Better Late Than Never (14 page)

“No fair,” she gasped.

She felt his smile against her neck in response. “Yes, it is. This night is for you.”

She turned to face him, and his mouth came down on hers. His kiss was light and teasing.

He deepened the kiss, and she opened her mouth and felt his tongue slip inside. She applied a little suction, and he pulled away with a moan of pleasure.

“You are going to make this hard for me, aren’t you?”

She wiggled against him a little and gave him a wicked look. “I think it already is.”

He reached behind her and pulled the stopper out of the drain. It was a good thing he put the extra drainer in there. He stood up pulling her with him. He reached for a towel and wrapped her in it, then reached for another and wrapping it around his waist. He stepped out of the tub and onto the rug. Bending his knees, he lifted her up into his arms. She enjoyed the sight because she could see his muscles ripple. He carried her from the bathroom and into the bedroom and sat her on the bed.

“Don’t move.”

She watched as he went into the bathroom and figured he was blowing out the candles since the light was starting to fade. He emerged a few minutes later, and she smiled, flattered that he was willing to put together something so romantic for her. She watched him come toward her. The man was sexy, too sexy. He surprised her when he continued by her instead of stopping in front of her.

The lamp came on, and she blinked at the obtrusive glare. “This is the only time the lamp will come on tonight.”

He held a box in his hand. It was a jewelry box, and she became nervous until she realized it was too big to be a ring box. He placed it in her hands.

“Open it.”

She took the box with hands sturdier than they should be and gasped after she opened it. A gold locket lay inside the jewelry box. She took it out of the box, and when she realized it opened, she flipped the locket open. Tears came to her eyes, and she placed her hand over her mouth. The locket contained a picture of her and Randy on their third date. They had been at a carnival, and it had been one of her favorite dates. He took the necklace out of her hand and opened the clasp.

She was still while he slipped the locket around her neck. She brought her hand up to hold it. “When did you get this?”

“About a month before you were scheduled to graduate from college.”

She looked at him in surprise. “It was your graduation present.”

He gave a brief nod, and she gave him a gentle smile. “You are wonderful. Thank you for the locket. I like it.”

“I am glad.”

He scooped her up and laid her back on the bed. Lying down beside her, he turned off the lamp and then pulled her into his arms. His lips came down on hers. He pulled back and looked deep into her eyes. “I hate that I didn’t give it to you on your graduation night.”

She placed a finger to his lips. “Better late than never. Now kiss me.”

Kristen moaned in pleasure when Randy’s lips met hers. She had only expected dinner with Randy and Wade tonight. It had been a good dinner. She was able to keep her promise to Wade, and they cooked together. Randy had surprised her when he allowed her to participate in Wade’s bedtime routine. After Randy gave a Wade a bath he carried him to his bedroom where she was waiting. She tucked Wade in and read him a story before kissing him good night.

The simple gesture meant a lot to her, but she didn’t have time to ponder her emotions because as soon as Randy closed the door to Wade’s room, he tugged her into his embrace. He led her to his bedroom and undressed both of them. Now there wasn’t an inch of her body he didn’t touch or taste. From the tender spot on her neck to the sensitive spot on the curve where her back and bottom met were lavished with attention. She was putty in his hands by the time he turned her over. Yet, when his mouth found her sensitive entrance, she bit her lips to mute her cry of pleasure and arched into him.

It didn’t take long for her to go over the edge. Randy was so talented with his mouth and knew which spot to hit to drive her insane with pleasure. He held her close while the tremors raced through her and then reached protection. When she was able to catch her breath, he entered her, and they both moaned at the intense feeling. They clung to each other, enjoying the feel of him inside of her.

They last contractions of her pleasure caused him to move. That was all it took to shatter his control and for his body to take over. He began to move, each thrust deeper and more pleasurable than the last until she was clinging to him overrun with desire. He groaned into the pillow when he felt her begin to contract around his. Her pleasure took him over the brink, and his sound of pleasure vibrated in her ear muffled by the pillow. When they were both able to breathe without gasping, Kristen began to laugh.

“We should have taken Wade to your mom’s.”

Randy lifted his head and looked her at her. There was a sated smile on his face. “He’s okay. We were quiet. Besides, if you and I are together, we can’t take him over to my mom’s house every time we want to make love.”

She studied him carefully. He was right, and she nodded. “You are right. We just have to be careful.”

He rolled away from her, and she instantly missed his warmth. “I will be right back.”

She reached for the blanket while she watched him walk away from the bed. The man was so sexy it was unreal.
How she had gotten so lucky?

Randy returned quickly and she saw the front side looked as good as his backside. He rejoined her in bed and pulled her into his arms. She rested her head against his chest thinking about the upcoming weekend.

“Do you think your mom and dad will like their anniversary gift?”

Randy nodded. “They’re going to love it.”

Kristen smiled. It was easy to shop for his parents because she knew them so well. Tomorrow was their anniversary, and everyone was getting together to celebrate it. It was a surprise party, but for some reason, she didn’t think the Strouds were going to be too surprised. From what she could remember, Mr. and Mrs. Stroud always expected a party, but she was spending the night with Randy so she could help him prepare a few last-minute things needed for the party.

She was so excited about the anniversary party that when Randy woke her up the next morning, she rolled out of bed. She helped Randy set up for the party before rushing to get dressed. It had been a long time since she had been in the presence of all of the Strouds. She slipped into a rose-colored, spaghetti-strapped sundress and the flat sandals that matched. Walking into the bathroom, she began fixing her hair, deciding she was going to wear it up. She began to twist it up and pin it until she had it tamed and designed.

Randy came into the room just as she finished. The look in his eyes spoke of trouble, and she backed up from him. “Don’t even think about it.”

He stepped closer anyway. “But you look so good.”

She laughed. “According to you, I always look good, but I don’t have time to get wrinkled.”

His expression became devilish. “Who says you are going to get wrinkled?”

His arms encircled her, but the doorbell rang, and she sighed with relief “I guess this just wasn’t meant to be,” she teased.

She sneaked around him, avoiding his hands before heading down the stairs and to the front door. When she opened it, Cody and his family stood on the other side of the door. She embraced them.

“You still look as beautiful as ever, Kristen. I used to be jealous of my brother when I saw you two together, but you two belong together,” Cody whispered to her.

She smiled when he pulled back and did not bother to correct Cody. The last thing she wanted to do was get into a long, drawn-out conversation trying to clarify what she and Randy were. “Thank
you,
and I have missed you too. You have a beautiful family.”

Cody Jr. reached for her when they were introduced. When she went to hand him back to his mother and was surprised when he clung to her. She looked at Randy with surprise, and he just shrugged. She resettled Cody Jr. on her hip. She didn’t mind holding him as long as he wanted. Her gaze went to Randy, and she wondered if he would be the one she would have children with.

Randy smiled before he embraced his brother.

“It seems I may have to battle my nephew for my woman.”

Cody laughed. “Well, if you do, you will have fight on your hands.”

Kristen struggled to keep her expression clear. Did Randy consider her to be his woman? She sighed when she realized it was just one more thing they needed to discuss. Right now, she liked the arrangement they had. They were getting to know each other again, and she was trying to see Randy for the man that he was and not the man he used to be. Gone was the predictable boy she knew. In his place stood a complex man she had to get to know all over again. The same could be said for her. She was no longer naïve and idealistic. She focused on the reality of the situation at hand. The problem was she was still trying to figure out what was in front of her. However, today wasn’t the day to do it. It was Ophelia and Spencer’s anniversary party. She and Randy could wait until later. If she had been able to wait six years, she could wait a few more hours.

She closed the door and asked everyone if they wanted anything to drink. She left for the kitchen to fill the drink orders, and when she returned with the drinks, the doorbell was ringing again. Randy stood to answer it, and Blair and Drake were standing there. There was more embracing and greeting from everyone because Blair did live off by herself.

After spending some time with Drake, she knew Blair was more than okay with him. The fact he was an attractive man didn’t hurt either. Randy went and got the drinks for his sister and Drake while she handed out the ones she had to Cody and Alexandra. Once Randy returned with the drinks, everyone settled in. His sister Emily and her family arrived prior to Randy’s parents did. She realized a lot had changed. For some reason, she never imagined Cody and Emily so grown up. Cody was three years younger than her, and Emily was the same age as her and her sisters, but she still couldn’t imagine them at the point where they were in their lives. Yet, here they were sitting in front of her. Kristen looked down at Cody Jr. and Tracey since both had been fighting for her affection since they arrived. She favored Emily. Kristen looked over at Randy who was smiling at her.

“I think you have two fans.”

She smiled and shrugged. “I guess I do.”

The only time the two children had been off of her lap was to eat. Emily and Cody’s children were adorable. Another thing she noticed was Wade loved his Aunt Blair. He hadn’t left her side since
she
and her fiancé, Drake, had arrived. She was almost starting to feel neglected.

“Okay, Mom and Dad, it’s time for you two to open your gifts.”

Randy stood, and Emily grabbed Tracey while Cody grabbed Cody Jr. Kristen watched the Strouds receive present after present. Their grandchildren were more than happy to help them with the presents. Kristen watched them enjoying the interaction. It was occasions like this she missed. Occasions like this she longed for.

“I am so glad you and Randy are back together.”

Uncertain of how to respond, she looked at Blair.
 
Kristen smiled. “We’re not together.”

Blair gave her a stunned look. “But I thought . . .”

She reached for Blair’s hand. “Randy and I are trying to work through things.”

Blair sighed. “Well, I hope you and Randy can work it out. The two of you are good together, and it is good to have you with us again.”

“I have missed you guys a
lot,
and I know we have a lot to catch up on.”

Blair smiled. “We do.”

Blair shifted Wade in her lap. “How are your sisters doing?”

Kristen grinned. “They are doing very well. Both of them were supposed to be here today, but Kayla had already made plans, and Keirra wasn’t feeling well this morning. Kayla might be able to come by a little later.”

“Well we won’t be leaving until tomorrow afternoon. Maybe we can meet up sometime before then.”

Kristen nodded because she knew her sisters were looking forward to seeing all of the Strouds again. They had grown up with them, and there had been nothing but good times.

“Thank you for the gift, Kristen.”

She looked up when Ophelia leaned down to hug her. “You’re welcome.”

“Be sure to thank Kayla and Keirra for me.”

“I will.”

The rest of the party was fun. When it was time for everyone to leave, she felt a sense of sadness fall over her. She hated for the fun to end, but she knew it wouldn’t be the last time she and all of the Strouds would get together.

Randy’s brother and sisters all embraced her repeating they were glad to see her and they were looking forward to seeing her again. She returned the sentiment before everyone leave. They were all going to spend the night at their parents’ house then leave out tomorrow. She and Randy had insisted a few of them stay at the house, but they claimed they didn’t want to impose. They were allowed to leave with the promise someone would come back if everyone didn’t fit comfortably in the house. Kristen knew even while Randy spoke the words that no one would take them up on the offer. The Strouds had a lot of room at their house. They were supposed to meet up at the house in the morning to have breakfast. Randy closed the door when his last sibling pulled out of the driveway.

He turned to look at her and Wade. “Well that went very well.”

Wade nodded. “Yes, Kristen did
good
.”

Kristen laughed at Wade.
Randy narrowed his eyes, but she saw him fighting a laugh himself. He took his son out of her arms and tossed him up in the air.

“Just for that comment someone will be washing the dishes all by himself.”

Wade groaned. “I can’t reach the sink.”

Randy carried him into the kitchen. “Well, you had better grow a couple of inches and quick.”

Kristen followed them into the
kitchen,
and a short time, they had the dishwasher loaded and the kitchen cleaned. By the time she made it upstairs, Randy had Wade in the bathtub. She went into his bathroom and took a quick shower and changed into her nightgown. Knowing Wade was going to be joining them for a little while, she put her robe on. By the time she entered the bedroom Wade was already in the middle of the bed.

He scooted over to make room for her. She slid in beside him and Randy. He had removed his shirt and shoes. She followed him with her eyes all the way to the bed. Wade handed
her the
remote control to the television. She took it and turned the television on and switched it to the Disney Channel. Wade made it through one kid show and then fell asleep, like she knew he would. Randy lifted him up and went to place him in his own bed. Randy returned to the room closing and locking the door before rejoining her in bed and pulling her underneath him.