Forever Moore (Moore Family Book 1) Read online

  Once the pizzas are finished, we all settle in to watch the movie and eat. While the last twenty-four hours have been a nightmare, sitting here with my brothers and Jax—watching a movie and eating dinner like we used to—well, it is amazing. I really wish mom and dad were here to see it. But like Letty said, they are here in spirit.

  Chapter 24

  Jackson

  Once Moulin Rouge is over, Robbie and Scott go back to their respective homes. Jake, Tilly, and I stay up longer to watch another movie. They are able to convince me to watch Shaun of the Dead. Although I am not big into horror or anything, this one is too hilarious to skip. Half-way through, Jake passes out in the recliner, and Tilly is not far behind him. We end up snuggling onto the couch together and she is out like a light.

  I carefully separate myself from Tilly and get off the couch. As quietly as possible, I work my way around the downstairs: straightening up, locking the door, and shutting off the lights. I will leave Jake in the recliner. He looks comfy, and well, he can get his own ass up to bed. Tilly on the other hand, I gently carry upstairs to her room. With the exception of cuddling into my chest, she barely stirs on the journey.

  After laying her on the bed and tucking her in, I quickly change into some shorts and a t-shirt to sleep in. Crawling under the covers, I try not to disturb her and snuggle closer. I pull her into my chest and I can't help but lie there, watching her sleeping form like a total creeper. I am still upset that she will not report the incident, but I do understand her point. I just wish there was something I could do to help protect her. Because I do not doubt for a minute that captain-dipshit isn’t going to try and pull some shit again.

  The next morning Tilly and I wake to her alarm. She groans, reaching over to shut off the offending sound. I look down and notice that as she does, her shirt raises and reveals a sliver of her flat stomach. It takes all my willpower to not immediately mount her and take care of my morning erection. As Tilly rolls back over, she seems to notice my predicament and a sultry smile spreads across her face.

  “Morning, handsome,” she says, leaning over and kissing me. I feel her hand travel down my chest to my stomach, then to the waistband of my shorts. Unavoidably, I groan.

  “You are playing with fire, babe.” My warning seems to fall on deaf ears. That, or she doesn’t care. The next thing I know, she is straddling me and grinding her hot center over my erection.

  My hands slip under her leggings and panties to squeeze her delectable ass. She rewards me with a deep moan that almost sends me over the edge. Her hands go to the hem of my shirt and start pulling it up. “Off,” she demands. We quickly separate to rid each other of our clothing.

  Tilly resumes her vantage point on top of me. Reaching between us, she positions my erection to slide through her wet folds. As she grinds me, she uses my cock to rub against her clit. I can tell she is close, based on her increased breathing and speed. I put my hands on her waist to help keep her steady during her orgasm. I continue the motion she has started while she comes back down.

  “Fuck,” she whispers in my ear. “I need you inside me.” Tilly sits up and perches her center over my erection, before impaling herself in one thrust. Being sheathed deep inside her is the best feeling on earth. I will never get over the sensation. After she adjusts to my intrusion, she begins rocking back and forth. Then, supporting her weight on the top of my thighs, she angles herself backwards.

  The view from below is mind-blowing. Her ample breasts and perky pink nipples are on full display for me. Looking down, with her legs spread over me, I can clearly see her swollen clit and the joining of our bodies. The sight alone is enough to make me come, but I am not ready to end this quite yet. I steady one hand on her hip to help support her and maintain the tempo, while my other hand reaches between us to rub circles on her clit. Within seconds, she is moaning loudly. Her vagina strangles my cock as she comes. It takes all my willpower to keep fucking her through the orgasm.

  Noticing she is becoming physically exhausted, but without separating our bodies, I flip us so that I am on top now. I quickly throw one of her legs over my shoulder and begin pounding into her. Tilly’s hands reach up, her nails digging into the taut meat of my deltoid muscles. I am excited to wear the battle scars I have received today. After a few more thrusts, she lets out a silent scream as her body begins to spasm again. Her climax sets me off this time. My vision goes white and all I can see are fireworks exploding around us.

  Lying in bed—sweaty, sticky, and with our limbs entangled—I wish we could lie here forever and never leave this bed. But as I glance at the clock, I know that is not possible. Tilly needs to get to the shop and open up soon. Giving her a quick kiss, I reluctantly disentangle myself from her and get up. “Come on, babe. We better get you into the shower and dressed for the day.”

  “Do we have to?” she asks with a seductive smile that almost makes me forget she needs to get to work.

  “Unfortunately. But hey, at least there is a shipment of new books today. That is exciting, right?” I grab her hands to pull her up from the bed.

  “Yea, usually. I just feel too exhausted to work today,” she sighs. “I guess that is the downside to running the shop—sick days aren’t really an option.”

  I kiss her forehead. “Yea, it sucks. But at least I will be there with you today. You can sit there and be lazy, ordering me around like your puppet.”

  “Hmm, that does sound nice, my sexy puppet.” I chuckle and lightly slap her ass. “Hey!”

  “Come on, we need to shower. As sexy as the ‘just fucked’ look is on you, it probably isn’t the best look for work.” Standing behind her with my hands on her hips, I lead her into the bathroom.

  ∞∞∞

  Once we finally get to the shop, I head over to the cafe to get us some coffee and muffins. “Late night?” Scott inquires with a knowing look.

  “Nah, those two passed out halfway through the movie. Tilly has been exhausted all week, though. I think it is all the stress getting to her. I really wish I could take her away for a bit. We talked about going somewhere after the holidays, but I don’t think that will be soon enough.”

  Scott ponders this for a moment. “Well, I mean, you guys could maybe get away for a weekend? It might not be whatever exotic vacation you have planned. But I am sure she can manage a three or four-day weekend trip.”

  “That sounds like a good idea. Thanks, man.” I immediately start thinking of all the places I could take Tilly for a quick getaway.

  After I grab our drinks and muffins, I find Tilly in her office, resting her head on her desk. “Hey, babe. Are you feeling okay?”

  “Huh, yea.” She sits up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “Sorry, I am just feeling a little rundown this morning.” She grabs her cup of coffee from me and takes a big whiff. “Hmm, nectar of the gods,” she mumbles, before taking a gulp.

  “I’ve been thinking. I know we talked about going on vacation after the holidays, but how would you feel about getting away for a long weekend? We could go to the Keys? Relax on the beach, while enjoying umbrella drinks and reading books?” I offer her.

  “Oh, that does sound really nice. I have my appointment on Friday to have my arm looked at. Let's hear what the doctor says, then plan from there. I would love to go to the beach with you, but with this stupid cast…” She lifts her arm. “…I am not going to be able to enjoy much. Also, weird tan lines,” she chuckles, shaking her head.

  I lean down and give her a quick kiss. “Perfect. After your appointment Friday, I will start looking at flights and stuff.” Tilly smiles up at me, before giving me a big yawn. “How about you relax back here and I will man the front of the store?”

  “Thank you. Let me know if you have any issues, okay?”

  “Sure thing, babe. Just get some rest.” I take my coffee and muffin to the front of the shop and grab my laptop. Since the town social media and marketing position will not be working out, I need to start looking for something else. I am not going to
let that jackass keep me from moving home full time. Fuck, at this point, I might see if Robbie needs a lube tech or something at the garage. I may not know as much about cars as he does, but I can at least change my oil and a tire.

  Chapter 25

  Matilda

  After I relax in the back office for a bit, I decide to get up and move around. As much as I love Jax for helping to run the front of the shop today, there is still work I need to get done. Making my way to the counter, I see Jax on his laptop clicking away. He is so focused on what he is doing, I’m able to sneak up and wrap my arms around him from behind. “Hey, whatcha looking at?”

  “Oh, not much. Just some possible marketing positions in the Twin Cities.” He closes his laptop and looks back at me. “Are you feeling better?”

  “Yea, thanks for letting me rest for a bit. I was thinking I better come out here and try and get some work done.” I hate that he has to look for jobs in the Twin Cities. The commute would be brutal, especially during the winter months. I know it would be better than him having to travel, but it just doesn’t feel right. His heart has always been in photography. I can’t imagine him sitting behind a desk all day.

  The bell rings as the shop door opens and Robbie walks in. “Hey, how’s it going?”

  “Good. What brings you in today?” It is rare that Robbie ever stops by the bookstore. He is usually so busy with his own shop that he doesn’t have the time to spare.

  “I got a call from the lawyer. They wanted to see if everyone could meet today and go over the will. I was hoping maybe we could all meet here, say around two?”

  “Yea, sure. I’m amazed that they haven’t asked for us to meet with them sooner.”

  Robbie looks sheepish as he rubs the back of his neck. “Yea, that is kind of my fault. The lawyer called me a couple of times to try and set up a meeting and I honestly just spaced it.” Sounds like typical Robbie. He really needs more help at that shop. He is always so busy and barely has time for himself.

  “How do you space something like that?” Jax chuckles, shaking his head.

  “I don’t know. I’ve been busy, I guess. Anyway, does two work for the both of you?” Robbie presses on.

  “Yea, I have no plans today. I can help watch the shop while you guys meet,” Jax mentions.

  “Actually, no, you need to be present. You are in the will too, brother.”

  Jax seems taken aback by this. “Don’t be so surprised. Mom and dad loved you as if you were their own,” I say, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

  Jax and I work around the shop, putting out the new releases and arranging a few new displays. After everything is all set up, he focuses on taking some pictures to post on the shop's social media. Pre-Jax, I had a Facebook account. Now, we have Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I had no idea there were so many platforms. It baffles me how he is able to manage all that. But whatever he is doing, it’s working. My online orders have been at a steady increase.

  Two o’clock approaches quickly. Jake and Robbie show up a hair before the scheduled meeting time. After they arrive, Scott comes over from the café, leaving one of his baristas in charge. Letty is kind enough to stop in for a little bit (prior to her shift at the bar) to help cover the front of the shop. Fortunately, Mr. Reed (the lawyer) is on time. We decide to all meet in my back office for some additional privacy. It is a tight fit, but it will do.

  “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I understand you are all busy individuals,” Mr. Reed starts off.

  “Sorry for the delay, Mr. Reed. I’m glad we were able to all meet today,” I reply, trying to smooth over Robbie’s forgetfulness.

  “Anyway, your parents had everything very well planned out in regards to their assets. If you are all ready, we can proceed with the reading of the will?”

  We nod in unison. Jax holds my hand for support, which I greatly appreciate. Mr. Reed runs through a bunch of legal stuff but at the end of the day, Jake and I were left the house—which makes sense, since we both currently live there. We can choose to sell it if we want, but we are required to split any profits. Scott and I are both left Moore Books and Coffee with the same stipulation—if we want to sell, we can; but we need to share the proceeds. Robbie was left my dad’s storage unit. It houses a few classic cars my dad inherited from his father and never really got around to working on. Jax was left with a private letter and some property that I am not familiar with, but it seems he is. Some other key items are divided out between us, but the real kicker is the money.

  I knew mom and dad had life insurance and investments. I just never realized how much it would be. The total cash value is split between the five of us, leaving each of us roughly a hundred thousand. It isn’t life changing money, but it is a lot. There is so much I can do to the shop with that sum. Even though, there was a comment added from my dad asking us not to spend all of our inheritance on our shops; instead, he suggested we try and do something fun and frivolous… something more personal and that we would actually enjoy.

  After the reading, we have to sign some legal documents and then we are handed our respective checks. We thank Mr. Reed for agreeing to come down to the shop and apologize again for not meeting with him sooner. Letty rushes out quickly to get to the bar. Her shift starts in just a few minutes.

  “What’s with the property and letter, Jax?” Scott asks, not out of jealousy or anything but likely because of the same extreme curiosity we all have.

  “I’m not sure. I’ll read the letter and stuff later. Tilly, we better get back to work. There is still a lot we need to get done in the shop today. Plus, there are a bunch of orders we need to bring to the post office,” Jax says, trying to avoid the subject of his inheritance.

  My brothers seem to take the hint and drop it. As much as I want to know as well, I will give him some time to figure it all out.

  “Well, shit. Anyone know what they plan to do with the money?” Jake asks, trying to break the tension. Robbie, Scott, and I are all about to answer when Jake interjects, “Plans that don’t involve spending it at the shops?”

  We all laugh, knowing our only plans have been on how to improve our businesses. But honestly, I am not sure what else to do. I already have a home and a car. School is paid for… Sure, I could use a little of the money on a vacation, but no way am I spending that much on a trip. Scott and I have both been eyeing up the shop behind ours; and if we could get our hands on it, we would own this whole corner of Main Street. We could expand, and Scott could take over the kitchen there. It seems like it would be the best use of our money, if that is what he wants to do as well.

  “Ha, that is what I thought. I don’t blame you guys, though. My only thoughts are investing or helping you expand the shop to add my video store,” he chuckles, bringing up his rental store idea again.

  “Yea, I was thinking of the place behind the shop,” Scott says, having the same idea I do. “If all three of us went in on it together, we would only need maybe fifty thousand a piece. Then, we could use the rest for whatever.”

  “That sounds like an awesome plan. I'd be interested if Tilly is.” Jake seems uncharacteristically enthusiastic about this video store concept.

  “I like the idea. But before we do anything, let's check on things… look at the space. It has been abandoned for a while and we should make sure it is worth investing in. If the kitchen needs a complete overhaul or cannot easily be integrated into our space, I’m not sure if it is worth it or not.” While I am excited over the prospect, I know we need to all slow down and think about it.

  After my brothers take off, Jax and I are left in the shop. I want nothing more than to hound him about what my parents left him, but he seems a little closed off right now. I know that when I need space, he usually gives it to me and so, I need to do the same for him.

  “Hey, would you mind if I head out? I’ve got some shit I need to take care of,” Jax says suddenly.

  “Umm, yea, sure. All the hard stuff is done for the day.”


  “Thanks, babe,” he says, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek. “I will bring these orders to the post office for you.”

  “Thank you. I will see you tonight at home.” He gives me a quick nod, before grabbing his stuff and the orders and heading out.

  I hate that something is bothering him… and that I don’t know what it is. Is it just grief? Is it guilt? Or is it something else altogether? I will give him some time to process everything. I just hope it isn’t that much time.

  I spend the rest of the afternoon working around the store. A few customers come in, and I get a few more online orders that I prep for tomorrow. Scott has already shut down the cafe for the day and gone home. Sometimes I envy the fact he finishes his day at five, but then I remember he starts at like four in the morning. So, yea, I will handle closing at seven since I get to sleep in and not show up until nine.

  About half an hour before closing, the chime above the door rings and I see Keith. Immediately, all the blood drains from my face. What the hell is he doing here? What right does he have to come into my shop? I mean, I know it is a public establishment and all, but still he has no business being here.

  “What do you want?” I skip all pleasantries and cross my arms over my chest. Thankfully, I have the counter separating us; so, if he tries anything, it will be easy to evade him this time.

  Keith holds his hands up in surrender. “Hey, no reason to be so hostile. I just came by to deliver this notice.” He slowly approaches the counter, as if he is approaching a wild animal, and lays a letter down in front of me.

  “What is this?” I ask, refusing to even touch the white envelope; because frankly, I am not sure I want to touch anything that he has had in his possession. “It is not common for you to go around delivering notices.”