Page 84 of Stables

“I do trust you,” I whisper, with as much conviction as I can spill into those simple words.

His focus flicks past me to the floor, then locks back onto my mouth. “Daisy,” he growls. “If you need me to stop, say ‘daisy’.”

“Like the rug?” I feel a smile tug at my lips. “If I say it, will you stop talking and kiss me again?”

His fingers tighten in my wet hair and he tugs hard enough to arch my throat, exposing it to his ravenous mouth.

Marking a hot trail beneath my ear, his teeth skim over the taut skin, followed by the press of his tongue. Each nip sendsa jolt of electricity through me, each taste stokes the coals that flame within my belly.

It’s as if he’s plucking the strings and I’m his instrument. The song of my moans rise as he moves down.

The first button on my shirt falls open, and his wandering lips follow the path of his fingers.

Another, then a third give way to his nimble touch.

He’s going painstakingly slow. I want him to hurry, but am also loving every breath he pours across me.

When the last clasp falls, he peels the damp fabric away from my quivering belly, exposing the threadbare bra.

Heat flushes my face when he sees it.

It’s embarrassing. I haven’t been able to afford anything new in so long.

But his mustache tickles over my chest and his strong hand cups my covered breast, kneading it until his fingers tighten on my nipple beneath the cotton.

The spark it sends through me makes me spasm on his lap.

With a mischievous smirk, his hand leaves and trails through the filling tub. “Ready?” With wet fingers, he lifts me from his legs to stand me in front of him.

His breathing comes in ragged pants as he finds the top button of my jeans.

A flash of panic races through me.

He’s going to see.

“Um.” My palm covers his thumb just when he lowers my zipper.

“What’s wrong?” He doesn’t wait for my reply, but leans forward to nip the fleshy roll beneath my belly button.

I may have lost the baby weight after having Paisley, but the stretch marks have persisted.

He tugs the hem of my pants lower until they’re past my hips.

I can’t help it. Flattening my hand over my stomach, I try to turn away.

Dixon’s grip is firm as he grabs both of my wrists and moves my arms to the side.

“Is this what bothers you?” He presses his nose below my navel, then kisses along the hem of my panties. “You know it’s still one of the greatest mysteries of science how perfect you are at creating life.” The burn of his mouth moves lower as he tugs the clothing down. “Is it so wrong I want to fill you up with more babies?”

The thought makes me gasp. Me? He wants to stay with me and have a family?

“Why?” I have nothing to offer.

He doesn’t answer, but peels my jeans over my feet. The chilly air sends a wave of goosebumps over my body.

When he stands and takes his shirt off, it nearly presses me against the wall in the tiny space.

Gripping my waist in his broad hands, he lifts me easily into the hot tub, then steps in behind me where he lowers us both into the nearly scalding water.

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