The Mitchell Brothers Collection: A Feel-Good Romance Box Set Read online

  Oh, the possibilities.

  That’s something to figure out another time.

  Maybe. Hopefully.

  We stand in front of the bed, shoulder to shoulder, our hands linked between us. I nudge his shoulder with mine. “Where do you usually sleep?”

  “Probably right in the middle.”

  “Same.”

  We both chuckle.

  I point to one side of the bed. “I’ll just take the right side then. It gives me quicker access to the door in case Mira needs me.”

  “Sounds good. Hop in then.” But before I can even make a step, he spins me around by my shoulders, pulling me close to him. “Wait. There’s one more thing.”

  Gazing into my eyes, he closes the distance between us, his lips meeting mine in a soft, feathery kiss. A quiet sigh escapes both of us at almost the same time, making me smile against his mouth. When he starts moving his lips gently on mine, I’m immediately lost in the sensation and feeling.

  This kiss is different than our first.

  It has been an emotional evening for both of us, and it shows in every single one of his movements. He’s tender and sweet, yet careful while still making sure he conveys how much he enjoys doing this with me.

  It’s about more than just physical needs, it’s about healing and making me feel wanted and needed in a way I haven’t felt before—ever. This man, and everything he does, is exceptional and rare to me.

  I try to soak it up as much as I can, unwilling to waste any more time with him.

  Consequences be damned.

  If tonight could have a theme song, it would be “Don’t waste your life, you never know how long you have.”

  Maybe I needed to relive my past to get that reminder.

  I pull back slightly, planning on telling him exactly what I want from him when he beats me to it.

  He brushes his thumb across my cheek, his touch soft as a feather. “I want so much from you that it’s hard to put into words, but I’m not sure you’re ready to hear it yet. Tonight, I just want to hold you. No pressure. You hear me?”

  Speechless.

  I’m utterly speechless.

  My brain seems to have stopped working, and all I manage to do is nod.

  He gives me his breathtakingly beautiful smile. “Perfect.”

  Without another word, and after picking up my things from where we dropped them at the foot of the bed, he walks me to my side of the bed. He pulls the covers back for me and watches me slip in before going over to the other side. His side.

  A moment later, the lights are off, and the mattress dips next to me. My heart flutters wildly in its cage like a huge charm of hummingbirds as I try to steady my breath.

  “You okay over there?” I hear the smile in his voice, but if I’d have to guess, there’s a slight edge of nervousness in it too.

  “Uh-huh.” Another squeak from me, and I’m grateful he can’t see my red face.

  He chuckles again, making me feel a little more at ease. “What are you waiting for then? Come over here.”

  We move at the same time, scooting together in less than two seconds. I’m still on my side, and just as I’m about to turn around to face him, he puts his arm around my middle and pulls me close to him. He holds me so tightly I feel his chest move against my back every time he takes a breath.

  It’s heavenly.

  It’s perfect.

  It’s exactly what I need.

  Where my nerves were going crazy a minute ago, a new calmness has settled in—some form of rightness that makes me close my eyes in pure content, snuggling closer into the most perfect cocoon of blanket and Hudson.

  I barely hear Hudson’s whispered, “Good night,” and a soft touch to my neck as I drift off to sleep.

  Twenty-Four

  We easily fall into our normal everyday rhythm the next day. Except this time, it’s filled with little touches and lots of kisses whenever possible.

  After talking about it, we’ve decided to keep us on the down low for now, especially when we’re out and about. There’s no reason to draw any unnecessary attention to us while the crazy media circus is still going on.

  We want the paparazzi gone, not more of them to come.

  After a busy morning at the bakery and a quick grocery run, we’re back home for an afternoon with my favorite group of crazy ladies.

  Hannah comes up behind me, clasping both of my shoulders. She laughs quietly into my ear, automatically making me chuckle too. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t think they’d be that bad. I’m gonna get them out of your hair now, I promise. Thanks so much for being so patient, you’re an angel. At least they all had a blast baking with you. Not sure I can say the same about poor Hudson, but he was a champion too.”

  Blowing a strand of hair out of my face, I turn around to look at her. “No worries at all. I had a fun day. You know I love your friends, it’s always very entertaining when they’re here.”

  “It definitely never gets boring, that’s for sure.” With a big smile on her face, she turns around to face the others. “Okay, girls, gather your things, we need to head out. Our reservation at the restaurant is in half an hour, and we don’t want to miss it.” She claps her hands. “Chop-chop.”

  Laughing at Hannah’s authoritarian method, I watch her as she reins in her squad—her six senior friends she’s in a quilt club with—all of them gathering up their purses, jackets, and miscellaneous accessories.

  After I walk over to them, Hudson and I give everyone a quick hug and three kisses on the cheeks—something the women insist on, especially with Hudson. “Bye, ladies. It was so good to see you. Have a fun dinner.”

  They all say goodbye, some of them snatching another cupcake on the way out the door.

  Once we hear the door shut, Hudson and I look at each other.

  His eyes are wide as he exhales loudly, making me laugh. “I can’t believe that group. How can old, little, cute women be so naughty and exhausting? I feel like I got run over by a bus.”

  The chuckle escapes me before I can hold it back. “I was thinking the same.”

  “I mean, did you see them? Edna and Shelly both squeezed my ass—several times. They’re worse than some of my fans.”

  Pinching my lips together, I lean forward and rest my forehead on his shoulder, so he can’t see my face. The quiet laughter shakes my whole body until I can’t hold it in any longer. “I did see it. Your face was absolutely priceless. It was totally worth all this chaos.”

  His whole body goes rigid for a moment, right before his hands move to my waist and he starts tickling me. “Oh, that’s how it is, yeah? You think that was funny? I’ll show you funny.”

  “No!”

  He’s relentless, tickling me up and down both sides of my torso. In an effort to get away from him, I quickly move backward across half of the living room until we hit one of the couches and fall onto it. Hudson lands on me, his hands suddenly stopping at my sides as we stare into each other’s eyes.

  The silly atmosphere is suddenly gone, a heated tension that’s sure to drive me insane in its place instead.

  Unable to tell who moves first, our lips clash. Where I had more than enough air mere seconds ago, I’m missing it now as my body goes into overdrive. Hudson’s lips are relentless against mine, his tongue delving into my mouth with a skill set that has me clawing at his back, ready to rip off his clothes right now if he’ll let me.

  His hands move under my shirt, caressing my skin in a grip so deliciously tight and possessive I’m starting to see stars behind my closed eyelids. We’re both pulling at each other at this point, not able to get enough from one another. When he breaks the kiss, I finally take a much-needed breath as his mouth travels down my face and throat—determined and unapologetic in its exploration.

  Without a doubt, he wants me as much as I want him, both of us more than ready to take this to the next level.

  To be honest, I was ready this morning when I woke up in his bed—but the spot beside me was already empt
y and cold when I turned around still half-asleep. So, this morning’s missed opportunity is almost literally a dream come true right now—one I wouldn’t mind doing, over and over again.

  Hudson’s kissing his way back up to my face, all the while pulling me by the hips, so he can get us both into a more comfortable position on the couch. When he leans down, pressing part of his weight and his rock-hard body into mine, I’m almost ready to combust right then and there. I haven’t been with a guy in so long, it feels like I’ve been primed for ages.

  After nipping at the corner of my mouth, his heated gaze finds mine. “I can’t even tell you how long I’ve been waiting for this—for you. All these weeks of just being friends with you have been both the best and most infuriating weeks of my entire existence. I didn’t know what was missing from my life until you showed up. I want you so badly, I can barely think straight anymore.”

  Swallowing hard, I gaze up at him and weave my hands slowly through his dark hair. “I know exactly what you mean.”

  His lips are back on mine, but the atmosphere and this next kiss have changed with our confessions.

  It’s everything I know this man to be—gentle, caring, and incredibly kind-hearted, with a passion and blazing heat right underneath the surface. This moment breaks down all the walls I’ve built up. It strips me bare, making me feel like nothing else ever has.

  Incredibly freeing.

  After kissing his way down my torso, he hovers over my breasts. I’m not sure if he’s silently asking for my approval, but I push my chest toward him anyway, making it clear what I want from him.

  Weeks of sexual frustration are starting to make me adventurous and more direct than I’ve ever been with a man.

  He pulls an inch back and stares into my eyes. “Charlie, I—”

  A wail rips through the room, echoing off the walls in a heartbreaking cry. I cover my eyes for a moment with my arm—trying to push away the irritation I feel about being interrupted—while Hudson lets his head fall onto my chest for a split second before getting off of me.

  I immediately miss his warm body covering mine but can’t hold back the small smile when he stretches out his hand to help me up.

  After pulling me into him for one more soul-wrenching kiss, he takes a step back. “You go get our little monster while I start cleaning up the kitchen.” He has to physically push me out of the room, slapping me on my butt at the last second.

  I laugh and wiggle my finger at him. “I’ll get you back for that later.”

  The smirk he gives me makes me sigh—because dimples. “Can’t wait.” To top it off, he winks at me and points toward the hallway that leads to the staircase. “Now go, before I come and get you.”

  If only.

  We spent the rest of our day with Mira—playing with her, feeding her while having a simple dinner ourselves, and a quick bath before putting her down to sleep.

  Watching Hudson read a book to Mira while she’s sitting on his lap in her cute little pajamas was easily the highlight of my day. When he put her in her sleep sack and sang a song to her before handing her off to me, I was afraid my heart might just melt away at the sheer sight of it all.

  When I sneak out of Mira’s room and quietly close the door behind me, Hudson’s waiting for me in the hallway—casually leaning against the wall like he doesn’t have a care in the world.

  I walk over to him, stopping when I see the big frown on his face. “Hey. Everything okay?”

  After clenching his jaw a few times, he exhales loudly. “Yes. No. Gabe just called and told me he needs my help with something.”

  “Right now?” I put my hands on my hips and can’t help but pout a little.

  He nods and reaches for me, pulling me closer when I put my hand in his. We touch from head to toe, and I realize it already feels like we’ve been doing this forever. Whatever we have, whatever is between us, is nothing I’ve ever experienced before. The intensity of it is so strong it scares me a little, but I’m trying my best to tamp it down as best I can.

  “I was really looking forward to our night together.” His lips graze my forehead before he huffs, the frustration pouring out of every single one of his pores. “I don’t even know what he wants from me, but he said it’s important. I hate to ask this, but can we take a rain check?”

  Even though I understand his disappointment—mine is pressing heavily onto my chest too—I’d never hold it against him when someone needs his help, especially his family. “No worries, I’m just gonna relax with a book and go to sleep early. Those seniors wore me out today.”

  He chuckles against my forehead before lifting my chin, so I’m forced to look at him. “I’ll make it up to you. Promise.”

  I blink. “I know you will.” Then I do something I’ve been wanting to do ever since I first saw him. I go up on my toes and kiss the hell out of him. It’s not him initiating the kiss this time, but me.

  And boy, does it feel good.

  Hudson’s hands wander down my back and have just reached my butt when I pull away for some much-needed air.

  He groans. “Screw Gabe. He can figure it out by himself. I’m staying.”

  Swatting his chest, I laugh. “No, you won’t. Go already.”

  After one more scorching kiss that makes sure this man will stay on my mind all night long, and quite possibly invade my dreams too, he begrudgingly turns around to walk toward the staircase.

  Meanwhile, I stare at his retreating form and that fine ass of his. There’s definitely nothing like it.

  Twenty-Five

  The next week is mostly a blur, having quickly turned into the absolute week from hell. First, Hudson is gone for most of the following day too—helping his brother with a mysterious project he apparently isn’t allowed to tell me about—and then Mira and I catch the flu.

  Badly.

  I’m so miserable I can barely function, and I’m more grateful than ever before to have Hudson and Hannah in my life. They both help Mira and me to get through this awful misery as best as they can.

  The bed dips beside me as Hudson sits on the edge, putting his hand on my forehead. “How are you feeling?”

  I fight against my heavy eyes, still trying to wake up from my nap. “Finally better. Extremely happy the fever broke yesterday. It was about time for that to happen.”

  He nods, a small frown grazing his forehead. “I agree. I was starting to get worried about you two. Mira has been so much better today. She’s been eating quite a bit, which is a relief.”

  That makes me smile. There’s nothing worse than a sick kid, especially when you’re sick yourself. At least I got lots of baby cuddles these last few days. “Thank goodness. I’m so happy to hear that.”

  “Tell me about it. It’s funny how kids bounce back from a sickness. They can be miserable one minute, and the next one, they’re jumping around again. Mira’s been all smiles and babbles, playing like nothing happened.”

  A small chuckle manages to escape. “I’ve noticed that before. It’s like someone turns a switch.”

  He grabs my hand, and I squeeze it with all my might. “Thanks so much for all the help, Hudson. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  “Nothing to thank me for. I hated seeing you so sick, so I’m just happy you’re feeling better.”

  I smile at him. “Me too.” One of my hands goes up to my hair, and I realize I must look worse than a scarecrow. Somehow that fact makes me laugh.

  “What’s so funny?”

  Looking at him and his confused expression, I laugh even harder. “Are you serious? How can you even look at me with a straight face? I don’t need a mirror to know how awful I must look right now.” I shake my head and give him a small smile. “You’re an angel for sticking around and being there for us. Seriously. You deserve a huge thank-you basket or something else crazy big.”

  The smile he gives me is so big and beautiful it almost blinds me. “I know exactly how you can thank me, but I need you to feel better first.” He winks at me
, and I almost choke on my spit.

  Way to impress the crowd.

  And this man.

  My insides heat up at his suggestion, and I can positively say I’m on the mend. Absolutely no doubt about it.

  All bodily functions are back, my libido included.

  Leaning my head to the side, I look at him. “I think I just made a miraculous recovery.”

  He chuckles. “I was hoping you’d say something like that because I prefer sharing a bed with you a lot more than sleeping alone. So, if you’re better, I want you with me again tonight.”

  My heartbeat quickens at the picture Hudson paints, but then reality crashes down on me. “I don’t want to get you sick.”

  He laughs. “I think after playing nurse for the last few days, I’m a lost cause anyway. I either already have it or I lucked out this time.”

  “I really hope it’s the latter, but just know I’d take really good care of you too if you got sick.”

  “I know you would.” He leans in and gives my forehead a kiss, his lips lingering for a second. “Now get up and take a shower, Sleeping Beauty. I have some soup waiting for you downstairs, and Mira is gonna be up from her nap soon too. I bet she’s gonna be over the moon to see you up and going again.”

  His scent envelops me in a blanket of comfort, the familiarity of it calming me down like nothing else. I let out a sigh when he gets up and walks to the door.

  Turning around, he stretches his arms and grabs the top of the doorframe, his muscles straining and bulging like they’re here to offer me a show. As if on cue, his biceps flex as he winks at me. “Holler if you need me. I’m more than happy to assist you in the shower if you need help.”

  Laughing at his remark feels good after being out of it for what feels like forever. “I bet you do. I think I’m good for now, but thanks for the offer.” It’s better to wash all this sickness off by myself.

  Looking at the exposed skin on his stomach definitely doesn’t make that decision easy though.

  “Anytime, sweetheart, anytime.” The endearment rolls off his tongue in a way that’s so natural, it takes my brain a long moment to catch up. His gaze is locked with mine as he’s probably trying to gauge my reaction—the one I’m still too shocked to give. “I’ll see you in a minute, okay?” He gives me a small smile before he disappears.