25. Hot And Bothered
Chapter 25
Hot And Bothered
Cece
“Okay, I’m off, but you should really stop pacing. You’re going to make yourself dizzy. I’d hate for you to pass out and hit your head on the coffee table with no one here to rescue you.”
I’ve been nervously pacing circles with my suitcase in tow while I wait for Beau to show up, but I stop in my tracks. “Morbid much? You’re hoping I’ll hit my head and come to an untimely death, so you can tell stories of my tragic ghost haunting you.”
Her laugh is bright. “No. I much prefer your living company, but feel free to haunt me after your death. I’ll make sure you’re seen.”
“Thanks. I was going to wish you a happy Thanksgiving, but now I’m not so sure.”
“Happy Thanksgiving to you too. Have a great weekend and try to keep your hands off your man.”
“Yeah. I can handle it. Probably better than I can handle my family.”
“Feel that. At least we have tolerable siblings.”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, I’m off. See you Sunday night. Ta ta.”
And she’s out the door in a cloud of floral perfume and hairspray, leaving me waiting by the door anxiously.
The street is pretty quiet, so it’s obvious when Beau’s SUV rolls into the driveway. I stall for a minute.
I jump back when I swing open the door to find Beau and Dev both standing there. And the smile I force my lips into is probably a little unhinged.
“What can we grab?”
“The beasties are all ready to go. Be careful, please.”
The cages are sitting on the floor. Loki slept through the entire process of getting him moved, but Rogue and Gambit are more active than usual, pink noses twitching as they scuttle around their cage.
Beau scoops up Loki’s cage. “I can’t believe you’re making me take these creatures in my car. I’m going to need to get it detailed and it was just done last month.”
“They’re family. I can’t leave them here by themselves.”
“I’m your family. Not these rodents.”
He grumbles the entire time he’s carrying him out to the car.
I pull Dev over to the side of the door, so Beau can’t see us, dropping a quick kiss on his lips.
“How are they doing?” He bends down, checking out the piggies he helped save.
“Great. Back to normal. All healthy.”
“Good. I’m glad.”
He still looks a little freaked out as he hefts the cage up, but he does it, lugging the heavy thing up and out the front door. I follow along behind with all their supplies in a tote bag, rolling my suitcase behind me.
“Stinks already.” Beau’s nose is wrinkled in disgust when he turns to give me a dirty look.
Dev offered me the front seat, but I can keep a better eye on my beasties back here, so I refuse.
My hand creeps up to touch my lips. They’re still tingling even after the brief contact. It’s not at all awkward being here in the car with my brother and his best friend who I’m sneaking around with. I really hope I can keep the polite charade up.
The car rolls smoothly down the driveway and out into the street, and there’s no turning back now.
They’re chatting away about hockey, so I shut my eyes, trying to get some sleep on the ride home. I’ll need all the rest I can get to deal with our parents.
The car pulling into our long driveway pulls me out of the sleep I fell into. I’m surprised I fell asleep. I must have been more tired than I thought.
“We’re here. Time to wake up, passenger princess.”
I yawn, drag my eyes open, and the anxiety comes rushing back at the sigh of the big white house looming over us at the end of the tree-lined drive .
“Wow,” Dev says.
“Welcome to our loving home.” Beau’s words are leaking sarcasm.
Beau pulls up around the back of the house in front of the smaller matching guest house.
“Pets first,” I say as we come to a stop.
“I know. Can’t wait to get these little monsters out of my car.”
“Whatever. You love your niece and nephews.”
“Sure I do.”
But he’s careful when he lifts Loki again, making sure not to bump his cage against the door.
I spin my keys around with a jingle until I find the one that opens the guest house, swinging the door open. It’s toasty and warm, with the gas fireplace flickering away in a warm welcome. It’s all for show. Like everything else in this house. There is nothing genuinely welcoming here.
“You can put them over there.” I point toward the sideboard in the small dining room area. It’s not like we ever eat there. Even if I can get away with breakfast or lunch in here, I’ll just veg out on the couch with a plate.
I drag my suitcase into the bedroom, lugging it up on the soft green bedspread and head back out.
“See you at lunch?” It’s more of a hopeful question than a statement.
“No way. You’re getting changed and coming into the main house to suffer like the rest of us.”
“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing? ”
“Oh nothing. I’m sure Mom will love the sweatpants.
Our mother might just have a heart attack if she sees me looking like this. But I kind of want to test it out. But that’s not part of the plan. It’s better to concede the little things and then defend yourself on the big points. I brought one conservative mother approved outfit in my suitcase, and I’ll snag some more items from the overstuffed closet in my former bedroom. I’m sure I’ve got something else in there she’ll deem appropriate for dinner tonight.
“Fine. I’ll change. See you in a bit.”
I’m still stalling, scrolling videos when I get another text from my brother.
Help me.
Be there in a few
Fine. I drag myself off the bed, slipping into some slate grey dress pants and a coral blouse. I throw on some basic neutral eye shadow and lipstick before heading for the house.
I’m surprised to see my brother behind the big door as it swings open rather than Eddings. He’s probably got a lot going on to get ready for the party tomorrow. No casual, cozy turkey dinner for the family. It’s the club tonight and then a fancy cocktail party full of people trying to kiss my father’s ass or gossiping with my mother.
The planning for the event is already well under way, with a couple of white vans parked to the side of the house unloading decorations and glassware .
“Hey, Sissy.” He pulls me in for a quick hug as if he needs the reassurance. Very unusual for Beau. Time with Dad must already be taking its toll on him.
He swipes at his hair, smooths his collar and cranes his neck behind him.
“Where’s Dev? He get scared off already?” I wouldn’t blame him if he did.
“I told him he could stay up in his assigned room for now. Catch a shower. Prepare himself. I knew Dad wanted to talk to me about some business deal, and he wanted to brief me on a couple major players that will be at the club tonight. It looks like my time is spoken for. You’ll have to keep Dev entertained so he doesn’t get accosted by scary debutantes or Dad’s cronies.”
Oh, I can think of many ways to keep him entertained in the club. Years of suffering through stuffy events have taught me all the secret places you can hide out in. Heat rises up the back of my neck.
“That okay?” I must have paused for too long.
“Yeah, totally. No problem. It will be nice to have someone normal to talk to.”
“Cool.”
“I’m going to grab some suitable clothes from my closet to drop back at the guest house. Which room is Dev in? I can check on him. See if he needs anything.”
“He’s in the cherry room. That would be great. Thanks. He should probably come down soon, anyway. His presence will be expected at lunch. ”
“No problem.” He looks so grateful. I’m trying not to feel guilty about all the impure thoughts.
I take the back stairwell to avoid all the extra people buzzing around the main floor, setting up tasteful fall themed decor, and standing tables.
The cherry room is to the left, so I head that way first. I don’t want to show up with an armload of clothes. My knock is tentative and there’s no answer at first.
“It’s Cece. Can I come in?” My eyes are flicking up and down the empty hall. Paranoid that someone will see me. Which is ridiculous. I’m just stopping by for a friendly visit.
“Yeah, give me a sec.” His voice rumbles through me, and a moment later, the door swings open.
Lust punches through me, my insides liquefying. A white towel rides low on his lean hips, leaving an obscene amount of abs on display. His biceps flex when he swipes away the droplets clinging to his dark beard.
“You look nice.” I follow the trail of his eyes as they slide down my body.
I laugh. “Um no. I look like I’m on my way to drop the kids off at private school. You look nice.”
It’s way too tempting. I check my peripherals again. The way seems clear, so I give myself permission, reaching out to run my palm down his gloriously bare chest.
His eyelids drop to half mast, while another part of him twitches to life under the towel.
“Did you want to come in for a sec? Is that okay? ”
“Yes, please.” I dart under the arm he’s got outstretched, holding onto the frame. “It’s fine. No one else is up here. But maybe close the door.”
The door clicks shut behind me, and then my feet leave the ground as strong arms spin me around, lifting me up for a kiss. His body is heated and still a little damp from the shower. It’s fine. It will steam out the wrinkles.
His lips find mine, hands sliding under my ass to get a good grip.
“Cupcake, I’ve missed this.”
“Me too.”
He backs up to the bed, dropping down, and my legs fall to the side, straddling his muscled thighs. I press myself closer to explore his mouth. Desperate for the taste of his lips. His tongue sends shivers down my spine, and I reach up to cup his cheeks.
His hands trail a tingly line up my sides, and he hovers near the sides of my breasts, not quite making contact.
Then he pulls away eons before I’m ready. My breath is coming in rapid pants, and I’m all hot and squirmy everywhere.
“We can’t do this.” He’s even raspier than before.
“I know. I know. Sorry.”
He chuckles. “What are you sorry for? I’m the one who started this.”
“Yeah, but I shouldn’t have come in here. I know how dangerous it is. I always want my hands on you. Especially when you’re naked. What are you doing answering the door in a towel? That part is on you.”
“See. I told you it’s my fault. ”
“I came up here to grab some clothes, and I told Beau I’d fetch you. He’s busy with our father.”
“Don’t say stuff like that. Makes me think we’ve got time for more.”
“Maybe... no. We don’t have time for that. A little? No. Terrible idea. Get dressed before I lose control again.”
“You’re going to have to get up.”
Right, he can’t go too many places with my ass planted in his lap. He helps lift me off with a groan and places me gently on my feet.
“Let me throw some clothes on. Then I can help you carry stuff downstairs.”
“Cool.” I swallow hard, debating whether I should watch the show or shut my eyes. I’m already hot and bothered, but if I catch a glimpse of the full package, I might lose any last grasp of my self control. He just does that to me.
I squeeze my eyes shut, listening to him pad around the room and the rustle of clothes. When I sneak a peek, he’s got on dress slacks and a button-up shirt.
“You came prepared for every Whitaker family occasion I see.” I love him in his hockey gear, or sweatpants, but there’s something about a suit clinging to the beast of a man that gets me going. A sense of barely contained civility.
“Beau told me what to pack. I’d rather be wearing my jeans, but I guess the place we’re going to is fancy.”
I snort. “You could say that. Still, I’m not complaining. You look hot like that. Let me help you.” My fingers work away at the buttons on his shirt, taking their time to slip them home. Every inch of skin covered is a shameful waste.
“Want me to help with your tie?”
He growls in complaint. “I have to wear a tie?”
“Yup. Sorry. The elite white dude energy is powerful at the club.” He reaches down to snag a silky blue striped tie from his bag, and I slide it around his neck.
“I can do it,” he says, stilling my hands.
“I know you can, but I want to.”
“Fine. Let me just...” His thumb swipes around the edges of my lips. “You’ve got some lipstick.”
I laugh, looking up to spot a coral stain around his mouth, too. “You too.” I return the favor, and his tongue darts out to lick my finger as I’m cleaning him up.
“Stop it.” My nipples are like glass at this point, so I lean in a little closer until we’re chest to chest to ease some of the pressure.
A knock at the door sends a jolt of adrenaline racing through me, and I glance back at Dev. He looks fine. No smeared lipstick. No signs of the illicit kiss we shared.
“Who is it?” Now he sounds irritated, and I don’t blame him one bit. Whoever is at the door can fuck right off.
“It’s Beau. I’m coming in. You decent?”
I stumble back a few steps, while Dev clears the gravel from his throat. He raises a dark brow at me, and I give him a shaky little nod, heart pounding.
“Cece?” Beaus says as he pushes through the door.
“I was just… I told you I’d talk to him. ”
“She was helping me with my tie.” Dev slides in with a smooth save.
“Was she? Cool. Did you get your clothes, Sis?”
“Not yet. I was heading there next. I’ll just go. Leave you two.”
Beau snags my arm as I’m trying to hustle off. “Wait a minute.”
“What?” How can he not hear my heart trying to leap out of my chest?
“You’ve got a little something. Under your eye.” He points to my right eye, and I swipe my thumb over the spot, pulling it away to spot some mascara clinging to my digit.
“Thanks. Okay, I’ll just get my stuff.”
“You need help carrying it?” my brother asks.
“Nah, it’s fine. I’m good. Meet you downstairs.”
I rush out of there like I’m being chased and bolt for the protection of my childhood bedroom.