Uncut (Unexpected Book 4) (40 page)

“Be careful with what you say, Mother,” I growl, as the distaste in her words makes Thea cringe.

My father growls back at me, and his gaze levels with mine. “I don't care what you do here.” His menacing words make my heart pulsate faster. I once again place Thea behind me, worrying what he might do to her. “But remember that this has to end. You have until the end of the year to take care of your assets and move back home. Leave the hussy behind. She has no place in your life.”

“Or what?” I
want
to hear his empty threat. There’s nothing he can do, but my younger self still trembles at the authority my father wields, and the pressure to do something I don’t want to do by snatching something away from me.
Someone.

“Or I’ll make sure that each one of the bars close. You will be homeless by the time I’m done.”

Why would this man prefer to see me ruined than happy? This isn’t the time to taunt him, nor to give in. It’s clear to me that Father is never going to understand me, or forgive me for not following in his footsteps. My therapist insists I have to air all my issues with my parents before I can move on. If they can’t accept my life or my girlfriend, I doubt they would accept that I also date a man. That we have an unconventional, happy relationship.

Surely my day can’t get any worse. The elevator opens and Matt and his goofy grin step into the hallway. His brow arches as he approaches the apartment.

“We had a party and I wasn’t invited?” he asks urging my parents to come inside the house and shutting the door behind him.

My father turns around to give my boyfriend a thorough inspection too. Tats on his arms, strands of dark blond hair messed as if he had just woken up, raggedy jeans hanging from his hips, and a T-shirt with the Virgin Mary that reads “Abstinence 99.99% effective.” My Catholic mother is going to hate him more than she hates Thea. Great, couldn’t he have chosen a plain shirt to wear today?

“Matthew Decker.” He nods at them without giving my parents a second glance. “Where is the food? I only have so much time before my video conference. I doubt the execs will appreciate watching me eat while they grill me for the pilot I shut down.”

Pilot?

“Yeah, a B-rated show that would cost too much. I couldn’t sell the idea . . . You don’t want to hear that now.” He then looks at Thea. “I might need my provisional assistant today.” He winks at Thea who rolls her eyes. Lately he’s been using her as his assistant. A way to drop by his father’s counseling practice and ask for help. “We can create a show, together.” He wiggles his eyebrows.

Thea serves him with her famous eye-roll but also a sweet smile. “I’ve my own deadlines, Matt, but I’ll try to see what I can do.” No doubt Thea’s promise will end up being an overnight brainstorm session. Which I’ll love to watch. They’re a great creating team. “If I finish soon.”

Matt hands her a box of food and chopsticks. “I can’t believe that you haven’t eaten yet.” He finally turns around to pay attention to the rest of us. “So, I take it you two are the parents?”

“Yes,” I confirm. “Viviane and Charles Cooperson.”

“Matthew Decker.” He extends his hand but they both just stare at it. Dear Lord, they’re going to get the smartass in exchange.

“Awkward,” he says using a high-pitched voice, then mumbles, “I’m trying to be friendly. What’s with them, Coop?”

“Who is this brute that just came into your house, Tristan?” Father’s voice echoes in my brain, reverberating like a sharp kick to the shin.

“Brute? That’s a fucking new word. I have to text the bro. His father-in-law called him hooligan. I bet he’s going to get a laugh out of your tender referral.” Matt gives him a glance and smirks at him. “I’m the owner of this crib.” Then he sets his eyes on Thea, who is in place, waiting for another punch or to punch back. “Butterfly, you okay? Did they provide you with a nickname? ’Cuz if they insulted you, I’ll have Joe remove them from here.”

Matt doesn’t blink, nor sound bothered about my parents’ presence. But I know he is. Annoyed, hurt. Yes, the words resonate inside me. I sense that. Thea is hurt. Matt is hurt
and
annoyed by my parents’ judgment.

“Why are you living with a man?” My mother’s agonizing tone makes my father stand straight. “Tristan, you swore. You promised you’d change. God might not forgive you this time.”

“Make it one month, Tristan,” my father repeats, his face turning red. “And don’t forget our holiday plans. Don’t plan to include her. Victoria is expecting her ring.”

“Please, Tristan, don’t become a gay. I’d rather have you with that whore than a man.”

“Time is up.” Matt storms to the door while tapping his phone. He opens the door and gives me a stern look. “Say goodbye to your parents, Coop.” His commanding voice doesn’t leave room for anything. To my parents he adds, “Next time you swing by, make sure you’re willing to be civilized.”

“It’s a Connecticut thing, Matt.” Thea smiles sweetly at him.

“By the way,
Mr.
and
Mrs
. Cooperson. My name is
Dr
. Agatha Dennis. I’m a Psychiatrist, editor, and jewelry designer. Not a stripper or a whore. But even if I were, you have no right to judge,” she calls out as they step into the elevator.

A
fter placing the gear into park, I turn off the ignition, helping Thea unclasp her belt and pulling her to my lap. “That little number you were wearing back at the house has me hungry.” Thea sucks in a sharp breath. “I had no idea you could wear so little, Butterfly. You’re always hiding those long legs.”

To keep my hands from wandering around her body, I tangle them through the loose strands of hair. I start slow, running my lips down her jawline, nibbling her earlobe, her chin, and then taking her lips. It starts as a sweet kiss, but as her lips imitate the motions and speed up with my rhythm, I thrust my tongue past her lips, drowning myself inside her. Devouring her mouth like a starving man. Thea moans into my mouth. Her hands slide under my shirt and skim over my belly, trails of hot current vibrating in their wake.

“Fuck, baby, stop,” I pant. “I’m about to lose control.”

“Do we have to?”

The question sends sparks down my spine. Is she asking because she’s ready for more? I push her slightly, and those clear crystal eyes are filled with desire.

“What are you talking about?” I don’t want to push anything and then have her freak out because I had no idea when to stop. “Are you ready?”

“No, I’m . . . Earlier, Coop and I had something similar going on, and I want to, but then the questions swirl around.”

“We trust you. It’s time you give yourself credit and trust yourself.” My mouth reaches for her lips, but the kiss doesn’t last as long.

“See, I have these questions, and my therapist thinks maybe I should start small. One at a time,” she whispers in my ear, hugging my neck. I place my hands on her waist, wishing she is dressed with that barely-there knitted top I found her in earlier. All skin and no fabric. “Why does it always come down to choosing?”

I shrug. “I love you, and Tristan does too. We’re doing this the old-fashioned way.”

“I love you more than yesterday,” she whispers, biting my earlobe. “I can’t wait for tomorrow. I’ll love you even more then.”

“Promise?”

“Always and forever.” She grins. “I can’t believe I fell for you. Still can’t.”

“This coming Friday night I’m taking you out on a date.” I wink at her. Not yielding to questions or protests. Tristan is aware of my plans, and he doesn’t have a problem with it. He took her out last Saturday. “Let’s go, Dad’s waiting for us. He’s bored and maybe creating a show will get him out of Pop’s hair.” I open my door and help her to get down from that awkward position without hurting her.

“Don’t forget my boxes. I’ll be working while we discuss this,” she says, opening the back seat and taking some bags she brought along.

As she steps onto the porch, Dad opens the door and takes the bags she holds with one hand and hugs her with his free arm. Thea’s face brightens, and that face is what makes my entire day. She assures me that loving me is amazing, but being part of the Decker family is the cherry on top of her happiness. I’m glad I can give her that thing she never had—family life.

Matt: Dinner at my parents’.

Coop: It’s Wednesday, not Sunday.

Matt: We’ve been working and Thea offered to cook for my parents. My grandma arrived and now it’s a party.

Coop: Love to, but I don’t have time for those impromptu parties. I have work. See you later tonight. Try not to use our week with Thea at your family’s place.

I don’t even answer that text. After meeting his parents, I understand why he has so much trouble showing any affection. Except to Thea. That woman has a way of drawing so much emotion and affection out of him without even having to ask. Well, if he’s upset by the time we arrive home, she’ll be the one to tame the lion within him.

One more time, I stare at the master schedule on our whiteboard and decide that joining them in the kitchen is a much better idea than trying to continue working by myself. Work can come later, for now I’ll enjoy family time. Savor whatever my girl cooks for us, and enjoy the evening.