Forgiving Reed (Southern Boys #1) (12 page)

Chapter Twenty-One

“I’ll be there to get you in about twenty minutes,” Reed said.

“I can just meet you there. It would be easier. My house is in the opposite direction, completely out of your way.” He was just being crazy and protective. It felt good to have him going all caveman on me, I just couldn’t let him know that.

“Will you just stop arguing with me and stay put? The roads are getting slick, and I would feel better if you and Rhett were with me. Do you always have to be so damn stubborn?” I covered my mouth to laugh, because he was getting all flustered, and it was so cute.

“Are you laughing at me?”

“No,” I snickered, and once again covered my mouth.

“Whatever, smartass, just stay put. I’m on the way, be ready.” He hung up, and I only laughed more.

I gathered Rhett and my things and waited by the door. When I saw his truck coming up the driveway, I made my way outside.

We were celebrating Christmas at my parents’, followed by a late dinner with Reed’s dad. Our day was planned, and now I also had a chauffeur.

Reed grabbed Rhett from me, along with the bag. “Merry Christmas, baby,” he whispered just before kissing me sweetly.

Turning out on to the main road, I noticed just how much snow had fallen. “I guess the snow has gotten pretty heavy.” Something was strange about the weather this year. Granted, a little snow to us was a lot, something we sure weren’t used to. This year, though, we’d had record snowfall, and the town didn’t know how to handle it. People weren’t used to driving in these types of conditions.

He looked over at me with a smile that clearly said he had already tried to tell me that. I could only smile, and in turn he winked. “I know it’s not that common, but the ice, that’s what makes it worse.”

Momma and Daddy had invited Gavin, since he was new in town. He really had no place to go, and Momma wasn’t having that. At first, Reed was quiet and stuck to my side like a second skin. After a couple hours he warmed up to Gavin, realizing that he and I had no interest in one another. Sure, the man was pretty to look at, but he wasn’t the man who warmed my heart.

Dinner with Reed’s dad was a little different than I had been used to. Not bad different, just interesting different.

What I found amazing was the fact that he went shopping for Rhett. The moment he brought out a pile of gifts and sat them on the floor in front of Rhett, even Reed looked shocked.

“What the hell is wrong with you two? You don’t think an old man knows how to shop for a toddler? I bet my old ass bought him better gifts than you did. What’d you get him, clothes?” I laughed when Reed’s face fell a little. I couldn’t hold back my laughter.

His dad snickered and shook his head. “Go ahead, boy, dig in and tear it up.” He leaned forward and tore at the paper, helping Rhett get started.

My eyes filled with tears while I watched him open toy after toy. With each one he became more and more excited. I excused myself to pull it together.

A light tap on the door came first, before Reed pushed it open. “You okay?” I only nodded as I blew my nose. “Why the tears then?”

“Just means a lot to me that your dad has accepted Rhett. I can’t believe he went to all that trouble.” I sniffled.

“When are you gonna accept that we care about you two? It isn’t any trouble, babe, it’s what family does.” Reed closed the distance between us and caged me in against the counter. When my eyes met his, he smiled. “I love you, Kori, and I love Rhett. My dad loves both of you too. Understand that, please…I want you both for the long haul.”

I dove for him, taking his lips in a fierce kiss. “I love you too, so much,” I whispered before kissing him once more. Things got a little heated there in his dad’s bathroom, and it needed to come to a halt.

“Spend the night with me,” Reed asked. His forehead rested against mine, his eyes closed tightly. He looked like he was doing everything he could to calm himself down.

“Okay, but I’ll need to borrow a shirt to sleep in.” He grinned, and I already knew what he was thinking. “Or I could just sleep naked.” He chuckled and pulled me in tightly against his chest.

We had yet to take that step in our relationship, but I had a feeling tonight that would change. I wasn’t sure I could wait that long to get my hands on him. I was a little worked up from our make-out session.

“Naked would be the best Christmas present. Having you in my bed, under me, I think I could get used to that.” He kissed me once more before pulling me back toward the living room.

***

Just the small walk from Reed’s father’s house was too much for Rhett, he was out like a light. Reed carried him inside and took him to the spare bedroom next to his own. I was surprised to see the side rails hooked on the sides of the bed. He must have just gotten them, he had no other reason to have them. It only made my decision to go forward with tonight seem even more like the right one. It was our time, no more holding back.

I stood back near the doorway as he tucked Rhett in the bed securely. Reed leaned over and placed a soft kiss against his forehead, and my heart became just a little more his. It was then that I realized how lucky I was. How lucky we were, to have Reed in our lives. I heard him whisper against Rhett’s forehead that he loved him and tears pooled in my eyes.

Reed met me in the doorway and pulled me against his chest. “What’s wrong, sweet girl, why you crying?” He soothingly rubbed my back while continuing to hold me close.

“They’re happy tears, I promise.” I buried my face in his chest and breathed in his intoxicating scent. Backing out of the bedroom, he pulled the door closed, leaving it cracked slightly.

He continued to back me up until I felt the wall hit my back. Our eyes met, and his were filled with such love and adoration.

Raising up on my tiptoes, I pulled him toward me, our lips meshed in a slow dance of desire. He began making love to my mouth, and my legs began feeling less steady. I could feel his hardness against my stomach as he pressed his body to mine.

“Let’s go to bed,” I whispered.

He didn’t answer, only lifted me up, and I wrapped my legs around his waist. Carrying me down the hall and into his room, he lowered me to the bed. His body covered mine almost immediately, our mouths continuing to devour one another.

“I love you, Kori, I never stopped.” I felt his breath dance over my neck as he spoke. I arched back, opening up more for his torturous game. His tongue rolled over my neck, down over my collarbone. This was happening, it was time to move forward with Reed. It was time I let go and loved Reed the way I needed to be loved.

Reaching for the hem of his shirt, I began raising it up and over his head. He really was a beautiful man, and I couldn’t stop myself from running my hands over his broad chest and abs. He closed his eyes tightly and took in the feel of my hands, touching him.

Over the next ten minutes we kissed, touching each other, enjoying the feel of each other, so close, so intimate.

We slowly began removing our clothes, piece by piece. Leaving nothing untouched, nothing not treasured.

“You are so beautiful, baby. I want you so much, I want it all with you,” he declared. His eyes filled with such gravity, he wanted me to know he needed me.

“Me too, Reed. I’m ready for this with you, all of it. I need you, we need you.” A tear fell from the corner of my eye. What I was feeling was so intense, so final. I felt no reservations with what we were about to share.

His eyes never left mine as he slowly began to sink into me. A small gasp escaped my lips when he was seated deep. He bit down on his lower lip and groaned in pleasure. “Home, right here. This is where I belong,” he whispered in a deep husky voice, slowly moving inside me.

Our mouths harmonized in a dance of love, desire, and complete bliss. Our lovemaking was overwhelming; we fit perfectly. There was nothing rough or rushed. Reed made love to me, slowly.

His forehead rested against mine, he slowly, leisurely slid in and out. Kissing me, he rolled his tongue with mine, mocking the movement of his hips. I was building toward release, and his eyebrows scrunched as he fought his own.

“I’m close, Kori, you almost there, baby?” I nodded, arching my back as the warmness erupted deep in my core. “That’s it, so good…so damn sweet.” His movements sped up as he thrust his hips. Only seconds passed when his body began to shake from his own orgasm.

The slick layer of sweat coating our bodies mixed when his body rested against mine. Reed’s hips still continued to thrust gently as he groaned and released every last drop. We both held one another tightly, coming back from the high we had just shared. Every moment was so beautiful and meaningful.

When he had calmed, he lifted his head just enough to look into my eyes. “I’ll be right back.” He whispered before placing a gentle kiss on my lips. Withdrawing from me, I watched his naked ass walk toward the restroom. After he removed the condom, he walked back to the bed and crawled in next to me.

Reed skimmed my shoulder with his fingertips while watching my eyes. Neither of us spoke, only memorized one another in silence. His fingertips continued to graze my skin along my neck and chest. It was as if he were telling me with his fingers what he was feeling. I was so overwhelmed with love that my throat burned and my chest ached.

Reed settled in behind me and pulled me against him. He kissed my forehead and then my nose. “I love you so much, Kori. Having you here, right here in my arms, feels so right. Don’t fight us anymore, just know that I want both of you completely. Don’t question that, just accept it. Please.”

His lips hovering over mine as he continued. “It’s not about replacing your past, it’s only me wanting to be your future. Let me take care of you, let me love you and Rhett.”

Kissing me gently as the tears rolled from my eyes, I accepted that this man loved me. I gave it all to him through that kiss. I hoped he understood how much his love meant to me, how much he had saved me. His love made me feel like my future was no longer a dark place. I could lean on a man who knew how much I loved Blake, he understood that he would always be in my heart. He loved me anyway.

“I love you too. Thank you for being such a great man, thank you for loving us.”

“Always,” he grinned, holding me against him as we both faded off into a peaceful sleep.

Chapter Twenty-Two

When I woke up I was alone in bed. Disappointed, I looked over at the clock. It was almost nine in the morning, and I suddenly felt a panic overtake me. Rhett never slept this late. He had to be running around getting into things.

I grabbed a shirt from the floor, quickly slipping it on, followed by my panties. I practically ran from the room and stopped in the doorway of the spare bedroom. It was empty. My heart raced faster, until I heard a giggle and a deep chuckle from the kitchen. I walked in that direction, taking gentle steps so I would not alert them of my presence.

The scene before me was one I had to stop and appreciate. Reed was standing at the stove with his back to me. His pajama pants hung low on his hips, and his feet were bare. He looked edible. One arm worked furiously at the stove as he cooked breakfast, while the other arm was wrapped securely around Rhett, holding him against his side.

I stood in the shadows of the hallway watching them interact. Rhett watched Reed’s every move with such curiosity. Every so often they would share a bite of bacon or toast. “More,” Rhett would holler out every time he was finished chewing.

I could stand here all day and take in their actions toward each other. The way they loved one another was so obvious.

Walking up behind them, I wrapped my arms around the two, kissing Reed’s shoulder. “Good morning, boys,” I said just before raising up to place a kiss on Rhett’s cheek. “Something smells really good.”

Reed turned and gripped my waist with his free arm. “We thought we’d make you breakfast. Rhett’s been stealing the bacon.” He smiled over at Rhett as he beamed.

“Real nice, blame the toddler. I’m pretty sure I saw you eating it too.” He chuckled and placed a quick kiss against my nose. I stepped back and took Rhett so he could finish up easier.

I noticed his eyes raking over me as a big grin spread out over his lips. “You look damn good in my shirt.” My cheeks heated as he licked his lower lip.

I placed Rhett down on the floor when Diesel entered the kitchen. He immediately sat down on the floor, Diesel lying down right next to him. I looked up to see Reed smiling down at the two. It was pretty sweet that they had taken up with one another so easily.

Stepping up to his side, I bumped him with my shoulder. “Anything I can help you with?” He only nodded. “Okay, what?” I laughed, and he grinned. He tapped his finger against his lips indicating he wanted a kiss. I could definitely do that.

When I attempted to pull back from the kiss, he gripped the back of my head, holding me closer. He bit at my lower lip, before skimming his tongue over the same spot. My legs trembled and my sex clenched. It was honestly unfair that he had this effect on me. He was in a playful mood.

***

“How was your night with your cowboy hunk?” Maria’s voice filled the house as she barged in through the front door.

I couldn’t help but laugh at her ridiculous getup. She was all decked out in a full snowsuit. “Oh, holy hell, Maria. What in the hell are you wearing?” She looked down at herself, holding her hands out as if to ask what I meant. “You look like Randy from the movie
Christmas Story
. How the hell are you moving in that thing?” I looked out the front door and laughed, holding my stomach from the ache it caused. “How did you drive here? I can’t believe you fit behind the steering wheel.” The only difference between her and Randy from that movie was her suit was pink and white, with little fuzzy trim.

“You can laugh all you want, hooker, it is cold as hell out there.” She began unveiling, and all I could do was laugh more when I spotted her long underwear underneath the snowsuit. “I just passed your man in town. They were putting down salt, ‘cause of the ice. You know people around here start freaking when we get ice or snow. You would think we live in the Midwest with the panic going on. Yeah the roads are a bit slick, but if you go slowly, it’s fine.”

Yep, that felt weird, my man. It was strange still to hear Reed referred to as mine. He dropped me off at home after breakfast this morning. He got a call about helping to clear the roads in town, just another one of his good deeds to the town’s people.

“So you planning on telling me if you finally did the nasty, or are you gonna keep ignoring me?” Maria had finally removed herself from the twelve layers she wore. “Spill it, I can already tell you got laid. Give me the details, because I could use some heated conversation. I haven’t had sex in six months. Share so I can live vicariously through you.”

I shook my head and continued to empty the dishwasher. “Okay, yes, it finally happened, and it was perfect.”

Silence filled the room, and I looked up, meeting her sour expression. “Seriously, that is all I get? Perfect…what the hell, Kori. I said details. Reed is damn sexy, he is so cut, and those thighs.” She paused and closed her eyes tightly. “Those thighs of his are built for some thrusting…please do tell.”

I picked up the roll of paper towels off the countertop and threw them at her. “Really, Maria? Built for thrusting. I can’t believe your mind.”

“What? You know I’m right.” She stood up and walked to the kitchen, setting the paper towels back down. “Don’t get all shy and conservative. You had the same thought about those thighs before. Now you know the facts. Fill me in and tell me if we were right.”

I bit my lip to fight the laughter from escaping. My cheeks heated up, and all I could do was nod in answer.

“I knew it,” she screeched loudly.

“Shh,” I hushed her. “Rhett is napping, and if you wake him up, you get to deal with the bear.” My boy loved his naps, and when he was interrupted he was gonna make sure you felt his wrath.

“Oh please, that boy loves his Auntie Mar.” She shrugged like it was no big deal. “What’s next for the two of you?”

“He says he’s in it for the all.” I shrugged. “So I guess we just keep moving forward.”

Maria came around the counter and hugged me tightly. “I’m happy for you—for both of you. You deserve some good.”

She released me and stepped back. “One more thing. Where did the new laptop come from?” She pointed to the coffee table at the unopened box containing the MacBook Pro.

“From Blake’s dad.” I shrugged. “He sent it and said it was for me so we could Skype. He wants to stay in touch with Rhett, even if it is virtually.” I turned and pointed toward the corner on the other side of the room. “That is for Rhett.”

She followed the direction of my finger as she took in the huge work bench with all the tools it contained. “Wow, Rhett hit the jackpot this Christmas. With what they got him and then everyone else, he was spoiled.”

I nodded. “Yeah, he was. Reed’s dad even went a little overboard.” Her eyebrows shot up. “Yep, it surprised us too. But it really was the sweetest thing. I kind of had a little breakdown with all the love that was being handed out. It was so overwhelming, not a bad thing, just unexpected.”

***

Maria decided to hang out for the day, the snow had really picked up, and then the freezing rain began. It was a mess out. I still hadn’t heard from Reed, but I knew he was busy.

Maria and I worked on dinner while Rhett played with all his new toys. He had toy overload and had no idea what to play with first.

My phone chirping had me dropping everything and running across the living room. “Geesh, slow down, girl, before you break something.” She was smiling, and I knew she was just attempting to tease me about my excitement.

Roads are horrible, don’t go anywhere. Please. R

“What’s it say?” Maria asked.

“He just said the roads are bad, you should probably just stay tonight. No reason you should try to drive and end up in a ditch,” I told her as I typed out my response to his message.

Not leaving the house. Maria is here, we are making dinner. If you have time to stop by to eat. K

Gonna be a long night, baby. Not sure when I’ll get done. I’ll try. R

“Is he coming over?”

I shook my head as I set my phone on the counter. “Not sure, he’s real busy.”

The conversation led on to a new topic, but in the back of my mind he was there. I wanted to see him; last night had been so perfect. Today I was really missing him. It sure would have been nice to fall asleep in his arms again.

Nightfall came fast. Reed never made it, and I hadn’t gotten any more messages. Maria and I settled in for a movie night, and Rhett curled up against me. He felt warm to the touch.

“Mar, can you grab me the thermometer? Rhett feels like he may have a fever.”

She quickly grabbed it, and after about two minutes my thoughts were confirmed. “102.8, great.” Standing from the couch with him still in my arms, I walked toward the kitchen. “I’m just gonna give him some Tylenol. He isn’t showing any other signs, so maybe it’s just a little bug.”

Once the Tylenol was in him, I went back to the couch and curled up with him on my chest. I rubbed his back gently and soothed him. He fell asleep quickly. I could feel my eyelids growing heavy and knew I was not far behind.

Waking with a startle as Rhett cried out, I jolted forward. Maria shot up from the recliner next to me and rushed over. He screamed out in pain as he pulled his legs tightly against him. His face was bright red, and he continued to cry. A terrified feeling filled my stomach.

Checking over him repeatedly, there were no signs of what could be causing him pain. Just then he cried out and heaved forward.

It came before I had time to prepare, and vomit covered my entire neck and chest. It took everything I had in me not to hurl from the stench. It continued over and over, and it was pointless to move. Maria grabbed the garbage, and we did our best to hold it under his mouth. Trying to convince a toddler in pain to vomit in the garbage can was not an easy task.

When he slowed down, I looked up at a horrified Maria and sighed.

“I think I need to take him to the ER,” I told Maria as I grabbed for my phone. I had a feeling I was in for a long night.

Rhett rarely got sick. Of all the nights it could have happened, it had to be when the roads were terrible, and I lived out in the middle of nowhere.