Page 55 of Wine & Whiskey
Nick slings a file at him, hitting his foot before it falls to the floor, papers tumbling out onto the carpet. “Now you’re the one who needs to fuck himself.”
Max’s laughter dies away at the knock on the door, and he frowns before glancing down at his phone. “What the fuck?”
His irritation matches Max’s. The team knows better than to disturb them in his office. “The guys didn’t ping you that Carter’s here?”
Max shakes his head. “Nope. Better watch out. It might be Carrie.”
“She wouldn’t fucking knock.” He clears his throat before calling out, “Come in.”
Shae stands in the doorway, looking from him to Max. His groin tightens at her pink cheeks as she tucks her hair behind her ear in uncertainty. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Marta was able to salvage some breakfast if you guys are hungry.”
Max raises his eyebrows at him and laughs before hopping up, his fucking smugness back, knowing this disruption will go unpunished. “Hell, yes. I’m starving.”
She gives Max a shy smile as he heads out of the room. “Thanks for everything earlier. And, I’m sorry Carrie gave you so much trouble. She was just worried about me.”
“She’s a pistol, but I like her. You too.” He pats her head before closing the door behind him.
“Poor Max. He has no idea what he’s gotten himself into with me moving in.”
God, he loves the sound of that. To always have her here, never having to let her go. “He’s fine. It’s good for him.” He’s never figured out how she can be so angelic and sexy at the same time. But he can’t resist her standing in front of him, wrapping the belt of her pink and white dress around her fingers. “Come here.”
Heat radiates through his body at her huge smile. Fuck breakfast. He drops his feet to the floor and pulls her to him once she reaches his legs, her skirt billowing up as she straddles him. “Did you guys have a good talk?”
“Yes. She’s calmed down now that she knows I’m okay.”
“Good. This is your home now too, and Carrie can stay as long as she wants. But you’re not off the hook from earlier. I owe you some undivided attention, remember?” Brushing her hair to the side, he trails kisses along her shoulder. Her body shivers under his fingers. “You smell good. What are you wearing?”
“It’s calledMaybe.”
His lips curl into a smile against her delicate ivory skin. “Of course it is.”
He glides the straps down her bare arms and dips his head, flicking his tongue across the silky hollow between her breasts. A moan escapes from her throat, contradicting her hands pushing on his chest.
“We can’t do this now. Carrie will come looking for us.”
Her breathy whisper wraps around his throbbing groin like velvet. “Oh hell, then we better get going.” In one quick movement, he stands up, wrapping her legs around his waist, making her laugh. “But don’t forget. You’re mine later.”
She cups his face and meets his gaze, her eyes as bright as her smile. “I’m yours now.”
Fucking shit. This woman owns him. He lets her slide down his body and jump back before he changes his mind about not laying her across his desk and ripping off another pair of panties. Her small hand tucks into his, and he allows her to lead him wherever she wants him to go.
* * *
Shae givesMarta a small squeeze as she surveys the buffet spread across the counter. “Thank you for putting this together for us. It looks wonderful.”
“Is no good. Eat while fresh. Not warming up.” Marta continues to mutter under her breath as she flutters around the kitchen, pulling out trays from the oven and pouring glasses of orange juice. She turns away from the refrigerator and gasps before poking Max in the stomach for eating off the platter. “Too much bacon no good. You no eat too much.”
The first time they’ve all really been together since Juan’s threats. Nick and Max heap food on their plates, taking the stress in stride, probably an accepted understanding of living in their world. Yet, even Marta, another potential victim, seems unfazed, more concerned about the quality of the food and Max overindulging than the danger she faces. Maybe she’s used to it, confident in Nick’s ability to protect her, trusting him to take care of her.
Just like she wants to. Yet a trace of doubt lingers. The ability to ignore reality and act normally, enjoying a leisurely breakfast with these people she’s growing to love, may be more than she’s capable of.
Nick’s hands slide around her waist, his chest warm against her back, his smooth cheek pressed against hers. “Are you okay?”
If he always holds her like this, she will be. “Yes, I’m just thinking how much I love the little family you’ve created.”
His lips brush her temple, a gentle reassurance he wants her here, how she belongs with them. “I think the feeling’s mutual.”
He kisses her again before releasing her and handing her a plate. “Where’s Carrie?”
