Chapter 19

When Reid woke the next morning, it was to the feel of soft, curvy skin against his body. He’d held Naomi through the night, and he’d never had such a good sleep.

She wriggled her ass against his groin and sighed, and his dick sprang to instant attention.

He’d fantasized about being able to have her this way, waking up to her in his arms, naked, willing.

Reid lay on his side with her, his dick so hard, he couldn’t concentrate on anything but the soft woman in his arms.

Without doing more than giving into temptation, uncaring of the time, who might be around, or, hell, being late to work, he lifted her leg and draped it over his, giving himself room to make love to her. He paused, still debating the best way to wake her when she wriggled back against him and moaned, “Reid, yes.”

He pressed his face against her back and kissed between her shoulder blades while he slowly eased into her warm, wet body. Christ, it was like fucking a dream. He entered her from behind, on his side, his penetration both satisfying and frustrating because at that angle, he couldn’t get deep enough to suit him.

With a hand clenched around her breast, he held on as he thrust in and out, enjoying the hell out of her breathy moans and pleas for more.

Naomi met him thrust for thrust.

When he drew a hand down to play with her clit, she pushed his hand aside and did it herself.

“Yeah, baby. Get yourself off.” He thought it sexier than hell that Naomi took her pleasure, not waiting for him but taking charge herself. And her rise to orgasm allowed him to take his.

He couldn’t help groaning and grunting as he sought fulfillment. But only when she cried out and stiffened around him did he spill inside her, the climax one that gratified on every level.

He let her body milk him of everything he had left before easing out of her.

She flopped on her belly and moaned.

Reid heard the TV go on in the living room and paused. Hell. He’d left a trail of clothes out there, and Naomi had undressed in the hall bathroom. Any chance Cash wouldn’t notice evaporated as he heard his brother’s booming laugh, followed by a “Get some, Reid!”

He covered his face, praying his brother didn’t alienate Naomi too soon. Not when Reid had finally found a piece of what he’d been searching for his whole life.

He did a quick cleanup and took care of business before throwing on a pair of shorts. “I’ll be back with your clothes,” he said and kissed her cheek. A glance at the clock showed him he hadn’t woken too late. “It’s only five thirty, so you have time to recover before work.”

She groaned and yanked the blankets over her head. “Need. Coffee.”

He grinned, feeling amazing. “Sure thing, sweetheart.”

He left the room whistling and saw Cash looking hungover, draped on the couch.

The minute Cash spotted Reid, he bolted upright, groaning as he clutched his head, but held out a thumbs-up. “You are the motherfucking man!”

“Shh.” Reid glanced at the hallway. “Not so loud. And do not—at all—embarrass that woman, or I will kick your ass back to Afghanistan, dickhead.”

Cash’s dumbass grin didn’t bode well for the morning, but he looked better than Reid had hoped, bleary-eyed but wearing pants and one sock. “So, Little Bro hits, he scores. The crowd goes wild.” Cash plunked his half-dressed butt on a barstool and watched Reid make coffee. “Any chance you’d make some pancakes to go with the coffee? You know, to keep me civil and quiet when your redhead appears?”

Reid grunted and whipped together some pancake mix. “All you have to do is add water.”

“I know, but it tastes better when you make it.”

Reid rolled his eyes but, still in too good a mood to protest, made a dozen cakes. He dumped half on a plate and slid it to Cash. The rest he plated for his lover. His girlfriend.

Cash stared at him while he wolfed down breakfast and mumbled around his food, “You nailed her for sure.”

“Shh.” Reid glared at him and monitored the hallway for signs of life.

“Was it good?”

“You are not this big an asshole.”

Cash shrugged and ate, still watching him while Reid poured himself some much-needed caffeine.

“The funeral is Sunday, right?” Cash swallowed his last bite. “Might as well enjoy life while you can.”

“I’m not feeling guilty about this.”

Cash blinked. “Huh? Why would you?”

“Then what are you saying?”

“Just that Angela’s funeral service is in a few days. We need to find someone to cover my shifts this weekend. At least for Sunday.”

“I’d have Evan do it, but he’s coming to the service with Aunt Jane.”

Cash frowned. “What about having Tim fill in? He likes Martin, and he can help keep an eye on Mannie for us.”

Reid nodded. “I’ll pay him time and a half for filling in if he’ll do it. I’d ask one of the Jacksons, but they’re out of town this weekend for some family thing.”

“Their sister is getting married.” Of course Cash would know. “They offered to leave the wedding party early and come to the funeral, but I told them not to. Hell, I’m not even sure I’m going.”

“You’re going.”

“Yeah? What if I don’t feel like it? Who’s gonna make me? You?”

Reid had flashbacks to high school, when he’d nagged Cash to graduate. Back then, Cash had dwarfed Reid. Though he still did, at least now Reid knew how to fight. He’d still get his ass handed to him, but he’d get in a few licks before he lost. “Settle down, Gunnery Sergeant Asshole.” He ignored the finger Cash shot him. “Neither of us wants to go, but we have to. Don’t forget the will’s being read today. Five o’clock. We can ride there together.”

“I can’t. I’m on a move with Jordan and Heidi. But I’ll be there.”

“Okay.” Reid didn’t push. Plus Cash being near Jordan would ease his brother’s anxiety. Cash refused to admit it, but he liked Jordan. And he didn’t like upsetting her. Reid would have a talk with her, to explain about Cash’s potential moodiness, before Cash went into work. He prepped a tray with coffee, pancakes, and syrup.

“You do one thing to embarrass or freak her out, I will end you.” Reid gave Cash the “not kidding” stare.

Cash sighed. “Whatever, man. You used to be fun. Now you’re just a prick.” In a lower voice, he added, “You’d think getting laid would make you happy.”

Reid smirked over his shoulder and walked away. “Jealous?”

“Hell yeah.”

Reid had a feeling his brother wasn’t talking about Naomi personally. Oddly, they’d never been competitive with each other. And they’d never let a woman come between them, ever. Even the mess with Mariah hadn’t severed their close bond. Because even then, Cash had trusted Reid over his fiancée.

Reid entered his bedroom to find it empty, the shower running. He left the tray on his dresser and returned with Naomi’s clothing.

He was sipping coffee and reading the news on a tablet when she entered, clad in nothing but a towel. She had another wrapped around her head like a turban.

“How do women do that?” he asked, nodding at her head.

“It’s a secret. I could tell you, but I’d have to kill you.”

“That’s my line.”

She smiled, but her grin brightened when she spotted the coffee. “Oh, this is good.” She spotted her clothes on the now-made bed and sighed. “Thanks. I didn’t want to have to streak out there to get them.”

“You wouldn’t want to. Cash is home.”

She flushed, as he’d known she would.

“Don’t worry. He says one thing that annoys you, I’ll beat his ass.”

“Um, don’t take this the wrong way, Reid. But he’s enormous. And you’re more normal.”

“Excuse me?” He flexed, gratified when she stared at his physique.

“Oh stop. Yes, you’re sexy as hell. And muscular. But he’s steroid-huge.”

“He is not.” Reid could only imagine his rage-y brother on steroids. Talk about a real monster.

“Okay, he’s not a steroid guy. But he’s really big.”

“I’m six four,” came a shout through the door, which had both Reid and Naomi jumping.

“That ass,” Reid growled.

Naomi shocked him by laughing.

“No sex. We have to get to work,” Cash boomed, and Reid prayed their neighbors didn’t complain about the noise. Again. “Gotta shower, so in case I don’t see you, hi, Naomi.”

Reid pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Hi, Cash,” she yelled back, now cutting into her pancakes. She sat on the bed and put the tray in her lap.

“Love your taste in panties, by the way,” Cash answered.

Reid headed toward the door. “That is it!”

* * *

Naomi heard scuffling outside, but starved for some food after her marathon sex with Reid, she ate the heavenly pancakes and washed them down with lukewarm coffee. The blend was just okay. She’d have to give Reid some of her favorite brand.

He came back, looking a little ragged but still in one piece. When he saw her finishing her plate, he nodded. “Good. You need to eat more. You’re too skinny.”

She would have loved him for that statement alone. If she’d loved him. Which she didn’t. Not yet. Maybe she did. Oh no. She did.

Guzzling the coffee, she prayed he couldn’t read her panic.

“Hey, your family isn’t going to come down on you for staying here, are they?”

She froze. “Um, I doubt it.” They sure the heck would tease her about it though.

“Good. Cash is just being Cash. Don’t worry about him. And don’t worry about me waving your panties in triumph either. Our relationship is ours alone. You can trust me.”

He looked so earnest. She rose and crossed to him. “Sorry about this.”

“What?”

She kissed him. “Coffee breath.”

He kissed her back until both of them were moaning and grinding. “Shit. We can’t.”

“I’m all clean now. Plus I have to get to work.”

“Yeah. Me too.” But he pulled her towel open, and it dropped, leaving her naked.

She undid the towel holding up her hair. A glance down his front showed his shorts tented.

“Well, maybe a quickie.”

He smiled. “Great minds think alike.”

An hour later, at home as she dressed and put on her makeup for work, she knew a sense of relief that she hadn’t run into her family yet. With any luck, they would think she’d been too tired in her bedroom to come out to say good night. Then again, she was a grown woman. If she’d spent the evening at her boyfriend’s house, who should care?

Now dressed and ready to handle her Friday, she entered the kitchen.

And saw her mother guarding the coffeepot.

“Good morning, sleepyhead.” Kim gave her a wide smile.

Naomi sighed. “Yes, I spent the night with Reid.”

“Did I ask?”

“Can I have my coffee press back?”

Her mother laughed. “Of course. I was just waiting to share a cup with you. Think you can spare some time to show dear old mom around the office?”

“Sure.” Not exactly what she’d had in mind, but Naomi had a loose schedule today. “How about I pick you up at ten thirty? I can show you the office then take you to lunch.”

“That sounds perfect.”

“What about me?” Harley asked on a yawn as she padded into the room.

“You can stay here and enjoy your fiancé.” Kim hugged Harley and patted her belly. “I can’t believe I’m going to have another grandson in three more months!”

Harley rubbed her belly, the glow of pregnancy lighting up her smile. “Yep. Then you’ll be another aunt, Naomi. When are you going to give Mom some grandchildren?”

The memory of her imagined black-haired baby with Reid came rushing back with clarity. “I’m in no rush. I’m taking it slow. Dating. Then long engagement. Then marriage. Years later, a baby or two.”

“By that time, you’ll be fifty,” her mother muttered. “So what about Reid? I like him.”

Naomi repeated, “You like him.”

“Yep. So does everyone else. What are you waiting for?”

“How about for him to ask me?” Like it was a given they’d marry when they’d just become lovers? Not that her mom knew that, but Naomi hated assumptions about her life.

“Why not ask him? It’s a new age, Naomi,” Harley said, a twinkle in her eye.

Naomi pointed at her sister. “You, stop instigating.” She turned to her mom. “And you, I’ll be back at ten thirty to get you. And no talk about my love life, or I’m not coming.”

“Fine, fine.” Her mother gave an innocent shrug. “So sad that it’s considered rude to ask after your own daughter’s happiness.”

Naomi refrained from rolling her eyes. “Shouldn’t you be thinking about getting back home to work? How are they managing without you?”

“I’m going to retire soon.”

“In a few years,” Harley tacked on.

“But I’m trying to slow down in increments.”

Behind her, Harley shot their mother a look of disbelief.

“I saw that, Harley.”

“Meh. I’d argue, but the baby is using my bladder as a trampoline.” Harley waddled away.

Her mother smiled. “I’ll be here and waiting for you, my dear. Don’t be late.”

As if Naomi would think twice about ditching her mother. It might be worth it in the short run, but she’d never hear the end of it. Besides, her siblings always catered to the Starr matriarch, making it that much harder for Naomi to buck the system.

In that as well, she and Reid shared something in common. Both of them wanting the respect and affection of their parents. She figured it to be a natural extension of the parent-child mold. But she and Reid took it a step further. He did his best to gain the love of a woman who was lost in her own mind. Naomi had the love, but she wanted the respect her mother gave to the children who succeeded, whereas she’d always felt like the bottom of the ladder because of her many failures.

Sure, Naomi had overcome obstacles in her life. But it seemed like her siblings sailed through without a problem. Except for Harley losing her husband, she’d never failed at anything. And she hadn’t exactly failed her marriage. David had died.

Terrible thoughts didn’t make her day go by any faster, but they did prevent her from ditching her mother at ten thirty. Naomi swung by to pick her up, having delivered a warning to Liz and Leo about what to expect.

Kim behaved herself, asking questions about the business and keeping Naomi’s personal life private, for which Naomi was thankful. Though her mother liked to harangue her at home, she could and did comport herself in public. As a respected doctor and VIP at work, Kim knew how to handle people.

Sadly, Naomi knew her mother manipulated her with ease. Mostly out of love, which made it difficult to deny.

Seated at her desk, Naomi watched her mother studying the office. “You get me to do what you want pretty easily.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

Naomi grinned. “I use that tone myself. I think you know exactly what I mean.”

Her mother sighed and sat down. “I only ask about you out of love. I worry. All of my children are happy. But you, you’re always searching for something.”

“Now I don’t know what you mean.”

Her mother laughed. “I know you’ll hate to hear this, but we really are alike.”

Naomi groaned.

“I guess it’s time we had that talk.” Her mother sat back, crossed her legs, and studied Naomi over clasped hands. “For years, you’ve spent your time competing with your brothers and sister. In school, college, the workforce. And you never needed to.”

“I know that.” Naomi shifted, uncomfortable with the direction the conversation had taken.

“Honey, please. I know you better than you know yourself. When Ben took karate lessons, you needed karate lessons. When Peter became the team goalie in soccer, you had to change positions and outdo him. Which was just silly because that boy is a genius at the sport.”

“Mom.”

“Then Harley. Your biggest rival for years. Another girl, the closest to you in age, and you both liked the same things. You had to go into business.”

“Communications, Mom. Business came after.”

“Right. I actually had high hopes when you moved to Seattle. That you might let go of all this nonsense about trying to compete with your brothers and sister.”

Naomi stared. “You hated me moving away.”

“I didn’t. I just let you think that. Naomi, if I say black, you say white. I want you to stay, you leave. But that’s okay, because I like for my children to be independent. For all that I want you to forget being competitive, it’s part of who you are. And honey, I’m so proud of you.”

Naomi felt the bottom of her world drop out from under her. “Oh my God. You’re dying.”

Her mother burst into laughter. “No, no. But won’t your father get a kick out of that when I tell him about our talk. He’s been after me to set your mind at ease for years. Apparently, I’ve been too pigheaded to listen. I see it now though. No matter what you do, who you date, or how many babies you have or don’t have, I love you. I respect you. And I’m proud of the woman you’ve become.”

Teary-eyed yet mystified, Naomi asked, “What brought all this on? Not that I haven’t been dying to hear that my whole life, but what’s up, Mom?” Coming on top of Reid losing his own mother, a sudden fear of missing out on Kim Starr’s obnoxious yet loving insistence on giving advice made Naomi yearn to treasure every minute spent with her mom.

“It’s seeing your sister getting married again. Your brother achieving a major medical award. More grandbabies. I don’t know. I’m not getting any younger. I want you to be happy. Not for me, for you. I really am planning to retire next year, you know. I worked my butt off to get to this point. But I’m ready. I want to play, to see my children and grandchildren. And I want you to have children at some point—but only if that makes you happy.” Her mother grinned. “And especially if they have yours and Reid’s looks.”

“Mom.” She blushed.

“I liked Tanner because you liked Tanner. But I wasn’t sold on him for a long time. There was something about him that never quite suited you. Then there was the fact he was your boss,” her mother emphasized, like Naomi could forget. “I didn’t want you to make a mistake that might cost you your job.” Her mother gave her a strange look. “Now you’ve got your own business and a new man. One who looks at you like he can’t see anyone else in the room.”

“We just started dating, really.” He looked at her like that? She felt tingly all over.

“I saw you looking his way too, young lady. This man is different.”

“He’s a good person.” He’d never fire me for doing a good job. And he wouldn’t sleep with me if I worked for him. Well, was in his employ. She hated that she had to keep splitting hairs with that minute detail. “Look, I’m just going to say it. I met Reid through work.”

“I know.”

“I mean, he’s a client of mine.”

“Yes, I know.”

“I… What?”

Her mother huffed. “Seriously. We get the news, Naomi. Ben saw the article when it came out in the paper, and we watched the interview on TV. It wasn’t hard to put two and two together, especially after Ben did a little digging.”

Ben, you asshole. “Oh.” Naomi felt like a moron for trying to hide it.

“But if you’re dating him now, despite your work relationship, I can only gather that he means a lot to you. You’re not stupid.”

“Yeah? Well, dating Tanner didn’t turn out well for me. We broke up because I was doing better with clients than he was, and he couldn’t take it.”

Her mother stared in shock. “Really?”

“Yes.” It felt so good to get that off her chest. “He didn’t fire me, but he would have if I hadn’t quit. I started Starr PR because I needed a job. But I like being my own boss, and we’re doing really well. Reid started out as a client too.” She smiled. “Unlike Tanner, Reid likes and respects me.”

“Why shouldn’t he?”

“But Mom, Tanner and I are going to have to work together on a new project.” She explained her hope for a future with Jennings Tech. “He says he loves me and wants me back.”

Her mother scowled. “I hope you’re not seriously considering that.”

“No.” Naomi paused. “But I never did get that closure I needed with him. Maybe working together will give that to me.”

“What does Reid think of you working with your ex?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. I haven’t told him, not that it’s his business.”

Her mother laughed. “Yeah, right. So it wouldn’t bother you if he started working closely with one of his exes who confessed to wanting him back?”

“Well, ah…” She’d kick the woman’s ass. Then she’d kick Reid’s. “Hmm. I guess I should tell him.”

“Tell me what?” Reid asked from the doorway. “Hey, Naomi. Kim. Harley suggested I surprise you ladies by taking you to lunch. Though I’m not sure who gave her my phone number.”

Naomi had a feeling her big sister had snooped. Thank God Naomi had never tried sexting. But she’d thank her sister later for trying to soothe any potential ruffled feathers between their mom and her. Reid smiled at her, then crossed the room toward her. He looked so handsome in his trademark khaki pants and button-down shirt.

Before he reached her, a voice she could have done without added, “Did someone say lunch? Oh, hello, Kim.” Tanner stood in the doorway. “You didn’t get the message, Naomi? Jennings wants to take us to lunch today, for business.”

“Who’s this?” Reid asked.

Her mother’s mouth thinned. “Hello, Tanner.”

Reid’s eyes narrowed. “The douche who couldn’t handle a little competition?”

“Reid.” Naomi couldn’t believe the scene playing out in front of her.

Her mother choked.

Behind Tanner, Liz’s eyes went wide. She mouthed, “I’m sorry,” but didn’t step away from the spectacle unfolding.

Tanner stared with suspicion at Reid. “Who the hell are you?”

“Naomi’s—”

Not sure if he meant to say client or boyfriend, in work mode, Naomi interrupted, “Client” at the same time her mother said, “Boyfriend. What’s it to you?”

Tanner’s slow smile made her want to bury her overheating face under the desk. “Client and boyfriend, eh? This is a new thing, I take it.” As if it was any of his business. “Vets on the Go! hasn’t been a client for long.” Great. He was keeping tabs on her now?

Instead of punching him in the face, which she kind of wished he would, Reid answered, “She’s her own boss now, taking orders from nobody. And she doesn’t sleep with cowards with tiny dicks. Just idiots with huge ones.” Reid paused, glanced at Kim, and shrugged. “Sorry about that.”

“Oh, no bother at all. We were just going to lunch, Reid. We’d love to join you, Tanner.”

Tanner, grim-faced, waited. “We have business, Naomi, as much as I hate to intrude on your mom’s visit.” He ignored Reid as if he didn’t exist.

“Did you say Jennings?” Reid asked.

Tanner didn’t answer. Naomi nodded.

Reid brightened. “Great. He’s a good friend of mine. Come on. He won’t mind if Kim and I join you.” So saying, he waited for Naomi to gather her coat and purse. “Where are we going, Banner?”

“It’s Tanner, you dick.”

“Tanner,” Kim admonished. “Nice language.”

He flushed. “We’re meeting at Porcellos downtown.” A trendy Asian fusion hot spot Naomi had been wanting to try.

“Great. We’ll meet you there,” Reid said for her, which started to annoy Naomi. As much as she didn’t want to work with Tanner, she didn’t need Reid fighting her battles for her, no matter how much her mother seemed to be enjoying everything.

“Fine.” Tanner turned and walked away.

“I have a few questions to ask Liz before we go. I’ll be out here when you’re ready,” Kim said and shut Naomi and Reid in her office. Alone.

Together.

They stared at each other before Reid calmly sat in one of the two seats facing her desk. “So…working with the ex again, eh? How’d that happen?”