Her touch was like a live wire to him, a sensory overload. Unable to resist the pull between them, he squeezed her tighter, eager to hold on to whatever this was a little longer, greedily taking the scraps he could. She tipped her head back, and reluctantly he released her.
“I’m beginning to like you a lot, Sheriff,” she said, breathily.
He groaned and set her onto the ground. “Me too, Angel. Me too,” he said as she walked towards her door.
Her absence in his arms immediately fueled the longing. This woman was like an addiction. Each time he tasted her, it got harder and harder to walk away. And not just because his dick was throbbing, begging for release. But because being with Belle was like being whole for the first time in his regretful existence. She gave him hope. Maybe he could be worthy.
Chapter 31
Bently
Thanksgiving had become one of the holidays Bently looked forward to the most. Each year the noise level grew as more children were added to their small family. When they walked in, they found Mr. Stone watching the football game with Andre and Mikel who was holding baby Phoenix.
The men all turned at their arrival. Andre’s gaze narrowed on TJ.
What is his problem?
Bently needed to sit down with Andre and hash all of this out because this wasn’t like his best friend.
“Oh, good. You’re just in time.” Remy appeared from the hall, taking the casserole from him.
He leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek as she wrapped one arm around his waist. “I always am.” He smiled.
“Well, you and TJ go join the guys while I steal Belle away to the kitchen.” Remy winked at Belle who seemed a little nervous, but she smiled back.
“Ain’t gotta tell me twice,” TJ said, walking into the living room and taking a spot next to Remy’s father.
Remy leaned in and whispered, “We’re just drinking wine and sampling the dessert while the food finishes heating.”
“Good thing I brought a couple more bottles, then.” Belle held up the wine in her hands.
“See? You fit right in here with us.” Remy beamed.
Belle’s smile faltered only for a moment before she glanced at him.
“You gonna be okay?” He checked with her to be sure.
“Of course.” She nodded.
He leaned in and brushed his lips against her cheek, breathing Belle’s scent. Vanilla and cocoa butter. She trembled. So responsive. Going slow with her was pure torture, but he would do whatever she needed. If he could only be in the shadow of the sun, it was better than the utter darkness of his life before Belle.
“You two are so cute together.” Remy winked.
Belle smiled at him. “He is pretty handsome, isn’t he?”
A bark of laughter escaped from him. Belle was loosening up, integrating into his circle, and he was loving every minute of it.
“Well, I’m partial to his brother.” Remy sighed as Mikel walked up behind her and wrapped two arms around her.
“You better be,” Mikel teased as he kissed her neck.
Remy giggled. “How’s my baby boy?”
“His grandpa is spoiling him.” Mikel kissed her cheek before eyeing Bently and Belle.
“Glad you could finally make it. Good to see you again, Belle. You keeping this guy out of trouble?” Mikel joked.
“I’d like to think so.” She smiled.
It was the uncertainty in her eyes that did him in.
“Come on, Belle. Let’s pop some bottles and get you a glass of wine.” Remy nodded and Belle followed.
Mikel waited until they were out of earshot before he turned a knowing gaze on to Bently. “I never thought I’d see the day.”
Bently shoved his brother on his way into the living room. “I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.”
“That’s a bad word, Uncle Bently! You owe me one dollar.” Lyra held her hand out as she appeared from the corner of the living room with a crayon in the other. A coloring book was sprawled out at her feet with several pages ripped out and arranged in a circle.
A hard slap reverberated across his back as Mikel smirked. “Yeah, Uncle Bently. That’s a bad word.”
“Since when does it cost one dollar? Last time it was a quarter. That’s highway robbery,” he said as he dug into his wallet.
“No, it’s flatulence.” Lyra shrugged.
Bently’s eyes furrowed as he looked to Mikel who was trying hard not to crack up.
“Inflation, baby. That’s inflation,” Mikel corrected.
Lyra rolled her eyes and held out her hand. Was she six or sixteen?
Bently pulled out a five and handed it to her. “Alright, here. It’s all I have. It should cover me for the next four times I slip up, princess.”
Lyra’s eyes lit up. “Five dollars?”
“For your college fund,” Mikel reminded her.
“Okayyyy. I’ll go put it in my piggy bank.” Lyra stalked off.
“You have your hands full.”
“It’s fucking terrifying having a daughter, man.” Mikel’s complexion grew a little whiter.
“That’s one dollar for the college fund,” Bently teased.
Mikel smacked his shoulder. “Only counts if you get caught.”
“Jasmine in the kitchen?” Bently asked.
Mikel nodded. “Yeah, Zoey’s sleeping in that thing she wears.”
“Touchdown!” Mr. Stone and Andre yelled together.
“You notice anything off with Dre lately?” Bently asked.
“Something’s been on his mind, but he won’t talk to me about it. I figured it had to do with Mia’s paperwork. Probably just stressing about their interview with ICE coming up.” Mikel shrugged.
“Yeah, maybe.”
“Dinner’s ready! Shut the TV off and find a seat,” Mrs. Stone called.
Bently waited for TJ as he was the last to file into the dining room. He wanted TJ and Belle to feel welcome, to know they had a place they were wanted.
As they sat around the table, Mr. and Mrs. Stone did what they did best—brought everyone together in conversation. They laughed as a group, they teased. Mr. Stone was talking to TJ about the college where he was a professor. Mia, Jasmine, and Remy were laughing with Belle. She fit into his life like she had been made to all along. TJ helped himself to a third plate. Bently remembered
