Page 27 of Jaxon

Jaxon pressed a kiss to her temple. “You okay?”

“Mmm.” Rachel smiled, trailing her fingers through the hair on his chest. “More than okay.”

A low, pleased rumble vibrated in Jaxon’s chest as the last of the water gurgled down the drain.

Silence fell over them, broken only by the soft sounds of their breathing. A heaviness had settled into Rachel’s limbs, a bone-deep relaxation she wanted to hold on to forever.

Jaxon shifted, pulling her more firmly against him. “We should get out before we turn into prunes.”

“Don’t wanna move,” Rachel mumbled, nestling closer.

Jaxon chuckled. “As much as I’d like to stay here with you, we’ll be more comfortable in an actual bed.”

Rachel sighed, knowing he was right. She sat up, the loss of his warmth leaving her bereft for a moment.

Jaxon stood and stepped out of the tub before turning to offer her his hand. Rachel took it, the rough calluses and strength in his grip grounding her.

He helped her out of the bath and wrapped her in a fluffy towel, rubbing her arms to ward off the chill.

“Thank you,” Rachel said, “for tonight. For...everything.”

Jaxon cupped her face in his hands, his eyes reflecting the depth of his emotion. “You’re the one who’s given me something I never thought I deserved.”

Rachel’s heart swelled, overflowing with love for the man in front of her. “We deserve each other,” she whispered.

Jaxon’s answering smile lit up his face. “That we do, sweetheart.”

17

Rachel was in the kitchen making coffee when Jaxon came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

She leaned back into his embrace, covering his hands with her own. “Good morning.”

“I was thinking we could take the bike out today, maybe ride up to the lake and have a picnic. If you want to, that is.”

The thought of a romantic getaway with Jaxon. “That sounds perfect.”

His smile widened. “Great. Be ready to go in an hour?”

She nodded. “I’ll be ready.”

He squeezed her waist before stepping back, a new lightness in his eyes. “See you soon then, sweetheart.”

As he walked off, Rachel’s heart swelled. She couldn’t wait to spend the day with the man she loved, strengthening the bond they now shared.

Rachel stood in front of the mirror, admiring the black dress she’d chosen. It accentuated her curves in all the right places, the hem ending mid-thigh to show off her toned legs. She knew Jaxon would appreciate the view.

A knock on the door interrupted her musings. “You ready, darling?” Jaxon’s voice rumbled from the other side.

“Just a minute!” She gave herself a final once-over, satisfied with her appearance, and opened the door.

Jaxon’s eyes darkened as he took her in, pupils dilating with desire. “Damn, you look good enough to eat.”

Heat pooled low in her belly at the hunger in his gaze. She stepped forward and traced a finger down his chest. “Well, I was rather hoping you’d devour me tonight.”

A low growl escaped him as he crushed her to him, lips claiming hers in a searing kiss. His hands roamed over her body, squeezing and caressing, stoking the fire inside her.

When they finally broke apart, chests heaving, Rachel could barely form a coherent thought. “Take me to bed,” she whispered.

---