Lila had changed his world. She was still changing it, minute by minute.

  He stepped up behind her, and she braced for an instant as he locked his arms around her waist. He nuzzled her temple and she sighed, leaning back into him with a familiarity that stirred him as much as the passion that always flared hot between them.

  There was nothing so amazing as being in love with your favorite person on the planet. The whole getting to fuck them too thing? Major bonus.

  “How’s Raine?” Lila’s voice scarcely rose above the roar of the wind.

  “Smoking her first cigar while she beats her father at gin. Which is scarily easy to do. The guy sucks at cards.”

  “Do you two ever stop razzing each other?” Lila shook her head, causing the long blond strands of her hair to drag across his face. He wasn’t hard immediately.

  Okay, lie. Yes, he was.

  “Not often. It’s our love language. Speaking of love languages,” he turned her toward him and banded his arms around her once again, “I feel like coming is in your future.”

  “Oh, is it now? Or are you going to write me more coupons if you can’t deliver?”

  Her tone was teasing, as was the sparkle in her eyes. But something about the question hit him low in his gut.

  “I want to deliver. It’s basically killing me that I can’t do this for you.”

  “What?” Her brows drew together. “What are you—” Then she broke off and sighed. “Oh.”

  Yeah, oh. Elephant on the balcony, reporting for duty.

  All their polite conversations about being okay with waiting and possibly looking into adoption down the road or just enjoying their twins—which they did already, at least when the kids weren’t mid-tantrum—were harder to focus on in the face of the Olympic reproductive teams around them.

  Now even Zoe and Ian were having a kid, for God’s sake. They’d known each other, what, ten minutes?

  “We discussed this before.” Her tone was quiet. Reproachful. “You said you’d be fine with just the girls. Were you just saying that for my benefit?”

  “No, I was saying it because it’s true. Just as I would’ve been fine with Oblivion never being famous. I was happy playing dive bars. But I knew the other guys—Simon especially—saw greater things for themselves. I just wanted the music.”

  Lila crossed her arms. “So, my greater thing for myself is having more of your children?”

  “Well, it is an honor few get to experience.”

  Her eyebrow lifted.

  “I mean, no one else has experienced it but you, honey.” He cleared his throat. “Somehow I think you’re missing my point.”

  “I hope so, or my coming will be self-serviced.”

  It was his turn to raise his brows. “Let’s discuss your self-servicing more fully.”

  She paid him no mind. “You think this is your fault somehow. Like it lessens your manhood that we didn’t have an instant home run the second time at bat.”

  “Second time? Pretty sure we’re in the mid-thousands at this point. It ain’t for lack of trying.”

  “You know, your mouth is the most effective birth control on the planet. You should market it. You’d make a killing.”

  He released a long breath as she turned back to the rail, her long hair whipping behind her.

  Maybe Simon was right. It was a miracle he’d been married this long. No matter how he tried to say the right thing, it was never even close.

  Tucking his hands in his pockets, he turned to go back inside, only to be stopped by her voice.

  “Don’t go.”

  He shifted to face her back and waited.

  It took another minute or two, but she finally pivoted to meet his gaze. “You’re not the only one who feels like they can’t deliver. It’s so ridiculous. I didn’t even know if I’d want more after the girls and now this.”

  “Well, when you get it perfect the first time around, why mess with the formula?”

  She smiled and tilted her head so that her hair tumbled around her face. It was a rare thing for her to wear it down, especially for the better part of a day. Her normally fair skin had a hint of a glow from the earlier sun before the storm rolled in, and without makeup, the freckles on her nose would’ve been visible if there was more light out here. Still, he knew where they were. He knew every inch of her.

  Except her heart.

  “I’d be fine too,” she murmured. “It’s just like when you’re on a diet and there’s chocolate everywhere. And babies smell so good. Even the stinky ones.”

  “I’m guessing you’re implying that Simon’s daughter is stinky? You should’ve lived on the tour bus with him. You’d see where she gets it.”

  She said nothing.

  Not the best time for jokes then. Okay. Moving on.

  He stepped forward to encircle her in his arms again. Where she belonged. “The first time around, I missed a few months at the beginning when I didn’t know. I want to be there for every step this time. Every minute.” He glanced down at her belly, barely noticeable in her thin beachy-type dress. His fingers skimmed it lightly as he lifted his head. “When we’re old and gray, I want that memory. To go with the memories from the first time around when I’d press my ear to either side of your belly to see which of them would kick me harder. And we know it was always Charlie.”

  Sniffling, she smiled. “Don’t underestimate Avery. She’s got a surprisingly strong left hook.”

  “Hi, she’s half yours. I wouldn’t ever underestimate her.”

  She leaned up to wrap her arms around his neck. “You’re good at the sweet talk, no matter what Simon thinks.”

  “Simon is nearly delirious at the idea of having to be responsible for someone else. Someone female no less. Because someone upstairs thinks it’s hilarious that we both get girls. I just got a double dose.”

  “And you’ve done just fine.”

  “I have. Maybe I want to perfect my technique.” He snorted at that before she could. “Yeah, there’s no perfection with parenting. There’s just surviving to try again tomorrow.”

  “You were right about one thing.”

  “One thing?” He drew back to frown at her. “Baby, did you forget who you’re talking to? I’m basically a genius.”

  “That whole greatest achievement thing. It’s not merely having your babies though, sorry.”

  He pretended to sigh heavily. “Not all just due is given right away. But go on.”

  “It’s making this.” She circled her finger between them. “Making us a family. You have your career successes and I have mine, and that’s all well and good. I’m proudest of those little girls. I haven’t yet screwed them up too badly. We haven’t,” she corrected, leaning up to tip her forehead against his. “We didn’t have the best start, but we’re having a damn good middle. Don’t you think?”

  “Middle? Woman, you must be out of your mind.” Quickly, he spun her out and then back into his arms, making her laugh.

  And if he’d stepped on her foot in her strappy sandal mid-move, eh, she’d probably forgive him.

  “This is just the beginning. We aren’t anywhere close to our middle yet.” He pushed her backward until her spine hit the rail. “Since I’m pretty sure even one hundred years with you won’t be nearly enough.”

  “You’re on a roll.” She smiled that sweet, unrestrained Lila smile he only got to see when they were truly alone. “Keep it up and you might get me to say having your babies is my greatest achievement.”

  “Well, duh. But could we negotiate you screaming it?”

  She laughed and shook her head. “You’re impossible.”

  “And you’re incredible. You never asked me my greatest achievement.”

  “I’m almost afraid to.”

  “Being your husband and their daddy. Nothing else even comes close.” He gathered her in close and would’ve sworn he heard her sniffle against his chest.

  “We’re in agreement for once.”

  “And we’re in agreement about having another baby too. It’s selfish, and we have so many other options, but can you blame me for wanting to do it one more time? Just one. I’m not greedy.”

  “Yes, you are, but I can’t deny I feel the same.” She pressed her face against his neck. “I’m up for some more practice, by the way. In case you were wondering.”

  “Me too. But since we’re being so open and husbandly and wifely,” she sighed and he had to smother a grin, “what does your vacation calendar look like early this year?”

  “Hello, we are on vacation right now. This instant. And vacation fucking has not been a part of my vocabulary. Gotta say I’m feeling a little bitter.”

  “In due time. So…got any more vacation coming?”

  She peered up at him, suspicion lining every one of her gorgeous features. No one could quite stare him down like his Dragon Lady. “What are you concocting?”

  “Me? Nothing. Just wondering when we can spend some more time at the orchard. Not just a drive by when we pick up the girls. A real visit.”

  “Well, I suppose we could go near Easter. Maybe. Or a few weeks before. I’ll get together with Donovan and see—” She broke off and narrowed her eyes. “You’re still scheming, I can tell. What is going on in that devious mind of yours, Crandall?”

  He held a hand over his heart. “Just good intentions, I swear.” Before she could pelt him with more questions, he swung her up in his arms.

  Understandably, she screamed. He hadn’t even done that for their honeymoon. It wasn’t a move he pulled out often. At least he knew her reactions enough to clamp a hand on her mouth before the sound fully escaped.

  “What the hell are you doing?” she hissed as he toted her inside to deposit her on the bed.

  Ahh, that was his sweet petal. Always ready for any romantic gesture.

  He grabbed his zipper and she leaned up on her elbows, already licking her lips.

  That was the kind of romance his Li understood. Exactly why they were so well-matched.

  “Get naked for me, Li.”

  She arched her back, pushing out her breasts and making his eyes cross. Seeing her completely own her sexuality always made him nuts. “Why don’t you get naked for me, Nicholas?”

  He had to laugh. Yep, she was his sweet petal—except not—and he wouldn’t trade her for the world.

  The proof? Unbeknownst to Li, they were going to the baby mecca Zoe had told them about in passing, Crescent Cove. Before he’d come to talk to Li, he’d done a little research on the place. It was even nicely located near Turnbull. He wasn’t one for much woo woo—and a place where women got knocked up en masse sounded either like woo woo or maybe the ninth realm of hell, depending on your perspective—but they were on a mission.

  So, why the hell not?

  Baby bonanza, here we come.

  Thanks for reading PARADISE in OBLIVION. Feed your rockstar needs with a surprise Vegas wedding and Michael Shawcross, a sexy guitarist who won’t let his unexpected wife divorce him without a fight. One-click BEDDED BLISS, Found in Oblivion Book 1.

  A hot night in Vegas is just what the rockstar ordered...until someone ends up married.

  Michael Shawcross is living the dream, opening up for his idols, Oblivion, on his band Warning Sign’s first tour. Until an overzealous fan goes too far and his hard-partying ways catch up to him in the form of an ultimatum from his manager, Lila Crandall.

  Clean up your image—or else.

  Single mom Chloe Adams is in Vegas for a rare girls’ night out. She wasn’t ever supposed to be attracted to another rockstar. In fact, she’s in rockstar rehab, and the cure for her addiction definitely isn't a sexy, smart-mouthed guitarist with wicked fingers.

  She never expects to accidentally end up his wife. Or to have her new husband suddenly decide that she’s the solution to all his problems. And surprise…he’s happy to show his appreciation in a number of interesting, inventive ways.

  Pretending their marriage is real might just be the hottest proposition she’s ever been given.

  But what happens when a lie becomes the truth?

  One-click BEDDED BLISS now!

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  We appreciate our readers so much! If you loved the book please let your friends know. That’s what this community is all about.

  If you’re so inclined, we’d love a review on your favorite book site.

  Now…turn the page for a special sneak peek of BEDDED BLISS!

  Bedded Bliss

  “Your Tabby has missed you. Don’t you want to pet my pussy?”

  Michael Shawcross rolled over in bed and flung out an arm. Instead of colliding with the mattress as it usually did, he hit soft, warm flesh.

  A second later, wetness glided down his belly, stopping just above the sheet tangled around his torso. He shifted his hips against the bed, his body straining toward the slick line of liquid without thought.

  “That’s it, baby. Whatcha hiding under this sheet? Is he excited to see me too?”

  Even still half asleep, he frowned. What the hell? It felt like someone was licking him. Pouring more liquid on his stomach, low, lower, lowest, then dragging down the sheet to where he was popping up like a damn sailor saluting his country.

  Then his eyes popped open to match, and he groaned. And it wasn’t because a gorgeous brunette was currently a deep breath away from sucking his cock.

  “Dammit, Tabitha, how did you get in here?”

  “That’s how you greet an old friend?” She sighed and sat up, gripping the bottle of champagne in one hand and the towel precariously wrapped around her body with the other. Catching his glance at her obviously wet and dripping legs, she let the towel fall down a bit more and smiled. “I had to wash the travel dirt off me, didn’t I? It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other, and I didn’t think you’d mind if I borrowed a little water from your shower.” She crawled up the bed toward him, her expression feral. “Don’t worry, I have some wetness to give back.”

  Would you like to read more?

  One-Click BEDDED BLISS!

  Oblivion World Character Chart

  Beware...spoilers aplenty in this character chart. Read at your own risk!

  Nick Crandall: Oblivion lead guitarist

  Twin brother to Elle/Ricki, married to Lila Shawcross, daughters Charlie and Avery, co-founder of Oblivion

  Simon Kagan: Oblivion lead singer

  Brother to Ian Kagan, married to Margo Reece, daughter Raine, co-founder of Oblivion

  Deacon McCoy: Oblivion bass guitarist

  Married to Harper Pruitt, daughter Alexa Grace, co-founder of Oblivion

  William ‘Snake’ Scotsman*: Oblivion ex-drummer

  Son Axl with Chloe Adams, co-founder of Oblivion

  Jazz Edwards: Oblivion drummer

  Sister Molly McIntire, married to Gray Duffy, son Dylan and daughter Briana

  Gray Duffy: Oblivion rhythm guitarist

  Married to Jazz Edwards, son Dylan Edward and daughter Briana

  Margo Reece: Oblivion violinist

  Sister Juliet Reece, married to Simon Kagan, daughter Raine Kagan

  Harper Pruitt: Tour Chef

  Brother Randy Pruitt*, married to Deacon McCoy, daughter Alexa Grace

  Lila Shawcross: Ripper Records executive and Oblivion’s manager

  Married to Nick Crandall, daughters Charlie and Avery, stepmother to Michael and Malachi Shawcross

  Donovan Lewis: Ripper Records CEO

  Chloe Adams: Waitress

  Married to Michael Shawcross, son Axl (Bio-father Snake Scotsman) and daughter Hope

  Michael Shawcross: Warning Sign guitarist

  Brother Malachi Shawcross, married to Chloe Adams, daughter Hope

  Juliet Reece: Warning Sign guitarist

  Sister Margo Reece, in a relationship with Randy Pruitt* and Tristan Eves, son Joshua Randall

  Randy Pruitt*: Warning Sign roadie/lighting tech

  Sister Harper Pruitt, in a relationship with Juliet Reece and Tristan Eves, son Joshua Randall

  Tristan Eves: Head chef at The Hollow

  In a relationship with Juliet Reece & Randy Pruitt*, son Joshua Randal, best friends with Hunter Jordan from Hammered

  West Reynolds: Warning Sign keyboardist

  In a relationship with Lauren Bryant, daughter Chloe (isn’t in her life)

  Lauren ‘Lo’ Bryant: Author

  In a relationship with West Reynolds, best friends with Ethan Haywood

  Denver Casey (nee: Casey Lewis): Tour bus driver for Rebel Rage and Warning Sign

  Donovan Lewis’s niece, married to Ryan Waters

  Ryan Waters: Warning Sign jack-of-all-trades

  Married to Denver Casey

  Ethan Haywood: Professor at UCLA

  In a relationship with Molly McIntire & Luc Moreau, best friends with Lauren Bryant

  Luc Moreau: Warning Sign co-lead singer

  In a relationship with Molly McIntire & Ethan Haywood, former lead singer for The Grunge

  Molly McIntire: Warning Sign lead singer

  Sister Jazz Edwards, in a relationship with Ethan Haywood & Luc Moreau

  Malachi Shawcross: Warning Sign drummer, former race car driver

  Brother Michael Shawcross, married to Elle ‘Ricki’ Crandall

 

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