The night air is warm, and a breeze blows in off the lake as we head to Debra and Jack’s cottage, just around the bend from Alek’s. Their place is shrouded in foliage and trees, much like Alek’s, giving them privacy. Chase is running ahead of us on the road, and Alek is carrying the berry dessert I made, a bottle of wine tucked under his arm. I wanted to help but he refused.
“It was so nice of your neighbors to invite us,” I say. Out here, I don’t have to worry about one of my father’s men finding me, and I haven’t felt this free in…ever.
Alek glances at me, looking so handsome in his polo shirt, his face freshly shaven. “You know they think we’re a couple.”
“I know.” I crinkle my nose. “Do you think we should straighten them out?”
He laughs. “No. We have sex written all over us, Anna. I’m sure it’s easy to tell we’ve been sleeping together and I’d rather them think we are a couple rather than them thinking I’m messing around with my son’s nanny. There’s a whole lot wrong with that, and not just because it would get you in trouble with the agency.”
I lift my chin an inch. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it at all.”
He arches a brow, begging to differ. “I’m in a position of power over you and that makes it a pretty big issue.”
“I’m pretty sure I’m the one with the power over you, sir,” I say with a grin.
He laughs, and it comes out deep and tortured. “You’re not wrong. But I’d prefer it if they thought we were a couple.” I frown as I consider that and note the way Alek is eyeing me. “Is that so bad, Anna? Would it be horrible to be my girl?”
Horrible?
Hell no, it would be the most wonderful thing in the world, which is why living in this fantasy is hard, because soon enough, this pretending will have to stop, and my heart might not be strong enough to handle the loss when I have to walk away. I can’t forget who my father is, and how he could hold Alek and Chase over my head if I don’t do things his way. My stomach clenches so hard, a little sound catches in my throat.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, just a bit of a cramp.”
“Is it your period?”
His question catches me by surprise and I just shake my head in wonderment. It’s so strange to me how this man talks so openly about such things. “No, I just had a little twinge, nothing to worry about.” I stop before saying I hope—pray—my period is coming.
“Tonight, you should definitely rest.” He frowns, like he’s upset with himself—blames himself for my distress—and I hate that. What we did last night was amazing, and something I plan to hold close to my heart for the rest of my life, especially on the nights when I move and I’m all alone. My stomach cramps again, but this time it’s brought on by the thoughts of leaving Alek and Chase. His arm brushes my shoulder as he moves closer and says, “Maybe we shouldn’t have had sex twice last night.”
“Yes, we should have,” I blurt out and it brings a smile to his face. Although he’s right. We probably shouldn’t have had sex once, let alone twice last night, especially after I discovered I’d forgotten my birth control pills. I went to town today to try to find a drugstore with the hopes of getting a morning after pill, but I couldn’t find a drugstore. I’m sure one night of sex isn’t going to get me pregnant. At least I hope not. How awkward is it going to be if I ask him to use a condom, after practically begging him not to use one? I told him I was on the pill, and I don’t want him to think I was trying to trick or trap him in any way.
We reach the neighbors’ place and walk around to the back to find them barbecuing near the lake. I put on a smile and push all worries to the back of my brain. I want to enjoy tonight, because I’m not sure how many more enjoyable times I’ll have with Alek and his neighbors.
“Anna, Alek, I’m so glad you could make it,” Debra says and puts her arm around me. She’s obviously a hugger. She bends to see Chase. “Nick is inside waiting for you. Run on in and say hello. Dinner will be ready shortly.” Chase runs off and Debra takes the dessert from Alek. “This looks amazing, but you didn’t have to bring anything.”
“We wanted to,” I tell her, and as I use the word we, Alek smiles at me, and my heart squeezes. I like using the word we. It makes it feel like we’re a united couple, and I guess in a sense, in this ruse, we are.
Once Chase is inside, Alek takes my hand in his. While we’re trying to give the impression that we’re a couple, we don’t want to confuse Chase, and it’s weird how conflicted I feel about all this. It’s not that I want Chase to think I’m going to be his new mommy, do I?
“Anna is an amazing cook.” Alek gives my hand a squeeze. “You’re going to love it.”
“I’m sure I will.” Debra gestures to the beautifully decorated table, walks up to it and sets dessert down. “Please sit, what can I get you to drink?”
As she gestures to the bottles of wine and liquor, I’m once again reminded I’m too young to drink. I notice that Debra has a glass of white wine. Alek puts the bottle down that he brought.
“Thanks for the wine, Alek. Anna, I can open yours if you prefer or we can finish the one I opened before we drink the one you brought.”
“I’ll have what you’re having.” There’s such an openness to Debra that she’s easy to be around. It’s not like I had many friends growing up, but I’m pretty sure I could easily be friends with her. That brings a knot to my stomach. When I leave here, I’ll be leaving all this behind.
Jack closes the barbecue and shakes hands with Alek. “Glad you could make it.”
“Thanks for the invite, and the fish last night was amazing. That was very kind of you.”
“Our pleasure.” Jack smiles, and lifts his glass in salute. “Do you drink scotch?”
Alek nods. “Sounds great.” I smile, loving the comradery Alek and I have with these nice people, who are more Alek’s age than mine, but that doesn’t seem to matter at all.
I sit at the table, and Debra takes a seat across from me. “We thought the place next door was vacant,” she says. “You guys haven’t been here all summer.”
“Life is busy,” I say. “But we’re here now, enjoying the place before Chase goes back to school.”
“We’re so glad.” She frowns. “We’re headed home at the end of the week to get Nick ready for school. He’s excited for fourth grade.”
“Where is home?” I ask.
“Edison Park.”
“Oh, not far from us. We’re on the Gold Coast.” I smile as I hear Chase shriek from inside the house. “Chase is looking forward to school. I think,” I say with a laugh.
“That will definitely free up your time. Are you a stay-at-home mother like me?” she asks, and I note the way Alek’s gaze strays my way.
“I’m not his mother.” I take a moment to consider what life would be like if Alek and I were a real couple and I had the privilege of raising his son. The idea doesn’t sit well with me, mainly because I like it too much, and a future with Alek is out of the question. I can’t bring him and his son into my world, and by rights I shouldn’t even be here with him. But I am and it’s too late to turn back now, which means I need to forget about real life and just enjoy as much of this as I can.
“Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. I just assumed he was your son.”
“Don’t be sorry.” I take a sip of wine. “Alek and I haven’t been together that long, and even though Chase isn’t my biological son, I do love the boy.” I don’t turn, but can feel Alek’s eyes on me. The heat in his stare warms my blood and okay, it’s true, I might love Chase’s father too.
Oh boy.
Changing the subject, I say, “I assumed you were an interior decorator. This table, your place, everything looks amazing.”
“That’s so nice of you to say. I dabble in it a bit. Maybe someday when Nick is older, I’ll take some courses.”
She glances at my ring finger. “You and Alek aren’t married?”
“Not yet, no,” Alek pipes in, his words and firm voice taking me by surprise.
“Oh, so there’s a wedding in the future. How exciting!” Debra leans in a little. “Tell me all about it.”
“Debra, let her breathe, they just got here.” Jack grins at me. “Sorry about the interrogation. Most of the people on the lake are much older than us, and Debra is desperate for conversation with someone her age.”
I laugh at that. “I don’t mind the questions at all. How long have you two been married?” I ask.
“Eight years.” She winks at me. “I was a child bride.” I laugh. If Dad makes me marry, I’ll be the child bride. “We were married at the Greenhouse Loft. Jack is an architect, and his firm had a hand in designing it.”
“You’re an architect? That’s amazing.” I glance at Alek, who is keeping a close eye on me. Not to control me but to make sure I’m comfortable, and I sort of love that. “Alek is a lawyer. Best in Chicago.”
He laughs. “I wouldn’t go so far as to say that. Anna is a chef. Best in Chicago, and I can say that because she made me the best grilled cheese sandwich today.”
Everyone laughs, and heat travels into my cheeks at the compliment. “Well, I wouldn’t go so far as to agree to that. I haven’t been to culinary school yet.”
“I didn’t know I was going to be cooking for a chef,” Jack says with a laugh as he lifts the barbecue lid. “Talk about pressure.”
“Don’t be silly. I’m sure it’s delicious.”
Debra laughs. “Have you decided on your venue yet?”
“No, but I’d like something near a lake. I’m not interested in a big traditional church wedding.” That’s what my father expects, but that’s from his era, not mine, and honestly, I’m not the fairy tale girl who dreams of her wedding.
“That sounds lovely,” she says, and points to the lake. “This would be a perfect spot.”
“You’re right.” I stare out over the lake and take in their boat. I breathe in the fresh air and my entire body relaxes as I let it out and for the first time in my life, I visualize my wedding. Only problem is the groom waiting for me is none other than Alek.
“Dinner is ready,” Jack announces.
Debra stands and smooths her hand down her dress. “I’ll get the boys.”
“What can I do to help?”
“There are some salads in the fridge. Would you mind grabbing them?”
I follow her inside, and the sound of laughter fills the house and my soul. I love the sound of the boys playing. I don’t remember too much laughing in my house growing up. I open the fridge and take out a vegetable salad and potato salad.
The boy rush out the door ahead of me, followed by Debra, and my heart is so full as I carry the food to the table. We all sit, and Jack places platters filled with grilled steak and lobster down.
“This is lovely.”
“Dig in,” Jack says with a big smile. Alek helps Chase fill his plate and I smile at the love between the two.
A hand closes over mine and Debra says quietly, “It’s so easy to see how much you all love each other.”
My heart wobbles. Is it possible that my two guys feel the same way about me as I feel about them? Do I dare hope? Wait, no, I can’t hope. My father would never allow me to make my own choices where love and relationships are concerned. It’s best they don’t feel for me what I feel for them, otherwise it could be disastrous, and I can’t—won’t—let either of them get caught in the middle of my problems.
We all fall into easy conversation, and I’m sipping my third glass of wine, which is going straight to my head. I start chuckling a lot, my inhibitions weakening, and once the dessert has been eaten, Alek reaches for my hand.
“I think we should get you to bed.” He grins at Debra. “She’s a lightweight.”
Debra nods and looks at the wine bottle. “That one has put me to bed early a time or two,” she teases in understanding.
We all stand, and Chase complains about leaving, but Debra assures him he can come back and even when we’re all back home, the boys can be friends. Chase runs ahead, and with his arm around me, Alek leads me to the road, and he’s smiling down at me when I lift my gaze to his.
“Are you feeling okay?”
“I’m feeling great.” I hiccup, and laugh as I throw my hand over my mouth.
“Yeah, I can tell. Let’s get you to bed.”
“I like that idea,” I say, although something is niggling in the back of my brain, something I can’t quite grasp on to. “Alek.”
“Yeah.”
“Why did you want to become a lawyer?”
He goes quiet for a moment, and I worry I touched on a soft spot. “I lost a friend once. He got shot. It was a senseless death.”
“How did he get shot?”
“He got caught in the middle of a turf war.”
I gasp. “I think I remember reading about that.” I also remember thinking my father’s men might have had something to do with it. “I’m so sorry.”
“I just want to right the wrongs, you know.”
“I know. I really like that about you.”
We reach the cottage, and Alek ushers Chase to bed, and then proceeds to take me to my room, and undress me. His gaze is ravenous as he tucks me in, and he’s about to leave but I reach for him.
“I need you.”
His muscles tense. “You’ve been drinking, Anna. I won’t take advantage of that.”
“No, you shouldn’t, and I love that you’re a gentleman. But I think you should take advantage of me, sir.”
His growls rush over my skin and stroke my warm sex. “Are you sure?”
I push the blankets off and spread my legs. His gaze drops to my hand as I reach between my legs and stroke myself.
“Fuck, Anna.”
“Yes, please…”
He locks the door, rips his polo off and kicks away his shorts. It only takes him seconds to get naked and climb over my body. Big fingers brush my hair from my face.
My gaze moves over his face. “I liked pretending we were a couple tonight.”
“Me too.”
I run my hands through his hair and bring his mouth to mine for a fiery kiss. He moans into my mouth, as he slips a hand between our bodies to prepare me for his cock. One thick finger easily slides in and out. I’m so wet and ready it’s insane.
“I love how wet you get for me.” He pulls his hand out and in a smooth quick thrust, he’s inside me and I’m clawing at his back as I try to get air. He rocks his hips and grunts as he fucks me, and I love every second of it.
“More,” I cry out shamelessly, as once again something niggles in the back of my brain, but I’m too aroused to bring it to the forefront. I lift my head, lightly bite his shoulder as he fills me, and I cling to him as a powerful orgasm rocks through me.
“Yes,” he growls as I squeeze around him, and a second later, he splashes inside me, his heat filling my core and traveling onward and outward. “So good, Anna.”
“So good,” I agree. He collapses over me, his cock still inside my body, and I close my eyes, sleep pulling at me. But the next thing I know, my eyes are wide open and I’m staring at a face as equally alarmed as mine.
“You heard it too?” I ask.