Page 59 of Caged By the Stranger
“I…just felt like wearing it today,” I stammer, pushing away from the counter.
Grabbing my keys off the hook on the wall next to his, I still enjoy the sight of them occupying the same space. I’ve spent every night here since I returned from France months ago. Two months later, Rory sent a moving van to my house after one of my trips home to change out laundry. I didn’t complain. I tried to act like we should think about it, but there was nothing to think about. I didn’t want to be anywhere else. When my house sold a month ago, I didn’t expect to feel such joy. It made the move feel more permanent. It madeusfeel more permanent.
“Come on,” I call to him. “We should get going.” Turning back, I find him stalking toward me, hands in his pockets and something dark in his eyes. “What?” I laugh nervously.
“Nothing.” He shakes his head with a smirk.
I can tell it’s absolutelynotnothing. It most likely has to do with him catching me wearing my cage for a family function. I only wear it when I have to take a trip, but even then, he calls and says things that…well, I really like wearing it and thinking of those first times months ago.
“I’m just really going to enjoy getting you out of it later,” he murmurs, giving my ass a squeeze and guiding me to the door with that hand.
Fucking hell. This shit at Miles’ house better not take too long now that he planted that seed. My favorite thing, besides Rory, is when Rory talks me into things.
Two and a half hours later, I’m lounging at a picnic table in Miles’ backyard, watching Rory, Miles, Brett, and my nephews play a pickup game of football in the backyard. I am incredibly proud at the moment that my boyfriend is much more athletic than I am. It’s just a bonus that he looks really sexy doing it, too, and throwing me a wink and a grin each time he makes a good play.
My ass is starting to ache sitting on this wooden plank, so I get up and stretch. Making my way into the house, I use the restroom and grab another beer from the fridge. So far, today hasn’t been horrible. Brett and Miles honestly seem to really like Rory, but I mean, what’s not to like? He’s a man of all seasons and intelligent beyond words. Even my nephews think he’s cool, but his football skills were all that was needed to impress them. Mom flashes me an approving smile as she carts a casserole dish out onto the patio.
“He’s a very sweet man, Charlie,” she tells me. “You did good.”
I find myself blushing at her approval, but I can’t disagree. Thank God, though, she doesn’t know what thatsweet mancan get up to in the privacy of our own home. Sweet isn’t exactly the only word I’d use to describe our home life. He is sweet—sweeter than I ever knew was possible—but my sheltered brain still dubs some of our intimate moments as filthy.
Fuck. Wrong thoughts to have at a family function.
Laughing at myself, I shake my head and reach for a bag of chips on the counter. The front door slams shut, and I hear footsteps. The way my heart sinks, I think I know who it is.
When Shane steps into the kitchen, I suspect this good day has just been ruined. He stops in the doorway as soon as he seesme, his face impassive. Glancing at the patio doors, he murmurs, “Everyone outside?”
“Yeah. The boys are playing football with Miles, Brett, and Rory. Mom just went back out, too.”
His expression falls. Glancing back at me, he frowns. What the hell is that for?
“You broughthimagain?”
Him?Is he serious?
“Yeah,” I say as casually as I can, trying not to sound pissed off. “He’s my boyfriend.”
Scoffing, Shane rolls his eyes and stomps out to the backyard. What a dick. Such a fucking dick.
“Shane?” a woman’s voice calls. “Where am I going?” A slender brunette appears in the doorway, looking lost and holding a tray of Rice Krispies Treats. “Oh! Sorry.” She startles, pressing a hand over her heart. “Hi. I’m Clarissa, Shane’s girlfriend.”
His girlfriend? What happened to Amy?
“Uh…hi. I’m Charlie. Shane’s out back. Here. Let me take that for you.”
Showing her through the patio doors, I carry her offering to one of the tables Miles has set up. Clarissa thanks me and scampers off to Shane’s side, where he’s talking to our mom, who looks equally surprised to be meeting a new woman. It’s no secret to me that my brother hasn’t ever been faithful to any of his girlfriends, but I thought he was more serious about Amy. I guess I was wrong.
Mom makes her way over to me and whispers under her breath, “What happened to Amy?”
“I…have no idea. As far as I knew, they were still together.”
Sighing, she uncovers some of the dishes on the fold-out table and shakes her head. “Not that there was anything wrong with Amy, but this one does seem a little nicer.”
Amy had a dramatic flair to her that was tedious at times. She looked high-maintenance if you ask me. I don’t know what my brother’s type is, but I didn’t think he’d go for someone who makes demands on him. I suspected he only tolerated it because she’s his boss’ daughter. I wonder how his employment is going to work out if he did her dirty.
Someone slaps me on the shoulder. I find Miles panting at my side, his sweatshirt stained with circles of perspiration underneath his armpits. “Your dude is an all-star, bro. Bring him back any time.”
The words make pride bloom in my chest even as my face heats over hearing one of my brothers dole out acceptance. I find Rory sauntering over to me, peeling his own shirt over his head. It makes the bottom of his undershirt ride up, revealing a hint of his happy trail. The hair there is sweat-soaked to his abdomen and makes me think of some of the nights our lovemaking was so heated and endless, we both ended up dripping from head to toe.
