Copyright © 2017 Laramie Briscoe

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This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to any person, living or dead, or any events or occurrences, is purely coincidental. The characters and story lines are created from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. The author recognizes the copyright of Etsy and Starbucks. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation.

“Riles, please don’t slam the door when you go leave. Your brother’s asleep,” I caution my daughter as she puts her hand on the doorknob to head downstairs to Trick’s shop. “You know he will scream bloody murder if you wake him up from the nap I just got him down for.”

She rolls her eyes at me, and I have to count to ten when she huffs. “I know, Mom. You tell me every time.”

I close my eyes as she quietly goes out the door but loudly stomps down the stairs. “I wouldn’t have to tell you if you wouldn’t do it,” I mumble as I hold my breath, praying she doesn’t wake Declan up with her loud footsteps.

For a good three minutes, I stand in the living room, waiting to see if he wakes. When I’m in the clear, I let out the breath I was holding and shuffle to the kitchen. There’s dishes I didn’t get to last night and the thawing hamburger I’ve laid out for tacos. They’re still a favorite in this house.

A warm smile spreads across my face as I think back to the first time we had tacos. Riley and I had come to have dinner with Trick, and we’d all been getting to know one another. Back then none of us were sure where life would take us. Where we’d all fit after Trick did his community service hours—which included spending time with a child who had no male figure in her life. Glancing down at my wedding ring, my eyes mist and my heart thumps harder as I think about the broken road that lead me straight to Patrick “Trick” Tennyson.

I’d been the divorced, single mother of an adorable daughter who just wanted a father figure in her life. Tired and sick of doing it all alone, I was working full-time during the day and then running my own Etsy shop at night. He’d been an ex-con trying to get through his probation requirements so he could operate his motorcycle repair business.

Now married, my Etsy shop is full-time, Trick has expanded his own business, hiring three employees in the last two years, and we’ve added to our family. Trick adopted Riley, now we both have the last name Tennyson. And almost two years ago, we welcomed Declan. We live in what was once two apartments, now converted into one, over the shop, with our lazy cat, Tux. To put it mildly, life is great; except for the sometimes exasperated attitude of a ten-year-old who’s way too big for her britches. Who am I kidding though? I wouldn’t change our lives for all the money in the world. I’m right where I want to be—even if it is elbow deep in a sink full of dishes, while I watch the snow come down outside and wait with bated breath for bedtime so I can spend a quality evening with my husband. Truth is, I’m living the dream, even if some nights it’s a struggle to keep my eyes open and not fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. Finishing up the dishes, I glance at the clock on the wall and realize I have precious minutes before Declan will be awake. I need to make the most of them.

Grabbing the Starbucks drink Trick brought me earlier, I take a healthy sip, slap my cheeks to wake myself up, and have a seat in front of my computer. These Etsy orders won’t fill themselves, and the fact of the matter is I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Well, maybe I would have more sleep, a cleaner house, and a couple of nights a week alone with my husband, but I also know I’d miss the chaos. We seem to thrive on it, and if there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that Trick and I? We can make it through damn near anything. So what if we never sleep and sometimes the only alone time we get is when he pulls me close in the middle of the night. I’d do this all again a million times with him by my side.

A smile spreads across my face as I realize how true those words are, and when I hear quiet cries from my son’s bedroom, I go to him with the same smile on my face. He’s the spitting image of his father, and I know one day he’ll make some girl’s heart skip a beat, the same way my husband does for me.

“Are you sure you’re okay watching both kids for a few hours,” I question my right-hand man, Giovanni (that’s how you spelled it in the book), better known to everyone around here as G. He and I had a tumultuous relationship for a few months when he turned eighteen, he was searching for a father-figure, and I wasn’t ready to be one for him. Mistakenly, because I was friends with his mother, he thought I really was his father, but given that he would have been conceived when I was in my early teens, and I never slept with his mom, he gave up on that notion. Instead, he grew up, matured, and realized I could be a role model for him, if he would put aside his attitude and accept our relationship for what it was. Now we’re close, and he’s one of the only people in the world I trust with my kids and my business. 

“No worries, my man.” He gives me a grin. “Last time Riles was over, she programmed all her favorite stuff into her own Netflix profile. All I gotta do is set her up in front of it and keep Dec occupied. No big deal, really.”

“Ana coming to help you?” I mention the girl he’s been seeing for the last six months. He introduced her to the kids last time they were over, which is how I know he’s serious about her. As serious as a twenty-one-year-old can be. He’s never introduced or had another woman around my kids before. G is an old soul though, having to grow up way before he necessarily should have, and he’s taken that responsibility seriously for the last few years. He’s grown into a good man, and I’m blessed that he agreed to be part of my team.

He blushes and I barely refrain from giving him shit. He gives me enough of it on a daily basis about how much I love my wife, but I try to remember what it was like as a young guy. Ya know, trying to navigate feelings and women who were just as confused as I was. He ducks his head.

“Yeah, she’s bringing dinner and some baking stuff. Riley enjoyed baking cookies with her last time.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Is Ana where she learned that amazing snickerdoodle recipe? If so, I totally approve of this idea.” My hand rubs my stomach in a circular motion. I’d had to run a couple extra miles thanks to the amount of cookies I’d eaten, but fuck they were good.

“Yeah, she works at the bakery over on Fifth, which is where I met her.”

Suddenly it all makes sense. “G, are you paying for all those free lunches they’ve been sending over this way? You’re telling her that we’re ordering so you can see her, and you’re telling us it’s free so we’ll order?”

The blush is down to his neck now. “Maybe. But you know as well as I do, a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do for the girl who’s captured his attention.”

He speaks the truth, which is why I’m pawning my kids off on this barely-adult so my wife and I can spend a few hours alone—even if we are finishing up Christmas shopping. However, I know how much I pay G, and he can’t afford to be doing this all the time. “Tomorrow lunch is on me from the bakery. A thank you for watching the kids.”

He doesn’t argue, and for that I’m grateful.

“Daddy!” The loud voice of my daughter can be heard before I can see her as she comes down from our apartment into the main area of the shop.

“Not so loud, Sprite,” I caution, using the nickname I gave her the first day I met her. She’d been so little with huge curls, she’d looked like a fairy out of some children’s book. The nickname has stuck, even if sometimes, now that she’s older, she turns her nose up at it.

“That’s what Mom said.” She shoots me a glare. “Dec’s asleep, but I have to tell you what happened today!” Her excitement is contagious.

“What happened today?” I go over to a couch we have set up in the shop and have a seat, opening my arms up for her to climb into them. Even at ten, she’s still little. I have a feeling she’ll be petite her whole life—like Hadley—and it kills me to know one day I’ll be sending her out into the world without me.

“A boy in class called me beautiful.” Her smile and eyes are bright with pleasure.

“What?” I bark, not able to keep the fear out of my voice. “Which boy?”

She shrinks back, and I tell my heartbeat to calm down, the pit in my stomach to fill, and realize she’s ten; beautiful is relative.

“Why are you yellin’? Aren’t I beautiful? You tell Mom she is all the time. Shouldn’t a boy tell me I am?”

Shiiiitttt, now she’s got me backed up against a wall. “Sprite, you are gorgeous, and one day you’ll understand this, but it’s a shock to your old man’s heart to hear a boy has called you beautiful. You’re too young.”

Her eyebrows draw up and a line forms in between them. Reaching forward, I push against the line, smoothing it out, hoping she understands.

“When will I be old enough?”

“When you’re thirty.” The answer comes out before I can bring it back in.

“But G tells Ana she’s beautiful, and they’re twenty. Why do I have to wait so long?” Her questions are more than I can take, I’m struggling.

“Hey, Riles.” G’s voice is like a voice from Heaven to me right now. “Why don’t you go grab your stuff and get Dec, I’m fixin’ to leave, and y’all can come with me to get Ana. Good plan?”

Seems as if she’s forgotten about what she asked me as she hops up from my lap. “Great plan!” she says and scampers up the steps, which are still a little big for her if she’s in a hurry.

“Thank fuck you got me out of that damn situation. Why is she worried about a boy calling her beautiful?” I run my hand through my hair, trying to keep the shaking to myself.

“She’s growing up, Trick.” G laughs. “It’s gonna happen, and kids are getting smarter at younger ages now too. You’re gonna have to face it sooner rather than later.”

“Not right now though.” I shudder. “Not right now. She’s still the little girl who was scared to give me her hand when I first met her. I just...” I shake my head, not able to put into words what I’m feeling. “She’s too young,” I finish lamely.

“We’ll keep her protected as long as possible, I promise you that.” G claps his hands on my shoulder.

I wonder as he goes to grab his stuff, watching as Riley comes down the stairs wearing a backpack, with Declan at her side, just how long that will be. Nobody told me caring so much for a child would make me terrified half the time and ready to commit homicide the other half of the time. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my family, even if it means having a talk with a little ten-year-old and telling him where to keep his comments.

Hands too. His hands better never touch her.

“Y’all be good and listen to G. Sorry I yelled earlier, Sprite, but I’m not ready to hand you over to anybody else yet,” I walk over, giving her a hug. “Play with your brother.”

She rolls her eyes. “Duh Dad, I know it’s my job to show him a good example.”

And that right there brings tears to my damn eyes as I watch my kids walk away.

“Babe, let’s go.” I see my wife following the crew. “They left, so we’re on the clock.”

Now this is one beautiful woman, and as she takes my hand, pulling me towards the truck we normally drive in the cold, I know without a doubt I’ll follow her anywhere.

“What about this?”

I turn around when I hear my husband’s voice, glancing at the toy auto repair shop for kids. We’ve already caught Declan trying to play with tools when he’s down there with Trick and his employees. A smile crosses my face. “He would love it.” I cross it off my list, studying it to see what else we may need. I don’t know how other people with more than two children do this. Keeping it all together is hard, even for someone with the organizational skills that I have. “Okay, we need one more gift for Riles, and then we’re done.” I give him a squeal, completely happy that we’re almost done. Back when we’d started, it felt like it was going to be a never-ending battle. “Can you believe it?”

“Fuck, no,” he groans as he pushes the red cart in front of him, narrowly missing another guy who looks like he’s been dragged here by his wife. “Next year we start this shit early. Doing this the week before Christmas is for the birds.”

Doing my best, I try not to roll my eyes. This is the same argument we had last year, and the year before. It’s always the same story for the two of us. “We tried to do it early, remember? But we kept getting sidetracked every time we were left alone.” I dig my elbow into his ribs, forcing him to pay attention to me. “Usually by you, if I recall.”

His smile is that of a predator seeking his prey. It sends a jolt of arousal through my stomach, and in between my legs. My eyes take a moment to rake up and down his body. Even though he’s wearing a leather jacket over his thermal shirt, I can still make out the tattoos on his hands. From memory I know the ones that skate up his arms, cover his chest, back, and abdomen. I’ve colored every single one of them with my tongue and traced all of them with my fingers. He lets go of the handle on the cart and closes his arms around my waist, pulling me into the space and heat of his body. He hasn’t shaved in a few days; the feel of his stubble against my forehead as he bends down to whisper in my ear is pretty hot. I’d love to feel it in other, more intimate places. I fight to keep my breathing level. It should almost be embarrassing the way the man can turn me into a pile of goo.

“Didn’t hear you complaining, babe.”

I tilt my head down before pulling back, looking up into those dark eyes of his. His thumb rubs at my bottom lip before he leans down, capturing it with his. The kiss he gives me isn’t exactly appropriate for a public outing, but Trick Tennyson has never been appropriate. Not from the first moment I met him has he conformed to social norms. He’s his own man, and damn anyone who asks him to be anything different. Probably one of the main reasons I love him. As his tongue tangles with mine and my hands grip the edges of the leather jacket he wears, I melt into his body, loving the feel of his hands in my hair. One kiss from this man all these years later, and he can still undo me. When I can’t breathe any longer, I pull away, letting my eyes lazily open of their own accord. The two of us may as well be the only people in the store as I reach up to wipe the remnants of the lip gloss I wear off him. He clears his throat, bringing my fingers in for a small peck.

“What do you say we get the last gift, grab some hot chocolate, and take a walk downtown.” His voice is deeper than it was earlier. The gravel he gets when he’s aroused is there, and I can’t help but love the smile that’s spread across his face. I did that, I made him want me with just a kiss. That kind of power is heady, but I know he wields it over me too, so I don’t let it go to my head too much.

A walk with my love? Holding hands, wrapped up in him without anyone else vying for either of our attention? Sounds like the best gift ever. “Let’s get the last thing Riley wanted, then we can be on our way.”

Suddenly, shopping the week of Christmas isn’t as much of a hassle as I’d made it out to be. If this can be an impromptu date night, I’ll totally take it. As a married couple with kids, you have to get them when you can, even if it is only for a few hours.

“You want your own, or do you want to share?” I point to the hot chocolate vendor with mine and Hadley’s entwined fingers as we stand in line with the downtown crowd. Looking around I can tell it’s a romantic set, seems to be a lot of people in the same situation as us. Hell, I see a few guys I do regular work for who wave, but thankfully keep their distance. Sometimes being the go-to guy for all things having to deal with motorcycles can be a mood killer when I’m just trying to spend a nice night with my wife.

“We can share.” She gives me a grin, one that makes me grin back at her. It’s a private symbol, one that reminds me of her up against the wall, my face in between her legs, licking her to a screaming orgasm. It’s her eyes as she chances a look over her shoulder when I’m doing her from behind. It’s the complete trust she has in me when I use one of my belts to render her helpless. Only we know what these grins mean, and I promise to keep it like this forever. I waited my whole life to fall in love with a woman like her. I’ll never take it for granted or treat it as something that shouldn’t be cherished.

It’s finally our turn. “One hot chocolate,” I tell the vendor, putting my arm around her waist, pulling her back to my front. Moments like this make me feel like a teenager on his first date.

“And a funnel cake,” her voice is impulsive and indulgent.

Both of us have been working on getting into better shape since we, as a family, became lax after Declan made his appearance. She turns slightly, giving me a wink that says we are nothing if not partners in crime. “I’ll run a few more minutes tomorrow.” She shrugs, leaning her head back against my shoulder.

It’s that pure trust I get from her and the kids that makes my heart soar. It makes me want to beat my chest like a caveman and dare some motherfucker to try and take them from me. It almost happened when Sprite’s biological dad tried to come at us for custody of her. Fucker didn’t win, and I ended up adopting her as my own. I’ll fight to the death for our family, and everyone in our lives knows it. Having everything you’ve always wanted and then being threatened with having it taken away makes you appreciate it all.

We stand there quietly enjoying each other’s company until we’re handed our drink and food. Turning around, I wonder where we’re going to be able to eat it, until I hear Hadley’s soft voice.

“Let’s go sit over here and eat the funnel cake, then we can walk it off,” my gorgeous wife suggests, and as I follow her, I can’t help but admire her ass in the jeans she wears. After another kid, she’s not as small as she was when I first met her, but she’s voluptuous in a whole other way now. Curves suit both her and me, and those hips she’s got? They give me something to hold on to. I wouldn’t trade her for anything in this world.

I watch as she straddles one of the empty picnic tables and swings her other leg over. Damn, I wish it was warm enough to have her straddle the back of my bike. To have her arms wrapped around my waist and the press of her entire body against mine. It’s the most intimate act we can do besides make love. It feels like forever since we’ve taken a ride together. First day it gets warm enough, I’m getting her on the bike, and we’re not getting off until there are smiles on both our faces that can’t be wiped off by anything.

“Sit next to me?” Her lips are tilted in an almost shy half-grin.

Like she even has to ask. “Wouldn’t be anywhere else, babe.” I tug my long leg over the side and situate myself next to her.

Watching her closely, I see her pinch a small piece of the funnel cake between her index finger and thumb. Instead of putting it in her own mouth, she lifts it to mine. Taking advantage, I slip her finger into my mouth, along with the sweet treat, nipping against the tip of her flesh. She giggles, leaning into me, her side brushing against mine. “Stop it, we’re in public.”

“Never stopped us before.” I chew slowly, leaning in to kiss her on the cheek. Mimicking what she did, I give her a bite of her own. It’s cold tonight, so I scoot her closer and throw my arm around her shoulders. “You cold?” I check, as I reach forward and take a drink of our hot chocolate.

“Never, when you’re wrapped around me like a blanket.”

Those are the best words she ever could have said to me. They make me feel like the baddest fucker around and have me puffing my chest out. In moments like this, I hope every man gets to have the love of a woman like I do.

“It’s like a winter wonderland out here.” She holds my pinkie with hers as we stroll along the downtown area doing window shopping here and there. The kids don’t need anything else for Christmas, and I think we’ve both figured out what we’re doing for each other. This shopping is just for fun.

I try to look at things through her eyes. It could be seen as a winter wonderland. Trees twinkle with Christmas lights on them, a layer of snow is still everywhere from the accumulation we had a few days ago, brightly colored bows are dotted here and there throughout the landscape, and couples walk together everywhere the eye can see. Before Hadley and Riley came into my life, I never would have enjoyed this, never would have even thought about doing it, but I find myself turning into another man for my wife and daughter. There’s not much they could ask me to do that I’d say no to. As we finish our stroll, ending back up at our truck, I throw away the Styrofoam cup we’ve been drinking from. “Guess it’s time to go pick up the kids.” I back her up against the truck, stealing a kiss in the darkness we’re shrouded in, letting my hands travel down to her ass, cupping it in the jeans she wears. I pull her close, so she can feel how much I want her, how much I always want her.

“Yeah.” She runs her cold hands up under my thermal shirt, causing me to shiver with desire and not cold. “Too bad we can’t have a few more hours.”

I think about sending G a message, asking if he can watch them a little longer, but then I realize we’ve been gone for five hours, and chances are the kids are already asleep. “Another time.” I move in, kissing her thoroughly again.

But when I get into the driver’s seat in the truck, I’m pulling my jeans away from the tightness in my crotch. Another time is going to have to come sooner rather than later. 

“What do you mean it won’t be ready?” My voice is shrill as I rapid-fire question the person on the other end of the phone line. Normally I’m a go with the flow kind of girl, but this is the gift I ordered for my husband two months ago. The gift for the man who constantly puts himself last and us first, the only thing he’s asked me for in the almost four years we’ve been married. These custom leather saddlebags are the only things I’ve ever seen his eyes light up for, besides me or his kids. “I ordered them with plenty of time to be shipped here for Christmas, and I paid extra for expedited everything!” I argue with the person telling me what I don’t want to hear. “I’m confused as to how they’re not going to be here in time.”

“Ma’am the demand was higher than we expected...”

I cut off the man, holding my hand up, knowing he won’t see it. The gesture at least makes me feel better. “I know all about supply and demand. I run my own store on Etsy, but you know what? When demand gets well beyond my supply, I shut off orders and make sure I do right by the customers who have already placed theirs. You’ve screwed me now. I don’t know what I’m supposed to get for a husband who never asks for anything. This was all he wanted, and I paid for it to be here in time, with plenty of lag time built in.” I sigh and hold in the four-letter words I want to use. Declan’s walking around the living room, and he already hears enough from Trick. “Bless your heart, and have a good Christmas.” That’s passive aggressive enough.

Sliding the screen with my thumb, I wish hardcore for an old landline so I can slam it down with force. Instead, this is the age of cellphones, and I don’t get the luxury.

“Daddy, daddy, daddy,” Declan chants as he runs around, pointing to a picture of him and Trick.

“Daddy’s gone to get Sissy.” I glance at the clock to confirm I’m right. Riley still takes piano lessons every week, and usually Trick goes and picks her up. It’s where they bond and talk about stuff going on in their lives together. It makes me a little sad, because for so long the ritual had been mine and Riley’s, but she’s a daddy’s girl right now. I know one day she’ll come back around to me—like all kids she plays favorites to get what she wants—so for now, I let her and Trick enjoy the time they spend together. Theirs is a bond I’m not sure even I can grasp the depth of half the time.

Out of nowhere, I realize now’s a golden opportunity for me to ask G if there’s anything Trick’s been eyeing for Christmas, or hinting at wanting. Sometimes he’s more talkative about stuff like that with his friends. Grabbing up Declan, I hand him a sippy cup, and we make our way downstairs.

The guys are working hard, even without Trick there to manage them, when I descend the stairs. There’s talking going on in the background of the sound of power tools. There’s a certain smell about this place I love. It takes me back to when Trick and I first met, and I was starting my Etsy store and branching out into professional organization. Thanks to me organizing his office, posting before and after pictures, I got very popular in the professional organization field. I can now pick and choose the jobs I want to take. Since we had Dec, I haven’t taken on many, but I’m looking to get back into it now that he’s a little older and able to be left with Trick and the guys.

“Hadley, to what do we owe this pleasure?” G asks, as Declan reaches for me to let him down. When I do, he runs over to one of the other mechanics, babbling about wanting to learn. I watch for a few minutes, making sure the other guys aren’t put out, before I turn to face G.

My voice is low, yet urgent. I want him to get the same urgency I do. This feeling of failure regarding Trick’s gift seriously pisses me of. “Giovanni, I need your help.”

His eyes widen before he looks around, acting like I’m talking to someone else. “Me? What did you need me to do?”

He and I, we’ve come a long way from the kid who thought he could be tough and threaten me. Just like he and Trick have a good relationship and have moved past the bullshit, G and I have as well. I consider him not only a friend, but a member of our ragtag family. “Christmas is in a few days, and the gift I ordered for Trick won’t make it here in time. Something about supply and demand.” I get angry again just thinking about it. “Either way, I’ve got to come up with something else, and I’m at a loss for what he’d want. The man has basically everything...” I let the words trail off.

G’s eyes light up, and he pulls me over into a corner, keeping his voice pitched low as he speaks to me. There’s a conspiratorial tone as he no-doubt thinks about how Trick can thank him once it’s revealed whatever the gift is, was his idea. “I can tell you exactly what Trick wants, what he needs, and what he’s not thought to ask you.”

I’m all ears; this will save my man’s Christmas and make me feel better about not being able to give him exactly what I wanted to. “Tell me. I’ll give him anything, you know that.”

G puts his hands on his hips, proud smile on his face, as he hits me with some truth. “What he needs more than anything, Had, is some alone time with you.”

I chew on my lip, not sure what he’s saying. We get alone time every night when the kids go to sleep. “We had alone time the other night. We even managed to turn it into kind of a date,” I argue, not sure G knows my husband as well as either of us thought.

He shakes his head, sticking his hands on my shoulders. Making sure we’re facing each other, he bends down to look into my eyes. “No, what you had was an errand turned into a date night. What I’m talking about? Is something a little more intimate, Hadley. I don’t want details of your sex life, but I think all of us have seen Trick prowling around here needing to blow off some damn steam. You get what I’m saying?”

My mind is working double-time. Is he telling me I need to fuck my husband? Thinking back, I try to remember the last time we had loud, bang the walls and not worry about waking up the kids sex. Valentine’s Day maybe, or was it a birthday? Either way, it was a while ago, months, if I’m honest. My body starts to warm as I give the idea wings. I mean, I’d love it too. I hate when we have to be quiet; I hate when I have to tell the man I love to tame the beast because he might wake up his kids.

“Who would watch the kids on such short notice?” The question is out of my mouth before I can stop it. 

G tilts his head to the side, giving me a look. “Who else watches your kids on such short notice all the time? I’m becoming a freakin’ modern-day manny, so don’t let that freak you out. I got this.”

“Are you sure? You watch our kids more than anyone else. I don’t want you to think you have to do this, or take advantage of you. It’s important to me, for you to know how much we appreciate it.” We’ve counted on G a lot, and I hate to use him every time we need to spend some time alone. He’s got his own life to live, girlfriend to keep happy, and more than likely he’s got ninety percent of his Christmas shopping left to do.

“I’d do anything for you two, and I think you know that. Trust me, it’s not like it’s a hardship. I love those kids as much as if they were my little brother and sister. You and Trick didn’t have to give me a shot after I acted like a punk ass kid, but you have. I owe a lot to the both of you. Let me do this to help you out.”

For a few minutes I think, and eventually come to the conclusion that it can’t do any harm. There’s no way Trick would say no if I asked him, and more than anything, I want a night alone with my husband. I don’t want to be grinding against him with one ear to the door in case a child needs me. When I’m grinding against him, I want to enjoy the feel of the man who can make my body sing louder than any other man ever has. So, if G’s willing, then I’ll gladly accept his offer. “Alright, tomorrow night good for you?”

“Perfect.” He gives me a smile, we shake on it, and I gather Declan up so we can get upstairs and get ready for the dinner Trick and Riley will bring home. Maybe I can use that time to do a little planning, figure out what I’m actually going to be able to do with my husband for the few hours we’ll be given. One thing I do know for sure, if I can get my to-do list done today I’ll give myself extra time in the bathtub. So I can get properly ready to seduce Trick.

A sly smile spreads across my face. My hot hubby won’t know what hit him, and I guess more than anything that’s the point. We’ve let our intimacy be quick the last almost two years since Declan’s birth. I have lingerie I bought with good intentions that still has tags on it, toys we’ve bought at the sex shop that have never been tried out. My fingers ache to run against his muscles; my nails tingle thinking about how they can scratch against his flesh.

Tomorrow night, all of it changes, and we do things to each other we haven’t done in a long time. Remembering back to when we first got together, I let a wave of nostalgia wash over me. Back then it was every time we made love, he did things to me no other man had ever done. Trick showed me a piece of myself I didn’t know existed. He showed me how to appreciate an afternoon spent wrapped in his arms instead of running around like a chicken with my head cut off. How to enjoy those late mornings when Riley slept like the dead and rain fell against our window. Before him, I was a single mom of an active six-year-old who didn’t have any downtime. Now I realize how much I’ve missed the downtime he and I used to share.

It’s nice to have a secret, one that I know will blow Trick’s mind and put a little spice back into our marriage. Any couple who’s been together for a while needs that spice. The pressure of being parents, running our own businesses, and just trying to live life has apparently gotten to us. I don’t know why it took someone else to show it to me, but now I’m ready to make a change, and judging from the advice G gave me, Trick is too.

More than anything, I hope he’s ready to spice it up, because me? I feel like a hot tamale.

I’m used to the looks I get when I pick up Riley from her piano lessons. I straight up expect them now as I squeeze my way between the buttoned-up guys and the women who like to give me a wink when they think their husbands aren’t looking. It used to make me uncomfortable, but now I just let it roll off my back. People are going to look, doesn’t mean I have to engage. Hell, I learned not to engage with the women who low-key hit on me. It almost came to fisticuffs once. Not even going to lie, Hadley and another chick got into a verbal sparring match over me back when we first got married. It was hot as hell to see my lady fight for my honor, and maybe gave my ego a great big fucking push.

“How’s it going?” One of the less buttoned-up dads leans over, whispering against the quietness of the room. The only thing we can hear is the piano in the background, but from where we sit it doesn’t echo off the walls as much.

He and I have been talking for a few months; he’s been going back and forth about buying a bike. He and the wife were faithful watchers of Sons of Anarchy, and I have a feeling they have a Jax and Tara role-play fantasy. Good for them, but I don’t necessarily want to play a part in it. I’m wondering when he’s going to either put up or shut up. A man can only talk so long about getting a bike before he either does it or he moves on.

“I pulled the trigger and bought that Harley I was talking to you about a few weeks ago.” He claps as his kid finishes up her lesson in front of the class. “I know you checked it out when I told you I was looking at it, but can I bring it in to have a thorough once over?”

Awesome, another member of the family. I love seeing the excitement new members of the motorcycle family have when they get their first bikes.

“Definitely.” I stretch my legs out in front of me, crossing them at the ankles, trying to get more comfortable. “You’ll need to adjust the foot pegs so that they’re comfortable for you and her. There may be a few more adjustments you need to make. Think about her comfort. Does she need a bar in the back, do you want saddle bags? There’s a lot of options you can choose, and we can show you different ways to use those options. Call the shop and we’ll get you set up.”

“Thanks.” He claps his hand on my shoulder. These dads are super touchy-feely. Something I had to get used to after my childhood and my days spent in prison. I think I’m adjusting to it decently, but every once in a while, it gives me a shudder. “You’ve been so good at answering all my questions when you didn’t have to be. I know some parents around here look down their nose at you, but I think you’re badass.”

The chuckle that breaks from my chest and throat can’t be helped. This isn’t at all how I expected this conversation to go. “Thanks, Terry, I appreciate it. People are gonna judge you, no matter what. I learned a long time ago to say fuck ’em and just make myself happy.” I run my fingers through my hair, trying to get it to lay on the other side, but it flops back over in my eyes. “Like you, for instance. If that bike makes you happy, even if you drive it twenty-five miles an hour and never take it on the interstate,” I mention some of the fears he’s confided in me. “Fuck whoever looks down on you for it. If it makes you smile, what the hell does it matter?”

He nods, crossing his arms over his chest, looking like he appreciates my affirmation. “You’ve got a good outlook on life.”

As Riley walks over to me, her lesson done, I smile at the little girl with the big hair who stole my heart. “You can thank the kid walking towards us. She and her mom taught me everything I know about being happy.”

“Hey, Dad.” She runs to me, greeting me with a hug, wrapping her still small arms around my waist.

One day she won’t do this, and I’ll miss the fuck out of it. Today, I cherish it, circling my arms around her, hugging her back. “Ready to go pick up Mom’s Christmas gift, Sprite?"

She nods with the same enthusiasm she has for everything else in life. “It’s been so hard to keep it a secret, Dad. The struggle is real.”

I laugh loudly, loving her soul. She’s not as shy as she used to be, but still some of the words that come out of her mouth make me laugh daily. The struggle probably has been real for her. “C’mon let’s get out of here and go get it. We gotta get dinner on the way home too.” 

The holidays mean everyone is out and about. Traffic is shitty as we make our way across town, but luckily we make it before the shop we’re going to closes. “Remember this place?” I ask her when we pull up outside of the building.

“Yeah.” She grins at me, her eyes wide with recognition. “This is the place we picked out her engagement ring.”

I nod my head, pleased she remembered it. It was a big day in our lives. “Sure is.”

I can still remember that day like it was yesterday. When I asked Riley if it was okay for me to marry her mom. My life hasn’t been the same since I met them, but it changed drastically the moment I put a ring on Hadley’s finger and gave them all my last name. Wouldn’t trade it for the world. Grabbing her hand, we cross the street and enter through the front.

“Hey, Patrick,” one of the girls who works the front greets me. “Your gift is done. I’m Laura, the only one here, since we’re about to close, but I was given instructions.” She smiles as we walk in.

The owner of the place takes good care of me because I take good care of him when it comes to his bikes. “Thanks, I appreciate you staying. We’re running a little late tonight.” I pull Riley to my side, hand behind her head. “Traffic and all.”

“Understandable, it’s a busy time. Let me go get your package. You can inspect it, and we can move on from there.”

“I can’t wait to see what it looks like,” Riley whispers beside me, as we stand alone in the brightly lit room. “This place is so sparkly. One day I want a house like this.” She says it so serious that I have no doubt she believes it.

“You’ll need to either become independently wealthy or marry a rich man, Sprite.” I chuckle as I think about how much money all of this sparkle costs.

“I’ll be independently wealthy and marry for love.”

Those words are grown-up words, and it causes a pain in my chest. She’s growing up way too fast on us. Sooner rather than later, she’ll be introducing me to the guy who’s going to grab her heart. 

“Here we go.” Laura comes walking from the back, bringing with her an envelope. She lays down a piece of velvet and empties the jewelry onto it. “What do you think?”

I love it, because I designed it, but the most important person here is Riley. Her opinion is the one I respect the most, and when Dec gets old enough to do this kind of stuff, I’ll ask his too. “What do you think, Sprite? Will Mom love it?”

She gasps as she reaches out to touch the jewels with her fingers. They sparkle in the lighting of the store. “She’ll love it!”

“Know what all those different color stones represent?”

She shakes her head but doesn’t take her eyes off the necklace that lies in front of her, sparkling in the lights of the place.

“They’re your birthstone, your brother’s birthstone, and the stone for the month your mom and I got married.”

“Dad, that’s so sweet.” She looks back at me, hands clasped under her chin with a dreamy look on her face.

“Let’s hope Mom thinks the same thing. Looks perfect,” I tell the lady who’s been helping us. “Did I owe anything else on it?”

She consults a piece of paper that accompanied the envelope. “Nope, you’re good. Let me wrap it for you real quick, and then you’re outta here.”

Riley and I browse as we wait for her to wrap the gift. It kind of makes me nervous that she’ll see something and get her heart set on it. Women are expensive to have in your life, I think about the price I paid for the necklace. Taking her mind off the sparkles, I ask her another question. “What do you want for dinner?” I secretly hope she says something other than hibachi. She’s been addicted for years now, but there’s only so much sushi, rice, and teriyaki chicken a man can eat. 

“Pizza?” 

“You want pizza?” She never wants pizza, so I’ll take this any day of the week.

“Yeah with those breadsticks I like.”

My mouth waters and my stomach growls. It’s been hours since lunch. “Those breadsticks are some major yum,” I agree. “Do we get extra red sauce and pepperchinis?” I cut my eyes over to her, a smile tilting the edges of my lips.

She smiles back. “You’re my twin, Dad.” She leans over, putting her head against my waist.

I put my arm around her. “Of course we are. I wouldn’t be a dad if it weren’t for you.”

“Lies.” She shakes her head, face and tone serious as I’ve ever heard them. “Declan really made you a dad.”

It’s not often she makes any kind of deal out of the fact that Declan is my biological child and she’s not. 

“Wrong, Riles.” My voice is pitched low so only we can hear it. “You made me a dad. If it hadn’t been for you, Declan wouldn’t be here, because I never thought I was cut out for anyone to love me.”

“That’s crazy.” She wrinkles her nose. “I love you to the moon and back.”

“Just as crazy as you thinking you didn’t make me a dad, right?”

I can see my point has been made when she relaxes against me. “Got it, Trick,” she giggles as I tickle her side.

“What'd you call me?”

“Got it, Dad,” she laughs when I shoot her a glare.

“That sounds better.”

Before I can say anything else, we’re brought Hadley’s gift. “Let’s go grab dinner and head on home, Sprite. I’m starving.”

“Me too.” She grabs my hand as we cross the street. 

We get into the truck, and I sigh. It’s a happy one, full of excitement about how my life has turned out, full of gratefulness because I have the life now that I never knew I wanted. Sometime soon Riley’s not gonna wanna hang out with me. She’ll have friends who are way more important than her dad. I remind myself like I always do to cherish this while I have it. She won’t be little forever. Yeah, I’ll have Declan, but Riley will always have a part of my heart that’s hers alone. Regardless of what she thinks, she taught me everything about loving, patience, and being not only a dad, but a good person. There’s nothing that can ever take that away from her. 

“Pizza was a good choice,” I moan as the cheese melts in my mouth, pulling taut as I take the bite from the steaming hot pie. “I’m surprised you wanted it, Riles.”

She looks up at me, a breadstick shoved in her mouth. “Wanted the breadsticks,” she admits around a mouthful. 

“Who can say no to the breadsticks?” I know I can’t, but I’m a bread lover, and my daughter is a girl after my own heart.

“Declan.” Her voice is deadpan as she watches her brother playing with his food.

I giggle, giving her a smile. “He was hungry earlier and ate a banana. He’ll eventually eat dinner. Did you and Dad have fun?”

They share a look, and not for the first time I feel like an outsider in their relationship together. I couldn’t have asked for a better man to decide to make my daughter his own, but every once in a while, I’m a teeny bit jealous of the way they communicate. 

“We did.” She gives me a grin that says she has a secret I’m not privy to. Chances are it’s about my Christmas gift with the holiday being so close.

“Why the grin?” I pepper her with the question. Every once in a while I can get her to tell me, but the way her eyes sparkle, I know this isn’t going to be one of those times.

“No reason.” She shakes her head, her curls bouncing as she does. “Just know you’re going to love it, Mom.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” I shoot a glance at Trick, silently questioning him with my gaze. 

“You will,” he agrees, leaning over so that only I can hear his words. “You’ll love it so much you’ll be thanking me naked.”

My body responds to the promise. It’s been way too long since we’ve been able to enjoy each other, and right now I’m beyond thankful for the plan I’m putting into motion tomorrow. “Oh yeah?” I question, running my hand up his thigh under the table so neither of the kids can see.

When I get to his crotch, letting my palm skim over the already half-hard bulge at his zipper, he coughs on the drink of Coke he’s taken. 

Leveling me with a gaze over the glass, he finally answers. “Oh yeah.”

The tension is thick between us, but it’s nothing new, and my hope is that our kids grow up respecting a healthy sexual relationship with their chosen spouses. He clears his throat, pushing his hips deeper into my palm. I can’t help but squeeze the thick erection in my hand, enjoying the feel of his length and rigidness.

“I’m done,” Riley announces, her plate littered with half-eaten breadsticks. “Can I be excused?”

“Sure, go ahead and get your shower taken. It’s almost bedtime for you and already past time for your brother.”

We watch as she leaves, then Trick reaches under the table, grasping my wrist. He lets out a breath he’d obviously been holding. “You want me to help with his bath time and bedtime, you gotta let me go, babe. Can’t be doin’ all that with half a hard-on I know won’t get taken care of tonight, when we’ve already got so much stuff to do.”

I pout, pushing my bottom lip out. “I hate being an adult.”

“Baby, you have no idea. If we didn’t have responsibilities, I’d have you on this table naked, legs spread, eating you for dinner instead of this fucking piece of pizza.”

I try to keep my own breathing even, but it’s no use as I let my eyes close and imagine him doing exactly what he’s said to me. Sighing and inhaling deeply, I get up from the table, taking our plates with me. “I’m taking him to get his bath. Hopefully we won’t set the apartment on fire with lust in the meantime.”

He lifts Declan out of his high-chair. “Lust!” he shouts.

“Shit.” Trick shakes his head.

Dec picks up the worst words. He can hear them one time then say them perfectly. Not long ago, he told a lady who cut us off in the grocery store fuck you. Imagine me trying to explain that while trying to reprimand my son.

“Stop.” I put the dishes in the dishwasher, face red with the memory of that embarrassing incident. “He’ll be saying that next.”

He flashes me a wicked grin as he leaves the kitchen, Dec in his arms. For a moment I let that image burn in my brain. There’s nothing sexier than this man holding his children.

I know she’s got a point, so as I start the bathwater for Dec, I do my best to keep my thoughts and words very G-rated. As I watch my son splash, I let my mind drift to the things I would be doing to my wife if we had nothing to get accomplished after the kids went to bed. Groaning, I lean forward, starting to wash his hair.

I try very hard to pull my weight when it comes to taking care of our kids, knowing that we’re both doing our own businesses and we have two very active children. It’s important for me not to leave everything else to her, but there are times when I wish we could both say fuck it and leave it for someone else to do. 

Thirty minutes later, I walk into the kitchen, holding a clean Declan in his PJs.

She gives me an indulgent smile. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know I didn’t have to, babe, but I wanted to. What’s on your list for tonight?”

She’s had one for the last week. Shit we have to make sure is done for Christmas Eve and morning, for the kids. I wonder when the hell the adults get their turn. The only reason I don’t ask is because I’m not prepared to hear that we may not get our turn. It’ll break my heart.

“Let me go get Dec and Riles put to bed, and then I’ll be right back with you.”

I start to follow her, but she holds her hands up. “I say this with all the love in the world to you, but let me do it tonight. You know sometimes Dad being there makes them more hyper. I need them to go down without much fuss tonight.”

I get what she’s saying, so I walk over to the couch, take a seat, and shoo our cat, Tux, out of the way. He sees her heading for the bedrooms in the back and makes a beeline for Riley’s room. I swear that cat is like a guard dog for her. Has been since the moment Riley moved in.

As I’m waiting, I catch myself almost dozing until I hear her voice coming up the hallway.

“There are three presents I need to wrap, and I need you to put together two. After this, we’re done until we have to set up for Santa.” She sighs, and I think it’s one of relief. “This shit is tiring.”

I glance over at her, noting the dark circles under her eyes, the way she’s yawning as she gets up, walking down the hallway. I listen as she checks in on both kids to make sure they stayed asleep when she left the room and then goes to our bedroom, getting out the stuff she needs. 

“You need help?” Shit I should have gotten up and followed her, but damn if I’m not tired too.

“I got it.” She gifts me with a smile as she sets down a storage tub. Opening it, she hands me what I need to put together before grabbing out what needs to be wrapped. She lays them out neatly in front of her and starts assembling the paper and bows she wants to use. Everything is color coordinated, and I kind of love it, because if it were left up to me, I’d probably wrap everything in black paper, stick a red bow on it, and be done. More like Halloween than Christmas.

“I keep telling myself they’ll be this little for only a short while, but it gets so crazy this time of year.” She cuts the wrapping paper, going up on her knees to cut all the way across the roll lying against the floor. 

Her ass is on full display in a pair of tight yoga pants, and what an ass it is. I’ve had a lot of fun with that ass. I’ve gripped it, smacked it, tried to fuck it, but that isn’t something she’s allowed me to do yet. Either way, I need to touch it right now. I stop what I’m doing, reach over, and grab myself a handful. “Babe.” She gives me a look over her shoulder, and I’m hit with a wall of lust that I physically have to push back. “We really gotta finish this, but I promise you, within the next few days you’ll be handsomely rewarded for all the help you’ve given me.”

“Handsomely rewarded?” I’m all ears. “Like how?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Her answer is saucy, just the way I like her.

“Kinda, but I'm also the kind of guy who enjoys a surprise.” Especially if that surprise is her naked against the sheets of our bed. Those are my favorite kind of surprises.

Her eyes are lit up, her smile showing a small dimple in her left cheek. “I wouldn’t know that about you at all,” she teases.

“When should I be on the lookout for this surprise?” I grasp her thigh as she comes back down on her knees, sneaking my hand in between her legs for a split second as she wiggles away. Too late though, I felt that heat, felt the want, and the desire. She can’t hide those reactions from me.

“Like I’d tell you and ruin it? The next couple weeks.”

My heart pounds—weeks? I was thinking like days. “You’re gonna make me wait weeks to hold this ass in my hands again?”

“What do you think?”

I study her. The way her pulse beats in her throat, the way her eyes shine brightly, the way her cheeks are flushed and her nipples are hard underneath the tank top she’s wearing. I know every single tell she has; it’s my job as her husband to know every one of them. So I’m confident with my observation before I speak the words aloud. “I think you’re full of shit. You want me just as much as I want you, and there’s no way we’re waiting a couple of weeks to fulfill those needs. You may think you have me pegged, but I know you as well as I know myself.”

She throws her head back, laughing so hard her throat moves up and down with the motion. I’m hit hard with a memory of the last time she went down on me. The way she swallowed as I spilled against her tongue. Maybe she’ll do that next time, and sure as shit I won’t be waiting a couple of weeks for it. “We’ll see.”

“Yeah.” I reach forward, cupping my hand between her thighs again, feeling the heat that’s already there. Hadley talks a good game, but she wants me just as much as I want her—all the time. Some things she can hide from me, others she can’t, and the way her body responds isn’t one of them. I give her a look as my middle finger rubs against her clit through the layers of clothing she’s wearing. Her knees give out slightly, and I fix her with a gaze. “We’ll totally see.”

Declan is napping, and Riley is spending a portion of the afternoon with one of her friends from piano lessons, when I glance at the clock and realize if I’m going to prepare for my night with my man I’m gonna need to do it quick. Grabbing Declan’s monitor, I rush to the bathroom to do the preparation I can. What I wouldn’t give to soak in the bathtub and be leisurely about it, but I know time is a commodity we don’t have a lot of. Instead, I take the quickest shower known to man and do my best to give myself a close shave without nicking every part of my body. Because I took the time to do it before, it doesn’t take as long as it normally would, but I still want to make sure things are nice and smooth. When I hop out, I breathe a sigh of relief. Declan’s not up yet, so I can continue on my journey of trying to look nice for my husband.

Bending over, I look under the counter for my favorite lotion. Every time I wear it, Trick comes in behind me, curls his arm around my waist, pulls me to him and inhales deeply from the spot where my neck and shoulder meet. One of the reasons I love to wear it. The problem? Riley got to where she was using it, and it lost some of the appeal for both of us. Now I keep it hidden so it’s something purely ours and ours alone. Slowly, I dry off with one of my favorite towels and then slather the lotion over my body. Not skimping tonight, I run my hands up and down my stomach, making sure to get every part of my flesh, cupping my breasts in my hands as I rub the pink scented cream into them. My breath comes a bit shallower as I allow my fingers to linger near where I want Trick’s to be. With a concentrated effort, I keep the upward movement to my neck and shoulders. I don’t want to give myself something I can get from him.

Checking my phone, I realize I have just enough time to put on some makeup, fix my hair, get dressed, and take Declan downstairs so that G and I can put our plan into motion.

Today is one of those days where I wanna go back to bed and start the day over again. My delivery was fucked up, I missed an important phone call, and now it looks like one of our pieces of machinery has kicked the bucket. What I need now is a double shot of something strong, but seeing as how it’s four in the afternoon, I’m gonna have to wait a little while longer.

It’s close to quitting time, but I have one more person coming in today. I don’t necessarily have to be here for them, but I like to be the face of the shop when I can be.

“Want some?” G asks, as he comes out of our new breakroom holding a bottle of Coke.

What can a little caffeine hurt? Too bad it’s not mixed with rum. “Sure, why not? Maybe it’ll give me some damn energy.”

I yawn as I say the words. Christmas is wearing both me and Hadley out. I’m ready for our routine to be normal. Every routine, including those long nights, and lazy mornings in bed. Right now we’re doing good to go to bed before midnight, and we’re getting up early just to get shit accomplished. Living the dream, I remind myself. Popping the plastic seal on the cap, I’m not prepared when it starts foaming and spewing from every direction.

“Fuck, G, what’d you do? Shake it up?” I grumble as I run it to the trash can, hoping that I haven’t gotten it everywhere like I think I have.

“No, man, it was sitting in the fridge, I don’t know what happened.”

Sticky carbonated beverage is covering my hands, arms, and shirt. It’s even in my hair. I can feel it dripping down onto my neck. I’m not even sure how the hell it got there. Today is not my fucking day.

“I’m so sorry!” he apologizes. “Why don’t you go upstairs and take a shower. We’ll make sure to clean up down here. It’s almost closing time anyway.”

I want to argue with him, tell him the shop is mine, so is the responsibility, but to be honest, I’m done for the day. I have zero fucks left to give, and I ran out of them a long time ago. “Sounds like a plan.” I sigh as I head up the stairs to my apartment. I’m almost there when I get a text from Hadley.

H: Hey, we went out to run an errand, be back soon! <3

T: What? I didn’t see you leave and I’m headed up to the apartment right now. Fucking drink got spilled all over me.

H: We went down the back stairs, Dec is being super cranky. Enjoy your quiet shower!

T: I’d enjoy it a lot more with you in it.

Her response is a winking emoticon. Tilting my head back and looking up at the ceiling, I try and convince myself that I can turn this day around. I can turn it around, and it’ll end much better than it began. As long as I can take a hot shower.

“He seems pissed.” I hand Declan and everything that comes with Declan over to G.

“He’s not had the best of days. To be honest, your idea to seduce him tonight is probably perfect. He needs something to take his mind off everything that went wrong today.”

I bite my manicured finger, almost re-thinking my idea. “He in that bad of a mood?”

He whistles. “I’ve seen him in better, but if there’s anyone who can make Trick see the good in things, it’s you. Not gonna lie though, I think you have your work cut out for you.”

“Alright, well one or both of us will be by to pick up the kids sometime tonight. Riley’s friend knows to drop her off at your apartment.” I give him an encouraging smile. “Thank you again for everything you’ve done, and for being willing to watch the kids for us.”

“Hey, Trick changed my life, you know he did. I’d still be trying to act like a thug and getting myself into trouble if he hadn’t taken a chance on me. I owe everything I have to him. If I can do this for the two of you, I will. No big deal, seriously.”

Kid doesn’t know how much of a deal it is. We wouldn’t trust our kids to just anyone, and G has earned that trust. He’s grown into an amazing man, and I make a mental note to get Trick to give him a bigger Christmas bonus. He deserves every bit of it. “Thank you again, though. You have much better things to do, I know you do.”

“Hey, I love your kids, and we get along great.” He holds out his hand for a high-five to my son. “Right, Dec?”

Declan high-fives him and then willingly goes into G’s arms, putting his small arms around G’s neck. “We got this, and I’m just throwing this out there. If you and Trick decide you want the whole night, I’m good with it.”

“Thank you, I’ll let you know. Right now I have to go make sure Trick wants anything at all.” I pull a face.

“Trust me, you offer yourself on a silver platter to him, and he’s not ever going to say no.”

I sure do hope this kid is right.

It felt weird leaving Declan downstairs to go home with G and to come up here empty-handed. I kind of almost talk myself out of it, and then realize how much we need this alone time. Entering the apartment, I try to be as quiet as I can. The shower running is the only sound in the silent space. No clapping of Declan’s feet on the floor—he is the hardest walker I’ve ever seen in my life—totally sure our kid isn’t going to be a SEAL or anyone who has to be stealthy for a living. There’s no background noise of Riley watching TV, of me listening to Spotify while I’m filling orders, and no deep laugh coming from Trick as he and Riley argue over something one minute and then team up against me the next. Those sounds make our home, but right now I’m enjoying the quiet, because I know there’s nothing and no one here to stop what’s about to happen.

Hands shaking as I enter our bedroom, I take off what I’ve been wearing, and proceed to make myself into a gift I’ll be more than happy to let Trick unwrap. Merry Christmas to him.

The shower managed to get copious amounts of sticky syrup off of me, but it did absolutely nothing for my mood. I’m in a piss poor one, and I’m not even sure why. I’m kind of glad I’ve been left to my own devices. Wrapping the towel around my waist, I make to walk down the hallway and grab some clothes, but a note attached to the back of the bathroom door stops me.

Trick, Your gift got a little delayed. Instead I've improvised. Follow the snowflakees to the bedroom. When you get here, unwrap me, and I'm yours. Hadley

I have no idea what this is about, but I’m really excited to find out. The bedroom door is ajar; when I push it fully open, I’m hit with a wave of lust that can’t be contained. Lying on our bed is my wife, with a bow tied around her wrists and smaller sticky bows attached to her nipples and one covering her mound from my eyes. Written on her stomach is one of the sexiest things I’ve ever seen.

From: Me

To: You

“So you’re my gift?” My voice is deeper than it was a few minutes ago. My towel is now tented, and even my nipples are hard as I look at the picture my wife has painted of herself against the black sheets of our bed.

Throwing me a hot smile, she nods. “Yours got delayed, long story.” She spreads her legs slightly. “I figured I’d offer myself up to you. Give us something we both want.”

Slowly, I take the towel off then walk from one side of the bed to the other, stopping at the foot and gazing upon the woman in front of me. My hand goes up to my mouth, and I cup it like I’m about to dig into the best motherfuckin’ feast I’ve ever had. Some men would say they wouldn’t know where to start. Truth is I do. A nagging thought hits me hard and reminds me that there are usually two cockblockers running around the apartment. I quirk an eyebrow, running my tongue over my lips, glance at my wife through hooded eyes. “Kids?”

She shakes her head, giving me her smile that says I’m about to be a lucky son of a bitch. “G,” the answer is pushed past those lips on a sigh.

Fucking perfect, I dive in.

We don’t have a footboard, and there’s a reason for it. Lying down on my stomach, I slither my way up until I’m completely between Hadley’s legs, spreading her thighs wide and pushing them over my shoulders. I nose away the sparkly bow that’s barely stuck on her skin and go to town with my tongue.

“Oh my God,” she breathes heavily through her nose. “This was supposed to be for you.”

Pulling my mouth away from her clit, I bring my hand up and smear my middle finger against her. Bringing it away, I paint my way up to her nipple, knocking the bow off and circling around it with her juices. “Trust me, baby, this right here, this damp heat is all for me, and there’s no way I’ll ever turn it down. Getting you off gets me off. Let’s say Merry Christmas to each other.” I lower my mouth back onto her, moaning when she pulls at my hair with her hands, tilting her legs up, which in turn tilts her pussy more to my liking. Stiffening my tongue, I lick a trail down and then back up, sucking on the prominent bud, swallowing as she floods with arousal.

“Fuck me, Trick,” she begs, her fingers tightening against my hair, almost hurting. I enjoy the pain though, love that I can push her this far.

I pry my mouth away from her core and move up her body, taking her nipple into my mouth, circling that bud the way I circled the other. “Not yet, Hadley, not yet. Let me get you ready first.”

“I’m ready,” she argues, knocking my shoulder with her hands that are still bound by the bow. I figure it must be made of some sort of elastic material, since she was able to tie it herself.

“Not yet.” I bite down on her nipple as I push two fingers into her heat, enjoying the way she whines against me. “Put those hands above your head and let me work you.”

“I’m supposed to work you,” she argues, as she does like I asked.

Grinding my dick into her thigh, I mumble against her flesh in my mouth. “You’ve got me completely worked up, I’m just making sure I’m taking you with me.”

Frustration eats at both of us. I can tell with the way we move against one another. “I wanna touch you,” she pants, tilting her head against the pillow when I work my way up to her neck.

Once there, I bite, lick, suck, basically own every piece of real estate she reveals to me. When she moves her head back down, I grab hold of her lips, giving her a deep kiss that I feel to the very depths of my bones. The things this woman does to me should be illegal in all fifty fucking states. “I want you to keep those hands up there,” I tell her again, moving my mouth to her ear. “Just enjoy what we’re about to do together. Giving me free reign over your body is the best present you could have ever given me.”

She makes a noise in her throat as I push back on my haunches, lift her thighs with my arms and thrust my cock home. We both moan loudly as I enter and then withdraw, before I push back in.

Grinding against me, those eyes of hers open up. “No kids around to hear.” Her smile is dreamy.

“Nope,” I don’t temper my voice. “None around to hear me say I’m going to fuck you so hard and good, you’ll come more times than you can count. I’m gonna come in you, on you; I’m gonna shake this bed, make the headboard hit the wall, and I’m going to grunt every time I want to.”

Apparently, my words get to her because she grinds deeper, pushing our bodies closer together. “What are you waiting for?”

It’s the invitation I need to take her hard and deep, to move my hands along her body, squeeze her nipples, push against those thighs. Her fingers grip the rails of the headboard above her head, holding on as I bend her to my will. “Don’t let me hurt you,” I warn her, as I push back, reaching forward to grab the edges of the headboard. Grasping onto it, I use it to swing my hips into her, knocking the hard wood against the wall, feeling satisfaction as I make one of my thoughts come true.

“You aren’t hurting me.” Her head is thrashing on the pillow. “Don’t stop,” she pants. “Please don’t stop.”

I hear the message loud and clear and let myself go. I let go of all the frustration, aggravation, and need that’s built up within me, letting the two of us absorb it between us. Because that’s what this relationship, this marriage is about. We’re partners in every sense of the word.

Moving one of my hands down her body, I use my thumb on her clit, rubbing against it in circles, to help her along. I’m not sure how long I can hold off, not with all the noise, the nails, and the feeling of freedom this empty apartment has given us. “Come with me?” I ask her.

“Yeah.” She nods, squeezing her eyes tight, using her hands against the headboard to push herself up against me. “When you go, I’ll go,” the promise is there in her voice.

I pick up the pace. The sound of my balls slapping against her flesh would be comical if it wasn’t for how serious this situation is. Thrusting into her, grinding against her, and pushing her body up are the only things I can think about right now. They are the only things going on in my world. I can feel the tension gather at my back, and I know it’s almost over.

“Right there.” She squeezes against my cock, forcing me to close my eyes against everything invading my senses. “Right there. Don’t stop, Trick, keep going.” She widens her thighs, welcoming me into their cradle.

“I couldn’t stop if I wanted to.” Out of nowhere, I’m hit like a brick wall from the orgasm that travels through my body. Emptying inside of her, I don’t stop my thumb on her clit. With superhuman strength, I lean forward, grab her nipple in between my teeth and worry it before soothing it with my tongue. That’s all she needs as she thrusts against me. My cock jerks inside her, pulsing one last time before I’m sure I’m done.

“Oh my God.” She giggles, pushing her still bound hands around my neck.

“I know.” I laugh, giving her a soft kiss on the lips. “Let’s not wait that long again.”

“Yeah, I’m totally right there with you.”

“I love you, Hadley. Thank you for the gift.”

Her eyes are closed as she snuggles up next to me. “Love you too, and it was my pleasure.”

Hours later my hand is furiously stroking my cock as I watch her press one of the vibrators we bought months ago, but hadn’t had the chance to use yet, against her clit. I’m up on my knees with a front row seat to the action.

“Feel good?” I ask her as she closes her eyes, tilting her head back. It took us a long time to be this open, and she hasn’t done this in front of me in a while, so I’m not surprised when I feel my dick hardening and lengthening in my hand.

“What would feel even better is if you’d come on me, like you promised to.”

My girl, she sometimes has a dirty mouth on her, and while it used to surprise me, now I love when she sneaks it in. “Is that what you want?”

“Yeah.” She bites her lip as she gazes up at me. “More than anything, it’s what I want.”

Focusing my eyes on the vibrator, watching as she now pushes it up into her body and uses her finger at her clit, I push myself over the edge, coming against the skin of her belly, loving the look of my fluid against her.

“You look hot,” I tell her as she comes down from her own climax, turning the vibrator off and laying it next to her thigh on the bed.

“So do you.” She grins. “Cheeks red, hair a mess, holding yourself in your hand. I’m glad I’m the only one who gets to see you like this.”

Taking care of business with the towel I used after my shower, I pull her into me, kissing her forehead as we drift off into what will undoubtedly be a nap. “If anyone else saw you like this I’d poke their eyes out. Thank you for giving me a part of you that you never gave to anyone else.”

She curls her arms around my waist. “Same goes, babe. We’re pretty lucky people.”

And as we drift off, I can’t help but think she’s right.

“Be careful,” Trick warns me as we step out of the apartment and into the frigid night air. It’s nearing one in the morning, but both of us agreed we should go get the kids. Neither one of us was comfortable leaving them with G overnight when there really wasn’t a need to. The nap had been what we needed, and we realized how much we missed them, even if having a little adult time without them had been fun.

“Oh my gosh.” I see my breath in the security light by the back door, along with the snowflakes coming down that make it look like we’re in a snow globe. “I can’t believe it’s snowing.”

With Christmas in two days, it’ll be a white Christmas. We haven’t had one of those since I was a little kid. Huddling into Trick’s big jacket he’s let me wear, I hold out my hand for him to grab. We grasp pinky fingers and slowly make our way to the truck.

“I texted G. He’s still awake and told us to take our time because of the weather.” He opens the passenger side door and lifts me up, sitting me in the seat before he shuts the door and hurries over to the driver side.

“You think we should leave them there?” I ask when I see a blanket of white covering everything. It’s not that I don’t feel safe with Trick, it’s that other drivers make me nervous when it comes to situations like this. I’m torn between doing what I think is the right thing and what may be the selfish thing.

“That’s up to you, babe, but I promise to get us there and back safely. Ain’t nothin’ more sacred to me than you and our kids. I wouldn’t put any of you in danger.”

My stomach warms at the smile he gives me, my heart flutters. The grin pulls at his lips, adding to the relaxed set of his shoulders. We both needed tonight, and I’m more than happy we were allowed to have it. “I know.” I crank the heat up, turning our seat warmers on, hoping it also warms the car seats in the back. “You know snow makes me nervous.”

“Anything out of your control makes you nervous,” he teases.

“Not you. I’m never in control when you’re around, and I’m never nervous. I trust you with everything, Trick. We’re so blessed to be able to call you Dad and husband.” I lean over, kissing his cheek as we wait for the vehicle to warm.

“Not even gonna lie, babe, I’d be in a gutter somewhere if it hadn’t been for you. I thought I wanted to live life when I met you, but I truly had no idea what that fucking meant. What we’ve been doing these past few years, what we did thirty minutes ago?” His gaze becomes hooded as he leans across the seat, propping himself on the console as he takes my face in the palm of his hand. “That’s living, and I want to do it every damn day with you. Getting in the rut we’ve been in doesn’t work for me anymore.”

“Good, it doesn’t work for me either.” I close the distance between us, pressing my lips to his.

“While we’re waiting on the truck to heat up, I have something to give you.”

The grin he gives me is bashful, the way it always is when he has a gift. It’s almost as if he doesn’t think I’ll like it when the silly man should know I love anything that comes from him.

“I thought I’d give it to you with the kids around, but now seems like the best time. It’s Sprite approved.”

I laugh loudly. “Of course it is.”

Reaching into the console, he grabs out an obviously not-wrapped-by-him, Christmas present. It’s small, but with him it could be anything. I’ve learned over the years not to make assumptions. He’ll surprise me every time. Giving him a grin of my own, I dig into the paper, using my nails to cut through the tape and pull off the festively colored wrap. What’s left is a small box.

“Trick, what did you do?”

“Open it and see.” His voice is like that of a little kid waiting for me to look and tell him I love it. I know I’ll love it, I’ve never not loved something he’s given me.

Slowly, I push open the top, gasping when I see a necklace with three birthstones in it. I point them out. “One for Riley, one for Declan, and one for our anniversary?” I question, looking up at him.

“You got it, all the most important days of our lives.”

There’s a part of me that wants to argue; tell him that the day he walked into the community center and introduced himself as the man who would be my daughter’s companion in the Companion Care program was the most important day of our lives. But I don’t, I give him the benefit of doubt and the satisfaction of thinking he’s right. One of the compromises I’ve learned in this marriage that I never learned in my first.

Kissing him again, I glance at the clock glowing from the dashboard. “I hate to break this up, but if we’re going to get them, we should get them now.”

He tugs on one of my curls, offers me that bad-boy grin, and turns to put the truck in drive. “What my woman wants, my woman gets.”

Trick

I can’t remember the last time I’ve been so relaxed, even when I’m gritting my teeth at the conditions of the roads. Tonight was everything we needed, everything I needed. It’s the most important thing about my marriage with Hadley. She gets me—we’re a team. I never had that team concept before I met her, and I know if I’m lucky I’ll have her by my side for another fifty or so years.

As we come to a stoplight, I put my hand on the console, and she reaches over to grab hold. This is what I love. The connection I have with her is unlike anything I’ve ever had with anyone else.

“So.” She turns to me, eyes shining. “I know you gave me my Christmas gift, and you’re probably wondering where yours is, even if my note tried to explain it a little.

“Wasn’t mine what we just spent the last few hours doing? Because damn baby, fuck if there isn’t a better gift.”

I can see the blush through the darkness. “That wasn’t your intended gift.”

“What was my intended gift?” Now I’m intrigued.

“I can’t tell you, because it’s coming, but it won’t be here until after the new year. I put a rush on it, but the people I bought it from really don’t know how to run their business.”

The way she says it, so prim and proper, makes me laugh. “Did you have to call and get right with them?”

“Oh I did.” She shakes her head. “I even blessed their hearts, but they were from the North and didn’t know what it meant.”

Now my laugh is full on. Reaching over, I run my fingers through her hair. “What you give me every day is enough. I don’t need special gifts.”

She captures my hand in hers, bringing the back of it up to her lips. “Same here, but you still felt the need to get me a gift, so let me do the same for you.”

The light changes, and I slowly accelerate, making my way across town to G’s apartment.

“Thanks for keeping them.” I clap G on the back as he yawns. He’s wearing a pair of glasses that I hardly ever see him in, which tells me exactly how tired he is.

“No problem. Like I told Hadley, they’re no trouble,” he whispers as he lifts Declan into his arms.

I grab Riley, and we quickly make our way out into the cold, carrying the two sleeping kids. As I’m buckling Riley in, she stirs.

“Dad, is that you?”

“Yeah, Sprite. We’re headed home.”

She smiles softly, snuggling up against me as much as she can with the seatbelt around her. “Missed you, but I had fun with G.”

I lean down, kissing her on the forehead. “Missed you too.”

After we get the kids loaded in and secured, G sends us off with a wave. I climb back in and get myself situated before I turn us back home. Hadley looks in the back seat, a look of contentment on her face. “You good?”

“Yup,” she sighs. “Everything is alright in my world now that we’re all together again.”

“Mom OMG! Santa came! Mom! Mom! Mom!”

I’m awakened from a deep sleep by the bouncing of our bed, and my daughter screaming in my ear. “That’s great, Riles. What time is it?”

Trick and I had been up until almost one a.m. setting everything out and getting the last of their stuff put together.

“Four, Mom. I couldn’t wait any longer. Dad wake up!” She reaches over and shakes Trick so hard I can almost hear his teeth rattle.

“We’ll meet you in the living room in a few minutes, Riles. Let us wake up, and we’ll go ahead and open presents. Sound good?”

“C’mon, Dec,” she grabs hold of his hand. “This is the BEST DAY EVER!”

Trick pries open an eye next to me, giving me a look. “Is it safe now?”

I giggle while I groan. “No, no we’re expected in the living room. Three hours of sleep.” I yawn. “Do you think a nap will be in our future today? Maybe they’ll want to sleep after they’ve worn themselves out.”

“I think it’ll be a given for today.” He yawns, stretching out beside me. “If not, I’ll be falling sleep in my turkey later on.”

All of the guys from the shop are coming over to have dinner with us. Most of them are loners like Trick, and since they don’t have anywhere to go for the holidays, we’ve started opening our home up to them. “Me and you both.”

I get up, putting on a long pair of pants, knowing I’ll be sitting in the floor with the kids. As I look for a pair of socks, I hear Trick get up and start putting his clothes on too. A strong arm hooks my waist, pulling me around to face him. We both must look absolutely exhausted. Getting into my personal space, he leans down, softly brushing his lips against mine. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas to you too.” I stand on tiptoe and connect our mouths again.

We can hear the kids in the living room, but for a moment we’re in our own little world. “Have I told you lately how much I love you?” he asks as he clasps his hands around my waist.

I pretend to think. He told me before bed, but this is a game we like to play sometimes. “Not lately,” I shake my head.

“I love the fuck outta you, Hadley Tennyson.”

I giggle, messing up his hair with my fingers. “Not as much as I love you, Patrick Tennyson.” He goes in for another peck.

“Oh my God, are you two kissing again?” Riley groans from the doorway. “I thought you said we could open presents.”

“We will,” Trick promises.

“I’m holding you to that. If you aren’t here in five minutes, Dec and I are starting without you.”

He chuckles before he puts his lips to my ear. “You think maybe I can open a gift tonight?”

There’s goosebumps on my flesh as I recall making myself a gift for him two days ago. “There’s a possibility.”

“Possibility, huh?”

“Yeah.” I offer him a saucy grin. “Odds are in your favor.”

“How will I know when you’ve made a decision?” His stubble tickles my skin.

“I’ll be standing here with hardly any clothes on, and there will be one direction for you to follow.”

“What direction would that be, love?”

I grin as I give him the answer he’s been waiting on, and the direction I gave him a few days ago. For the foreseeable future, this will be my favorite direction to give him. “Unwrap me.”

~The End~

ALSO BY LARAMIE BRISCOE

Heaven Hill Series

Meant To Be

Out of Darkness

Losing Control

Worth The Battle

Dirty Little Secret

Second Chance Love

Rough Patch

Beginning of Forever

Home Free

Shield My Heart

A Heaven Hill Christmas

Heaven Hill Generations (Spin-off Series)

Hurricane

Rockin’ Country Series

Only The Beginning

One Day at a Time

The Price of Love

Full Circle

Reaper’s Girl

The Red Bird Trail Trilogy

Flagger

In-Tune

Collision

Stand Alone

Sketch

Sass

Trick

Moonshine Task Force Series

Renegade

Tank

Havoc

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