Page 69 of Unbreakable Bonds (The Boston Romance #2)

ALISHA

I twist and turn in front of the full-length mirror, studying my reflection with growing frustration.

"Okay, enough. Spill it, girlfriend."

"What?" I shrug, meeting three pairs of knowing eyes in the mirror.

My best friends lounge on the black ottoman, watching me with matching smirks.

They've cleared their busy schedules for this surprise shopping spree – Emma leaving Nick with the kids, Amanda having a friend cover Venus, and Bella taking a day off from painting.

Just to help me through whatever funk I'm in.

"You've been sulking since we picked you up," Amanda points out.

Bella chuckles, glancing at the others. "What do you think is bugging our girl?"

They huddle together in mock conference. After a moment, Emma speaks. "What did the bulldozer do?"

A deep sigh escapes me as I fidget with my red dress. "Nothing and everything!"

"That's a vague, contradictory description." Emma taps her lips. "How can that man do nothing and everything at the same time?"

"Simple. With everything, I mean Cole's been doing the laundry, dishes, even grocery shopping these past four weeks."

"Okay, but where's the nothing part?"

I cross my arms, shaking my head at their cluelessness. "Before we left the hospital, the doctor said I needed to take it easy. Cole's taken that advice to the extreme. He's been dodging or refusing sex of any kind for weeks!"

Laughter explodes through the boutique. Amanda snorts while Bella clutches her stomach. Only Emma maintains some composure, though her lips twitch as she approaches.

"Girl," she says, squeezing my shoulder, "you two have been through hell. The fact you got injured has brought out his protective side."

I flip my hair over one shoulder, smoothing my hands down the dress. "Okay, but it needs to stop. That man is driving me nuts. He even refused a goddamn blowjob!"

More laughter erupts from my friends.

"That poor bulldozer must have blue balls if he said no to you. You're irresistible to him," Emma insists.

I'm starting to question that.

"Have you and Nick ever gone four weeks without sex?" I mutter. "And time after Liam's birth doesn't count."

Amanda jumps in. "Hell no! She and my brother hump like bunnies. I'm surprised you're not pregnant with another Brown baby."

Emma arches a brow. "Still jealous of our sex life? When was the last time you got laid?"

Amanda's laughter dies as she runs a hand through her hair.

"Girls!" Bella interrupts. "Amanda and I are waiting for the perfect man to rock our boats. We're not easily satisfied like you two." She winks, then fixes me with a determined look. "This calls for something that will short-circuit the brain in his head and activate the one in his pants."

Silence falls as we all consider the challenge. Then it hits me. "I need to push Cole's buttons. Hit him in his weak spot."

Emma's eyes light up with mischief. "And what is Mr. Walker's soft spot when it comes to our Alisha?"

"RED!" my three friends shout in unison.

"Exactly!" Emma grins. "So we're going to make sure our lady gets her much-needed, mind-blowing orgasm today."

The girls jump up, clapping and laughing. This is exactly what I needed – my understanding besties helping solve my no-sex crisis with style.

"Okay, you can come in!" I call out, heart racing with anticipation.

Emma and Bella charge through the dressing room curtains, stopping dead in their tracks.

"Damn girl," Bella breathes, "if he can resist you in this and doesn't lift you up and take you right there and then, there's something seriously wrong with him."

I grin at my reflection, admiring how the red bustier with open under-wire cups wraps my breasts like presents waiting to be unwrapped. The smooth bodice with its piping details and lace-up back closure hugs every curve, while the adjustable garter straps add that extra touch of sin.

Amanda bursts in, freezing mid-step. "God, if I were lesbian, I'd unwrap you right now." She holds up a pair of red pumps with delicate white pearl ankle straps. "These will complete the look perfectly."

"Damn, if you're not careful, he'll shoot his load within seconds," Bella adds with a wicked grin.

I pull my friends into a group hug. "You three are the best allies a woman could ask for."

Amanda breaks away first, her business mind clearly working. "I've been thinking of adding lingerie to Venus. It would complement our clothing line perfectly – sell the whole package."

"Yes!" The idea makes me clap with excitement.

"Maybe add some sexy male underwear too." She wiggles her eyebrows. "Because we shouldn't ignore our needs. Every woman appreciates a fine ass in nice-fitting fabric."

"We could do a runway evening," I suggest, mind racing. "Women of all sizes showing off the collections."

Emma's eyes light up. "Don't forget to add those desirable male models to the mix."

Bella fans herself dramatically. "If this becomes reality, I demand a front-row seat. And please include a tall man-god. I need inspiration for my paintings."

"Tall man-god?" Emma's eyebrow shoots up.

Bella shrugs. "Well, yeah a pink goddess only does so much."

"Alert! Our passionate redhead finally is ready to find her own match!"

"Okay, Miss I-Need-To-Get-Laid." Bella redirects attention my way. "Time to locate your hunky man because you'll want him alone."

I grab my phone and call Cole. After ten rings, I switch to text:

Hey handsome. Where are you?

Five minutes later: Bulldozer: Hello, gorgeous. I'm home. How is shopping going?

Me: Good, but I want to show you something I bought. Are you alone?

Bulldozer: Yes.

Me: Okay, see you soon.

Bulldozer: Could you see Daniel when you get back? He has a package for me.

I pocket my phone, throwing my friends a wicked grin. "Let the sexy games begin."

Emma squeezes my shoulder. "I'm picking Samantha up from school. She and Charlotte want to bake cookies together. This way you won't get interrupted while you bang your man's brains out."

My body hums with anticipation, images of a naked Cole flooding my mind. "Time to go."

They laugh as I practically shove them out of the dressing room. One hour until Operation Seduce Cole begins, and I plan to make every second count.

* * *

One hour later, I stride into the lobby, pulse already quickening with anticipation.

"Hey, Daniel."

"Oh, Miss... I mean Alisha." He hands me an envelope with my name on it. "This is for you."

"Nothing for Cole?"

He shakes his head. "No, just this."

Inside the elevator, I tear open the envelope to find a note in Cole's handwriting: 'Hey, Alex. Please, knock on the door and wait before entering.'

I bite my lip, staring at his message. What are you up to, Walker?

The moment I enter my apartment, I shed my leather jacket and take the shopping bags straight to my room.

After a quick shower, I pamper my skin with lavender cream, then slide the silky lingerie into place.

Standing before the full-length mirror, I run my fingers over the material, imagining Cole's touch.

My center responds instantly, dampening.

My nipples press against the fabric, already hard and aching.

"Patience, girls," I whisper to my breasts. "We're on our way to dazzle Daddy, and hopefully he'll give us his full attention."

I slip on a long summer coat, securing it with a loose knot. Showtime.

At Cole's door, I debate my options. Knock like he asked, or burst in? The devil in me wins. Just as I'm about to turn my key, his deep voice rumbles from the other side.

"Alex? Didn't you receive my note?"

I smirk at his serious tone. "Yes, but I'm too impatient."

"Naughty, Alex."

When I try the door, it won't budge – he's clearly bracing it with his body. "Nope. First, close your eyes and turn around. I promise it will be worth the hassle."

"Fine." The moment I comply, that solid wall of warmth presses against my back. His lips brush my earlobe, making my breath catch in my throat.

"Good afternoon, Alex."

Silk touches my face – a blindfold. "Really?"

"Trust me." Once it's secured, he turns me around. I can't resist running my hands over him, fingers finding buttons. "Hmm, a button-up shirt." My exploration continues to his jacket. "What color?"

"Navy blue. Why?"

My tongue darts out to wet my lips. "You're handsome in blue."

His warm chuckle melts me. "You only find me hot in this color?"

I find his nipple through the shirt and pinch it.

"Fuck. Okay, follow me." He guides me inside, closes the door. "Do I even want to know what's underneath that coat?"

"Why don't you find out? Open it."

"No. First, my present."

"Show it to me?"

"Count to thirty out loud, at an easy pace. When you're done, you can remove the blindfold."

"But—"

His finger presses against my lips. "Do it, Alex."

The way he says my name in that rich timbre makes me wet instantly. Not wanting to seem too desperate, I start counting.

"One... Two..."

Footsteps retreat left, toward the kitchen.

"Three... Four..."

I continue until: "Thirty!"

The blindfold disappears, and I gasp at the sight before me.

"Oh... My... God!"

A trail of red rose petals creates a path across the hardwood floor, disappearing around the corner toward the hall. My heart starts to race.

"Cole?"

Then piano music fills the air.

"Is he...?"

I rush forward, but freeze in the doorway.

My heartbeat creates its own wild rhythm at the sight of my sexy man sitting at the piano, playing.

When he sees me, he rises, and I drink in every detail – black leather shoes, perfectly tailored navy suit, white shirt with the top buttons undone, freshly trimmed beard.

He sends me a subtle wink that makes my knees weak.

"You're playing?"

"Yeah, I decided it was time. And I wanted you to hear it first."

Tears fill my eyes as the significance hits me. I swallow hard, trying to maintain composure.

"Are you ready for the rest?"

He takes my hand, bringing it to his lips. A moan escapes as his stubble tickles my skin.