Blocked (21 page)

Max rounded the pool table and stood in front of Decker. While the man had at least a couple inches on him and was clearly in fit shape, he didn’t seem imposing. “I like your kind of honesty,” he said with a smirk. “You’re good people.”

“Okay, so… are we gonna braid each other’s hair now or something?” Decker asked, confused by Max’s approval.

Gruff laughter boomed from Max’s chest. “No, man. Here’s the deal. Janie and I are getting married, and we’d like to move into a bigger place, but there isn’t anything right here in Charistown that works for us.”

Decker still wasn’t following, but he wasn’t going to interrupt either.

“I own a piece of land just minutes off the main stretch that would be perfect for new construction, and word has it that BC is one of the best companies around.”

Sound stopped around Decker as he tried to process what the guy in front of him, a man he’d just met, but one who’d clearly checked out him and his business, just said. “You wanna hire Brand Construction to build your house?”

“Yeah.” Max shrugged nonchalantly. “I looked into your company, and you do both commercial and residential, right?”

Decker tried to shake off the surprise and slip into business mode as his brother would have, but that was why he wasn’t in the suit and tie, and Ford was. “Yeah, we do. And we have for three generations.”

Max’s face softened. “I know, man. When I mentioned building a house to my dad, he told me to look into you guys. Apparently our fathers knew each other a long time ago. And your dad left a lasting impression on mine.”

Stunned, Decker ran his hands through his hair. “Well, that is a story I would love to hear.”

“Perfect. How about if I call your office and set up an appointment?” Max suggested. “I know you guys are busy, but if we hire BC, I’d really like for you to be the one in charge. We aren’t in a mad rush, so we’ll wait for you if we need to.”

Decker wondered if he looked as surprised as he felt.

“I’ve done a lot of research on you, Brand. No matter how nice of a guy you are, I wouldn’t trust my woman or my life to just anyone. According to what I heard, you’re the best.”

Overwhelmed, Decker shook Max’s hand. “Look, I think we have the best team working for us, but you have no idea how great it is to hear.”

Max chuckled. “Gotta love the honesty.”

“Hey, baby, did you talk to Decker about the house?” Janie asked, weaving her arms around her fiancé.

The puzzled look on April’s beautiful face told Decker this was the first she’d heard on the subject.

Janie shrugged bashfully. “Sorry, girlies, I didn’t want to say anything until Max talked to Decker. But we’re looking to build our dream house, and we were hoping to hire Brand Construction, and for Decker to personally do it.”

Happiness floated through April’s eyes as a smile took over her face. “Gah, I’m not sure who to congratulate first: the two of you”—she looked pointedly at Janie and Max before returning her gaze to Decker—“or you.”

“How ‘bout we divide and conquer,” Rori suggested, throwing herself at the couple.

The feel of April’s soft body crashing against his as she wound her arms around his neck made him feel fifty feet tall. “I’m so happy for you, big guy. I know how much you love doing custom homes.” She nuzzled his ear. “You’ll be able to get nice and creative during the design stage and then down and dirty during the build.”

The tip of her tongue flicked his lobe. Fuck, he wanted her in a way that was so much more than carnal. The fact that in such a short time, she seemed to grasp that his work was a part of who he was, a part of his soul, that made her special. Hell, it made her invaluable.

“I’m a pretty creative man, dimples,” he murmured as he pulled her tighter, lifting her chin so her eyes met his. “And it just so happens thoughts of getting you dirty turns me on.” He ground his hardened length into her, whispering hoarsely, “You game?” Her sultry smile and pink cheeks had his dick pressed so tight against the fly of his jeans, that he swore there’d be zipper marks on the sensitive skin when he finally removed his pants.

* * *

THE NIGHT WENT quickly, too quickly in April’s opinion. She had a wonderful time, not just being in the company of adults but surrounded by friends. While having an evening alone with Decker would have been incredible, being with him around others was amazing. She had spent most of her life watching couples interact with one another and wondered why her relationship with her ex never resembled what she saw. When Ben left, she assumed the problem was her—maybe she was unfriendly, cold, unlikable… unlovable. But each time she’d been in Decker’s company, he made her feel special, wanted, and appreciated. While his words were flattering, romantic, and sexy, it was the small things that got her attention, like the way he was at IHOP. He knew how hard that situation had been for her, someone new meeting her son for the first time before they’d had a chance to discuss it, yet Decker was amazing with Elijah and even better with her. Subtle strokes on her back, a soft rub on her thigh, tiny gestures told her he was by her side but not in her face.

Here in the bar amongst friends, April had no questions as to Decker’s feelings toward her. No, he wasn’t inappropriate, overly possessive, or nauseating, as she’d witnessed some couples be over the years. He was able to communicate his interest and desire with hungry glances, stolen kisses, naughty words, and sexy promises. Her body had been simmering for hours, and it was time to bring it to a boil.

“So, it’s getting late, and it is a work night.” She peered at Decker over the rim of her water glass. His eyes shifted to the clock on the wall, and she knew the very second he understood where her thoughts had gone.

“You’re right, babe. It’s almost ten o’clock. We should definitely get you home.” His voice dropped to barely above a whisper, only loud enough for her to hear. “Don’t forget, I made you a promise earlier tonight, and I intend to collect.”

“What are we waiting for?”

They quickly went around and said their goodnights to the crowd. April got squeals and thumbs-up from her friends while Decker and Max exchanged contact information. Before too long, they were back in the car and headed toward April’s house.

The conversation flowed easily during the drive as they recapped the evening, marveling over the bar, discussing the relationships April had with both Janie and Rori, and the compliment Decker felt when Max approached him about building a house for him and Janie. Then the moment his Range Rover pulled into April’s driveway and Decker switched off the headlights, leaving nothing more than the glow of her porch lanterns and the moonlight to illuminate their bodies, it was like a spell had been cast, changing the mood from energetic to erotic in an instant.

Clicks… swoosh… Decker’s seatbelt released from its hold, breaking the silence in the cabin. “Do you have any idea how badly I want you?”

Was he kidding? Her body was vibrating with need for this man.

“Fuck, April,” he groaned as he turned his whole frame to face her. “I’m going crazy with it.” He slid his seat all the way back, placing space between him and the steering wheel. “Unfasten your seatbelt, baby, and come closer to me,” he ordered, patting his lap.

Her fingers fumbled with nervous excitement as she followed his command. All she could think of was getting his tongue back in her mouth and his hands on her skin.

“Did you give much thought to your outfit, April?” He didn’t wait for her answer as he ran his hands up her bare thighs, pushing the fabric of her short skirt up around her waist. “Did you put this on knowing that I’d spend the entire evening imagining you riding me in the front seat of my car?”

“Maybe.” She let out a shuttered breath as he grinded his pelvis into her wet, lace-covered core. Okay, no, she hadn’t known he would spend his night fantasizing, but a woman could hope…right? He wrapped her long hair around his fist, gently tugging her head to the left as he dropped kisses from her earlobe down to the sweet spot where her neck and shoulder met. “Ahh, Deck, that feels… ahhh.”

What he did to her body with small touches and spoken words completely astounded her, but there she was astride him, his denim-clad hardness pressed against her, and she was lost. With shameless abandon, she rocked against him, searching for release to the prison she’d been locked in for way too long. And while she saw an exit, there was no way she could reach it on her own. As if reading her mind, Decker released her hair and dragged his hand to her chest, sliding it into the V-neck of her sweater and palming her breast. His rough skin sent tingles rampant through her body as wetness seeped from her core.

“Mmm, I can smell your arousal, April.” Decker groaned as his fingers breached the barrier of her panties, inching them aside. “Fuck, babe, you’re drenched for me. Is this how you are during our phone calls?”

She could barely think, let alone formulate cohesive sentences, but when he stopped moving his fingers, she knew he awaited a reply. “No, Decker, no. I’ve never felt like this in my life. Please…”

“Please what, beautiful? Tell me what you want, and I’ll give it to you.”

* * *

HE WANTED HER in a way he’d never wanted any woman before, with a hunger that one night would never satisfy. While he knew that the encounter would only lead to
her
sexual release, he couldn’t wait to see the satisfied look in her eyes and know that he was the man to put it there. “Tell me, baby.”

“I need more than just your voice. I want your touch.” She grinded into his throbbing erection. “Your taste.” She licked his lips. “I want you. Please.”

The pressure of her sliding back and forth on his already stimulated cock nearly unmanned him before he could honor her request. Her brilliant green eyes focusing on him, begging him to bring her pleasure, brought him back from the edge just in time to help her over it.

Soft mewls and husky whimpers ripped from her throat as her body quaked beautifully over him, and she called out his name in release. It was magnificent. She was stunning, and he was a goner.

When her breathing leveled out, April lifted her head from his chest. “I know I should probably be embarrassed,” she said timidly. “I mean, I haven’t made out in a car since high school, and Deck—it was
nothing
like that.”

Car groping is for teenagers and trash, Decker. Not for the upper class like us.
His ex-wife’s voice echoed in his head as his gut lurched. Christ, what the hell was he thinking mauling April in his car like an animal? “April, look, I’m—”

“I should be embarrassed, but I’m not.” She pulled back the best she could in the limited space and looked him in the eyes. “That was incredible.” She sighed. “I’ve never felt so… naughty and still so cherished at the same time.”

What?
Decker swallowed, trying to reconcile April’s statement with what was going on in his mind. The smile that stretched over his face was unavoidable. The woman constantly blew him away. What she didn’t understand was it was being with
her
that made the experience more than a casual hookup. She felt cherished because she was indeed cherished. He wanted her in his life, and he needed to stop comparing her to Olivia.

Chapter Fourteen

Hyundai and Ford

DAYS LAPSED INTO weeks as Decker and April, along with their children, formed a bit of a routine. Not only did they have pancakes on Tuesday evenings, but they spent a few hours together either on Saturdays or Sundays, depending on birthday party schedules and other obligations.

Decker treasured their time together, loving how his daughter and April seemed to connect in a most natural way. He also found himself turning to mush every time Elijah wrapped his little arms around him in a tight embrace. He knew there were still pieces of April that were locked behind the battered wall, hiding from the hurt she feared would one day return. Decker knew in his heart that he would never betray her, but it was April who needed to believe it, not him. So Decker held back on declaring words of love, but he no longer abstained from showing the affections. It was clear that both Eli and Charlie knew their parents were dating, and they didn’t seem bothered by the fondness that was forming between them. In fact, often the children piled in for group hugs and sweet gestures.

“I love when the sun is out and we can spend time at the park.” April pushed her sunglasses down the bridge of her nose. “Let’s set up over there under the tree. That way the kids can have some shade when they get tired.” Sliding the shades back in place, she grabbed the picnic blanket and the Thermos, leaving the cooler to Decker’s capable hands.

“Come sit with me, beautiful. The kids are fine. We can see them from here,” Decker said, relaxing on the soft blanket. “Besides, I’d like to taste what kind of fruit you brought me today.” When April sauntered over, kneeled next to him, and placed her soft lips on his, his heart began to thunder in his chest. “Mmm, strawberries. I love strawberries,” he growled, leaning in for another kiss.

“Umm, you kids do know that this is a public park. Jeeze, there are impressionable young minds running around.” Ford chuckled his hello before reaching into the cooler for a soda.

* * *

“NICE TO FINALLY meet you, Ford.” April was grateful for her large sunglasses. Hopefully they hid most of the embarrassment that no doubt showed on her face. She’d spoken to Decker’s younger brother on the phone before, when he intercepted a call. The man seemed funny and sweet, and seeing him in the flesh, she knew that good looks ran in the family. While he didn’t exactly light the fire inside her the way Decker did, she could see how other women would get in line to gain his attention, just as Decker described.

“Rein it in, little brother,” Decker teased as he stood to give his sibling a side-hug-back-slap.

April could see the easy camaraderie between the two men and loved that Decker seemed to have a close family unit, just as she did with her siblings.

“So this is April Maddox,” Decker introduced.