Page 53 of Hush

Elise let out a relieved sigh.

Ben held her close for a long moment. “I can’t wait to wake up with you,” he said, brushing a hair from her forehead.

A shiver ran down her spine.

“But don’t plan on sleeping very much tonight,” he added, pulling her tighter against him so she felt his hardness press against her thigh.

Elise could barely stand the torture of being this close to him but having to wait to touch him. “You sure we can’t convince Jaden to get to bed now?” she whispered.

Ben glanced to where Jaden was humming as his fingers snapped bricks together, the jumble of pieces on the carpet slowly transforming into something solid.

“Doubtful,” he said with a chuckle, letting go of her hand to join Jaden on the floor.

Elise sat on the couch with a small, flat box in her lap, the fire burning low in the fireplace, lighting the darkened living room with a soft, flickering light. “I don’t have anything for you,” she protested. “With everything that’s happened, plus now that Jaden’s school’s is out, I just haven’t had time yet.”

“I already have everything I want,” Ben replied, leaning over to kiss her. Elise closed her eyes, savoring the cinnamon-scent of his aftershave and the softness of his lips. The kiss deepened, and her blood began to race. Her pulse thumped low in her belly, and her thighs squeezed together. Smiling, Ben pulled back. “Go on, open it,” he said, looking giddy, like a little kid.

“Okay,” she said, pulling the satiny red ribbon loose. She shook the box, which felt light, and heard something rattle around inside.

After eyeing him one last time for clues, she lifted the lid. A plain white legal-sized envelope was nestled in red tissue, her name scrawled across the front. Intrigued, Elise flipped it over and slid the funny-looking rectangle of paper into her hands. Her eyes scanned the text. Slowly, she understood what she was holding.

“Paris?” she breathed.

“A French teacher who’s never been to the City of Lights?” he said, his eyes twinkling. “That’s a situation that must be remedied.”

“Oh, Ben, thank you,” she said, jumping into his arms. Ben held her for a long time.

“I wasn’t sure what you thought about Jaden. Do you want him to go?” He studied her. “Caitlin said she’d watch him.”

“She did?” Elise said, imagining herself and Ben strolling through the Jardin Des Tuileries, each holding one of Jaden’s hand. But then, she thought of all the museums and churches she wanted to see, of how they’d need to wait in line to experience places like the Eiffel Tower. She thought of the long flight—Walla Walla to Seattle to D.C. to Paris. Would Jaden enjoy the trip? Or would he be happier staying with Caitlin? While she knew the architecture would blow him away, the rest of the trip might be difficult.

“Let me think about it,” she said. “And check with Caitlin,” she added. “She’s never spent more than a weekend with him.”

“She seemed pretty gung-ho,” Ben said. “I’m happy with whatever you decide. It would be really special to bring him, but I know it’s a long way.”

“Thank you,” Elise said, kissing him again. He moved the box from her hands and pulled her onto his lap, the warmth from his body spreading into her, warming her from the inside. The hem of her skirt rode up her thighs. He stroked her bare skin while his tongue flicked playfully against hers, creating a tingle at the base of her spine. She kissed him back, the desire she’d pushed away while waiting for this moment springing to life and feeding off his energy, which was so powerful she felt dizzy.

Ben tugged another small, square box from the coffee table, then placed it in her hands. “Open this before I burst,” he said, squeezing her hips.

Elise felt her heartbeat tapping high in her chest. “It can wait until morning,” she said, barely able to think about anything else but the feel of his hands on her bare skin.

He raised a salacious eyebrow, making her blush.

“Okay,” she agreed, then pulled the ribbon off the box and opened it. Tucked inside a layer of white tissue was a cream-colored negligée made of dense silk and trimmed with pale pink piping. It was so elegant, like nothing Elise had ever owned, much less received as a gift.

“It’s beautiful.” She sighed, clutching it to her chest. “Thank you,” she added, feeling tears prick at the corners of her eyes.

“I looked and looked,” Ben said. “I wanted it to be simple but classy, just like you.”

Elise kissed him, and he scooped her closer so their bodies sealed together. The firm ridge of him pressed against her, making her quiver.

“I’ve been waiting all day to see you wear it,” he said, his hands sliding under the hem of her dress to the crease of her hips.

“Now?” she asked, kissing him.

Ben groaned as her hips tilted, rolling over his cock. “Yes, now,” he said. He stroked up her back, his fingers molded to her body. He slid the clasp of her bra loose and lifted it and her dress from her frame.

Elise held in her gasp. “What if Jaden wakes up?” she whispered. Her skin prickled with gooseflesh, intensified by how exposed she felt.

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