CHAPTER 7

Tilly

Working and living with Adam was easier than expected, even with the hot looks we exchanged and all the little things he did for me. The girls had told me that he said he was going to court me until he had my trust.

I loved that word. It was delightfully old-fashioned, a bit like the man himself, and I found myself not minding being courted at all. I loved all the little things he did to show that he was thinking of me, like the plants that one day showed up in the office when I’d mentioned a bit of greenery would be good, or my favourite brand of coffee and tea appearing in the break room. He made sure I had time to myself when we got home, while he and the girls did their own thing, whether I had a long bath or just time to unwind by reading a book. I know most thought that he was grumpy and in a continuous bad mood when actually he was just quiet. He was also funny as hell, which I don’t think many other than his family knew.

He ran his company with a firm hand, but I could tell straight away how much his staff respected him. He’d also not been lying when he said he needed someone to run the admin side of the office. How he’d been getting anything done, I didn’t know. It had taken me the better part of a week to get everything sorted and filed in its place, leaving him with enough spare time that he could start looking into adding a security systems side to the business. It made good business sense to have that as an added arm to the company.

I’d taken over the scheduling of bouncers for the nightclubs Ozone, Atomic, and The Lounge. I’d yet to have the pleasure of going to The Lounge, but from what I’d been told, it was a lovely place with slow moody music, dancing, and fancy drinks with a dress code. Not something that was common these days, which was probably why it was so busy.

The afternoon had hit a bit of a lull, with the phones no longer ringing off the hook. I was contemplating making another hot drink when I heard Adam leave his office. Looking up from my computer as Adam mentioned my name while walking along the short passage to my desk, phone to his ear, he said, “I’ll ask her.”

“Ask me what?” I questioned.

“I’ll call you back,” Adam informed whoever had been on the phone with him, ending the call.

“That was Johnny. Maya is going spare with boredom. He’s taking her out tonight and wanted to know if you and I would like to join them. Lana and Tommy will be going too.”

Excitement fizzed in my belly at the thought of going out on an adult night out, then it plummeted as I realised that I didn’t have anything to wear that would be smart enough. I was assuming we were going to The Lounge. I’d never had the need for such clothing. Some of what I was feeling must have shown on my face because Adam immediately picked up on it.

“What’s wrong?” Adam quizzed. “If it’s the girls, don’t worry. Da’s having a movie night with them all at the main house and Johnny has asked Carly and Bren to come give him a hand because Emy is used to them babysitting.”

“It’s not that. I’d love to go, but I’m wondering where we’re going and if I have time to go and buy something because I don’t have going-out clothes,” I ended my tirade on a whisper when his mouth tightened. I wondered why he’d looked angry at my last words.

Holding his finger up, Adam ordered, “Give me a minute,” and, putting his phone back to his ear, he turned and walked back into his office. It didn’t take long, and he was back with his keys. “Shut the computer down, mo ghrá. I’m taking you shopping and to be pampered. Well, I won’t be shopping, but I’ll leave you with Maya and Lana for that bit.”

“What?” I spluttered, shocked.

“I’m taking you to go shopping with your girls, and I don’t want any arguments from you. Maya is meeting you at the salon and the two of you are getting full treatments. Lana has organised it all. There’s a boutique next door where you can get a dress suitable for The Lounge,” he insisted. “Then we’re going out to dinner, where I’m probably going to get into a fight and end up in jail for murder.” The last bit was muttered under his breath, but I heard it and started laughing.

“I’m not joking, mo ghrá. I’m going to jail, I can feel it.”

Sitting back in my chair, I laughed long and hard at him until tears were running down my cheeks and my stomach was aching. Wiping the tears from my eyes, I opened them to find him looking at me with a smirk on his face.

“Okay,” I agreed, “but only because my boss is making me.”

“Damn right,” he agreed, holding out his hand for me to take. I took it just as I always did when he held his hand out to me. I couldn’t seem to resist the man.

As he opened my door to help me into his vehicle, I turned to him, my hand on his chest. I couldn’t resist pressing a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth.

“Thank you, Adam.”

The low growl that rumbled from his chest had me widening my eyes in surprise but only for a moment because his lips took mine with a hot, much-needed kiss.

I’d known for weeks we were working to this point, and now that it was here, I wasn’t disappointed. Nope, not at all. The man could kiss.

Hard lips against my soft ones, bristles from his five o’clock shadow rasping deliciously against my skin, making me achingly aware that he was all man.

Letting out a gasping breath as he devoured my mouth, his tongue sliding up against mine, making me whimper in need. I’d never felt like this, and I wasn’t sure what I wanted or needed as I slid my leg up against his and hooked my heel behind his thigh, opening me up to the hardness of his cock that was thrust up against me in a place I never thought I’d ever want another man again.

It seemed all I needed was the right man and it turned me straight into a hussy. I would have happily ridden him right there in the parking lot of his business if he hadn’t put a stop to us.

“Fuck,” he whispered, ripping his lips from mine. I let out a little whimper at their loss. “Fuck,” he whispered again, grinding his forehead against mine. “I lose all sense when it comes to you, Tilly. Makes me wish we were skipping dinner and going straight to the bedroom as the girls are sleeping in the main house.”

Sighing softly, I pressed nipping kisses to his mouth, wishing for the same thing, “I’m good with that.”

He gave a low chuckle that rumbled through his chest as he wrapped me up in his arms, “Whoo wee, a stór, when you decide you’re all in, there’s no stopping you. But this afternoon is about you being a little spoilt and letting me do the spoiling. Tonight, when we get home, if you’re still feeling the same way, we can continue what we started. Okay?”

Nodding my head where it lay against his chest, I agreed, “Okay. Spoiling for me this afternoon, and then tonight, I get to spoil you,” tilting my head up, I grinned at him as he cursed.

“All’s fair in love and war, my love,” I told him, “and you’ve been waging a war of lust on my body and mind for weeks.”

“My love,” he smirked at me, pressing another kiss to my lips. Pulling away from me before I could deepen it, he said, “I like it.”

“Out of that entire sentence, that’s what you heard?”

“Oh, I heard the rest, a stór, but I also know if I think on it too long, I’ll never get you to the salon and I don’t need Maya and Lana on my arse. Besides, I’m looking forward to taking you out tonight and hopefully wooing you straight into my bed,” Adam grinned wickedly at me.

Not allowing me any time to process what he’d just said, he tapped me on the arse and lifted me right into his vehicle, making me squeak in surprise and him laugh. I glared at him, then smiled because it wasn’t often that I got to see a playful Adam. “Behave,” he admonished, closing my door with a snap and walking around to his side, but not before giving me a flirty wink.

My mouth snapped shut, cheeky sod telling me to behave. I blew out a breath, thinking, ‘ Oh, boy, I may have bitten off more than I could chew.’

It didn’t take long until we were at the spa and beauty salon that Lana ran for the Crow MC. It was beautiful and peaceful. Maya and I spent hours getting the works, all paid for by Johnny and Adam. I wasn’t used to all the spoiling, and when I’d mentioned it, Lana had told me, “Don’t fight it. I’ve come to understand that spoiling their women is just how the O’Shea men roll. Tommy says Colm was the same way with his aunt. It’s their love language. Enjoy it, but never take advantage — that’s my motto.”

“Okay,” I agreed, and Maya nodded, pointing at Lana, “What she said.”

By the time we were finished, I was so relaxed I was a puddle and wondered if I really wanted to go out or just go home to bed. Lana and Maya laughed at me and then dragged me next door to the boutique to look for a dress. It didn’t take me long to find one; being so tall with size nine feet, it wasn’t always easy to find a dress long enough or shoes big enough.

I saw it as soon as I walked in: a long sheath of copper with a halter neck and a slit up the one leg. I didn’t want to be taller than Adam and was running all my shoes through my mind, knowing that I wouldn’t have any suitable ones in my collection. Going to put the dress back on the rack to find something that would go with the shoes I already owned, a flash of gold caught my eye. Hidden behind another pair of shoes were a pair of flat gladiator sandals. Pulling them out, I smiled; they had gold laces that would go all the way up my calves, nearly to my knees. They would look amazing with the dress.

“Oh, yes, that’s perfect for you,” Lana gushed as I turned around, holding the dress in front of me with the shoes dangling from my fingers.

“I love it,” I agreed. “Are you ladies getting anything?”

“Yep,” Lana held up a plum-coloured off-the-shoulder dress that would look fantastic on her, and Maya held up a midnight blue sheath with a gauzy overlay perfect for her pregnant shape.

“Well, ladies, I think your men are going to swallow their tongues when they see you,” I professed.

Maya laughed, “Our men? Wait until Adam gets a look at you in that dress. Let’s get back home so we can shower and get ready. I’m looking forward to a night out with some of my favourite people.”

We were still being escorted everywhere, but I’d got so used to it that I hardly noticed them anymore. It was only when they hooted as we got to the first gate and waited for us to go through before turning around that I was reminded. Once through the first gate, it didn’t take long to get home.

The girls were thrilled to have a sleepover at the main house along with Carly, Bren, and apparently Ellie was coming over too. They both happily shouted out, “Bye, Mum, have a good time tonight,” as they ran out the door with their pillows, not even a kiss goodbye.

I didn’t know whether to be sad or relieved that they’d settled down so quickly. But I guess they weren’t the only ones; it’s not like I was missing my old life. Not when my new life was turning out to be everything I could wish for.

When I realised how many children were going to be with Colm tonight, I had second thoughts. That was a lot of children for one man, even if most of them were older. Picking up the tin of brownies I’d baked yesterday I walked to the main house and in through the back door.

Colm looked up in surprise from the jigsaw puzzle he had spread over the table. Jackson was bent over it with him, little brow furrowed in concentration. From the direction of the lounge, I could hear the squeals and laughter of the girls.

“What are you doing here, iníon ? Colm asked in surprise. “Shouldn’t you be getting ready?”

“I wanted to check on you and make sure that you were okay with all the children descending on you. And to drop this off,” I tell him, holding up the tin of brownies before cracking it open to show him what was inside.

“Well now,” Colm grinned at me, taking the tin and closing it, “this is some good payment indeed. If I’d known I was going to be paid in brownies, I’d have offered to babysit long ago.”

Even though I laughed, I still needed to make sure he’d be okay, “Are you sure, Colm? Adam and I can always go out another night.”

Standing, Colm placed his hands on my shoulders, “Go have fun, lass, and stop worrying. Your girls are old enough to babysit by themselves, and with Bren and Carly here, they’re going to have a lot of fun. Adam and Johnny bought them all the snacks they could want, I’m having one of the crew drop off fish and chips and you’ve provided pudding. We’ll be fine.” Kissing my forehead, he pushed me towards the back door.

“Go on now, get yourself ready and have a lovely time tonight. You deserve it.”

Stopping at the door, I turn and look at Colm; he’s settled back down next to Jackson.

Calling out softly, “Colm.”

When he tilts his head towards me, I mouth, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, lass. Now shoo,” he waves his hands at me. With a happy bounce in my step and a small laugh, I leave, happier now that I know he’s happy to look after our brood.

Hurrying up the stairs of the house and through the front door, I threw off my clothes as soon as I got to the bathroom.

After a quick shower, I lathered my favourite scented body lotion all over me before pulling on a set of lacy lingerie that I’d bought years ago and never worn. And then it was time for the dress. As I allowed it to settle over my hips, I lifted my eyes; it was hard to believe that the glowing woman in the mirror was me. I was happy and it showed. The dress was sexy but not over the top. The gladiator sandals pulled it all together. Finishing my make-up, which I’d done a little heavier than usual, I slicked a dark brown lipstick over my lips. Slipping small gold hoops into my ears and gold bracelets over my wrists. I added my lipstick to my small clutch and took one last look at myself in the mirror. I was ready for an evening with the man who was quickly becoming everything to me. Taking a deep breath, I opened my bedroom door and walked down the short passage to the lounge. I knew Adam was home as I’d heard him come in while I was in the shower.

He was leaning up against the kitchen island, looking sexy as fuck in a navy-blue suit. I’d never seen him in one, but oh boy, did he fill one out in all the right places. The man was delicious and didn’t seem to be aware. Here he was worrying about men looking at me, but I had a feeling I’d be warning off quite a few women tonight.

Not only had he worn a suit, but he’d also had a haircut by the looks of it, and my heart warmed that he’d gone to the trouble to look good for our date because that’s what this was. A date!

“Holy fuck, a stór, I’m going to jail; I can feel it. You look amazing. So fucking gorgeous.”

Giving him a dimpled smile, my cheeks heated at his praise as I walked over to him, lifting my lips for a kiss that he obliged me with.

“Thank you, Adam, for everything.”

“You’re welcome, a stór, you deserve to be spoilt. Let’s go before I forget all my good intentions of wooing and courting you and take you straight back down the passage to my bedroom.”

Throwing my head back, I laughed in abandon at his words. Still smiling, I took his arm as he escorted me out of the house and down the short path to the covered garage where their vehicles were kept.

Maya and Johnny were waiting for us. Maya’s cheeks were flushed, and Johnny was grinning wickedly, making me wonder what they’d been up to before we walked up.

“Ready?” Adam asked Johnny with a raised brow and a smirk.

“Always,” Johnny chuckled before helping Maya into the back seat. Adam opened my door, picking me up and depositing me on the seat when it became obvious that there was no way I was going to be able to climb into it without help.

Maya smiled wide at me when the back doors closed, and our men got into the front.

Throughout the evening, we’d got updates from Colm and Carly that the children were happy, fed and then finally sleeping. Not that I was worried after my chat with Colm.

It was one of the best nights I’d ever had, and for once in my life, I was looking forward to how it was going to end.