The Irresistible Bundle (89 page)

Chapter Forty-Five

Leticia fidgeted nervously in the passenger seat of Jaxon's car. Although she'd been thrilled that Jaxon had invited her, she was now regretting jumping onboard so quickly. How often did Jaxon bring female friends to see his family? Would the Wright family welcome her with open arms?

"Quit squirming so much" He teased. He loved seeing Leticia all flustered. She never flinched when assholes got up in her face at the club. She always kept her cool in all kinds of situations between Club 69 and
Scandalous
... but right at this moment Jaxon believed Leticia capable of hyperventilating.

"Did you tell them you were bringing a guest?" Leticia wrung her hands. The more she thought about it the worse things could turn out. What if they didn't have enough food or seats at the table? What if Mrs. Wright was trying to fix her son up with someone and already had some socialite there waiting for him? What if they hated her on sight?

"There's always plenty of food" Jaxon reassured her. As fun as it was to tease her, he didn't want Leticia stressing. "Stop over-thinking things" he gently reprimanded. He reached over the console and squeezed her knee. He didn't let go until her body relaxed with a quiet gust of air.

"Thank you for inviting me" Her small smile warmed him. She hadn't said yes out of obligation or boredom. She really did want to meet his family and eat with them. She genuinely cared what they thought of her.

Jaxon smiled. She'd thanked him half a dozen times since he'd made the offer and he still loved hearing the words as if they were her first time. He turned into the gated driveway. Leticia's small gasp turned his head. Her eyes widened at the immaculate lawn with geometric-shaped shrubbery and exquisite sculptures throughout the property. Jaxon beamed with pride as Leticia's slacked jaw and glazed eyes took in everything she saw. He knew the Wright family was well off. They tried not to tastelessly show off their wealth but his mother had impeccable taste. Every plant, brick, and minute detail was planned by her. Leticia was accustomed to seeing palatial estates and luxurious accommodations. It thrilled Jaxon to see her reaction.

He parked next to the 3-car garage. He slipped out and rushed over to Leticia's side opening the door for her. Jaxon loved how she allowed him these little privileges. She discreetly slowed just enough to allow him to grab the door first and open it for her. She always patiently waited for him no matter what he was doing or where she was going. He always felt first in her eyes.

"Ready?" Jaxon quietly spoke into her ear. He wanted her relaxed and looking forward to their time together with his family.

Leticia took a cleansing breath before looking into his shining blue eyes. He looked so excited to be introducing her to his family. She didn't want to think too much into it but she loved the idea of it. "Remember we can't over-eat" She nudged him in the shoulder. "The chef at the estate will throw a fit if word gets out that we didn't eat their food."

Jaxon threw his head back and laughed. It was a good problem to have. "We'll watch out for each other" he winked. They approached the front door and paused. Jaxon kissed Leticia on the cheek before opening the door and announcing their presence.

"Jaxon! Leticia!" Richard greeted from the oversized great room. He approached the couple with Jaxon's parents following him. "Perfect timing!"

"Mother, Father" Jaxon nodded his head at his father and kissed his mother on the cheek. He placed Leticia before them and made introductions. "I'd like you to meet my girlfriend Leticia."

Leticia's cheeks heated under their appraising gazes. She didn't know whether to feel flattered or uncomfortable with Jaxon's introduction. Hearing him say those words caused butterflies to riot in her stomach. It made all the insecurities regarding Jaxon and Carina insignificant. But it also made her aware of his parent's scrutiny. Their brief surprise flashed through their eyes but quickly blinked away. Leticia tried to do more than stand there like a bumbling idiot. If Jaxon didn't bring many girls home, and he'd brought her, then she'd make the most of this visit.

Leticia smiled brightly at the woman standing before her. Jaxon's mother was the epitome of perfection with her platinum blonde hair tied into a chignon and flawless makeup on her face. She admired her ivory-colored vintage dress that looked like something from Audrey Hepburn's closet. Leticia's eyes traveled over to Mr. Wright. Jaxon was the spitting image of his handsome father with the same ash-blond hair and intense blue eyes. It was easy to see what he'd look like 20 years from now and Leticia liked that image.

"Right this way please" a young lady called from the dining room. Richard motioned for both couples to lead the way. Leticia looped her arm around Jaxon's and followed his parents further into the house. Her eyes devoured every detail as they left one breathtaking room and entered another. She tried to concentrate on the marble flooring, the accent walls, and the custom-designed lighting but they weren't stopping or slowing down for her brain to register everything with enough time. She knew she was missing details of art pieces and antique furniture but there was nothing she could do about it. She just hoped Jaxon would give her a tour before they headed back to the estate.

Several unfamiliar faces waited for them in the formal dining room. Leticia tensed as a new round of introductions was made. She was the only one who wasn't a member of the Wright family making her slightly uncomfortable about it. She didn't want to impede on a family tradition or anything. She hesitantly sat down at the behemoth table, only breathing a sigh of relief when Richard and Jaxon sat on either side of her. Leticia wasn't sure if she could carry on a conversation with a complete stranger. Hell, even sitting beside Jaxon's mother for this important meal would be uncomfortable.

"Everything okay" Jaxon leaned into her. He nudged her thigh needing to make contact.

"Yeah" she breathed. Leticia made eye contact with everyone who spoke to her and remained engaged in the ongoing conversations. Jaxon beamed at her, overflowing with pride and happiness. She flawlessly adjusted to the formal affair and fabulously got along with everyone. Jaxon wanted to throw his fist in the air when his mother smiled at him and casually winked with approval. He didn't bring many women home because his mother was hard to please. He'd known Leticia wouldn't disappoint.

Several courses passed by the time Jaxon and Leticia received the text message from the estate. They said their goodbyes and promised another dinner date with the family as they hadn't stayed through dessert. Richard followed them out intending to spend time at the estate with Jaxon, Carina, and the others.

"Thank you for coming" Jaxon stated as they slipped into the car. His smile lit the interior of the vehicle making Leticia vibrate with happiness. She hadn't done anything out of the ordinary but Jaxon made her feel like she'd just moved mountains.

"It was my pleasure" She shrugged. "You have an amazing family. I can't believe everyone lives so close and still makes time for each other like that. Most families commit to once or twice a year and that's it.... It's really refreshing to see the epitome of a close family."

"I am blessed" Jaxon admitted. "It's why I didn't go far when I went to college. I had several opportunities through rowing to go elsewhere but I couldn't imagine being so far from everyone. Uncle Richard made me an offer I couldn't resist."

"It's nice knowing the Dean huh" She winked. Jaxon rolled his eyes. It was both a blessing and a curse to have his Uncle at the university. Richard expected nothing less than the best from Jaxon. He couldn't get away with shit. But at the same time it was because of his Uncle that the girls got that housing assignment and Carina received the best care after the assault. Jaxon considered his blessings to far outweigh any disadvantages.

"I think I might have to change my clothes before we meet the others" Leticia groaned. Jaxon laughed loudly as he rubbed his round belly. The delicious food had been impossible to decline.

"We can roll each other out of there before the end of the night" He chuckled. Nicholas was pulling out all the stops for this dinner. Jaxon knew the menu would be as amazing as the one they'd just left.

Leticia groaned in her seat. She needed to swim a few laps in the pool before sitting down to another meal. How did people go from place to place on holidays?

"Round 2" Jaxon exclaimed as he pulled up to the estate. He grabbed Leticia by the hand as they walked into the massive estate. He was really glad they'd had dinner with his family first. In a way Leticia and Jaxon had their first Thanksgiving together, without the others. Jaxon knew he'd treasure that, as much if not more, than the dinner they were about to share with their closest friends.

Chapter Forty-Six

Carina disliked being so dependent upon others. The simplest of tasks were difficult for her. She couldn't get up to go to the bathroom on her own. She couldn't get out of bed without assistance. She couldn't even put on clothes of her own accord. Everything took time and effort. She loved her friends and family but her dependence on them weighed heavily on her. She knew they were sacrificing their time and energy for her.

"What's got you frowning amor?" Nicholas asked. Her pinched face meant one of two things: Carina was in pain or she was really unhappy about something. Nicholas looked down at her current attire. Her hair was loose in beautiful natural curls; she wore no makeup but she was still in her bathrobe.

"I need help" Carina muttered. She couldn't even pick out a damn outfit.

"Okay" Nicholas replied. He held out a simple olive-colored dress. Carina looked at the garment. "It's a soft material and will fit you loosely." He didn't want Carina fussing over her attire for the dinner.

"Who picked this out?" She asked although she suspected she knew.

"Your men" Nicholas chuckled. "They have impeccable taste. Simple yet classy..."

Carina nodded in agreement. She slipped out of her robe not waiting for Nicholas to make the offer. They both knew she couldn't get into it without assistance. She tried to raise her arms to shoulder-height but still couldn't even manage that. Her sharp inhalation had Nicholas clucking his tongue at her.

"Stop trying to be wonder woman" He chided. He slipped the dress over her head and helped slip her arms into the loose sleeves. Nicholas stepped back and admired the dress. The soft material hung loosely around Carina's body hiding that voluptuous figure of hers. The solid color hid the dark-coloring of her nipples but did nothing for the two pointed peaks pushing against the material. Carina adjusted the dress to hide the ugliest marks on her chest. There was nothing to be done about her exposed collarbone. It wasn't anything anyone hadn't seen before. The dress ended mid-thigh showing off her uninjured legs. Nicholas grunted in approval. Valentino and Marco found the perfect dress to hide her injuries, provide Carina comfort, and still manage to be sexy and cute.

"Can I get away with no shoes?" A pair of boots would look phenomenal with the dress but she knew she couldn't manage it.

"Of course" Nicholas hung the discarded robe on a hook. "We're just going next door, let me get the wheelchair."

"Are you serious?" Carina whined. She wasn't sure what kind of entrance was worse: hobbling-in clutching the wall or being wheeled in.

"It's that or you take thirty minutes to exit this room and go next door. Amor, save your energy for socializing and eating" Nicholas implored. There was no way Carina could muster enough strength for the short trip and enjoy everyone's company. "For me" he batted his lashes at her.

Carina grunted not wanting to laugh or sigh. Each day she found it easier to breathe but sneezing, coughing, laughing, and deep breaths were still a bitch. Damn, who knew how fragile lungs could be?

Nicholas grabbed the wheelchair and rolled it to her. Staff members were already escorting the others into the adjacent room. Nicholas knew Carina didn't want everyone to see her when she still couldn't bathe or dress herself. He understood her frustrations and embarrassment and wanted to spare her as much as he could.

Carina carefully slid into the wheelchair. As humiliating this may or may not be Nicholas had a point. She gratefully squeezed his hand before he steered her out of the room. The trip only took seconds but Carina wouldn't kid herself. If she'd remained stubborn she still would've been only a few feet away from the bed nowhere close to getting to the others.

"There they are" Desirae and Marco crowed. Carina smiled brightly at her roommate and lover as they hurried over to her. They placed kisses on her face, still unable to give her any kind of hug.

"Food is on its way up" Nicholas informed the group. He motioned to the long table in the center of the room. Valentino and Marco wheeled Carina to one side of the table. The others followed arranging themselves accordingly.

"I don't want to be at the head of the table" Carina meekly stated. She knew they thought it was the best place for her to be but she didn't want to be the center of attention. "Valentino, please?"

"I'll sit at the head" Valentino offered. "Marco and Carina can sit on either side of me."

"Carina at the end and me next to her" Desirae announced. Diego plopped down next to a scowling Desirae. Nicholas sat on Marco's other side while Leticia sat between Diego and Jaxon. Richard didn't care; he situated himself wherever was most convenient to the food.

Staff members entered the room rolling in carts of food. Each cart carried a different theme. Carina's mouth watered as platters of rice and beans, appetizers, several kinds of potatoes, turkey, chicken, fish, and baked macaroni were placed on the table. Servers positioned themselves to help administer the food and drinks.

Brody, Devon, and several other Club 69 staff members stood at the entrance of the formal dining room. They hesitantly looked around at the intimate group. Carina's face beamed with excitement as she realized who they were.

"Please tell me you're here to eat" Carina begged. There was no way she was going to permit them to work when there was ample food available.

"Boss man took pity and invited us" Brody shrugged. The food looked incredible but he could've gone to the sports bar, had some wings, and watched a few games on the big screen. He didn't want to get in anyone's way.

Carina reached out and squeezed Valentino's hand silently thanking him. This was such a wonderful surprise. As awkward as she felt it was wonderful to see them. The more the merrier was always her motto. She angled her legs to get up and greet the guys but everyone at the table shot to their feet making her freeze.

"No" a chorus erupted. Carina frowned at them chagrined with their overreaction. She wasn't an invalid, just immobile at times.

"Come and greet the woman before she does something drastic like try to hug y'all" Leticia teased. She didn't want the staff thinking they didn't want Carina greeting them but it really was in her best interest to remain seated.

Brody and Devon immediately walked over to her. Devon kissed her temple while Brody kissed Carina on the head.

"This is the only time we'll ever permit your lips on her" Marco mockingly scolded. Devon winked at Carina before finding a seat. Desirae waved to the group as they all settled in. Valentino asked everyone to say a small prayer of thanks before the meal. The group obliged without protest.

"Okay roomy" Desirae loudly stated. She waited until everyone looked at them before proceeding. She knew she wasn't the only dimwit here who didn't know what half these foods were. "Talk to me... What are we about to put in our mouths?"

A few snickers erupted from both sides of the table. Desirae rolled her eyes unimpressed with their dirty minds. She was starving and it was time to chow down. Carina looked at Nicholas who nodded at her to begin. She appreciated his understanding. She knew she couldn't shout or be long-winded. She hoped Nicholas and Valentino would interject when necessary.

"There are the traditional Thanksgiving items on the table... No need to point those out. Nicholas and Diego can direct you to the platters of food I'm talking about. If you need me to elaborate, please do so..." Carina waited for everyone to nod. It was her way of knowing if she was speaking loud enough for the added occupants at the other side of the table.

"Let's start with appetizers" Nicholas suggested. He angled one of the platters for everyone to get a glimpse at. He pointed to each item Carina described.

"There's
croquetas de jamon y queso
" Carina spouted off like everyone understood her.

"Wait! Wait! Wait!" Desirae huffed. "All I understood was
cheese
in that statement."

"How about I translate the ingredients but Carina tells you the dishes?" Diego offered. He didn't want Carina to overextend herself. Several people nodded, relieved at the translation.

The moment Diego translated Carina continued. "There's also
alcapurrias, rellenos de papa, chorizo, plátanos, tostones, and pulpo
."

"Octopus" Desirae screeched after hearing the translation. "That's gross!"

Nicholas smirked at the little firecracker. "It's actually pretty good. It's a traditional Spanish appetizer."

"It's cooked right?" Desirae wanted to poke the chunks of white meat but refrained herself.

"There's like 100 things of rice" Jaxon observed. Everything smelled delicious and Carina was taking an eternity listing all the foods.

"
Arroz con habichuelas
" Carina pointed to the yellow rice with beans. "
Arroz con pollo
" Diego pointed to the rice with chicken. "
Arroz blanco y frijoles negros
" Nicholas pointed to the white rice and adjacent bowl of black beans. "And that's actually
paella
" Carina pointed to the bowl with rice and seafood.

"This is a lot of food" Leticia gaped at all the delicious dishes.

Nicholas laughed. "And that was we had to compromise with Carina. We'll be serving the other dishes for Christmas or New Year's."

"What the hell else did you want to add?" Desirae scoffed. She knew she asked Carina for a Latin-style holiday but this was more than enough!

"Carina wanted to add some sort of blood sausage and pork" Nicholas smiled fondly at her. Several people groaned in disgust while others shrugged.

"Let's eat!" Brody shouted from the other side of the table.

"Yes" everyone agreed. Servers jumped in helping everyone get their desired foods onto their plates.

~

Carina swallowed the lump in her throat as she watched Valentino prepare her plate, Marco fix Valentino's plate, and together Marco and Valentino fixed Marco's plate. No matter what they did or where they were, her men always ensured to take care of her needs and each other's. No one vied for one's attention over the other. They loved each other equally and uniquely. Carina said a silent prayer of thanks for the amazing men in her life.

"What the hell was that" Desirae spluttered as she fanned her mouth. Carina looked at the partially eaten sausage and reminded her best friend.

"That was
chorizo
" She calmly stated. Several people warily eyed their food as Desirae chugged down her drink.

"That's fucking spicy!" Desirae screeched. Carina rolled her eyes at her best friend's antics.

"Can you not smell the spiciness? Don't go just shoving any sausage in your mouth" Carina slapped her hand over her mouth as the table roared with laughter. She held her breath fighting against the giggle erupting in her chest. Her ribs burned and her lungs ached but she fought like hell against it.

"Breathe slowly through your nose" Nicholas swiftly rounded the table. Marco and Valentino hovered over Carina making her incredibly self-conscious. She wasn't in pain she was just trying to prevent the pain from happening.

"I'm okay" Carina croaked. She waved the men away and smiled at the others. Uncertainty seeped into everyone's features. "Still hurts to laugh" She explained for the millionth time. "I was just trying to avoid laughing at my ridiculous comment."

"Ah troublemaker" Marco affectionately stated. "What are we going to do with you?"

"Love me" She saucily winked at Marco. Everyone laughed relieved at Carina's playful demeanor. "Try something new today" She encouraged everyone.

"Just not that chorizo shit" Desirae growled at the spicy sausage. Jaxon made a big production of eating the food and not being affected by it. Desirae threw her half eaten piece at him before being reprimanded by Nicholas.

"Careful he might just spank you for real" Carina whispered in her ear. Desirae threw her head back and cackled with delight.

"Who said I'd object" she purred.

Carina bit her lip and shook her head. Desirae was too much sometimes. "Eat your food hornball" Carina snickered.

The room buzzed with good conversation and groans from the delicious food. Everyone did as Carina requested and tried something new while savoring traditional dishes.