Chapter 15

CHAPTER 15

LUNA

Y esterday was good. I enjoyed working with Axel. He never acted like I was a bother. He was patient with me, taking the time to explain everything he was doing and what the parts were called. I appreciated it more than he could ever know.

My brothers and my father didn't want to bother to slow down and explain it to me. It had hurt over the years. But it endeared me to Axel even more.

The sex in the shower was so much more, especially with the way he insisted on returning the favor and washing my body and hair. I might have started it, but he continued it, and I loved it.

No one had ever taken care of me quite like that. But taking the time to show me how to complete the renovations was huge. Maybe not a big deal to someone else. But it was important to me.

When I went back to Florida, I wasn't going to be the same person. Axel had boosted my confidence. Even if he didn't show me everything, I could watch the DIY videos online and figure it out. I could hire someone if I had to, but I was confident I could do it on my own.

I'd never be able to thank him for what he'd done for me. He was so much more than he thought he was.

I suspected his family would welcome him back no matter who he was now. They'd accept him, and if not, they didn't deserve him.

Axel held himself back, but I saw him giving more of himself to me every day. I tried not to think about what any of that meant. We were temporary.

I could look back on this time in my life as the catalyst I needed to change, to get out of the rut my life had become.

He'd whipped up pancakes for breakfast, saying we needed our energy. Then he'd explained what we'd be doing today. Essentially taking the tile down, which was dirty and exhausting work. But we'd have to be careful so we didn't get hurt.

In the bathroom, he handed me a pry bar and took the second one, showing me how to peel the tile off the wall.

I loved that he always got a spare tool for me, taking the time to show me how to use it. He never assumed I couldn't do it. And if I made a mistake, he patiently showed me again. He didn't walk away in a huff, saying it was a waste of time.

I suspected that's what my family would have done if they'd taken the time.

We had to stand apart so we wouldn't accidentally hit each other. By the time lunch rolled around, sweat was dripping down my back, but I felt like I'd gotten somewhere. It was satisfying when I was able to peel the tile off and throw it in our ever-growing pile.

I lowered the bar, my arms aching.

“Lunch?” Axel asked, taking off his protective goggles.

“Yes.” I was ready for another shower, but there wouldn't be a point until the tile was gone.

We went to my house where Axel threw together subs with various meats and cheeses, and we ate them with chips. He even cracked open the sodas he found in my fridge.

I liked the work. It beat answering emails and calling people about estimates and scheduling jobs.

“I talked to my dad the other day.” I wasn't sure why I hadn't brought it up sooner. But that night, he'd taken me by surprise by appearing at my door and throwing me fireman-style over his shoulder, then having his way with me in bed. I was understandably distracted.

“Oh?” Axel said as he chewed.

“I told him about the design stuff. How I'd offered it to a few clients, and they were excited about it.”

“How did he take it?” Axel asked, putting the rest of his sandwich on the plate.

“Not good. He doesn't want to confuse the customers by offering them additional services that he doesn't think make sense.”

Axel shook his head. “But the customers are asking for it.”

“By the time they get to him, they've already hired someone else to design the space, so he doesn't get it.”

Axel nodded. “He has to see it to understand.”

“Apparently when it comes to me.” He'd trust my brothers. Why didn't that extend to me? Was it because I was the youngest?

Axel braced his hands on the counter, emphasizing the corded muscles in his forearms. “Maybe he wants you to have the freedom to do something else since everyone else is in the business?”

“He didn't say that.” I might have respected him more if he did. That meant he was thinking about me when he made his decision.

“I can't believe he doesn't want the best for you.”

I swallowed hard over the lump in my throat. “He thinks what's best is for me to work in the office. I told him I'd go forward with opening my own design business, but I wouldn't offer my services to any more of his clients. I'd advertise, and if they hired me, then it couldn't be helped.”

“What did he have to say about that?”

I huffed out a laugh. “Not much. It's almost like he doesn't believe me. I even told him I was planning to leave the office soon, and he'd need to hire someone else.”

Axel's forehead creased. “He doesn't think you'll do it.”

“Oh, I'm doing it.”

Respect shown in his eyes. “Attagirl.”

Pride coursed through me. “I wanted to prepare him for when I left. But I want to have a chance to get things off the ground. If I don't get clients?—”

“You will.”

“It's nice you believe in me.”

“You're working on my cabin, and I love your design. You captured exactly what I'd want the place to look like if I had any sense of style.”

“You would have figured something out.”

“It wouldn't have been as nice. That's why your clients need you. It's why they'll keep coming back and tell everyone about your work.”

“As long as I can capture everyone's vision when I meet with them.”

“You just have to believe in yourself.”

I frowned. “Why is that the hardest part?”

“The stuff that's all jumbled up in your head will mess you up every time if you don't get a handle on it. Every time your family or a boyfriend made you feel less than, made you question what you were doing. It adds up. You have to question those doubts. You can be scared, but do it anyway.”

I smiled. “I like that. Be scared, but do it anyway.”

“It got me through my time in service, the deployments, the uncertainty.”

I tipped my head to the side. “And now?”

Axel chuckled uncomfortably. “Now, I'm afraid to tell my family I'm home. I'm not the best example of courage.”

I moved around the counter, slipping under his arm so that I was trapped between his hard body and the counter. With my hands on his chest, I said, “You're taking time for yourself. There's nothing wrong with that.”

I cupped his cheek and pulled his lips down to mine. I was floored that this man who seemed so strong was struggling with his discharge and his place in the world. But I was confident that he'd figure this out. That he'd conquer his doubts too.

I pulled back slightly. “We'll get through this and come out stronger for it.”

“How'd I get so lucky to find you in the middle of the woods?”

I grinned. “It was a right-place, right-time kind of thing.”

Then he sobered. “I'm going to have to make an appearance soon. My brother Teddy and my dad keep calling. I won't be able to put them off forever. I hate lying to them.”

“You can tell them you're home and visit on your own terms. Maybe just meet with your dad first and tell him your concerns.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

I was worried that he was going to let it go too long, and his family would be hurt by his refusal to tell them he was home. But at the same time, I was stressed that it would be the beginning of the end for us.

He came from a large family, and they'd want to spend as much time with him as they could. He'd slowly distance himself from me, not on purpose but by necessity. Then he'd pull away completely, knowing I was leaving soon.

We weren't supposed to last longer than the few weeks of my visit, but I had a glimpse into Axel's life, and he tended to distance himself from anyone who put emotional pressures on him. He had a hard time saying goodbye and coming back. Why would he be different with me?

He needed to make things right with his family. This wasn't about me. I'd kept him from them for long enough.

“I'll talk to them tomorrow.”

I smiled. “Good. I'm sure they'll be happy to hear from you.”

“Let's carry the tile out to the truck, then continue removing it. I think it will take the rest of the day.”

We still had today. Who knew what tomorrow was going to bring, but I enjoyed working on the house.

We cleaned up lunch, then the discarded tile, before getting back to work in the bathroom. It was hot and sweaty but satisfying work. By the time we'd removed every last one, my hands ached.

Axel stood back to study our work. “I think we've earned ourselves a hot tub night.”

“Me too.”

We carried the remaining tile to his truck, and he drove it to the dump. I showered, threw something quick in the oven for dinner, then got ready for the hot tub. I uncovered it, poured two glasses of wine, then slipped inside the water to wait for him.

The phone rang. It was my oldest brother, Hudson.

“What's this I hear that you might be quitting?” he asked by way of greeting.

I blew out a breath. “Well, hello to you too.”

“Dad said he talked to you, and you want to start your own business.” His voice was tight.

“That's right. I offered my services to your customers, and Dad said I should keep it separate.” He hadn't really given me a choice but to go out on my own.

“Why do you think our clients want your design opinions?”

That hurt. “I'm the one who talks to them on the phone, and they ask if we offer the service.”

“But what makes you qualified to give it to them?” Hudson asked.

My jaw tightened. “You don't have to have official training. I have an eye for it, and it's what I want to do.”

“You know how hard it is to start a business. Why would you do that when we already established ours?”

I let out an exasperated breath. “Dad and Granddad established the business. Not us.”

“What difference does it make?”

“A lot when I'm not allowed to be part of it the way I want to be.”

“What are you talking about? You've always been a part of the business. Since you were a kid.”

I sighed. “You know I want to be involved in the construction aspect, not the office.”

“When you were little, we kept you safe.”

“And now?” The knot in my stomach coiled tighter.

“We have the construction side covered. We need you in the office. Mom's going to retire soon.”

“I don't want to work in the office.” I had a feeling handling the administrative side of my own business would feel different.

“Sometimes we have to support the family though. Dad doesn't want outsiders in the business.”

We hired construction workers, but no one was allowed in the office but family. “Maybe it's time we changed that.”

Dad hadn't said anything to me because he got Hudson to do his dirty work. He thought I'd cave easier if it came from my brother. I loved him, but I was done doing what was right for the family.

“How are you going to start this business while you're on vacation?”

That stung because I was going to have to come home, and soon if I wanted to get it off the ground. I just had to finish this one project first. Axel drove his truck down the lane, kicking up gravel as it went. “I'm working on something while I'm here.”

“And what is that exactly?”

“I'm renovating a cabin.” My gaze was on Axel as he parked, then got out.

“I thought you wanted to do design.”

“I'm still working out the details. But I think I'd like to be more hands-on.” My heart picked up as Axel walked toward me, pulling his shirt over his head.

He had a wicked promise in his eyes that had me heating all over, and it had nothing to do with the temperature of the water. When he unbuttoned his jeans, I said, “Listen, Hudson, I have to go.”

“We're not done talking about this?—”

Axel pushed his jeans and briefs down, then off. His cock bobbed impressively against his stomach. I moved over to the side of the hot tub, grinning up at Axel.

“I am.” I had more pressing matters to take care of. I hit End on the conversation and set my phone aside. I was done with my family's opinions on my life, at least for the night. “Are you coming in?”

Axel stood at the edge of the hot tub. “This reminds me of that night we met.”

“Except you were wearing more clothes.” I waved him in. “ It must be cold out there.”

Axel barely suppressed a shiver before he climbed in next to me, drawing me into his arms. I squealed. “You're freezing!”

“You can warm me up.” His voice rumbled through my body.

“The water will warm you up.” I pressed against his chest, but he wouldn't let me go.

His arms had banded around my body, holding me to him. When his cock lodged in my folds, I moaned.

Axel nibbled his way behind my ear and down my neck. “Who were you talking to?”

“My brother. He was telling me all the reasons why opening my own business is reckless.” I sounded breathless.

He bit my neck lightly. “He said that?”

“Uh-huh.” I nodded.

“And what do you say?”

I couldn't think straight when his hands were on me. “That it's none of his business.”

“That's my girl.” Hope surged through me at the possessive tone of his words.

His hand found my clit, and he rubbed, getting me ready for his cock.

“Axel, I need you.” There was something about working so close to him in that bathroom but not able to touch him that heated my entire body.

He lifted me. Then I slid down his length, my mouth opening on a gasp as he filled me completely. “I'll never get enough of you.”

I liked that I was so important to him. But it hurt to think we only had a short time together.

He sucked on my nipples, alternating between the two while I rode him. I chased my release, feeling the friction each time I took him inside me. He bit lightly on my nipple, and I spasmed around his length, wishing this could go on forever.

He followed me over, thrusting from underneath once before shuddering, emptying himself inside of me.

My heart was pounding in my ears, and my breath came in short pants like I'd been running.

Axel tensed. “Do you hear that?”

I lifted my head from his shoulder. It was the sound of gravel kicking up. “Someone's coming.”

Axel lifted me off him, and I scrambled to get out of the hot tub and grab the towel I'd placed on a nearby bench. I covered myself while Axel threw on his clothes, forgoing drying off.

Unfortunately, my clothes were inside.

It was a blue truck with white lettering on the side.

“It's one of my brothers,” Axel said stiffly.

I wanted to turn and run. To at least go inside and get dressed, but something kept me rooted to the spot.

The truck came to a stop next to Axel's, and a large man got out.

“Teddy,” was all Axel said through tight lips before he was stalking toward us.

“What the hell is this?” Teddy threw his hand in my direction, and I felt dirty for some reason, as if we'd done something wrong.

“What are you doing here?” Axel’s voice was tight.

Teddy let out an incredulous laugh. “That's what I should be asking you. We were hoping you could be home in time for the holidays.”

A muscle ticked in Axel’s jaw. “I told you I would be.”

“Yeah, because you're already discharged. You keep telling us your paperwork is delayed, so I called, tried to get some answers. You've been living here for how long?” Teddy's voice rose with each word.

“How did you find me?” Axel asked in a quieter tone.

“The address was on your paperwork. I was shocked to find out you bought this place and have been living here and lying to us about not being home yet.”

Axel held up his hands as if to ward him. “I'm sorry. But it's not what it looks like.”

Teddy threw another hand in my direction. “I don't care who you're shacking up with, but you could at least be honest with your family.”

I felt dismissed. I wasn't central to this conversation, and I was standing dripping wet in the cold with nothing but a towel. But I didn't feel like I could leave Axel by himself to deal with his brother.

From what I could remember of our late-night discussions, Teddy was his oldest brother. The one who took over when their mother died. He was overprotective.

Axel ran a hand through his hair. “I'm sorry I hurt you. And everyone. But I needed some time.”

Teddy's shoulders relaxed only slightly. “What for?”

“To decompress. To figure out who I was now that I'm not a soldier.”

“Tell me one thing— Is this where you came instead of visiting us on leave?”

Axel winced. “I didn't do it to hurt anyone. I just didn't feel like I fit in with the family anymore.”

Teddy took a step forward. “How can you say that?”

Axel glanced over at me and said, “We should take this inside.”

The dismissal from him cut like a knife.

“Let's do that,” Teddy practically growled as Axel led the way into his cabin.

I stood there for a few seconds, shivering in the cold, feeling more alone than I ever had. It was hard to believe that Axel was inside me a few minutes ago. Our relationship was stronger when it was just us, and no one else was involved.

As soon as his brother appeared, our relationship fell like a house of cards. Why did I think our new relationship could withstand his family?

I was shaken up by my discussion with Hudson, but that was nothing to how devastated Axel was when his brother pulled up.

He should have talked to them. It was his decision to risk them finding out another way. This wasn't my situation to deal with, and Axel clearly didn't want me involved.

I went inside, locking the door. It hurt, but I didn't want Axel to come back over and act like nothing was wrong. But at the same time, I wanted to make sure he was okay. I wasn't sure where his head would be at when his brother left.

I showered with warm water to heat my chilled skin, then took my time washing my hair, and body. I was reluctant to be done with this task because I didn't want to sit around and wonder what just happened.

When I was dressed in pajamas, I poured myself a second glass of wine, drinking it in one go this time. I wasn't sure what Teddy's visit meant for my relationship with Axel. But it couldn't be good.