All the filthy things he wanted to say boiled up, but he had to swallow it back. Not that anyone would have cared if they heard. But Gillian would, and that was important.

She was lush and petite all at the same time. Gorgeous. Sexy. Smart. Funny and shy too. And he’d never met his match in bed until her. She’d ruined him for all others, and that was fine since he didn’t plan to have any others but her.

Her unh when she began to finger her clit in earnest was just a puff of air, and yet he heard it like she’d said it in his ear.

That he had to fight to stay silent was foreplay in and of itself when he wanted to bend down and take a nipple in between his teeth and tug. He wanted to pull out and roll her over and f**k her from behind. He loved it that way. Loved being able to see the bounty of her body, loved the way her br**sts looked as he thrust especially hard. Loved to control her by her hair.

“You’re thinking something very naughty,” she whispered with a smile.

“I sure am.”

She laughed, low and sultry. “Can’t wait.”

“Getting closer, English. Make yourself come.”

She licked her lips and his gaze let go of her face, looking down at where his c**k disappeared into her body over and over, returning dark and slick from her cunt. Her hand was between her legs, fingers on her clit, squeezing lightly, and he nearly lost his mind, knowing how much she loved it when he did that to her.

She arched, tipping her head back, exposing the long line of her neck, stretching so that her tits looked insanely good as her cunt squeezed down on him so hard he grunted.

Two thrusts later and he joined her, f**king into her pu**y, now even slicker. Her inner muscles still squeezing here and there as climax worked through her.

He came so hard and so long he wondered if it would end, and finally was able to pull out and leave her for just a moment to deal with the condom and come back, getting on the bed and bringing her close to his body.

“Better than the slopes any day.” He nuzzled the back of her neck and she sighed happily.

“Indeed, Mister Brown. Indeed.”

19

The jet-setting thing made Gillian tired. But she couldn’t deny that all the close-knit family time she’d had with Adrian and Miles over the last ten days had rocketed them forward in their relationship.

She could believe they had a future. Could tell him she loved him without hesitation. Could receive his love in return without worry.

“You’re finally back!” Jules looked up with a smile when she came through the front doors of Tart.

“I am.” She unbuttoned the coat that had been one of what felt like a million presents from Adrian.

“Come and sit. I’ll get you some tea and we’ll catch up. When does Miles get back?”

She sat at her favorite place at the counter and watched Jules move in her own precise and graceful way.

“Tomorrow morning. Adrian took him to some sort of all-ages show and then they played video games with Brody and Cope until far after midnight apparently. He sent me an e-mail about it.” She laughed. “Today?” She shrugged. “I think they’re going over to Seattle Center and the EMP.”

“Look at you! Letting him go a little. You okay with that?”

“Adrian is good with him. Brody is a great dad too. He likes being with them. You should see it.” She smiled. “At first I was worried, you know? I worried Miles would get lost amid all those big giant male personalities.”

“Not the case?”

“No. You and Mary were right. He’s thriving with them in his life. They don’t push him so hard he feels bad, but they encourage him to try new things. It’s good for him, and I think maybe good for them too.”

Finally, all customers had been served and the tea was ready and Jules slid into the seat next to Gillian.

“Okay, get to talking. You texted that he liked the scarf. I told you he would. How did he react?”

“I felt so stupid giving it to him. You should have seen that place on Christmas morning, Jules. Those Browns and Copelands sure do know how to throw a holiday party. But yes.” She smiled, remembering Adrian’s face as he opened the box with the scarf and watchman’s cap she’d knitted for him.

“Fuck that.” Jules waved it away. “He digs you. Like, major. Your knitting would have meant more to him than an expensive present and you know it.”

Gillian blushed. “He wore it every day we were there. Of course he gave me this coat and more things than I can list. I’ve given up trying to tell him no. He’s like a child!”

“Good. On the giving-up-telling-him-no stuff, I mean. Jeebus, Gillian, he’s not any of those jerks your mom brought home. A new pair of boots does not mean he expects pu**y in exchange.”

“That’s good since I already gave it to him for free.”

Jules tipped her head back and laughed. “I miss you when you’re gone. Texts aren’t the same.”

“I missed you too. I like them. I do. They’re fun people I enjoy being with. Miles adores each and every one of them and they adore him right back.”

“But?”

“They’re all so close-knit.” She sipped the tea Jules slid in front of her. “They have this ease with each other and when I’m there I know Adrian wants me to feel it too. But how can I? I feel guilty. And then I get angry that I feel guilty because they’ve had years and years and I’ve had four months. It takes time to build relationships like that. It’s not as if I’m off by myself when I’m with them. That’s not it at all. I laugh and have fun and all that. But—”