Mistaken Identity (Identity 1)

“Nope.” He narrowed his gaze at Jett. “Well, son?”

“That depends on your daughter.”

“Jett!” Kansas hit his arm.

“What it’s true.” He shrugged.

“Yeah, that sounds about right. I like honesty, and the way the two of you interact. You have my blessing. But tread lightly.” The mild mannered dentist from Somerville was gone. “If you hurt my daughter I will do you bodily harm, understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Excellent. Now … where did you learn how to cook brisket like this?”

“My father. It’s an old family recipe.” He brightened. Small talk I can do.

“Okay, you need to hold on to this one so we can be indoctrinated into the Walker family and learn how to make this.” Reginald waved his fork in the air, and Jett snickered. See if Papa Collins agrees we should get hitched. The roll of her eyes told him she’d gotten his message loud and clear.

With Darla back in her corner the rest of the night went smoothly. By the time they walked the couple out Jett felt pretty good about his standing with them. When they closed the door he turned to her.

“What the hell was that?” He nodded toward the door.

“That was my beastly mother.”

“Yeah, why is she broken?”

Kansas laughed. “It’s a good description for her. She’s a bitter woman who’s not happy with the way her life turned out. So, she nitpicks wherever she can, mainly on me. When she got pregnant and it turned out to be a girl she expected a ‘mini me’ she could dress up, groom, place into pageants, and live vicariously through. I’ve always been my father’s daughter. Big boned, studious, geeky, and full of quirks.” She shrugged. “When it comes to her I can never do anything right. I’ve gotten used to tuning it out, and learned not to care. She’s gone most of the time anyway.”

“I’m sorry—”

“It’s not your fault.” She shook her head. “I feel bad for my Dad mostly. He’s stuck with her. They’re old school, and divorce is not an option.”

“That’s no way to live.”

“I think that’s why he works so hard, and obsesses over his hobbies.” She shook her head. “Now that you see how fucked up my family is, you still want to marry me?”

“More than ever, so I can immerse you in healthy family dynamics.”

“I think that may be the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me, Mr. Walker.” She trailed the back of her hand down his face, and he leaned into her touch. They watched each other unabashed as they moved in as one to kiss. A jolt of electricity ran through him as they shared a slow, meshing of mouths that could only be described as a meeting of paired souls. Her hands roamed the planes of his back as she took control. Her mouth was hot and insistent in his mouth with languid moves. Sucking his tongue into her mouth, she mimicked the motions of lovemaking. Dazed, they paused to suck air into oxygen starved lungs.

“Jett.” Her voice shook, and her eyes glazed over with unshed tears. “Show me what it feels like to make love.” He narrowed his eyes, delved deeper into the dark pools of her eyes. This was about so much more than sex. She was opening herself up, trusting him with her heart.

“Always, baby. Do you trust me?”

“Yes.”

“Then hold on to my neck.” Scooping her up into his arms he carried her bridal style down the hall, feeling like this was a rebirth for them. A chance to start life with the ghosts and skeletons in their closets bared to the light and firmly placed in the past. His steps were slow and measured as he kissed her thoroughly, sipping the nectar of her flavor and ginger ale from her lips. She went to his head as surely as any champagne ever had. Inside her room he lowered her on the bed, kneeling in front of her.

“I want to take my time with you.” He removed her flip flops and slid his hands under her long, maxi dress, massaging the tension from her shapely thighs.

“Oh, that feels so good.” Leaning back on her elbows she closed her eyes.

“That’s it

, Sas, just relax.” Her entire body was tight, wound up like twine on a fishing rod, from her encounter with her mother. Moving higher, he rubbed her thighs. Her skin was silk draped over soft muscle. The heat from her core beckoned when he reached her inner thighs, and she spread them, granting his silent request for more access. He lingered longer than he should, teasing them both. A fine tremor started in her body. Her lips parted, and she released a sexy moan that brought his half hardened dick to attention. Trailing his hands back down her legs he gained his feet, grabbed the hem of her dress, and helped her pull it up over her body when she stood.

The green, jewel-toned underwear and bra set made her skin look edible. Tracing her collar bone with the tips of his fingers he moved down to her clavicle and the swell of her breasts. Her nipples hardened and strained against the material. Unable to resist their lure he leaned in and sucked one into his mouth.

“Oh Jett.” She dug her fingers into his shoulder.