The Boss's Love Read online

  “Thank you,” she said. “I bought the dress yesterday. I didn’t have anything new to wear. Are you sure you like it?” she asked, unsure of herself.

  He stiffened. Darren hadn’t been told she'd gone out shopping the day before. He turned to Jack and Carl and raised a censorious eyebrow to let them know they would be questioned later, as well as his displeasure over not being informed of his wife's outing. One thing he'd made perfectly clear to his men was that if Court left the house for any reason, he was to be notified. That wasn't negotiable. No more chances would be taken with his wife. She may have thought he was overprotective prior to the incident but that was nothing compared to what she was in for now.

  “It’s beautiful, sweetheart,” he said. He made a mental note to casually ask about her shopping trip later.

  Approaching while she descended the stairs, he held out his hand to help her down the final three steps. Jack handed Courtney’s shawl to Darren, who wrapped it around her slim shoulders then kissed her. Since she returned home, he was unable to control himself and needed to have constant physical contact with her.

  “Are you ready?” he asked.

  She nodded.

  “Then let’s go enjoy ourselves.”

  ***

  Once they arrived at the event, Darren and Courtney were escorted to their table. Ashley Johnson, wife of a professional hockey player, jumped up and yelped.

  “Courtney, I had no idea you were going to be here,” Ashley said excited. She grabbed Courtney, hugged her, then pulled away and looked her up and down. “You look gorgeous, Courtney Millen.”

  “It’s Murphy now,” she corrected.

  “Oh, I didn't know. I’m sorry.” Ashley looked past Courtney and smiled at Darren. She held out her hand. “Ashley Johnson.”

  “Darren Murphy.” He took Ashley’s hand and cupped it in a warm greeting. The woman looked somewhat similar to his wife in regards of their petite stature and blonde hair with big blue eyes. Darren seemed to recognize her but couldn't place from where.

  “Is Mark here?” Courtney asked, scanning the room.

  “He is. He’s getting ready to serve our table.” Ashley giggled. “This should be interesting.” The hockey players were their waiters for the evening at this annual charity event.

  Courtney chuckled at Ashley's enthusiasm. She patted the two seats beside to her. “Sit here, we can catch up.”

  They sat and Courtney explained that she had sold Mark Johnson his home when Mark had been traded back to the Pittsburgh Penguins a few years ago. Darren watched the two women interact with each other and noticed Courtney seemed to have a fondness for Ashley, which he could understand. The woman was very personable. Their table had a constant stream of people who stopped by to greet Ashley. She never got a chance to eat her meal the entire night.

  “What do you do for a living, Ashley?” Darren asked.

  “I’m an attorney.”

  He perked up. “Oh?”

  “Ashley works for the Foster Firm in Pittsburgh,” Courtney explained. “She’s a defense attorney. I’m sure—"

  “Yes, now I recognize who you are.” It hit him. “I've been trying to place you all evening.”

  Both women laughed.

  “I get that a lot,” Ashley said.

  “Do you know my brother, Derrick Murphy?” Darren asked.

  “Yes, I do know Derrick,” Ashley said excited. “Now it makes sense to me. You look identical to him. My goodness. Are you twins? It all clicks.” She chuckled. "You looked familiar to me as well, and I was embarrassed, thinking we had met before."

  Darren liked her. Funny, witty, intelligent, and obviously down to earth, as well as a defense attorney. Bonus. His men constantly needed attorney services. Sometimes Derrick needed help and would call in a well-known attorney friend of his. Now he had another connection. From what he read about Ashley Johnson in the newspaper, she was a brilliant attorney and her win record was one of the best in the city. She defended some real assholes, but excelled at it.

  A tall, good-looking guy in a tuxedo approached the table, leaned down, and kissed Ashley soundly. They watched her lose herself in the man.

  “Mark, you remember Courtney.” Ashley motioned when the kiss broke off.

  “Of course, how are you Courtney?” he asked. He approached and gave her a small, polite peck on the cheek.

  “Good, thank you, Mark,” she answered.

  “This is her husband Darren Murphy,” Ashley introduced.

  Mark held out his hand for Darren, who stood and shook the man's hand.

  “Nice to meet you,” Mark said kindly.

  “Likewise.”

  The two couples gabbed throughout the evening, along with the rest of the guests at the table. Courtney seemed relaxed for the first time in what had been months. Slinking his arm around the back of her chair, he slyly pulled her into his body. Throughout the evening he caressed her shoulder in a soothing motion as she spoke animatedly with Ashley and Mark. Darren couldn't help to be enthralled with his wife. He didn't say too much during the dinner, not wanting to interfere with Courtney's good time. He wanted to give her this evening. She deserved it.

  After dinner Courtney and Darren browsed the silent auction table and bid on a couple of items. They then wandered over to the bar for a couple drinks Courtney didn't need. It was obvious she was tipsy as she became more exuberant and talkative. He didn’t mind as long as she was relaxed and comfortable. Of course he would step in, if necessary, to make certain she never embarrassed herself.

  At the end of the evening Courtney and Darren said their goodbyes to the Johnsons. He led Courtney to the waiting SUV for Jack and Carl to escort them home. She kicked off her shoes, curled up on the seat and leaned into his protective embrace.

  They were close to home when she looked up at him through her long, painted eyelashes. He leaned down and kissed her, but when he pulled away Courtney reached up, laced her fingers through his hair, and pulled him closer to deepen the connection. He followed her lead. They kissed heavily until she pulled back to catch her breath. He ran a feathery finger up and down her bare spine. They locked into each other's eyes like they used to before their world had broken apart.

  "Courtney," Darren breathed. He needed her in his arms, needed to make love to her.

  Her lips twitched.

  "Yes," she answered his unasked question.

  Inhaling sharply, he closed his eyes, trying to maintain control of himself from attacking her in the back of the SUV. When he opened his eyes, he knew they blazed with lust and need. He pulled her closer and wrapped his fingers around the nape of her neck. He devoured her mouth. Demanding, taking and giving, claiming her once again. His mouth was hard on hers, trying to convey what he felt for her. Desire, want, need, love. She moaned into his mouth and he swallowed the vibrations. He slid his hand down her arm and tried to caress her breast but the dress prohibited access to her silky skin. He pushed aside the material, teased and rolled her nipple in his fingers. Courtney gasped. He moaned into her mouth.

  The SUV stopped and Jack and Carl couldn't rush from the vehicle quick enough.

  In a fluid motion, Darren’s lips left Courtney's and took the exposed breast into his mouth as he lifted her to straddle his lap. Her head flew back in ecstasy. It had been too long. He needed her, needed to feel her, needed her body, needed that intimacy. He yanked her dress up to her waist and took her mouth again in a wickedly delicious dance. He slid his hand between her legs and pushed aside her thong. Courtney reached down for Darren's pants, fumbling with his belt.

  "Court..." he pulled away from her mouth.

  "I want you now, Darren," she growled.

  He didn't hesitate. He couldn't. He would give her anything she wanted. He helped her with his pants and once she freed him, he lifted her and impaled into her body. The combined shock and pleasure caused her to scream out. They moved fast and furiously together. Darren reached down and teased her tiny nub as she rode him hard. He plunged
his tongue into her mouth again. He'd never get enough of fusing himself to her body. It wasn't long before Courtney's body tensed and tightened around him. He couldn't hold out when her body sucked him in farther.

  "Court, I'm not going to last," he ground out.

  Courtney's body exploded around Darren, her fluids flowing down his shaft while she screamed his name. He kept pounding into her, not holding back. Her body pulsed around him, the sensation purely euphoric and mind numbing, his entire body on sensation overload. There was nothing better than lost inside his wife's body. The feel of their connection. The feel of her squeezing him deeper into her. The feel of her body losing itself to the pleasure he gave her.

  Four deep strokes and he couldn't hold out any longer. His body convulsed, his seed shot violently into her. He grunted, stilled, and emptied himself inside of his wife. She collapsed onto his shoulder, gasping for air. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close, not willing to let go. He relished in the fact he had his wife back. Back where she belonged...with him.

  They sat silent for the longest time, embraced in each other's warmth, until Courtney sat up and looked straight into his eyes.

  "I love you," she said, tears spilling over.

  "My Courtney, I worship you," Darren replied. He kissed her nose and each corner of her mouth. He cupped her face in his hands. "Let me take you to our bedroom and make love to you properly."

  She smiled. "Whatever you want."

  He growled friskily and bit her bottom lip. Pulling out of her body, he winced at the disconnect, righted himself while Courtney straightened her dress. A giggle bubbled from her. He laughed, opened up the car door, and pulled his wife into his arms. They rushed into the house and upstairs for the night.

  ***

  Courtney

  Courtney woke and stretched her sore body. She felt the best she had in months. Last night she reconnected with her husband. The night had been perfect. She wouldn't have changed a moment.

  What a fool she'd been keeping distant. She had no business hiding from Darren. She refused to do it again. She knew she'd never forgive herself for that horrible decision.

  She rolled over to find the bed empty. A tiny pout crossed her lips. Her husband was such a morning bird. She climbed out of bed, threw on Darren's dress shirt from the night before, minus the bra, and pulled on a pair of panties. Her hair was a hot mess, but it worked, so she left it.

  She pranced downstairs to find the house buzzing with quite a few men. She didn't notice the blatant stares of appreciation.

  Darren's boisterous voice carried from the kitchen, along with the sound of bacon sizzling. Then Derrick's delectable dark tone followed, and her heart stuttered that her two favorite men were inarguably in good moods. When she rounded the corner into the kitchen, Derrick eyed her first and his smile went wide along with an approving arched eyebrow.

  "Good morning, beautiful," Derrick said seductively. He looked yummy dressed in his signature dark suit.

  She chuckled and approached him, standing on her tiptoes to give him a soft kiss.

  He tugged at her shirt. "I like."

  She giggled, feeling entirely light today. She turned to her husband, who held a spatula in midair and gaped.

  "My God, Courtney, could you be any sexier?" he asked. He set down the utensil, scooped his wife up into his arms, and kissed her passionately. He pulled away and growled into her ear, "If this house wasn't full right now I would take you on the island."

  "One of my favorite places," she whispered in return. She stepped around him to pour herself a cup of coffee.

  Darren moaned and looked up at Derrick, who was smiling, watching them interact.

  "She's killing me," Darren complained.

  "I could solve that for you," Derrick teased.

  Courtney chuckled. The same conversation had taken place numerous times between the brothers.

  "You wish," Darren said.

  "I do," Derrick agreed.

  She sauntered over next to Derrick and sat down to watch her man finish cooking their meal.

  "You look so much better, honey," Derrick said. He brushed her hair aside.

  "I feel better," she said.

  Derrick took her hand into his and squeezed. "Good."

  She leaned her head on Derrick's shoulder, thankful for his loving support. There was no better brother-in-law in the world, Courtney was positive.

  She sat up when Darren placed a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, and wheat toast in front of her.

  "Thank you." She smiled and dug in.

  "You're welcome, sweetheart."

  "Derrick, are you eating?" Courtney asked.

  "No, I ate earlier," he answered, downing the last of his coffee.

  Darren made himself a plate and stood at the island opposite his wife and brother.

  There was a topic Courtney needed to discuss with her husband. She didn't want to wait until they were alone since they never were anymore.

  "I'm not on the pill," she blurted.

  The reaction she received from Darren and Derrick was not what she expected.

  "What?" Darren asked horrified.

  "Courtney," Derrick scolded.

  She looked confused back and forth between them.

  "Your health," Darren said. "Have you been cleared to get pregnant again? What about your health?"

  Crap. She hadn't been speaking to Darren about much lately. She never told him she had been cleared by the doctor to have children again. He knew she had been cleared to have sex, but not the baby part.

  "I was cleared last week, Darren. Everything is okay and I'll be fine," she answered.

  "Are you sure?" Derrick chimed in, his voice stern.

  God, she forgot that sometimes it felt like being married to both of them. The way they were wildly overprotective of her was unnerving at moments.

  "I am," she answered.

  Darren and Derrick eyed each other warily, obviously unsure. They hadn't discussed what he went through when she had lost the baby, went through surgery, and afterwards. Those events must have been terrifying for both of them. Maybe she should discuss it with them to ease their minds.

  "Please, Darren," Courtney pleaded. "I would never put myself in harm's way knowing what it would do to you. I promise. I've gotten a clean bill of health from all of my doctors. I want to try again."

  Darren abandoned his breakfast, took Courtney's face into his hands, and studied her. "As long as you're sure then we'll try again."

  She nodded and Darren kissed her forehead.

  "I love you," he said. "My first concern is you and your health. You will always come first."

  "I love you. I want to give you your son," she said.

  Darren

  Darren closed his eyes, the image of his premature son jolted into his mind. A pain ripped through his heart. He pushed against the vivid pictures. For as long as he lived, he would never forget that awful memory of holding his son as he took his final breath.

  Darren opened his eyes. "Derrick, get rid of the men. I'm spending the day in bed with my wife."

  Derrick chuckled behind them. "Sure thing."

  His brother stood from the stool to leave. Darren leaned down, kissed Courtney, and pointed to her plate of food. He went back to his meal to take in the carbs and protein.

  "Eat," Darren demanded. "You're going to need your energy."

  Courtney chuckled again. Derrick leaned down and kissed Courtney chastely.

  "See you later, honey. I want lunch tomorrow," he demanded.

  "Okay."

  "I'll text you time and place," he said. "Take care kids." He smirked and strolled from the kitchen.

  Courtney and Darren heard Derrick order the men to stay clear of the house for the day and instructed them not to return unless Darren called. Darren watched Courtney finish her meal, then carried her upstairs to try to start a family once again.

  Chapter 14

  Courtney

  Around eight the next morning Court
ney woke to a text from Derrick with instructions to meet him downtown at noon for lunch. She sent him a confirmation response.

  When she made her way downstairs, she found Darren in the kitchen with Jack, Carl, and a couple other men. What was with the constant gatherings in the kitchen? Darren looked up from paperwork scattered about and beamed at his wife.

  "Gorgeous, how are you this morning?" he asked. He abandoned his work and pulled Courtney into his arms.

  "Sore," she whispered.

  He chuckled. "Sorry, darling." He brushed his day old scruff against her cheek, sending shivers down her spine. He whispered into her ear, "I can't help myself with you. You're the sexist woman and drive me wild to the point where I can't think straight when I have you naked in my arms."

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him hard. "Don't you ever forget it."

  "I promise." He held up his right hand. "You're meeting Derrick for lunch?" he asked. He led her to a stool then made quick work of toasting a bagel for her.

  "Yep," she said.

  "Jack and Carl will take you," Darren said firmly. Not a request.

  "All right." Some battles she would never win. Pick your battles, her new motto. Okay, maybe not new. Her mother had given her that lecture on her wedding day.

  The front doorbell rang.

  Darren furrowed his brow. "Are you expecting someone?"

  "No, you?" she asked. It occurred to her what a moronic question that was. There were always men coming and going from their home.

  "No," he answered.

  Jack left the kitchen to answer the door. She recognized the two deep, male voices that filled the front room. Courtney squealed, jumped off the stool, and ran down the hall to greet her cousins. Sean was the first to pick her up and squeeze her tight.

  "You look so much better, Court," Sean said.

  He set her down for Ryan to greet her.

  "You do," Ryan agreed.

  Darren sauntered up to greet the two men.