Page 68 of Like You Love Me

“I totally can understand that.” The Beaumonts owned several vacation homes that they rarely visited. But it was nice knowing they were there when they did.

When their fingers and toes were cold and turning numb, London suggested seeing a movie. They hurried to the theater on the corner, eager to see anything showing. They lucked out by finding the new Batman. They were both fans of DC Comics. The couple ordered popcorn, a large soda to share, and a box of Raisinets and then hurried into the practically empty theater. They took their reclining seats and propped their feet up. While they watched the movie, Bianca rested her head on London’s shoulder and quickly got caught up in the action. At some point, her fingers began painting figure eights on his leg, and she didn’t realize what she was doing until her hand traveled higher, and she felt him stiffen.

“You’re starting something,” London warned.

Bianca gave a soft chuckle before sliding her hand underneath his shirt and rubbing his taunt muscles.

“If you keep that up, we’re not going to make it through the end of this movie,” he growled in her ear.

“You won’t get any objection out of me,” she challenged while unzipping his jeans.

London jerked upright on the seat. “Let’s go.”

They left the theatre, giggling like teenagers and hurried back to the car.

While Bianca undressed, London went downstairs to check on the hot tub. By the time she slipped into a robe and made her way downstairs, she could hear soft jazz behind a pair of French doors. She stepped out onto the covered patio to find the fire pit had been lit and the hot tub was warm and bubbling with her husband inside.

“Not fair. You were supposed to wait for me,” Bianca said and pretended to pout.

London grinned wickedly. “Come over here, and I promise to make it up to you,” he said and waved for her to hurry and join him. Bianca slipped out the robe and slippers and shivered as she walked to the side of the hot tub and climbed in from the cold. London watched as she slid onto the seat beside him.

“Oh, my goodness, this feels amazing,” she moaned as warm water sloshed around her body. It was chilly outside, but the heat from the water and the warmth radiating from the fire pit made it feel quite cozy. London handed her a glass of wine.

“When did you have time to do all this?” she asked as her eyes shifted around the space.

“I brought the wine out when I started heating the hot tub.” Lips quirking, he added, “I figured a bottle ofchardonnaywould chill out here in the air.”

“Good idea,” she laughed and brought the flute to her lips. The bouquet tasted like fruits and spices. “This is good.”

“It’s a bottle Camille left in the fridge. I figured we could put it to use,” he explained with a wink.

“I’ll make sure to thank her later.”

Bianca leaned back against the seat, enjoying the moment. She stared at her husband’s chest, admiring his mouthwatering good looks. The longer she stared, the more aroused she felt. The sight of his incredible body still turned her on.

“I’m so glad we did this,” she said in a whisper.

A corner of London’s lips curled as he replied, “Me too. Let’s make a promise not to wait this long again.”

Bianca snuggled up against him and slid further into the water until it was brushing her shoulders. She rested her head on his arm while they both sipped from their glass and enjoyed the moment. “This is nice.”

“I absolutely needed this.” He drew a breath that she heard crackle at the end.

Bianca turned to face him. Reaching over, she caressed the side of his face, drawing his eyes to her. Their gazes locked, and the frustration and fear she saw tightened the pit of her stomach. No matter how much London tried to hide his feelings, she could see the worry.

“It’s going to be okay, babe. I feel it in my soul.”

London grinned while lazily stroking her back. “That’s what I love about you. Always so positive.”

Holding his gaze, Bianca shrugged her left shoulder and replied, “We have to be.”

London hesitated a moment before saying, “I’m not going to lie. I’m worried about what’s going to happen next.”

“You’ve got the whole town rallying behind you. Even your sister believes you’re innocent.” She continued to reassure him. “Unless they know for sure, the police aren’t going to charge you.” That much she felt confident about. Because if they did arrest him, that would mean they found evidence strong enough to make a case. And that’s when she would be scared.

“We said we weren’t going to talk about that,” London said and slid closer.

She shook her head, mentally replaying the entire event. “You’re right. I’m just…” Her fear went unsaid.

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