Everyone was enjoying themselves. There was something about a street dance that made me feel good—small town country at its best. Kids ran through the crowds, playing and exploring. High school kids danced in the middle of the street while older folks sat at tables and enjoyed one another’s company.
This was one of the many reasons I loved Texas.
Waylynn let out a yee-haw as Cord spun her around and did some flip move before they took off two-steppin’ again. Amelia and Wade were lost in each other, dancing slowly even though it was a fast song. I couldn’t help but smile at the love between them.
On one side of the street, Steed held a sleeping Chloe while Paxton cradled Gage. My heart melted as I took them in. I wanted desperately to tell Paxton what had happened with Mitchell and the night of the forgotten condom, but I knew the first thing she would do: jump all over me for not being careful. Even though she and Steed ended up with Gage for the very same reason.
A breath slipped from my lips as I tried not to think about it. Mitchell’s laughter pulled my head to the right where I saw him with his father and Trevor, joking about something. I watched Mitchell’s every move, loving everything about him. The dimple that came out when he smiled. The way he whispered sweet and tender things in my ear when we made love. The way he placed his hand on my lower back to guide me through a room. Even the way he pretended to despise Milo, yet secretly loved him.
Another laugh from Mitchell broke my stare. My stomach tightened as a new round of thoughts hit me.
If I was pregnant, how would Mitchell react? He was still getting used to the idea of being in a relationship. There was no way he would be able to handle a kid thrown into the picture. Or would he? Deep in my heart, I knew his words from earlier were his way of telling me he was in this for the long haul.
Tears stung my eyes as I forced them back.
He said he wouldn’t leave, no matter what. Did that mean he wouldn’t leave me? Or the baby?
My gaze dropped to the ground, and I tried to push the thoughts away. I wasn’t even sure I was pregnant. Touching my stomach, I held my breath.
Was I ready for all of this? I had a career. A life I had planned that didn’t include a baby—at least not yet.
Then there was the problem with my brother. He was getting married, and if I announced I was pregnant, he’d say I was trying to steal his thunder.
Crap. Why did I lose control that day? I threw myself at Mitchell, knowing he wouldn’t be able to resist. Did I subconsciously want this?
“Corina?”
My head popped up to see Vi, Mitchell’s aunt.
“Hi, Vi. Having fun?”
She sat down next to me and let out a sigh. “I’m too old for this shit.”
I let out a chuckle. “Why are you here then?”
With a drawn-out sigh, she replied, “On the search for a man.”
Nearly choking on my own breath, I stared at her. “Are you serious?”
Vi turned to look at me. “Of course I’m serious. I’m a woman. I have needs, my dear.”
I didn’t like where this was going. I frantically looked for Mitchell. My heart dropped when I saw him talking to another woman. I couldn’t tell who she was from behind. I willed her to turn around. Was it Cassidy?
“He’s only talking to her. Stow the fears,” Vi whispered.
“I’m not worried,” I said, my voice sounding weak. Truth was, a small part of my brain wondered if Mitchell could settle down and be with one woman for the long run. He hadn’t been with anyone in months, so I wasn’t sure why I was worried…but I was.
“You don’t sound convincing to me, so I know you aren’t convincing yourself. The one thing you’re going to have to get used to, Corina, is that you are with a man who is terribly good looking. Women are going to stare, flirt, and yes, attempt to slip into his bed. Do you trust him?”
It didn’t even take me a second to answer.
“Yes. It’s her I don’t trust.” I threw that last sentence in because I assumed he was talking to Cassidy.
“Spoken like a woman who isn’t naïve,” Vi said.
Mitchell lifted his eyes and looked at me from across the street. Almost as if he knew my gaze was on him. He smiled and my stomach dropped and instantly fluttered. When he looked back to the woman, his smile slipped off his face.
A moment ago when he was looking at me and smiling, now he seemed angry. He went to step around the woman and she reached for his arm. It was Cassidy. Pulling his arm free, he said something that caused her to take a step back. I wondered if he’d put her in her place, like that day in the ladies’ restroom.
“Aunt Vi, don’t you look beautiful this evening,” Waylynn said.
I looked up at Mitchell’s sister. “She’s on the hunt for a man,” I offered.
Waylynn’s brows lifted. “Me too! Let’s go hunt together.”
Vi let out a laugh and stood. “You always were my favorite, Waylynn.”
I focused back on Mitchell and Cassidy, but they were both gone. My heart started to race and my mind wandered to a place it shouldn’t.
Did they go off together?
No, I know better.
Cheese and crackers, Corina. Settle down.
I suddenly felt sick. Standing, I took in a deep breath and came face to face with Mitchell.
He looked concerned, reaching out for me. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
My mouth opened but nothing came out. What was I going to say? I’m jealous because you’re talking to a woman you slept with a while ago?
Like that would go over well.
“Nothing. I felt a little sick. It’s pretty warm out, and I don’t think I’ve had enough water today.”
Mitchell frowned. “You need to make sure you’re drinking water, dove.”
His pet name felt like a cool breeze over my hot skin.
“I know,” I barely replied.
Mitchell wrapped his arm around my waist and led me to one of the food booths. My mind was racing with what I should do next: ask him what he and Cassidy had talked about? Or ignore it and let my curiosity fester?
I knew what to do. I wasn’t into playing games, and I knew Mitchell wasn’t either. Before I had a chance to ask, he spoke first. “Cassidy was asking how serious we are.”
A lump formed in my throat. I looked up at him as we waited in line.
“I told her we were serious and exclusive. You’re my girlfriend and I am your boyfriend.”
My body tingled as he spoke. “What did she say after that?”
He rolled his eyes. “Some smart-ass remark about me not being able to stay with one woman.”
The tingles vanished. “Is she right?” I asked, deciding to voice my worries.
Mitchell looked hurt. I regretted asking the question, but then again, I felt like I needed to.
“She’s far from it. I know I didn’t start things off right with us, and I regret it. I can’t change that, but the last thing I want is for you to think I might cheat on you. I would never do that to you, Corina.”
Lifting up on my toes, I wrapped my arms around his neck. I had already known the answer in my heart, but my head was being a bitch and wanted reassurance.
Our lips pressed together. Mitchell’s hand moved up my back and into my hair, tugging me closer to him.
He pulled back and gave me a sexy grin. “I have another position.”
Lifting a brow, I asked, “Really? I’m listening.”
Mitchell looked around, then back at me. “I say we sneak behind this food trailer and see how quiet we can be in public.”
My eyes widened in surprise. “Are you serious, Mitchell? Sex in public? You’re a cop!”
He laughed. “That makes it all the more fun.”
I chewed on my lip as I thought about it. Mitchell grabbed my hand and pulled me around the food truck. It was darker and no one was around, but we could hear the voices of everyone around us.
“I can’t do this!” I whispered.
When he gave me a sexy-as-sin grin, I knew I was about to lose this battle.
Mitchell unbuttoned his pants and pushed them down. My eyes moved down to stare at his impressive length. Taking a breath, I leaned over and took him into my mouth. Mitchell hissed and dug his fingers into my hair. How did this man have such an effect on me? He brought out my naughty side, and I loved it!
Reaching with my other hand, I played with his balls before slipping my fingers and applying light pressure around his shaft. Mitchell let out a groan, tapped me on the head, and said, “Baby, I’m going to come.”
You can do this, Corina!
And did I ever. I swallowed every drop of Mitchell’s cum. When I stood up, I wiped my mouth and looked at him. His eyes were glassy, and he had a smile on his face.
“Fucking hell. That was amazing,” he gasped as he tucked himself back into his pants and zipped up.
With a smile of my own, I made a check motion with my finger. “Not really a position, but we can check off blowjob in public.”
Mitchell laughed. “Yes, we can.”
His hand went behind my neck, crushing my mouth to his.
Time seemed to stand still. I felt him pour everything he had into that kiss, and I knew no matter what happened next, Mitchell Parker would never hurt me again.
When he broke the kiss, he leaned his forehead against mine and his mouth fell open. Words were on his lips, but he didn’t give them to me. They were probably the same words I wanted to say. I was just as nervous to admit it aloud. So I whispered the truth in my mind.
I love you, Mitchell Parker.