Chapter 19

Nineteen

P retty

The other night had been wild. I slept with another man in right front of my husband, and Vernon had been the one behind the whole thing. It was a weird experience to not be a faithful wife. I'd strived to be for so long. I just couldn't help letting my desire to be needed take over.

It wasn't my intention to be a bad wife, but Vernon wasn't giving me enough to keep me happy. Paddy had just been there, willing and eager—and let's be real, better at some things. He was far more adventurous than I could prepare myself for but it was like I was more sexually compatible with a man I had known three weeks over a man I'd been married to close to a decade. I wasn't proud of it, but Paddy fulfilled all my physical needs.

Given Vernon had been fine with the arrangement, I just realized I hadn't asked myself had I planned to nurse it or hide it had we not gotten caught. Makes me wonder what they talked about to come to this outcome.

As much as I hated admitting it, sleeping with Paddy that first time hadn't been such a bad thing. I was approaching writing with more optimism than before, and not half finishing songs or scrapping them all together before I could even make it work. I'm sure Vernon would be satisfied I would finally have something to turn in to the label.

By the time I looked at my watch, I realized how much time I had lost track of just composing, knowing there would be a time I'd get to spend it with Paddy. I was typically true to my schedule and not once had I ever run this late.

Getting up to do a house run, I found Paddy and Elijah in the kitchen as Paddy was showing him a thing or two. When I'd watch them together, I felt one of two things. Adoration for how well Paddy had bonded with my son. He really needed someone like Paddy to bring out his confidence, so there was no regret having him around Elijah.

But I also felt resentment. I wanted Vernon to bond with him that way. He was his son and had begged me to have and keep when I wasn't sure and considering other options. How did a man who wasn't even supposed to be here come in and run this household better than my damn husband?

Paddy displayed all the things any woman would be lucky to have in a partner. He was good with kids. Clearly, he could cook. Most of all, he took charge, which I hadn't known I was so attracted to until it wasn't expected of me to lead everything.

"The trick is adding a little beer to the batter," Paddy said, just as I peeked in and interrupted.

"I know you're not putting beer in that food."

"Relax, Pretty. It's just alcohol," he dismissed. I wasn't sure I could argue having been raised by a Bajan mother. I was drinking brandy at two years old just to get a fever down. But you were always more cautious with your own kids.

"What are you making anyway?"

"Irish whoopie cakes," Paddy whistled. "Even though they're pretty American. You can't tell that to kids, though. My nieces and nephews love the damn things, and I had planned on swinging by both Cillian's and órfhlaith's before my night plans.

"I already talked it over with Queenie and órfhlaith, and they both said I could stay over if you said yes," Elijah said, pulling at my skirt. Sometimes I forgot he could be this adorable when he was happy. Ever since Paddy came into his life, he's always been happy.

"Well, which one, órfhlaith's Or Cillian's?" Confused to which one.

"Whichever one I have permission to go to. I like Riona and Eoghan equally. I just like having someone to play with."

"I'll talk to them. Is that okay?" I wasn't going to take my son's word because he'd somehow go over there and find a way to stay if I didn't check in first.

"Just let the kid stay," Paddy interjected. "I'd prefer órfhlaith's to Cillian's seeing how Queenie is pregnant and doesn't need the added stress. But órfhlaith wouldn't mind hosting the older ones. I'm sure Queenie and Cillian wouldn't mind the break. Got so many kids running around probably wouldn't be able to tell which ones aren't theirs," Paddy joked.

"I don't know. Wouldn't you like to spend the weekend with your mom?" trying to convince Elijah one last time. Just because I would have free time to spend with Paddy didn't mean I still didn't want to spend time with my son.

"Mommy, I can spend time with you anytime." He did have a point.

Paddy gently walked me to a corner and whispered, "This is one of those times I make a decision, and I intend for you to listen. Just go with it." As I nodded and we went back to normal.

That was the biggest difference about not sneaking around anymore. We now had rules. Nothing too risqué in the main house. Touches had to either be innocent or appear professional if Vernon or Elijah were in the room. It meant we couldn't be as spontaneous, which was why we hadn't made love since the last time.

But the arrangement was more than fair. Everyone got what they wanted out of it, and I was just counting down the minutes I'd have Paddy to myself again.

"Elijah, you can go. But make sure you bring your toothbrush this time."

"Awesome!" he said, running in the direction of his room.

"We leave when the cakes are done, kiddo, don't forget anything," Paddy yelled into the hallway. When Paddy took charge, he truly took charge. "Come with me," he lightly demanded.

He led me down the stairs of his apartment, trying to appear normal and composed until he shut the front door behind him. He didn't say anything, he just cornered me and kissed me.

"Mmm…I just had to get you alone," Paddy whispered in my ear, just low enough for me to lean in more.

"Well, not too long, though. I don't want Elijah to get suspicious?—"

"With how Elijah packs, that gives me just enough time to eat your cunt before I check on him." He sinisterly smiled.

"Paddy, no!" Even though that did sound good right about now.

"You can say no to Paddy. But you can't say no to Daddy . And Daddy is telling you he is going to lick your cunt," as he bent down, reaching under my skirt, stripping me of my panties.

"Will my sweet girl let me make her come hard on Daddy's tongue?"

"Okay," I said weakly, not being able to say no to him. He made the decision to please, and I had to accept it without a further thought.

Paddy got on his knees, spreading my lips wide, as he greedily slurped my folds with his adventurous tongue.

"Mmm…" My moan nearly coming out as a shriek, as his laughs hummed against my clit. It had to be quick, but it didn't mean I couldn't savor it.

"Mmm…come for me," he begged, sucking on my clit, flicking it in the way I couldn't prolong it if I wanted to.

"Right there, Daddy. Keep doing that and I'm gonna come for you," I said under a strained breath, relieved that he did exactly that, forcing spasms that rocked my lower half like nothing I had ever felt before.

Paddy made me feel wild. Sexy. Most of all, anything but boring. Paddy gave my lower lips a single kiss against the trembling tremors, before he came to a stand, massaging my wet folds as he kissed my other lips, just so I could taste his handiwork.

"You're my night plans, by the way. So, wear something nice and pack an overnight."

"Why? I asked suspiciously.

"What did Daddy say?"

"Follow his lead," I huffed.

"Good. And I'm not telling you, because it's a surprise. I know you like surprises." This was true—or rather, when you fell so in step in a routine, it was nice to do something you didn't plan, for once. That was Paddy's strong point. He was anything but predictable.

"Be ready by seven. I'll totally make it worth it." He smiled.

"You have to give me back my panties," I said, holding out my hand but all he did was lean back in to kiss me.

"They're mine now. But feel free to wear another pair tonight, so I could take those off you too."