Still the One

Still the One

Lena Matthews

www.loose-id.com

Still the One Copyright © February 2011 by Lena Matthews All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the original purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this e-book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without prior written permission from Loose Id LLC. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author's rights. Purchase only authorized editions. eISBN 978-1-60737-946-1 Editor: Maryam Salim Cover Artist: Valerie Tibbs Printed in the United States of America

Published by Loose Id LLC PO Box 425960 San Francisco CA 94142-5960 www.loose-id.com This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author‟s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Dedication For Maryam, the best middleman in the field.

Chapter One “So do you guys have any plans for tomorrow night?” Creigh De Luca shifted a bit and pressed the expense report she‟d been perusing—while she was breastfeeding her infant daughter—against the heart design bloomers her sleeping child wore over her diaper. She gave a few absentminded pats to the padded bottom as she tried to focus on what her cousin and business partner, A-mei Gibbs, was saying. “What‟s tomorrow night?” A-mei looked up at her with disbelief. “Valentine‟s Day, geek.” “Oh that.” For a second, Creigh had thought she‟d forgotten something important. “Yes, that. I take it from your reply that you don‟t have plans?” “Are you kidding me?” Creigh gestured with the reports to her midday snacker suckling away greedily at her bosom. “With this hungry, hungry hippo still attached at my boobs? I don‟t think so.” “What?” If it wasn‟t for the look of confusion that shone brightly in A-mei‟s dark brown eyes, Creigh would have thought her cousin was kidding. Only a jokester would tease an overworked, sleep-deprived mother of three about romantic plans. “She doesn‟t eat all day.” “Feels like she does.” Creigh glanced down at the milk muncher in question and smiled. It was hard not to. Her youngest hadn‟t yet reached her first year, but she was already the belle of their De Luca ball.

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Maybe it was because Halla was the last one, or maybe it was because the labor had been complicated and they‟d nearly lost the baby that made everyone dote over her a little more than they should. Or maybe it was simply because without her conception, Creigh and her husband, Dean, would never have reunited, and that made Halla so much more special. Whatever it was, she was the apple of everyone‟s eye, and even at eight months, she ruled the roost. “I know you can pump and save your precious fluids. You‟re not fooling me. What‟s the real reason you‟re not doing anything? Do I need to have a word with my cousin-in-law?” Creigh chuckled at the very thought. “Good luck with that. Dean‟s working more hours at the pub than I am at the shop.” Her husband, his younger brother, Sergio, and his eldest brother, Gino, had expanded Gino‟s little bar, De Luca‟s Tavern, into a family-owned pub, adding to it a fully functioning kitchen as well as more seating room. Not quite a restaurant, but a bit better than the man cave it used to be. It was a family venture the brothers were giving their all to right now, including money and time. “Speaking of you putting in all these hours. What‟s that all about? We hired an assistant for a reason.” “Yes, but with Sergio helping with the remodeling instead of chipping in like he was, we‟re still short a man. And we really can‟t afford to hire someone else right now. Besides, I enjoy coming into the shop.” “Just don‟t run yourself down in the process.” “I won‟t.” A-mei arched a brow but didn‟t say a word. She didn‟t have to. “No, really, I won‟t.” A-mei laid her hand over her cousin‟s. “You have to take care of yourself.”

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“I know.” Creigh smiled at her. For all of A-mei‟s tenacity, her heart was truly in the right place. “I‟m going to. I promise you. I have far too much to live for to not do a good job on me.” “Have you gone back to the doctor?” Creigh rued the day she had mentioned her little incident to A-mei. The other woman was like a dog with a bone. “No, the blood work came in fine. I‟m just a little anemic. All I have to do is take some iron, rest, and I‟ll be right as rain.” “What does Dean think?” “At last check, Dean didn‟t have a medical degree, so I went to a doctor. Iron and rest was what he said I needed.” A-mei narrowed her eyes and pulled her hand back. “You didn‟t even mention it, did you?” “Not a word. And you better not either if you know what‟s good for you.” “You know you might be a little more threatening if there wasn‟t a tiny person attached to your tit. The whole Madonna and child thing overrules scary bitch.” “Don‟t make me set her down.” “Then don‟t make me tell Dean you passed out at work.” If she did, Creigh‟s ass would be grass. “I didn‟t pass out, I fainted…a little. It won‟t happen again.” “It better not. Because if it does, I‟ll tell him myself.” “Sheesh, fine. Let‟s change the subject.” To one that wouldn‟t leave her feeling guilty. Creigh knew A-mei was right to fuss, but she didn‟t want to cause waves. Things were good now at home with Dean, and she didn‟t want to upset him for anything in the world. Eating a little bit more, sleeping a bit more would solve it all, and he wouldn‟t have to worry one little bit. “Back to Valentine‟s Day. I don‟t think either of us can really take the day off.” “True,” A-mei admitted reluctantly with a nod. “Valentine‟s Day is our busiest day of the year.”

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“The flower shop will be filled with customers. We‟re going to need all hands on deck that day.” “But we‟re closing at six. Still leaves you guys plenty of time to go out and do something.” “Coming home to sit my tired ass down is doing something.” Creigh set the paper on the table, too distracted for the numbers to make much sense. Instead she nuzzled her daughter closer and, with a nudge of her foot, set the chair to rocking again. “To be honest,” she said softly so as to not disturb Halla, “I would be completely happy if Dean and I just skipped it altogether and just stayed home. Valentine‟s Day is for teenagers, greeting card companies, and struggling flower shops trying to stay in the black.” “In theory I agree. National Singles Awareness Day sucks dick. Like I or anyone else needs it rubbed in our face that we‟re alone. But…” A-mei‟s eyes glittered with excitement. “Presents would be nice. Expensive presents at that.” Creigh wasn‟t breaking out the pity violins just yet. “If you‟re alone, it‟s merely because of your own choosing. There hasn‟t been a day that goes by where some guy hasn‟t hit on you in one way, shape, or form.” Not that Creigh could blame them. Her cousin was beautiful. Her dual heritage blessed A-mei with caramel brown skin, almond-shaped eyes, and hair so dark it sometimes appeared blue. The straight, thick mane fell to the middle of her back, but the majority of the time Amei wore it with a few strands free in the front for bangs and the rest twisted in a knot on top of her head, held up with her customary chopsticks—a nod to her mother‟s Asian heritage. “You could have a million men at your feet if you wanted.” “I don‟t need a million. I just need one.” “That‟s all it takes.” “We‟re not talking about me though. We‟re talking about you, and I can‟t believe you‟re anti-Valentine.” “I‟m not; I‟m just tired. You know what real romance to me would be right about now? Rest.” And possibly sex. Lots of it. Just the thought made her smile.

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Creigh closed her eyes and laid her head on the headrest. She let the soothing movements of the chair rocking back and forth comfort her. “Do you know what would be really nice?” “A hot half-dressed man in handcuffs.” Creigh turned her head and opened her eyes to stare at her cousin, who‟d kicked off her own shoes and had her feet curled up next to her on the couch. “Besides that.” “No. What?” “Just a nice, quiet evening in with Dean.” Unlike A-mei, Creigh didn‟t covet chocolate-covered treats, jewelry, or pricy perfumes. She just needed Dean. A-mei snorted. “That doesn‟t sound fun at all.” Quiet was a rare commodity these days, as was sex. Sure, she and Dean managed to sneak a quickie in there every now and then between late-night feedings and carpooling. “It does to me.” “Well who asked you?” Creigh tilted her head with disbelief. “Uh, you.” “Big mistake on my part obviously.” A-mei tempered her words with a smile. “You are so dramatic.” “And you give married mothers of three a bad name.” “I think you can poll about a zillion mothers of three, and they‟ll all agree with me. I‟d just be happy to have ten uninterrupted minutes with Dean. It seems as if we haven‟t had a moment alone together since Halla was born. And to be honest, I can‟t remember the last occasion we had time for something that included foreplay.” And even those had been far and few between. “Well that‟s just sad.” Hearing it aloud, Creigh had to agree, but she‟d be damned if she‟d admit it, least of all to A-mei. Her cousin had never met a cock she didn‟t like or that didn‟t like her in return. She was beautiful, thin, and didn‟t have stretch marks or mom

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boobs. There was no way A-mei could even fathom what Creigh was thinking. Which is why she always put on a cheerful facade when speaking with her cousin. “That‟s just life, and I‟m fine with it.” She shrugged her shoulders and beamed a smile she didn‟t truly feel. “Trust me.” “You‟re fine with not getting laid.” “I didn‟t say I wasn‟t getting laid, just not…often.” “Remind me again; why did you guys remarry?” That was a stupid question if there ever was one. “Uh…because we love each other.” “You have a funny way of showing it.” “Despite the word love being in making love, the two don‟t necessarily go hand and hand all the time.” “Well the least you could do is put the uck in fuck, then.” Creigh placed her hands over Halla‟s ears and thanked God her other kids were in another room. “I‟m going to need you to watch your language around my baby.” “Hey, she has to learn sometime.” “You don‟t think eight months is maybe a tad too young?” A-mei shrugged. “I dunno.” “Please,” Creigh begged and not for the first time. “Don‟t reproduce.” “I assure you I won‟t, especially if it means no s-e-x.” “I‟m having s-e-x. Just not a lot. It‟s called a dry spell; it happens to all married couples from time to time.” “Dry spell.” A-mei shuddered as if the very thought was repulsive. “I don‟t even like my martinis dry.” “Yet that seems to be the way you prefer your humor.” “Look, I‟m just trying to help.”

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“By making me feel bad,” Creigh snapped. Enough was enough. “Do you really think I like the fact that Dean and I aren‟t being intimate? I assure you, I don‟t. It sucks dirty butt, okay.” A-mei leaned forward, her face filled with regret. “Cre—” Creigh knew her cousin was only trying to help, but it didn‟t make it any easier to listen to—especially when it hit so close to home. “In case you haven‟t figured it out by now, Dean‟s not a lights-out kind of guy. When I had Hambone and Harlow, I was a bit younger. The skin bounced back. The tummy flattened back, but with Halla things are taking a bit longer to go back the way I want them to. I mean she‟s eight months old, and I still have a pooch, and the stretch marks haven‟t faded as much as I thought they would. I‟m not feeling great about my body, so it‟s no surprise to me that Dean isn‟t jumping at the chance to get down and dirty with me. But it is what it is. And I‟m dealing. It‟d be nice if you let me.” “I didn‟t mean… Shit.” A-mei reacted with dismay. “I was just giving you a hard time.” “I noticed,” Creigh said drily. “But I didn‟t mean anything by it. Dean loves you. Loves the ground you walk on.” “Maybe not the exact ground.” “Yes,” A-mei said with a conviction that was hard to ignore. “The ground. I give you a hard time, but I‟d trade places with you in a heartbeat. Saggy boobs and all.” “I didn‟t say anything about saggy boobs.” Creigh glanced down at her breasts. “The twins are still nice, thank you very much.” “You know what I mean. Sheesh.” A-mei rolled her eyes. “You suck at taking compliments.” Amused, Creigh shook her head. “You suck at giving them. Must be why we get along so well.”

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“Must be.” A-mei waved her hand and settled back on the couch. “Either way, I‟m done with you. I‟ll just have to hope my cousin-in-law is feeling a bit more romantic this year than you obviously are.”

*** “I can‟t believe someone so smart can actually be so dumb.” Dean didn‟t pause in the midst of pouring the customer his fourth and last drink of the night to turn and face the nagging man behind him. Dean could easily insult Gino without sparing the other man a single glance. They were brothers. He‟d been doing it for years. “I do, actually. I witness it every time I talk to you.” “Funny.” Gino didn‟t sound the least bit amused. Which only tickled Dean more. Moving away from his scowling older brother, Dean made his way down to the patron. Without saying a word to the bar regular, Dean dangled the highball just out of reach of the pallid man. He turned his other hand palm out and waggled his fingers for the car keys. It was a routine the two of them went through every Saturday night. It took two attempts for the inebriated man to get his keys out of his jacket pocket, but once they were safely in Dean‟s hands, he handed over the drink. If it were up to him, he would have cut him off a drink ago. But Dean knew the older man would have just found another place to go to get his drink on. And at least this way, Dean could ensure the man made it home alive—or as close to alive as an alcoholic could be. Dean let out a sigh and made his way over to the drawer where they kept the customers‟ keys and the list of cab companies. Watching people drown their sorrows in the alcohol he served was the only part of the new job he didn‟t like. And once everything was running smoothly, he‟d leave all the flirting and drink pouring to his brothers and immerse himself in the back end of running the bar. Before Dean could linger on that pleasant thought too long, Gino sidled up next to him. “Now that you‟re done fixing him, maybe you can fix your problem.”

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Gino never met a conversation he hadn‟t had a comment on. And he never understood some things weren‟t his business. He was old school in a lot of ways, and if it involved any member of his family, then he believed it was his business too. Which was one of the reasons Dean knew his brother wasn‟t going to let this go anytime soon. “I don‟t have a problem,” he boasted with a smile. In fact since remarrying Creigh, Dean‟s life had never been better. “Everything is gravy.” “I don‟t believe that for a moment.” “And I don‟t care what you think.” Dean‟s brows crinkled as he thought back over the years. “In fact I‟m not sure I ever really have.” “You should. Because I‟m all knowing.” “Annoying.” Dean nodded in agreement. “I concur.” “I said all knowing. Let me prove it to you.” Gino gripped his brother‟s shoulders and peered deep into his eyes. “I see it.” Dean pulled his head back, not sure how far this new bromance of his brother‟s was going to go. “See what?” “Frustration. Of the sexual kind.” “For fuck‟s sake.” Dean jerked away from Gino, irritated his brother had blindly hit the mark. Even though it was true though, Dean would never admit it. Not to Gino anyway. With his older brother, giving him an inch wouldn‟t be like giving him a mile. It would be like giving him a fucking continent. “You know nothing.” “I know despite being happily”—Gino raised his hands and bent his index and middle fingers twice in the universal signal for air quotes—“remarried, the tense way you slump around here reeks of solo polo. What‟s up? The wife has the whatchamacallit menopause depression.” Dean had a hard time keeping his laughter at bay. What an idiot. “Postpartum depression.”

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“That‟s what I said.” Dean snorted under his breath. “Creigh‟s fine. I‟m fine.” She was more than fine. She was wonderful and hands down the most beautiful woman to ever walk the earth. She always had been and always would be to him. His childhood sweetheart had grown into the love of his life. She was the mother of his children, his best friend, and for lack of a better word, she was simply his everything. There wasn‟t a single moment or minute or second of any day that he didn‟t want her. Which was part of, if not the only problem. But it was their problem, and not one he was going to share, in a bar, with a big mouth like Gino. “We‟re all good.” “Then why aren‟t you getting laid?” “Not that it‟s any of your business, but my sex life is fine.” Or as fine as it could be given the circumstances of their very busy life. It was true Dean wouldn‟t turn down the opportunity to ride Creigh until the springs popped through the mattress, but that just wasn‟t in the cards for them right now. It didn‟t mean it wouldn‟t be in the future. He just had to be patient and understanding and keep lots of lotion on hand for those late-night jerk-off sessions that were keeping him sane and stopping him from humping the couch like a dog. “More importantly it‟s none of your business. I mean it, Gino. Creigh and our bedroom is off limits.” “I‟m just trying to help.” Dean shook his head as he laid his hands gently on his brother‟s shoulder. “Listen care-ful-ly. My marriage is f-i-n-e. Fine.” “Well it won‟t stay that way if you don‟t come up with a better gift idea than flowers.” Dean frowned. Not this again. “What‟s wrong with flowers?” “Nothing for someone who doesn‟t own a flower shop.” “Flowers are the cornerstones of Valentine‟s Day. It‟s all kinds of wrong to have one without the other.” Besides, it wasn‟t as if flowers were his only plan. They were just a small part of it. Not that Gino had given him any time to explain. As

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usual his older brother took in the words he wanted to hear and let the remaining ones blow right over his head. “I‟m sure with as much pollen as Creigh breathes in a day, she‟d be willing to go a day without roses.” The things Gino knew about Creigh could fit inside a thimble…with room to spare. “You don‟t know Creigh.” “I know women.” And the bit of knowledge Gino thought he knew about women in general wouldn‟t even wet the bottom of a thimble. “You really, really don‟t.” “Please. My sex life is so busy I‟ve been forced to turn down pussy hand over fist.” “I‟m more likely to believe that hand over fist is your sex life.” Mainly because his brother was far too busy butting his nose in his siblings‟ relationships to have any meaningful ones of his own. “As usual, little brother, you don‟t know dick. I love the ladies, and the ladies love me.” Now that, Dean believed. Despite the fact the former boxer had been on the receiving end of way too many brawls and had received far too many stitches, Gino had somehow come out of his rough-and-tumble youth looking even handsomer than he had preboxing. All factors that fed into Gino‟s overinflated ego. But just because he had no problem attracting the opposite sex didn‟t mean he had a single clue what it took to make a relationship work. “I‟m telling you, man. I‟m like the Yoda of love. You should listen to me.” “If your love force is so strong, then why is it you volunteered to man the bar Monday night, even though it‟s my night to close?” “Can‟t a man just do something nice?” “A man, yes. You, no.” Dean gave his brother the once-over, then smiled real slow. “Don‟t have a date, do you?”

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“I don‟t need a date.” Dean crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back against the counter. He was really enjoying this. “Which is a good thing since you don‟t have one.” “Why are you trying to bust my balls when I‟m trying to help you out?” “I don‟t need your help, big brother. I have it all worked out.” Sort of. Although he didn‟t want to admit it, his brother wasn‟t completely wrong. A new baby, fulltime job, and two hellions were a lot to take on for anyone, and the last thing he wanted to do was add his carnal wants to her already overbooked schedule, but maybe if he was feeling frustrated, she might be as well. With every ticking of the clock, the fourteenth zoomed closer. Leaving Dean with not that many affordable options to wow his wife. Flowers were a must. Creigh loved them, and he knew she would appreciate them—especially if he bought them from her shop. The only thing his wife loved more than posies was a profit. But after all they‟d been through, Gino was right. Flowers weren‟t enough. Dean was going to have to step his game up a bit if he wanted to impress his wife and put an end to their drought; he just had to figure out how.

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Chapter Two “Stay like that and don‟t move.” Creigh instantly froze, remaining where she was, bent over the open door of the dishwasher. “I should have known you‟d come home just when I got started on this.” “What can I say, I have excellent timing, and you, cara, are looking all kinds of good right now.” All kinds of good. His words warmed her from the outside in. It was far from what she was feeling, but who was she to argue with Dean, especially since his version of the sight she was making was far nicer than the one she was imagining. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail at the base of her head, and she was wearing a pair of black sweatpants with a white tank top that had seen better days. Creigh wasn‟t necessarily bringing the sexy. No doubt about it. But if he didn‟t mind, neither would she. Without rising, Creigh turned her head and looked up at Dean, who was lounging in the kitchen doorway. His gaze was running rampant over her curved frame, and he was watching her with a seductive little smile on his lips. As usual he looked damn good. Her lower body throbbed at just the sight of him. “See something you like, cara?” “Always.” She smiled. “But mainly I was wondering if you have a dishwashing fetish I‟ve never heard of?” The corner of his lips tilted upward. “I have a Creigh fetish. You loading the dishes is just a bonus.” “Really?”

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“Definitely. It was my night to get the kitchen. Not having to clean is making me horny as hell.” “This position is making me light-headed. If I don‟t move, I might pass out.” “I know that should discourage me, but it doesn‟t phase me in the least.” Dean tilted his head to the side as if he was pondering something profound. “Did that sound as disturbing out loud as it did in my head?” He was so silly. “As long as you wipe me when you‟re done, I‟m cool with it.” Sexy gave way to achy, and Creigh stood and stretched her tender back. “Hey, baby.” “Hey, honey.” Dean walked over to his wife and pulled her into his arms. Wordplay forgotten, he covered her mouth with his and did what he always did when he held her. He took her breath away. His tongue swept over hers, drowning her senses with the simple yet heady taste that was him. As soon as she tasted him, she was lost. Dishes, bills, and kids. Everything that had filled her mind just moments ago melted away at the touch of his lips against hers. Dean was the only person Creigh had ever known that was a force to be reckoned with sexually when he was of a mind. He could turn on the charm, the sex appeal, in a blink of an eye and have her simply putty in his hands. The worst part was he was well aware of it, and he had no problem using his ungodly skills on her wherever and however he chose. Creigh was his for the taking, and Dean knew it. Instead of that knowledge freaking her out, she reveled in it. Her man knew her. Not just her body, but her mind and soul, and she knew him. This was the way it was supposed to be. This was where they were supposed to be. Together. Forever. For always. Creigh became so enraptured in the feel of his mouth against hers, she actually let out a sad sigh when he broke the kiss and pulled back a bit. Despite being the one to halt things, Dean had a smoldering, hungry look in his eyes—one

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Creigh was sure was a mirror of her own. Three kids and two marriages later and they still had it. The phantom it people not only wrote sonatas about but dirty stories as well was truly alive in her marriage. The thought made her smile. “Man, I‟m happy you‟re home.” “Not as much as I am.” “I didn‟t expect you home before three.” “If it‟s a problem, I can always go back out and come home when you‟re asleep. Like every other night, it seems.” His comment took Creigh aback a bit. It wasn‟t as if she could stay up until he came home, then get back up with the baby when she woke, then get up again to get the kids ready for school before going to work herself. But instead of picking a fight, she kept the thought to herself. It wasn‟t often they had time together. She sure as hell wasn‟t going to waste it arguing. “Please don‟t go. I‟ve missed you so much.” Dean smiled, her words obviously soothing over any annoyance she might have accidentally revealed. “I‟ve missed you too, and I‟m very happy to see you.” Dean moved his hand down to her bottom and pulled her taut against him so she could feel just how happy he truly was. “Oh”—Creigh brushed her pelvis against the nice-sized package being held hostage behind his jeans—“is that for me?” “Consider it an early Valentine‟s Day gift.” “Hmmm…” Creigh turned her head to glance at the clock on the stove, then turned back to face Dean once more. “Clock says I have three more hours to go before Valentine‟s Day. Am I going to have to wait that long?” She pressed her hips forward and rubbed her pelvis wantonly against the very large bulge straining against the fabric of his jeans. “I think you should break the rules and open it early.” “Think so?”

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“Most definitely.” “Well, if you insist.” Creigh dropped her arms from around his neck and brought her hands between them to the buckle of his jeans. “Oh I do.” Dean took a step back to give her more room. “Kids?” “In bed.” Dean glanced at the clock on the stove and frowned. “Already?” “Yeah.” Creigh nodded. She could hardly believe it herself, but she wasn‟t going to look a gift horse in the mouth. “Hambone is knocked out, and Harlow was reading for a while but she‟s out too.” “Halla?” “Asleep,” she said proudly. Their newest addition was making up her own rules about bedtime. “Oh my God.” His eyes widened and filled with shock. Creigh couldn‟t help but laugh at the surprise on his face. “What can I say; I have skills.” Dean shrugged his long-sleeved shirt off, then took the edge of his T-shirt in his hands and pulled it up and over his head. “Trust me. I‟m well aware of that.” He tossed the dark material onto the floor as if it was nothing, before crowding her against the corner once more. “In fact I was hoping to sample a bit of your skills right now.” “Here?” Creigh teasingly looked around. “In the kitchen?” “Or the living room.” Dean ran his fingers down her hip and over her thigh. Even through the thick material of her sweats, his featherlight touch made her skin tingle. “Or the bathroom. Laundry room.” “Not picky…” Not content to be an idle watcher, Creigh reached out and ran her hands across his bare chest. His muscular pecs were hair free but still sexy to the touch. She followed the smooth lines of his torso to the waistband of his pants, popping his button on her course down her husband‟s body. “…at all, are you?”

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“As long as you‟re in the room with me, I‟m a happy camper.” Dean pressed her back against the counter. “So you pick the place you want us to dirty up, and I‟ll pick the part of your body I‟m going to run my lips over first. A silent, sleeping house gives me lots of ideas, and it‟s giving me a hell of a hard-on. I can‟t remember the last time we‟ve both been awake and not exhausted. Or are you?” She had been earlier, but that was before she‟d been tempted by the king of temptation himself. “Tired is the last thing I‟m feeling right now.” He pressed his lips softly against her neck before asking, “What‟s the first?” “Extremely turned on,” she whispered. “And wet?” He ran his tongue gently inside the shell of her ear. Creigh trembled and closed her eyes. “Most definitely.” “Prove it.” Dean dropped his hands and took a step back. “Turn around, place your hands on the counter, and spread your legs.” Surprised by his order, Creigh didn‟t immediately do as he said. She gawked like a geek instead. This wasn‟t normally the way they did things, the way he did things. “Dea—” “I said turn around.” He spun her around until she was facing the counter. “Not talk.” “Oh.” She gasped in surprise. He pulled her T-shirt over her bra, then freed her breasts from the cotton confines of her nursing bra. It was one of the least sexy pieces in the history of lingerie, but with it bunched under her full and sensitive breasts, pushing them out and up, Creigh didn‟t feel self-conscious about it. It helped that Dean didn‟t seem all that concerned with it either. “My, my, my.” He cupped her breasts. One in each hand. “Whoever said more than a mouthful was a waste was an idiot.” “Some men prefer small and perky.”

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“Aren‟t you happy”—his long fingers found her bare nipples and squeezed— “I‟m not one of them.” “Thrilled.” Creigh gasped as he pinched her hard buds between his thumbs and forefingers. Her nipples, always so responsive, so aroused, tightened under his rough yet exciting touch. The contact sent jolts of pleasure straight to her pussy. Unfortunately it also caused her milk to leak. “Oh.” Embarrassment stained her cheeks. Acting quickly, she raised her hands to cover her breasts. “Sorry about that.” “Nothing to be sorry about.” Dean gently knocked her hands away and picked up right where he left off, tugging on her nipples. “Extra moisture is never a bad thing.” His kneading caused more milk to flow over his fingertips. Undisturbed by it, Dean released one of her breasts and brought his shimmering fingers to his mouth and licked them clean. “Mmm. Especially when it‟s this sweet.” “Dean!” His shocking act caused her to gasp. He‟d never done that before, and Creigh would be damned if she didn‟t find it slightly arousing. “Shh,” he said as he cupped her breasts again. ”You‟ll wake the kids. Wouldn‟t want that now, would we?” His voice was rough, his fingers nimble and strong as they teased her unmercifully. Dean was a breast man and loved nothing more than to spend hours with his lips and fingers surrounding her dark peaks. It was a boon for Creigh, who could come from the stimulation alone. “No. God no.” Creigh closed her eyes and sank her teeth into her bottom lip. She was a screamer, always had been, and it wasn‟t easy to keep quiet, but she‟d rather choke on a moan than lose out on his touch. A touch that wasn‟t just centered on her full breasts. Dean kept one hand busy up top while sliding his other down her stomach, beneath the waistband of her sweats, and into her panties. She was so wet that Dean‟s fingers slid effortlessly past her dew-covered lips and into her hot core. After getting his fingers nice and wet, he pulled them out of her pussy and rubbed them in a circular motion against her swollen clit.

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Dizzy with desire, the room seemed to sway. Creigh gripped the edge of the counter and tried to steady her trembling legs, but her knees buckled nevertheless. As usual Dean was right there to support her. Acting quickly, he released his grip on her breast and wrapped his arm around her waist to tether her to him. “Where you going?” His grip around her waist tightened. “Not going anywhere.” Creigh leaned into him, in need of his strength, in need of his love. “I‟m coming.” “I know.” Dean pressed his palm against her aroused nub and slid another finger inside her. “I can feel it. Feel the way the walls of your pussy are tightening around my fingers. Do you feel it, cara?” The more he talked, the more he pumped and the more she rocked against his hand, causing him to sink deeper and deeper in her sex. “Do you?” “Yes,” she moaned. “So good. I…” Before she could finish her sentence, the ding of the doorbell interrupted them. The melodic sound was like ice water being thrown on her. Acting on instinct, she released the counter and grabbed Dean‟s hand. “What the hell was that?” The bell rang again, answering her pointless question. “Someone‟s here.” Dean pulled his hands free and let her go. “Son of a bitch.” He cursed under his breath and whirled away from her. Disheveled and frustrated, Creigh turned around to face her swearing husband. She watched him as he stomped over to the refrigerator and laid his head against the cool freezer door. His breathing was ragged, his body tense, and Dean appeared as if he were just seconds away from blowing his top. If Creigh had anything to say about it, the only thing that would be getting blown around here was him. She refused to let their first night of peace and quiet end so soon.

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Desperate, she went to him, wrapped her arms around his tense frame, and laid her head on his back. She could hear his heart beating, loud and clear. It was a sound that soothed her and spurred her on. “We can just ignore it.” “We can‟t,” he said harshly. “The kids are asleep, remember.” The bell rang again, longer and more insistently than before, as if the person was leaning on the buzzer instead of just pressing it. Irritation radiated off Dean like steam. “But they won‟t be for long if we don‟t get rid of the person at the door.” He sounded anything but pleased. “True.” Creigh dropped her arms to her side as another interruption took precedence over their love life. Fuck! Frustrated, she stepped away from him and tried to edge past Dean. She wanted to curse and rage at the heavens for their untimely disruptions, but she held her tongue. It wouldn‟t do either of them any good, but it didn‟t stop her from pouting. “So much for my early gift.” Before she could get more than a few feet away, Dean reached out and grabbed her hand, stopping her in her tracks. “Like hell.” With a quick jerk of his hands, Dean pulled her up against his hard chest. “I‟ll get the door, and you get ready.” The last part of his sentence came off not as a request but as an order. One that made her stomach clench and her pussy drench. “I‟ll be waiting.” “You better be.” He crushed his lips down onto hers and silenced any comeback she might have had with a flick of his tongue across hers. He plundered her mouth for a few joyous seconds before pulling away with a growl as the doorbell rang again. “Now go.” “Fine. Fine. Fine.” As if she could move. “Now.” Dean landed a quick smack on her ass, motivating her in ways words never would. Creigh laughed as she double-timed it to the bedroom. She wanted to be ready when Dean returned for any punishments or rewards he might be willing to dish out.

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Dean waited until Creigh made it upstairs and his erection had gone down before he slipped on his discarded T-shirt and headed to the front door. This was not the way Dean had envisioned the evening going. But to be fair, the first ten minutes wasn‟t what he‟d imagined either. Attacking Creigh while she loaded the dishes was as far from Don Juan as it could get, but then there were some things that just couldn‟t be helped. He was a red-blooded Italian man; it went against his DNA to bypass a beautiful woman in an insta-boner position and not comment on it. His wife was beautiful, sexy as all get-out. One look at her bent over and all thoughts of romance went right out the window. Not that Creigh had seemed to mind. Not at all. In fact, the rougher he handled her, the cruder he spoke, the wetter her pussy became. It was amazing to him how someone he‟d known almost his entire life could still surprise him—and in such a good way. The flip side to his happy discovery was the person on the other side of the door—cock blocking like a kid brother tagging along on a drive-in movie date. It was if the gods were laughing at his frustration. He wanted to get rid of whoever was at the door as fast as possible so he could get upstairs and into his wife‟s arms. He refused to allow this night to end as the previous nights had—with him alone in the bathroom stroking while the woman he loved was sound asleep. Although he was impatient, he didn‟t want to be a jerk, so he took in a deep breath before unlocking and then opening the door. He had words of dismissal at the ready, but it all slid away when he spotted the well-dressed man at the door. “Uncle Roland.” Surprise and pleasure mingled as one in Dean‟s voice as he stared at the familiar face of his former boss and family friend. Thanks to conflicting work schedules, Dean hadn‟t seen the elder man since the holidays—a fact that didn‟t sit well with him at all. Although only seconds before, he had been willing to take off the head of the person at the door, he was pleased to see that if he was going to be delayed bedding Creigh, it was at least for someone who was

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worthwhile and not someone peddling religion or candy. With a smile on his face, Dean stepped back and gestured for Roland to enter. “Come in, old man. Long time no see.” “It…it has been a while.” The normally jovial African American man seemed a bit apprehensive. The carefree smile that usually graced his lined face was nowhere in sight. A sign of trouble if ever there was one. Roland was dressed in a suit as if he‟d just come from a late night at the office. The older man hardly ever worked until this hour. The only reason Dean could think he would was if something was wrong at the plant. Concerned, Dean closed the door behind him. “Is everything all right?” “I‟m not real sure.” That didn‟t sound good at all. From the downtrodden expression on the older man‟s face, Dean could tell he wouldn‟t be joining Creigh as he‟d hoped anytime soon. This night was just not going his way at all. “Let‟s go in the living room.” “Okay.” With a heavy heart, Dean followed the man who‟d been like a second father to him into the living room. Whatever the burden weighing down Roland, Dean knew he would do his best to help lighten it. As long as it wasn‟t life-threatening, that is, because Dean didn‟t think he could bear it if there was anything wrong with Roland or his wife, Sharon. He and his siblings were as close to the older couple as they would have been to their parents if they had still been alive. High school buddies with Dean‟s dad, Roland had been a part of Dean‟s life for as long as he could remember. After Dean‟s mother and father passed away, Roland and his wife had quickly stepped into the roll of surrogate parents. They‟d gone beyond the call of duty for kids who weren‟t their own: loaning Gino the money to start the bar and paying not only for Dean‟s sister Annabelle‟s wedding, but also for Sergio to go to school. Roland and his wife were so ingrained in their family that Dean didn‟t know what he would do without them. He damn sure knew he couldn‟t lose another set of parents.

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Instead of sitting on the couch as was his custom, Roland walked over to the fireplace and stared at the mantel. His silence only added to the uncertainty of the situation. God, he felt like a kid again. “Uncle Ro—” “Are Creigh and the kids in bed already?” he interrupted without turning around. “Yes. They‟ve already turned in for the night.” And he hoped the kids stayed that way until after his guest left and Creigh was thoroughly ravished. The thought alone caused his cock to stir. Not exactly something he wanted to happen while sitting in front of his uncle. Shaking his head, Dean tried to concentrate on the problem at hand and not his hopefully nude wife upstairs. Taking a deep breath, he walked closer to his friend. “What‟s wrong?” “There‟s been something on my mind. Something I‟ve wanted to talk to you about for a while, but there hasn‟t really seemed to be an opportunity to do so.” Roland turned and faced Dean. “I was waiting for you to come to me. Waiting for you to say something, because I‟ve always thought you knew you could. Come to me, that is. About anything.” “I can. I have.” Dean frowned. He didn‟t have an inkling where this was going. “Not about everything.” Roland reached into his inner pocket and pulled out a small black-and-white photo. He looked at it for a second before handing it over to Dean. “Not about this.” Confused Dean took the photo and glanced at it. The second he did, he felt as if his heart dropped to the pit of his stomach, and he knew there was no way in hell he was heading upstairs anytime soon. He also understood what Roland was referring to when he‟d said, “Not about this.” The photo his uncle handed him was of Roland‟s wife, Sharon, holding their son, Trace, as a toddler. The resemblance between mother and son was very evident. As was the similarity between Trace and Dean‟s youngest daughter, but Dean refused to dwell on that. Instead he focused on the attractive woman in the picture. “Aunt Sharon hasn‟t aged a day.”

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A brief smile flickered across Roland‟s face. “That makes one of us.” “You still look good for your age. A little rough around the edges,” Dean teased. “But still passable.” “Sharon thinks so, so I guess that‟s all that matters.” “Very true.” Roland‟s smile disappeared as quickly as it had appeared just seconds earlier. He was back on topic, and if his demeanor was anything to go by, he was done with making nice. “But she‟s not the only one in the photo.” “I know.” Dean let out a heavy sigh as he handed back the damning evidence. “This is a conversation you should be having with your son.” A shadow passed over Roland‟s face. “If I wanted lies, I would.” Roland slipped the picture back in his pocket. “But I wanted the truth, so I came to you.” Dean dragged his hand through his dark brown hair. “Maybe it‟s not my truth to tell.” “I think I deserve it. Sharon deserves it.” This was definitely not how Dean had ever wanted to have this conversation, and he especially didn‟t want to have it tonight. “Listen. If—” “In all these years, Dean, I‟ve never asked anything from you.” Dean closed his eyes for a brief moment, willing this matter to disappear. All he wanted out of this life was his wife and kids. All three of them. “Don‟t do this.” “I‟m asking now.” “She‟s my daughter,” he said through clenched teeth. “In every way that matters.” Roland nodded. “Yes, but is she my granddaughter?” Dean inwardly grimaced but did his best to keep his expression neutral. He wasn‟t going to lie to the man. At least not overtly. The lie of omission had already occurred. But as he‟d noted earlier, this wasn‟t his story to tell Roland. It was Trace‟s. And damn the other man for not speaking up. Dean had given him a chance

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to do the right thing, he‟d damned near begged him to do so, and the loser still couldn‟t do it. Son of a bitch. His silence spurred Roland to a point Dean never thought he‟d go. “Dean, I‟m begging you as a friend. As a father. Tell me, please.” Dean was silent for a long time, but when he finally spoke, he spoke from the heart. “She‟s mine,” Dean reiterated firmly, so there would be no mistake. “But she‟s also your granddaughter.” Roland swallowed hard and nodded as if Dean was only confirming what he already knew. But of course that was exactly the case. Dean took the older man‟s arm and guided him to the couch and then joined him, neither man saying a word or looking at the other. They sat in silence for a moment before Roland turned to Dean. “Why didn‟t you say something?” “Because he asked us not to.” Roland frowned. “Since when have you ever listened to Trace?” “Since we both wanted the same thing.” “For Sharon and I not to know?” Disbelief and hurt flashed quickly over Roland‟s face. “No”—Dean met Roland‟s confused glare with a stony one of his own—“for him to not be held responsible.” “But he is.” “No. I am. Because she‟s mine.” Weary of the whole sordid mess, Dean ran his hand over his face. This was not what he wanted. Not by a long shot, but he couldn‟t go on ignoring it. “Look, I never wanted you and Sharon to be cut out of Halla‟s life. That was never my call. Never my decision to make.” “Then why did you?” “Because we had a deal. Your ignorance was the price I agreed to.” “Price.” Roland cringed in disgust. “For money.”

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“No,” Dean chided, a bit put out Roland would even have to ask. “For his signature. He gave up his rights, and I kept quiet.” “Was that your idea?” Dean shook his head. “No. It was his.” “Of course it was.” Roland sat back with a sigh. “I don‟t even know why I asked.” That was easy. “Because he‟s your son.” “And she‟s my granddaughter. A fact he would have been happy with me not knowing.” Never in his life would Dean have thought he would be in a situation to defend any action Trace made, but he found himself doing so anyway. “Maybe he didn‟t want to disappoint you. Besides, he knows Creigh and I love Halla and we‟re in a position to care for her.” “And do you?” Roland‟s gaze probed Dean‟s intently. “Care for her?” Dean knew the other man wasn‟t asking to be annoying but to reassure himself of something he already knew. That and the respect he had for Roland were the only two things that kept Dean from blasting the older man for the idiotic question. But just so there wouldn‟t be a single doubt, he answered in a way he hoped would clear up any misgivings once and for all. “She might be your granddaughter by DNA, but she‟s my daughter by choice.” Roland nodded his head and smiled softly as if he‟d already known the answer and was pleased by it. “And that‟s what makes you a hell of a man.” Roland stood. “Your father would be proud of the man he raised. As proud as I am to have you raise my granddaughter.” Roland‟s words touched Dean in ways he knew he could never describe. There wasn‟t a day that didn‟t go by when Dean didn‟t think of his parents or wonder how life would have been different had they lived. To have the man who knew his father best say such a complimentary thing made his heart proud. Dean rose from the

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couch and placed his hand on the older man‟s shoulder. “My father isn‟t the only man I take after, Uncle Roland.” Roland‟s smile grew wider. “And on that note, I‟m going to go.” “There‟s no rush.” Even though Dean wanted nothing more than to be alone with Creigh, he wanted things to be square with Roland. “I disagree. Sharon‟s waited long enough for a grandchild, and my son‟s waited long enough for a dressing down.” Roland gave Dean a quick pat on his shoulder, then headed toward the door with Dean at his side. On his way out, Roland paused and turned back to Dean. “I expect you to bring my grandchildren around more often, son. We‟re not getting any younger, you know.” The plural word moved him, and the emotion evoked had Dean clearing his throat before he spoke. “How about next weekend?” “Sounds good. Good night.” “Night, Uncle Roland.” Dean watched Roland until the other man got into his car and drove off. A burden Dean hadn‟t even realized he was carrying drove off with him. The truth was in the open now, and they were all finally free.

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Chapter Three Creigh stood at the window and watched as Roland‟s car drove away. It didn‟t take a rocket scientist to figure out why the older man was here, especially a rocket scientist who eavesdropped from her perch at the bottom of the stairs for a few minutes while the men talked. Anxiety made her stomach feel as if it were filled with lead. Sighing, Creigh shook her head and closed the blinds. Just when she thought she‟d made peace with things, reality reared its ugly head. Halla by definition of her name and birth was a gift. One Creigh would never regret for as long as she lived, but every gift came with a price. A price someone had to pay, and unfortunately it appeared as if Roland and Sharon were the ones footing the bill now. The sound of her bedroom door opening, then closing again alerted her to Dean‟s presence. “Sorry that took so long.” “You‟d think by now the encyclopedia-selling people would get the hint. Wikipedia is the bees knees; paperbound is just so 1990.” “It wasn‟t a traveling salesman. It was Roland.” “I know.” Mustering her courage, she closed the curtains, then turned around to face Dean. She wiped her damp palms on the floral baby doll nightgown she‟d slipped on while she‟d been waiting for Dean. “Is it safe to say the cat‟s out of the bag?” Dean gave a slight nod as he slipped off his shoes. “It‟s safe.” “And Roland is…” She let her voice trail away as she waited for him to fill in the blanks. “Understandably disappointed.”

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“In us.” In me, she added to herself, looking away. Dean lifted her chin until she was once again peering into his eyes. “A little bit in all of us for keeping him and Sharon in the dark, but I think overall he‟s more happy than sad. Everything is going to be okay. Trust me.” “Not everything,” she said softly. “Think Trace is going to be upset his parents know?” “Think I care?” His voice was filled with thinly veiled contempt. Creigh‟s lips twitched in amusement. Leave it to Dean to sugarcoat things. “No. Not in the slightest.” Dean moved his fingers from her chin to gently caress her cheek. “See, you know me so well.” “I do,” she agreed without hesitation. “Better than anyone else in the world.” Dean placed his hands on her hips and peered down at her with a hungry look in his deep green eyes. “You do, do you?” From the way he was staring at her, touching her, Creigh knew the conversation about Roland was over and done with. It was time for them to pick up where they‟d left off in the kitchen. A thought that made not only her heartbeat pick up, but her pussy dampen as well. “Yes, I do.” “Okay then.” Dean leaned down and gently sank his teeth into the slender slope of her neck, turning her into a mound of putty in one single nip. When she let out a little moan of delight, he chuckled against her skin, then licked at the imprint of his teeth before trailing his tongue up to her ear. “Tell me what I‟m thinking right now.” “That we‟re done talking about Trace.” He took her lobe between his lips and suckled it a bit before sinking his teeth into it. The hint of pain was far overshadowed by the full-on blast of pleasure she received from what he was doing. He pulled back and stared down into her eyes. “Done talking…period.”

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“Period. Really.” Creigh licked her lips. She liked the way this was going, but she wanted to get the rules clear at the beginning. “No words. Like „oh, don‟t‟ or „stop‟?” “Those dirty words or any other words that can be made to sound sexual are acceptable. Moans and pleas as well. That is,” he added in a teasing tone, “if you can remember how.” “I remember dirty.” She nodded. “Dirty is good.” “Filthy is better,” Dean murmured. “Especially when it spills from between lips as sweet as yours.” “Or from a mouth as sexy as yours.” “Think my mouth is sexy?” “I think everything about you is sexy.” Creigh slipped her hands under his Tshirt and stroked her fingers against his hard muscles. “Let me help you out there while you tell me what it is exactly you like about me.” Dean pulled the thin material over his shoulders, off his body, and tossed it carelessly to the floor. “Better?” “Much better. Now where was I? Oh yes, I like your chest.” She caressed the feature she‟d mentioned. “Your rock-hard abs, and I especially love this little line of dark hair you have that starts just below your belly button and disappears beneath your jeans.” “Anything else?” “Yes.” Lowering herself to her knees, she went to town on the button and zipper of his jeans. Her quick, motivated fingers made fast work of freeing his straining erection, then slipping his pants down just a little bit past his buttocks. While maintaining eye contact, she took his jutting erection into her hand and licked his glimmering crown. “Your cock.” Dean ran his fingers gently over her hair. “Lucky cock. Lucky me.”

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“No, Dean”—she stroked her fingers up and down his dick, marveling as she always did at the beauty of his pale shaft in her darker hand—“lucky me.” She shot him a wicked smiled before engulfing the head of his cock and taking him as deep into her mouth as she could in one fell swoop. Dean let out a sharp breath, a noise that only served to spur her on. After pausing for a few seconds, she slowly began to ascend, releasing him an inch at a time from her mouth until just the crown remained, then slowly sinking down once more. She took her time— wanting the moment to last almost as much as she wanted to drive him out of his mind with pleasure. “Stop teasing me,” he ordered in a hoarse voice, “and swallow my dick down your pretty little throat.” Yes, sir was right there on the tip of her tongue, right next to his shaft, but Creigh decided to take the road that would reward them both and kept her smartass remark to herself. Instead she put her mouth to good use. Taking hold of his erection again with her hand, she began to steadily stroke the base of his shaft as she worked her mouth up and down the top half of his dick. On every other upward bob, she would pause for a few seconds to swirl her tongue around his leaking tip or rake her teeth gently over the head of his cock before plunging forward once more. “Jesus Christ.” She alternated between deep plunges, shallow sucks, and fist-tight strokes to keep Dean on edge. Everything she did, every move she made all had one goal in mind. And that was driving Dean out of his. After finding her rhythm, she closed her eyes and opened herself up to receive the sexual high she got from orally pleasing him. “Fuck. Fuck,” he gritted out as he placed his hands on the side of her head. “Fuck, baby…just let me. Just let me fuck your face for a bit. Let me lead.” Without opening her eyes, she did exactly as he asked. She relaxed her jaw but kept her lips round and ready as he powered his hips back and forth. With his

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hands holding her tight, she was powerless to do anything but what he demanded, and she loved every second of it. Creigh knew there were women in the world who didn‟t enjoying giving head. Read about them. Saw them on the TV. But for the life of her, Creigh didn‟t understand them. Lord knew, she wasn‟t one of them. Not only did she thoroughly love making her husband insane with desire, she honest to goodness became aroused from the act. Even now, she was highly tempted to work her hand between her legs and finger her wet pussy until she came. But before she could act on her desire, Dean tried to call a halt to things. He released his grip on her hair and groaned, “Enough.” But she wasn‟t done yet. Yes, she enjoyed following his lead, but she also loved sucking his dick and she wasn‟t ready to finish. Besides, she knew he wasn‟t either. Dean‟s mouth said one thing; the precum leaking out of his cock said quite another. Creigh was more intent on listening to the latter—since it coincided with her desires—and continued to deep throat his shaft. Not one to be ignored, Dean reached down and wrapped his hand in her hair and pulled her forcefully off his cock. “I said enough, cara. I‟m not wasting my seed in that talented little mouth of yours. Especially when I can spill it in your sweet pussy instead.” Her moan of disappointment mingled with the one of pleasure she let out from the feel of his hands gripping her hair so tight. Giving head had always been a turnon for her, but added to the dominant way Dean took charge flat out did it for her. Creigh had yet to be touched, but she was seconds away from coming. Hungry for another taste of his thick dick, she licked her tingling lips for just a drop more of his salty flavor. “Look at you. On your knees licking your lips.” Dean pushed his pants down completely and stepped out of them. “Such a dirty little girl.” Her face warmed at his words, but it didn‟t stop her from responding. “Your dirty little girl.”

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“Damn straight,” he growled. “Get up on the bed, doggie-style, with that sexy ass of yours pointing toward me.” “Not coming makes you grumpy?” “Being sexually frustrated and you not obeying isn‟t helping the matter. Plus the longer it takes you to comply, the harder I‟ll have to punish you. Interest piqued, Creigh tested out the word on her swollen, overworked lips. “Punish?” “One smack. Two smacks. Thr—” Eyes wide, Creigh rose on shaky legs and hurried to do as he commanded. She could tell from the sound of his voice that Dean had finally reached the end of his rope. “Okay, okay.” Even though she‟d acted fast, he‟d reached eight smacks before she was on the bed. “Eight. That‟s not good; now get off the bed.” “Get on the bed. Get off the bed. Make up your mind.” She did as he ordered, complaining the entire time. She wanted to fuck, not play Simon Says. “You shouldn‟t toy with me, cara.” Dean‟s husky voice betrayed his desire. “Now drop your gown. I want to fuck you, not Laura Ingalls.” Creigh glanced down at her nightie and frowned. “It‟s not Laura Ingalls. It‟s short and has spaghetti straps.” “It covers your breasts and your pussy. It‟s far too demure for me, so drop it.” His tone brooked no argument. “It‟s been far too long since we‟ve made love.” “Trust me,” she said as she did as he commanded. “I know exactly how long it‟s been. I miss making love just as much as you do.” “I don‟t doubt that, cara, but it‟s different for men.” Dean sighed heavily. “Different for me.” “How?” This would be interesting to hear. “‟Cause I love and want you so damned much. Do you know every night I‟m at war with myself. I feel savage. I feel as if I‟m always a hairbreadth away from

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pouncing on you and shoving my cock balls-deep inside your hot pussy. I feel crazed, Creigh. Desperate almost.” Creigh was taken back by the almost savage sound of his voice. But she was more than surprised. She was aroused. Intensely so. “Then do it. Fill me. Fuck me the way you want. The way you need.” “You don‟t know what you‟re saying.” “I do, because I want it too.” Creigh was desperate for Dean, desperate to reignite their passion. “I‟ve missed you. I love you. I want you to take me.” “I‟m feeling unrefined.” “You never were,” she teased. “But it‟s one of the many things I like about you.” “I should warn you. I want to be rough.” Instead of scaring her, his words made her pussy dampen even further. To prove it, she climbed onto the bed on her knees. With her back facing him, she lowered her breasts to the mattress and thrust out her bottom, offering herself to him. “And I want you to be.” “Be careful what you ask for, cara. You might not be able to handle it.” “Try me.” Her voice was almost pleading, but she needed this. She needed him.

Creigh‟s words were too good to be true. Despite the calm facade he wore like a cheap toupee, Dean had been feeling far from tranquil. Especially of late. His unappeased desire was slowly reaching its boiling point. He felt as if he were on a very thin string with her. He didn‟t want to hurt her. He didn‟t want to scare her. He just wanted to possess her. It was hard to keep his feelings at bay, especially when she was on all fours, pussy at the ready. Doggie-style was one of his favorite positions, not only because it allowed him to enter her very deeply, but also because it left her ass in the perfect position for a whole host of naughty things.

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“Beautiful.” Dean stepped closer to the bed and placed one hand on her upturned ass. “I wonder what you would do if I did. Try you, that is.” “Take it, then say, „Please, sir, can I have another?‟” she said in a sultry voice. “Funny you should say that. I want you to remember those exact words as I mete out your punishment.” “Punishment?” Creigh made to sit up, but Dean stopped her by placing his hand on the center of her back. “Where are you going? We‟re far from done, and I want you to stay in this exact position.” “To get punished?” Her voice rose several octaves, but she stayed as he commanded. “Yes.” Dean caressed her bottom, loving the feel of her silky smooth brown skin against his work-roughened hand. “I warned you, didn‟t I?” Creigh glanced over her shoulder to look at him. “When you said rough, I was thinking a little hair pulling, nipple twisting, maybe a smack or two, but not—” “Eight.” He remembered the number exactly. In fact, Dean was thinking it might actually be his new favorite one. “I didn‟t think you would do the entire eight,” she grumbled, turning her head back to face forward. “I thought that was a joke.” “Then you thought wrong.” Dean leaned over to whisper in her ear. “Spread your knees a bit wider, then reach back and take hold of your delectable cheeks and pull them apart for me.” “Dean!” “This is your one chance to walk out now,” he said, leaning a little closer. “You stay, you play my way.” “Too many quickies have turned you mad.” She wasn‟t far off the mark. “You have no idea.” “I‟m getting one,” she muttered as she spread her knees apart.

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But he wanted more than for her to comply. He wanted the words. “What‟s it going to be then, cara?” “I can‟t believe you even have to ask.” “Say it,” he ordered. “Your way, my way, I don‟t care.” The aggravation in her voice matched the frustration he‟d been feeling for the last few months. “Just fuck me, Dean.” “As you wish.” Playtime was over. “Now do as I said earlier. Reach back behind you carefully and spread your cheeks apart. I want to see exactly what it is I‟m playing with tonight. You‟ve been far too covered lately.” A sore point of his. “And I miss looking at you. Looking at all of you.” “You see me all the time,” Creigh muttered as she moved into the position he requested. It probably wasn‟t easy, but she did it with minor grumbling. When she was exactly as he wanted, he let out a sigh of wonder. “Beautiful.” She looked so lewd. So fucking hot, with her pussy glistening with the evidence of her desire and nether hole bare to his hungry gaze. Creigh was the thing wet dreams were made from. “Getting your fill of looking now?” He could hear a tinge of embarrassment in her voice, but he wasn‟t ready for her to move. He was enjoying his view far too much. “Not enough. Not nearly enough, but you can let go.” Dean dipped his hands between her legs and brushed his fingers over dew-coated lips, then slid two fingers into her soaking sex. Her heat wrapped itself like a liquid cocoon around his thrusting fingers, drawing him deeper into her with every plunge. “I‟ve missed this pretty pussy, these luscious lips, and of course this hot, tight cunt of yours. And I think she‟s missed me. Am I right?” “Yes,” she moaned and flattened her bare breasts down on the mattress and pushed her ass out farther toward him, offering herself even more so to him, and he knew exactly why.

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With every thrust, he pushed his digits deeper within her and crooked them, angling them just right to rub across her G-spot. It was a spot they‟d experimented with on several occasions, so Dean knew just the right amount of pressure to produce to bring her pleasure but not pain. The G-spot was a sensitive little knot, but Dean was a patient man and had put in the overtime to make sure he was well versed in Creigh‟s pussyology. “Enjoying that, are you?” he asked, pressing even deeper. “Relax and open for me. Let me touch you.” Moaning, she did as he asked, spreading her thighs wider to give him better access to what he craved. Her uninhibited responsiveness made his already erect cock feel as if it were carved out of steel. He ached to have her, to bury himself ballsdeep inside her sweet haven. He ached for Creigh. “You‟re so fucking beautiful. I miss seeing you nude.” “When I lose a little bit more weight…” That was the wrong thing to say. He was no fool. He knew exactly what these cutesy gowns were supposed to be. An escape hatch for her body. The body he loved more every day. Well, Dean was finished with that bullshit. He wanted his wife back. And he wanted her back now. “No more hiding.” Dean pulled his fingers free from her warmth and drew his hand back, then brought it down hard against her beautiful brown flesh. “Ever again.” Creigh gasped as the sharp smack forced her forward. “One,” he said as he caressed the newly heated area of her ass. “Dean!” Creigh cried and undulated her hips forward a bit as if that might save her from receiving her punishment. Silly, silly girl. Dean placed one hand on her lower back to hold her in place while he swung down again onto the opposite cheek, giving her twin handprints.

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Smack! “Two. Say it with me, Creigh.” Smack! “Same thing.” Smack! Frantically Creigh reached out for one of the pillows and brought it in front of her to bury her face in it. “Two,” she cried out before burying her face back in the pillow. “No.” Smack! “Say no more hiding.” Smack! “No more hiding…but…” This time he landed a softer tap between her legs, making the seventh hit a pussy one but doing it light enough to give her a thrill and not bruise. He wanted to warm her flesh, not damage it. To prove it, he petted her pussy while he tried to get his point across once and for all. “I didn‟t say but, did I?” “No.” “I said no more hiding. I‟m not joining a program that‟s already in progress. I know you. Every line, every mark, every ounce of your soft flesh. There isn‟t a thing about your body I don‟t love or possess. You‟re mine, cara, and I want to see you. Capisci?” “Capisci.” “So tonight. And every night after. The gowns go.” Smack! He landed the last hit on her pussy again as soft as the one before, but this time centered on her clit. “And if you‟re a good girl, I‟ll reward you for your efforts.” “With what?” “My cock.” Creigh swallowed hard. “I can be good.” “Then maybe I‟ll give you a sample now.” “Fuck a sample. I want the whole damn thing.” Dean was pleased to see they were both on the same page. “Then brace yourself, cara, because I‟m going to give you exactly what you‟ve been dying for. Now get on your back. I like to see my meal before I eat it.”

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Chapter Four Gingerly Creigh rolled over to her back. She winced when her ass touched the mattress. Although she would never admit it, she was a bit sore in a delicious sort of way. Dean hadn‟t gone overboard with the spanking—it stung more than anything—yet there was something about it she really liked. She‟d felt so exposed, so vulnerable but utterly loved and protected all at the same time. Creigh loved that Dean was able to bring out her baser side. With him she could be the lady in the parlor as well as the whore in the bedroom freely because she knew he loved both sides of her and accepted her as she was wholeheartedly. His love was the reason she could get on all fours and take a spanking, then roll over at his command and await, pussy wet and at the ready, for his next order. Easing up on her elbows, she looked at him, brow raised, lips quirked. “Now what?” “Now you move to the center of the bed.” “Okay,” she said as she complied. “And then…” “You relax and”—Dean sat down on the bed next to her—“I‟ll reintroduce you to a former family friend: foreplay.” He brushed his fingers lightly across the top of her thigh, causing her to tremble under his touch. “Foreplay,” she breathed out heavily. “I do remember him well.” Dean reached down and grabbed her legs, forcing her to bend them at the knees before he set her feet flat on the bed. He worked his hands up from her legs to the inside of her knees, then slowly began to push her outer thighs toward the mattress. “He remembers you as well.”

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“You sure you wouldn‟t just rather…fuck.” She glanced down his body to his erect cock. “Shame not to put that to good use.” “Oh I‟m sure it‟ll be well used before this night is over, but first I want to say something to your pussy.” Dean moved backward a bit on the bed, then lowered himself between her partially splayed thighs so his face was inches away from the center of her being. He spread her legs even farther apart until her thighs were flat on the mattress. The motion parted the bare lips of her pussy, opening her up, exposing her wet, slippery sex to his heated gaze. “What do you want to say?” “It‟ll be better if I whisper directly to her, but feel free to watch. In fact, I insist on it.” “Well, if you insist.” “I do,” he said as he lowered his face closer to her heated core. But instead of moving directly to oral, Dean paused a few inches away from her pussy and brushed his stubble-covered cheek against her tender inner thighs. Creigh hissed at the tactile sensation, which brought a smile to his devilish lips. “Like that, did you?” “No,” she lied, just to be contrary. “Oh really. How about this?” Before she could ask what this was, he showed her. Dean turned his head to the side and did the same move, but this time he rubbed his unshaven cheek against her overly stimulated, aroused clit. “Ohhh.” She gasped, startled at the surprise move. The scratch felt like nothing she‟d ever experienced before. It walked the tightrope of pleasure and pain. It hurt. But it hurt so good. All she could think was, “Oh God, do it again.” Dean let loose a deep chuckle. And Creigh realized she‟d said the words out loud and not to herself as she‟d thought.

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“Do what again? This?” Dean pressed in a littler harder this time and slowly turned his head from one side to the other, making sure she got not only the roughness of his cheeks but also the softness of his lips as he turned his head to the other side to administrate the same teasing sensation. “Yeah, that. Do that. Again and again and again.” Creigh‟s legs trembled, and if weren‟t for Dean‟s hands holding strong to her inner thighs still, she might have bucked him off the bed. “Getting greedy now, aren‟t we?” “Not just now. Always for you.” “Think you could get off that way? With me just rubbing you with my face.” “Might take a few minutes.” Or seconds if he did it roughly like the last example. “But probably.” “We‟ll have to try that sometime.” “What‟s wrong with now?” Even to her ears she sounded desperate, but Creigh didn‟t care. It felt too good not to ask for seconds. “Nothing.” Leaning forward, he ran his tongue from the bottom of her slit to the top of her clit. “I‟d rather do this instead.” Creigh moaned and arched her pelvis up to his face. There was good, then there was good. “Go with your gut.” “I think I will.” No other words were necessary as Dean went with his gut and buried his head between Creigh‟s legs. At the first touch of his tongue, Creigh arched her back and gasped. It was sad to say, but she couldn‟t remember the last time they had taken time to do this. And it was a shame, because Dean was so good at it. The man honestly had talent. He could lick her into a frenzy, and if she wasn‟t anchored down to something steady, there would be no telling where she‟d end up before he was done. One night he‟d literally licked her from one side of the floor to the other—a fact they both laughed at later as they‟d iced his knees and dusted off

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her back. But this licking was no laughing matter at all. She was too close to coming to find much humor in anything. She buried her hands in his thick, dark hair and held on with all her might as he pulled her even closer to his mouth and plunged his tongue deep into the depths of her pussy. He lapped, teased, and tormented her pussy with his skillful tongue, all the while keeping her on edge. Dean knew her body better than she did, and there was no way he couldn‟t taste that she was close, but the bastard wouldn‟t finish her off. He continued to toy with her until Creigh thought she‟d go mad from the pleasure alone. “Dean, I‟m so close. So close. I…I need…” He raised his head and looked at her with eyes darkened with desire and lips slick with her juices. “Me,” he said shortly. “And I‟ll give you all of me that you can handle, but I want you to do something for me first.” “Anything,” she promised, not ashamed to barter for her pleasure. “I want you to fuck my face while I eat your pussy.” His crude words sent shivers racing across her skin. “Can you do that for me, cara?” “Yes. God, yes.” “Prove it.” Before she could reply, he buried his mouth back between her legs and picked up right where he‟d left off—driving her mad with pleasure. But this time he added his hands to the mix. “Dean…yes…don‟t stop…God…” He didn‟t stop. Not even close. Dean spread her bare nether lips with his thumbs and sucked her swollen clit into his mouth. His tongue lashed the sensitive bundle of nerves over and over as he slid two fingers deep into her pussy once more. Creigh didn‟t need any nudging to keep her end of the bargain. She fisted the sheets in her hands and began to undulate her hips, moving them to and fro toward his mouth as she would if she were lying underneath his hips.

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As commanded, she fucked his face. And he rewarded her by wringing not one but two soul-searing orgasms from her that left her weak. She was drained, and it damn near took everything out of her to breathe rhythmically. Her body was racked with shivers and aftershocks, and all she could say was, “Wow.” From the way Dean chuckled as he rose over her, “wow” was thanks enough. “Better than a quickie?” “God, yes.” “Good.” Dean made as if he was going to move off the bed. “My work here is done.” Creigh grabbed hold of his ramrod hard cock. “Far from it.” Dean arched a brow. “Not done yet with me?” “No, and I never will be.” She turned her hold into a slow and steady movement up and down his shaft. “Where do you want me now?” “You inside me.” Creigh rose to her knees on the bed so they were staring eye to eye with one another. “I think we‟ve mastered the foreplay again. Now let‟s aim for the fucking.” “So what you‟re saying is”—Dean dropped his hand between them and cupped her sex—“this greedy little cunt of yours wants more.” “That‟s exactly what I‟m saying.” “Then come and ge—” A timid knock on their bedroom door halted Dean‟s words cold. As if in sync, they both turned their heads and stared at the door. “Was that…” “Mom.” The soft sound of their son‟s voice rang through the wood despite the fact that he was speaking in a low tone. “Are you still up?” Dean glanced down at his penis. “Well, I am.” “Shhh…” Creigh ordered as she slipped off the bed. “I‟ll be right there.” “Fuck!”

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Startled, Creigh turned back around to stare at her husband, who was making his way to the head of the bed on his knees. “What‟s wrong?” Dean turned around and faced her and pointed down to his penis, which was still in the mood for love. “Right now, my dick.” “I can‟t just leave him out there,” she said as she picked her nightie from the floor. “I know.” Dean moved the pillows back, then slipped under the covers. He pulled the comforter over his lap and tucked a pillow behind his back before placing another one over his very obvious boner. “That‟s why I‟m barricading my dick, and you‟re going to open the door to see what‟s wrong. Then fix it quickly.” Quick sounded hella good to her. Creigh slipped her gown on as fast as she could, then hurried to the door. After unlocking it, she opened it up arm‟s length wide, then stood in the middle of the doorway. Hamilton, who normally put his well-earned nickname Hambone to good use, seemed timid and a little shy. He glanced behind Creigh to Dean, then down to the floor, leaving her staring at the top of his tightly coiled golden brown hair. “Is everything okay, son?” He looked up briefly, long enough for her to notice his lightly tan, freckled cheeks appeared a bit pale. “Are you feeling okay?” Creigh went automatically into mom mode and pressed the back of her hand against his forehead to check his temperature. “No”—he moved his head out of the way and frowned—“I‟m fine. I just… Can I talk to you for a minute?” “Um…” Creigh glanced over her shoulder at Dean, who seemed just as confused about Hamilton‟s actions as she was. The kids were still getting used to Daddy being home. They loved that Dean was around all the time, but she could tell they sometimes missed when it was just the three of them. Creigh was a lot more lenient with them than Dean was; when they wanted to get one over on their dad, she was the one they came to first. Sort of like this. “Sure.”

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After closing the door behind her, she crossed her arms over her chest in an attempt to keep from reaching out and babying him. Apparently eight years old was officially the age when little boys began to think hugging Mom was gross. “What‟s up, Hambone?” “I had a bad dream.” Hamilton looked up at her with eyes so like that of his father‟s that it made her heart smile. “Can‟t go back to sleep.” “You want me to read you a book?” He shook his head. “Can I sleep with you two? I promise not to snore.” “Of course you can,” she replied automatically. “Why don‟t you go to your room and get your pillow and blanket, and I‟ll let Dad know about the change of plans.” “Think he‟ll be mad at me?” Dean hadn‟t been shy at all about how happy he was to get the bed back after moving Halla to her room. The fact that Hamilton was worried about upsetting Dean made Creigh think maybe Dean had been a bit too vocal in his jubilation. “Of course he won‟t be mad.” At you, she added silently to herself. “Give me a couple of minutes, and I‟ll come get you, okay.” “Thanks, Mom. You‟re the best.” His smile was as wide as an ocean. “Yes, I am. The best mom around.” But also the worst wife around. “Wait in your room for me? I‟ll be there in a bit.” “Okay.” Hamilton turned to leave but stopped and bolted to her to give her a quick hug. He did it so fast Creigh hardly had time to react, so she missed her opportunity to hug him to her. But she‟d be more prepared next time. “Thanks, Mom,” he said before dashing off again. “It‟s no problem, honey.” Creigh waited until Hamilton went into his bedroom before going back into hers. After shutting the door behind herself and locking it, she leaned back against the cool wood for support. She was going to need it. “We have a problem.” Dean sat up, concern lining his features. “Is everything okay?”

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“Bad dream.” “You tuck him in?” “Not yet.” She moistened her lips. “He‟s going to his room to get his stuff.” Dean narrowed his gaze. “And taking it where?” “Here,” she said a bit meekly. “I told him he could sleep with us.” Dean swore under his breath. He took hold of the quilt and flung it, pillow and all, to the side and got out of the bed. His actions alerted her to two new facts: he was still nude and he was no longer aroused. “This is just great.” It was far from great, but that didn‟t mean it all had to be in vain. “This doesn‟t mean we have to stop.” “It doesn‟t?” “No.” She glanced over at the closed door to check the lock, then back at him and smiled. “I told him I‟d come get him in a couple of minutes. If we do it really quick—” “Then it will be like every other time we‟ve had sex in the past seven months.” Dean‟s face was a combination of weariness and resignation. “And I don‟t know about you, Creigh, but I‟m a little quickied out.” Without giving her a chance to defend herself, Dean walked past Creigh into the master bathroom and slammed the door behind him. Oh great, now she had two whiny babies on her hands. She might as well wake up Halla and get this party started right. “You‟re being ridiculous,” she yelled after him, but the words hit home about herself as well. His reply, if there even was one, was drowned out by the sound of the shower starting. Back when they were married before, Dean wouldn‟t have bothered leaving the room. He would have fought with every breath he had to try to get her to see his side, even when his side was dead wrong. These days, Dean just walked away, avoiding the conflict altogether.

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Instead of being pleased by this, Creigh was beginning to feel nostalgic for the past. At least then they had angry make-up sex. And at this rate, Creigh would be happy to have any type of sex, even if it meant having to endure a little loud talking. “Momma,” Hamilton called out again. “I have my stuff.” “Coming, baby.” And it looked as if she was the only one who was going to tonight.

*** As a teenager Dean would never have dreamed that there would come a point in his life when he ever grew tired of masturbating. Man, would his younger self have been wrong. His heart wasn‟t in it. His head wasn‟t in it. Hell, his right hand wasn‟t really in it. His cock—or rather the built-up frustration inside of him—on the other hand, needed attending to, which only meant one thing. Another night of cleaning the pipes was in order. Fortunately it didn‟t take long for him to get it back up, then get it back down. The results were lackluster at best, but at least he came, and he wouldn‟t have to deal with waking up in the morning with a mean case of blue balls. Hopefully tomorrow he wouldn‟t wake up mean either. He‟d lost his temper a bit there with Creigh, but it wasn‟t her fault. He knew that. But knowing it didn‟t make him feel better, although it should have made him act like a nicer, kinder person. Even if it killed him, he would take off his asshole crown and put on his prince charming one and smile through this evening. He could only hope tomorrow was better, because too many more nights of this and he‟d have carpal tunnel syndrome for sure. After his yawn-worthy orgasm, Dean soaped up and washed his hair. When he rinsed off, he made a point of making sure all his little creamy soldiers marched single file into the drain before he turned the water off. To his surprise, when he pulled back the shower curtain, Creigh was standing against the closed bathroom door with a towel in one hand. “I really am sorry.”

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Wow, she saved him for having to go first. He could get used to this. “Thank you for saying so. I appreciate it.” He shot her a quick smile as he took the offering. He knew it took a lot out of Creigh to make the first move—the least he could do was acknowledge it. Besides, it wasn‟t as if he was upset at her. Just the timing. “It‟s just one of those things us parents have to deal with, and I have to learn to control my impulses a bit more. Slamming the door was just stupid.” “Are you still upset?” Dean thought about it a moment. He wanted to give her a truthful answer and not just something off the cuff. “No. I‟m not. I wasn‟t even upset then. Well, not at you and especially not at Hamilton.” “Then what about?” Dean began to dry off as he thought of the right thing to say. “The situation mainly. I thought things were going good.” That was an understatement. “Real good and then all of a sudden it came to a screeching stop. Not exactly my idea of a great way to end the evening.” “Well just because our plans were changed last minute doesn‟t mean we can‟t have fun.” “Only fun I want to have is of the sleep variety.” The shower had mellowed him down. Dean felt like he was only one chromosome away from Jell-O. “Sleep?” “Yeah.” He wrapped the navy blue towel around his waist then made his way to the sink. “For some reason, I‟m tired as hell.” “You sure about that?” “Very.” Dean picked up his hairbrush and began to brush his hair. “I‟m tired.” Creigh walked over next to him and hoisted herself up on the sink. She watched him for a few minutes before she spoke again. “How tired are you exactly?” “Extremely,” he said as he set the brush down next to her slim thigh.

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“Too tired to finish what we started?” She ran her fingers down his arms and smiled in a come-hither way. Ten minutes ago, he would have taken her up on the very blatant offer she was slinging his way, but it was ten minutes later and he wasn‟t in the mood. ”I really hate the fact I was the only one who came.” “Don‟t feel bad. You weren‟t. I handled it myself.” Almost as if he couldn‟t help himself, he added, “Like I do almost every night, by myself, in the shower.” Her eyes widened at his reply. “You masturbate every night in the shower?” “Not every night, but damn almost.” “Have you ever thought that maybe you could be having sex with, oh I don‟t know, me instead?” Dean shrugged. “Sure. Thought it tonight, but see how well that worked out for us.” “We could have had sex tonight.” Was she kidding? “When?” he asked, truly perplexed. “In the small space of time before Hamilton climbed into our bed, or now, with you bent over the sink and him in the next room.” “Either of those would have worked for me.” “But not for me.” Dean loved sex and sometimes a quickie was fun, but frankly it was becoming the routine and he was interested in spending some quality time with his wife. “Are you really saying you prefer jerking off to sex with me?” “No, I‟m saying I prefer jerking off to the quick rub off we do these days. It takes us longer to make the bed with clean sheets than it does to sneak it in these days.” “And that‟s my fault?” Creigh crossed her arms over her chest as if she were shielding herself. “No, Creigh, that‟s life. And I‟m getting used to it.” “You‟re getting used to a sexless marriage?”

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“Do I have another choice right now? I love you. I want to be with you. I‟m never leaving, so that means I‟ll have to deal with the lack of sex until we can get back into a regular routine.” “Or until you find someone on the side.” “Don‟t be ridiculous, Creigh.” That wasn‟t a mistake he ever planned to make, and it bugged him she would even imply he would. “I don‟t want another woman. I want you.” “But you go to your hand instead.” “This hand doesn‟t have as many responsibilities as you do,” he teased, trying to get her out of the funk she was obviously wallowing in. “It‟s just a bad patch right now. It will get better.” Creigh looked down and spoke so softly he almost didn‟t hear her. “Yeah, but will you be around by the time it is?” Sighing, Dean cupped her chin and tipped her face up toward his. He stared down into her eyes, putting as much love into his own as he could. “I guess you‟ll have to trust me enough to know the answer to that.” And maybe he would have to find a way to prove it to her. “But until then, trust me enough to believe I‟m dog-ass tired, and all I want to do is crawl into bed with my beautiful wife”—Dean smiled— “and my cover-stealing son and just bring this entire night to a close.” “It is late.” “Getting even later the longer we stand here.” Dean placed his hands on her hips and helped her off the sink. “Let‟s go to bed.” “Only if you promise to have lots of dirty dreams about me and not your hand,” she said as she unlocked and opened the door. “He means nothing to me. I promise,” he replied when she turned back around to face him. “He better not,” Creigh grumbled good-naturedly. “You know I‟m very possessive.”

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“If I didn‟t, I do now.” Laughing, Dean wrapped his arm around her shoulders and led her out of the bathroom. The second they left the bathroom they went their separate ways—Creigh to go check on the girls one more time, leaving Dean to slip into his night clothes and put away his towel. When he made his way to the bed, Dean spotted Hamilton sound asleep in the middle of the bed, stretched out like he had no worries in the world, and Creigh lying behind their son, eyelids heavy like Halla‟s after a good feeding. Dean sat on the bed, then leaned over their son and kissed Creigh gently on the lips. Her eyes flew up as if he‟d startled her. “Sorry about that.” He smiled. “Just wanted to tell you good night.” “No problem,” she said in midyawn. “Guess I‟m a little tired too.” “Get some rest, cara. The shop is going to be packed tomorrow.” “Trust me. I know.” Dean wished he could say more, but nothing worthy came to mind. So instead he just gave her one more parting smile, then lay down and rolled over to face the wall. Even though he was dog-tired, sleep didn‟t come right away. He just lay in the dark, listening to Creigh and Hamilton breathe. When Creigh‟s breathing finally lulled into a nice even tempo, he rolled over onto his other side so he could see her. Unlike him, she‟d been facing him the whole time, with one hand cradled under her cheek and the other wrapped around Hamilton, who was cuddled up to her just as he had as a kid. They both looked peaceful in their sleep. No ghost chasing Hamilton in his dreams and hopefully a night of rest for Creigh, who was overworked and underappreciated by everyone but him. She was his world, and if it took a year or two of hand jobs before they could finally get all the kids out of the bed and sleeping through the night, then he‟d just stock up on lotion and deal with it. Because he wasn‟t going anywhere. Ever again. She was the love of his life and worth the wait. “It‟s going to be all right, Creigh,” he whispered. “We just have to give it time.”

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She stirred slightly but didn‟t answer, but he could have sworn he saw a ghost of a smile pass over her lips before she rolled over and burrowed deeper in the bed. It was as close to an okay as he was going to get tonight, but it would have to do for now.

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Chapter Five “Oh my God.” Creigh slumped against the locked door of her flower shop and let out a sigh of relief. “I didn‟t think we‟d ever close.” “I‟m willing to bet if you hadn‟t turned the sign over to closed, we‟d still have people strolling in.” A-mei tilted her head to the side. “Maybe we should stay open a little later. It is only six, after all.” Only six. To Creigh it felt as if she‟d been in the shop all day. Even with Sergio chipping in for a few hours in the morning and their other employee working a few hours in the evening, the store had still been a madhouse. “You are insane.” A-mei lifted money out of the register and waved it for Creigh to see. “No, I simply enjoy turning a profit. We won‟t have a day like this again until May. Forgive me for thinking an extra hour would have been nice.” “And what would we have sold?” Creigh gestured around the almost bare shop. “The potted plants or birthday balloons. Anything else that could be slightly conceived as romantic was sold. It‟s a good thing we have a shipment coming in tomorrow or we‟d be screwed. We almost were today anyway. That delivery you took this morning basically wiped us out as it was.” A-mei waved her words away. “Only calla lilies and white roses. Besides, I already had the lilies on order for that customer. He was very adamant that they be calla lilies. The white roses were a bonus. One we‟ll be spending for several weeks to come.” “True.” Creigh nodded in agreement as she headed to the register where A-mei was counting down the drawer. “Whoever he‟s giving them to is one lucky ducky. I wonder if it‟s true love or bait to get out of the doghouse.”

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“More than likely both. He is a man, after all,” A-mei said drily. “He seemed like a good guy though, and if whoever he gives them to doesn‟t appreciate the flowers or the thousand dollars he blew to buy them for her, then he can drop her and get with me. I‟ll appreciate the hell out of him. All day. Every day. No problem. What about you?” “I don‟t need flowers, just a kiss and a card will do for me,” Creigh said as she watched A-mei fill their bank bag with all the money from the register, then move it to the safe under the counter. “And did you get those?” “Not yet.” “That explains why you came in here looking like who done it and why.” “No, it doesn‟t.” Creigh turned her neck from side to side to work out the kink that had been in there this morning. “I just had a rough night.” A-mei looked up from the safe and arched a brow. “Should I be jealous?” “No…well maybe…some parts were jealous-worthy.” Blush-worthy too. “And the others?” A-mei asked as she stood and stretched her back. “Just…sad.” Hell, Creigh was sad just thinking about it. “Why?” “Because my husband would rather jerk off than have sex with me.” A-mei frowned. “Is that what he said?” “No, but it‟s kind of hard not to miss when he up and does it.” A-mei stared at her blankly. “I‟m confused as hell.” “So am I.” Despite being unsure of her own feelings on the subject matter, Creigh confided in A-mei, leaving no detail out, no matter how graphic it was, just so she could get her cousin‟s input. “Then he gave me a kiss and rolled over and went to sleep. This morning he told me he had some errands to run and would be closing the bar this evening. He said he‟d tried to stop in for lunch, but that didn‟t happen and that‟s it. It‟s Valentine‟s Day, and I‟ll be spending it at home watching

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the Dora special while my husband will be pouring drinks for college-aged girls looking to give what he obviously isn‟t getting at home.” A-mei paused in the midst of tallying up the dailies to give her cousin an annoyed look. “I don‟t know what I pity you more for. Your lackluster sex life or your stupidity.” Creigh stiffened at the insult. “I‟m not stupid.” “You‟re obviously not burdened with the brights either,” A-mei said as she slammed the ledger closed. “I can‟t even concentrate on this right now. You‟re giving me a headache.” “What the hell are you talking about?” “Dean,” she said impatiently. “That man loves you more than Beyoncé loves lace fronts.” “I know he loves me.” Creigh didn‟t doubt that at all. “I‟m just upset I‟m obviously not meeting his needs.” “Then meet them.” A-mei said it as if the answer was obvious. Creigh was so taken aback she hardly knew what to say. A-mei wasn‟t supposed to be on Dean‟s side. She was supposed to be sympathizing with Creigh. “Meet them. That‟s easier said than done.” “No, Creigh, it isn‟t. You‟re upset he‟s jerking off in the shower; well leave those damn dishes in the sink and climb in there with him and wash his dick yourself. Put the wow in shower.” “Wow isn‟t even in shower,” Creigh grumbled as she tried to remember why she thought for a half a second coming to A-mei with her problem was a good idea in the first place. “You‟re arguing semantics because you have nothing else to argue.” Creigh held her tongue because A-mei was right. She had nothing, but apparently A-mei did because she kept talking. “He‟s quickied out; then you make time to make love with your man.”

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“What time?” “Find it. Your house doesn‟t have to be sparkling clean every night before you go to bed. I‟m sure Dean would much prefer you polish his balls instead of the hardwood floors. Get a babysitter. Take a minivacation or a minihoneymoon. It‟s not like you two actually had time to go on one after you were married the second time.” “What about the kids?” “Between the two of you, you have enough family members who would be willing to chip in and watch them for you for a weekend. His sister, Annabelle, had like twenty kids. What difference is three more going to make?” “What about you?” Creigh challenged. “Would you be willing to watch them for me?” “Hell no.” A-mei blanched at just the notion. “But I‟ll help you find someone who will.” “That‟s better than nothing, I suppose.” Although it would have been amusing as hell to see her cousin deal with motherhood, even if it were for just one night. “Either way, this isn‟t anything that can‟t be fixed.” Creigh let out a heavy sigh. “Being superwoman is tiring.” “Then stop. You‟re not a comic book character or a fifties housewife,” A-mei pointed out. “And fortunately you‟re married to a man who loves you and is willing to jerk his arm into a cast so he doesn‟t become an additional burden on you.” Creigh bristled. “He‟s not a burden.” “Does he know that?” Creigh‟s mind began to go a hundred miles a minute. Last night she had felt like the victim; tonight she was feeling more like a whiner. She had a wonderful man whose main complaint was he wanted to spend more time with her, make love to her, and she was begrudging him a hand job. Leave it to A-mei to point out the flaws of her “woe is me” monologue. Irritated at herself, Creigh narrowed her gaze and took it out on the person closest to her. “I hate talking to you.”

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“If I were you, I would too.” A-mei smirked. “Changing the subject to one that bores me less, do you have any plans for tonight?” Creigh rolled her eyes. A-mei was such a snot, but she loved her, which was the only reason she answered. “No, just going home and waiting for Dean. Looks as if I might owe him an apology or two.” “He won‟t be home till late?” “Bar closes at two, so anytime after that.” Creigh narrowed her gaze and stared at her cousin with distrust. “Why?” “Well, I was wondering if you would go with me somewhere. I‟m meeting a blind date in the bar of the Beninato Hotel, and I‟m looking for backup.” “I thought you didn‟t have any plans.” “Last minute sort of thing. You don‟t have to stay long. Just go in there with me to the bar and hang out with me until he shows up. If he‟s a freak, I can use you as an excuse to go home.” “And I would do this why?” “Because I love you and I might be willing to take your little crumb snatchers out to a movie one night next week so you can have some alone time to atone.” Creigh jumped on the chance to have A-mei babysit. “If I stay for half an hour, you have to keep them for three hours.” “Deal.” The two women shook on it. “Now you can give Dean a belated Valentine‟s Day gift.” “Much better than the Spider-Man card I swiped from Hambone that said, „You‟re making more than my spider-sense tingle.‟” A-mei‟s eyes widened in surprise. “Did it really?” “Yes.” She laughed. “That‟s just nasty.” A-mei shook her head as she turned off the lights. “You should give it to him anyway.” Creigh laughed as she gathered her purse. “I just might.”

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“So you‟re going to follow me, right?” A-mei asked as she unlocked the door, then set the alarm. “Yes, ma‟am.” The ladies waited until the timer started on the alarm before exiting the store and then locking up. Together they walked to the parking lot and made their way to their separate cars, parked next to one another. On the drive over to the hotel, Creigh made a quick call home to let the babysitter know she‟d be home an hour later. The sitter said that was fine, then handed the phone over to Harlow, who went into great detail about all the valentines she‟d received. Creigh shook her head as she listened to her daughter. Harlow was in for a rude awakening once Dean finally figured out his not so little girl was sparking interest from boys. Harlow was going to be on lockdown with a quickness—because Dean didn‟t play and he was far too protective of his girls. After speaking with her daughter, she talked briefly with Hamilton, who was more interested in the candy he received than the cards. Then it was Halla‟s turn who babbled joyfully into the phone. All in all, the conversation with the kids put her in a great frame of mind, so by the time she arrived at the hotel, Creigh was in much better spirits. After valet parking, the two women walked into the hotel together and headed straight for the bar. Creigh had come here a time or two for luncheons and meetings, but she‟d never actually stayed overnight. As they made their way to the bar through the lobby, she looked around, taking in all the marble floors, hundreds of flower arrangements, and men in thousand dollar suits, and realized she never would. “Same rules as the ones we used to use back in the day.” A-mei spoke softly as they entered the darkened room. “If you see me crumple up my napkin, it means give me a call on the phone because this guy is a total loser.” “And if you wipe imaginary lint off your shoulder…” “Feel free to leave and I‟ll call you in the morning.”

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“Sounds good.” Creigh had long gotten over trying to come to grips with her cousin‟s very active social life. Instead she worked on loving, not judging. “I‟m going to go get a drink.” “And I‟m going to run to the restroom. I‟ll be right back.” “Okay.” Creigh made her way over to the bar. She took a seat, then caught the bartender‟s gaze to let him know she was ready. It only took a few minutes for him to make his way down to where she was sitting, much to her delight. There was nothing she hated more than service people not serving. “Good evening,” he said with a large “tip me” smile as he placed a napkin right in front of her. “What can I start you off with?” “The lady won‟t be ordering anything,” said a deep voice from behind her. The comment didn‟t even seem to faze the bartender, who just shrugged and walked off. Startled, Creigh turned around and stared at the last person she‟d expected to see. “Dean!” Shock turned to pleasure as she stared at her husband in wonder. For the first time in a long time, he wasn‟t in jeans. He wasn‟t overly dressed up either, because that wasn‟t his way, but Creigh had never been the type of woman who swooned over the James Bond sort of guy. To her, Dean looked far sexier in his dark slacks and charcoal gray button-down shirt than Pierce Bronson did any day of the week. “What are you doing here?” Dean moved his hand from behind his back and presented her with a single red rose. “It‟s Valentine‟s Day. Where else would I be but with you?” Dazed, she took the flower from him. “But…but how did you know where I‟d be?” “I have my sources.” Dean looked toward the entrance. Turning her head, Creigh followed his gaze and spotted A-mei grinning from ear to ear. Her cousin winked at her and gave a little wave before slipping out the door. Amused, Creigh shook her head as she turned her attention back to Dean. “Why do I have a feeling I‟ve been set up?”

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“Because you have. I‟m kidnapping you for the night.” “And the kids?” Creigh asked automatically. “Are being taken care of. The babysitter is staying until nine, and then she‟s being relieved by Sergio and, believe it or not, A-mei. They‟re going to stay the night, and in the morning, they‟re going to drop the kids off at school and Halla off at daycare. Gino will pick them up and keep them at his place until we come and get them around four.” Creigh was dumbstruck. “Wow. I‟m speechless.” “Is that a good wow or a bad wow?” “Good. For sure.” Creigh might be surprised by Dean‟s sudden actions, but she was certainly happy about it. “I can‟t believe you went through all of this for me.” “Cara, I would walk through hell for you. Booking a room and arranging to have our kids watched for twenty-four hours pales in comparison. I‟m just upset I didn‟t think of it sooner.” Her heart jumped at his words. “You thought of it now. And that‟s all that matters.” Touched beyond belief, Creigh placed her hand around his waist and pulled him gently to her as she stretched up to him. They met somewhere in the middle to share a deep yet tender kiss that left Creigh breathless and more than a little turned on, and she could tell by the heated look in Dean‟s eyes, she wasn‟t the only one. “How do you feel about taking this party upstairs to our room?” he whispered against her lips. “Room?” This just kept getting better and better. “I thought you‟d never ask.” “You know me. I like to wait for the right moment with everything I do.” “That you do.” Creigh laughed. “Since you cut me off, can I assume you have something to drink upstairs?” Dean took her hand and helped her off the stool. “A bottle of chardonnay, a gourmet dinner, and a number of other surprises.”

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“Surprises?” Creigh couldn‟t believe it. He‟d really gone all out. “What surprises?” “You‟ll have to wait and see.” Taking her by the hand, he led her out of the bar and down the hall to the elevators. They waited less than a minute for the polishedto-a-shine doors to open before they stepped in. Creigh‟s eyes almost popped out of her head when she saw him slip in a card key, then press the button for the penthouse suit. Convinced she was dreaming, she looked to her husband for answers. But when she saw him leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, with a shit-eating grin on his face, she knew she wasn‟t imagining things at all. “Stop it.” “What?” “Are you freaking kidding me?” Creigh couldn‟t have kept the shock out of her voice if she tried. “Would I do that, today of all days?” Creigh shook her head in wonderment. “This is unbelievable. Now I feel really bad.” “Why?” “Because all I got you was a pornographic Spider-Man card,” she admitted ruefully. Dean grinned. “You say pornographic like it‟s a bad thing.” “True. Unfortunately the card is at home.” He uncrossed his arms and pulled her to him. “I guess you‟ll have to come up with another gift for me then.” “I‟m good at thinking on my feet,” she said, smiling up at him. “Here I was hoping the gift would involve you being on your knees.” She moistened her lips with her tongue. “I think that can be arranged.” “I was hoping you‟d say that. I think we should finish the rest of this conversation in our room, don‟t you?”

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As if on cue, the elevator stopped and the doors begin to open. “Lead the way. I‟m all yours.” “Just the way I like it.” Dean took her hand in his and led her out of the elevator. “Are you prepared to be blown away?” “Honey, I already am.”

All afternoon Dean had imagined what Creigh‟s expression would look like when she saw the room. If he had to say so himself, he‟d done good. The presidential suit was posh to say the least, with a living area, a well-stocked bar, and a plush bedroom suite that was connected to the biggest bathroom he‟d ever seen. To top it off, he‟d taken the time to fill the room with her favorite flowers, setting vase after vase on every available surface he could find. It was the sweet scent of calla lilies that greeted them as soon as he opened the door, just as he‟d planned, just as he wanted. Proudly he pushed the door all the way open and stepped back so Creigh could take in the view. “My lady.” Dean made a grand gesture, sweeping his arms wide as he showed off the room to his astonished wife. He was not disappointed by her reaction. The way her jaw dropped open was comical, as was the loud gasp she gave when she stepped over the threshold and into the swanky room. She walked slowly into the suite as if the carpet was made of glass, looking around at everything, big and small. She came to a final stop in front of the bar, where she leaned forward and smelled the lilies. When she rose back up, there was a light in her eyes he hadn‟t seen in a while. “Do you like it?” he asked, coming up next to her. “I love it but”—Creigh paused and glanced around the room once more—“it‟s way too much. I would have been happy at any motel.”

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Dean smiled at her blatant lie. He knew his wife well enough to know she would have faked it, but it would have grossed her out to even sit on one of the wellused beds. “No, you wouldn‟t.” “If it meant having this time alone with you, I would have.” Her lips tilted up in a half smile. “Of course I would have bathed in hand sanitizer the next day.” “I don‟t think you‟ll have to do that here.” “That‟s my point. You must have spent a pretty penny for this place. Please tell me you didn‟t tap into the kids‟ college fund to pay for this.” “No, I didn‟t.” But he would have just to see the look on her face. Fortunately though, he didn‟t have to. “The room didn‟t cost a thing.” “Liar.” “Honestly.” Dean held up his right hand as if he were on a witness stand. “The room was a gift.” Creigh furrowed her brow. “From whom?” Dean thought about their benefactor and smiled. “A very thankful customer.” “What are you guys putting in the beer over there?” “Not the beer, but a cab.” “Not getting it.” “It‟s actually very simple and boring.” Dean pulled the wine out of the carafe and began to twist off the screw cap. “Grab a glass.” Creigh picked two flutes off the bar and held them out to him. Dean made sure to fill her glass up all the way since she loved the wine, and fill his only halfway since he didn‟t much care for it. But he didn‟t want to ruin the mood by filling up his glass with beer. Even someone as boorish as him knew better than that. After filling the glasses, he put the bottle back in the carafe to keep it chilled and led Creigh over to the private lanai. The terrace was breathtaking, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. It was crazy that from so high up, a town as loud, rowdy, and sometimes dangerous was stunning from the right angle.

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With glass in hand, Creigh made her way over to the railing and peered out into the vast darkness. “This is so beautiful.” “I see beauty every day.” Creigh turned and leaned back on the gate. “In fact I‟m looking at it right now.” “Don‟t think sweet-talking is going to get you out of my story.” Dean laughed. “Never even crossed my mind, cara. The manager of the hotel is the daughter of one of our regulars. She‟s taking care of us tonight to thank me for all the nights I‟ve taken care of him. On the nights she can‟t come get him, I make sure he gets home alive.” “Dean.” Her eyes glistened in that way that meant soon the waterworks were going to start. “Stop it. No.” He waved his hand, trying to downplay it all. “No gushy stuff. I just do what anyone would do.” “No. You don‟t. And that‟s what makes you special.” “Well, Sarah seems to agree, and tonight she came by the bar and asked if there was a way she could return the favor. The guest who was supposed to stay here cancelled at the last moment, and since they charged them anyway, she figured someone should enjoy it. So she offered it to me. And the rest is, as they say, history.” “And the flowers”—she gestured with her wineglass to other room—“are they being paid forward as well?” “No,” he admitted with a smile. “Those I bought at cost. I know you like to make a profit.” “And I thank you for it. Although it‟s a little like robbing Peter to pay Paul.” Dean moved next to her and leaned back against the railing. “Do you really care?”

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“Not at all. I love it. All of it.” Creigh looked up at him, her eyes shining like new pennies. “You. Are. Amazing.” “No. I‟m not.” “Oh yes you are. I mean, Dean…you take my breath away.” “Then we‟re even.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her in close to him. “You‟ve been doing that to me for years.” Creigh let out a contented sigh as she snuggled into his side. “I‟m going to be talking about this for a while. You realize that, don‟t you?” “Of course.” His little magpie didn‟t know how to shut up. This had just given her even more reason to chat his ear off. But he didn‟t mind. Tonight was theirs, to do as they pleased. And if that meant simply sitting side by side all night long and talking, Dean was in. This evening wasn‟t about sex, even though he planned to make love to her. This evening was more about them reconnecting as a couple. That was the most important thing to him. “How did you arrange all of this? On such short notice.” As much as Dean would have loved to take all the credit, he couldn‟t. This wasn‟t just a gift from him to her. This was also a gift from their family to them. “I have to be honest with you. I‟m a little ashamed by how easy it all was. All I did was ask and our family came through. There was no hesitation. Everyone was willing. No, more than willing to help out in any fashion they could. They wanted to do this for us. They insisted on it.” “We are so very blessed.” “That we are.” “I‟m still in shock that A-mei is willingly watching the kids. I‟m actually a little afraid. For the kids.” “You‟re not the only one.” In fact he was still waiting for the other shoe to drop with that one. Love A-mei as he did, she wouldn‟t have been his first choice as an overnight sitter. “But Serg is there. Hopefully he‟ll balance things out a bit.”

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“And the bar?” “Gino is covering it, and apparently we have a lot of single staff because no one minded coming in tonight.” “Aw. That‟s sad.” “Cupid‟s off his game this year.” “I don‟t know about that.” Creigh moved from under his arm to stand in front of him. “From my view, that half-naked little deity has been working his diaper off. Not that I deserve any of it.” Dean frowned. “What are you talking about? You‟ve been wonderful. As usual. Why would you think differently?” “I don‟t think differently. I know. I‟ve been neglectful.” “Of who? The kids are good; you spend hours upon hours at the shop. Who could you possibly be neglecting?” “You.” “Oh, Creigh.” Dean shook his head. “Honey, this isn‟t about you messing up. This is about us messing up. We‟re both trying so hard to get things going on the work front and get the kids together and function under a two-parent system again. It‟s a lot of work. From sunup to sundown. I‟m amazed sex isn‟t the only thing we‟ve been forgetting to do.” “It‟s still no excuse. You should come first.” “Over what? The kids?” Dean shook his head. “I don‟t think so. The kids come first, for both of us. Our most important job is to take care of them. Us is second, then work. I wasn‟t mad you went mommy on Hambone. If I hadn‟t been so horny, I would have suggested he stay myself. I got cranky, but I don‟t want you to think I feel you did the wrong thing. I said it then. I‟ll say it now. Timing is our only downfall, and we just have to figure out a way to make it work better. For both of us. It takes two to make a marriage a success, and I think we‟ve both been a little remiss about that lately.”

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“I‟m so afraid of messing this up again. I can‟t lose you. Not again.” “That‟s never going to happen,” Dean said forcefully. “Never. I meant it the first time I said to death do us part, but I really, really, really meant it the second time.” Creigh laughed. “Let‟s make sure we don‟t have to redo it a third just so the message sticks.” “Oh no, two weddings were enough,” Dean stated emphatically. “We‟re getting this right this time. There might be a few bumps along the way, but I‟m committed. To you. To our family. To our love.” “As am I.” Creigh took a long drink from her glass, then smiled seductively at him. “Well, now that you have me, what do you plan to do with me?” Dean tilted his head to the side and pretended to ponder her question. “So many decisions, so little time.” “The clock‟s a ticking. You better pick something. I‟d hate if we wasted this night just talking. I mean, here we don‟t have to be quiet…or nice.” Lord, he loved the way she thought. “How does a bubble bath for two sound?” “Devilishly delicious.” “I‟ll go get it started while you pour yourself another glass and undress.” “Would you like me to pour you another glass as well?” Dean glanced down at his hardly touched drink and shook his head. “No, half a glass is about all I can take. In fact”—he tilted his glass over and poured his remaining wine into her glass—“one sip was enough. Anyway, I bought this for you.” “You know what I like,” she said between sips. “But don‟t think you‟re getting out of it, buddy. I‟ll make a wine drinker out of you yet.” “We‟ll see.” He laughed. “There‟s a robe in the bedroom. Change and meet me in the bathroom for one of your many surprises.” “I can‟t wait.”

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Dean smiled and walked into the bathroom. He couldn‟t wait either. He had every intention of making this a night neither of them forgot for a long time to come.

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Chapter Six As tempting as a bubble bath sounded, Creigh didn‟t rush to join Dean in the bathroom. She knew it would take a few minutes to run the bath, so she took her time and explored the suite, trying to memorize every square inch of the room and file it away in her mental Rolodex. Nights like this didn‟t come around very often, and she knew this was more than likely a one-time thing—at least in a posh place like this. She had every intention of repeating this experience again. It wouldn‟t be as fancy, but it would be just the two of them and that was all they needed. After pouring herself another drink, she strolled into the bedroom. The stylish room was as extravagant as the rest of the suite. “The water‟s cooling,” Dean called out from the other room. “Are you coming?” “Not yet.” She grinned as she began to undress. “But I better.” “Oh you will. Many, many times. Trust me.” She did. Creigh picked up her discarded clothes and placed them on the ottoman. Using the ponytail holder she kept in her purse for emergencies, she pulled her hair up in a bun and out of her way. It wasn‟t a sexy look, but it was better than the minifro she‟d have tomorrow if she just let it hang down. She didn‟t bother to slip on the white plush robe that was laid across the floral gold comforter, choosing instead to walk into the bathroom the way she was going to take a bath. Naked. The sight that greeted her was as big of a treat as the room itself. Her large, hulking husband—who couldn‟t have been more macho if he tried—was chest-deep in one of the largest tubs she‟d ever seen, filled to the brim with bubbles and white

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rose petals. He looked as out of place as a preacher in a whorehouse, but she‟d be damned if he didn‟t look cute. Amused but trying hard to hide it, she finished off her wine, then set the empty glass on the marble counter between the double sinks. She walked over to the tub and sat on the ledge. She reached down and picked up one of the many white petals floating on top of the water. “I wondered about the roses.” “Yeah it seemed like a good idea at the time.” Instead of seeming pleased, Dean‟s face was creased in a frown as he batted at the foam that floated around him like billowy clouds. “I think I overdid the bubbles.” That was an understatement, but Creigh would rather drink poison than admit it. Instead she centered her attention on something more noteworthy. “I think you look adorable in there.” “Adorable.” His frown deepened. “Not the look I was going for.” She couldn‟t imagine why. “Endearing?” “Try again.” Her lips twitched with poorly suppressed amusement. “Cute?” “Eeehhh. No.” Dean let out a defeated sigh and gave in to the froth surrounding him with as much dignity as a man could have in the same situation. “If you ever needed proof I love you, this would be it.” “I assure you, I don‟t need proof. Although I would kill for a camera.” Dean sent her a look that would have set water on fire. “Halla is far too young to be without a mother.” “Duly noted, Captain Bubbles.” Dean spread his legs and then shook his hand, sending suds flying every which way. “Get in here, woman.” “Yes, sir.” She saluted him with a smile and then took his hand in hers. Carefully she stepped into the tub and hissed a bit at the heat of the water. “Good Lord! I thought you said it was getting cold.”

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“It is. Slowly.” “A little too slow if you ask me.” “You‟ll thank me once you sit. Not that I‟m complaining about the view,” he said, sounding a little too pleased for her peace of mind. “Take all the time you need.” Creigh glanced behind her to see what had caused the change of his voice. She knew instantly as soon as she saw where his gaze was centered. “Stop staring at my ass.” “Never,” he said emphatically. “Pervert.” Turning back around, Creigh sank her teeth into her bottom lip and lowered herself into the hot water. Once she was submerged up to her breasts, she leaned back against Dean‟s chest and made herself at home between his legs. “This is the life.” “You haven‟t seen anything yet.” The water began to bubble, giving credence to his claim. “A hot tub,” she exclaimed with delight. “Uh-huh.” Dean wrapped his arms around her. “Like it?” “Love it! I may never go home again.” “Why don‟t I believe that? Penny bet you‟ll be calling home before the night is over.” “Yes, but only to make sure they don‟t have A-mei tied up in a closet somewhere. Not because I‟d rather be home.” “Wouldn‟t you?” “Can we take the room with us?” “No.” Even though he was sitting behind her and she couldn‟t see his face, she could definitely hear the amusement in his voice. “Then I‟m good here. For the night.”

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“Sure you‟re going to make it all night? This will be the first time you‟ve been away from Halla for more than a few hours. Think you‟ll survive?” “I will; not sure they will though.” Creigh glanced down at her breasts. They were a bit swollen but not much. It was a good thing she was beginning to wean Halla or it might have been worse. The last time she‟d pumped was two hours ago, during a quick break at work. She‟d have to do it at least once more before she slept or she‟d pay in the morning. “I‟m going to have to find away to pump before the night is over.” Palming her heavy mounds, Dean squeezed her taut nipples between his fingers. “I‟m sure we‟ll figure something out.” “I‟m sure we will.” “So…” She sat up a bit and reached behind her to take his hard cock in her hand. ”Are we going to play hide the submarine?” The warm, soapy water made for great lube. Not one to be outdone, Dean released his hold on her breasts and worked his fingers past her stomach and down between her legs. To her immense pleasure, he slipped a finger between her nether lips and into her warm core. “If we do, I know exactly where to hide it.” Creigh released his cock and leaned back against him again. She parted her legs even more to give him better access, forgoing his pleasure to focus solely on her own. She knew it was selfish, but the feelings he was awakening inside her were far too good to bypass. “Excellent choice.” “Always my first.” “Always?” Dean chuckled. “Okay maybe not always, but a good portion of the time, for sure.” “That‟s what I thought.” The last word came out on a moan as he slipped another finger inside her. “Ohhh.”

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“Cara.” She whimpered. “Yeess.” “Have I ever told you how much I love how wet you get for me?” With his free hand, Dean cupped one of her breasts while he teased her sex unmercifully with the other. “Just love it.” “No.” She pumped her hips to the rhythm of his thrusts and squeezed her eyes shut, almost unable to bear the pleasure he was giving her. “I don‟t believe you have.” “Well I do.” His fingers dipped farther into her tight sheath. “Nothings gets me harder faster than the sight and feel of your wet pussy.” Was there nothing about this man she didn‟t love? From his dirty words to his talented digits, Dean knew just what to do to drive her wild. If wet was how he liked her, all he had to do to keep her that way was never change. Everything about him made her quiver and throb with desire. “I‟m willing to bet if we weren‟t in this tub, you‟d have a river between your legs. Am I wrong?” “No. No, you‟re not.” Creigh moaned as he strummed her clit with his thumb, unafraid for the first time in a long time of waking anyone. The freedom to be as loud as she wanted increased her pleasure tenfold, as did the way he pressed his palm against her clit as he thrust deeper within her. “I didn‟t think so.” “Oh God.” She could come just from hearing him speak. Creigh arched her back and gasped, digging her fingernails into his thighs as she rocked her hips. “I‟m so close.” She could barely hear her voice because of the rush of blood ringing in her ears. “So fucking close.” “We don‟t want that, now do we?” Dean whispered, then to her utter dismay instantly stilled his hand. His abrupt movement caused her eyelids to fly open.

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“This part of we does.” She grabbed his wrist, holding his hand right where it was. “I could have sworn you promised me orgasms. Many of them, if memory serves.” “I did, didn‟t I?” He strummed his thumb across her clit. Lulled into a false sense of security, Creigh eased her grip on him, only to have Dean pull free of her hold. “But I didn‟t say here, and I didn‟t say when.” Creigh elbowed him in the stomach. His gasp only made her feel marginally better. If she didn‟t love the big bully, she‟d kill him. Offering her a glimpse of the Promised Land, then only delivering Candy Land was just evil. “You‟re mean.” “But you love me.” “That doesn‟t say much about me, now does it,” she complained, still too worked up to forgive him just yet. “And do you trust me?” She didn‟t even bother to give his question much thought. She just answered automatically as she weighed the pros and cons of reaching for the shower nozzle and putting herself out of her misery. “Of course.” “With your life?” he whispered against her temple. She gave the nozzle one more longing look, then let out a heavy sigh. “Yes.” “Your heart?” Creigh smiled softly. Even as frustrated as he was leaving her at the moment, he was the love of her life. “Oh yeah,” she said with feeling. “Your…body?” Creigh opened her mouth to respond, but then thought better of it. She turned a bit in his arms and tilted her head to look up at him. “What are you getting at?” “You said you owed me a present, right?” he reminded her, not that she needed it. “Yesss,” she said hesitantly, wondering where he was going with this. “Then I know what I want.”

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Creigh narrowed her eyes. Something told her it wasn‟t a pornographic SpiderMan card. “Which is?” “Control.” “Of space and time,” she asked hopefully. “Not sure I can give that to you.” “Then how about you just give me control over you? For the next twenty-two hours, your body is mine to do with as I please.” Creigh rolled her eyes. “And how is that any different from any other night we make love?” “Because any other night you can say no.” His words took her aback, as did his intense gaze. “And I can‟t tonight?” “No.” For a second, Creigh was dumbstruck. He had to be joking. Right? “Are you serious?” “As a heart attack.” Heat pooled in her belly, and it had nothing to do with the scalding water. “Sounds…risky.” “Only if you don‟t trust me.” Well since he put it that way. “Okay, I‟m in. On one condition.” Dean cocked a brow. “Which is?” “Next Valentine‟s Day, it‟s my turn.” Dean smiled. “You have yourself a deal.” “Then let the fun begin.”

Dean was pleasantly surprised by Creigh‟s response. There wasn‟t a doubt in his mind she‟d be interested in giving up control. He just didn‟t think she‟d give in so fast. He‟d been prepared to wear her down. But since she‟d agreed so readily, the

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only thing he had left to do was wear her out. A thought that made his already erect cock throb in anticipation. “First things first.” Dean glanced around the lavish room. “We need you to be nice and clean so I can get you nice and dirty.” “That‟s a little too complicated for me to follow.” “Well remember you don‟t have to understand it. You just have to do as I say.” “Rules, rules, rules. All right, lord and master, what shall I do first?” Dean frowned. That sounded way wrong coming from his headstrong beauty. “First, don‟t call me that again. Despite the rules, I‟m still me and you‟re still you, none of that master and sub shit for us. But…if you‟re dying for something new to call me tonight, feel free to use my other names: Stud, the Hammer, King Ding-aling maybe.” “Dean it is.” She laughed. “That‟s what I thought,” he said as he spotted several small bottles on the ledge above them. “Ease up a bit.” Without saying a word, she leaned away from him, giving Dean the room he needed to reach the bottle he wanted. Taking it off the shelf, he twisted the top off and tossed it carelessly across the room. “Perfect.” He looked around the tub again. “Well almost.” Creigh glanced over her shoulder at him. “What‟s wrong?” “I see soap, but no washcloth or scrunchie. I guess I‟ll have to go all barbaric and use my hands.” A much more appealing idea. Creigh let out a fake put-out sigh. “If you must.” “Oh. I must.” Dean poured a good portion of strawberry-scented soap on his hands. After setting the bottle on the ledge behind him, he rubbed his hands together until they were slick and soapy, then raised them above his head. “Lean back on me.”

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“Gladly,” she said with a smile before turning around and doing as he asked. “You know this whole pamper me thing? I can get used to it.” She wasn‟t the only one. “See that you do.” Having his sexy wife within fucking distance without a kid in shouting distance was a cock-hardening experience that bared repeating again and again and again. Not that he needed to escape from the kids to get an erection. Sometimes he grew heavy with need just from watching her walk across the room. “So are you going to sit there all day or what?” Dean pulled his impatient diva in closer to him, trapping his randy cock between his abs and her lower back. “Definitely or what. Now what should I clean first?” Without waiting for her to reply, he cupped her full breasts in his hands. “Oh I know.” She laughed, causing the bundles of joy in his hands to jiggle a bit. Damn, he loved her tits. Creigh tilted her head to the side and looked back at him. “Why did I know you were going to start there?” That was a no-brainer. “Because you know me so well.” Dean rubbed his thumbs simultaneously over her nipples and watched with pride as they puckered up like two dark blackberries. Her nipples were so responsive. So damn sexy he could play with them for hours. Dean took her pebbled peaks between his fingers and applied just enough pressure to cause Creigh to gasp and wiggle her ass against him. His wife was no shrinking violet. Under the right circumstances she was a fan of a little pain if it was applied in the right area the right way. The way Dean had familiarized himself with many, many years ago. “If you keep that up,” she whimpered. “You‟ll get my milk going again.” He squeezed one of her erect tips, then smiled when a bead of pearly white liquid appeared. “And your point is what?”

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“It‟ll be messy,” she said as if her reply was obvious. “And I say again. Your point is what?” Try as he might, Dean couldn‟t get her to understand how sexy he found her. He knew there were some men in the world who didn‟t find motherhood to be attractive. He wasn‟t one of them. Everything about her body fascinated him, aroused him. Even things that probably weren‟t supposed to. “I thought the purpose was to get me clean.” She was missing the point once again. “The purpose is for me to do whatever it is I want and for you to like it.” “Oh I forgot.” “See that you don‟t again. This is my party.” Dean squeezed her breasts once more and didn‟t let go until she released a choppy breath. One he recognized as a sign of sheer pleasure. “And I‟m in charge of the party games. Capisce?” “Yes.” “Whose way?” “Your way.” “Damn straight.” And his way meant a little more time playing with his second favorite part of her body, her breasts. He toyed with them until his cock began to leak precum and Creigh was moaning loudly and squirming between his legs. When both of them were completely worked up, he decided it was time to move on to the next brand of torture. “Now to the cleaning.” “Uh.” Creigh made a noise of complaint, but that was it. She lay still in front of him as he soaped up his hands again. Dean took his time to wash her shoulders, down her arms, even her fingers. He did it slowly and thoroughly, because if there was anyone deserving of a bit of pampering, it was the sexy, sassy woman who was melting like butter in his hands. When her upper body was clean, he added more soap to his hands and then began to work them past her breasts to the sweet treasure that lay between her

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legs. Instead of fingering her as he had before, he simply washed her, then moved on until he had soaped up every inch of her he could reach with her in the position she was. “Turn around.” Creigh immediately did as he requested. “Now move back a bit.” When she was in the position he wanted, Dean added more soap to his hands then washed the lower parts of her body. He took his time not only cleaning but massaging her long limbs as well. He did one leg at a time, paying special attention to her calves—an area he knew pained her thanks to the many hours she spent on her feet all day. After he was finished, he dipped his hands into the water to rinse them, then lifted her legs, placing one on either side of his hips before he scooted forward a bit and pulled her onto his lap. “Whoa.” Creigh laughed as she wrapped her legs around his waist and placed her arms around his neck. “Wasn‟t expecting that.” “You know me. I like to keep you on your toes.” “Technically…” She wiggled from side to side. “I‟m on your lap.” Dean grinned. “I like keeping you there as well.” Creigh reached down and took his erect shaft in her hand. “From the feel of this,” she said as she began to fist his cock, “I‟d say you like keeping me here, a lot.” He certainly did. Creigh wasn‟t the only one worked up from having his hands on her. His cock was so hard it damn near hurt. “Feel it some more,” he encouraged, craving the relief only Creigh could give him. “And let me know if you can figure out what else I like.” “Hmm…” She let the word trail off as she worked her hand up and down his thick rod with sure and firms strokes, touching and teasing him the way she knew he preferred. “I see you like me.” Dean closed his eyes for a second and simply enjoyed the feel of her hand on him. “Correct.”

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“My pussy and ass.” He smiled and opened his eyes. “Without a doubt.” “My…” Creigh paused to lick her lips seductively. “Mouth.” Dean‟s gaze followed the trail her tongue made, wishing it was the crown of his cock highlighting her sensual, plump mouth. “Yes, and do you know what else I like?” “No. What?” “Fucking you.” Payback is only fair. Dean put his hand between them and zeroed in on her clit, bypassing her bare nether lips, to place his thumb against the erect bundle of nerves and slide two fingers knuckle-deep inside her hot core. “With my fingers and my dick.” Creigh arched into him and gasped. “Oh yeah, I love that too.” “I can tell.” He gritted his teeth against the urge to plunge balls-deep inside her. There was no rush for that. They had all night, and he planned to take her every which way he could before the sun rose. They might as well get the first one done and over with quickly so he could take his time later. Because at this rate, he‟d come the second he slipped his cock into her sweet pussy. He would have to make do with her hand, although the skilled way she fisted his meat was no consolation prize. Creigh gave a wicked hand job, and he was only too happy to have her finish him off this way. But he was ready to come. And he was ready to come now. “Don‟t stop until I spill in your hands,” he warned in a gravelly voice. “Do you understand me?” “Yes,” she gasped as she pumped his shaft. “Good.” Done with the playful banter and the frustrating foreplay, Dean concentrated on getting Creigh off. He moved his fingers in a blur of motion inside her as he pressed and rubbed his thumb firmly on her clit. All the while he worked on her, Creigh stroked his cock. She stroked his heated flesh, pumping him with

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long, firm caresses. Her rhythm was off, but it didn‟t detract from the pleasure of it all. He was too close to care. He moved his hand faster and she squeezed hers tighter as they both skated closer to the edge. The frantic motions caused the water to slosh around them and splash onto the tiled floor as they rocked into one another at a fast and maddening pace. “Dean.” Creigh‟s moan was as telling as the quivering walls of her sex. “I love you, cara.” Dean curled his free hand in her hair and forcefully pulled her head back, causing her back to bend and thrust her breasts toward his mouth. That was all the invitation he needed to clamp his lips around her nipple. Creigh cried out his name as he sucked hard and fast on first one nipple, then the other. He paid no mind to the warm, sweet milk that began to flow from her erect peaks. His attention was too focused on the wet pussy that clamped down around his fingers. “I want you to come for me, cara,” he said, releasing his grip on her hair and pulling her closer to him. “Oh. Yes…God yes,” she gasped. Her words were jumbled, but Dean didn‟t need an interpreter. Her pussy clenching around his fingers when she came was all the interpretation he needed. He loved to watch her come apart in his arms, to lose control and just feel. The primalness of it rocked him to his soul. In the thrall of her release, she squeezed his cock tight in her fist. The extra pressure sent him soaring to his own release. With a guttural groan, he came, spurting jet after jet of creamy seed across their stomachs and into the rippling water. “Jesus.” Dean removed his hand from her sweet warmth and buried his face in the curve of her neck. He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her to him, trembling a bit from the aftermath of his powerful release.

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Neither of them said anything for a bit. The harsh sounds of their breathing were words enough. After a few minutes of postcoital bliss, he raised his head and pulled back a bit so he could see Creigh‟s face. She was flushed, her eyes were a bit wild, and a few stray hairs had fallen down and framed her face. She looked like a woman who‟d been well loved. Never had she been more beautiful. “I think,” he paused to catch his breath before continuing, “we need a shower. We‟re a bit dirty now.” Creigh laughed and dropped her head gently on his shoulder. “You‟re mad.” “Only about you,” he said with a smile. “Only about you.”

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Chapter Seven Satisfied to her core, Creigh leaned on her side and watched Dean, nude as the day he was born, walk around the room, confident and bold. There was absolutely no shame in his game. His boldness had attracted her from the very beginning. When they were kids, he was always the one the other boys looked up to. If Dean said it had to go this way, it went that way. He was a natural born leader. A dominant that didn‟t make excuses and didn‟t feel the need to lord his might about. In her eyes, he was as close to perfection as a man could be. Creigh didn‟t know when she fell in love with him. It wasn‟t one of those madefor-celluloid-only moments. Birds didn‟t sing, and enchanted animals didn‟t suddenly appear out of nowhere and start braiding her hair like something out of a wacky Disney movie. It just happened. She‟d been well aware of his interest in her. That developed around the same time her breasts did, but her feelings for him took a bit longer. But when they‟d hit, they‟d hit hard, and she‟d been a goner ever since. Their relationship would never be perfect. They were both stubborn as the day was long, but Creigh knew that was part of what was going to keep them together, even through the rough spots. Neither of them would back down this time. They‟d already figured out that being apart was not an option. Now they just had to keep working at being together. It wasn‟t going to be easy, but nothing ever worth fighting for was. “What are you thinking about?” Dean strolled into the room with a tray of edible goodies. He laid it down on the bed in front of her before going back to the bar and picking up another tray. This one held two wineglasses, the bottle they‟d opened earlier, and, much to her amusement, a bottle of beer.

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This tray he laid down on the nightstand next to the bed. He poured her another glass of wine, then poured his beer in the other glass. “Beer, huh?” She couldn‟t help but tease. “So romantic.” He held out the glass to her. “I‟m smooth like that.” She took it with a smile. “That you are. Besides”—she reached down with her free hand and picked up a strawberry—“everything is delicious.” “There‟s more food in there, but I figure you didn‟t want to get too full. We can snack now, then fuck, then snack some more.” Fuck romance. Creigh would take passion any day over flowers and poetry. “Snack, fuck, snack again.” Creigh bit into the juicy berry. “Sounds like my idea of paradise.” “I had a feeling it would be.” Dean climbed up on the bed and lay behind her. He snuggled against her, placing one of his hands on her bare hip while leaning his head against his other one. Reaching over her, he pulled a grape off the vine, then offered it to her. Charmed by his gesture, she leaned forward and took the fruit from between his fingers with her teeth. She chewed for a few seconds, enjoying the crisp flavor of the green fruit. “That‟s good too. You should try it.” “Maybe I will.” Dean went to pluck another one, but Creigh gently popped his hand and waved her finger no at him. With a seductive smile, she picked a grape from the bunch and put it in her mouth. She turned with the grape held between her teeth and lay back on the bed. With a crook of her index finger, she gestured for him to come and get it. Laughing, Dean did just that. He leaned forward and covered her mouth with his, not only taking the grape but also her lips under his at the same time. The added flavor of the fruit made their kiss sweeter than ever before. With a little moan, Creigh turned her head to break the kiss. Breathing heavily, she ran her tongue over her love-thickened lips, tasting Dean, tasting the grape. Just eating it all in. When she was done savoring the moment, she turned

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her head so she was looking at him once more. Smiling, she reached up and cupped his cheek in her hand. “This is the best date ever.” “This is just the beginning.” “I thought the tub was the beginning?” “Well yes.” He smiled. “But no. The bath was the beginning of the night, but us being together is the beginning of us starting anew and hopefully doing it right this time.” Dean looked down at her breasts and drew a heart with his fingertip on the right side. He looked up but kept his hands there, over both the heart he drew and her heart, which had begun to speed up under his touch. “From now on out, we make time for us. No matter what.” Creigh nodded in complete agreement. “No matter what. I swear.” “This is also a night where I have complete control over you body.” “I seem to recall something like that being discussed.” “I‟m glad you do. I‟d hate to have to explain it to you twice. Especially when I can use my time more wisely.” Dean dropped a quick kiss on her upturned lips, then slipped off the bed. “I have a present for you.” “I like presents.” Creigh sat up and took a square block of cheese from the tray and plopped it into her mouth. Dean disappeared into the living room area of the suite as she snacked on more fruit and cheese. In less than a minute, he was back, holding a gift basket in his hands. “Wow.” Creigh picked up her glass and took a sip to clear her throat. “That‟s some basket.” “Well when I said I had a present for you, I should have been more clear. Here is a present for you.” “Not from you?” “No.” He shook his head and smiled. “I take no responsibility for what‟s in the basket.”

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Dean set the wicker basket covered in clear cellophane on the bed in front of her. “Who does?” Creigh leaned closer to take a better look, and when her gaze landed on the red heart-shaped handcuffs, she had the answer to her question. “Amei?” “A-mei.” He grinned. “It would be a shame not to at least open it and see what‟s inside.” “I‟m more interested in how we decide who‟s getting tied up.” Dean raised a brow, putting to bed all doubts of who the bondee and bonder would be. “Your way. I forgot.” “See that you don‟t again.” Dean began to unravel the clear wrap. “I will, however, let you pick one thing you definitely want to experience and one thing you would prefer not to experience, but know this—at the end of the day, it will be me making that final call.” “Talk about pressure.” Creigh took another drink, this time to calm her nerves. “Okay. Let‟s see what‟s in this baby.” Dean picked up the food tray and took it out of the room as Creigh dumped the basket upside down, spilling its dirty little secrets all over the quilt. She riffled through the usual lineup of sex toys and made three piles. One for things she wanted to try, one for things she‟d already tried but would be willing to do again, and one pile—which just consisted of anal beads—of things she didn‟t want to play with. By the time he came back in, she was done. Instead of joining her on the bed right away, Dean picked up the bottle of wine and held it out to her. “Want a refill?” Creigh held up her glass. “Please and thank you.” She didn‟t know when she‟d have the time to do this again. She was going to have to throw away all her milk for the next twenty-four hours anyway, so she might as well live it up. “You‟re more than welcome.” Dean poured her another glass like the seasoned bartender he was fast becoming. Moving over to the lamp on the desk, he held the

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bottle up in front of the light. “You might have enough for one or two glasses more.” He turned back to look at her. “Do you want to finish it now or wait?” “Hmmm.” Creigh released a contented sigh and lay back on the propped-up pillows on the bed. She was careful not to spill her drink or cause the toys to tumble to the floor. “Probably wait. I might need the liquid courage before the night is over.” “No, you won‟t,” he said as he nudged her feet out of the way. “You trust me.” “That I do.” Creigh pulled her legs up so he could get comfortable as he looked through the naughty toys. Curious to see what his choices would be, she bent her knees and placed her feet flat on the mattress a few inches away from one another so she could see what he was doing. “And that trust”—she paused to frown when he picked up the anal beads—“is why I‟m in the position I‟m in now.” Dean set down the beads, then looked up at her. He ran his gaze over her provocative pose and grinned. “And what a position it is.” Dean playfully nudged her knees farther apart toward the mattress. “That‟s even better. One of my favorites.” “Is there a position you‟re not a fan of?” Dean tilted his head as if he was seriously considering her question. After a few seconds, he shook his head. “Nope. Can‟t think of one.” “That‟s what I thought.” Laughing, she went to close her legs but was stopped by Dean‟s hands on her knees, keeping them apart. The sensual way he gazed at her when he did it caused butterflies to take flight in her stomach. “What are you doing?” she asked softly. “Looking.” “At what?” “My sexy wife.” Words to warm a woman‟s heart. “Enjoying the view?”

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“It‟s a hell of view.” The sincerity in his voice gave her libido a nudge to wake up, because it was time to play again. “Hmmm.” Creigh reached over to the table and snagged the bottle of wine. She placed it between her legs, covering her sex with the green glass and label. Creigh was feeling feisty, and she wanted to play. “Still enjoying the view?” “Not only am I enjoying it, I‟m also coming up with a way to combine my love of pussy with my love of alcohol.” “You don‟t even like wine.” “Maybe”—he snagged the bottle from her—“I just haven‟t had it the right way yet.” “Which way would that be?” “With you as my flute.” “Come again?” “And again and again and again.” Dean climbed onto the bed on his knees and pushed the toys off the mattress as if they were nothing more than bed lint. With a devilish glimmer in his eyes, he moved between her splayed legs. “Hand me two pillows.” “Why?” “Because I told you to,” he said with all seriousness. “Game on, cara.” That was all she needed to hear. Creigh downed the rest of her drink in one big gulp and then set the flute on the table and out of harm‟s way. Sitting up, she grabbed two pillows from behind her head and handed them over to her husband. “Good girl. Now lay flat on your back and your raise hips so I can put the pillows underneath your ass.” Creigh opened her mouth to question him but thought better of it. The longer she put it off, the longer it would take for her to come. She didn‟t have a clue what he was going to do, but she didn‟t doubt for one moment that she was going to enjoy the hell out of it.

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Once she was in the exact position he requested, back on the mattress, hips elevated, she ventured a word. “Dean.” “Yes?” “What are you doing?” “Refining my palette.” “What does tha—” Creigh gasped as a cool circular object was inserted inside her pussy. “Oh my God!” “Be still, love. You don‟t want to spill the wine, do you?” “I‟m not so sure about this.” She shrieked the last word as he angled the bottle up and poured a bit of the chilled wine into her pussy. “Oh. My. God.” She liked kink just as much as the next girl, but this went a little beyond the furry handcuffs and a slap on the butt. “I‟m feeling more refined by the moment.” Dean jiggled the bottle a bit, then pulled it free. “Honey!” Her voice reflected her shock, but she was turned on as hell too. “Stay still,” he warned as he set the bottle on the floor and moved into position between her legs. “We can‟t have it all spilling out before I‟ve had my wine tasting.” The chilled liquid barely had a chance to trickle forth before Dean placed his mouth on her pussy and drank the sweet nectar. When he‟d quenched his thirst and wet her appetite for more, he rose from between her legs and leaned over her. His lips and chin glistened from a combination of the wine and the evidence of her own excitement, and he wasted no time in sharing the flavor he‟d enjoyed with her. Dean slipped his hand behind her head to anchor himself, then lowered his mouth over hers. With a deep moan, she surrendered to the kiss, opening her lips and meeting his desire with the fierceness of her own. He wasn‟t a gentle lover. Dean never had been. He always gave as well as he took, never holding back from his pleasure or from helping her reach her own. Her body was his to do with as he

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wanted, and his as she wanted. She was just as aggressive as he was, just as passionate, which was why the sex between them was explosive. With a groan, Dean broke the kiss but lingered long enough above to lave her lips with his tongue. “Chardonnay has never tasted sweeter. You‟ll make a wine drinker of me yet.” Creigh felt drunk herself. “This is insane.” “But it‟s fun. So much fun I‟m going to go back for more,” he said as he reached over and picked up the bottle from the floor. “Be. My. Guest.” She laid her head back on the pillow and spread her legs wide. If she couldn‟t be naughty with her husband, then who in the world could she be naughty with? As before, Dean took the bottle and slipped it inside her. This time, however, instead of just tilting it up and pouring the liquid inside, he pulled it out, then pressed it in again, using the dark green neck of glass as a man-made cock—fucking it in and out of her pussy. Creigh was bowled over by his deviant behavior and more turned on than she‟d ever admit. The feel of the smooth glass was unlike anything she‟d ever experienced. “You like that, love?” Creigh felt her pussy clenching and chuckled. “Strangely. Yes. Feels good.” “Good enough to get you off?” Dean smirked with a knowing grin. “Quicker than any toy in that basket.” “Then you chose wisely.” That hadn‟t been her intention, but it worked so well she was more than happy to take the credit for it. “Just don‟t stop.” “I don‟t plan on stopping until you flavor this bottle with your sweet essence.” “You‟re not…going to have long to wait,” she said on baited breath.

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“However long it takes. I don‟t care. I just want to watch you come.” True to his words, Dean kept at her. He sank the bottle into her over and over until it became a kinetic movement of pleasure. Every plunge seemed deeper than the one before. Instead of questioning why he was doing what he was doing or why she was enjoying it, Creigh accepted it. It was the norm for them. It was different. Kinky. Something she would have never considered in a million years, yet her body was primed and aching for relief. Taking her breasts in her hands, she squeezed her nipples tight, needing the extra bit of pressure. She closed her eyes and gave herself over to the sensations robbing her blind. Her body was a taut string of desire, and just when Creigh thought she would never get off, Dean pressed the bottle into her as far as it would go, then leaned forward and took her clit between his lips and sucked it hard into his mouth. The feel of his tongue, stroking and teasing her heated nub, combined with the chilled glass sent her soaring. The scream that tore from Creigh‟s mouth as her climax ripped through her was animalistic. It was so powerful it took almost everything out of her, leaving Creigh whimpering and trembling on the bed. Dean didn‟t waste a second. Sitting up, he pulled the bottle from her sex and moved into position between her splayed, trembling thighs. He didn‟t wait for her to calm down; he didn‟t wait for her to give him an okay. He just centered the crown of his shaft against her damp opening and thrust inside her. “Dean,” she gasped. His entry was intense and swift and, much like the man himself, took her breath away. “It‟s going to be fast, and it‟s going to be hard,” he warned through gritted teeth. That sounded great to her. “That‟s exactly how I want it. Fuck me. Don‟t hold back.” “Do you know what you‟re asking for?” “I‟m asking for my husband to love me, his way.”

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“Then that‟s what you‟re going to get.” Dean pulled his hips back, then powered forth, pushing her deeper into the mattress. “But don‟t say you weren‟t warned.” If he continued fucking her like this, she wasn‟t going to be able to say much at all. And Creigh was more than okay with that.

Even though he had her permission to be as rough as he wanted, Dean would rather die than hurt Creigh. Feeling the last shred of control he had begin to slip away, Dean gripped his hands in her hair and stared down into the dark pools of her eyes. He thrust once more inside her just for the thrill of it, then held himself still. The wine bottle had definitely opened her a bit. She wasn‟t as fist tight as she normally was, but Dean wasn‟t complaining at all. The usual heat of her pussy was cool, almost crisp. It added an extra sensation he hadn‟t been expecting and made her unbelievably wet. If he stayed in this position for long, not only would he fuck her into the sheets, he‟d do it at record-breaking speed. He needed to slow down before he ended things prematurely. “Change of plans.” He released his hold on her and pulled out of her tootempting body. He quickly moved off the bed and began to rearrange it more to his liking. Unlike him, though, Creigh didn‟t downshift that fast. She eased up on her elbows and stared at him; shock colored her face. “What? Wait. There was a plan?” “There is now,” Dean said as he climbed back on the bed. “Get up.” “Get up, get down, good Lord,” she muttered as she obeyed. “When do I get off?” “Right now.” He positioned himself near the top half of the bed, then leaned back on the headboard. “Feel like going for a ride?”

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“Hell yes.” Creigh scampered over to him with a large smile on her face. After placing one leg on either side of his hips, she reached between her parted thighs to grab at his cock. Dean caught her wrist. “I don‟t think so.” “What?” Creigh‟s brows crinkled in confusion. “This might be your ride, but I‟m setting the pace.” Dean took his thick length in one hand and placed his free hand on her hip. “Slowly sink down. Don‟t rush; don‟t shove. If you go too fast, I‟ll make you get up, spank your ass, then make you do it again.” “Are you kidding me?” She might be protesting, but he saw the flare of interest in her gaze when he mentioned spanking. “Do I look like I‟m kidding?” “That‟s evil.” “No, cara, that‟s just the name of the game.” Dean centered his gaze on her sex. “Now spread your lips for me. I want to watch as my cock sinks into your pretty pink pussy.” Creigh gasped but quickly moved her fingers to her nether lips. If Creigh had any further complaint about the way he was running things, she kept it to herself. His sweet angel loved it when he acted like a devil in the bedroom. “So pretty.” He reached down and stroked her with his free hand. “So wet.” He brought his damp fingers up to his lips to taste her essence. Eyes closed, he savored every drop of her sweet juices before opening his eyes and smiling. “You‟ve done it. Made a wine drinker out of me. For that I should thank you.” “Thank me with your cock.” Her eagerness was more than evident. “I plan on it. Ease on down. But do it slowly.” Creigh braced a hand on his thigh as she lowered herself down onto his waiting member. She couldn‟t seat him in one move, so she pulled back, then pressed down again. Once again she didn‟t engulf his entire length, so Dean

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released his hold on his shaft and placed his hands on her hips. He pulled her down as he flexed his hips up, seating her fully onto his thick shaft. Dean groaned as her body stretched around him. “Fuck.” He held her to him for a minute or so to allow her body to adjust to him and the position before he raised her up and brought her back down onto his cock. “Oh…oh.” Creigh flexed her inner muscles around him, causing them both to gasp. “This was a good plan. I like this plan a lot.” “Me too. Now ride me.” Creigh grasped his shoulders, dug her nails into his flesh as she used him as leverage to ride up and down his shaft. The sting of pain that accompanied the host of pleasure was barely a bleep on his radar. Dean felt far too good to worry about a tiny scratch. This wasn‟t her first time at the rodeo; she knew how to ride him, when to pause, when to speed up. She handled his cock like a pro, leaving Dean with little to do but hold on to her hips and thrust up into her as she powered down. It took a minute for them to get in sync, but when they did, it was perfect. Faster and faster she rode him, plunging down harder onto him and zipping up just as quickly to repeat the same soul-robbing pleasure. Their motions had the bed creaking and Dean‟s head spinning. And from the way Creigh‟s moans were growing louder, he could tell he wasn‟t the only one getting close. Trembling, Creigh cried out to him. “Please, baby. Please.” Her thighs clenched against his sides. Her pussy clutched at his cock. She held on to him with every part of her body she could, and still it wasn‟t enough. He could tell she wasn‟t going to make it this way. Acting on instinct, Dean wrapped his arms around her waist and rose to his knees. It was an awkward move to make midsex, but they managed to pull it off without injuring one another and without having to stop. Frantically he laid her back on the bed and finished what she‟d started. He put her legs over his hips and placed his hands on either side of her head for leverage, then began to power forward, riding her as hard and as fast as he

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could. All the while he whispered in her ear the many filthy things he was going to do to her in very graphic language. The more he spoke, the more she moaned and the wetter she grew. Quickening his pace, he fucked Creigh feverishly. His powerful thrusts had her pleading for more. She was so close to the edge Dean knew it wouldn‟t take much to make his baby fly, so he lowered his mouth over her shoulder and sank his teeth in her nape, giving Creigh a little dose of pain to bring on a wave of pleasure. As he knew it would, the bite sent her soaring. Bucking beneath him, Creigh screamed out his name, her pussy contracting around him as she came, triggering his own release. Dean thrust once, then twice into her contracting pussy before spilling his hot seed inside his quivering wife. Spent in more than one way, Dean pulled out and collapsed next to her, too tired to even try to clean up right away. It was only out of fear for her safety that he didn‟t just go to sleep inside her. But the idea of raising three kids under the age of thirteen by himself was all the motivation he needed to roll off her. Neither said anything for a while, choosing instead to let the harsh sounds of their breathing do the talking. But after a couple of minutes of silence and sticky shrinkage, Dean stumbled from the bed to the bathroom, where he cleaned up. When he was done, he brought Creigh a damp cloth so she could do the same, then tossed it over his shoulder onto the floor and climbed into bed behind his wife. He spooned her peacefully for a few minutes when a random thought came to mind. “Well fuck.” Creigh tilted her head up to see him. “What‟s wrong?” Dean gestured to the spilled toys on the floor. “I forgot to use the handcuffs.” “There‟s always tomorrow,” she reminded him with a smile. Tomorrow. Fuck that. “There‟s always twenty minutes from now.” Dean pulled her back against him. “Twenty minutes,” Creigh gasped. “You‟re killing me.”

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Dean leaned down and nuzzled her ear. “No, cara, I‟m loving you.” “And doing it sooo well. Maybe a little too well.” She wiggled against his penis. “My pussy is tender as hell.” Dean pulled away a bit and placed his hand on her delicious bottom. “There are other options, you know.” “That I do.” Creigh laughed. “Good thing Valentine‟s Day only comes around once a year.” Dean rolled her under him again. “Then we shouldn‟t waste a second of it.” Creigh placed her arms around his neck. “I couldn‟t agree more.”

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Epilogue With a content smile on her face and her hand wrapped in his, Creigh leaned against Dean as they rode in the elevator to the lobby to check out. He had let her sleep in this morning—another luxury she hadn‟t enjoyed since forever and a day. The smell of hot coffee and bacon had finally roused her from the bed, and they‟d indulged in a hardy breakfast out on the patio. They never had got around to eating dinner last night, but neither of them minded. They had spent their time more wisely, making love, laughing, and enjoying just being with each other. After breakfast, they‟d christened the couch, then the coffee table before finishing in the shower after a nap. Without a doubt, this holiday was one for the record books. And the best gift of all was how she‟d reconnected with her husband. The second best gift was the wine bottle Dean insisted they pack up and bring home with them. Apparently after years of trying, she‟d finally made a wine drinker out of her man. Creigh let out a happy sigh as she thought back over the night. “Did you have a good time?” Dean‟s softly worded question actually had her blushing. She loved the pampering, no doubt, but the erotic heights he‟d taken her to were even more pleasurable. “Hmm, very much.” She pulled back then and looked up at him, her lips curved upward. “Of course I‟m looking forward to my night.” Dean cocked an eyebrow. “I thought last night was „your‟ night.” “Oh it was, in many, many ways that I‟ll be thanking you for a long time to come.” Creigh lifted their joined hands to her lips and kissed his knuckles. “But you still have your promise to fulfill.”

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“Promise?” Oh no, he wasn‟t going to get out of it that easily. “You had control of my body last night, but I get my night in charge of you.” “Think you can do a better job?” “Better?” She shook her head. “Nah, just different. I‟m not going to insist on being in charge. In fact I‟m going to put you in charge.” “Of you?” “No. My sexual bucket list.” Dean frowned. “What‟s that?” “It‟s a list of sexual things I want to do before I kick the bucket.” “Is it a long list?” “About three pages.” “Really?” “Uh-huh,” she said smugly. “Give me an example of something that‟s on your list.” “My turn isn‟t until next year.” “So give me a general idea.” The doors to the elevator opened then, and as he started to take a step forward, Creigh said softly from behind him. “I‟ve always wanted to get fucked in an elevator.” Dean turned around and stared at her. “Seriously?” Creigh nodded, blushing a bit at the intense way Dean was staring at her. “Do you think it‟s weird? We don‟t have to.” “The hell we don‟t.” He hit the button for the top floor again, then dropped their bags. Moving quickly, he cornered her against the wall just as the door clinked closed. “It‟s not Valentine‟s Day yet.”

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“I know, but three pages is a lot.” Dean picked her up and leaned her against the wall. “I want to make sure we get to cross them all off. You know me. I like to think ahead.” Creigh wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in to kiss him. “We‟re going to be late picking the kids up.” “No,” Dean said, lowering his mouth to hers. “We‟re going to be very late.”

Loose Id Titles by Lena Matthews For Love's Sake Only Happily Even After He's So Shy Loving Lola Season of Love Soaked Still the One The Blacker the Berry The Good, the Bad, and the Naughty The REDEMPTION Series Co-written with Lena Matthews Logan’s Temptation Steven’s Salvation Lily’s Surrender Helen’s Release Sweetest Taboo Body & Soul “Into Temptation” Part of the anthology Wild Wishes With Stephanie Burke and Eve Vaughn

Lena Matthews Lena Matthews spends her days dreaming about handsome heroes and her nights with her own personal hero. Married to her college sweetheart, she is the proud mother of two children, three evil dogs, and a mess of ants that she can't seem to get rid of. When not writing she can be found reading, watching movies, lifting up the cushions on the couch to look for batteries for the remote control, and plotting different ways to bring Buffy back on the air.