Chapter Eighteen

A week later, Brick reopened Ziggy's Tours.

He'd worked around the clock to push his new marketing and ads, papering local businesses with flyers and coupons. Judy had given him a bunch of stuffed sea turtles to give to kids for the grand opening. He'd created some brand-new tours with extra time slots so he could compete with Maleficent's schedule, including a family-friendly morning and afternoon excursion, along with a sunset champagne tour. Kane had done a deep dive into his studies and could not only rattle off endless facts but also do it in a way that made Brick believe he was a local.

Brick sent out invites for opening day and spent hours welcoming people and taking them out for tours. The first day was jam-packed, but the ones that followed were game changers.

People kept showing up.

He tracked multiple clients to his new marketing efforts, and his pirate treasure chest became a hit. Brick had never thought of himself as a kid-friendly person, but he began to enjoy the innocent joy of a child seeing the horses for the first time, bumping along the sand and marveling at the ocean and sky, screeching with excitement when he drove up close to the magnificent animals that deserved to be admired but not controlled.

He settled into his new role with his usual determination to make it a success and felt his grandfather's presence like a kindly pat on the shoulder. As the first week morphed into the second and the end of July rolled around, Brick knew it was time to focus on his newest problem.

Aspen Lourde .

He'd just finished the last sunset tour and was locking up for the night. Kane had gone to New York for a few nights to settle some business, so Brick invited Aspen over. They planned to watch a movie and eat takeout, both craving a quiet night in. He couldn't wait to get his hands all over her. She was beginning to become the most important part of his days, and Brick didn't know how it had happened so fast.

He pulled the file he'd been carefully updating with all his expenses, along with a loan contract he'd drawn up with a local attorney. Each time he tried to mention the statistics of their deal, Aspen waved him off, but it was important to Brick that she knew he intended to pay her back in full. With legal papers and a full expense report, it was time to present it for her signature.

He jumped into his car, picked up some Chinese, and drove back to his house. It was the first time she'd be over, so Brick had made sure to clean the place, do laundry, and ensure the kitchen was spotless. Dug bounced around excitedly, which was good with Kane being away. The dog thrived on company, and he missed his new summer friend.

"Hey, buddy, were you good today?" he asked, checking quickly for any accidents. All clear. He praised Dug, who drooled horribly and stuck out his crooked tooth in glee. He let Dug out to pee, put the food onto plates, and opened a bottle of wine. A gentle knock sounded on the door. "Come in," he yelled.

Aspen stepped in. Dug began barking furiously, then raced over to her full force, sliding the last few feet and bumping into her legs. "Who do we have here? Oh, my goodness. It's a…dog?"

Brick tamped down a grin at her high, half-shrieky tone. Poor Dug usually instilled fear, doubt, or anxiety since he looked like a monster dog from a Tim Burton cartoon. A few women Brick had hosted demanded that Dug be locked up, but he'd ended up choosing his dog instead. He called Dug the ultimate cockblocker.

"I know he looks weird, but he won't hurt you," he soothed. "I hope you're not allergic or anything—" Brick turned and stilled.

Aspen was on the floor, pulling Dug onto her lap, grinning wildly as she allowed him to squirm with delight and lick her face. "What a beautiful puppy you are!" she crooned. She petted his bumpy head and didn't flinch at his drool or crooked tooth. "So handsome! Are you named for my favorite character from Up ? Daddy was so smart to pick the perfect name, wasn't he?"

His fingers gripped the wine, and his heart beat rapidly in his chest. His skin pinched tightly over his muscles, and it was hard to breathe. Possessiveness shook him. What was going on? Why did seeing Aspen with his dog make him want to join them, pull them safely against him, and protect them from the crappy world outside that could hurt them?

Aspen giggled and gave Dug all the affection he dreamed of. When she finally got up, Brick noticed Dug's tail standing a little taller and his head thrown back with a bit of pride. Like he knew he was special because Aspen had declared it. "Sorry, I love dogs. And he's a cutie. Oh, wine, yay. I had a crappy day."

She walked over with a beautiful smile, smelling like wildflowers, and Brick did the only thing he could in that moment.

He grabbed her around the waist, lifted her high, and kissed her.

His lips moved hungrily over hers, and with a soft moan, she clung to him, kissing him back. Their tongues danced and played while she buried her fingers in his hair. Brick drank her essence like she was the sweetest nectar he'd ever tasted.

He released her slowly, his gaze pinned to hers. She blinked, then touched her lips. He caught a flash of vulnerability in her cocoa-brown eyes, but it was gone so quickly he wondered if it had been his imagination. She stared at him as if afraid to say anything to break the spell.

"Hey, baby."

Then she smiled, and the odd tension eased. "Hey. I missed you."

"Me, too. I think you recruited another admirer." He motioned to Dug, who sat near her, gazing up with sheer adoration and love as he stood guard.

"Just Dug?" she said, reaching for her wine.

Brick snorted. "And Kane. And Marco. And Patsy and Burger."

She waved a hand in the air. "They're all your friends—who are kind to me."

He reached out and touched her cheek. "You're easy to be kind to," he said quietly.

The air thickened with awareness. She lowered her gaze as if trying to hide something, so he allowed her the secrecy. God knew he needed to hide his own emotions. "Thanks. I like your place. This was your grandfather's?" she asked.

Aspen sipped her wine and wandered the house, Dug trailing her. "Yes. It's run-down and has a basement and cellar filled with junk, but I'm trying to go through it slowly. It's hard to make it mine. I don't want to get rid of anything he may have loved."

Her expression softened. "Yeah, that makes sense. I'm sure it feels like a burden, but for your grandfather, I bet he meant it as a gift."

Brick chuckled. "I'm sure he was also messing with me. He had a wicked sense of humor and liked a good practical joke. Probably figured he'd get away with not fixing anything since he planned to give it all to me."

"Like Dug?" she teased.

"Exactly. He scares the hell out of everyone except you."

"I've been trained to look beyond the cover."

Her words hit home. Brick thought about her book that lay on his bedside table, completed. Half of him wished he'd never read Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover . It had ruined him.

He understood why readers couldn't let the book go without begging for a sequel. Her new book was technically better. The plot was tight, the writing was strong, and all the elements were there for a great read. Brick had enjoyed it. But her first book offered something rare and different.

Too much of it was burned into his brain, not only the way she looked at the world but also her inner vulnerability and bravery. Reading about the asshole who'd betrayed her, using her innocence for his gain, made Brick sick.

He understood what Aspen was looking for in this relationship now. He could see what she needed to write another book like Fifty Ways .

He only hoped he could still give it to her.

"Brick?"

He refocused. "Sorry. What is it, baby?"

Aspen stared at him, searching his gaze for something he hoped she found. Her fingers trembled around the glass, and he sucked in his breath as sexual awareness zinged between them, the familiar connection crackling to life. "Remember when you said your body was mine to touch with your full permission?"

His muscles tightened in a deadlock. His cock rose to full staff, demanding freedom. His nostrils flared as he caught her scent and the arousal in her pretty brown eyes. The biggest turn-on was that she was being brave and fighting her natural shyness. He wanted to groan. Drop to his knees and give her anything she asked. "I remember." His voice dipped. "Tell me what you want, and I'll give it to you."

"You. I-I want you. Right now. I want you so much I can barely breathe."

He spit out a vicious curse, crossed the room, and yanked her into his arms.

He couldn't be gentle, not with this ferocious, burning need to imprint himself on her body and take everything she wanted to give. His mouth was brutal as it took hers, his tongue thrusting into her mouth to taste and drink and claim. He tried desperately to slow down, his shaking fingers coasting over her sweet, trim body, tugging off her clothes, but Aspen was just as desperate with her demands.

She ripped at his shirt, and his lip, went wild under his hot hands until he slung her over his shoulder and took her to the bedroom. Hands on her plump ass, he rubbed, dipping between her legs to find her wet and ready. A moan erupted from her lips, and she writhed in his arms, driving him half-insane to bury himself deep inside her.

Brick grabbed a condom and lay on the bed, lowering her onto his chest. She sprawled over him, her hair brushing his bare skin, her hands greedily gripping his cock, kissing him everywhere in a mad fury.

Fuck, he wasn't going to make it. Right on the edge, he panted for control, grabbing her wrists. Her plump mouth was wet, and he remembered the sweet suction on his cock, the way she'd given him pleasure without holding back. It would be a short ride for him tonight, and there was no way he wouldn't wring a few orgasms from her beforehand.

"Brick?"

Her pupils dilated, nipples hard, she stared at him, slightly dazed.

"Not yet. I need something first."

"What?"

He gave her a slow, wolfish grin. "Bring that sweet body up here and get on my face."

Aspen blinked as she tried to process his words. Every inch of her was sensitized and on fire, desperate for the release he could give. She wanted to watch him explode under her, but it seemed he had other plans.

"Get—get on your face?"

His hands cupped her breasts, and he rubbed her tight nipples in slow circles. "Yes. Climb up so I can taste you."

She bit her lip, the dirty request so delicious it felt wrong. She'd never done anything like that, but with Brick, he kept breaking down her barriers, allowing her to feel physically free and powerful. "I don't…know how. "

Satisfaction purred in his tone. "Good. I'll show you." His white teeth flashed. "I'll do all the work."

Her pussy clenched with excitement, and she slowly crawled up his body, thighs bracketing his shoulders. Aspen knew her skin was flushed with embarrassment, but she wanted to do it more than she was afraid. He whispered his pleasure, calling her a good girl, and his strong hands reached under her thighs and lifted her, positioning her core right over his mouth.

She stared down in fascination at his hungry stare and the way he licked his lips in anticipation. "So pretty," he crooned. "Hold on to the headboard, and just let me make you feel good."

Aspen obeyed, half-shutting her eyes, legs shaking.

And then his mouth closed over her throbbing, aching center.

"Oh, God!"

His tongue played and teased, licked at her swollen tissues, sucked at her clit as he took his time. A low humming sound emerged that made her gasp and press wantonly against him. The orgasm roared at her, shoving her over the edge in a violent burst of fireworks. She sobbed as he kept going, helping her ride out the convulsions until she was about to collapse. Then he slid her back down his body and positioned her over his erection.

"Condom," he said, ocean-blue eyes blazing with demand.

She opened it and rolled it on.

"Now ride me." He paused. "Hard."

Aspen wriggled into position, lifted, and impaled herself on his cock.

The sensation of him inside her was too much, so she threw back her head and let her body take over. He whispered dirty commands and praised her as she rode him, throwing her into another orgasm, ready to collapse.

Brick grasped her hips and took over, slamming into her with a brutal intensity that broke through all civilities and dragged them both into a primitive world where only pleasure ruled.

Her name was ripped from his lips as he went over.

As Aspen collapsed on his chest, she didn't realize she was crying until he brushed the dampness away with his thumbs and whispered her name. She snuggled against him, feeling both broken and whole, confused and clear, happy and sad…all at the same time.

It was too much to handle.

She pressed her face into his neck and closed her eyes. As if sensing what she needed, he stroked her back and kept silent as night crept in.

Aspen blinked into the darkness. She was wrapped in the warm cocoon of Brick's arms, a perfect counter to the chill of the air-conditioning. The jagged emotional roller coaster seemed to have ended its ride inside her, and she was calm. Her stomach growled loudly.

He chuckled against her ear. "We never ate our food. Ready for a midnight snack?"

"Yes, I'm starving." She sat on the edge of the bed. "Can I borrow a shirt to put on?"

He shot her a wicked grin. "You don't want to eat Chinese food naked?"

Aspen wrinkled her nose. "No. I think we've already pushed my boundaries tonight, don't you?"

He gave one of those deep belly laughs she loved and handed her one of his T-shirts. She slipped it on, loving the feel of the worn cotton and his smell wrapped around her. They headed to the kitchen, where they reheated their food and sat at the counter. Dug sat by her foot, eyes wide, maintaining an intense stare that made her admire his grit and perseverance.

"Dug is so smart," she said, nibbling on an egg roll. "He knows whining is annoying, but if he stays still and maintains eye contact, humans can't handle it. He's mastered the art of begging."

Brick shook his head. "Trust me, he's not the sharpest tool in the shed. He still has accidents in the house, even when he's just been outside."

"I bet he's an emotional dog," she suggested. "He expresses certain feelings depending on where and when he potties. Probably doesn't like being alone. And I bet if he gets insulted, he gains justice in his own way."

"Spoken like a true writer," he said. "You're a master at character."

"Yeah, how would you know?" she teased, breaking off a piece and feeding it to a grateful Dug.

He shrugged. "Just do."

"Where did Kane go?" she asked.

"He had some things to take care of in New York. He'll be back Monday to help me with the tours. Speaking of which, I have some papers for you."

She stiffened. "Okay. You can put it by my purse. "

"It needs to be signed." When she looked up in question, he looked uncomfortable. "I told you it was a loan, Aspen. I had a lawyer draw up the contract so I can pay you back monthly. There's a detailed expense form with interest included. You can have a lawyer look it over and get back to me."

"I said I didn't need anyone else involved. This is a deal between us."

His jaw clenched. "I'm not taking your money. And this is just to protect you—so you have it in writing and are clear on the repayment terms. That's it."

Aspen knew it was wrong to want to pretend they had no deal, and this was all real. Paperwork only reminded her the entire thing was fake.

But the orgasms weren't.

The happiness she experienced around him wasn't.

The way he was beginning to be important to her wasn't.

What had she expected? There were bound to be complications when the plan was working so well. She was being ridiculous and irresponsible. Brick was right.

She forced a smile. "No problem. I'll look it over, sign, and get it back to you."

"Good."

They refocused the conversation on lighter things and finished their meal. Aspen ran her tongue over the little strings from the egg roll stuck in her teeth. They drove her crazy. "I'll be right back, gonna use the bathroom. Need to floss." She popped up from the stool and shivered. Her feet were always cold, especially on hardwood floors. "Do you think I can borrow some socks, too?"

"Of course. First drawer on the right. Help yourself. Dug and I will be here."

"Thanks."

She bounded upstairs, grabbing a cozy pair that came up to her knees, and immediately felt better. She used toothpaste and flossed, then tried to smooth out her messy hair but gave up. It didn't matter. Brick had told her many times that he loved her curls, and she was tired of fighting them. With a smile, she left the bathroom, her gaze snagging on something on his bedside table.

Her book.

Her heart stopped. Slowly, she walked over and picked it up, flipping through the pages and finding numerous page marks from him folding the corners. He was one of the criminals in the book world who didn't use bookmarks .

It also meant he'd read her book.

Her fingers stroked the glossy cover as her brain scrambled. Yes, she'd told him the basics of her heartbreak, but she hadn't gone into deep detail. Knowing her truth, Brick had read this book and gained deeper insights into her past. Suddenly, Aspen felt more naked and vulnerable than she had when he was deep inside her. Because now, Brick had been in her brain, had experienced her pain, shared her struggle.

She'd always been okay knowing strangers were reading it because the book felt separate from her, like she'd released it to the world and gained safe distance.

But Brick was different. He was starting to take over all aspects of her life.

Even worse?

Had he judged the silly, young girl who'd slept with her professor, stayed helplessly under his control, and believed in a love that throbbed with falsehoods?

"Aspen?"

Her name sounded from the doorway, soft and firm. She turned and met his gaze. Those ocean-blue eyes brimmed with a calm resoluteness that told her more than words. "You read my book."

It wasn't a question, but he nodded. "I did."

She carefully laid it back on his nightstand. "You didn't want it signed?"

A smile touched his lips. "No."

"Why?"

"Because I didn't know what to ask you to write to me."

The words hit like a sucker punch. He was right. Aspen had no idea what she'd have said. Silence settled as she struggled with the new truth.

"Are you upset I read it?" he asked.

She shook her head slowly. "No. I'm sure you were curious. I just feel…weird."

Brick walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, his gaze intent on hers. "Explain weird, baby."

The soft endearment made her skin prickle. Ryan had never called her anything like that. Maybe because they'd spent the bulk of their relationship sneaking around—the latter half while he lied. Aspen struggled to explain, wanting to be honest. "I'm exposed. You know, all the stuff that most people hide or brush neatly under the rug or stow away in the closet. Sure, I made up a lot of the story, but the emotions I experienced writing it were real." She dragged in a breath and refused to break his stare. It was time to own all of herself—even the broken parts. "I learned most things about love from Ryan. The rest was from books. To say I'm not only inexperienced but not good at relationships is an understatement. I'm not like you, Brick. I haven't figured anything out."

She was stunned when those ocean-blue eyes lit with anger. Face tight, he seemed to be fighting to keep his voice calm. "Are you questioning if I read that book and found you lacking in any way?"

She gave a half shrug. "Yeah."

"Fuck that."

Aspen jerked. "What?"

He clenched his teeth, and masculine temper heated the air. "I'm glad you're not like me. Hell, I've never had the balls to put myself out there for the world to judge and pick apart my decisions. To criticize me for choosing the wrong person to love. You did that, Aspen. You have this great big wild heart you freely gave away, so why is that your fault? It's his. Because he was such an asshole, he couldn't see it was an amazing gift he never deserved."

He stretched to his feet and cupped her cheek. Intensity beat from his aura, and she was fascinated by this suddenly hard, angry man who seemed to want to fight her battles. "You know what I thought when I read that book? That I'd never be worthy of the type of love you can give once you decide who to give it to."

He pressed his forehead to hers while her heart shattered in her chest. The protective way he touched and spoke to her changed everything. And once again, Aspen wondered if she'd committed the ultimate sin by falling in love with a man she'd hired to break her heart.

"I may not be the one, baby. But I'm the lucky bastard here with you right now, and I'm not letting you go."

He kissed her so sweetly, a total contradiction to his blistering, passionate words, and Aspen lost herself in the tenderness. When he pulled away, her world had shifted, and there was no going back.

Overwhelmed by him, Aspen said the only thing she could. "Thank you."

He smiled, then tugged on a curl. "Want to go downstairs and watch a movie with Dug?"

She smiled back. "I'd love that."

They watched Netflix and cuddled on the couch under a blanket, Dug snoring loudly between them.

Aspen gave herself over to the moment and tried not to think about tomorrow.