Page 84 of Essence of his Soul

I grinned. “How about the spring?”

The thought of it hit me hard. It was finally happening. “Don’t make me wait too long, though. I don’t want to be without you longer than I have to. I’m gonna make you happy, Essence.” I leaned in, kissing her slowly and deeply, letting her know how serious I was.

But then she did something that stopped me in my tracks—her hand slid down, wrapping around me, her fingers stroking me slowly. I groaned, barely holding it together.

“Keep that up, and you’re asking for trouble,” I muttered, my voice rough with desire.

“Another one of your promises?” she teased.

“Yeah,” I growled, “and I’m gonna keep it.”

With a wicked grin, I set my glass down, watching the bubbles swirl around us. Picking up the soap, I lathered my hands and massaged her breasts in a slow circular motion with lingering tenderness. Sliding my hand over her damp skin, I feathered my thumbs lightly over the sensitive peaks. Her body was so relaxed that she had to hold onto the tub to keep from sliding into the water.

My hands moved lower, blazing a warm trail, while I gently washed her belly and thighs. “Even after giving birth to our son, your body is still perfect.”

I moved my hand exactly where she wanted it, my gaze holding hers while I touched and caressed her. Essence rocked her hips and then rewarded me with a gasp of delight. I slipped a finger inside of her, and she met each stroke. I gritted my teeth when her lips parted and heavy breathing when I increased the speed and intensity. A second later, an orgasm ripped through her, shattering the last of her control. I reached for the condom sitting on the side of the tub and rolled it on. I then carried herover so that she straddled me, her hard nipples pressed against my chest. Groaning out her name, I caught her hips and pushed into her slick, wet body until I was buried deep inside. She sucked in her breath in exquisite ecstasy. Closing her eyes, she struggled for control.

With a deep breath, she rode me, her hips moving in a slow up-and-down motion.

As she moved, I trailed my hands from her shoulders to her buttocks. She established a rhythm that left both of us gasping for air. She rode me so hard that the water sloshed around us. But I didn’t want her to slow down. With her knees braced on either side of my body, her breasts gently bouncing, I took her by the waist and pushed harder and harder. Her contractions squeezed me and pushed me over the edge until her body convulsed, and she dropped against my chest.

When it was over, she lay weak in my arms. My mouth drifted along her neck and shoulders, tasting and leaving a trail of hot kisses. After a few long moments, I lifted her from the water, holding her upright while I wrapped her in a soft towel. I lifted her into my arms, walked over, and gently laid her on the bed. I settled myself beside her, bringing her close to the heat of my body. The linens felt cool against my moist flesh.

Drowsy and contented, she cuddled with me in the darkness, her head tucked onto my broad shoulder. My arm lay heavy and possessive over her stomach. As if in a dream, she felt my mouth against her brow, my lips gradually searing a downward path until I parted her legs for the most intimate kiss of all. I caressed her with my tongue, slow and gentle, while she moaned from the beauty of it all.

She tossed her head from side to side, trembling beneath my touch. She called my name repeatedly as the tension gathered in her body. Then, suddenly, her body was taken over with the need for release. She cried out in pleasure as I held her close. Thefrantic hammering of her heart was reflected in my own.

Feeling like I held the whole world in my arms, I murmured, “Essence, you’re incredible.”

She opened her eyes and smiled. “Yes, I am.”

As we drifted toward sleep, I held her within the strong circle of my arms as if I could not bear for the night to end.

Chapter 23

We arrived at Mark’s parents' house in time for Sunday dinner. When we walked through the door, I was hit with the smell of pot roast, roasted potatoes, and something sweet—probably apple pie. My stomach growled in response, reminding me I hadn’t eaten since breakfast.

“Mom, something smells amazing,” Mark said, his face lighting up as he followed the scent into the kitchen.

“Ma Ma!” Tyler squirmed in Mark’s dad’s arms, all excited, until he put him down. The second his little feet hit the floor, Tyler ran straight to me, arms wide open.

“Hey, baby!” I scooped him up, squeezing him tight and smothering his face with kisses. “Mommy missed you so much!” His laughter was pure joy.

“How was your weekend?” Dorlinda asked as she set the last of the dishes on the table.

“Fabulous,” Mark said, grinning like a man who had just won big. He looked over at me, and when I winked, he reached for my hand, squeezing it gently.

“Mama... Pops, Essence and I have some news,” Mark announced, his voice laced with excitement. “We’re engaged.”

“Well, it’s about time!” Dorlinda laughed, wiping her hands on a towel before coming over to hug us both. “Let me see that ring!”

I handed Tyler over to Mark and held out my hand, showing off the diamond sparkling on my finger like it had its own spotlight.

“Oh my! Glad to see my son didn’t cheap out,” she joked, nudging Mark with her elbow. “It’s gorgeous, dear. I’m so happyfor both of you.”

Mark’s father stood up, his usual quiet, laid-back vibe a little softer today. He walked over, reached for my shoulders, and kissed my cheek. “Welcome to the family, Essence. We’re lucky to have you.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, barely getting the words out. It was all a lot to take in—the love in that room.

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