Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
S he rolled over in the big bed, sleep making her head fuzzy. Gia wished she was one of those people who woke energized, ready to conquer the day. But long ago, she’d accepted that she woke up like an angry bear just out of hibernation.
Sunlight streamed in through the window, and with a groan, she flopped facedown on a pillow that smelled like Saxon.
Saxon. Oh, boy.
She cracked open one eyelid. There was no sexy, golden-skinned man in the bed beside her. Maybe she’d dreamed the night of nonstop, incredible, toe-curling sex?
But as she shifted on the sheets, the ache between her legs said something different. She cracked open her other eyelid. She had a few interesting bruises on her naked body, and this was definitely Saxon’s bed.
“Good morning, Contessa.” He strolled in with a smile.
She wasn’t sure where to look first—the steaming mug of coffee he held, the tousled dark-blond hair, or the sexy, bare chest. He wore a pair of loose, black pants that rode low on his hip bones.
A little hum rippled through her body. “Coffee. Gimme.” She sat up and held out her hand.
Saxon’s gaze went straight to her boobs.
Gia took the mug and sipped, moaned.
He sat beside her and grinned. “That’s the same sound you make when I have my mouth on you.” He cupped one of her breasts and lazily stroked her nipple. Then he dropped a kiss to her shoulder.
She was shocked at the tingle of desire that flared to life in her belly. She’d been certain that the five thousand orgasms she’d had last night would have made that impossible.
“If you want sex, you’ll have to do all the work.” She drank some more coffee. “I’m not awake enough yet, but I’ll lie back and take it like a champion.”
He smiled and her gaze riveted to his handsome face.
“Baby, if we do that, we’ll be late to your parents’ house.”
“What?” She glanced at the clock and gasped. Clearly, they’d slept in. “Crap.” She slid to the edge of the bed, careful not to spill the coffee. She needed every drop of caffeine. She wrapped the sheet around her body.
But a strong arm curled around her.
“Saxon, there’s no time. I need to shower—”
He kissed her.
Hmm . Maybe there was a little time. He tasted like coffee and yumminess.
Then he lifted his head. “Go. Get ready. I put your bag in the bathroom. I’m already hungry for your mom’s garlic bread.”
Gia stood. “I can make it too, you know?”
“You going to cook for me, Contessa?”
“Maybe. If you’re very lucky.”
His gaze moved over her face. “I’m feeling pretty lucky today. Gia Norcross, right where I want her, after sleeping in my arms all night.”
Heat bloomed in her belly. Who knew that sexy, classy Saxon could also be sweet?
“I don’t recall much sleeping.” She shot him a sassy smile, then hurried into his bathroom.
Gia showered, then did her hair and some light makeup. She pulled on a simple, chocolate-brown wrap dress and sandals.
Saxon was dressed in tan chinos and a white, linen shirt—sleeves rolled up—and sitting at the kitchen island. There was a bunch of brightly-colored flowers resting on the countertop—daisies of all different colors. Her mom’s favorite.
“Where did you get those?” Gia asked.
“I have my ways.”
Must be nice to be so rich you had people at your beck and call. “You trying to charm my mother?”
“She already loves me.”
“But now you’re sleeping with her daughter.”
Saxon winced. “I’m more worried about your dad.”
Ethan Norcross was fairly easy-going. Her former-firefighter dad had never given any of her other boyfriends a hard time, although she’d never brought many home.
“Where are my flowers?” she asked.
“These flowers are for the first Norcross woman I ever fell for, but I’ll get flowers for you too.”
Those words made it hard to breathe.
He rose and stroked her cheekbone. “Let’s get going.”
Before long, they pulled up at the Norcross home in Noe Valley.
Gia smiled. Home . She’d grown up here, and the neat and tidy Edwardian house was filled with so many memories. She was surprised to realize how many of them also included Saxon.
Her mother opened the front door. “ Bambinos .”
Gia kissed her mom, and then Clara Norcross turned to kiss Saxon. He handed over the flowers and Gia watched her mother gush like a teenage girl.
“Finally, you two worked yourselves out.” Her mother smiled at them smugly.
“Ma—”
“Gia, this one has watched you for a long time.” Her mom’s gaze narrowed on Saxon. “You were much slower to act than I guessed.”
“Gia’s special.”
Gia’s mom beamed at him. “She is. And she’s had her eye on you too. Both of you, so slow.” She shook her head. “Me, the first time I saw my Ethan, I knew he’d be mine.”
“That’s not how I remember it.” Gia’s dad strode up behind her mother.
He was still tall, strong, and handsome, with salt-and-pepper hair.
“Hi, Dad.” Gia hugged him.
“Your mother made me work for our first date.”
Clara raised a brow. “Of course, but I’d already decided you were mine.”
Gia’s father smiled. “I know. I remember a certain cat fight with Theresa Russo.”
“That girl was moving in on my man.” Clara’s dark eyes flashed. “And you didn’t seem to mind very much.”
Gia’s father laughed. “I only had eyes for you, beautiful. I just had to make you work for it a little.”
Fighting a smile, Gia’s mom slapped his arm and they shared a look.
They’d always been like this. Gia had always known that her parents’ love was strong and true. And she’d always wanted that for herself.
Saxon ran a hand down her back and she looked up at him. He was watching her with a smile.
Ethan cleared his throat. “Saxon, why don’t we get a drink while Gia helps her mother?” Her father looked a little uncomfortable.
Gia narrowed her gaze. “Is that code for you’re going to grill him?”
Her father sniffed. “I was considering breaking out my pliers and hacksaw for some torture.”
Gia’s mother rolled her eyes. “Come, Gia.”
Gia cocked her hip. “So, the women have to be in the kitchen, cooking and—?”
“Go.” Saxon tugged on her hair. “I’ll be fine. Don’t throw a tantrum, and delay me getting some of your mom’s garlic bread.”
She glared at him. “The garlic bread might end up burned, if you aren’t careful.”
The annoying man just grinned at her.
Vander appeared in the hall, beer in hand. Easton was behind him.
“When are we eating?” Vander asked.
“After Dad grills Saxon,” Gia snapped.
“After Rhys and Haven arrive,” Clara amended.
“Three guesses why they’re late,” Easton muttered.
“Come on, Saxon.” Her father slid his arm around Saxon’s shoulders. “Let’s get the torture over with.”
Vander’s lips twitched. “I’ll help.”
“Me too,” Easton added.
“ Mom! ” Gia cried.
“Oh, Saxon can take care of himself.” Her mother herded Gia into the kitchen Easton had renovated for her a few years back.
Gia helped her mother finish prepping lunch, trying to overhear the conversation coming from the living room. But all she heard was the low murmur of deep voices.
“He’ll be fine.” Her mom took the lasagna out of the oven.
Familiar, delicious scents filled the air. “I know.” Gia blew out a breath. “I know this is all a bit strange. Me and Saxon together. Vander…might need a little while to adjust.”
Her mother smiled. “I know you’ve always had feelings for Saxon.”
“Mama—” Pressure built in Gia’s chest, and she pressed a hand between her breasts. “I think I’m…” She couldn’t say the words aloud.
Her mother smiled and cupped Gia’s cheek. “I know, cara mia . He’s worthy of your love.”
“He’s taking care of me. He drives me crazy sometimes, but I know I can trust him.”
“He’s a good man, and he made himself that way.” Her mother scowled. “The Lord knows those parents of his had no hand in raising him.”
“You know them?”
“I’ve met them a few times.” Her mother met Gia’s gaze. “Saxon has wounds, Gia. From long before he served his country. You take care.”
The front door opened. “We’re here,” Rhys announced. “And we’re hungry.”
Haven appeared in the kitchen, smiling, her face flushed. “Hi.”
Yep, she’d totally gotten laid.
“Hello, bambina .” Clara kissed Haven’s cheeks. “Let’s eat.”
* * *
Stuffed full of Mrs. Norcross’ amazing food, Saxon sat on the back deck with the other men, drinking his coffee. The Norcross’ had a small yard with a shed that housed Mr. Norcross’ workshop.
Gia’s dad hadn’t tortured him, just made him promise to take care of Gia. The memory of her dad’s words still echoed in Saxon’s head. You’ve had my boys’ backs for years; I know you’ll take care of my girl too.
The sentiment had rocked Saxon. His parents had never had faith in him, never believed in him.
Mr. Norcross hadn’t stopped there. Besides, if you don’t make her happy, Gia won’t be shy to tell you off.
Saxon smiled over the rim of his coffee mug. His feisty woman was inside with her mom and Haven, and he had no doubt she wouldn’t hesitate to tell him off.
“So, you’re all keeping Gia safe while you fix the situation,” Mr. Norcross said.
Saxon nodded.
“I don’t trust Dennett,” Vander said.
Easton made a sound. “After that stunt at the sports bar, I made a few calls. Some of Dennett’s prospective business deals are going to dry up.”
Easton was all slick businessman on the surface, but he was a warrior at heart.
“Sackler hasn’t reared his head,” Saxon mused.
“He’s lurking,” Rhys said from where he leaned against the railing. “An informant told me that he’s really pissed about losing the diamond.”
“And let’s not forget about Lex.” Saxon scowled. He wasn’t letting any of these guys near Gia.
“Any luck finding Willow?” Mr. Norcross asked.
They all shook their heads. Willow was laying very low.
The back door opened, and Gia and Haven appeared.
“Finished talking about manly-man things?” Gia asked.
Saxon snagged her and tugged her into his lap. The feel of her, the scent of her perfume, calmed something inside him. “We were going to talk about bear hunting and spear making, next.”
She rolled her eyes.