Chapter 18

Terri

Mick had a set of clothes I could change into after my shower. I didn’t even want to know how he knew all of my sizes. While the bra and panty set was a little too Victoria’s Secret for my taste, the jeans and T-shirt fit like they had been made for me. The T-shirt was scooped low in front and I made sure he got a good look as he kissed me goodbye the next morning.

“Check on Billy and then come back here. I want to spend the weekend with you.”

“I don’t think I can leave him that long.”

“You’re going to have to when you go to the trade show.”

Mick was right. I bit my lip in indecision. I wanted to stay with Mick. A part of me was worried he’d act like my ex, Peter, and accuse me of babying my brother and neglecting my boyfriend. But I couldn’t deny that I needed a break.

“Why don’t you come with me? We can take Billy out for brunch and then once he’s settled back home, we can have the rest of the weekend to ourselves.”

“All right.”

I was so happy, the kiss I gave him had us scrambling out of our clothes. This time, he pushed me up against the wall. My legs wrapped around him and his big hands were all over my breasts. He kissed me until I didn’t have any breath left. Then he slipped on a condom and fucked me so hard that a painting slid off the wall and crashed to the floor. I barely noticed. Mick didn’t even give it a second glance. He stared into my eyes and I forgot to breathe again. Tightening around him, I came, gripping him over and over again. Touching his forehead to mine, he grunted and let me milk his cock to orgasm.

“Fuck, Terri,” he moaned. “I want you.”

“You just had me,” I reminded him, my legs sliding back to the floor.

“Tonight,” he said. “I’m going to be inside you all fucking night long.”

“I can’t wait.”

I had to stop kissing him; otherwise we’d be taking Billy out to dinner. As it was, Mick couldn’t keep his hands off my breasts.

“That bra is driving me crazy,” he said.

“You bought it,” I reminded him. Along with the itchy lace panties, but since I loved how hard it got him when I paraded around in front of him this morning, I figured it was worth a little discomfort.

Mick went into the half bath to clean up while I went back into the master bathroom. I was hoping tonight we could put that whirlpool to good use. I was feeling a little stiff and sore, but in a good way—a very good way.

I texted Billy to let him know what the plans were and that starting Monday we’d have health benefits because I’d finally been hired as a full-time, permanent employee.

OK

Was all he wrote back, both to my texts last night about staying over and again to the current text about taking him out to the diner for brunch. He was a little too noncommittal and I hoped he wasn’t going to give Mick too hard of a time. I had been expecting more of a reaction from him about the health insurance. Maybe he was worried about pre-existing conditions. I hadn’t thought about that until just now. Nothing was ever easy.

“What’s up?” Mick asked, slinging his arm around my waist.

“My brother is a little overprotective of me,” I warned him. “So don’t be offended if he tries to be all macho and stuff.”

“I got it covered,” Mick said, kissing me hard on the mouth as I got into my car and he got into his.

I wasn’t as convinced. But when we picked up Billy, got him and his wheelchair into Mick’s car, he was pleasant.

“So where did you meet my sister?” Billy asked as we drove to the diner.

“I’m right here,” I said from the backseat. “Don’t talk like I’m not even in the car.”

Mick’s eyes met mine in the rearview mirror. He seemed amused. “We met at the Beanery about six months ago.”

Billy grunted.

“Then when she and Curtis Lemming hit it off, my firm decided to hire her.”

That was a sanitized version of events.

“So do you always date your employees?”

“Billy,” I warned.

“No. I don’t think that’s a good idea. So I transferred her to my brother’s department.”

“You still own the company, though.”

“I’m comfortable with the layer of direct report between us.”

Billy ran his hand over the leather on the car door. “Yeah, but the bottom line is you still sign her paycheck.”

“Our CFO’s name is on the funds transfer, actually.” Mick’s voice had cooled off slightly and I was wondering if this was all going to go south fast.

“And she tells me that you hired her on full-time with health benefits.”

“That’s right. Your sister works hard and deserves it.”

“Still right here in the backseat.” I poked my head between them.

“When did this new position come through?”

I saw Mick’s jaw clench. “Yesterday.”

“Yesterday, huh?” Billy glared back at me.

“What?” I mouthed at him.

“Was that before or after my sister slept with you?”

“Damn it, Billy,” I snarled. “That’s out of line.”

“Not that it’s any of your business, but your sister and I have been sleeping together for a month now.”

Flopping back in my seat, I closed my eyes and groaned. Technically, that wasn’t true. But I guess it wasn’t completely inaccurate. Now it was Billy’s turn to gnash his teeth.

“I suppose you’re used to girls hanging around you for the things you can give them,” Billy continued his assault.

Please don’t mention your big cock, I silently thought at Mick.

“Terri and I have a lot in common.”

“I’m not sleeping with him for medical benefits,” I said. “Just want to put it out there.”

“Like what?” my brother scoffed as if I hadn’t said anything.

“Advertising. Coffee. Chinese food.”

“GMO wine,” I piped up.

“GSM,” Mick corrected. “Terri’s gotten me into World of Legends. We’re going to GameCon next week. If you like, I think I can score up another ticket. You’re welcome to come along.”

I inhaled sharply. Mick didn’t know the direct hit he just scored.

“No, thank you,” Billy bit out. “I have other plans.”

Those other plans were the medical trial that Mick had paid a shit-ton of cash to get Billy into. I didn’t dare mention that or I might have to brain my brother over the head with his crutch if he insinuated I was sleeping with Mick out of gratitude or obligation.

“What do you play in World of Legends?” Billy asked.

I eased out a sigh of relief as the conversation drifted to the game, which was the one thing we all had in common. We wound up having an uncomfortable brunch, but the overt hostility seemed to have faded by the time we dropped Billy off at home.

“I don’t like him,” Billy said to me as I helped him get his things settled for the afternoon and evening. Mick waited out in the car. He said he had to make a few phone calls, but I think he was laying low—not that I blamed him.

“Why not?”

“He wears a diamond in his ear. Who does he think he is, a pirate?”

“You don’t like him because of his jewelry?” I asked.

Billy grunted. “He better treat you right.”

“I like him, Billy. I really like him.” So much that I was wondering if I was falling for him too fast.

“Does he like you?”

“He seems to. He put up with your crap today.”

“Well, excuse me for caring about you.” Billy sniffed and turned on the television.

“You practically called me a whore.” I placed my hands on my hips.

“Just tell me the truth. Are you with him because of the money and the job?”

I reeled back. “No.” I was stunned. “How could you even think that?”

Rubbing his hand over his face, he said, “I don’t know. It’s been so desperate lately. I was afraid that you were willing to compromise yourself to make things easier for us.”

“I’m not that noble,” I said. “Look, I appreciate that you’re worried about me. But I know what I’m doing. I know Mick can come off like a flashy asshole, but he’s really sweet when you get to know him.”

Billy grunted and put on the ball game. That was his way of saying the conversation was over.

“Call or text if you need me. I’ll be home tomorrow afternoon.”

“Have fun,” he said grudgingly, reaching for my laptop.