Page 54 of Steamy Ever After

"This Friday? The night before we leave?"

"Why not? We can do it right on the beach with the people who mean the most." I pull my hair over my shoulder and twist it in my hands.

"Who will stand for you?" He asks warily.

"Your mother, of course." The easy confidence rolls off my tongue.

"Woman. You really don't care if things are perfect do you?"

I give my head a subtle shake. "Nothing's perfect, Carter."

"What about flowers? A cake? Your dress?" A surge of emotion weaves through his tone.

"Since you're Mr. Perfection, I'll leave that to you."

His eyes widen. "You'd let me do that?" he asks, hesitantly.

"Why not?" I shrug nonchalantly. Suddenly, the air feels lighter, like it's easier to breathe. "I'll go with your mom and choose a few dresses, and let you pick from the selection. You might see the dress but you won't see me in it before the ceremony."

"Seriously?"

"Yes. You know my favorite flowers and my favorite flavor cake. What more is there?"

"Rings?"

"There are jewelry stores here."

"Music?"

"We'll use our phone and Bluetooth what we want."

His posture goes slack. "There are other things, like photos and food." He pauses then looks me dead in the eye. "You're really serious."

"As a heart attack." I smile.

As I lay in Carter's embrace I can't help the contentment I feel. There's a sense of safety in his arms. No one else has ever made me feel so cherished and so loved. His arms are strong and firm around me, as if I'm his most precious treasure. Though his controlling tendencies can feel overwhelming at times, when we're like this, they make me feel nothing but protected. I have no reservations about allowing him to arrange our wedding. He always seems to know exactly what I need and, in more ways than one, is more than willing to give it to me.

He pulls me close and his arm tightens around my waist. I close my eyes, savoring the feel of my body and his spooned together. His lips touch my neck and my eyes roll back, a wave of desire washing over me.

Warmth radiates from his body as his hard length presses into my backside. I arch back, my head resting against his shoulder as I twist to look at him.

No words are spoken as he captures my chin and crashes his lips to mine. This man loves control and, especially in this, I love his dominance. It comforts me.

As he releases my chin his fingertips roam. He teases my nipple before dipping lower and I gasp as his hand reaches my core. Plunging deep inside me, a surge of wetness coats his eager fingers, and he plays as my body sings.

"Come for me, Lacey Michelle." His hot breath singes my neck and I moan into his mouth as my body responds.

"That's my girl. Let it go."

The rumble of his voice trembles my insides and the room slowly fades away. I'm lost in a sea of pleasure as he takes me wave upon wave.

"You're more than life to me. I'll spend every last day of it devoted to you."

He drags out his movements with measured beats until, ever so slowly, I descend the heights of pleasure. Every muscle relaxes and every troubled thought rests.

This man is better than anyone I know and so much more than I deserve. With each question and answer the thought of him creating something beautiful for me brings me joy. After all, I'm surrendering the most important day of my life to someone who thrives on having control. I can see by his expression he's happy. What he thought was unfixable is, truly, within his power to create, and he will.

CHAPTER 15

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