Lyrical: Legal, #2

By Bree Dahlia

Lyrical is the sexy sequel to Legal

Perfect. Flawless. Undeniable.
Falling in love with a man half my age changed my life.
Chase makes everything easier, brighter, better.
Together, we can conquer anything.

Until Daniel comes back.
At first it seems seamless.
But nothing is easy when you love two men.
Two incredible men.
I would die for him,
Will love him until my final breath.
After all, he is my son, my one and only,
Even if I want to wring his neck.

Where I see perfection, he only sees complications,
Of loving Chase.
He doesn't understand – can't understand.
It drives a wedge between us and into my heart.
How can I create harmony among two grown men,
When one of them is acting like a baby?  

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bree Dahlia
• Release date: Mar 15, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386740568

Bree Dahlia

Bree Dahlia is an unconventional romance junkie. Her stories range from lighthearted to sizzling with that satisfying happily-ever-after ending and a touch of the unexpected. She favors themes of friendship, forgiveness, and unconditional love with alpha characters and eccentric tastes. She holds degrees that look pretty in a frame and has sampled a long string of jobs that have left a lot to be desired. Only as an author has she found her passion. When not crafting stories in her small Wisconsin town, she hikes unbeaten trails, watches hockey games, and wishes she didn't detest cooking so much. Dahlia is her middle name. Her last name is more suitable for a horror writer. You can sign up for her new release newsletter at http://eepurl.com/PeU-r

Book preview

Isnatched the heart-shaped box out of Perry’s lap, earning me a stuck-out tongue.

Pay attention, I said. Bridal books and magazines were circled all around me. I’m taking this more seriously than you.

She grabbed her chocolates back, giving me a look that’d put a toddler to shame, and popped one in her mouth with the wrapper still on.

Ugh, she garbled, pulling the black paper through her lips.

Serves you right.

I slid a heavy book across the floor and it smacked into her knees. I was sitting cross-legged on my living room floor, cold oak hardwood under me, and the least she could do was try to pretend she was interested.

Perry sighed and picked up the hardback, rifling through it. Seriously, Jills? She flipped the book around, showing me an inside page of a woman wearing a bridal safari hat. This is what you want me to wear?

No, what I want is to know what your damn problem is.

My voice rose higher than intended, and from an outsider peeking in, it’d appear like I was the bridezilla, and she was the maid of honor trying to calm me down before I breathed enough fire to incinerate the place.

She shrugged. I don’t know. I guess I’m just not that into it right now.

You don’t have the luxury not to be into it, Perry. This wedding is less than four months away, and it’s going to happen whether you’re ready or not. I stuck my finger towards her face. And I suggest you get ready. Got it?

I took a deep breath. I needed to take a step back and chill something other than my ass. I definitely was taking all this more seriously. Maybe too seriously, but really? The only thing we’d managed to accomplish so far was narrow down a dress and scarcely avoid getting kicked out of another bakery. There was only so much cake they’d allow you to sample, claiming to be undecided.

Something was up, and she wasn’t divulging. I picked up a magazine, paging through. I’d taken time off work to get these details nailed down, not to watch her scarf on two-week-old Valentine’s Day candy while I lost my shit.

What do you think about this for a bouquet? I flashed her one of the glossy inserts. Gorgeous, don’t you think?

She glanced up to see me holding an advertisement for allergy meds, featuring a large bundle of ragweed.

Yeah, that’d be fine.

She said it with a straight face, and I refrained from throwing it at her head. She was finally getting married to my brother after six-and-a-half years—the frickin’ love of her life—and it should be a monumental occasion for more than just one person in this room.

Dammit, Perry. I stood up, crossing my arms and towering over her. You’d better start talking right now or—

I had to sit back down; I felt a bit faint. Oh my God. What if she was having second thoughts? Was the impossible actually possible? What if she’d fallen out of love and it’d happened without me realizing it? Holy fuck. They were my favorite ‘together forever, happily-ever-after’ couple. Well, one of them, but—

Ow! I rubbed between my brows, noticing the culprit that had homed in right on my monster-sized line. I picked up the nut-spiked chocolate ball. Man, those things were sharp. It was like a little mace weapon. What the hell?

Sorry, Jills. Had to do it. I saw that look on your face, and I knew exactly what you were thinking. And shame on you. How could you? You’re supposed to be my best friend.

I scooted over and put my hand on her leg. God, I’m sorry, Perry. But you really are acting weird here. Have been for weeks and you’re not filling me in, which is so unlike you.

That’s because I don’t know myself, but I swear it’s nothing bad. Honest. I still can’t imagine anything other than being with Stephen forever, and I still can’t wait to get married, but… I don’t know. Maybe I’m just getting bored with it all?

Bored? My mouth dropped. "I thought this was supposed to be your dream wedding with your dream guy. Bored?"

Maybe that was the wrong word. Overwhelmed?

Overwhelmed? I’ve been doing everything. Making phone calls, researching venues, dropping everything at a moment’s notice to go on your emergency cake-testing missions.

Hmm… okay, maybe overwhelmed isn’t quite right either. But isn’t it your maid-of-honorly duty to do whatever I want so I can rest up and look pretty for my big day?

She gave me a sweet smile, and I gave her back a look that showed exactly what I thought about that. She parted with her sugar, setting the box aside and giving me a hug.

I’m sorry, Jills. I’ll start getting more into it. I swear.

But shouldn’t it come automatically? Not something you have to force.

I know. I’m just in some pre-bridal slump or some crap like that. I’m sure it’ll pass soon. But I swear on our undying friendship that it has nothing to do with your brother. She pulled back and narrowed her eyes at me. And what the fuck? How could you even think such a thing? You know how much I love him, and for you of all people to even think I have cold feet…

I opened my mouth. Yeah, she was right, but in my defense, she had not been acting like herself. Still, I didn’t mean to offend her.

…but I do have a freezing ass. What the fuck, Jills? Is your heater broken now too? I know you’ve cut down your hours since Mr. Hard arrived on the scene, but I’m sure you still make boatloads. Certainly enough to fix the damn thing.

I shook my head, smiling. She’d already forgiven me. It’s not broken, and you should be fine. You’re sitting on two blankets. And she was covered in two more.

"And my ass is still blue. Could you please just check? I think I’m starting to see my breath. Although, if it is busted, good luck getting your pigheaded self to fix it. You seem to have a stubborn streak when it comes to major household appliances."

I rolled my eyes, laughing, and went over to the thermostat. It was fine. Sixty-two degrees. I liked it cooler in winter. It made for better sleeping, especially when a certain body was pressed against me all night. Any hotter and I was liable to combust.

Nope, nothing’s broken, I said, digging through the basket on the floor of my hall closet. I hauled out another blanket and tossed it to her. And as far as I know, my a/c is still working perfectly too. Would you like me to check?

You’re hilarious.

If you’re that cold, I could start a fire. I’ll just have to run out to the shed and collect some wood and—

No, I’ll suffer. She stood up, draping the heaviest blanket around her shoulders. But I’m not going to do it without hot chocolate. When I come back, we’ll talk wedding shit. Promise.

Okay. I picked up the nut ball. Here, you probably want this back.

She stuck out her tongue. Blech. What’s the purpose of ruining chocolate like that? If I want nuts in my mouth, I’ll—

Go make your drink, I said, interrupting her before she could finish her favorite pastime of reminding me how active a sex life my brother enjoyed. And throw this away if you’re not going to eat it.

She caught my toss. Try the truffles, Jills. It’ll give you an orgasm. I had three just sitting here.

I already get plenty. And I get to keep my stable blood sugar levels.

Suit yourself. More for me.

Perry scrounged up all the crinkled candy wrappers to add to the garbage and headed to the kitchen. I slid over and pushed the lid down on the pink and red jumbo box, puffing up a squeal of air. I was impressed. It was the last day of February, and she still had some pieces left.

How’d you ever manage to keep yourself from finishing the box yet? I yelled to her.

She stuck her head around the corner. Because it’s my second one.

I smiled; Stephen knew her so well. Her perfect Valentine’s Day gift was a double order of anything sweet, hold the flowers. She was the only one I knew who’d be able to pound down so much crap and show up at the altar looking like she’d just spent three weeks at a rejuvenation clinic.

My cell dinged and I glanced over at the table, the text lighting up the screen and warming me more than any hot drink.

Taking Hazel ice skating tonight. You in?

I caught sight of the igloo taking up residence outside my back window, and my face brightened further. Chase and I built it during our most recent snowstorm the previous weekend. He got a chance to prove his point that yes, you really can build one warm enough to get naked inside if you get creative with your body heat.

I shifted around, straightening and then crossing my legs again. Would I always feel like a horned-up teenager when I thought of him? God, I hoped so.

Let me guess, Perry said, coming back with one of my mugs that could double as a soup bowl. It was piled high with whipped cream. I kept a family-sized can in the fridge at all times just for her. There’s only one person who could make you look so dumb.

Thanks.

I meant that in a good way. She slurped up a mouthful of cream, plopping back down on the floor.

You can sit on the couch, you know. I’m just down here because it’s easier for me to spread out everything and keep track of it.

No, I’m better now.

My phone dinged again, spurring on more goofiness inside.

I love you.

Is he telling you about all the freaky stuff he wants to do to you tonight?

I looked up. What? No. He’s asking about going ice skating with Hazel.

I shot off a quick reply: I’m in. Can’t wait. Love you too.

It’s fine for her to be doing that stuff with her globamacallits?

It’s glomerulonephritis, and she’s doing great. It hasn’t progressed. That little girl we’d practically adopted made me walk on sunshine. There could be no option where she wasn’t doing great. I wouldn’t be able to handle it.

You’re really happy, Jills. I love seeing you like this.

Yeah, me too. I placed my phone back on the table. Nowadays, I was walking around with a heart the size of Perry’s box of orgasms.

And fuck, I can’t believe we’re going to be official sisters soon.

Fuck is right, so let’s get this wedding planned, okay? I slapped a Modern Bride mag on the floor. We were so behind schedule it was laughable. If it weren’t so nerve-racking. With the icy winds and the poor little trees that looked like they’d snap under all the heavy snow, it was easy for Perry to be in denial about how quickly the day was creeping up on us. Now, about that officiant. Did Stephen ever—

Ding.

That time when I glanced over, my lips curved high for a different reason.

Chase again?

I looked at Perry, feeling like my heart had just grown another fifty sizes.

No. Daniel’s coming home.

Strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind, catching me off guard. I let out a tiny yip as he kissed the side of my neck.

Jillian? the voice echoed through the phone.

I gotta go, Mike. Sunday’s all set.

Chase squeezed me tighter, and I leaned back into his chest. Mmm…. I hadn’t meant to say that out loud, but my body often took over when he was pressed against it.

Jillian? the irritating voice repeated.

Just call when you’re on your way, please.

What are—

I disconnected the call. We’d already gone over every minute detail regarding Daniel’s arrival, and I didn’t need to give my ex-husband any additional time to get in a few cracks. It irked the shit out of Mike that Chase and I were still going strong. Since I’d kicked Mike out five months ago after begging me for a temporary place to stay, we only had contact when we needed to discuss our son. But after that was completed, he never could seem to resist digging in some cougar barbs. He hadn’t even known that frickin’ word before, and now it was at the top of his vocabulary list.

I tossed my phone on the bed and turned to a raised eyebrow. Problems?

Just going over plans for Sunday. When Daniel comes home.

I felt like my face was going to crack in two. God, it was really happening. Each time I said it out loud, it became more real.

He brushed his lips against mine. Which are?

Mike has this thing with Candace that he can’t get out of, whatever that could be. His mouth found my neck again. Mmm… so I’m picking up Daniel at the airport. His plane comes in at…. His tongue circled the sensitive area behind my ear. Mmm… 5:10. Then I’m bringing him back to Mom’s for family dinner. Mike will pick him up there later.

I pushed him away while I still could. God, Chase. Why do you do these things when you can’t finish them? I’m going to be walking around a throbbing mess now.

Who says I can’t finish?

We have to get Hazel soon. I checked the time: almost four. Wow, between getting nothing accomplished with Perry and getting nothing accomplished after Daniel’s news, I’d barely gotten any work in. And it didn’t even bother me.

His fingertips stroked over my jaw and up to trace my lips. I shivered. Dammit. He could keep his focus strictly from the neck up and I’d still be a gelatinous bag of nerves.

Does this excite you, Wild Horses?

You know it does. Now, stop it.

He smiled. There used to be a time when you’d do anything possible to keep me from leaving the house with you.

I gave him a quick kiss and went to the closet. Yeah, well, as you know, those days are over. But that doesn’t mean I’m letting you off the hook. I’ll be pissed if we get home and you don’t finish what you started. Getting naked with you is still one of my favorite activities.

I heard him chuckle behind me as I rummaged around for my heaviest wool sweater. It was going to be freaking cold on that ice. I missed New Orleans already. Chase and I had treated ourselves to a fantastic weekend there for Valentine’s Day, and I was so ready for another round of warmth, spice, and rhythm.

I tippy-toed up and found my sweater hiding on the top shelf in the far back. I reached for it, only to have Chase bypass my shorter arm and tug it out for me. Otherwise, I probably would’ve yanked down the whole lot along with it.

God, could life be any more perfect? I’d found the missing note that made my song complete. Sometimes I still wondered if I deserved his steadfastness, his strength in us that never wavered. I must have kissed a lot of asses in a previous life to hit it big in this one.

And now my son was coming home from Italy in five days? Yes, perfection.

I looked into Chase’s face as he handed me the sweater. His smooth, beautiful face. Fuck… Daniel was coming home in five days.

I’d been on a nonstop high since I found out. His final internship and school term were finished, and he was done. Permanently. He was moving back into his old room until he became established. He’d already secured some leads and was ready to make Milwaukee his home base again. My son was almost back, and that was the happiest of changes. But still a change.

I felt a swoosh of air inside my head and became woozy, forcing myself to balance against the closet door. Chase was right there holding me, which was silly. I wasn’t going down; I only felt like it.

Baby, are you okay?

I peered into his green eyes, the flakes of gold more prominent than ever, and nodded. I guess all the excitement caught up with me.

Was that all it was? Maybe partly. He scooped me up and carried me to the bed. Carried me. I’d never stop marveling at how easily he could do that, as if it required no more effort than me carrying this sweater.

He sat on the edge and placed me on his lap. What’s going on? You’ve been excited since you texted me the news earlier. Why would it suddenly affect you now?

Isn’t that setting a bad example for your students? You shouldn’t be using your phone during the school day.

He sighed. You know I only use it during breaks. Now talk to me, Jillian.

It’s going to sound really crazy.

I don’t care.

Yeah, he should be used to that with me. All these weeks I’ve been waiting for this day, to finally get the confirmation that Daniel was flying home. And now it’s here.

I chomped down on my bottom lip as if it were a lever to deactivate my tear ducts. If only it were that easy. My emotions had become forever altered, and my tears of the present were ruthless bullies to my tears of yesteryear. It could be yet another thing I could blame on aging, but only if I wanted to lie to myself. No, it was Chase. He’d awakened some secret soul-mate connection that turned my insides to fucking mush.

My life is worlds different now than when he left, Chase. You’re in it now and what if….

Stop, Jillian. There are no ‘what-ifs,’ at least none you should be worrying about right now. Don’t let them take this moment away from you. Not when you’ve wanted it so badly.

What I wanted so badly right then was to follow his advice, but my head was teeming with what-ifs. Infected with them. What if Daniel didn’t like Chase? What if Chase didn’t like him?

It was easy to be hopeful and optimistic when his return was happening at an undetermined time. I knew it was a done deal, and it’d be sooner rather than later, but until I received word, I’d never known exactly when he’d be home. And now that I did, the reality was more real than ever. I couldn’t bear the thought of one of them not sharing my life.

My version of hell on Earth? Having to choose which one.

I needed them both.

Chase increased his hold. He could obviously see that his words weren’t taking effect yet. Everything is going to work out fine. And if it doesn’t, we’ll deal with it then. He lifted my chin with his finger. Together, like we always do.

He was transferring some of his strength to me at a time when I desperately needed it, and I wanted more than anything for him to be right.

Do I need to bust out my guitar?

That earned him a smile. There were few things better than hearing him play for me. I couldn’t imagine a world without that sound filling my soul.

God, I love this man. Please let Daniel accept that.

Forty-five minutes later, I was holding one small mittened hand while Chase held the other. Hazel was between us, legs scissoring, large brown eyes not budging from her skates as we shifted across the frozen pond.

You’re getting better, Hazelnut. Pretty soon you won’t even need us anymore.

I smiled warmly at him. Hopefully, that time wouldn’t arrive too soon. I’d grown way too attached to the little girl with hair the color of her namesake. She’d been an important part of Chase’s life before we met, but since he and I became close, their relationship shot up a dozen notches. And I was a part of it all. It was awesome.

You were right, Jillian, Hazel said. I do like this place.

I squeezed her hand. Me too, but we still promise we’ll take you back downtown before the weather warms up.

Over Christmas break, we’d taken her to Red Arrow Park to awe her with all the lights and decorations before taking her skating on the outdoor rink. She’d fallen in love and wanted to return, but because it was a school night, we’d chosen Candle Park instead. As long as they sold hot chocolate, she was willing to give it a try.

Jillian?

Yes, sweetie?

Stop. I hafta tell you something. We slowed our already leisurely pace, and I bent down. Hazel whispered into my ear, I hafta go to the bathroom.

Okay, I whispered back.

I stood and faced Chase, putting on a serious face. Hazel has some official business to attend to that will require our absence for a few minutes.

He saluted, and Hazel broke out into a fit of giggles. "Are you sure your boyfriend won’t die without you?"

I gave her a wacky grin. She loved that word and seemed to use it at every opportunity. She was calling Chase my boyfriend long before I’d acknowledged anything between us.

Chase clenched his chest and pretended to fall over, causing her to laugh even harder.

All right, smarty pants. Let’s go. Before you pee in them.

We tromped over to the small restroom, the fluorescents flooding my eyes. She started in another round of giggles.

I put my hands on my hips. Now what?

You look like Rudolph.

I glanced in the mirror. Holy shit, I did. My bright red nose didn’t seem to be acclimating to the cold too well. I tapped the tip of her nose. Okay, you. Go to the bathroom now. Do you need any help with your skates?

Nope.

She toddled off, and I fanned my face. I was sweltering. We’d just gone from twenty to eighty in half a second. I pulled off my hat and saw a mess of stringy hair. Now I looked like a drowned reindeer.

When Hazel came out of the stall and washed her hands, I expected her to laugh again, but she just asked, Can we get some hot chocolate now?

Already?

I think it’ll help me skate even better.

I laughed instead. Okay, sweetie.

Extra whipped cream?

You got it.

We went to the stand and I bought her a cup, testing a sip to make sure it wasn’t too hot before handing it to her. She sucked off all the whipped cream first, reminding me of Perry.

I waved to Chase, catching his attention so he’d know about our little pit stop. He was out there owning that ice, and I had one of my bouts of disbelief. He looked like he was doing hockey drills, and I knew firsthand how powerful those leg muscles were to handle himself that way. I was the lucky one who got to feel them crush me.

I was less than a year from forty, and I had Chase. A man with an erection I could chip a tooth on and a twenty-four-year-old body that didn’t quit until I was a puddle. Every day I got a little more comfortable with the age difference, although I still had my moments. Like now, watching two twentysomethings standing on the sidelines, giving him a triple-take.

Hazel tugged on my jacket. That’s my friend Sarah over there. She pointed to a girl in a neon yellow snowsuit sitting at the edge of the rink. That was one way of never losing them. Can I go say hi?

I took her over and chatted with the mom for a minute before leaving them to toss snow at each other. I skated back to Chase, nodding towards Hazel. She wants to hang out with Sarah for a while.

Okay. He grabbed me, almost knocking me to my ass, but quickly righted me to his lips. His deep kiss warmed more than just my nose. We detached, my breath forming puffs of clouds around us.

What was that for?

Do I ever need a reason to kiss you? I shook my head, and he took my hand. Good. Let’s skate.

We glided around the perimeter of the rink, hand in hand, the icicles forming on my eyelashes no match for my heated insides.

You’re so good with her, Jillian.

You tell me that every time we’re with her.

Because it’s true every time. I can see how much she means to you and vice versa. He was quiet for a minute, the peals of kids’ laughter moving front and center. And every time I see you with her, I become curious.

Curious?

Did you ever want to give Daniel a brother or sister?

This was something we’d never really talked about before. I glanced at him, then back ahead, letting our momentum slow. I could understand how he’d be curious. Mike and I had been married seventeen years. Wow, it was crazy to think in those terms… Chase had already blown that away in eight months.

When Daniel was about five, I went off the pill for a year, but nothing came of it even though I was assured to be very healthy and fertile. And obviously, Mike was fine. Then we tried again when I was off the pill for good at thirty. It just was never meant to be, I guess. I did want more children, but it’s good that things happened as they did. I shrugged. I’d accepted it long ago. I was already blessed to have Daniel. And then it just got too late.

If it were too late, you wouldn’t make me wear those damned condoms.

I laughed, stopping suddenly, smashing us together. I’m still fertile, silly. That’s why you have to wear them.

He gave me a lengthy stare, his irises a deep forest green, bordering on black. He looked like he wanted to devour me, and I couldn’t wait to get him home.

Hmm… don’t like condoms, huh? I double-checked my internal fertility calendar. Yep, that egg had shriveled and sailed off yesterday. I was safe. Then you’re in luck. Instead of coming down my throat tonight, you can do it deep in my pussy. I’ll be feeling you on my thighs all night long.

I knew I got to him by the flicker in his eyes, or maybe it was the way his hand palmed my nape and brought his mouth to my neck. Whatever it was, I just loved that it happened. He turned me on all the damn time, so I needed to return the favor whenever I could, just to keep things from getting too far off balance.

I heard Hazel calling his name, and before he responded, he moved closer to my ear, his breath hot against my skin.

No, you’re in luck, Wild Horses. I’ll not only finish what I started, I’ll go one better. I’m going to make you feel so fucking good you’ll never want anything between us ever again.

And with that, he skated off to get Hazel, leaving me there to melt the ice. Before I could analyze exactly what he meant, I noticed the women again, pointing and whispering to each other as he soared past.

Back off bitches, he’s mine. I had his heart and his body.

You should be so lucky at half my age.

We pushed open the large double doors of Heritage Manor, fleur-de-lis etched into the glass, the scent of high society wafting over us. The historical décor was upscale and chic, and I prayed that Perry would find it acceptable.

This looks nice, I said. It’s fortunate that Stephen has connections through work or else they wouldn’t have even talked to you on such short notice, much less considered your reception. I bet they book out at least two years.

Yeah, it looks weird.

No, it looks elegant.

I feel like I’m inside an elitist magazine.

Let’s just talk with the lady, okay? Keep an open mind. This place could be perfect for you.

I went up to the desk. We have an appointment with Mrs. Faulks. The man ran his finger down the computer screen, an inch away from the glass. Perry Sommers.

Yes, right here. Have a seat. I’ll let her know you arrived.

Thank you.

I joined Perry on the sofa and stilled her bouncing legs. Relax. You’re not here to get a pap smear. This is supposed to be fun, remember?

I feel like I’m contaminating their furniture. Like I should be wearing a plastic hazmat suit just to sit down.

God, Perry, overreacting much? Maybe this wouldn’t go as well as I thought.

A rail-thin woman clicked out on skyscraper heels, making it seem effortless. Her tailored suit looked like it cost the equivalent of one of my commissions. An exaggeration, yes, but I was starting to question the suitability of the space. And when

Reviews for Lyrical

[kendall · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I read the beginning of Perry and Stephen first so I had a different introduction to Perry's character. I really enjoyed Jillian and Chase's story. They all kept me pretty involved. I hate those stories where I find myself rolling my eyes and itching to skip forward. When I began reading Jillian and Chase's story, I noticed Perry seemed to have a different personality than she did in Love, Luck & ClusterF. By the end, I just felt like she was an entirely different person in these. I didn't like that. She had a fire to her, but it was as if her character was completely rewritten in these two stories. The character took on a bitchy, drunk, spastic, mouthy, arrogant tone. It wasn't even subtle. I felt like this version of Perry would not have been with Stephen. I really wish that hadn't been the case. I had to overlook that a lot to enjoy these two books.