Page 6 of The Noisemaker

“This”—he removed it from the box and held it up in front of me— “is the dress that you’re wearing to the masquerade ball.”

My eyes pricked with tears as I stared at it. “Desmond…” I checked the size and then scanned the entire floor length garment. “It’s gorgeous. Thank you.”

“I did good?”

“Yes.” I nodded, taking it from his hands. “Yes, you did.”

“And if you check the bag in the corner, you’ll find two black and gold masks.” He grabbed a hanger and handed it to me. “So, if you want to hang it up, it’ll be ready to go tonight. And you can rest your pretty little head and not worry about anything for tonight.”

My heart felt like it might burst. “Baby,” I whispered hoarsely. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He kissed my forehead. “I told you; I got you.”

“I love you.” I planted a kiss against his lips before carrying the dress and hanging it in the closet.

“I love you, too.”

When I returned, there was a gleam in his eye. “You know I’m always going to make sure you’re good, right?”

I stood in front of him completely turned on. “Yes,” I murmured.

“So are you feeling better now?”

I bit my bottom lip. “Yes.” I shook my head in awe. “I don’t know how I’m going to thank you.”

“Well how about you get in the bed with me for starters.”

“I think that could be arranged.”

He placed his hands on my shoulders and pushed the robe from them. “Then let’s get you out of these clothes.” He tugged my shorts, allowing them to pool at my feet. And then he slipped his hands under my camisole, pulling it over my head. He let out an appreciative whistle, tossing the shirt to the side. “You know I didn’t want to leave you this morning, right?” His hands slowly skated over my skin. “This is what I wanted to do when you were just in that towel this morning.”

My nipples hardened. “I wish you would have.”

Brushing his fingertips over my belly, my breasts, and then my neck, Desmond’s eyes bore into mine. “Can I make it up to you now, Aria?”

A bevy of butterflies spread through my chest and belly. My heart rate spiked when I saw the lust in his eyes. A flash of heat radiated through my body.

“Desmond…” I licked my lips and glanced down to his mouth.

“Yes?”

“How do you want to make it up to me?”

A smile played on his lips. “I have a few things in mind.”

“I like the sound of that,” I breathed, placing my hands on his bare chest and sliding them over the hard ridges and bulging muscles.

“Good.” He grabbed my face and brought his lips close to mine. “I’m going to make sure you’re good. Over and over again.”

Toying with the waistband of his basketball shorts, I tipped my head up to kiss him in response.

“But not yet,” he murmured against my lips.

“What?”

I pouted.

“I’m going to take my time,” he informed me.

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