Recklessly, Wildly Yours (Only Yours Book 3), page 20
“Has she told you how many games I’ve watched this season?” he asks.
Now, she rolls her eyes. “We need to send you back to school so you can re-learn the definition of ‘watch’ because having the game on in the bedroom while you pretend to talk to her is in fact still watching the game. As is taking her on a date to a sports bar where a thousand screens have the game playing.”
Callan grins. He loves Blair almost as much as his wife does, and he particularly enjoys her saltiness. “I let her do filthy things to me last Thursday night, no game in sight. Surely that counts for something.”
Olivia’s lips quirk and she shakes her head at him. “You are such a shit-stirrer.”
I lean into Maddie as they all get into a conversation about how much time football season steals from couples. “We could sneak out now and no one would notice.”
She angles her face my way as her hand comes to rest on my thigh, and I’m suddenly wondering why the fuck it wasn’t already there. “I see why you and Callan are so close. You two are the wicked brothers, right?”
“I would say that’s an incorrect conclusion. Gage is the wicked one.”
“Okay, so when I said wicked, I didn’t mean morally grey. I meant mischievous.”
“I’ll accept that.” I smirk. “It beats the other words I’ve been called.”
Now, she twists her entire body my way and shifts her hand further up my thigh. “What words have you been called?”
The conversation around us stops as everyone watches the game again. I ignore the television and stay right in this moment with Maddie. “It’s not in my best interests to share that information with a woman I’m trying to impress.”
Her eyes sparkle with enjoyment. “We’re way past the up-front stage of this relationship, Black. Are you telling me I’ve been deceived?”
“You use such harsh words, Miller.”
“Well?” She tilts her head, waiting, doing her damnedest to appear serious.
I reach a hand along her leg, up to her waist, and try like fuck not to slip it under the hem of her shirt but fail. My fingertips meet bare skin as I say, “Asshole is a firm favorite of some when it comes to me. Bastard comes in a close second. Jerk might have been mentioned a time or two.”
“Give me their names,” she breathes, leaning closer. So close that it’s an effort for me to form thoughts of any use. “I’ll set them all straight.”
“Fuck,” I growl, and then I’m standing and dragging her up with me and looking at the people in my media room who I wish to fuck were not here. “We’re leaving. Do not come looking for us.”
I catch Liv’s grin on my way out. I also catch Madeline’s hesitation, the way her hand doesn’t feel quite sure of holding mine. It’s this that causes my steps to falter as we exit the room.
After I turn and give her a questioning look, she pulls her hand from mine and says softly, “We can’t just leave everyone. It’s your home. They’re here to see you.”
“They’re here to see the game.”
She gives me a look and from that alone, I know I’m not going to win here. “Ethan.”
“Fuck,” I groan. “We’re going back in there, aren’t we?”
“Yeah, baby”—she puts her hand to my chest, no clue how affected I am by that ‘baby’—“we’re going back in there. But you know I live for this grumpiness of yours, so just know that once everyone leaves, you’re in for a good time.”
“Not helping,” I mutter.
Her laughter leads the way back into the room and as I follow her to the sofa, my brothers both arch their brows knowingly at me.
Yeah, I’m so fucking gone on this woman.
27
Madeline
“We’re not leaving this bed today,” Ethan says on Saturday morning as he spoons me and cups my breast. His voice is so husky that I’m almost tempted to let him do whatever he wants to me and forget the work commitment he has today.
“Has dementia set in already, grandpa?” I roll to face him, loving the way he groans when I press the front of my body to his. “You’re busy today.”
“Smart-ass.” He reaches for my ass before sliding his hand down the back of my leg and pulling it over his. Then, after not kissing me, even though I know he’s desperate to but won’t because he knows I’m not a fan of kissing before teeth brushing in the morning, he says, “I’ll rephrase. I don’t want to leave this bed today.”
“I’ve got something to tell you that may make you happier.”
“Nothing will make me happy about leaving this bed, Miller.”
“How about if I told you I’m moving to New York?”
That slows his roll.
“What?” he finally says. “When? Why? Fuck, why am I only hearing about this now?”
“You’re cute when you’re in a tizzy.”
His only response to that is to give me a look, and holy heck, this look makes my core want to seize control of all my decisions today.
Ethan has some feelings over me moving here and he doesn’t want to wait a second longer to hear about it.
“I bought a condo yesterday. Hayden’s pushing for it to close in a couple of weeks, but I’m going to fly home tomorrow, pack some things, and stay in a hotel until I can move in.”
“What about your work? Aren’t you better off based in Nashville?”
I snake an arm around him. “Okay, your first girlfriend lesson is this: when she tells you she’s moving to the city where you live, which means you’ll no longer have to drag your ass to her city every night, you should tell her this makes you very happy.”
He’s amused but mostly holding it in as he grips my leg possessively, bringing me in closer to him. “If we’re handing out lessons here, babe, a woman should keep her man in the loop at all times. She should also know that when her man has a perfectly acceptable bed at his place, staying in a hotel isn’t something that’s gonna happen.”
I bite my lip. I thought he might say this. “That feels very much like jumping fast.” At his frown, I glance down at the tattoo on his chest and remind him, “You told me you don’t want to jump so fucking fast anymore.”
“Jumping fast would be moving you in. All I’m suggesting is that you rest your head on a pillow in my place each night until you can do that in your own place.”
I laugh. “You have a way with words, Black. Rest my head on a pillow.” I give him a flirty look. “Does that mean that’s all I’ll be doing in your perfectly acceptable bed?”
“So long as you put those granny undies of yours on while you’re in my bed, I don’t care what else you do.”
“That’s because you know those undies always come off so easily. I’m onto you. You’re a very strategic thinker.”
“Are you going to tell me how this will affect your work? I’m more than happy that you’re moving here, but if it’s going to put you at a disadvantage in any way, that will cancel out my happiness.”
I roll so that I’m on top of him, bringing our faces close. “Those women that called you those names never even knew you, Ethan.” My tone is soft but my energy is intense because I’m deeply affected by the way he cares for me and wants nothing but the best for me. “If they did, they’d have used words like gentleman, one in a million, a good man, a king.” I pause and all we do in this moment is watch each other, taking the other in, processing so many feelings. “Moving to New York will work well for my career. I’ve signed with the new label, and my new manager and I have found a songwriter and producer to work with here. Judy’s pulling back on my PR commitments so I can get back to writing. Things are going to quieten down a bit now.” I rest all my weight on him and grind a little, getting the exact reaction I’m looking for when he groans. “We’ll have more time for you to practice your orgasm-delivering skills.”
His hand is on my ass. His brows are arched. His eyes are so heated. “You’re saying my skills are lacking?”
I grind some more. “I believe in personal growth, Black.”
He squeezes my butt before smacking it. “Get this ass up, Miller, and into the bathroom. We’re going to brush our teeth and then I’m going to practice my bossy skills and order you into doing some truly filthy shit. After that, I’ll think about practicing other skills.”
Ethan’s work commitment today is a charity gala lunch that Kristen’s foundation is hosting. He agreed to be the official photographer even though this isn’t the kind of photographic work he usually does. After he has a call with Kristen to double check a few things, he tells me that I now have an invitation to attend. I absolutely want to go, especially since he told me that Kristen’s foundation is focused on helping women rise, however, it’s a black-tie event and with just over an hour until the lunch starts, I’m not sure I can pull it off. I don’t have anything to wear. Ethan texts Kristen to ask if she has a dress, and within seconds she’s texting me.
Kristen: Can I give your number to my sister? She’s a stylist and is sure to have something for you.
Me: That would be great. Thank you!
Kristen: I’m excited you’re coming but also disappointed that I won’t have a lot of time to spare to chat with you. Promise me we’ll get together another time when you’re back in New York.
Me: Well, since I’m moving here, I hope we’ll get to know each other.
Kristen: Bradford is so dead for not telling me this information.
Me: LOL. Ethan only just found out today. Spare Bradford’s life.
Kristen: See you later xx
I eye Ethan who’s looking hotter than ever as he fastens his cufflinks on his white dress shirt. That shirt isn’t done up all the way and I, for one, hope he doesn’t bother with those top few buttons. I like them exactly how they are.
“Don’t look at me like that, Miller.” He finishes with the cufflinks and snags his jacket from the bed. “I don’t have even five minutes to spare for that filthy mouth of yours.”
As my phone sounds with a text, he leans in for a kiss. “I’m sorry I can’t wait for you.” He needs to get to the hotel where the lunch is taking place so he can see what he’s working with there.
I wave him off. “Go. Don’t even think about me.”
“You’ll arrange security, right?” That concerned, protective glint in his eyes always hits me low in my stomach.
“Yes. I’ve texted Leigh to ask her to handle it for me. She’s on it. I won’t step outside this condo without a big, strong man by my side.”
“Good.” With one last kiss that he seems very reluctant to walk away from, he’s gone.
I check my texts.
Unknown number: Hi Madeline, I’m Jenna, Kristen’s sister. She’s sent me a brief of what you need for the lunch. I’m attaching some photos of dresses I have on hand. Let me know if any would work and I can have them to you in fifteen minutes. I can also have hair and makeup people to you in about twenty minutes if you need that. They work super fast, so you’d make the lunch in time because we both know these things never begin on time.
Me: Wow. This is amazing. Thank you, Jenna!
I’m so impressed with her from just this one text. And when I check out the dress options, I decide I need her on my team if she’s got any openings. She’s sent through three options and I know instantly that they are all perfect for my shape. The one I love the most is a timeless and romantic navy gown with an asymmetric neckline, a built-in corset to snatch the waist, gathered detailing, and a slit up one thigh. The bias-cut silk cinches the figure and drapes beautifully.
Me: It has to be the navy gown. It’s stunning.
Jenna: That would be my choice too. Would you like me to arrange hair and makeup also?
Me: Yes, please. Thank you. I appreciate all of this.
Jenna: I’m really happy to do it. I’ll see you soon.
True to her word, Jenna arrives fifteen minutes later with the gown. Hair and makeup arrive shortly after, and then two security guys turn up. I walk into the lunch almost on time, catching Ethan’s eye as I make my way to his family’s table where only two seats remain empty. Mine and his.
Ethan’s busy with Kristen but the way I distract him enough that she has to snap her fingers in his face to regain his attention helps me center myself and shift some of my nerves over seeing his parents today. I met them at Callan’s wedding, but today, I’m spending time with them as Ethan’s girlfriend and I would have rather done that with him by my side.
“Madeline,” Gage welcomes me as I take the seat next to him.
I smile at Ethan’s brother. “Gage. How are you?” I enjoyed his company last night. He’s an interesting guy. Enigmatic with a darker edge than his brothers, from what I’ve picked up so far. Ethan told me that Gage was the one who found the illegal gambling information about Tucker and Darren for Hayden, so that’s made me curious about him. Like, how did he find all of that info? Did he hire someone? Or did he search himself? And why would he do that for me? I would have asked Ethan these questions, but we got sidetracked and I forgot to return to the conversation.
Gage lacks the playful and fun side that Ethan and Callan have, and instead has a dry sense of humor that I like. And there’s an intensity about him that’s like a steady hum of don’t fuck with me and we’ll be good. I get the impression that Gage sees everything in this world. It’s like he’s always watching and waiting, and I wonder what made him that way.
“Better now that you’re here,” he answers my question.
I’m surprised at his response and before I can stop myself, I say, “That’s totally not what I expected you to say.”
“What were you expecting?” He’s watching me intently like he’s looking for clues about me.
“Honestly, I’ve no idea, but I wouldn’t have thought that.”
He lifts a glass of whiskey to his mouth and eyes me over the rim after swallowing some of the amber liquid. “These galas bore me to tears. You’ll distract me from that boredom.”
“So, you’re using me.”
“That sounds accurate.”
I laugh because that statement reminds me so much of Ethan. “Is this a thing all the Black brothers do, or just you and Ethan?”
“What?”
“He’s always saying things like ‘that’s highly inaccurate’ and ‘I would say that’s an incorrect conclusion.’ Did he learn this from you?”
Before Gage can answer, Hayden meets my gaze from the other side of his brother and says, “Any bad behavior of Ethan’s and Callan’s can be directly attributed to Gage.”
My smile is big as I really settle into this conversation. “You’re the one who taught Ethan to break as many rules as possible?” I say to Gage.
“Guilty as charged,” he admits freely.
“What about his propensity for having no safeguards in life?”
“No, that’s not on me.”
“I would agree with that,” Hayden says. “Gage has safeguards all over the place.”
“Hmm, what about before you became a father?” I ask. “Were you more relaxed back then?”
“Relaxed isn’t a word anyone has ever used to describe Gage,” Hayden says.
“I’ve always made sure I’m protected and my family’s protected,” Gage says.
“Well,” I say, “you need to get onto Ethan about putting a password on his phone. That man is out there playing fast and loose with his phone and it worries me to no end.”
Gage’s eyes flicker with an emotion I can’t quite pick. It’s like he’s made some kind of decision and feels certain about something. After he sips some more of his drink, he says, “Has Ethan mentioned Luna’s birthday party to you yet?”
I frown, confused at the change in conversation. “No, why? And why are we not still discussing how you’re going to get a password onto your brother’s phone. I’m being deadly serious about that.”
“I know you are,” he says, a new intensity blazing from him. “And I fucking like that. Not one woman Ethan has been with has ever worried about the fact he’s out there playing fast and loose with shit in his life. And while they’ve sat around our family table and spent the entire time trying to get him the fuck out of there as fast as they could, you’ve spent one night with us so far and you dragged him back in to be with his family. My daughter is turning six in a couple of weeks and I’d like you to meet her because you’re the kind of woman I want her to look up to. And because I suspect my brother intends on making you the only woman he ever brings to our family dinners again.”
I’m lost for words. But not for feelings. I’m overwhelmed by those. And if I’m not mistaken, I think I may shed tears if I don’t get a handle on these feelings, which isn’t something I really want to do right now.
But goodness, I haven’t experienced true family since my mother passed away, and now I’ve had it twice in twenty-four hours. And on top of that, it’s one of Ethan’s brothers who is saying things to me I didn’t even realize I needed to hear.
Gathering myself, I say as steadily as I can, “That’s the nicest thing someone has said about me for a long time. After the last few weeks of being judged as an immoral woman, it means a great deal for you to say I’m the kind of woman you want your daughter to look up to.” My voice cracks with emotion as I add, “Thank you for saying it.”
A darker mood moves into Gage’s eyes. “I have no idea how you endure it. I’d be out there silencing the fuck out of everyone, no matter what it took, like Ethan is.”
I don’t know what he means by that but before I get the chance to ask him, Bradford motions to Gage from across the table as he pushes his chair back and stands. Gage immediately stands, as does Hayden, and the three of them leave together, deep in conversation.
I’m watching them walk away when Ethan’s mouth brushes against the shell of my ear and he murmurs, “You good, Miller?”
I almost jump out of my skin, not expecting him. Turning, I meet his beautiful eyes. They hold none of his usual playfulness. Instead, he appears serious and I can tell that this is him checking in on me. “I’m good. I’ve just fallen for your brother a little.”
