Page 63 of Vegas Baby

Boisterous laughter sounded from Trent. “You caved, didn’t you? Hunky-Howler proved too much temptation for your naughty parts.”

Her cheeks flamed and she closed her eyes, pressing her lips together before she settled her hand on the countertop. Staring down at the phone, she gave in to the inevitable. “Yes.”

“I knew you wouldn’t last long. Sex is a funny thing. Sometimes the buildup is the best part, and once you capture your prey, its, meh. So don’t tell me if it was meh. I’d like to think it exceeded my expectations and you’re the luckiest woman on the planet.”

“I can say with one-hundred percent certainty, it wasn’t meh. It exceeded my expectations, if it’s any consolation.” Over the years, she told Trent everything, but what she shared with Howler was different. Scary and new, she had to navigate the fragile bond growing between them, one easily broken if she made even the tiniest hint of her growing love for him. What Howler shared with her about David, stayed with her. Not that Trent would betray her, but they ran in the same social circles and she didn’t want to put either men in a difficult situation. She wanted them both in her life and she’d be devastated if she lost the friendship of either man.

The faint grinding of the garage door set her heart to racing. “Listen, Trent. Howler is home. Do you want to come over on Sunday for a BBQ? You can bring a guest if you want.”

“Sunday, sure, I’ll be there. Kiss your hunky husband for me.”

“Will do,” she laughed, hanging up the line and rechecking her appearance in the mirror. The new red lace bra she’d bought showed off her cleavage beneath a low-cut crimson dress. Granted, she didn’t have to work to capture Howler’s attention. Since the previous week, her every waking hour felt like an erotic dream. Instead of calming her desire, it increased with each passing day. Thus far, the benefits of marriage outweighed the bad. Except what she had to impart might not go over well.

Filling two glasses with ice, she placed them on the table by each placemat. Hands shaking, she flicked the lighter and lit the candles, tamping down her excitement. Dimming the lights, she positioned herself at the stove and tried to act nonchalant when she ached to throw herself into his arms and tell him she loved him.

She did neither of those things, nor would she. Raina was working on building their friendship instead. In spite of her resolve, his footsteps on the stairs set her pulse racing, anticipation seizing her entire body. Being in love with him was difficult enough, add the lust part and she was an emotional mess. He need only look at her and she was ready to jump into bed with him. Or on the couch. Or on the countertop.

“Umm, looks good,” Howler said, setting his briefcase on the console table and moving farther into the room.

White dress shirt unbuttoned at the neck, blue dress pants, and a five o’clock shadow, he looked yummy enough to devour. Patience. She stirred the pot on the stove. “It’s from Vicenzo’s and no, it’s not mac and cheese.”

“I wasn’t talking about the food but this red dress.” He snuggled up behind her and settled his palm on her waist.

“It’s fire engine red.” The smells of linen and starch clung to him, along with the faint scent of roses. Perfume? She stiffened and inhaled again, before her stomach plummeted. He smelled like perfume. The question being, whose?

“More like siren red.” He brought his other hand around; a single pink rose held loosely between his fingers.

A bark of relieved laughter escaped before she could stop it. She really needed to work on her trust issues. He’d done something nice and her mind went to a dark place. Howler isn’t Miller, she reminded herself for the hundredth time. She brought it to her nose, and leaned back into his body, closing her eyes as she absorbed his strength. “Sorry, but I can’t sing my way out of a paper bag, nor do I make it a habit to lure sailors to their deaths.”

“But you’re not above being a seductress, now are you?” he countered, skimming his palm to her breasts, his thumb rubbing over her nipple through the fabric.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” And you have no idea how hard I’m falling in love with you. She laid her head on his shoulder, rocking her butt into his groin.

“I think you have every idea of what I’m talking about.” He leaned in close, mouth tugging gently at her earlobe while he pulled her bodice down to expose her demi-bra.

“Prove it.” I’ll try to prove to you in any way but words, how much you mean to me.

“Gladly,” he countered. Using his foot, he pushed her ankles apart while skimming a hand down her belly. Could he feel the slight swell that represented the reason for their marriage? A part of her wanted to ask but his questing fingers found their way under her skirt and between her legs. With every single touch firing her very core, it became less and less important. She wanted him inside her until she couldn’t think.

Turning her in the circle of his arms, he caught her mouth while he pushed her dress up over her hips. She reached for the front of his pants, needing to touch him, to absorb his being into her own but he pushed her hand away.

He teased the seam of her mouth with seeking lips and she kissed him back, desire overcoming any other need. An undeniable heat flamed between them, one that was growing daily. He tore his mouth from hers, warm breath scorching her skin as he spread kisses along her neck. “You smell like vanilla.”

“I made sugar cookies for dessert.” She’d baked the cookies as a surprise. Every thought, every action of late seemed to be centered on him. He was her family. The father of her two babies.

“I’m more interested in the appetizer right now.” The bra was cut low and exposed the top of her nipple. He tugged the silk cup down and skimmed his lips over the puckered flesh. Air hissing from between clenched teeth, she moved her hand into his hair and massaged his scalp.

Howler lifted his head and an intense light passed between them. His nearness made her head spin and he struck a vibrant chord within her. Capable fingers drifted down her hips and between her legs. He kissed her once more, the slow, thoroughness of his lips and tongue tempting her beyond reason.

Each time he touched her, the strings on her heart tightened. When he released her mouth, she wanted to protest but he trailed his lips across her chest, moving ever downward until he knelt at her feet.

Worrying her bottom lip, she watched him remove her underwear, the lines of his face stark with desire. Moist lips blazed a path up her inner thigh, thumbs parting her pussy. The first sweep of his tongue along her folds, brought a whimper to her lips, knees weakening. She never thought she’d find somebody who read her so well and who would strip her of her many inhibitions.

Lungs straining to catch her breath, she gripped the stove handle behind her. Howler swirled his tongue over her clit, sucking on the enflamed flesh before releasing it. He made no apologies nor did she expect any from a man like him. He’d been crystal clear where he stood from the beginning and she’d try to reciprocate in kind.

The stove alarm rang, and she twisted to turn it off as he glided one thick finger into her pussy. The last thing on her mind was food. She rocked into his caress, a flood of sensations shaking her inside and out. He continued to work her clit, each masterful stroke of his tongue pure heaven. Head back, she rode the wave of passion he incited, her legs were weak and not just from the sex.

He rocked on his heels and unfastened his pants to expose his hard cock. The sight stoked her blood. She rested her hands on his shoulders, the anticipation almost unbearable. Thighs parted, he guided her down. Happiness filled her chest, along with a flaming desire. Large hands cupped her ass and she bit her lip, the stretch of his cock breaching her pussy pure heaven. Impaled on his length, he buried his nose in her neck, his breath harsh with need.

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