Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 68247 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 341(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68247 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 341(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
A little while later, Avery gave Rick the keys to Grey’s car in a discreet exchange at the building’s entrance. The bodyguard pulled up front for them. He and Grey exchanged places, Avery sliding into the passenger seat—no photographers, no incident. Still, knowing they were driving his showy car, Grey wore a Mariner’s cap Avery had lying around along with his sunglasses. Avery slid hers on too, and with Rick following close behind, they were on their way.
During the drive to Grey’s parents’, Avery chatted about Rick, who apparently had also done bodyguard duty for her sister-in-law Meg a few months ago. Grey kept an eye on him in the rearview mirror. The guy kept up with his driving and clearly had an eye on the road and another one behind him. Grey relaxed when he realized the other man would keep Avery safe when Grey wasn’t around.
They pulled up to the patio home Grey had bought for his mother and stepfather in a safe, gated community. Because of Grey’s fame, he’d insisted on a development with security for his mom, and they’d accepted his requirement in exchange for some of their own. Namely, no cookie-cutter complex where all homes looked alike, and the ability to do gardening on the grounds of their home themselves. No community association telling them what they could and couldn’t plant, what their house had to look like, or who they had to hire for the things they couldn’t do themselves.
Grey’d been so happy they had been willing to leave the not-so-safe area where he’d grown up, he’d deposited money into an account and stepped back. Too far back, he accepted now. As he parked the car, he drew in a deep breath. Time to make amends, he thought.
He looked at the immaculate, beautifully manicured lawn and shrubbery. He didn’t know the name of one plant or flower they’d planted, nor did he care. But as he admired the adobe-colored house with a dark roof, the just-cut green lawn, and the pretty flowers scattered throughout, Grey acknowledged for the first time that the small home they’d chosen suited them.
Grey exited and helped Avery out of the vehicle, aware of Rick in the car, parked and idling, behind them. Avery seemed not to be bothered by her shadow, and she quickly slipped her hand into Grey’s, as if she sensed how much he needed her warmth and support as they readied to see his mom and stepdad.
“It’s a great community,” she said. “We passed a clubhouse, and there are so many people outside walking their dogs. They must love it here.”
Grey nodded. “I was just thinking how perfect it is,” he said. “The right size and so immaculate outside. I bet they did it all themselves.” To his surprise, he heard the pride and admiration in his voice.
Avery gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. She turned toward him, a smile on her face, so open and sweet he had to have a taste. “The house itself is so beautiful.”
He braced his hands on either side of her face. “So are you,” he said, his tone as gruff as the sudden surge of need. He always wanted her, but every damn time he looked into those eyes, it caught him off guard.
“Don’t get started here. I have to go in and face your parents.” But a pink flush of arousal stained her cheeks.
“And you don’t want to be all wet and aroused when you do, huh?” he asked. Just the thought of her moist panties had him shifting uncomfortably where he stood.
“Grey!” she said, horrified, but the heady glaze in her eyes told another story. She was just as affected as him.
It had been a long day, from worrying about the press to being concerned about her refusal to be serious about them to having to face his family after so long. He couldn’t think of a better way to de-stress than to lose himself in Avery. He pressed his lips hard against hers, pouring everything he had and felt into the kiss. She welcomed him, opening herself easily, his tongue claiming hers over and over.
“We have to go in,” she finally murmured between breaths, but her hands weren’t pushing him away; they were curling into his shirt, her nails biting into his skin.
With difficulty, he pulled away and drew in deep, calming breaths. A glance told him Rick sat discreetly in the driver’s seat, ignoring his clients making out like teenagers behind the car.
“Grey!” His mother’s voice brought reality crashing back around him.
He held up one finger toward her. “Just a sec,” he called back.
He glanced at Avery, her eyes bright, cheeks flushed, and mouth puffy from his kiss. He swiped his finger over her damp lips. “You ready?”
“I think you should be asking yourself that question,” she muttered, glancing down at his cock, straining hard against his cargo shorts.