiserated.
“We’ll figure it out,” Levi said.
“Guess this makes me the reigning king of the Steele family matchmaking,” Archer said with a smirk.
“The heck you are,” Jules argued. “You haven’t done squat.”
“Okay, you two. Let’s go clean up and get out of Levi’s hair.” Grant put his hands on their shoulders, guiding them away from Levi.
Levi glanced inside and saw Tara hugging her brother. His chest constricted as her words came back to him. I have loved you since before I even understood what that word really meant, and she needs to know it.
“I guess Tara is the special friend you were talking about that day in the kitchen?” his father asked.
Levi nodded, his mind spinning.
“He mentioned his friend to you, too?” Leni asked. “Guess I’m not so special after all.”
Levi gave her a deadpan look.
“Ha! I’m kidding. I know I’m special. Nothing trumps womb-mates.” She held up her hand to high-five Levi, and she must have seen that he wasn’t in the mood, because she wrapped her arms around him instead and lowered her voice. “I know you’re worried about Tara, but she’s going to be okay. I know she is. You wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Damn right, I won’t.
AFTER ONE OF the longest days of his life, Levi sat on Joey’s bed with her, reading a few chapters of one of her Unicorn Academy books. After helping clean up, his family had stayed to talk with Tara, reassuring her, letting her know how much she was loved and that they were there for her. She’d put on a brave face all afternoon and evening, but she’d made herself scarce after dinner and had gone out for an hour and a half, claiming she needed to run some errands. She’d come back with sand on her shoes, and that had made Levi ache for her. He understood her needing to be alone, but he wished she’d talk to him.
When he finished reading, Joey snuggled against his side. “Dad?”
“Yeah, peanut?”
“Is Aunt Tara okay?”
“She will be, Jo. She’s just sad about what happened with Grandma.” He hugged her against his side and kissed her head. He’d heard Tara showering a little while ago and hoped it had helped ease her tension.
“Do you think I should sleep with her so she’s not alone?”
Her thoughtfulness hit him square in the heart, but he wasn’t about to let Tara sleep alone. He wanted her safe and warm in his arms. “That’s a really sweet offer, honey, but you’ve had a big day, too. You need to get some sleep.”
“Will you make sure she’s okay?”
“Of course.” He climbed off the bed and set up her stuffies. When she was surrounded by her menagerie, he said, “I’m proud of you, kiddo. Congratulations on your big win.”
Joey grinned. “Uncle Brent said if I keep practicing, I can enter as an expert next spring.”
“You’re going to take the Harborside skateboard world by storm, and I can’t wait to watch it happen.” He brushed another kiss to her forehead. “Sweet dreams, peanut. I love you.”
“I love you, too, Dad. Tell Aunt Tara good night and that I love her.”
“Will do.”
He left her door ajar and followed faint noises coming from the bedroom down the hall. Tara was emptying the dresser drawers and putting her clothes in her suitcase. Her hair was piled on her head in a messy bun, a few damp tendrils framing her face, and she was wearing leggings and a T-shirt. The pit of his stomach sank. “You’re not leaving, are you?”
She shook her head. “Just moving back downstairs.”
He went to her, drawing her into his arms. She smelled like sunshine and flowers, but the gray in her eyes told of the storm in her heart. “I’m sorry about today. I shouldn’t have dragged you into the bathroom. That was selfish of me.”
“No, it wasn’t. I wanted to be in there with you. None of this is your fault. I’m the one with the big mouth. I shouldn’t have said anything. I should have let her say her piece and walked away.”
“It wouldn’t have ended there.”
“What if my mother hates me now?”
He thought about her mother holding back tears in the car. “A mother’s love doesn’t turn off like that after twenty-plus years.” He paused, letting that settle in. “You finally stood up for yourself, and you made your mother take a good hard look at herself and the pain she’s caused. That’s not an easy thing for anyone, and I’d imagine it’s going to take a while for her to figure out how to deal with it.”
“You’re assuming she even wants to deal with it.”
“She does. She loves you, Tara, and I know you believe that. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t still be living in your parents’ house. You’ve experienced the sharp edge of some of your mother’s worst habits, and they hurt you tremendously, but that has never stopped you from seeing the good in her and appreciating the mom who took you to photography exhibits and sparked your love of gardening and who is proud of you and the business you’ve built, even if she doesn’t always know how to say it. She’s not going to abandon you.”
She shook her head and wrapped her arms around him, resting her cheek on his chest. “I don’t want to talk. I just want you to hold me.”
He held her, stroking her back, feeling her tension as his own. “We’ll figure this out, babe. I promise.”
“I don’t want to ruin Joey’s life or make things weird between her and my mom. That’s her grandmother,” she said shakily.
“You’re not ruining her life. You make it better. She wants us to be together. She loves you, Tara.” And so do I. That reality hit him all at once, and he wanted to tell her, to make everything better, but he didn’t want such big words to get lost in everything else that was going on.
“I just can’t believe I said all those things about Amelia and my mother and how I feel about you. I hope you don’t think I expect you to feel the same way. You probably want to put me on a crazy train. Who says I love you after a week?” She didn’t give him time to respond. “But in all fairness, I really have loved you forever, and I know it was just a crush when I was younger, but I loved you as a friend, and it was building. It became real, and now it’s out there and everyone knows, and I shouldn’t have said anything because now I’m embarrassed and you feel pressured, and I just want to crawl into a hole and hide.” She pressed her face into his chest.
“Hey, blondie.”
“Yeah,” she said, muffled by his chest.
He lifted her face and kissed each blushing cheek. “If you’re getting on a crazy train, then I’m riding it with you, because I didn’t have years to fall in love with you. I was blinded by my own determination. But once I got out of my own way, there was no stopping what was probably there for a hell of a lot longer than I realized. I knew I was falling for you before we even kissed, and the first time I woke up with you in my arms, I didn’t want to let you go. I knew then that we were exactly where we were supposed to be, and I’ve been falling harder and faster for you every day since.”
“You’re not just saying that to make me feel better? Really, honestly, truly?”
She asked so adorably full of hope, a soft laugh fell from his lips. “Really, honestly, truly.”
A tear slipped down her cheek. “My relationships with my mom and Amelia are fraught with trouble. It’s not going to be easy.”
“Have you ever known me to take the easy route?”
She shook her head. “But—”
He silenced her with a tender kiss. “No buts, T. I love who you are, and I’m proud of you for standing up to your mother, even though I know it was probably the hardest thing you’ve ever done.”
“I’m proud of myself, too, but I hated it.” She touched her forehead to his chest and sighed loudly.
“Standing up to the people we love is scary, but you’ve spent your life taking the hurtful things two of the people who are supposed to protect you have dished out. You deserve to be treated like the smart, beautiful, caring woman you are and to live your life in the ways that make you happy.”
She lifted her beautiful eyes to his.
“Do you want to shake it off?” he asked to lighten the mood. “I can queue up Taylor Swift, and we can get on the bed and sing into our hairbrushes.”
She shook her head with a happier expression. “I think I have to let it sink in and be a part of me, but I don’t want to think about it right now. I don’t want to think about anything. I just want to be with you.”
He ran his fingers along her cheek and tucked her hair behind her ear. “I know the perfect way to help you relax.” He brushed a kiss to her lips. “Come on, sweet thing. I’ll carry your stuff downstairs.”
He gathered her things and carried them down to the guest bedroom.
“Thanks. You can just put them anywhere.” She waved her hand absently, and he set her bags by the dresser.
She was standing barefoot by the door, those soulful eyes pleading for him to make things better. Don’t worry, baby. I’ve got you. He locked the door and hooked his index finger into the collar of her T-shirt, tugging it down just enough to place a kiss on her breastbone. “Do I get to put you anywhere, too?”
“I was hoping you would. I’m yours. You can put me anywhere you want.”
Heat streaked through him with that open invitation. “I want you right here.” He lifted her T-shirt over her head and tossed it away. Her necklace sparkled against her flawless skin. He gazed deeply into her eyes, running his finger down the center of her breastbone to the aquamarine charm, and kissed her softly, whispering, “Against the door, beautiful.” He dusted kisses down her neck, stepping forward as she stepped back until her back met the door. He trailed openmouthed kisses along her shoulder as he freed her breasts, pushing her bra off her shoulders. It sailed to the floor. Her trusting eyes watched as he took a long look at her gorgeous breasts, lifted with each ragged inhalation. “So beautiful.” He touched his lips to hers. “I love you, baby.” She whimpered needily, and he kissed her again, slow and deep.
He drew back, holding her gaze as he skimmed his hands up her torso, his thumbs brushing her breasts. Her eyes fluttered closed, an aroused sigh falling from her lips, and he dipped his head, teasing around her nipple, along the swell of her breast, and returned to circle her nipple again. She was trembling, breathing hard.
She grabbed his head, holding his mouth over her nipple. “Levi,” she panted out.
“I’ve got you, baby.” He licked and teased, grazing his teeth over the peak. She bowed off the door, grinding against his cock, and he continued taunting her.
“Suck it.”
The plea in her voice brought his mouth to hers in a cock-hardening kiss. “God, baby, I love that filthy mouth. I want to fucking live in it.”
She reached for his jeans, but he covered her hand with his, stopping her.
“Uh-uh. Tonight is about you.” He sealed his mouth over hers, tongues delving, moans slipping from her lungs to his. Kissing her had become one of his favorite things. He loved the noises she made, the way she went up on her toes, thrusting her tongue against his. He kept her there, against the door, bodies grinding, hands roaming, as they devoured each other. Lust pounded inside him, pooling hot and deep and urgent, until he couldn’t take it anymore. He took off her leggings and panties and kissed his way up her legs, slowing to slick his tongue along the side of her knee. She whimpered again, and he licked her inner thigh, eating up her sinful sounds. He’d learned that she got off when he used his teeth on any part of her body, and he nipped at that sensitive flesh. She gasped, her hips pushing forward. He grabbed those gorgeous hips, licking the sensitive crease beside her sex. First one side, then the other, as she moaned and rocked, growing slicker by the second. The scent of her arousal made his cock weep. He slid his tongue between her legs, her essence spreading over it, drawing a growl from someplace deep inside him. He did it again, dragging his tongue all the way up to her clit, massaging with slow, determined pressure, a stream of indiscernible, sexy sounds sailed from her lips, her fingernails digging into his shoulders as he teased and taunted her.
“Christ, baby. I love the way you taste, the way you smell, the way you quiver when you’re about to come.”
“Touch me,” she pleaded.
“Uh-uh, blondie. Nothing’s going inside you tonight but my cock. Squeeze your thighs together.”
She obeyed with an objectionable whimper.
“Trust me. You’ll be so hot and tight when I make love to you, it’ll blow your mind.” He pressed a kiss above her sex. “Open your eyes. Watch me love you.”
Her eyes found his, the heat in them branding his flesh. Her legs trembled as she squeezed them together. He used his thumbs to hold open her sex as he licked and sucked. When he grazed his teeth over her clit, she lost control, crying out as pleasure consumed her. He stayed with her, loving her until she went boneless, panting out his name.
He lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed, stripped himself naked, and came down over her. As he gazed into her eyes and her arms circled him, there was no hint of sadness, just pure, untethered love, and it was the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen.
Their mouths came together without urgency or desperation. She lifted her hips, and he thrust slowly, cradling her beneath him until he was buried to the hilt, as close as two people could be. His breath became hers, their hearts beating as one as they found the rhythm that bound them together, erasing all sadness, all worries, until nothing else existed but them.
They moved at a pace of lovers who were sure of one another, who knew the angles and touches that made their hearts soar and their bodies combust, taking and giving in equal measure. They made love until they had nothing left to give. And then he held her as they caught their breath, whispering promises in the dark. “You are mine, and I am yours, and I will always take care of you.”
“Always?” she whispered. “Because I need a little something more.”
He leaned up on one elbow, looking down at her flushed, beautiful face. “More? Damn, baby. Ask and you shall receive. Give me two minutes and I’ll be ready to go again.”
“Not that,” she said playfully. “I need to recover first. I’m hungry and thinking about the desserts we made.”
“Aw, babe. I’m sorry, but Archer and Jock took the rest of them home for Indi and Daphne. But Archer left us a bottle of his newest wine, and we’ve still got a few cheesecake bites in the fridge. They might be prank bombs by you-know-who, but we can cut them open and check before eating them.”
“That sounds perfect. But let’s take our chances with the prank bombs. It’s more fun that way.”