Rules of Her Sins (Their Sins #1) (20 page)

Chapter

Forty-three

Aedan

I’m starting to think that my family will never leave. I love Sunday’s, but I want some time with my woman, and it’s time to continue what I started this morning. However, at this rate, I don’t think we are going to finish anything. My mom has taught Jesse how to make scones, coffee cake, biscotti, and some kind of tarts.

Seeing Jesse and my mom cooking in my kitchen makes my day. I’m hoping this is what every Sunday is like for the rest of our lives. I’m twenty-eight years old. I’m ready to settle down. I hope I can convince Jesse that this time is forever.

“Denny,” Leigh says. “Michael, the boys, and I are leaving. Thank you, as always, for entertaining my rowdy boys.” She hugs me.

“Leigh, question for you.” I put my arm around her shoulder and guide her out in the rotunda so Jesse can’t hear us. “Do you know of any boutiques that make house calls? I really don’t want to take Jesse out in public unless I have to, but I know she will want something to wear for graduation next week.”

“Let me make some calls in the morning and I’ll get back to you. I can see how much you love her. I’m happy for you,” she says as she hugs me.

“Yeah. She is more amazing than she thinks she is. She isn’t ready for forever, but hopefully she will get there. Thank you so much, Leigh.” I hug her back.

I hear feet running toward us. “Uncle Denny, I hope we get to see Jesse again. She is really nice,” Dylan tells me as he hugs my waist.

“I’m sure you will, buddy. I hope that soon we can have another camp over. I’ll get with your mom and dad and get the details worked out, okay?”

“Yes!” three of the four boys holler out.

“I’ll be here,” Dean says as if he is too old to hang out with me.

“Sounds good.” I extend my hand to shake his.

Michael shakes my hand as soon as I finish shaking Dean’s. “Thanks, as always, Aedan. Same time next week?”

“You know it. I know you like coming so you don’t have to cook. Lord help us if Leigh decides to cook.” We both laugh while she glares at us.

“All right, boys. Out to the SUV. It’s past bedtimes.” Leigh gathers the boys and pushes everyone toward the door.

I feel her behind me before she touches me. She wraps her arm around my waist and says good-bye to my sister and her family.

“I love your nephews; they are so full of energy,” she says softly.

“How’s the baking with my mom going?”

I look down at her. There is flour in her hair, on her face, and all over the arms of her shirt. I can’t help the laugh that escapes my mouth.

“I learned a lot, especially not to turn the mixer on high speed when there is a bunch of flour in the bowl.” She looks up at me with a huge smile. I want to take her in my arms and carry her upstairs.

I’m getting ready to kiss her, but my mother comes up behind us. “Denny, Jesse, we’re leaving. Everything in the kitchen is cleaned up and put away. I put the all the goodies, except a few bags, in the freezer. Just heat them up, as I explained to you. I even wrote it on the note cards for you.” She gives Jesse a big hug and moves to me. I have to bend down to hug her. She whispers in my ear, “Keep a hold of this one, son. She’s quite the catch.” She smiles.

“See you next weekend, Jesse.” My father gives her a hug. “Son.” He hugs me in a one-arm man hug.

“It was very nice to meet both of you. I hope to see you soon,” Jesse says to both of them.

“Of course, dear. Thank you for spending time with me in the kitchen. It was nice to have help. Have a good evening. I love you, son,” my mom says as she pulls my father out the door.

Thank God, I can finally get her upstairs for some alone time.

“Johnson, Laney, are you guys okay?” I shout back to them after hearing a thud in the family room, I mean movie room. Shit, now she has me saying it. Laney laughs.

“Yeah, man. We’re fine.”

“Are you staying here tonight, Johnson?” I ask as my jaw ticks.

“If that is okay with you. I have to be back here early in the morning for my shift.”

“You know where everything is. Keep it down you two, and don’t break anything.”

“Good night, Jesse and Aedan,” Laney yells out from the family room.

I shake my head and Jesse giggles. At least one of us finds it funny. I pick up Jesse and carry her up the stairs. I’m going to revisit what I started earlier today and make sure we finish this time. Making Jesse scream my name is an excellent way to end the weekend.

Chapter

Forty-Four

Jesse

This week has flown by. Monday, Aedan told me that his sister’s clients wanted me to try on their clothing so I would have something to wear for graduation and then something to wear to the office. They’d come to the house so I won’t have to leave. I’m sure Aedan had something to do with this, but I won’t complain.

Then, the following day, I logged into my classes for the final time to make sure that all my grades are what I thought they should be. My GPA is 3.89. I’ll take it. I won’t miss going to school. At some point, I would like to get an MBA, but I want to focus on work for now.

Wednesday, I spent most of the day trying on clothes, and I loved every moment of it. The feeling of the satiny fabrics on my skin made me feel alive. I’ve always had nice clothes, but these are suits and dresses tailor fitted to my body. I felt amazing in them.

For graduation, I ended up picking a black sheath dress with cap sleeves. The dress is lightweight and makes me feel sexy without being slutty. My cap and gown are black, so I need something somewhat lightweight since we will be outside as long as it’s not raining.

As a graduation present, Aedan gave me a spa day…well, an in-home spa day. The massage therapist should be arriving shortly. I guess I’m also getting my haircut, along with a mani and pedi. I could get used to this.

Chet bought me things, but they were things, items that he used to buy my love and trust. The chance to go off and have a girls’ day at the spa was rare. If I did anything like this, there was a reason behind it. As in, he wanted to make sure I looked perfect to impress someone.

I take a deep breath. I don’t need to think about that piece of shit any more or the way I feel when I think about him.

Now that Aedan has placed himself in my life, I need to look toward my future. I’m starting to wonder if Aedan has scared the person who is harassing me off because I haven’t heard from them since the note at the mall. I’m sure he would have said something to me if he has received anything else. Or at least I would hope so.

The sound of the doorbell ringing pulls me out of my thoughts. Moments later, I can hear Aedan answering the door.

“Let me get Jesse so I can introduce you. I’ll be right back,” he says. I get up and walk into the rotunda.

“Hey, beautiful. Your spa team has arrived. Do you want to do this upstairs in our bedroom or in one of the guest rooms?” he asks, not noticing he said our bedroom. I like how it sounds. I’m going with it.

“I’ll show them to our room.” I give him a smile and walk to the foyer with him.

I extended my hand to this beautiful African American male. “I’m Jesse.”

“Oh, Ms. McCoy, the pleasure is all mine. My name is Ton-e with a hyphen e. And this is Case. We are responsible for getting you relaxed for your big day tomorrow,” Ton-e with a hyphen e says as he shakes my hand.

“Oh, what beautiful bone structure you have. I can’t wait to get my hands on your face and hair,” Case says with excitement in his voice.

“Umm, well, thank you. I can’t wait to see what you can do for me. This way, please.”

They follow me upstairs.

The men have bags and totes full of stuff. I’m somewhat nervous, but I’m sure that Aedan has checked everything out.

“Ms. Jesse, can you please change out of your clothes and put a robe on? While you’re doing that, we will get all set up for you,” Ton-e says to me in a sassy, sweet voice.

“Yes, sure I can.” I get my robe out of the walk-in and head to the bathroom.

I take my time getting my clothes off. I freshen up before I go back out there because, knowing my luck, I’ll have to pee as soon as he starts massaging my back. I go back to the room, and I am surprised at the transformation of the room. There are two tables? What?

“Sorry, gentlemen and Jesse, I had a phone call. I hope I didn’t hold anything up,” Aedan says as he walks in wearing his robe. I must be looking at him in disbelief. “Something wrong, Jesse?” He looks at me with concern.

“No, I didn’t expect you to join me,” I say in utter surprise.

“Like I would pass up the chance to have a couple’s massage with you.” He smiles and I swear I become a puddle on the floor.

“Okay, you two. Stop making googly eyes at each other and get up on these beds. We need to get this show on the road,” Case says with a snap of his fingers.

“Yes, sir.” I wink at him.

“You will only being calling me sir, Jesse,” Aedan grits out.

“We will see about that.” I smirk.

The look he gives me sets my body on fire. Holy shit, I’m hoping this massage releases all the sexual tension I’m feeling at this moment or I’m going to combust on this table.

I thought Aedan would spaz a bit about having an openly gay man massage his body, but he didn’t even flinch. Actually, looking over at him, I think he is asleep. Maybe I should try to relax. After this weekend, I have no idea when I’ll be able to enjoy something like this again.

***

Aedan

Man, woman, gay, straight, whatever—there is no way in hell that I’m going to let someone massage Jesse’s nude body without me being in the room. In addition, I can really use one myself. This asshole really has me uptight, especially with there not being a single word from them since the phone call Sunday. Why do I have a feeling all of that will change tomorrow?

My gut intuition is normally right, and I’m glad that I stepped up surveillance yesterday around my house as well as at the homes of McCoy, Reese, and Tierney. I rather have too much security than risk something happening to one of the McCoy’s because I was too focused on Jesse.

When I walk in the bedroom, the look on Jesse’s face is priceless.
Surprise, sweetheart. I’m joining you too.
I hope she isn’t pissed, but I have to watch out for my girl.

They ask us to get on the table so we can get started.

Jesse says, “Yes, sir.” Hell no she didn’t.

“You will only be calling me sir, Jesse,” I say calmly, even though I wanted to yell it out.

“We will see about that.” She smirks.

She fucking smirked at me. Oh, I’ll give her
sir
later on. I’ll ever so gently remind her who is in charge right after this guy gets rid of these knots in my back and neck.

“Someone is tense. Just relax. Breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth. Close your eyes and go to your happy place,” Case whispers.

I close my eyes and breathe deeply. I don’t remember much more after that.

Chapter

Forty-five

Aedan

Warmth encompasses my body. I’m almost too hot, but this is relaxing.

“Aedan,” a voice whispers from above me. “Aedan…time to wake up,” the voice whispers a little louder.

Blinking my eyes open, I see Jesse sitting on top of the table with her robe on.

“Hey, sweetie. Did you have a good nap?” Jesse asks me in a soft voice.

“Yes, I did. That was amazing,” I say as I try to get up.

“Hold on, Mr. Stud Muffin. I have to get the stones and towels off you,” Case says. He puts his hands on my back.

A few minutes later, he is handing me my robe so I can get up.

“You can go shower now. We can handle her from here.” He winks at me.

“Jesse, if you need anything, I’ll be in the shower.”

“Go shower, I’ll be fine,” she replies with a smile.

I smile at her and turn to head to the bathroom. I smile even bigger when I think to myself about tonight. She doesn’t know that I am taking her out for dinner and we are staying in downtown Denver. I reserved the same room at The Four Seasons I had the first night we were together. This time, I will make sure to get full use of the room.

Johnson has already checked the place out and made reservations under a different name. I hope that we can eat dinner and continue our relaxing day. I want to get her out of the house before the ladies get here to decorate.

Leigh called to say that the tent company would be here around five to set everything up in the side yard, but they are going to decorate the inside as well for her family. She called the catering company she uses for events, but mom insisted on making all the desserts and cake.

Laney and Leigh working together is an amazing sight to witness. Their artistic abilities complement each other perfectly. What one doesn’t think of, the other one does. The focus of this day is on how special and amazing of a woman Jesse Rae McCoy is. Her family’s touches will make it even more special.

Laney got a hold of Reese to get photos of Jesse when she was younger with all of her family, including her mother, which gave me the idea to get some of those reproduced to replace the ones that were damaged at her house.

I’m going to get our picture taken tonight and get it made into something special for her new desk Monday morning. Maybe I’m pushing it, but I want her to know I want her not only today or tomorrow, but for the long haul.

Shit. I need to get ready.

***

Jesse

This is exactly want I needed. I love that these guys are fussing all over me. Seriously, it’s amazing. Ton-e is setting up a makeup and hair station, but I don’t know why he is doing my makeup because I’m not going anywhere until tomorrow.

“You don’t have to do my makeup. I’m staying in tonight,” I tell him, afraid I’m going to hurt his feelings.

“Oh, Ms. Jesse, you don’t know, do you?” He covers his mouth in excitement.

“Know what?” I ask.

“You will see and yes, you want the makeup on.” He claps his hands together.

“Oh, okay. Well, I guess you need to work your magic.”

“I’m going to cut some layers in your hair. I hope you don’t mind. I’m going to turn you into a little sex kitten. Rawr, girl.” He purrs.

I giggle and let him get to it.

A bit later, I hear Aedan come out of the bathroom. His breath catches. I hope that is a good sign.

“Jesse, wow. You look…wow.” He seems lost for words.

“Thank you, Aedan. It feels amazing. I can’t wait to see what Ton-e has done with my hair and makeup,” I say, wanting to find a mirror.

“Ms. Jesse, you are going to love it. I’m getting ready to finish your makeup. Mr. Stud Muffin, go on and get dressed. We will get Ms. Jesse all ready for you.”

“Okay. I’ll be waiting for you downstairs. There is a dress bag hanging up for you in the closet. Please put it on.”

“Um, okay.”

“Girl, you have that man all kinds of flustered. I’m almost finished. You look fabulous.” He giggles.

“I can’t wait to see. I haven’t had anything touched up with my hair or makeup routine in years.” I’m getting way excited to see what I look like.

After what seems an eternity later, Ton-e is finally finished. I think.

“I’m going to grab the dress bag so we can help you get dressed without messing up your hair and makeup.”

“Um, okay. But I don’t have a bra or panties on!”

“Let’s see what’s in the bag,” he says, trying to calm me down.

He brings it over to me and lays it on the bed. I unzip it and see something emerald green. I peel back the bag even more and find white lacy panties, but no bra. Pulling the green material all the way out of the bag, I realize it’s one of the dresses I tried on Wednesday. They fitted it to my measurements so I wouldn’t need a bra. The dress is strapless and fitted in emerald green chiffon. I have the perfect shoes to wear with this.

Something else in the bag catches my eye. A small box. I open up the Cartier box and a Trinity necklace with its signature three bands inside with a note.

Jesse,

I’m honored to be by your side when you start the next chapter of your life. Each band of this necklace is a promise to you that I will give you all my love, I will be completely faithful to you, and I will always be your friend.

Yours forever,

Aedan

I take a deep breath to compose myself so that I won’t start bawling like baby. Who knew Aedan was this amazing? Before I can say anything, Ton-e speaks up.

“I’ll turn around so you can get your wears on. Then I’ll help you get the dress over your head and put your necklace on. Okay?” Ton-e asks.

“Yes, thank you.”

He turns around and I hurry up and slip the panties in place. I take off my robe. “Okay. I’m ready.”

“Arms up.”

I put my arms up and the dress’s silky material slides over my body, not touching my hair or face at all.

“Do you have shoes you want me to grab?” Case asks.

“Yes. There is a pair of black Jimmy Choo’s in my closet. Can you grab them, please?” I ask him, making sure the dress is in place before Ton-e zips me up. I really wish I could see what I look like.

“Ms. Jesse, I can’t wait to see the look on your face when you see how sexy you look. You’re going to have that Stud Muffin eating out of your hand in about fifteen minutes,” Ton-e says as he zips me up, and then he gently fastens the necklace in place. “Are you ready to see yourself?”

I put on the shoes that Case got out of the closet for me. “Yes, I think so.”

I walk to the full-length mirror that has been covered all day.

“Ready?” Ton-e and Case ask me together. I nod to them both.

They pull down the drape. Staring back at me is a woman I don’t know, a woman that looks like a younger version of my mother. I don’t even look like I did this morning.

“Well?” Ton-e inquiries.

“I-I-I love it. Thank you so much.” Tears start welling up in my eyes and I will them to not fall so they don’t ruin my makeup.

“Oh, Ms. Jesse. There will be none of that. No need for tears. You look amazing,” Ton-e says as he and Case embrace me.

I pull back from the guys to look at myself again. I guess it is time for me to grow up and stop dressing like a college student because it’s time to be professional and rock the corporate world.

“I think there is someone waiting for you downstairs. Go knock him off his feet, girl.” Case pushes me out of my bedroom.

As I make my way down the stairs, I can hear Aedan talking on the phone in the rotunda. My shoes don’t allow me to be stealthy in my journey down the stairs. As soon as he hears me on the steps, he stops talking briefly, then tells the person he will call them back and hangs up on them.

He meets me at the bottom of the stairs and offers his hand to me when I get to the last step. “You look absolutely stunning.” He lifts my hand to his lips and kisses it.

“Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself, Mr. Stud Muffin.” I give him a huge smile, remembering the name Ton-e gave him.

“Do you like your necklace?”

“I do. It’s beautiful, thank you.” I kiss him on the cheek.

“You’re very welcome. I saw it and thought of you. No more wasting time. My chariot awaits you, beautiful, and I have another little surprise for you. Make sure you have your purse. We won’t be coming back until tomorrow.”

“What about clothes? I haven’t packed anything.”

“Already taken care of. You only need yourself and your purse.”

“Okay? Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise.” He looks at me, pouting a little because he doesn’t want to ruin my surprise.

“Please, just a little hint,” I say, my voice whinier than I hoped for. I think about stomping my foot. Real mature, Jesse.

He smirks. “You’ll know as soon as we get there.”

Ass. “Fine, fine. Let’s get going then.”

I grab his hand, pull him the rest of the way through the house, and out to the garage. To say I’m a little impatient is an understatement, but I can be demanding, right?

He opens the door for me and I get in. Closing the door after he makes sure I’m in and comfortable, he goes around the car and gets in on his side.

With the push of the button, the car comes to life and we are backing out of the garage. I notice that there are a few cars in the driveway, but I figure they are Ton-e and Case’s. One looks like Leigh’s SUV. I wonder what Aedan has planned.

The gate opens for us and we are soon on the city roads that will lead me to my surprise. I can’t wait.