Chapter 24 The Morning After
Chapter 24
the morning after
Summer stepped out of the shower with a grin on her face. Not surprising since Wes had just taken her up against the shower wall, and then down on the shower floor.
“If you’re still able to walk then I didn’t do my job correctly,” he said, snaking his chiseled bicep around her stomach and pulling her and her towel back into the shower, where he planted on her a loud, long, languid kiss that had her body revved to go like it was the final light at a Formula 1 race.
They’d crossed the finish line four times last night and three this morning. One more turn around the track and she wasn’t going to be able to move, let alone walk.
“You got my towel all wet,” she accused with no heat.
“Sorry about that. Let me dry you off with my tongue.”
His other arm came around her and he pulled her against him so that his erection slid between her ass cheeks. He was rock hard.
“Impressive,” she said, turning her head so she could give him a kiss.
“I’ll show you impressive.” He walked her under the hot spray of water and then placed her hands on the wall. Using his foot he spread her legs apart like she was being frisked, but in the sexiest way possible. With one arm still around her waist, he pushed her over so that she was bent at the waist.
“Damn, love, you’re a walking wet dream.”
“A wet dream who needs to be a dry reality so she can load up the car and make it back to Ridgefield on time.”
“Five more minutes won’t hurt,” he said and her heart beat until her head was spinning. What happened to the all-work-no-play tyrant who would have been up at five a.m. to drive back to Ridgefield to give his board hell?
“You said that thirty minutes ago.”
“What can I say. A job worth doing is a job worth doing well.”
His hand slid down her slick stomach to her go-button and began making lazy circles with his thumb. His other hand cupped her right breast, which was still tender from his love mark. And teeth marks.
“Weston,” she sighed. “You’re not playing fair.”
“There is no fair in love and war.”
She knew he hadn’t meant to say that four-letter word in reference to her, but hearing it fall from his lips made her heart do stupid, dangerous things—like want things that weren’t possible.
Brain scrambled with pleasure and confusion, she tried to reverse into his embrace. He stopped her—not that she gave up much of a fight.
“At least let me make you come,” he said with determination in his voice. “With my mouth. I want you to be the first thing I taste in the morning.”
How many mornings was he talking? Six? Sixty? And she didn’t want to ask because she was afraid of the answer. He’d been clear about what he could offer and she’d been clear in her agreement. Then she’d woken up with his arms wrapped around her, like a protective bubble, his lips delivering gentle open-mouthed kisses down her neck, and all that clarity and common sense went out the window.
Which was the only reason she could think of why, when he turned her around and dropped to his knees, instead of letting him part her legs, she straddled him, taking him in one long, luxurious slide home.
He growled and grabbed her hips, moving her up and then back down. He was on the third pump when she stopped. “Condom!”
He froze and went white as a sheet.
“I’m so sorry. I was just so caught up in you and this that I didn’t think.” How many women had tried this same ruse with him to trap him for his money? Had she just expired their already expiration-dated relationship? “I swear it was a mistake. But if it helps I’m clean and have an IUD.”
She went to slide off of him but he held her firmly in place, with him all the way inside her. “Love, I believe you. And I’m clean too. And you feel so fucking good I’m good just going bareback. But only if you are.”
“I am,” she whispered against his lips.
“Good, because I’m starting to like having nothing between us. No walls or barriers. Just open”—he thrust inside her—“honest”—another thrust—“us.”
She knew he was talking about this moment, but her heart wanted it to be about more. Her throat tightened and her eyes began to sting, so, embarrassed, she buried her face in the curve of his shoulder. The last thing she needed was for him to see her crying while they had sex.
But as always he sensed the shift in energy. “You okay?” he whispered into her hair.
“I was just thinking that five more minutes won’t hurt.”
Summer strolled down the stairs with a goofy smile on her face. She couldn’t help it. A sex-a-thon with a sex god could do that to a girl.
She was packed and ready to say her goodbyes and head out. Goodbyes were hard for her, especially now that she was going home alone. Normally, she’d be heartbroken and in near tears, but she couldn’t seem to muster up even a one. Because she wasn’t alone. She was riding back to Ridgefield with Wes.
Last night had been life-changing. And it wasn’t a one-night stand—a romance trope she was more than happy to skip. So it wouldn’t last forever? It was a happily-for-now, and if that meant more time with Wes, she could handle it. She’d have to handle it. Wes was right when he said long-distance was hard. And between their responsibilities she just didn’t see how it would work. Not without someone getting hurt in the end. Because it would eventually end.
Still, here she was, smiling like a fool.
“You need to talk to your sister before you finalize this.” Her father’s voice echoed from the kitchen. The last time she’d heard him this stern was when Autumn agreed to go to prom with Summer’s long-time crush.
“I will, Dad,” Autumn said defiantly. “When the time is right. I need to see if they even have an opening.”
“You will tell her today. Do you understand, young lady. I won’t have her blindsided. Not about this.”
Summer assumed they were talking about the elopement, but even that news couldn’t get her down. She didn’t think anything could sink her mood. Not today. Not after last night.
She was in a relationship.
You’re mine.
Just thinking about him growling those words last night, as if he owned her body and soul, made her panties damp. Schooling her features, she walked into the kitchen. It wasn’t as if anyone who didn’t hear them last night wouldn’t figure it out when they saw the broken bed, but she still wanted to play it cool. “What do I need to know?”
Guilt filled the room, making the air so thick Summer could barely breathe. Another ball was about to drop. She could sense it using her twin powers. Autumn was carrying another secret. One that would make getting engaged look like child’s play.
“We were just talking about the proposal and ... Oh my god! Is that a hickey?” Autumn pulled Summer’s hair to the side. “It is!” A bright smile overtook her face. “I knew it. I just knew it. Watching you two fight was like watching Skinamax. The day of the kayak race, the heat nearly singed my eyebrows.”
“Summer Marissa Russo,” her mother scolded. “What have I told you about your body being a temple?”
“That you only get one,” Autumn inserted, ever so helpful.
Blanche wasn’t talking about sex, she was talking about marring her skin. Hickeys, sunburns, piercings, and tattoos all fell into the same category: sinful.
“I’m twenty-four, I’m pretty sure I can—”
“That was my doing, Mr. and Ms. Russo,” Wes said from the kitchen’s threshold without an ounce of apology in his voice. Then his hands rested on her shoulders in support, and she melted back into him. It wasn’t a conscious reaction, but a feeling leftover from their night and morning had her nearly burrowing into his big capable arms.
She felt his possessiveness, which normally she wouldn’t like. But he wore it well. It also made her feel as if she weren’t about to have a bomb dropped on her alone.
Plus, he was making a statement to her family. At this moment in time, they were a team.
“And the bed?” Cecilia asked, and when Wes looked at her with a how the hell did you know about that? look , her aunt said, “My guides told me.”
“You walked past their room,” Blanche said, outing her.
“Only to see if what I was shown was true.” She looked at Wes and Summer with a mischievous smile. “And it was. Was that you too, sonny?”
“I’d like to take the credit, but Summer might fight me for the title.”
“Can we stop talking about this? Please?” Summer said. She’d turned to Wes to apologize for her family’s behavior when she stopped short. No longer was he wearing cargo shorts and T-shirts, he was in a full suit with a tie and cufflinks. He was clean-shaven and looked like the cover of GQ magazine. The difference was so stark her heart leapt—and not in a good way. She was reminded of the kind of man he was when he wore a suit. One who didn’t smile or laugh—a man who put the bottom line first.
As if reading her mind, he gave her a playful wink and her heart leapt into triple-time. He was back. That easygoing, fun-loving man who gave mind-blowing orgasms, kissed like a pro, argued like a lobbyist. The man she’d dangerously started to fall for.
“What did I tell you, dear,” Cecilia whispered loud enough for everyone to hear. “Your guides said they’d bring you home a good Italian man. In a tall, dark, and sexy suit.” She waved a hand in a very Vanna White-esque manner and said, “Voila.”
Summer remembered the first day he’d met her family and how uncomfortable he’d been. But now it was as if he felt part of the pack. And that made Summer love her family all the more.
“Hate to burst your bubble, but I’m British,” Wes said.
“Not everyone can be perfect, dear.” Cecilia patted Wes on the shoulder.
Summer could see where this line of questioning was going, so she interrupted it before it began. “Before everyone starts speculating, we are just seeing where this goes. It’s new and fun and Wes is moving to Los Angeles in a few months and then he’s going back to London.”
She felt his hand loosen just the tiniest bit, as if he didn’t like her answer. But she wasn’t going to let herself think that this was more than they’d agreed to. Her head was determined to keep her heart out of it for once. Because she hadn’t pushed things, hadn’t turned a regular meet into a meet-cute, hadn’t gone in with expectations, and look at her now. She was spending time with a great man and on the way toward mastering the Kama Sutra .
Boldness swept through her and instead of hiding her hickey behind a cascade of hair, she pulled her hair over the opposite shoulder, wearing it proudly.
“Now, what did everyone think was so important that it required a family meeting without me?” Summer asked.
All eyes went to Autumn, who plastered a big, bright smile on her face. “Randy and I have been thinking about how no one would be there if we eloped, so we’ve decided to have a wedding.”
Summer walked over to her sister and gave her a big hug, lifting her off her feet. “That’s the best news! What changed your mind?”
Autumn pressed her forehead to Summer’s. “You guys did. I can’t imagine a wedding without you as my maid of honor.”
“Or you as my best man,” Randy said to Wes, who had to clear his throat before responding.
“I’d be honored.”
Summer’s eyes began to tingle with glee. Her sister was becoming her sister again, putting the family first, respecting their bond as twins, and thinking past her impulsive nature. And Randy and Wes were starting to connect like brothers were supposed to.
“Autumn,” her dad prodded.
“Right.” Autumn snapped her fingers. “We’ve decided to keep it small, you know, just a few friends and family. Private and intimate. VIP only, if you know what I mean. And we’ve already found the perfect place.”
“Where?”
Autumn spread her arms like Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music and spun around the kitchen. “Right here.”
A lump lodged itself in Summer’s throat as the betrayal of it all pounded in her head, causing her eyes to throb. “Like, in Mystic?”
“No, silly. We want the reception here, at the beach house. Of course the wedding would take place at the Church by the Sea. Isn’t that a great idea?”
Summer had to force the sound past the growing lump to form actual words. And even then, they sounded strained. “Of course it is. It’s my idea.”
“Well, kind of. I mean, I’ll have a different color scheme and the vibe will be more luxe, but how great would it be if we both shared the same wedding venue? We share everything else,” Autumn added when Summer just stood there with her mouth gaping open. “What’s one more thing?”
“How can you even ask me that? I mean what am I supposed to say? ‘Oh, you know the wedding I’ve been planning since I was eleven, the one that I have a hundred-page scrapbook on, well, my sister is stealing it.’”
“I’m not stealing it! I’m just using it as inspiration. Imitation is really a form of flattery. You should feel flattered.”
“Well, I don’t.” Summer began walking out of the kitchen. “I don’t have time for this. I’m already late getting on the road. I need to pack the car, get Buttercup, and head out.”
“Don’t leave mad, Summs,” Autumn said with so much sugar in her voice it turned Summer’s stomach.
“I’m not mad.” She was crushed. “I’m just late for work.”
Wes considered beating some sense into his brother, but it was clear Autumn was the showrunner in the relationship. Randy was just along for the ride. Plus, he wanted to get to Summer as soon as possible to see if there was anything he could do to make the situation better. Other than buying the church and not letting his brother get married there.
He was still considering that when he walked out the kitchen door and saw Summer crouched down on the balls of her feet, her head in her hands. Her shoulders were slumped over and shaking slightly with emotion.
In all of the times they’d gone head to head, he’d never seen her cry. In fact, he didn’t know what to do with tears. But seeing them fall from her beautiful brown eyes was apparently his kryptonite.
He walked straight toward her, and instead of the empty platitudes he’d usually use on a woman in distress he went for actions over words.
He took Summer’s hands and lifted her into his arms. She clung to him as if she would never let go and he allowed himself to imagine for just a moment what it would be like if she didn’t. Strangely, it didn’t rouse the terror and the cornered feeling he’d imagined it would.
It felt right.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Wes asked, pressing his lips into her hair.
“Nope.”
“That’s not how this works now. So we can have a conversation or you can just listen.”
She swallowed.
“I think what your sister is doing is bollocks. And I think that no one but your dad is standing up for you is shit. I know how it feels to be you against the world, and I want you to know that you’re not alone. You have me. I think I made that pretty clear last night.”
She tightened her grip.
“I take that as a yes. Were you about to take off without me?”
Silence.
“Another yes.”
“What do you want me to say? I’m crushed that my sister is being so selfish and keeping secrets. And not just from me.”
Wes froze. “What does that mean? Is she lying to my brother?”
“That’s between them. But let’s just say they have a lot to talk about before this wedding happens.”
“If I have it my way, they will have a long engagement followed by a destination wedding.”
She looked up at him with red-rimmed eyes. “My family can’t afford that, and neither can my sister.”
“But I can.”
“Did you just offer to pay for my sister’s wedding so that she won’t steal mine?”
“Yes.”
“You make it sound so easy. Like money can fix everything.”
“Not everything, but it can fix a lot.” He pressed their foreheads together. “Let me fix this for you?”
“Why? You hate weddings.”
“But you don’t. And when you find that right man, I want you to have the wedding of your dreams.”
Even as he said it, a rush of jealousy pulsed through his body. His hand fisted at the idea of some other man kissing her, getting down on one knee, sharing her bed. Putting a ring on that elegant finger. That lucky son of a bitch better appreciate—no, worship—what he had.
“Thank you.” She went up on her toes and delivered a gentle kiss. “But this is my family’s problem, and I don’t want to drag you into the drama.”
Normally he’d thank Christ for a clean exit from family drama, but for some reason her comment didn’t sit right. Not after the time they’d spent together, and the warm welcome he’d received from her family.
“Plus, I could never take your money.”
This truly flabbergasted him. “Why? I have it. You need it. Problem solved.”
“I think a lot of people come to you for money, and I don’t want to be one of those people. You deserve more from me and more from whatever this thing is between us.”
“This thing between us already involves your family. It took everything I had not to flatten my brother.”
“It isn’t Randy. It’s Autumn, and I see that now. And she’ll see it when she’s ready too.”
“‘Sorry’ doesn’t even begin to cover how screwed up that was. And I wish I could take you back to this morning in the shower before the world interrupted.”
“Is this what’s going to happen to us? We’ll go back to Ridgefield and the world will interrupt what time we have together? Will the reality of owning rival shops put up a roadblock that’s impossible to cross? And please be honest, I don’t think I can stand another person I care about playing me.”
He cupped her cheeks so that her gaze was locked on his. “As far as I’m concerned, that rivalry ended the second you kissed me in the water that night.”
“You kissed me.”
He smiled, then brushed the tears away with the pad of his thumb. “Whatever you say, love.”