Eight Years Gone, page 35
Holding her gaze, he pushed himself deeper.
She tensed, on the edge.
“Are you going to come?” he whispered.
She nodded, holding him closer.
“Kiss me, Gracie,” he said as he pressed his mouth to hers when she gasped, swallowing the loudest of her quiet moans as she let herself go, trembling in his arms.
He snagged her bottom lip with his teeth, tugging gently as she fought for her breath. “Damn, that’s hot.”
She locked her legs around him, pushing him deeper yet. “Fill me up,” she encouraged.
“I love it when you talk like that.” He settled his forehead against hers as he closed his eyes, and his breathing changed.
She watched as he jerked—as he blew out quaking breaths while she grew slippery.
He opened his eyes, staring into hers.
She kissed him. “I think we pulled off quiet.”
He grinned. “Like pros.”
She licked his bottom lip. “I like watching you let go.”
He brought his mouth to hers, teasing her tongue.
She eased back enough to hold his gaze. “Thank you for a fantastic day.”
“It’s not over yet.” He picked her up, bringing her to the small bathroom. “We should get dressed so we can get home. If Colton’s not there, I intend to take you to bed. I’m going to make you scream for me.”
Jagger walked with Grace up the front path to the doorway, slightly bummed that Colton’s truck was parked along the street. He’d envisioned Grace naked in their bed for the remainder of the afternoon, but making her breathless and crazy could wait a while longer.
She stopped with him at the door, touching her hand to his cheek. “Thank you, Jagger. Everything about today was truly perfect.”
He smiled, wrapping his arms around her waist, staring into her gorgeous eyes. “I’m happy you enjoyed it.”
She shook her head as she locked her wrists at the back of his neck. “That’s not a strong enough adjective.”
“Ooh, she’s breaking out the English vocab. You’re a hell of a sexy nerd, Ms. Evans.”
She grinned as she pulled herself closer so her body rubbed against his. “I’ll show you sexy. Later.”
He groaned as he kissed her, taking her deep with a slide of his tongue, snagging her bottom lip with his teeth as he eased away, wanting her, even when he’d just had her. “Later can be such an ugly word.”
She laughed as she turned the doorknob.
They stepped inside, both of them stopping as Steve’s voice carried down the hallway, then Logan’s.
Jagger frowned as he and Grace stared at each other. “What the hell?”
She shook her head, clearly having no better idea than he did, as she moved toward the voices coming from the office.
Following closely behind, he stopped in the doorway next to Grace, watching a long-ago private football practice on the large desktop screen, where Hal called out plays to Jagger and Logan while Steve filmed.
“West right slot eight three X bingo,” Hal yelled.
Logan chucked the football, and Jagger ran down the field like the turf was on fire behind him to meet the ball where it was supposed to be. He booked it back up the field ten yards to dive for a good catch when Logan underthrew the play.
“Jagger was right where he needed to be,” Steve said behind the camera.
Logan turned his head, and his crystal-blue eyes stared into the camera lens while he still wore his pads and helmet. “My arm’s tired. Practice was over an hour ago.”
“Jagger has probably sweated off five pounds, but he’s saving your game.”
Logan’s gaze grew cool as he turned away. “Call another play, Hal, so we can get out of here. I have this thing called homework that I need to do.”
Hal called the same play.
Logan threw a perfect ball, and Jagger caught it, bringing it into the endzone.
Steve gave a hoot of appreciation. “That’s the effort you need to bring, Logan. Every. Single. Time. That’s what champions are made of.”
Logan pulled off his helmet, revealing sweat-soaked blond hair. “Yeah. Got it. I’m done.”
Jagger came jogging over with his helmet in his hand, looking just as soaked and exhausted in his practice gear, fist-bumping Logan. “Forty-five yards, man. Giving me the good stuff with your pads still on.”
“The I-formation needs some work before Friday,” Steve added. “Hal was talking to Coach Brighton about it. I’m sure it will come up at practice tomorrow.”
Logan exchanged a glance with Jagger before they walked toward the locker room where their friends and teammates had long since showered and left.
Colton paused the video, doing a double take and jumping as he glanced over his shoulder. “Shit, you guys scared me.”
“Sorry,” Grace said as she stepped farther into the room.
Colton swiveled in the chair to face them. “I was over at Aunt Maggie’s, helping her and Asa move a couple of the bookshelves in one of the old guest rooms—the one Logan usually slept in. Aunt Maggie said I could take some of his stuff.”
Grace nodded. “I think that’s great. I want you to know who Logan was.”
Colton turned to look at the screen again. “It was never enough. Even when Logan made the plays, Steve didn’t let up.”
Jagger sighed, easily remembering how tense Logan became every time Steve attended a practice. “No, he didn’t.”
Colton ejected the disc from the drive. “You were good. But so was he.”
Jagger nodded. “Logan made me better.”
Colton shook his head. “You made each other better. But he hated it—being there.”
Jagger shook his head this time. “Logan liked football just fine when Steve stayed in Philly.” He wished that Colton could have seen how much fun they’d had more often than not. It wasn’t until Thursday afternoons that Logan hated to play—when Steve came in for practices and the Friday night games.
Colton turned to face them again. “What did he want to be? Because a football player wasn’t it.”
“He wasn’t entirely sure,” Grace told him. “But he always had an easy way with just about everyone. You remind me a lot of Logan in that way.”
Colton stood. “You know, I was always pissed that I meant nothing to him. That I was just Dr. Dad’s mistake. But it’s starting to click that I was the lucky one.” He grabbed his water glass off the coaster. “I’m going to finish my paper.”
Grace sighed as Colton walked into the hallway. “I’m sorry, Colton. That he couldn’t be someone you could count on.”
Colton stopped and turned. “I’m not sorry that I didn’t know him. I spent so much time hating all of you when I should have been feeling sorry instead. I’ll see you at dinner.”
Jagger waited for Colton’s door to close before he looked at Grace, slightly shaken after they’d unexpectedly taken a walk down memory lane. It had been odd to see Logan again—to hear his voice.
Logan had been healthy and thriving in the footage—just a few weeks before their final game. Before all their lives had changed. “I didn’t expect to come home to that.”
She shook her head. “He seems to have a soft spot for Logan. He’s protective of him if that makes any sense.”
He nodded. “They look a lot alike. They sound a lot alike. The big brother he never got the chance to know.”
“I think he’s mad at my dad—our dad—for Logan.”
Jagger pulled her close, knowing she was just as shaken. “I think he’s mad at Steve for all of us. He’s lived with a lot of illusions. He’s quickly seeing the truth for what it was and is.”
She wrapped herself around him, settling her cheek on his chest. “My dad left so much pain behind. But he also left me another brother. I know it hurt my mom, but I’m glad Colton’s here.”
He returned her embrace, perfectly understanding Grace’s sentiments. “The one and only time your dad’s selfishness worked out for the better. Plus, all those nights he stayed in Philly so you could sneak into my bed. That worked out pretty well too.”
She chuckled as she hugged him harder, then met his gaze. “I don’t want Colton to hate him. He wasn’t all bad. Dad had a way with people, too—not just Logan. But he’s not ready to hear that.”
He nodded his agreement. “He probably won’t ever be able to see Steve the way you did. He never had the opportunity to experience your dad’s softer side. To know how funny he was.”
“Yeah.” She sighed as she settled her forehead against his chest. “I don’t want to think about the past anymore. Seeing that was more than enough.”
He eased her back to look at him again, well aware that the happiness they’d walked through the door with had dimmed a little. “We could always wash off the worst of this massage oil that feels pretty gross now that it’s all said and done.”
She sent him a wry smile. “Or we can take care of a few things to get ready for this next week.”
He shrugged. “We could, but that doesn’t sound like as much fun.”
She grinned. “No, it doesn’t. I will concede to a shower before we fold laundry and make dinner.”
He scooped her up, making a beeline for the master bedroom. “Done.”
He grinned as she laughed. He’d be damned if they wouldn’t take back every ounce of the happiness their relaxing day had brought them.
Forty-Five
Grace sang along with her favorite playlist as she lit the candles on the mantle. She gave her hips a little shimmy as she glanced toward the window, thrilled to see that it was still snowing.
All in all, the day had shaped up to be perfect. The forecast was calling for two to four inches before the small storm passed. It had been her scheduled afternoon to leave the shop at one, and Jagger had taken the morning classes at the dojang so he could enjoy a couple of nights at home now that Todd was feeling better.
Grabbing a couple of the board games from the cabinet, she looked at the clock, eager to share one of her favorite traditions with Colton.
With the games on the coffee table and everything else in place, she headed for the kitchen with hot cocoa on her mind.
Just then, Jagger walked through the door with Colton following behind. “Honey, we’re home.”
She grinned, hurrying his way, throwing her arms around him. “It’s snowing.”
Jagger chuckled as he returned her embrace, kissing her. “One of your favorite things.”
“Mmm,” she agreed, holding him tighter as she stared into his eyes.
Colton frowned as he looked at them. “Haven’t you lived in Pennsylvania your whole life?”
She laughed. “I have. But there’s something magical about the first snowfall. Everything’s so pretty and fresh. My mom loved it as much as I do, so we made it a celebration of sorts.”
Jagger pressed his mouth to hers for a second time. “It’s an occasion.”
Grace laughed again. “It is. The candles are lit, and the games are on the coffee table. I was just about to make us some hot cocoa. And I picked up some of the chocolate chip cookies you guys like at Brew.”
Colton perked up. “Cool.”
Jagger eased away to take off his jacket. “I’ll get a fire going.”
She nodded, deeply appreciating that he’d always been so willing to honor her need to celebrate one of her favorite memories she’d shared with her mom. “That sounds great.”
But Jagger pulled her back against him, staring into her eyes. “Happy first snow, Gracie.”
Her heart melted as she realized this moment meant just as much to him. It had been a long time since the first snow had made her happy instead of sad. “Thank you.”
He rested his forehead against hers. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Colton hefted his backpack farther up on his shoulder. “I’m going to bring my stuff down to my room so I don’t have to stand here awkwardly.”
She and Jagger grinned at each other as he walked off.
“It’s been a minute since we’ve done something like this,” he said, dancing with her in a slow circle the way he sometimes did.
“It has.”
“Consider me your date for every first snow celebration from now on.”
She smiled again as she nodded. “Okay.”
He captured her lips in a slow kiss.
Closing her eyes, she got lost in the tender heat, loving the start of their special afternoon.
“Ugh, you guys,” Colton said, walking back.
Jagger tossed Colton a baleful look. “Don’t shit on tradition, kid. It’s important to your sister.”
Colton rolled his eyes. “I have no problem with tradition. I just don’t want to watch you guys make out.”
“Get used to it,” Jagger said, pressing another kiss to her lips before he eased away, heading for the fireplace.
Grace looked at Colton, smiling. “Will you grab the marshmallows from the pantry? I’ll get the hot cocoa started.”
“Sure.”
Twenty minutes later, they sat around the coffee table with snacks and drinks, playing Sorry.
Jagger already had two of his blue pieces in the safe zone as he picked up a card, sending Colton’s only red piece back to his zone.
Colton frowned as he chewed a bite of his second massive cookie. “What the hell, man? Why don’t you ever send Grace back?”
“Because I’m in love with her.”
Grace picked up a card, wincing as she looked at Jagger, sending one of his two pieces back to Start. “Sorry.”
Colton laughed one of his rare big laughs as Jagger narrowed his eyes at her. “Where’s the loyalty?”
She grinned. “Colton’s only piece is already put back. But I would have picked you anyway because you’re winning.”
Jagger huffed out a pained laugh. “I almost forgot about your competitive streak. She’s not afraid to be merciless,” he told Colton.
Grace’s grin returned. “I like to win.”
Colton hooted out another laugh as he picked up a card, then shook his head when he didn’t get anything that would move him out of his home base. “Nothing.”
Jagger picked up, moving his only piece toward Grace’s territory. “I’m coming for you, Evans.”
Colton laughed again. “I guess love’s a fickle thing in this house.”
Grace smiled as she looked at her grinning brother while Jagger chuckled. Their first snowfall game afternoon was a success. All three of them were having fun. She’d yearned for moments just like this for such a long time, with the love of her life and her brother. Not Logan, but it was wonderful to have Colton in their lives.
“How was school today?” she asked.
Colton shrugged. “Not too bad. I got an A on that English paper.”
Grace smiled. “That’s great, Colton. Your hard work is paying off.”
He jerked his shoulders again. “It wasn’t that hard.”
“You’re settling in and getting your shit done,” Jagger added. “You’re turning things around. Keep it up.”
Colton nodded as he took another bite of his cookie. “That’s the plan.”
Grace picked up her mug now that most of the marshmallows had melted into her drink. “You know, you’re allowed to invite your friends over. You study at the library a lot, but this is your home, too.”
“Yeah, maybe I will sometime.” Colton adjusted his butt on the pillow he sat on. “I guess I should tell you I’m taking Amanda to the movies Friday night.”
Jagger raised his brow. “The same Amanda who’s just your friend?”
Colton’s shoulders moved again. “I guess it’s more than that.”
Jagger broke his cookie in half. “You guys are together a lot. Do we need to talk about sex?”
Colton stared at him with horror in his eyes. “No, we absolutely don’t.”
Jagger bit into the cookie. “The only ones allowed to make babies around here are me and Grace.”
Colton sat farther up. “You guys want a baby?”
Grace looked at Jagger. “It’s been a topic of conversation.”
“Whenever it happens, it happens,” Jagger added. “But we have jobs, insurance, a house. Security and stability.”
“I’m not interested in making a kid. Not anytime soon. Plus, Amanda’s never been with anyone. I’m not pressuring her into doing anything she’s not ready for. We’re taking things slow.”
Jagger nodded. “Those are good answers. But if that’s a step you two end up taking, you can talk to us.”
“We just want you both to be safe,” Grace added, impressed at how accurately Jagger had pegged things during their conversation the other night.
Colton picked up his half-empty mug. “Got it. Now, can we please talk about something else?”
Jagger opened his mouth to say something as his phone rang. He picked it up, glancing at the screen. “It’s Jason.”
Grace wrinkled her nose. “I guess you’re leaving.”
“You’re probably right. But I’m not leaving tonight.” He winked at her as he stood up. “I’ll be right back.”
Jagger put his phone on silent as he walked back to the living room, where Colton and Grace had abandoned the floor to sit on the couch while they chatted.
He stared at Colton as the kid grinned when Grace said something that amused him. Even after two weeks of living together, it still took him by surprise to see Logan so clearly in Colton’s face.
Grace stopped talking as she looked his way, smiling as she reached for his hand. “So, when do you head out?”
He sighed as he laced their fingers, loathing that he had to go anywhere at all. He wanted more nights exactly like this. Fires in the fireplace and time with Grace. It was turning out that having Colton around worked just fine, too. “Monday morning. But I’ll be back on a four-thirty flight Tuesday afternoon. I need to go to DC again.”
Grace nodded. “Two days isn’t so bad.”
He sat on the cushion beside her, hooking his arm around her shoulders. “I know you were counting on my help with the centerpieces on Tuesday. Unfortunately, this trip can’t be avoided.”
