The Bold and the Bullheaded by Willow Aster

Chapter Twenty

Emma

I’m excited to go to Chicago with Spence, which means seeing not only the Taylor family but Mya’s family who I love dearly. We’ve just landed at O’Hare and Mya and I run to use the restroom while Spence and Jesse wait for our luggage in baggage claim. Gus and Caden flew out a day ahead of us and are picking us up. I’m looking forward to spending some time with Spence’s family. I’ve been with his brothers many times and have spent time with his parents more than once, but we weren’t dating then, so this visit feels different.

“I can’t believe we’re dating brothers. We couldn’t have dreamed this up,” Mya says, as we both meet at the sink to wash our hands.

“I know. It’s freaking amazing.”

“Well, just the fact that you’ve actually agreed to date someone at all is amazing.” She laughs and I roll my eyes.

“What can I say? I’m weak for Grumpy Smurf.”

She bumps me with her shoulder. “Please, I’ve never seen him happier. Hell, I’ve never seen you happier. It looks good on you both.”

“Okay, enough of the sappy stuff. Let’s go.”

We find the guys standing with our luggage and Spence has a frown on his face as he stands beside my three oversized bags. “We’re here for two days. What could you possibly have brought?”

“Lose the resting bitch face, Grumperton. This is how I roll. I never know what will come up, so I like to be prepared.”

He chuckles and leans forward and kisses me. Hard. Passionate.

I’ve wanted to tell him I love him so many times, but I’m terrified to say the words. I’ve never said them to any other man aside from my father. I’m careful about who I love—cautious. But I’ve jumped in with both feet with Spence, and it feels right.

“What the fuck is taking so long? We’re in a red zone, bitches.” Gus shouts from a few feet away, and the crowd around us cracks up.

“You better tone that mouth down now that you’re back home,” Jesse warns his brother.

“Fine. We’re in a red zone, bit-biscuits. Get a move on. What the GD hell, how many bags did you bring?”

Mya cracks up, and I poke Gus hard in the chest. “Do not judge. God knows you have a flair for fashion yourself. I like to be prepared. I never know where the wind will take me.”

“Well, it’s taking you to the northwest suburbs right now, and I promise you that a pair of sweatpants and fuzzy socks are all you’ll need. It’s colder than a snitch’s titty in a snowstorm out there.”

“Witch’s titty.” Old Solemn sets him straight.

“Same diff.” Gus grabs one of my bags from Spence and I try to grab another, but my boyfriend pushes my hand away.

Chivalry is not dead, my friends.

Spence Taylor is a gentleman to the core. Yes, he’s grumpy and bossy and strong. An alpha down deep. But the man knows how to treat a woman. He pulls out my chair, he opens the door for me, he takes my heels off at the end of the day and rubs my feet, he runs hot baths for me every night, and he insists on carrying my luggage. But get this man in the bedroom, and he takes complete control. And it’s the one place I don’t mind handing him the reins. Because, oh, the things he does to me.

“Thank you.” I smile up at him as we follow Gus outside.

I pull my coat closed, the cool air taking my breath away. New York is just as cold, but they don’t call this the windy city for nothing. The wind whips around us and I don’t know how Spence manages to roll two bags and pull me against his body, but he does.

Caden is waiting at the curb, talking to a police officer who is clearly insisting he pull away, when he points at us and waves frantically. He is driving a large Suburban, and Spence opens the door and hurries me inside. Mya jumps in beside me as they load our luggage and we pull away from the curb.

When we arrive at the Taylors’ house, it looks like something out of a magazine. The entire house is lit up for Christmas already. There are deer planted on the roof, and a huge metal sleigh sits in the front yard. There’s a small layer of snow covering the grass, and Spence glances over at me.

“Mom likes to decorate early for the holidays.”

I nod. I can tell he’s nervous about me being comfortable here, and I squeeze his hand. I’m happy that I came. I won my first case earlier this week, and I’m definitely feeling good. Like life has turned in my favor lately.

I have a boyfriend who I actually miss when we aren’t together. That is most definitely not the norm for me. Men have always gotten on my nerves rather easily in the past, which is one of the many reasons why I never had a long-term relationship. But Spence … I can’t get enough of him.

Aside from my mother calling me daily, crying and begging for more money, and then shouting at me when I deny her, things are going really well.

I’ve loaned my mother money several times but have refused to give her any more until she gets herself back in a program. I haven’t talked to Spence or Mya about it much because I don’t want to rain on everyone’s parade. I can handle my mother. I’ve been doing it my entire life.

We make our way inside and Melanie and Garrett, Spence’s parents, take turns hugging each of us.

“Oh, Emma. We are just thrilled that you agreed to come for a few days. Thank you for making the time. I know it’s hard to travel during the holidays, so we sure appreciate it.”

I’m only here for two days, because I need to get back on Wednesday night to have Thanksgiving with my dad, Yaya, and Bernard.

“Of course. I’m thrilled to be here. Your home is lovely.” I’m trying to take it all in. There is not a surface that isn’t covered in holiday decor. Their home is gorgeous. Dark wood floors span as far as I can see, and farmhouse decor fills the space.

“Finally. Some girls to hang with.” Penelope comes around the corner laughing and pulls Mya and me into a hug. I’ve met Spence’s little sister several times when she’s visited New York.

“Hey, Pen,” Mya and I say at the same time and we all laugh.

“Come on. Let’s give Emma the tour and chat.” She leads us through the house. It smells like pumpkin and cinnamon.

“This is my favorite room,” Mya says when we enter the sunroom. The walls are glass, and it looks out at a gorgeous forest. There are twinkle lights everywhere, with cozy furniture and a tall tree in the corner with all white ornaments.

“This is gorgeous. Wow.” I am stunned as I take it in slowly.

“Yeah, yeah, it’s great. But how about you and my brother? I’m glad he finally got the balls to ask you out.” Pen’s arms are crossed over her chest and she’s smiling.

“Right? They were both being stubborn asses,” Mya says, dropping to sit on the cozy white couch.

“What can I say? I’m a softy for a grumpy, smart-mouthed, bossy man. Who knew?” I plop down beside my bestie, and Pen sits on the other side of me.

“I’m so glad. And I’m thrilled you’re both here. Prepare yourself for a Taylor holiday, because my mother lives for this stuff,” Pen says, just as Melanie comes through the glass French doors.

“Come on. You must all be starving. We’ve got dinner ready and a glass of wine with each of your names on it,” Melanie says.

We push to our feet and follow her into the expansive dining room. There’s a large table, and I have no doubt they’ve had thousands of family meals in here. Spence reaches for my hand beneath the table, and I can’t help but smile.

I’m exactly where I want to be.

The night is filled with laughter, chatter, and music. The cocktails flow. Gus is trying to explain why he got arrested his senior year of high school, and we are all engrossed in his story.

“It was that damn Mr. Robbins next door. That guy had it out for me back then. And I wasn’t arrested. I was taken in for questioning.”

“You slept with his daughter,” Pen says, unable to hide the large grin on her face.

“She was not his daughter. She was an exchange student. I knew her better than that fool did. She’d only been living there for three months. He just couldn’t wait to call the cops on me.”

“I have to admit, we were not pleased when we received a call that you had broken into the Robbins’ home,” Garrett says, with one brow raised.

I’m fascinated with their banter and the ease between all of them. I can see why Spence loves coming home. It’s like being wrapped in a warm blanket when you come through the front door.

“Well, I was beside myself,” Melanie says, shaking her head and taking a sip of her wine.

“Mom lost her shii … take mushrooms,” Jesse says. “I remember waking up to Mom shouting and yelling for Dad to get in the car.”

“Thank you, Mom. It was terrifying being in the big house. And I’d run out of the freaking Robbins’ home with no shoes on and just my tighty-whities.” Gus shakes his head as if it’s difficult to relive the trauma.

“You were held in county, and Mr. Johnson let you sit in the waiting room. You weren’t even in a cell.” Spence barks out a laugh over his words.

“Brother, look at me. I would not survive in prison. That Mr. Johnson saved my ass … inine self by not putting me behind bars while I waited for Mom and Dad.”

“When we arrived, you were eating a chicken pot pie. It didn’t seem quite as scary as you’re leading us all to believe,” Garrett says.

“Did you break into their home? What happened?” I ask.

“I was found with my undies at my ankles being pleasured by a certain French exchange student. Let’s just say that the girl was majoring in sex ed, and she wanted to teach me a few things,” Gus says, and the table erupts in laughter.

“TMI!” Melanie yells.

We all laugh again.

“Mr. Robbins was not happy about it, and to this day, the man still glares at me every time I see him outside,” Melanie says, and she laughs. She loves her kids, there’s no missing it. There is no missing the love that lives in this home.

It’s refreshing.

We continue talking into the late hours before Spence tugs me down the hall to our room. I insist I will not be having sex with him in his parents’ house, but my boyfriend is a persuasive guy. And it’s impossible to keep our hands off of one another when we’re together.

We’re quiet, and we’re quick, which is not the norm. But I’ll take him any way I can get him.

We both roll on our sides to face each other after we catch our breath.

“I’m glad I’m here. I love your family.”

“Yeah? They love you too. I wanted to tell you—I’m flying back with you Wednesday night.”

“What?” I ask, pushing up to sit.

“You came here to spend time with my family, and I intend to do the same with yours.” He tugs me back down to lie with him. “If you’re okay with that.”

My heart is racing, because he just keeps showing me how much he cares.

“Will your mom be upset?”

“Nope. I told her and she thought it was a great idea,” he says.

“I can’t believe you’re doing that.”

“I don’t want to be away from you. I love you, Emma.”

My breath catches in my throat and a single tear runs down my face. Spence catches it with his thumb. I’ve cried more since being with this man than I have in my entire life.

Hearing the words is both exhilarating and terrifying. I want to say it back, but I just can’t. I stare at him, and he leans in until his forehead is touching mine.

“It’s okay, Queenie. I didn’t say it so you’d say it back.”

I shift, feeling awkward all of a sudden, but he doesn’t seem upset with me. “God, why am I crying again? I told you that I don’t cry, and now you’ve seen me cry more than once.” I snort.

“Because you’re finally letting yourself feel everything. That’s a good thing.”

“I hate crying. It makes me feel weak.”

“Well, it makes you seem human.” He chuckles and kisses my cheeks where the tears are falling.

“I hate seeming human. It’s so boring.” I laugh and he rolls me onto my back and tickles me.

Maybe feeling human is a good thing.