Fall Into Temptation (Blue Moon Book #2)(58)

“Did you talk to your ex-husband about legal guardianship?”

She leaned forward and grabbed the coffee. “I did. He seems to be in favor of it.”

“Seems to be?”

“It’s hard to get Paul to focus on the details, but he seemed enthusiastic about any solution that would free him of the burden of health insurance.”

“Okay. We’ll get started, but I do want you to try to make him understand all the implications. You don’t want him thinking that you’re taking his son from him or that this means he’s free from obligations such as child support and visitation.”

Gianna nodded. “I’ll make sure he understands.”

“Good. Then I’ll start the paperwork. We’ll file a Petition for Appointment of Guardian in family court. Paul will need to give his consent, which will make the process less complicated. Then there will be a court hearing.”

Gianna blanched. “A hearing?”

“It’s much less scary than it sounds. In a case like this the judge will likely review the filing and ask you and Paul why Evan should be with you before approving the guardianship.”

“Evan won’t have to testify, will he?” Gianna asked wide-eyed.

Beckett shook his head. “Since Evan’s under fourteen, the judge won’t ask for what they call ‘informed consent.’ And as long as you and his father are in agreement, it should go smoothly.”

Gianna nodded. “Okay. Then let’s get started.”

“We’ll get the papers drawn up this week.”

“So that leaves the issue of payment,” she said, pulling her checkbook out of her jacket pocket.

“Actually, I was wondering if you’d be willing to work out a trade?”

Her eyes narrowed. “Exactly what kind of a trade?”

“Mind out of the gutter, Red. Ellery’s birthday is next month and I’ve been racking my brain for a gift. She loves your studio. Would you be willing to trade, say, six months of classes?”

“Of course. As long as it’s an equitable trade. I don’t want you doing me any special favors here. Evan’s mine and I’d pay anything to make sure he has what he needs.”

“Understood. And the only special favor here is you’re saving me from mangling wrapping paper.”

“As long as that’s the case and you’re not trying to cut your secret lover a special deal in return for secret lover favors.”

“Those favors will remain completely separate from our attorney-client relationship.”

A smile bloomed on her pretty face. “Good. Thank you for your help, Beckett. It means a lot to me that you’re willing to help my family.”

“Just doing my lawyerly-landlordy duty.”

She cocked her head to the side. “Who knew?”

“Who knew what?”

“That goodness was such a turn on.”



Gia stretched like a cat and then flopped back down on her mattress. Beckett was facedown, his arm anchoring her to his side. “Well that sure beats a mid-afternoon cup of coffee,” she sighed, snuggling in.

The afternoon light filtered through the windows of her bedroom. New gauzy sheers that she still neglected to close at night hung from the corners of the room.

The house was blissfully quiet and her heart rate had returned to normal after two adrenaline-spiking orgasms.

Beckett nuzzled her hair. “What kind of shampoo do you use?” he sighed. “I like it.”

“It’s a fancy organic kind you can only get online.”

“It smells like a rainforest.”

Gia lightly trailed her fingers down his back. “You, Mr. Pierce, are a fine specimen.” She pinched his very firm butt cheek.

He grunted and flexed under her hand, teasing a laugh from her.

“Baby, don’t you think we should talk?”

“Are you talking to me or the pillow,” Gia asked.

Beckett rolled them both to the side and tugged her hips back against his. He was already hard again and Gia wondered if he had a genetic mutation that had him walking around with an erection all day every day.

Whatever it was, she thought as he guided his shaft between her legs, she was profoundly grateful for it.

He positioned himself against her entrance and slowly, inch by inch, eased inside her.

She sighed out her breath as he filled her. The angle didn’t allow for deep penetration, but it was enough to have her blood singing again. She moaned softly.

“Now, let’s talk,” Beckett said, whispering in her ear.

“Now?” She gasped as his hand traveled north to cup her breast.

“Now,” he said, his hips moving slowly, steadily.

“What do you want to talk about?” The words came out strangled.

“Us.”

“Beckett, you can’t seriously be trying to have a … conversation.” Her sentence ended in a gasp.

He nuzzled her neck and continued his onslaught on her senses. “What are we doing?” he asked, nibbling at her ear.

Gia tilted her head to give him better access to her neck. “Making love,” she whispered.

“And what are we?” His breath was hot on her throat.

She paused, lost in sensation. She waited too long and he pinched her sensitive peak.