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  “You going to come?” he asks me.

  I used to love car shows and now I avoid them. My dad is gone, along with the old Mustang we used to work on together that we’d enter in shows. He’d give me hell if he knew I missed this show.

  “Yeah, I’m coming,” I say, and Bronx drops the tickets back down onto the counter. His smile is only getting bigger, and though my man is so damn sexy, when he’s smiling he’s something else altogether.

  “Not yet you’re not.” He slides his hands under the shirt I’m wearing as he drops to his knees in front of me. He throws my legs over his shoulders and winks. “But you will be.”

  My laugh turns into a moan as he lowers his mouth onto me and we break in the salon. He’s right, though, because I do come. Over and over again.

  Chapter Twelve

  Bronx

  We’re running late by the time we get to the car show because Gemma wanted to get dolled up. And definitely not because I couldn’t keep my hands to myself.

  I take her hand as we walk to the expo center and the guy at the door waves us in. When we step inside I glance over to see her eyes light up and I’m happy that she’s excited and not sad about today. It’s important for her to be here, but I was worried that she might not be ready. I give her hand a little squeeze and she winks at me.

  Goddamn is my woman beautiful. She looks like a pinup from the 1950s with the red bandana in her hair. She’s got on a white top that’s off the shoulder, red short-shorts, and red heels with cherries on them. I want to kiss her lips and mess up the lipstick she so carefully applied, but I know if I do I won’t be able to stop.

  “Where’s the map?” She’s looking around the entrance for the map of the featured cars. She always loves looking for her favorites and seeing those first.

  “Don’t worry about it, I know what you want to see,” I say as I pull her into the building and she smiles up at me.

  “I bet you do.”

  I’m nervous because this is a big moment for us. We’re out in the open as a couple, and people who have known us for a long time stop and stare as we walk by. I don’t like even a little bit of distance between us, so I pull her into my side and drape my arm over her shoulder.

  When we get to the other side of the building I spot Roxy and Mitch. They wave to us and Roxy has a sly smile like she was expecting this.

  “You mind waiting here for a second?” I ask Gemma.

  “Where are you sneaking off too?” She playfully tugs on my shirt and I lean down to place a kiss on her lips.

  “I’ll be right back.” I admit nothing as I walk over to Mitch and he nods to me. I nod back in thanks and then make my way to the showcase.

  When I get to the stage I wave to one of the boys up there who gives the signal. Suddenly the music that was playing over the speakers changes and the new song starts to play. I walk over to the car that’s featured under the spotlight and I wait.

  I see the red bandana through the crowd slowly making its way to where I’m at. Right behind her are Roxy and Mitch as she walks through the sea of people and then to the front.

  “Bronx,” she whispers and her hands go to her mouth.

  I reach out and pull her to me on the small stage next to the Mustang that belonged to her and her dad. I got the car from the junkyard and I’ve been working on it ever since. I couldn’t bring her dad back, but I could bring back a piece of the love they shared. It took a lot of hours, but there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my girl.

  “Is this—” She can hardly speak past the tears.

  “Yeah, babe. This is it.” I take her hands in mine and slowly lower my knee to the carpet in front of her. The crowd starts cheering as I pull out a box and the spotlight shines on us. “I love you, Gemma,” I say simply, sliding the ring on her finger.

  The cheers and whistles lessen as they wait for her response, but all she can do is bite her bottom lip and nod. I leap up and swing her around in my arms.

  “I love you,” she whispers and I can hardly hear her over the shouts of the people watching.

  Good, let them watch. Let them see that this woman is mine, just like she was always meant to be. I look into her eyes before I kiss her and then bury my face in her neck. I want to take her home and make love to her all over again, but we can’t leave just yet.

  “I can’t believe you restored the car. How? When?” I place her on her feet and she walks over to the Mustang, running her hand across the door. She turns to face me and cocks her head to the side with a sad look in her eyes. “He would have been so proud of you.”

  I put my hand on my chest because it feels like I’ve been hit, but in a good way.

  “He would have been proud of you too, babe.” I pull her to me once again because I don’t want space between us.

  Roxy and Mitch jump on the stage and we’re both almost knocked over with hugs.

  “I can’t believe you pulled this off,” Roxy says as she holds Gemma tight.

  “I can.” Mitch pats me on the back and then looks at the car. “She’s a beauty.”

  I keep my eyes on Gemma and nod my head. “I know.”

  “So when’s the big day?” Roxy looks between us and I nod to Gemma.

  “Just as soon as she lets me.”

  “Like anything could stop you.” Gemma winks at me and I wink back.

  We spend most of the afternoon getting congratulated and posing for pictures next to the car. I sent an email to my agent this morning dissolving our contract and telling him I don’t want any more of the media. I’m good with working in my shop, taking cars to shows, and having my woman by my side. There’s nothing else I need or want from life and anything else good that comes my way is gravy.

  “I’m ready to go home,” Gemma whispers to me when we finally get a moment alone.

  “You got it, babe.” I pull her to me and nearly carry her out of the place in my rush to get her alone.

  By the time we get back to the shop I’m too worked up to make it into the house. I end up laying her on the hood of a 1955 Chevy and yanking her shorts off. My cock is balls deep inside of her before she can say my name and I’m already working my thumb over her clit.

  “Faster,” she whines as my cock slides in and out of her.

  “Yes, ma’am,” I say, speeding up and I feel her pussy squeeze around me.

  She’s tight and hot as she grabs my wrists and works her hips up and down with me. We’re working together to get her off and with just the slightest touch to her pussy, she cries out and arches her back.

  I feel the warmth of her release coat my cock and I grunt as I fall over the edge with her. I pull her to me with my dick still deep inside her and carry her into our place. Soon enough we’re going to have to get a house, but for now this will do. I want my lady to have the home of her dreams, but while it’s still just the two of us we don’t need much space.

  “I love you,” I whisper as I place her on the bed while I lie on top of her. This time when I move my cock it’s slow and not as rushed. I plan on having her like this all night and I’m in no rush.

  “I love you too,” she answers as I rub my nose against her. “Thank you.”

  “For what?” I say, kissing her softly.

  “All of it. Everything.” She places a hand on my cheek and I look into her eyes. “You’ve given me hope for the future.”

  “Anything you want is yours, Gemma. Just so long as I have you.”

  I kiss her again and this time it turns into more; it turns into forever.

  Epilogue

  Gemma

  Two years later…

  “This is bullshit.” Roxy pouts as I try and put lip stain on her.

  It’s a normal Friday night here at the shop, but tonight I’m letting my hair down. Well, more down because I always wear it that way. We have a sitter and I’m going to cut loose. I’m not only old enough to drink but I’m not knocked up either. I’m ready to try this drinking thing again and tonight is going to end a whole lot differe
ntly than the first time.

  The only problem is Roxy’s pregnant. “It’s contagious. You gave it to me.” She points to her giant baby bump that’s hardly showing. She’s small so it looks big in comparison. If I didn't know any better I’d say it was fake. It looks like someone shoved a basketball under her shirt since it’s the only place you can tell she’s pregnant.

  “There’ll be a next time,” I try and reassure her.

  “Liar.” She pulls back from me and gets up the best she can without falling over. “I heard Bronx talking about having another baby.”

  I laugh because she’s right. We’ve been talking about a second baby since we have the space at our new house. There are so many spare rooms we’ll never fill them all. That isn't going to stop Bronx from trying though.

  “You don’t even drink.” Roxy has a beer here or there, but she doesn't need a drink to get going.

  “That’s not the point.” Her eyes catch her own reflection in the mirror. “God, you’re so good at this. You make me like being all done up.”

  I’ve worn her down over time, but it wasn't hard with the shop being connected to the salon. It made it too easy for me to pull her in here.

  “I hope you have a girl.”

  She shrugs because she’ll be happy either way. I didn’t have a desire for one over the other, but our first was a boy and we named him after my dad. I knew there would be more babies to come and a girl was bound to come along sooner or later. I haven’t admitted to her that in my mind Roxy is having a little girl that my baby boy is going to be in love with. Then we all really will be a family. My son loves laying his head on her baby bump and giving it kisses.

  I should stop reading so many romance books but I can’t help myself. I love the idea of having my own little girl and it being best friends with Roxy’s. Her friendship was there for me during one of the hardest times in my life. She also never gave up on the idea of Bronx and me. She might put on a hard exterior to others, but my girl is all sweetness inside.

  “It will be a surprise for all of us.” She’s waiting to find out what she’s having. It’s been killing Mitch, but she said the pregnancy was a surprise to her so the sex of the baby could be a surprise to him. He doesn't find it as funny as the rest of us.

  “I’m just surprised I fit into this dress.” I shimmy a little, happy that I fit back into all my old clothes. It took a while to get the baby weight off but I haven't fought it too hard knowing it will be coming right back soon enough. Still, I love this dress and wanted to get dressed up tonight for my man. I don’t care that it’s the normal Friday barbecue; there isn't going to be a little baby boy to interrupt us. At least for the evening. Mitch’s mom is staying at our house for the night, which is within walking distance from the shop.

  Bronx is meeting with her right now to hand off our little one. He made a small area in the salon so I could keep our boy with me during the day. Bronx even made one for his office too. Mitch’s mom was excited to watch him and said she could use the practice because she was going to be a grandma. It’s moments like these that make me miss my dad the most. He would’ve been a wonderful grandpa. He still lives on inside of Bronx and me and we make sure to tell our son about him often, even if he has no idea what we’re talking about. He will one day.

  “Don’t bank on keeping it on long,” Roxy says as she gives her hair one last fluff.

  I’m counting on that. I’m hoping for a little pregame action with my man, and as if I conjured him up Bronx comes strolling into the salon with Mitch right behind him. He gives Roxy a chin nod but clears the distance between us.

  I let out a small squeal when he picks me up and my heels fall off my feet. “See you out there,” I hear Roxy say before the door closes behind them.

  “I’m getting a taste before we go anywhere,” Bronx says and his eyes eat up every inch of me. I can already tell this is going to be rough and hard and I’m going to enjoy every second of it.

  “I’m not going to fight you on it,” I tell him as he sets me down on the counter.

  I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve used this counter for this exact thing. I pull at his shirt, wanting it off because when he takes me in here I can see his back in the salon mirrors.

  “No smart mouth comments about messing up your hair or makeup.” As if they’d stop him.

  “Do your worst.” I can fix it. There’s nothing my man and I can't fix together. Together we can do anything.

  Epilogue

  Bronx

  Seventeen years later…

  “He’s not driving it.”

  “Bronx, we talked about this.” Gemma grabs her camera off the kitchen counter and stands there waiting.

  “I’ll drive it and drop them off.”

  She rolls her eyes at me like I’m being ridiculous, but I’m worried about our son Mac taking the Mustang to prom.

  “It was his grandfather's car—the man he’s named after. He’s driving it, and everything is going to be okay.”

  I let out a breath and cross my arms over my chest. There’s no way I’m talking her out of this and what Gemma says goes. Mostly because she’s right and not that I’m a pushover. I’d give my woman every damn thing she wanted but that won’t stop me from worrying.

  “You had a talk with him about…you know?”

  Gemma rolls her eyes and comes over to stand in front of me. “Yes, we talked about safe sex. But I’m pretty sure you’re supposed to talk to him about that too.”

  “I did,” I mumble, but all I really did was give him some condoms. She’s better at the rest of it than me.

  She looks at me like she can read my mind and she probably can. “Brenna will be here any second. Let’s get ready for pictures.”

  “I just hope Roxy had a talk with her about being safe. I’m worried they’re going to show up nine months from now with something to tell us.”

  “Bronx.” Gemma turns around and puts her hands on her hips. “I wasn’t much older than the two of them when you knocked me up. They’ve been in love since the day they were born. We’ve told them all we can, but a love like theirs can’t be stopped.” She walks over and places a hand on my chest. “I know because I’ve got that same kind of love.”

  “Yeah, I know,” I say as I place my hand over hers. “They’re just growing up so fast.”

  “Aren’t I supposed to be the one that’s emotional today?”

  I shrug and she laughs. I pull her close and then I hear the honking outside, letting us know they’re here.

  “Move your booty,” she says as she smacks me on the ass but slips out of my arms before I can return the favor.

  “I’ll get you back.” I smile at her and she winks as she jets out the back door.

  When I get outside I see our oldest son Mac right by the Mustang. We still take it to shows and it still looks brand new. I know Gemma’s dad would be beaming with pride to see him taking his girl to prom tonight.

  Mitch and Roxy get out of the car and then Brenna gets out of the back. Gemma went over to their house early this morning to do her hair and makeup and she looks so grown up. Where is the knobby-kneed little girl that used to make Mac play with dolls?

  Brenna and Mac look at one another and then he goes right to her. He kisses her on the top of the head so he doesn’t mess up her makeup, but also because she’s tiny. She looks just like her mom, thank goodness, but she’s laid-back like her dad.

  Our other son and daughter are playing with Mitch and Roxy’s kids in the backyard while Gemma and Roxy take pictures. Mac has grown a lot this last year of high school and he fills out his tux. He’s gentle as he puts the corsage on her wrist, and the way he looks at her reminds me an awful lot of how I look at Gemma.

  I just hope my boy is smart enough to realize what he’s got with Brenna and holds on to it. I wouldn’t change a thing about my and Gemma’s love story, but I would have told her sooner that I wasn’t going anywhere. If I have any regrets it’s that I made her think for one mom
ent that she wasn’t the one for me.

  “You’re going to be careful tonight, right?” I say to Mac before he opens the door for Brenna.

  “Yeah, Dad.” He’s almost eye level with me and he’s got eyes just like his mother. “I promise.”

  Mac is a good kid and I know he’ll be safe. He’ll always be our first baby and this is a big night for him.

  “I trust you, son.” I pull him in for a hug and after a second of hesitation I feel his arms come around me.

  When I step away I feel Gemma’s arms come around my waist and her head rest on my chest. I look around and see all the kids playing and our oldest ones going to prom. We’ve made our family and a beautiful life and I don’t know why I’m so emotional right now.

  “Hey,” Gemma says, and I look down at her. “We’ve got an empty house tonight.”

  “We do?” I say, and thoughts of sadness are pushed away.

  “Yep.” She bites her bottom lip and excitement begins to stir inside me.

  “I guess you can help me feel better.” I pick her up in my arms and we turn to wave goodbye to the kids as they drive off.

  “I think I may be able to help with that.” Gemma kisses me on my neck and I growl. She knows damn well that’s my sweet spot.

  “We’ll bring the kids back after lunch tomorrow,” Mitch says as he and Roxy load all of them up. “You kids have fun tonight.”

  Gemma squeals as I throw her over my shoulder and march into the house.

  “Hope you got something to eat.”

  “Why?” she says as I make my way up the stairs to our bedroom.

  “Because I’ve got my dinner right here.” I smack her ass and she squeals again before it turns into a giggle.

  The kids are getting older but we’ve still got lots of time left with them before they leave us. But once they do, that just gives us more freedom to have sex all over the house. I think we’ll deal with an empty nest just fine.