Page 28 of Hooked on Marshall (Hooked #9)

I’m not sure what lit a fire under Lana, but by the time our families arrived for dinner, she’d accomplished far more than I ever could have imagined possible.

She finalized the signage and even created a logo as well.

After contacting the sign company, she contacted the printers Mark used for our menus to find out when they needed to have our new final menus, so they’d be ready in time for our relaunch.

All in all, things are looking up. But I still can’t discount that Jonas won’t show up and try to ruin things.

And while I don’t wholly believe that she would go back to him, I fully believe that he is capable of trying to force her into it.

Something that I want to avoid at all costs, especially after what happened to her here last Saturday.

Once a server has everyone seated, Lana and I go about introductions.

Sure, Willow Point is a small town, but it’s still large enough for people not to know one another.

Especially since Lana and I are five years apart, which means we weren’t in high school at the same time.

Conversation quickly turns to my ideas for rebranding.

But I’m quick to point out that the ideas are Lana’s. She blushes at the recognition.

“Why don’t you show them what you’ve come up with for the sign?” I ask.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” I say softly. “I think it would be a good idea for them to see it now.”

What I’m not saying is that I don’t want my family taken by surprise when they see Mark’s handwriting on the building. Not that I think they’d be angry, I just want them emotionally prepared for it. After a sweet kiss, she heads into the office. Then, my own father dimes me out.

“You’ve fallen for her.”

It’s not a question. It’s a statement. And a true one, at that. So, I smile at him, then at Lana’s family.

“I have,” I nod. “But I haven’t told her yet.”

Even though I’ve made love to her, I haven’t said those three magical words.

“Why not, son?” Mr. Riggin asks.

“She’s been through a lot in the last week,” I sigh. “I don’t want to freak her out.”

“But you’re the one that’s been there for her through it all,” he points out. “And she’s accepted your presence in her life. A man should never hide how he really feels about his lady.”

“Truer words have never been spoken,” my father chimes in.

“Agreed,” Mr. Rose nods.

My mother and Mrs. Rose both smile at this.

Then Lana returns with a paper in her hand that shows the sketch for the front of the building.

Knowing this is going to get emotional, I rise and offer her my hand.

Then I lead her over behind my parents. Without any preamble, she sets it on the table between them.

In the next second, my mother sucks in a sharp breath and covers her mouth with her hand.

My father releases a short laugh that could be a sob, before nodding his head in approval.

“It’s perfect,” he says gruffly. “Absolutely perfect.”

Lana relaxes and sags against me. Then my father rises and pulls her close for a hug, thanking her for her sweet remembrance of Mark.

In seconds, my mother rises to do the same.

While she converses with them, I take the sketch and show it to her family, explaining why my parents' reaction was so emotional.

“Mark’s handwriting was very unique,” I say softly. “And that’s what Lana is using for the name Joneses.”

Their reaction is one of absolute pride. As it should be. When everyone’s settled again, I walk Lana back to the office so she can put the sketch away. Then I pull her into my arms and kiss her with all I have. When I pull back, there is a beautiful smile on her face.

“I guess that went well?”

“You know it did,” I smile back. “And it’s only going to get better.”

Her eyes dim for a moment, and I know she’s just as worried about Jonas as I am.

But I once again kiss her fears away and lead her back out to finish this night with our families.

Surprisingly, they stay until a half an hour before closing.

Which is fine with me, because now it won’t look so weird for Lana and me to have put in an entire day here.

After we say our goodbyes and walk them out, she shoots me a wicked look.

Then she goes about the closing routine with the staff without being asked.

As if I needed another reason to be in love with her.

Smiling at the thought of telling her so later, I jump behind the bar to do my part as well.

When everyone starts to gather their things to leave, Lana goes into my office to start gathering her own things. Before I know it, we’re alone.

I double-check the locks on all the doors before turning off the lights. Then I take a deep breath and step into my office. The lights are still on, but Lana isn’t doing any more work. No, she’s leaning against my desk with a small smile on her face.

“Waiting for me?” I ask.

“You know I am.”

I step inside and shut the door, locking it blindly. Then I ask just one more question.

“Are you sure you want this?”

“I’m sure I want you,” she breathes. “And I trust you to take care of me.”

“You know I will,” I growl. “Now strip for me.”

In less than a minute, she’s completely bared for me. Her chin held high as I greedily devour her with my eyes. With a smile on my face, I make my way to my desk chair. She turns to watch me, but she doesn’t move yet.

“Good girl,” I smile as I sit down. “Now, come kneel between my legs.”

She obeys, but she takes her time, drawing out the anticipation of what’s to come. When she’s on her knees before me, I give my next command.

“Take my cock out and suck it.”

A low moan leaves her as she makes quick work of my belt and zipper. No sooner does my cock spring free, she deep throats me. My hands fly into her hair as I curse.

“Fucking hell, Lana,” I grit out. “Your mouth is sinful.”

Her only response is to nod her head as she grips my thighs. Then she teases me with tiny thrusts. No doubt waiting for me to take over.

“If it’s too much, tap my leg and I’ll stop,” I pant.

She nods and moans. Then I get to work.

I start out slowly, sliding her hot mouth up and down my length.

Curses continually falling from my lips as she caresses me with her tongue each time.

Without realizing it, I move her head faster.

Up and down, up and down. Her tongue stroking me on each pass.

Then she starts to moan, and her hands tighten on my thighs.

I’m about to ask if she’s okay, but my orgasm takes over and I shout out her name as my release explodes into her mouth.

My hands loosen in her hair, but I no longer control her movement. Instead, my head falls back on my shoulders as she continues to suck me. When I’m spent, I release her, and she slowly pulls her mouth off my very satisfied cock. After a shuddering breath, I look down and find her smiling.

“You’re fucking perfect,” I breathe.

Then I take her face in my hands and lean down to claim her mouth in a deep kiss.