GladYouCame (8 page)

“Everything all right?” Worry drew together Beth’s eyebrows.
Genevieve could see the tension already holding her body poised to run to the
dining room.

“Fine. Fine. There’s a delicate surgery going on. And they
need one thing to save the patient.” Genevieve pushed aside her wallet and the
book she kept meaning to read.

“Surgery? Patient? What is going on in there?”

Genevieve grabbed Beth’s arm as she started to storm toward
the room. “Dade’s got it handled. One of Riley’s toys broke and they need—aha,
found it.” She held up a small kit she’d habitually started carrying when she
and Tony had started dating. “The little screws in Tony’s glasses fall out all
the time. I always carry around one of these for when it happens.” She dumped
the contents out and carefully picked up one of the tiny screws. “This should
do it. We’ve got it handled, Mom. Don’t worry.”

As she entered the dining room again, she found Riley
reaching over to Dade and brushing some of his hair out of his face. “Thank
you, bug. This is remarkably harder than I thought.”

“How is the patient?” Genevieve slipped into a chair beside
Dade, picking up on his affected concern. If they were going to play it up,
might as well play it for all it was worth.

“Holding on. But it’s going to be close.”

“This should help.” She set the small screw in Dade’s
outstretched hand. The tiny piece of metal seemed to disappear in his large
palm. “Never mind. You’ll never be able to get it in place.”

They worked together, both kids waiting patiently while
Genevieve guided the screw into place and used a delicate touch while Dade
started to twist it into the hole. A few quick turns, and the screw was set
into place.

“Is he going to be okay?”

“I don’t know. Nurse Riley, what do you think?”

Her piercing blue eyes narrowed as she pulled the repaired
robot toward her and studied him for a long few minutes. She reached down and
flipped the switch. The robot lit up, his arms lifting in the air and he
declared the invasion of Mars was underway.

Riley smiled. “Bot fine.” She grabbed the toy and slid off
the chair, stomping around to Dade. “Thank you, Unca Dade. Wuv you too.” She
kissed his cheek and wandered off to the television where she curled up on her
side, stuck her thumb in her mouth and clutched the robot to her chest.

Genevieve moved to the far end of the table again, taking up
the task she’d originally come into the dining room for. Dade joined her a
minute later, the tools he’d used for the delicate toy repair in his hand.

“Thanks for your help. Avoided a meltdown, I think.”

“Anytime.” She spooned some dip into a small bowl, watching
Mal and Riley continue on with their day as though nothing so traumatic had
occurred. “You’re good with them.”

Dade gestured for one of the bags. She handed it to him,
pointing to where he could fill in the empty spots on the fruit tray. They
worked quietly until all the bags were empty. Dade glanced over at the kids
again. Riley had fallen asleep and Mal was playing quietly with some of his
action figures. He gestured to the kitchen and Genevieve followed.

“I had a lot of practice.” He dumped the empty bags in the
trash and grabbed a soda from the fridge.

She took the can he offered. “Brothers and sisters?”

“Three brothers.” He took a long swallow. “All younger than
me.”

“Wow.”

“Yeah. I was three when Crane, Gareth and Jarvis were born.
Triplets.” He sipped again. “Our parents weren’t much at actual parenting but
they sure knew how to procreate.”

“Again. Wow.”

He glanced toward the open doorway where they could both
still see the kids. “Sometimes Riley throws me because I don’t have much
experience with little girls. Guess I had it easy with raising boys.”

The ease he had with the children now made sense. He hadn’t
talked to Riley or Malcom as though they were both toddlers. Sure, he’d played
along and humored Riley by operating so carefully on her robot but that kind of
response was the sign of a man who was more than comfortable around children.
Never once had he spoken to them as though they were lesser than he because
they were kids.

Further confirmation Dade had one hell of a big heart.

“You did wonderfully.”

“Fixing a toy isn’t a big deal. She ever gets into tea
parties and Barbies, I’m screwed.”

The image of Dade folding his large frame into a small seat
to share tea with Riley made her laugh. “I’m sure you’d do it.”

“Without hesitation.”

Remembering what she’d overhead earlier, Genevieve decided
now was as good as any time to talk to him. “Ever think about having a few of
your own?”

“Eventually. You and Tony? You know, Alex and Elena’s twins
come along and everyone is going to start asking when you two are next.”

Genevieve’s mood soured. She tugged on the hot-water spout,
waiting for the sink to fill with soapy water. “My mother has already made it
abundantly clear she’s ready. Surprised she didn’t send me a text message on
our honeymoon asking if I was pregnant yet.”

“Sounds like she’s anxious to be a grandmother.”

“She already is. My youngest sister has three.”

“And she wants you to catch up?”

“Yeah. Alaina lives out in California with her family.
Rarely ever makes it over to the East Coast. Mom just wants someone to dote on
and I’m the closest in distance.” She shrugged, plunging her hands into the
water. She washed half of the stack, handing the rinsed containers to Dade to
dry before she spoke again. “Time just hasn’t been right for us. Which is fine
really, we’re both so busy. Wouldn’t be fair to bring a kid into that.”

“Sometimes you should make the time.”

Genevieve decided she wasn’t comfortable talking more about
this. Especially when she’d been intent on talking to Dade about his problems.
“So, besides the house renovations and the rebuild of Sanctuary, anything else
exciting going on?”

“Thinking about going for my doctorate.” He winked. “There’s
probably a lot money to be made in toy repair.”

“I meant about someone special. You’re welcome to bring a
guest or two over while you’re there.”

“I’m good.”

He’d answered quickly enough that Genevieve knew he was
brushing her off. “I just meant I didn’t want you to feel as though you have to
change up things because you’re there. That you weren’t allowed to bring a date
home or something. I know with the warehouse gone—”

He handed her the dishtowel. “I’m not dating anyone right
now, Genevieve, but thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

She recalled the conversation about how Dade didn’t seem to
be able to tell whomever it was he did have feelings for. “You know, if you
ever need to talk to someone, I’ve been told I’m a great listener. You just
seem so…lonely.”

“Did Elena put you up to this?”

“No. With you at the house I’ve noticed you never had anyone
over. Even for dinner.”

“That’s because I’m a lousy cook.”

“I can fix something for you if you like. If that’s the
problem.”

He grabbed another soda and settled at the small café table
against the far wall. She snagged her soda and joined him. “To be honest,
between the renovations, the rebuild and my customer’s orders I’m a little too
busy for dating right now. Most nights I just want to fall straight into bed.
That is if I can even make it through a shower without falling asleep.”

Except when you’re jacking off.
“And here you are telling
me I should make time for things.”

“Never was any good as taking my own advice.” They both fell
quiet, the chattering of the women in the other room enjoying the party the
only sound in the house. “I should get back to the kids since I promised Beth and
Allison I would look out for them. Still need to make good on my promise to Mal
to play Batman and Joker with him.” He squeezed her shoulder as he walked past.

“Dade, I know. There’s no reason to hide it from me.”

He stopped, tension rippling through his shoulders. His
green eyes were dark as he turned to face her. “What did you say?

Doubt slid through her. No. She had started down this path
and she wasn’t going to stop now despite what she’d confessed to Tony this
morning. She needed to keep everything in check because Dade obviously had
plans of his own. “I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t have listened but I was right
there. And they were talking. And—”

“Who was talking?”

She glanced into the other room, satisfied the party was
continuing on fine without her. “Beth and Allison. They were talking in the
kitchen when I went out to get the rest of the food when we were setting up.”

“And you think they were talking about me?”

She blew out a breath. “They said your name a few times.
Said you were even more grouchy than usual. And that was because—”

“Genevieve.”

“You’re in love.”

“Damn it.” He scooped back his hair, holding it away from
his face as he stared at the ceiling. He appeared even more frustrated than
before but she pressed on. Getting him to admit his troubles was the first step
to fixing things. “It’s all right, Dade. If you just tell whoever it is, let
them know how you feel, I’m sure you’ll find out everything will be okay.”

“This is better left alone, Genevieve.”

“Why? Because you’re afraid to go after what you want?”

He lowered his arms, minutes passing before he answered.
“Because my happiness isn’t worth ruining lives.”

What a curious statement. Beth had said nearly the exact
same thing earlier. Surely confessing love to someone wasn’t a
bad
thing.
Genevieve was too much of a hopeful romantic to simply allow this conversation
to die. “You don’t know that.”

“I know enough.”

“So you’d rather be miserable.”

“And alone, yes.”

Okay, if that tactic wouldn’t work, maybe it was time to
come at this from a different angle. “Who is it? Maybe I can help. Talk to
them. See if it will give you the opening you need to approach them.”

“Oh no, we’re not going down that road. This isn’t high
school. I can take care of myself and my own life. I don’t need you or Elena or
anyone else trying to resolve matters you don’t understand. Just leave it
alone.”

“Dade—”

“Promise me, Genevieve.” He set his hands on her shoulders,
stooping down to look directly at her. “Just tell me you’ll leave whatever
notions you’ve got spinning through your head alone.”

The intonation of his voice brooked no argument. She wasn’t
going to win this round. At least not right now. “All right. If you—fine. I
won’t say anything more.”

“Good.”

But Genevieve didn’t consider the matter closed at all. She’d
find out who it was causing Dade so much pain and tell them herself if she had
to.

Genevieve locked the front door and flipped the little
handmade sign to signal the restaurant was closed for the night. Another long
day at the restaurant was behind her and she was looking forward to the break.
Mostly because she’d have to get up at three in the morning.

Rise. Lather. Repeat.

The story of her life.

As she made her way back to the kitchen, a quick glance at
her cell phone showed Tony had flagged her about an hour ago, saying he was
still at the store because Lois hadn’t shown up. Again. Which meant he’d have
to close the store, ready the bank receipts for the day and probably wouldn’t
make it home until after midnight.

Two boats passing in the night. What a rut.

A quick glance at the clock in her office showed it was just
after ten. Tony would be just starting to close his shop. A perfect time for
her to drop by and share a late dinner. On a mission now, she readied
everything she needed before snagging a bottle of wine and a few pastries from
the day-old rack she’d set up for tomorrow morning.

Fifteen minutes later she was greeted by the
Imperial
March
doorbell tune Tony had installed when he’d done some upgrades on the
store last year. Never let it be said he didn’t have a sense of humor.

He stood behind the counter, staring intently at the
register. He’d obviously had a long day, as his red hair was sticking up in
several directions. Its unruly nature had been a running joke between them for
as long as they’d been together. When he got frustrated he would repeatedly run
his hands through it as he tried to work out whatever issue he faced. He’d also
pushed his glasses up into the mass, which only made her smile even wider.

“I thought I’d stop by and see if you needed some company.”
She held up the basket she’d packed at the restaurant. “I also brought
sustenance.”

“Oh thank god, you’re a lifesaver.”

After she snagged one of the fleece blankets he bitched he
could never sell to the fanboys, she leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Finish
up here, I’ll set up in the back room.”

“Late-night picnic?”

“Complete with wine and pastries.”

He growled softly. “Have I ever told you how much I love
you?”

“Constantly. But you could always say it again.”

He snagged her waist, pulling her body tight against his.
“Genevieve Marie Lambert Fitzgerald, I love you. With all of my heart and
soul.”

“Mmm, keep saying that and you may just find yourself
getting lucky tonight, Mr. Fitzgerald.” She dropped the basket on the counter,
snaked her hand between them and wrapped her fingers around the already-hard
bulge forming under the ridge of his jeans.

“Getting laid in the comic book store. Just like sophomore
year in high school.” His mouth descended on hers, kissing her until her head
began to spin. As he broke away he tapped her ass, sending a shockwave
radiating through her. “Go on in the back. I’ll be there in a minute.”

Once Genevieve has set up all the food she’d brought, she
lit a few votive candles and shut off the harsh florescent lighting. A soft,
romantic glow filled the room. It felt nice to set up a late-night dinner. As
she popped the top on the antipasti to start dividing it between their two
plates, Tony appeared in the doorway.

“Sorry, had to make a phone call.” He sat across from her,
legs crossed and rubbed his stomach. “Smells great.”

“Eggplant parm, mixed greens with olive oil, and garlic
toast. And can’t forget about Martha’s award-winning triple-layer chocolate
cake.” She pointed to everything in turn. “Oh and red wine to wash it all down
with.” She handed him a glass with the grille’s logo etched onto the side.

“You’re too good to me.” Tony leaned closer, brushing his
lips against hers with the lightest contact. “So to what do I owe this honor?”

Genevieve spooned extra sauce onto his breaded eggplant.
“Just thought it would be nice. Something we haven’t done in a while.”

“We did use to do this quite a bit, didn’t we?” He cut into
his eggplant and she watched his face, waiting to see the verdict. “Jesus,
you’re a miracle worker with food. I’ve been meaning to talk to you about
something. We haven’t gotten a chance to really talk too much about what
happened a few weeks ago.”

“I know.” She sipped her wine, thinking. She’d meant to talk
to Tony as soon as she’d gotten home from the baby shower but he’d still been
here at the shop, holding court over the gaming tournament. Dade had been
nowhere to be found, so she’d curled up in bed to wait. She’d woken to the
alarm clock, and a soundly sleeping husband, the next morning. By the time
she’d seen him next, she’d forgotten.

“There’s just something about Dade I can’t put my finger on.
I meant to tell you I heard Beth and Allison talking about him at the baby
shower. But when I asked him about what was going on, he shut down.”

Tony’s ruddy eyebrows lifted. “Oh yeah? What’s going on?”

“He asked me to let it go but I guess talking to you about
it would be all right. Just keep it between us?”

“Scout’s honor.” He studied her as she heaved out a breath.
“Wow. This really has you tied up in knots, doesn’t it?”

“Dade’s a friend. But he’d always been off in the periphery.
It’s like none of us truly know what makes him tick. He genuinely loves Riley
and Mal. And I know he would do anything for any of the group.”

“Genevieve.”

“Right. Sorry. Apparently Dade is in love. But he doesn’t
want to say anything. Seems perfectly happy being miserable.”

Tony chewed the last of his bread slowly, as though he was
mulling over what she’d said. “I hadn’t noticed anything different. He’s always
been that way for as long as we’ve known him. Not that I would have noticed to
be honest. But now that you mention it—there have been a few times when he’s
seemed off his game. Guess I just chalked it up to everything he has going on.”

“That’s what he said. Men. Most irritable creatures.” She
downed the rest of her wine and refilled both of their glasses.

He gestured to her with his fork. “Hey now.”

“Yes, I’m including you in there as well.”

“Is that so?” His expression changed as he set his wineglass
to the side. “Lumping me in with everyone else, huh? I thought I was supposed
to be held to a different standard since I’m your husband.”

“Have to admit, you can be irritating some of the time.”

“Is that before or after I’ve given you a few orgasms?” He
shoved the plates between them to the side, unconcerned they hadn’t finished
their dinner.

“How about during?”

“Are you complaining? Because I’m sure I can find a way to
deny you completely just so you appreciate me a little more.” He whisked her shirt
up and away, discarding it as carelessly as he had the remnants of their meal.
He closed his mouth over hers as he popped the button on her pants. He stripped
them away, along with her underwear and his shirt. Her hands automatically
curled at the thought of holding on to him while he plunged inside her.

The past few weeks of abstinence faded as her body heated.

He drew away, pushing on her shoulders to position her in
the center of the blanket. Tracing her curves, he smoothed his hand over her
skin. She gave a quiet whimper as he used his tongue to caress the underside of
her breast through the cotton of her bra. He dropped his shoulders between his
legs, smiling up at her.

“As decadent as Martha’s chocolate cake is, I like my
dessert a little hotter.” He brushed against her clit, using his tongue to love
her. She curled her fingers into the soft fleece of the blanket as she fought
the spinning in her head. “Though no less sweeter.”

She could tell by his slow, patient strokes he was intent on
denying her.

The thought excited her as much as it terrified her.

He pushed his tongue harder against her clit, sending sparks
through her. As she opened her eyes to find Tony’s gaze, she found something
unexpected.

Dade was standing at the entrance to the backroom.

“Sorry.” He cleared his throat, closing his eyes. “Tony
called to ask if I could help out with something. Heard your voices and assumed
you were back here waiting for me.”

Called to help? Surely he hadn’t…
no
.

Her gaze met Tony’s as he flicked his tongue against her wet
skin. The way he continued to take his time licking her clued her in on the
fact he obviously wasn’t bothered by Dade’s appearance. “Oops.” He bracketed
her waist, holding her in place as he continued to take his time tasting her
while Dade stood there.

“I’ll come back—”

“Don’t.” She remembered what Tony had told her a few weeks
ago. How he had purposefully coaxed noise from her when they had sex.
Remembered hearing the loud groans indicative of climax through the wall.
Listening to the fact someone was just as hot and bothered. But not just any
someone. Dade. The man standing just a few feet away.

No walls between them now.

Her gaze stayed on Tony. The corners of his mouth curled up
into a sly smile as he tucked two fingers into her. Everything inside her
seemed to go supernova as he started moving, withdrawing and pushing into her
as though they had all the time in the world.

What the hell, they all kept getting off together anyway.
Being in the same room wasn’t going to be much of a stretch.

“Please stay, Dade.”

Dade’s eyes narrowed as his gaze darted to Tony who seemed
unsurprised by Genevieve’s invitation. “You heard the woman. Besides, I could
use an extra pair of hands to remind her of her place. Genevieve can be a
handful at times, especially tonight, given our conversation where she was
expressing her opinion of men. However misguided it was.”

“Was I wrong?”

“Hush. Or I’ll gag you.” A shiver raced down Genevieve’s
spine, fuzzing her thoughts. “Oh now see that, Dade? See how her whole body
came alive. She likes to be gagged. Even gets excited by the thought of seeing
the strap marks on her cheeks for hours after I remove the gag. Told me once it
reminds her of my control. Almost a shame she does like to be gagged because I
much prefer to hear her without the muffle on. As you’ve already heard.”

Tony sat back, licking his lips as he gestured for her to
come with him. He leaned against one of the file cabinets, tugging on her
shoulders as he placed her back against his chest. The steady thrum of his
heart hit against her spine, pulsing through her.

“I would also bet she’s excited by the thought of you
standing there. Watching.” Tony wrapped his hands around the back of her knees
and tugged gently, pulling and separating her legs, opening them wide to expose
her to Dade.

No hiding anymore.

The chillier air of the room brushed against her hot flesh
as she shifted her hips to allow for the new position. Tony’s thumbs skimmed
over her thighs, working a slow pattern from the bend of her knee to the crease
of her thigh.

Dade cleared his throat. “That’s better than the picture I
have in my head.”

“See? We were right, Gen, he really has been listening.”
Dade snorted, a bemused smile drawing up the corners of his mouth. “Don’t
worry, you weren’t the only one. We’ve been listening to you as well.”

“Been a while since I had to worry about communal living.
Forgot about tight, close quarters.”

“No, you didn’t.” Tony smoothed her hair, pulling her head
back so it rested against his shoulder. “You wanted us to hear you. Just like
we wanted you to hear us.”

Dade’s brow creased. “You wanted me to hear you?”

“We’ve had houseguests before, Dade. We know how to be quiet
if we want to be. Imagine how interesting we thought it was when we both
realized we had no intentions of being quiet with you around. The thought of
you listening at the wall, jacking off while we fucked got Gen very, very
excited. Even more so on the nights when I described to her what I thought you
were doing. What you must look like taking yourself in hand. Your fingers
working over your cock. Spurting into your palm. The other night? I
deliberately fucked her against the wall so you could hear. So you could join
in.”

Genevieve’s pussy clenched as Tony dragged his fingers
against her clit. She’d be a fool to complain about the fact Tony had been
playing her. She’d done her fair share of goading him as well. Two gorgeous
men? Who wouldn’t have thought about both of them taking care of her?

Two pairs of hands.

Two mouths.

And two very, very luscious cocks.

Oh hell yes she’d thought about this. Maybe the back of her
husband’s comic book store wasn’t the ideal location but Dade was too fucking
hot for words to protest the venue.

Dade sighed. “We can’t do this. More like we shouldn’t,
really.”

“We’ve never been much for what should and shouldn’t happen
behind closed doors.” Tony reached between their bodies, snapping the hooks on
her bra. He cupped her breasts as he pushed the fabric up to expose her. “I’ve
seen you watching my wife, Dade. Seen how you look at her when you think I’m
not watching. I know those longing glances because I look at her the same way.
Tell me these aren’t the most gorgeous tits you’ve ever seen in your life. That
her nipples aren’t just begging to be sucked.”

Dade was quiet for a moment, shifting his weight between his
feet. “You know, I could offer up some kind of excuse about why I shouldn’t
answer you but you’ll just know its bullshit. We’ve all been dancing around
this for a few weeks.”

“Longer, I think.”

Dade’s gaze met hers. “He’s not topping you into doing this,
is he? This happens, the three of us? No one is forced to do something they
don’t want to just to please their partner. I don’t play that way.”

Genevieve shook her head as Tony pressed his mouth against
her ear. “And out comes the big, bad Dom we’ve heard rumors about. Neither do
we.” He massaged her breasts, molding and shaping the weight of them. “No, I’m
not topping her into having sex with both of us. You aren’t the first person
we’ve invited into our bed. It’s something we both enjoy. Besides, for every
longing look I’ve seen you give her, she’s given you ten back in return.”