Epilogue
One month later
The whiskey spilled on the granite counter as Paco poured another shot for Sangre and Muerto.
“Sorry,” Chelsea said, brushing past him. She grabbed two potholders and opened the top oven. Steam billowed out of it and the sweet and peppery scent of hot wings filled the kitchen. She placed the large sheet pan on the stovetop and opened the bottom oven. Garlic and onions mingled with the chile sauce of the buffalo wings as she pulled out a bubbling dish and placed it next to the wings.
Paco wiped down the counter. “Need some help, babe?”
She looked over her shoulder, her face flushed red from the heat. “I’m good. Just make sure there’s room on the table for the wings and artichoke dip,” she replied as she walked toward the dining room, the brown cast iron pot in her hands.
He shoved some casserole dishes and bowls aside, and she placed the dip on the table. “It smells real good,” he said, drawing her close to him. “And so do you.” He nuzzled her neck. She laughed and smacked his arm lightly with the potholder.
“Can I have some of these wings on the stove?” Goldie asked.
Chelsea pulled away from Paco and ambled into the kitchen. “Go ahead and take some. I’ll put the rest in a bowl and put it on the buffet table.”
“Let me help you,” Breanna said, coming into the room.
Chelsea handed her a platter of deviled eggs. “You can put that on the table. I want to thank you again for recommending Dr. Jagow. She’s the best. I feel so comfortable with her, and I actually look forward to our sessions.”
Breanna beamed as she took the platter from her and headed to the buffet table. “I’m happy it’s working out. I thought it would be a good fit.” She placed the deviled eggs down and picked up a slice of French bread, spreading dip on it then taking a bite. “You have to give me the recipe for your artichoke dip. It’s so good.”
“It’s my grandma’s recipe. I’ll e-mail it to you.”
Paco smiled as he listened to Chelsea and Breanna, happy that she’d found friendship among the old ladies. Since she’d been back in Alina, she’d blossomed, and her confidence and independence had grown so much. He loved that she had girlfriends who accepted her without judgment.
“Your house looks real good,” Steel said as he came up to Paco. “Are you finished remodeling?”
“Yeah… finally. Talk about a pain in the ass. It would’ve been easier if we would’ve just built the damn house from the ground up. Chelsea kept changing her mind on what she wanted, it was driving me fucking nuts.”
Steel nodded and brought his beer to his lips. After taking a drink, he looked around the room. “Your woman makes a nice home for you, and she can fucking cook.”
Pride surged through him at Steel’s words. “Chelsea’s awesome, that’s for sure.”
“Are you taking her to Sturgis this year?”
“Who’s going to Sturgis?” Army asked as he came over with Shotgun and Cueball.
“Chelsea and I. She can’t wait to see what it’s all about. And she’s chomping at the bit to ride all the way to South Dakota. She loves riding on my Harley.” He chuckled. “She’s definitely the right woman for me.”
Sangre walked over, a plate of food in his hand. “I can’t wait for the summer. It means a ton of riding well into the fall.”
“How’s your security business going?” Cueball asked as he picked up a buffalo wing.
“Good. I signed several contracts over the last week.”
“Do you want me to fix you a plate?” Chelsea asked, looping her arm around Paco’s waist.
“I’d love to eat you,” he whispered into her ear.
“You’re so bad,—” she said softly. “—and that’s one of many things I love about you.”
Tilting her chin back, he kissed her gently on the lips. “I can’t wait for everyone to leave,” he said against her mouth.
“Chelsea,” Breanna said, putting a large bowl of potato salad on the table. “How’s it working out with your classes?”
“Great.” She drew back from Paco then ambled over to Breanna. Chelsea was studying online for her bachelor’s in sociology; she wanted to become a counselor.
She came back over to Paco and handed him a plate filled with a sampling of everything. Laughing and talking with Breanna, she made her way to the large family room and sat down next to Kendra.
“We’re having such a wonderful time,” Chelsea’s mother said to him as she went over to the buffet table. “You’ve been a wonderful tour guide during our stay.”
Paco lifted his chin, a smile twitching on his lips. Linda and Peter had been in Alina for the past ten days and they were leaving the following day to explore the Rocky Mountains and Grand Lake in the western part of the state. Chelsea had been more than ecstatic when her mother told her they were coming for a visit. At first, Paco had dreaded the visit, knowing that Peter would most probably piss him off, but since Chelsea’s stepdad had given up drinking, he was a much nicer person, and Linda seemed much more relaxed.
“It’s been wonderful seeing Chelsea. I love seeing her so happy.” Linda put her hand on his forearm. “Thank you for making her shine. I’m no longer worried about her. I can see that she has everything she needs with you.”
Paco glanced at Chelsea who was holding Tommy close to her. “You raised a strong, kickass woman. We both have everything we need in each other.” He slugged down his shot of Jack, sucking his teeth as it burned into his system.
“Hey, dude. What is it with women and babies? I mean your nephew has all the women around him and we’re standing here like we’re at a damn stag party,” Army said before he shoved a bacon wrapped scallop in his mouth.
Paco laughed. “I gotta admit we can never beat that type of competition.”
“Even the club girls were all around him when you brought him by last week. Fuck.”
As the party went on, Paco leaned against the kitchen counter watching all the guests as they mingled, ate, and drank, and then his gaze focused on Chelsea. He watched her as she held Tommy in outstretched arms, making faces at him as the rest of the room chuckled. A tingling warmth coursed through him, and as he watched her, he longed for her. Her lazy smiles and the way her nose crinkled when she concentrated were some of the things he loved about her. And… her eyes. Fuck. They had pulled him in, but who she was had captured his heart. As long as I breathe, baby, I’ll be yours in mind, body, and soul.
Chelsea handed Tommy back to Kendra and walked over to Paco. “What are you doing all alone over here? Don’t you want to come join the party?” she asked, standing close to him.
Heat radiated from her, and the scent of pralines and honeysuckle wafting around him had him simmering for her touch. “I love you so much,” he rasped into her hair.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and tugged his head down. “I love you, too.” Her lips met his and she kissed him passionately as she pressed closer to him.
“Fuck, baby. I need you in the worst damn way.”
“Maybe we can sneak off for a quickie,” she whispered.
He laughed and hugged her tighter. “As tempting as that sounds, I want to take my time with you. I want to savor each inch of your luscious body.”
“I don’t mean to break in on your fun, but Raven and I are gonna take off,” Muerto said.
Chelsea drew back and turned toward him, smiling. “Thanks for coming by. Raven said that next week you’re having a potluck. Count us in.”
“Are we?” he asked as he glanced over at Raven, who winked at him.
“That’s what she said,” Chelsea answered.
“I never know what the fuck’s going on until someone tells me. Raven still thinks she’s flying solo.” He laughed and motioned for her to come over.
Raven slipped into his arms and gave him a quick kiss on his mouth. “Ready to go?”
“Yeah. I didn’t know we were having a get together next week.” He smacked her butt lightly.
Desire laced through her eyes. “Yeah… I forgot to tell you. Oops.”
“Bad girl,” he said thickly. Turning to Paco, he bumped his fist against his. “Later, bro.”
“Thanks for a wonderful party,” Raven said. “We’re going to have to go out to lunch soon. I know you’re swamped with your classes and volunteering at the teen shelter, but maybe we can do it on a Saturday. Fallon, Hailey, and Breanna want to go too.”
“Next Saturday works for me,” Chelsea replied.
“Really? Great. Let’s do it. I’ll tell the others. Are you game for Mexican? I love Alfonso’s. They have the best shrimp and enchiladas in town.”
“Paco and I love that place. What time?”
“One o’clock?”
“Perfect.” Chelsea, grasping Paco’s hand, walked Raven and Muerto to the door.
Soon all the guest started leaving, and Paco rounded up Matt and Diego as Kendra gathered the toys she’d brought. She slung the large tote over her shoulder and took Tommy from Chelsea. “Thanks so much for a lovely party.”
Chelsea beamed and hugged her quickly. “You’re welcome. I love having you and the kids over. Do you want to join me and the other old ladies for lunch next Saturday? Paco can babysit.”
“What the fuck are you getting me into, woman?” Paco pretended to be pissed but the smile twitching on his lips gave him away. Chelsea laughed.
Kendra glanced at him. “Are you sure you’d be good with that? I’d love to go with the women and be kid-free for a bit.”
“As long as you’re good with the boys hanging at the club,” Paco said as he walked Kendra to her car.
“I’m okay with that as long as there’s no nasty stuff going on or super drunk guys around.”
He shook his head. “Give me some fucking credit. I’ll make sure that while Matt, Diego, and Tommy are there, it’s like a church’s community center on a Sunday.” He bent down and kissed her cheek, ran his fingers over Tommy’s soft hair, and hugged his other two nephews. “Drive safely and text me when you get home.” He helped her settle in the boys then closed the car door. He watched the car until it turned the corner.
When he came back in, Chelsea and her mother were laughing and talking as they cleaned up.
“I’m going upstairs,” he said to Chelsea.
After a half hour, she came into their bedroom, smiling at him. With the back of her hand, she brushed off stray wisps of hair stuck on her forehead. “I’m going to freshen up,” she said as she went into the bathroom. A few minutes later, the sound of running water filtered into the bedroom.
Leaning against the headboard, his hands behind his head, an image of Chelsea’s body wet, naked, and glistening filled his mind. He pictured her hands gliding over her soap slick breasts, sliding down further to wash the sweet parts that always made him crazy with desire. Dammit! His dick was hard enough to pound nails. “Fuck this,” he growled under his breath as he threw off the sheets and stood up. He wanted nothing more than to step into that shower, wrap his arms around her and yank her sleek, naked body to his. Before he crossed the room, the bathroom door opened and Chelsea came out, steam curling out around her. Her gaze fell on his erection and a devilish smile tugged at her lips as she shrugged off the bathrobe. Sucking in his breath, his gaze took in her pink, freshly scrubbed skin, drops of water trickling down her body, and her hardened nipples. Arousal clawed at him and he gripped her upper arms and jerked her toward him. The subtle scent of her shower gel and the rich nutty scent of her arousal flooded his senses, and he fisted her hair and yanked it. Small moans came from her throat, landing on his pulsing dick.
Tilting her head back, he crushed his lips against hers, dipping his tongue in and out of her mouth. She curled her arms around his neck and rubbed her pebbled nipples on his chest.
“Fuck, baby,” he rasped, cupping her ass and squeezing it.
He gently pushed her backward to the bed, easing her down on it then hovering over her. She reached down and circled her fingers around his cock and a guttural groan erupted from his throat. Reaching down, he grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head then lowered his and sucked her nipples hard. “You want it hard tonight?” he breathed as he lightly bit the delicate skin of her tits.
“Nipple clamps, restraints, and whatever else you want to do to me,” she said hoarsely as she writhed beneath him.
Desire and love shot through him, and he rolled off her and went over to a large hand painted trunk. Opening it, he took out a shimmering butt plug, restraints, clamps, and a purple feather teaser. When he walked back over to the bed, Chelsea still had her hands above her head, her inky eyes brimming with heated desire. She looks beautiful. Straddling her, he slowly slipped the cuffs on her hands then spread lube on his cock and nestled it between her tits, pressing them tight around him. As he teased her hard buds with his thumb, he slid between her tits, pushing so far that it hit her lips; each time he brushed her lips, she licked his cock’s head, squirming and moaning beneath him.
“You look so fucking hot,” he said, thrusting his hips as he moved between her breasts.
“It feels so good. Don’t stop. Go harder,” she said raggedly.
“We’ve got all night, baby.” Winking, he bent down and sucked her bottom lip into his mouth.
A few hours later, they lay tangled together, sated and spent. He ran his fingers lightly over her shoulder, loving the way her skin pebbled under his touch.
“That was awesome,” she murmured.
“Yeah. You ignite the fire deep in my darkness, baby.” He kissed the top of her head.
She snuggled closer to him.
Her breathing deepened and he rested his hand on her shoulder. I can’t imagine my life without her. She was the half that made him whole. His demons played well with hers and together they made magic.
On a cold rainy night, his world had been turned upside down by a quiet but strong woman. Love had slipped into his life when he’d least expected. There wasn’t any fanfare, just genuine respect and understanding that had blossomed until he couldn’t live without her.
He inhaled deeply then closed his eyes.
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