It was twilight, mid-autumn, his hand firm on mine as he led me toward the back of a turn-of-the-century, Craftsman-style bungalow. Laughter floated from around the corner, where his friendswere having one of their “family dinners.” This was my first time meeting them, so, yes, I was nervous.
Especially because of what Tyler had told me about them. His best friend was the son a notorious serial killer. His business partner was a reformed mobster. And the rest of the group was no less intimidating, ranging from social justice warriors to a woman who saved lives every day. I wanted to make a good impression, but also, I just had noideawhat the vibes would be with such an eclectic group, and that’s what made me anxious.
“One second,” I said, slowing to lift the hem of my dress out of the way. I wore yet another gown—this one a newly acquired piece, with a deep V neckline that flared wide to sit just off my shoulders, the sleeves embroidered lace, the skirt wide and tulle, with a silk underlay. After dinner, we were due at my parents’ house for a cocktail party celebrating their acquisition of a second Morisot painting, which they planned to unveil later this evening.
Tyler wore a new suit in hunter green, exceptionally tailored, his shoulders impossibly broad in the jacket. The white button-down beneath it made his skin look golden in contrast, and I couldn’t stop staring at his throat, remembering earlier, my hand wrapped around it while I rode his dick, and he begged me to squeeze harder.
I had no idea how I was supposed to get through tonight with that image tormenting me. My panties were already soaked, and I was desperate to get him inside me again.
His eyes scorched over me, and I could tell his thoughts were mirroring mine. “You know, that dress is almost wide enough for me to hide under the skirt.”
I leaned into him. “Maybe if you’re a good boy tonight, we can test that out.”
He made a low sound in his throat, close to a purr, and started dipping toward me before a fresh swell of laughter reminded us where we were.
I shook myself and straightened up, and Tyler recaptured my hand, bringing it to his mouth to kiss the back of it. He paused, hovering, a mischievous spark lighting his eyes.
“Don’t you dare,” I warned him.
His lips parted, and he nipped my skin hard enough to hurt.
“You’ll pay for that later,” I told him, even as my chest flooded with affection. I knew what he was doing: acting bratty to distract me from my nerves. It was sweet—something I’d once thought Tyler incapable of.
His signature smug grin spread over his face as he lowered our joined hands. Without another word, he tugged me around the corner of the house.
“Oh, wow,” I whispered.
The backyard looked like something out of a magazine. White-clothed tables sat on a small patio, with a gorgeous center spread of flowers and candles running down the middle of them. Overhead, café lights twinkled, strung through a series of tall garden stakes. Potted plants surrounded the scene, white hydrangeas and mums interspersed with hurricane lanterns. It was cozy, intimate, and only possible thanks to this late-season heat wave.
The sound of crickets and conversation filled the yard as Tyler towed me closer. My jaw nearly dropped as I took in the people seated around the tables. I don’t think I’d ever seen a more stunning group of human beings assembled in one place. They didn’t notice us at first—too busy talking over each other—but once they did, all eyes turned our way.
“Walter!” someone yelled as a dog came pelting out from beneath a table. It was a monstrous shepherd mix, tail wagging, tongue lolling, obviously not a threat. Tyler stepped in front of me anyway.
“Don’t even think about jumping on her,” he ground out, sounding more like the old him than he had in weeks.
I put a steadying hand on his back, and felt him immediately relax.
“He’s like a reckless puppy,” Tyler explained, leaning forward to pet the wiggling, whining derp. “And he doesn’t know his own strength. I didn’t want him to take you out.”
I smiled and stepped around him, soothing my fingers down his spine before I joined him petting the dog, who seemed like he was in canine heaven withtwopeople doting on him. It only took me a second to realize the greatest threat came from his tail, whipping so fast it actually stung when it struck my shins. He wound between us like a cat, whimpering and yipping, leaning hard into our legs.
“Sorry about that,” a stunning, petite brunette said, grabbing Walter’s harness to stop him. “Oh, Jesus, look at the dog hair.”
I glanced down to see Tyler and I both covered.
“I have a lint roller,” another gorgeous brunette said, almost as tall as I was, but with a muscle mommy build.
“Lauren and Aly?” I asked.
They looked impressed.
“Yes,” Aly said, extending a hand. “It’s so nice to finally meet you, Stella.” Her smile was warm and welcoming, her expression filled with open curiosity.
“You, too,” I said, shaking her hand, relieved there wasn’t any awkwardness like I’d feared. Meeting your partner’s ex was always weird, but Tyler had assured me there were no hurt feelings between them, and it had only ever been casual to begin with. “Thank you for what you did, helping Tyler that day.”
Aly’s expression softened. “You’re welcome. How’s your head?”
Tyler choked. “Don’task her that.”
