Chapter 7
Hendrix
I’m not surprised when I find Kelsey long gone the next morning. Nothing about what went down between us last night was planned. I didn’t mean to spend the evening staring holes into her, so much so that I suspect even the reverend knew I wanted to fuck her.
There’s no way Myles missed it. Madison seemed oblivious, but she’s the bride. Her focus was solely on Myles. I’m pretty sure there were actual cartoon stars in her eyes.
I didn’t mean to dominate Kelsey the way I did. Ordering her up to my room and demanding she strip naked was madness. I couldn’t stop myself. She needed the release.
It would be wrong for me to say that I didn’t think she would get horny. She’d been aroused for hours. She was a quivering bundle of desire before I even touched her.
It was cocky of me to set my hands on her, stand between her legs, rub her firm bottom.
There was no reason for me to try to prove anything to either of us.
Yes, I knew she was desperate for an orgasm.
I made it worse when I spanked her. It’s true that we didn’t negotiate sex, and I’m partially glad I managed to hold back.
She wasn’t the only one in need of release. My cock was harder than a fucking rock. I should get a medal for keeping it in my pants. Instead, I got a tongue lashing for teasing my girl to the point that she wanted to clobber me.
I will have her. It’s not that I’m still fighting that. Any thoughts I had about keeping her at arm’s length flew out the window the moment she showed up in that fuck-me dress. I was done. The battle was over. She won.
A week. We spent an entire week developing a functioning work relationship.
It’s not a lie that she’s the best assistant I’ve ever had.
She’s brilliant and hardworking. I hope to fuck when the dust settles, I don’t lose her as my righthand woman, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take because Kelsey Stevens belongs in my bed. Not only for a night. For life.
I may have botched things after spanking her.
There’s no denying she was furious with me.
But she wasn’t truly angry. She was horny as fuck, and I refused to cave and take my pants off.
I could have fingered her pretty pussy and given her the release she craved.
Though I was correct about us not having negotiated sex, we were past that.
We’d already crossed that line at a sprint.
The reason I forced myself to carry her from my room and deposit her on another bed was because I didn’t want our first time together to be at the tail end of a scene when I wasn’t certain of her headspace.
I did the right thing, but now I need to make up for it big time.
Today is going to be a long day. She’s out with Madison doing all the things women do before weddings. I won’t interrupt her with texts or phone calls, but we will exchange words at the first opportunity.
Tonight, Kelsey will sleep in my bed, and there will be no sneaking out in the morning.
“Hendrix?”
I jerk my attention up from where I’m sitting on the sofa in my library.
I’ve been nursing a scotch for over an hour.
I won’t drink much tonight, but I need this one to keep my nerves at bay.
If anyone else was in the room and didn’t know better, they would think I was the groom instead of the man strolling into the room with a smirk on his face.
“Hey.” I swipe a hand down my face. How long have I been in a zone?
Myles drops into an armchair across from me. He’s in his tux. We both are. The women should be here shortly.
“When are you going to tell her?” he asks.
I draw in a deep breath. “Tell who what?” I ask, even though I know exactly what he’s referring to. I’m not sure which woman he thinks I need to spill my guts to, but it doesn’t matter. It’s both of them.
Myles stares at me, grinning. “I assume Kelsey is aware of your intentions. At the risk of sounding like a hypocrite, when are you going to tell Madison?”
I sigh and tip my head back. “I’m the bigger hypocrite, and you know it. I’m fully aware. I’ll tell her. Soon.” I won’t ask Myles how he knows. We’ve known each other for years, and I didn’t hide my feelings last night at all.
“I won’t say a word. I honestly don’t think Madison has noticed. She’s preoccupied.”
I smirk. My daughter is preoccupied because she’s in love with my best friend. I’m still wrapping my head around this, and the two of them are getting married today.
“Do you want to take another swing at me?” Myles jokes.
“I’ve considered it.” I nail him with my gaze. “If you hurt her…”
“I won’t.”
I nod. “You better not.” I stare at him. “You love her.” It’s not really a question. More like a confirmation. He better fucking love her.
“With every fiber of my being, Hendrix. She will know it every day of her life.”
I take a deep breath. My only child is getting married to my best friend. Holy fuck.
Myles leans back. “How long have you been sleeping with Kelsey?” he asks.
I wince. “I have not slept with her.”
His brows shoot up. “Really. Huh. I’m smart enough to know she didn’t leave before us last night.”
“That’s true. But we didn’t have sex.”
“I believe you. Was she pissed off?” he teases.
“Like you would not believe,” I admit.
“And tonight?”
“I won’t deny her again.”
Myles chuckles. “Deny her? What about you? Aren’t you denying yourself, too?”
I run a hand over the top of my head. “Yes. I’ve held on to a thread of control for a week. It’s been a heroic effort.”
Myles leans forward, smirking. “Just so we’re clear, I did not touch Madison for a week either, and she was staying in my guest room.”
I cringe. “Let’s not get into a pissing contest. That’s my daughter you’re talking about.” I’m not ignorant about the timing of their relationship. It was the next morning that I walked into the house and found them. I narrow my gaze as another question surfaces. “Is she pregnant?”
He shakes his head. “No. I won’t rush her on that, but I won’t deny her when she’s ready either.”
Not surprising. Myles has no children. He’ll be an excellent father. He has the means and the patience to devote himself to their kids.
The thought is jarring. I’m the same age as Myles. We’re not old by any stretch of the imagination. I’ve never considered having more kids, though. I’ve raised a daughter into adulthood on my own. Do I want to do that again?
Closing my eyes, I tip my head back against the cushions. I haven’t even had sex with Kelsey or discussed a future with her. I don’t have a clue how she feels about kids. Am I fucking with her life? What if she wants ten? What if she wants none? Do I care?
For me, it’s different. I’ve had a child. If I never have another one, I won’t have missed out on the experience. But I would be a dick to take that away from her.
I’m not ancient, but I’m old enough to know that I need to be the responsible party here. I can’t lead with my cock. Kids and the future are things I should really consider and hash out with someone I feel serious about—before I pull my cock out.
That’s not likely to happen. My blood pressure has been high all day just from the thought of seeing her again. I’m not exactly going to pull her aside and ask her how she feels about marriage and babies today. And I’d be foolish to think this night will end with her anywhere but under me.
My daughter’s voice suddenly projects through the house. “Dad?”
Myles jumps to his feet and turns away from the door. He has promised not to see her before the ceremony.
“We’re in the library,” I call out as I rise and hurry toward the door. I close it as I leave to head the women off so Madison doesn’t see Myles either.
When I round the corner, Madison and Kelsey are in the foyer, and the breath catches in my lungs. They aren’t changed yet, but everything else is done: hair, makeup, nails. They’re both wearing tight black leggings and tank tops.
It’s fucking hard to focus on Madison, but I manage to lean in and kiss her cheek. “Myles is in the library. Why don’t you two go upstairs to finish getting ready?” Their dresses are hanging in Madison’s childhood room.
Madison is beaming. I love seeing the happiness on her face. She’s not a crazy bride. As far as I’ve noticed, she’s been calm from the moment he proposed.
Kelsey isn’t meeting my gaze, but that’s not a shocker. It’s my fault she’s pissed, and as far as either of us knows, Madison is unaware of the odd relationship I have with her friend. Today is not the day to reveal such things.
Hell, I haven’t spoken to Kelsey since last night. She might be thinking about all the ways she can avoid me or stab me in my sleep. For some reason, the thought of her ire only makes me hotter.
I won’t continue to needle her, though. I’d rather see her smiling than growling at me.
“Have you two eaten?” I ask. I don’t want anyone passing out during the ceremony because they haven't eaten all day.
Madison nods. “Yes, they had a lovely charcuterie board for us at the salon. It was perfect.”
“Good.”
They take off upstairs, and I’m left standing, watching Kelsey, who has not acknowledged my presence.
When they’re out of sight, I turn away and head for the kitchen. I need a cup of coffee. I suspect Myles could use one, too.
While I’m leaning against the counter, waiting for it to brew, I’m startled to find Kelsey entering the room.
She hesitates, her breath hitching before she hurries past me toward the fridge. “Just grabbing some water,” she mumbles.
Before she can reach for the handle, I gently grab her arm and pull her toward me, grateful that she doesn’t fight me. She still doesn’t look up, but she lets me haul her between my legs.
I tip her chin up with one finger. “I’m sorry, Kels.” I’ve never used that shortened version of her name. It slips out. It sounds intimate.
She holds my gaze. “It’s fine.”
“No. It’s not.”
She shrugs. “Let’s forget it happened.”
“Not a chance. Let’s address it instead.”
She grits her teeth.
“How’s your bottom?”
Her cheeks turn pink. “Mr. Kennedy…”