Page 5

5

LAURIE

A s soon as Adam closes the bedroom door, I bolt up, grabbing my panties and fleeing to the bathroom. I slam the bathroom door behind me and lean against it, pressing my hands to my cheeks in a vain attempt to cool down.

What is wrong with me?

I glance at my reflection in the mirror, stomach sinking when I see how sexed up I look. My hair’s a little mussed, my cheeks are flushed, and my eyes are bright with…something. Frustration? Embarrassment? Lust? Probably all three.

The muscles in my lower stomach are still jumping from the hard-as-hell orgasm Adam just gave me. But it's not just the orgasm making me spiral, or the way he handled me. It's the look in his eyes. The heat and hunger there wasn't something I imagined. And when he said, "I take care of what is mine.”

Fuck.

That's what made me come. Not just the physical things he did, but the fact that I wanted him to take care of me in every possible way. Even calling him Daddy was hot as hell. He seemed so serious, so totally focused on my pleasure and nothing else.

And then he left. Telling me we both needed time to think. He's not wrong. Things are all tangled up with our situation. My mom, his dad. Ugh. It's all so weird when I think too hard about it.

I jump when my phone buzzes on the bathroom counter, and I lunge for it, desperate for a distraction. It’s a call from Elise, my old friend. I answer immediately, hoping her dramatics will drown out my own inner chaos.

“Laurie!” Elise’s voice is bright and bubbly as always. “I’m throwing a party tonight at the Sullivan house. You have to come.”

The Sullivan house is her parents’ estate, but from the gossip I picked up from my mother, her parents have been spending most of their time in Hawaii these days. "What's the occasion?"

"No occasion! It's summer, and it's Friday. That's reason enough to celebrate."

I bite my lip, hesitating. Adam said we'd talk when he got back. But I can't deny that I'm hurt. He ran off and left me after something so intense. Even if his reason made sense, it still sucks.

I'm taking too long to answer, so Elise continues, “Please tell me you’re not still hiding out in that giant house like some kind of recluse. You need to get out, have some fun. Forget whatever—or whoever—is bugging you.”

“Fine. What’s the dress code?”

“Something fabulous, of course. You’ve got two hours. Be there or be square!”

I hang up and toss my phone onto the counter, staring at myself in the mirror again. Elise is right. I need to get out of this house, away from Adam, away from my stupid, swirling thoughts.

But as I head back into my room to find something to wear, I can’t stop wishing I’d been just a little braver back on the bed. Maybe if I pulled him off the floor so he covered me with his hot, hard body...

I shake my head again. “Nope, nope, nope, nope. Not going there.”

Still, as I pull out a black dress that hugs every curve just right, I can’t help but wonder if Adam will notice when I slip out tonight or if he’ll even care.

An hour later, I zip up the black dress, the smooth fabric leaving little to the imagination. I turn side to side in the mirror, fluffing my bright blond hair over one shoulder. My dark blue eyes stand out, framed by just enough eyeliner to make them pop, and my lips, painted a deep red, curve in a satisfied smile.

Objectively, I look good. But no matter what outfit, hair, or makeup I have on, I feel hollow, almost. Like all this is for show, a shiny shell to distract from what’s actually going on inside.

Which is a whole hell of a lot of feeling for Adam Lawson, the only man I've ever wanted.

And my stepbrother. Dammit.

Elise and Adam are both right. I really need to get out of this damned house and get some space.

The click of my heels echoes through the empty house as I descend the stairs and head towards the marble foyer. I have no idea if Adam is even home, and as much as I want to go looking, I've sworn to myself that I won't. Tonight is about getting him out of my mind, at least for a time. I can't do that in the same bedroom where he ate me out, or sitting in the living room with him watching soccer, just a few feet away.

I need to do some living to clear my head, and I almost make it to the front door when I hear his voice, low and oh-so-close behind me. "Where do you think you're going?"

He sounds curious, but there's a distinct unhappiness beneath it. I whirl around, startled, and find Adam standing at the base of the stairs, his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes sweep over me, and I swear they widen for a split second before narrowing into something sharp and possessive.

Oh, it would be so easy to saunter up to him and loop my arms around his neck. Instead, I tell him the truth, even as heat flares in my cheeks. "Out."

“Like that?” he asks, gesturing vaguely to my dress.

I don't like the accusation in his tone. If he wanted to be possessive, he shouldn't have made me come and then taken off. "Exactly like this. Why?"

He strides closer, and my pulse kicks up. His eyes are burning now, like he’s barely holding himself together. “Laurie,” he says, his voice low, “you can’t just walk out dressed like that without telling me where you’re going."

“And why not?” I challenge, planting a hand on my hip. “Last I checked, you’re not my keeper.”

“I'm supposed to be keeping you safe."

I cross my arms, feigning boredom. “Well, I hate to break it to you, Adam, but I don’t need a babysitter.”

For a moment, he just stares at me, the air between us like a live wire. Then he steps even closer, his height and presence towering over me. “Where are you going?” he asks again, his voice quieter this time but no less firm.

This new side of him is throwing me off in all the worst ways. It should be purely annoying, but I find that I want him to be possessive. I want him to take care of me, but I can't let him know that. At least not until he admits that he wants this to be more than just sex.

I roll my eyes, trying to mask the way my heart is racing. “Fine,” I say. “I’ll tell you if it gets you off my back. I’m going to Elise’s party at the Sullivan house. Satisfied?”

Adam’s jaw clenches, and I can see the muscle there ticking like he’s grinding his teeth. But finally, he steps aside, leaving just enough room for me to squeeze by.

“Have fun,” he says, his tone flat.

I move toward the door, but as I pass him, my shoulder brushes his chest, and the heat of him radiates through the thin fabric of my dress. Part of me hopes he'll grab me, insist that I stay close, maybe even kiss me hard, but he doesn't.

I don’t look back as I step outside, but I feel his gaze on me the entire way to my car. And as much as I hate to admit it, I really, really like it.

* * *

Elise's estate is all sweeping lawns and glowing lanterns, the sound of the party in the backyard filtering to the front. I park and take a moment to collect myself, smoothing my dress and fluffing my hair. The hollow feeling from earlier is still there, but I force a smile onto my lips. This is what I need—people, music, distraction. Anything to push Adam and his ridiculous, sort of hot possessiveness out of my mind.

I head around the side of the house, the lights and sounds growing louder as I go. There are people everywhere, most with wine glasses and snifters in hand as they chat or dance. A few of them turn and wave, and I wave back, but I don't stop to talk to anyone. At least not yet.

I scan the crowd, looking for Elise, and spot her near the bar, surrounded by a group of people I don’t recognize. Elise is radiant as always, her red hair swept up in a chic bun, her champagne glass sparkling in the light.

“Laurie!” she squeals, waving me over. “You look amazing!”

“So do you,” I reply, leaning in for a quick hug.

“Come on, let me introduce you to some people. They’re dying to meet you.”

I let her lead me to her circle, and she starts rattling off names I’ll never remember. There’s Olivia, who’s recently returned from Paris, and James, whose family owns a large amount of the waterfront property in Charleston. Then there’s Danny.

Danny is tall, tan, and has the kind of easy smile that’s probably charmed half the women here. He’s wearing a white linen shirt unbuttoned just enough to show off his sculpted chest, and his dark blond hair curls artfully around his temples.

“Laurie, this is Danny,” Elise says, her voice conspiratorial in the way she always uses when she’s matchmaking.

“Pleasure to meet you, Laurie,” Danny says, his voice smooth, but there's a trace of oiliness to it. Like he's more slick than charming. He takes my hand, holding it just a second longer than necessary, his eyes lingering on mine.

Okay, I think, this is where a normal single 25-year-old would flirt. Except ... I don't want to. In fact, the idea makes me feel disgusted.

I smile, but it feels mechanical. Every time I try to muster up the energy to toss my hair or laugh at something he says, my mind drifts elsewhere. To a certain brooding man back at the house. To the way Adam’s jaw tightened when he saw me tonight. The way I yearned for him to grab me, to put his mouth on mine and give me a reason to stay home.

“So, Laurie,” Danny says, stepping closer, his smile widening. “Elise tells me you’re back in town for a while. How long are you staying?”

“A year,” I say automatically, taking a sip of my champagne to avoid saying more.

His smile doesn’t waver. “Good. That’s plenty of time for me to convince you to stay longer.”

I blink at him, caught off guard by his confidence. Normally, I’d laugh, maybe play along. But all I manage is a polite smile.

“Excuse me,” I murmur, stepping back. “I need to grab another drink.”

As I walk away, I feel Danny’s eyes on me, but I don’t look back. I make my way to the bar, trying to shake the feeling that’s settled over me like a fog.

What's wrong with me? Isn't this what I wanted, a distraction?

I don't get a refill, but instead get a glass of water and lean against a high-top table. Olivia makes her way over without Elise, but she frowns when she spots me. Apparently, I'm wearing my emotions on my face more than I intend.

“You okay, Laurie?”

“Yeah,” I say, forcing a smile. “Just a little tired.”

I’m about to excuse myself entirely when I feel someone at my side. I don’t need to look to know who it is. Danny’s cologne gives him away—too heavy and too sharp. It makes me want to sneeze.

“There you are,” Danny says, flashing his perfect smile as he steps closer. “I was wondering where you’d disappeared to.”

“Just catching up with some friends,” I say lightly, hoping he’ll get the hint.

But Danny doesn’t take hints, apparently. He shifts closer, invading my personal space. “Well, I was hoping we could continue our conversation from earlier. You seem like someone who knows how to have a good time, and I’d hate to waste the chance to get to know you better.”

I glance at Olivia, hoping she’ll intervene, but she just raises her brows and steps back, leaving me to fend for myself. Dammit, where is Elise?

“Actually, I was just about to?—”

“Laurie,” a deep voice interrupts, cutting through Danny’s smooth chatter like a blade.

My heart stops and then leaps in excitement. I turn, and there he is.

Adam.

He’s standing just behind Danny, towering over him, his eyes locked on mine beneath his heavy brows. His presence sucks all the air out of space around us, quiets all the other noise that was overwhelming just minutes ago.

Adam is gorgeous, of course, wearing a fitted button-down and jeans, looking entirely out of place at the stuffy party but commanding attention all the same.

“Who’s this?” Danny sneers, looking over his shoulder.

“I’m Adam,” he says simply, barely giving Danny an ounce of attention. “Laurie, we need to talk.”

"Uh, man, I'm talking to her right now."

Adam finally looks fully at Danny, as if he hadn't even really noticed him until just now. Annoyance flickers over his face. "This doesn't involve you. Walk away."

Woah. This is a totally new Adam. Just as magnetic, just as handsome, but with an edge that has heat rushing over me.

Danny looks like he’s about to argue, but something in Adam’s expression makes him think twice. He mutters something under his breath and walks off, shooting me one last look before disappearing into the crowd.

“Seriously, Adam?” I hiss, my face flushing as I realize we’ve drawn the attention of a few nearby partygoers. “What are you even doing here?”

Now that Danny is gone, his voice isn't as harsh. "Can we talk? In private?"

I can feel my cheeks burning, and I know I don’t have much choice if I want to avoid becoming the night’s main gossip. “Fine,” I snap, grabbing his arm and dragging him toward the house.

We pass through the arched doorway into a quieter part of the building, where the noise of the party fades into a dull hum. I stop near a closed door, crossing my arms and glaring at him.

“Okay, Adam. You’ve got me alone. What the hell is this about?”

Adam is silent, but I swear I can hear his desire, feel it on my skin. I cross my arms tighter over my chest, trying to ignore the way my pulse quickens under his gaze. “Well? You dragged me away from the party. What do you want, Adam?”

His lips part, but no words come out. He looks frustrated, like he’s caught in some kind of internal battle. His hand raises slightly, then drops back to his side. “Laurie, I?—”

But he doesn’t finish. Instead, he takes a step closer, so close I can feel the warmth radiating off him. His expression shifts, softening but growing more determined at the same time. I open my mouth to ask what he’s doing, but before I can, he mutters, “To hell with it,” and cups my face in his hands.

Then he kisses me.

The shock of it sends a jolt through me, but I don’t pull away. His lips are firm and sure, and they taste faintly of mint. My body reacts before my mind catches up, melting into him as his hands slide into my hair. I grab onto his shoulders, anchoring myself as the kiss deepens, his touch igniting something in me, the same fire he started just hours earlier.

It's more than just lust. I know it is. But once more, Adam's kiss makes it nearly impossible to think.

This is what I needed. Not a party, not a distraction. This. Adam. His lips on mine. Just him. Just us.

Someone laughs loudly, too close for comfort, and I jump away from Adam as reality crashes back in. I'm breathless, my hands still gripping his biceps. "Adam, what happened to needing time to think?"

"Turns out I didn't need as much time as I thought."

"Then why didn't you stop me from leaving in the first place?"

Adam curses under his breath. "I'm trying to play this cool, okay? But I’m tired of pretending that I don't want to take you home right now and spend the rest of the night kissing every inch of your body. Not just tonight, either, Laurie."

My heart squeezes in my chest, "What about my mom? Your dad?"

"They're adults. They'll have to understand."

"What if they don't?"

"Then we'll deal with it."

It's all so intense that I can feel a headache coming on. I can read between the lines. He's talking about a lot more than just sleeping together, but we're also painfully aware of the bomb it will set off in our family. Suddenly, it feels like I can't breathe.

"I…Adam, I need a second. I need a second to breathe."

I don’t wait for him to respond. I turn and walk quickly back down the hallway, chest tight. The air outside is cool against my flushed skin as I step out onto the front porch, pulling my car keys from my bag with shaky hands. I don't even know where I want to go, just away from here.

I’m halfway to my car when I hear someone call my name.

“Laurie!”

I turn and groan inwardly when I see Danny leaning against the railing, a confident smirk plastered across his face.

I don't have the patience for this. "Goodbye, Danny," I say flatly, sidestepping him.

Of course, he steps in front of me to block my path. "Aw, come on. Don't be like that. We were having a good time, weren't we?"

"No," I snap, annoyance boiling over.

“Why so cold all of a sudden?” he asks, his tone shifting to something harder, less playful. “You’re too gorgeous to be this uptight, you know?”

Before I can tell him to get lost, there’s a shadow behind him, and suddenly Adam is there, his expression thunderous. Oh shit.

“She said to leave her alone,” Adam growls, his voice low and dangerous. "Get the fuck out of here. This is the only chance I'm going to give you."

Danny makes the stupid mistake of sizing Adam up. "What's the deal, man? You her bodyguard or something?"

"Something like that." Adam takes a step forward. "Get the fuck out of here. Again."

Danny laughs, but it's shaky, the bravado all but gone. "Relax, big guy. We were just talking. Plenty of pretty girls in there. Let me have this one."

Adam doesn’t give him a chance to say more. With one swift motion, his fist connects with Danny’s jaw, sending him stumbling backward. I gasp, but Adam doesn't even flinch, his eyes fixed on Danny. Danny swears, clutching his face, but makes an attempt to strike back.

Adam dodges easily, throwing another punch and landing it square in his gut. Danny groans and stumbles back, crashing into the bushes next to the house.

"I told you to leave her the hell alone," Adam says coolly, watching the other man stagger to his feet and flee. "Don't let me catch you around her again."

Adam turns away without waiting for a response, stepping toward me, his eyes full of concern. "You okay?" he asks, shaking out his punching hand.

I nod, my emotions all over the place. I should be mad, but I'm secretly thrilled. He stood up for me without a second thought. My pussy throbs, but I try to keep my wits about me. "I didn't need you to do that."

"I know," he admits, "But I couldn't just stand there and do nothing. Not when he was talking about my girl like that."

Another thrill rushes straight between my legs, and I clench them, just to ease the ache. I glance around, realizing we've made a spectacle of ourselves. "We should probably go. I think we've made enough of a scene for one night."

Adam nods and releases me. I feel the loss of his touch immediately. He glances toward my car. "You shouldn't be driving tonight."

"I'm not drunk," I protest.

"I know. But your hands are shaking. Let me drive. I'll bring you back for your car tomorrow."

"Fine," I sigh, handing him the keys, hating that he's right. The keys jingle erratically in my unsteady hands.

I climb into the passenger seat of his SUV and click my seat belt into place. Adam gets in beside me and starts the engine, the low rumble vibrating through me. He puts the car into gear and pulls away from the curb.

The drive back to the house is quiet, but it isn't an awkward silence. It's the kind of comfortable silence that comes from knowing someone intimately, from having shared something profound. The silence of two people who know that once they're back home, all bets are off.

The night isn't over. Far from it.

* * *

When we pull back in, the intense energy of earlier has somewhat faded. I keep looking at Adam's red knuckles, the knowledge that he was ready to fight for me making me fall even harder for him. I know from experience just how gentle and patient he can be as a lover, but now seeing this other side of him, wow is all I can say.

Adam gets out of the car and walks around to the passenger door, opening it for me before I have a chance. He offers me his hand, and I take it, letting him help me out of the SUV. When I stand, I tilt my head back to look up at him, and neither of us says anything for a long moment.

Then Adam takes my hand and pulls me towards the side of the house. "Come on. I have an idea."

I follow, already confused, but willing to see what he has in mind. We clear the side of the house, and he leads me toward the pool. I begin to see the vision when he reaches for the buttons of his shirt.

He tosses it onto a chair beside the pool before moving onto his jeans, kicking off his shoes. When he's down to just his briefs, he walks to the edge of the pool, giving me a good view of his ass before sliding those off as well.

Adam looks at me over his shoulder, smirking, before he dives in. The water ripples around him as he surfaces, his eyes finding mine. "Your turn," he says, grinning.

My hands reach for my dress, but then I stop. This isn't the hot, lust-driven mess from earlier. This is something different. Something better.

Adam waits patiently, his arms resting along the side of the pool. He looks so perfect there, like some kind of modern-day Adonis.

I walk forward, my bare feet making almost no sound on the concrete. The water laps at my toes as I pause at the edge of the pool, looking down at Adam. My heart is pounding in my chest, and I'm not sure if it's from nerves or excitement. Maybe both.

Adam's gaze burns into mine as I slowly reach for the zipper of my dress. I step out of my dress, leaving it on the ground beside the pool. I feel like the most beautiful woman on the planet, watching Adam's lust-blown expression as I unhook my bra and let it slide down my arms.

"Don't stop now," Adam rumbles, "or I might die on the spot."

The smile that tugs at my lips is one of pure affection. "So demanding,"

"Yeah? We'll I'm demanding to see you naked right fucking now."

I step out of my panties and kick them aside. Then I take a breath and jump into the pool. The cool water envelopes me, and when I surface, I wipe the water from my eyes and find Adam in front of me.

He can reach the bottom, but I'm on my tiptoes until Adam slides his hands over my legs and coaxes me to wrap them around him. He palms my ass, telling me, "You're a vision, Laurie."

"I'm happy you think so."

Adam chuckles and leans in for a kiss. Our lips meet, and it's like something explodes between us. It's like the dam has burst, and all the passion and desire and need we've been holding back come flooding out.

"I hated that you left earlier," I pant against his mouth, feeling his erection brushing my ass. "I wanted you to stay."

Adam sucks at a spot behind my ear that has me shivering. "You make it hard to think, Laurie."

"Then stop thinking." I let my arms slip from around his neck, floating backward in the water while still anchored with my legs around his waist. Adam is locked on to my tits, nipples hard from the water, and he reaches up to cup them. He strokes my nipples with his thumbs, making me squirm, before pulling me towards him just enough to suck one peak into his mouth.

I moan, gripping the back of his head, and he hums appreciatively. He moves from one nipple to the other, sucking and nibbling until I'm a writhing mess.

"Adam," I groan.

His hands slide down my sides, teasing along my ribs until he reaches the spot just below my navel. He looks up at me through hooded eyes. "Laurie?"

"Touch me," I beg. "Please."

He doesn't need to be told twice. His hand slides down between my thighs, stroking me slowly, finding my clit with his thumb and rubbing small circles over it. My eyes flutter shut, and my head drops back as he pleasures me, his fingers working their magic.

But there's still something missing. I feel so empty inside, my pussy aching to be filled. "Adam," I pant. "I want you inside me."

Swearing, he moves to cup my ass with both hands, pulling me back just enough to position me over his cock, but before pushing forward, he rests his forehead on mine. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, Adam." I put all of my wants, all of my intentions, into my voice. "Fuck me."

He growls, "Fucking hell." He adjusts his grip on my ass and thrusts forward, filling me in one swift movement. I cry out, the pleasure so intense it almost hurts. He holds me against him for a moment, letting me adjust to the sensation, before he starts moving.

His cock feels amazing, stretching me wide, filling me completely. I cling to him as he fucks me, thrusting deep but smooth, like he's savoring every stroke.

"Daddy," I gasp. "Oh my God."

He groans, "You feel so fucking good, Laurie. So fucking good."

We move together, the water sloshing around us as we chase our pleasure. Adam takes a few steps forward, carrying me easily, until we're against the wall of the pool. "Hold on to the edge," he commands, and I obey, gripping the cold stone for support.

"Yes, Daddy," I manage before his mouth is on mine, swallowing my moans as he starts thrusting again. The angle is even better now, and soon I'm on the edge of release.

"Adam," I gasp against his lips. "I'm close."

"Come for me, baby," he murmurs. "Come for Daddy."

"Just...a little more..."

He reaches down between us, finding my clit with his thumb. "Come for me."

“Ooh, Daddy!" I cry out, my orgasm hitting me like a thunderclap. I screw my eyes shut, burying my face in his shoulder as I ride the wave of pleasure, my body shaking with the intensity.

Adam doesn't stop, though, keeping up the pace, the muscles in his stomach tensing as he gets close to exploding. He buries himself in me again and again, groaning with each stroke, until finally he stiffens and comes deep inside me.

"Laurie," he gasps, holding me close as we come down from our highs. I let go of the pool wall and wrap my arms around his neck, resting my cheek against his shoulder. The water laps gently around us, the only sound aside from our breathing.

"Wow," I finally manage, still dazed from my orgasm.

Adam chuckles, "Yeah, wow." He leans back, cupping my cheek in one hand and staring at me in awe. " My little…..you're amazing, you know that?"

I smile, satisfied. "So are you…..Daddy!”

We stay like that for a few minutes, just holding each other, before Adam sighs. "As much as I'd love to stay here all night, we should probably get out before we catch a cold."

"Okay," I say reluctantly. "But I want to cuddle in bed, and I'm not taking no for an answer."

"Oh, baby girl." He laughs, sweeping me into his arms and carrying me effortlessly out of the shallow end. "We're going to do a lot more than cuddle, just you wait."