Page 254 of Steamy Ever After

He slid away to the bathroom, dragging his fingers over her body as he went. A chill spread over her, and she reached for the blanket.

“No.” He pulled the cover away from her when he returned to bed and rested his body next to hers. “I’ll keep you warm, Peyton. I’ve got you. Always. Do you understand?”

She let her heavy eyelids close and snuggled into his heat.

He pulled her tight to him and spooned her body, his powerful hands and arms covering more of her than a blanket could.

“Sleep, baby,” he whispered, and she did.

BRODIE

Brodie opened his eyes and gazed at the morning light casting a soft glow on her body. His arms held her tightly, one leg bent over hers, trapping her against him.

“Good morning, my beautiful Peyton.” His lips kissed across her neck.

His need for her had not diminished. If it wasn’t for the exhaustion that came with his release, he’d want her again moments after they came apart.

“I want to see your eyes,” he said, turning her body face his.

He cradled the side of her face and brought his lips to hers. His kiss was soft, not hard, as it had been last night.

“When do you have to be at Stave?”

“Later.” She grinned. “Why do you ask?” She squirmed against him, but he held her still.

“Breakfast, baby.” Brodie stood and pulled her out of bed.

She pouted. “But?—”

“Breakfast,” he whispered. “Let’s see. What would Peyton want after a night of full-throttle, mad, crazy, passionate, all-out lovemaking? Hmm. Let me guess. Honey pancakes with an olallieberry drizzle? Or maybe a Dungeness crab omelet with shrimp and mushrooms and Swiss cheese?”

“Stop.” She swatted at him. “I’m suddenly ravenous.”

“Not sudden, baby. You’ve been ravenous all night long.”

“I love your dimples when you smile.” Peyton brought her fingers to his lips and caressed his cheek. “Brodie, last night was…”

“Was…? Go on…”

“I’m searching for words.”

“How about if I help? Spectacular. The best sex of my life.”

“Without question.” She sauntered into the bathroom, reached in, and turned on the shower.

Brodie came up behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Those were my words, Peyton. Tell me yours.”

“Mind-blowing. Sweet, sensual, loving.”

“I like your words, Peyton.”

“I like you, Brodie.”

He followed her into the shower and took the bottle of shampoo from her hand. “Let me.” He drizzled some into his hand, and massaged her head with his fingers.

“I didn’t realize how long your hair is. It’s always up. I like it, especially when I can run my fingers through it.”

She moaned as he kneaded her scalp. That sound, so like the ones he’d heard from her the night before, made him want her again.

---