Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Beckett
By the eighteenth hole, my whole body ached, and exhaustion is now creeping in, not just from the physical activity, but from the socializing.
I text Joey when I pull up to the curb to let her know I’m here. She insisted on meeting me at the car so I wouldn’t walk into the gathering alone.
Because the last thing I want is multiple sets of eyes on me.
A moment later, she rounds the house, coming from the backyard. I straighten up in the seat of my car, already feeling lighter. Her rosy cheeks and beaming smile have already renewed my energy.
She looks as gorgeous as ever in a long, flowy red dress in a floral pattern with buttons trailing down the front. The neckline dips into a V, exposing a hint of her cleavage.
Desire curls inside me. There’s nothing but a few buttons between me and her immaculate tits.
Could I convince her to unbutton one or two of them? Just for me?
I shake the thought away as I climb out of my SUV. This is a family gathering.
A breeze tosses her wavy hair across her face as she approaches. Out of habit, I tuck the silky strands behind her ear.
She threads her fingers in mine, scanning my face. “It’s a lot back there. So if you need a break or you want to leave early, our secret phrase is ‘Barb’s Banana.’ Got it?”
Damn. When she looks at me like this, I wonder if she can see how hard I’m falling for her. How much I appreciate her thoughtfulness.
No one has ever taken the time to check in on my well-being like this. Ever.
I’ve never known of a person so eager to push their own feelings aside to make another person more comfortable.
Struck by her kindness, words fail me.
In response to my silence, she blurts out, “Sorry. I know I’m being a lot. I’m just worried about you. You can tell if I’m being too—”
I cup her face in my hands and kiss her. The moment our lips touch, she melts into me. She tastes sugary sweet, like she’s been sipping on cola all afternoon.
She tastes like mine.
“Get a room. We’re having hotdogs for dinner, not horndogs.”
I stumble back. Fucking Marnie.
“Jesus Christ, Marnie. Watch it. My daughter is right next to you,” Jack scolds. “Sorry guys. Continue on with. . .whatever you were doing. Not my business.”
Laughing, I eye Joey, finding her face as red as I know mine must be.
“I came out here because I didn’t want you to feel awkward, but now. . .yikes.”
“Worth it. Let’s get this over with.” I grab her hand and lead the way to the backyard.
Just as I suspected, the moment we turn the corner, six sets of eyes home in on us. When a set of brows joins in, waggling, it makes the situation even more uncomfortable.
“Victor, can you get your child under control?” Charlie pleads.
“You think I haven’t been trying to do that for the last thirty-six years? Give me some credit,” he scoffs, bringing his Diet Pepsi to his lips.
Charlie’s face twists. “It’s absolutely repulsive that you drink Diet Pepsi and not Diet Coke.”
Victor smirks. “It’s caffeine free too.”
“You disgust me with your soda choices,” Charlie scoffs.
Finn watches the two of them banter, fear swimming in his eyes. “Don’t poke the bear, Charlotte.”
“He’s all bark and no bite. I can handle him,” she grouses.
“She terrifies me.” Victor points at Charlie. “You? Not so much. Sorry, kid.”
Laughter bubbles up out of Marnie. “Papa V’s not wrong. I gotta agree with the old man. Sorry, Finn.”
Finn adjusts his glasses. “Is today pick on Finn day? Did I miss the memo?”
“Nah, we only do it because you’re a good sport about it, Gumby.” Charlie pecks his cheek.
“Whatever,” he grumbles.
Just past the two of them, a little girl sits at the table eating a popsicle. She can’t be more than nine or ten.
“That’s my daughter, Lucy,” Jack says, handing me a beer.
Eyes widening, I look from him to her again. “Daughter?”
Joey groans next to me. “Oh, my god. I didn’t tell you about Lucy. I’m literally the worst human. The worst aunt.”
“Sometimes she even forgets to mention she has siblings. We know not to take it personally.” Charlie shrugs.
“I wondered whether you had a kid after you spoke so passionately about the problems in the education system,” I tell Jack.
Immediately, unease seeps into my veins.
Shit. Was that offensive? In case it was, I tack on, “You made excellent points, by the way. Teachers deserve to be paid more and the system could benefit from implementing more mental health services.”
With a laugh, he pats me on the back. “Thank you. Lucy’s a bit shy, so don’t take offense if she doesn’t say anything to you.”
Joey sits next to Marnie, leaving me the spot between her and Lucy.
As I settle, I let out a breath. I’d much rather sit next to the quiet child than the unpredictable woman.
I sit silently as I take in the guests around the table, who are all chatting.
“Aunt Jo said you’re also shy.” Lucy looks up at me, her eyes wide. She has dark hair like her dad, but where all the Thorne siblings have brown eyes, hers are blue.
I give her a warm smile. “Very shy.”
She leans in closer, like she’s got a secret for me, so I dip my head. “I’m so sorry. This family can be a lot. Be thankful it’s not Christmas. If you’re ever here for a holiday, I know of a few good hiding spots.”
Closing my eyes, I press my lips together to stifle a laugh. I like this kid. She’s wise for her age.
“That’s good to know. Thanks for the tip,” I say.
“In this family, the introverts need to stick together.” Sitting back, she continues to eat her popsicle.
My family has always consisted of my mom and me. Now, as I watch these people interact, a palpable sense of family wraps around me in a comforting embrace.
Each and every one of them has a past that has molded them into who they are today. And it’s clear they accept and celebrate each other without judgment.
At the end of the day, we’re all imperfect humans bound together by an unspoken mutual respect.
The thought makes my chest tighten. And the emotion only grows when it hits me that instead of closing myself off, I should’ve been surrounding myself with these kinds of people all along.
The sun has officially dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in strokes of deep purples and blues. The late spring air has a slight chill to it, though the fire in the firepit cuts through the cold. Jack and I are the only ones outside, both needing a reprieve from socializing.
He reminds me a bit of myself. Though he’s a bit more uptight, he shares an appreciation for peace and quiet.
When my phone buzzes in my back pocket, I dig it out, and when I find Joey’s name on the screen, warmth blooms in my chest.
Joey
I didn’t know dorky polos could look so hot.
Yeah? Is it working for you?
Joey
It’s more than working for me.
Now’s a good time to tell you that the dress you have on is working for me.
Joey
I saw you trying to peek down my neckline a few times.
Guilty.
And I won’t apologize.
Joey
Wanna get out of here? I can show you what’s underneath at home.
It’s not much since I forgot to do laundry.
I reread that last message about ten times, my heart thumping at the mental image of her naked body beneath me. I’ve been wanting to tear the buttons off that tempting dress with my teeth since the second I saw her.
Joey
Or we can stay longer if you’d like.
I’ll be inside in 30 seconds.
I launch out of my chair, making it wobble before settling on all four legs again, and rush for the house, ignoring Jack’s confused stare.
Inside, I stop short and take a breath, careful not to appear too eager.
Then I make my way to Joey’s side. As she talks to her sister and Marnie, I can’t help but notice that one of the buttons on her dress has come undone.
The delicate lace of her bra peeks out, framing her full breasts in a way that makes my pulse quicken.
Desire spreads through me, and every muscle in my body tightens at the sight of her before me.
Joey’s face lights up. “Hey. Ready to get out of here? I got exhausted all of a sudden. The week must be catching up with me.”
Marnie tilts her head, her eyes flickering between us. I swear to god this woman better not be a mind reader. . .
I clear my throat and rest a hand on the small of Joey’s back. “Absolutely.”
The smile she gives me is enough to stop my heart.
Jack strides in and gathers supplies for s’mores. “You sure you guys don’t want to stay a little longer?” he asks, holding up a bag of marshmallows.
Marnie clicks her tongue. “Yeah. . .I don’t think that’s what either of them is hungry for right now, Jackson.”
Joey, face red, claps once. “Right. Okay,” she says. “It was so nice seeing everyone. Have a good night. Thanks again for the ride, Char.”
Too embarrassed to speak, I raise my hand and leave it at that. I can ruminate about my informal goodbye later.
Right now, I need to get Joey back to the cottage and get her naked.
On the drive home, the air between us is thick with desire and anticipation. It’s only a thirty-minute drive, but each minute seems to last an hour.
I need to touch this woman, so I place my hand on her thigh, giving it a light squeeze.
When she only smirks down at it, I slide it a little higher, then higher again, keeping my focus on the road ahead.
The tension and excitement escalate with each subtle movement, and Joey joins in, shifting and causing the side of my hand to graze against the heat radiating from her core.
“You forgot to do laundry?” I croak.
“Yep. Wanna feel for yourself?” The teasing lilt in her voice is almost enough to make me come undone.
I swallow thickly, my heart pounding. When the pads of my fingertips sink into her plush thigh, her breath hitches.
“Yes,” I grit out, facing straight ahead.
I reluctantly ease my hand away from her perfect body. Joey stirs beside me, dragging the hem of her dress up her legs.
The sound of the fabric gliding up her smooth skin has my cock aching.
She’s being such a fucking tease, and she knows it’s killing me inside.
Finally, I steal a glance over at her. If she pulls the flimsy red material any higher, she’ll be completely exposed to me.
Jaw clenched, I fight the urge to pull off the road and fuck her in the back seat.
With her hand on mine, she guides me higher and higher up her bare thigh. When her warmth registers, I let out a groan and explore the expanse of smooth as silk skin until I reach the place where her breath catches.
She’s soaked for me.
As I brush against her pussy, she releases a breathy moan and her hips lift, her body seeking the relief she desperately craves.
“Beckett. Please,” she breathes out, her tone laced with desperation. She spreads her legs to give me better access.
In the mood to tease her, I trace the soft contours of her sex gently but avoid the place where she needs me the most.
Every time she shifts her hips in a wordless plea, I withdraw slightly.
Eventually, she groans and drops her head back. “I swear if you don’t—”
“If I don’t what?” I ask, chancing a quick look at her flushed face. “I like it when you get this needy.”
Enjoying this game, I continue teasing around her clit, still avoiding the contact she craves.
Head resting back, she turns my way, her eyes glassy. “What do you want? What will it take?”
I brush over her clit once with my middle finger, pulling a gasp from her.
“Unbutton your dress and beg for it.”