There's a pause, and then: "I love you, you big idiot."
My heart swells. God, I love this woman. "I love you too, you flesh-eating journalist."
The door swings open, revealing a small room, with only a single chaise lounge and two chairs. A small table sits in between them, adorned with champagne flutes and strawberries.
And, in the middle of it, there she is.
Lexi. My Lexi.
Looking more beautiful than I've ever seen her.
Her wedding dress is covered with delicate lace accents, hugging her curves in all the right places. Her golden hair is swept up in some complicated updo that I'm sure took hours, but all I can focus on is the sparkle in her hazel eyes and the smile that lights up her entire face.
"Hi," she says softly.
"Hi yourself," I manage, suddenly feeling like that awestruck rookie who first saw her at my sister Gabi's birthday party all those years ago. "You look...wow."
Lexi laughs, pulling me into the room and shutting the door behind us. "Very articulate, Mr. De Luca. I can see why they pay you the big bucks to give post-game interviews."
I pull her close, breathing in the scent of her perfume. "Cut me some slack, Brookes. You've literally taken my breath away."
"Smooth talker. You clean up pretty nice yourself, you know."
"Yeah? Nice enough to maybe convince my almost-wife to engage in some pre-wedding shenanigans?"
Lexi smacks my chest lightly, but she's grinning. "Gio! We can't. The ceremony starts in less than an hour, and if we mess up our clothes or my hair, my stylist will actually murder us both."
"Not even a quickie? For good luck?"
She laughs, the sound music to my ears. "We're already risking our luck by having you see me in my wedding gown before the ceremony. And besides, I thought athletes were supposed to abstain before big events. You know, save your energy and all that."
I pull her closer, nuzzling her neck. "Pretty sure that's a myth. In fact, I've heard that pre-game activities can actually improve performance."
"Oh really? And where exactly did you hear that? The De Luca School of Made-Up Facts?"
I grin against her skin. "Hey, I'll have you know that's a very prestigious institution."
She tilts her head, giving me better access to that spot just below her ear that drives her crazy. "Gio," she breathes, her resolve clearly weakening. "We really shouldn't..."
"Probably not," I agree, trailing kisses along her jaw. "But when have we ever done what we should?"
Lexi laughs, then moans softly as I find that sweet spot.
I'm all smiles as I lift Lexi effortlessly, her squeal of surprise echoing in the room. "Gio! You're going to ruin me before I even get to the altar," she chides, but the sparkle in her eyes says she's anything but upset.
"You say it like it's a bad thing,” I tease, setting her down gently on the chaise lounge, her dress spilling around her like a white waterfall. "Consider it my wedding gift—a preview of your future."
She scoffs, but her laughter is infectious. "I don't remember this being on the registry."
"Special delivery, just for you," I reply, lifting her gown and exposing her smooth legs to the cool air. Her cheeks flush, and I drink in the sight as I drag her hips to the edge of the chaise.
"You're a dangerous man, Mr. De Luca," she murmurs, her voice low with anticipation.
"Just committed, Mrs. De Luca." My grin widens as I fall to my knees, eager to savor every moment, every taste.
I lean forward, my lips making contact with her glistening folds. And God, she smells so good.
I'm lost in the moment as I taste her, the sweet heat of her drawing me in deeper. Lexi’s body responds instantly, hips arching toward me, a needy whimper escaping her lips that drives me wild. My hands roam upward, finding her soft, perfect breasts, and I knead them gently, feeling the weight of them, the silk of her skin beneath her beaded cleavage.