Page 56 of Sizzling Nights

He chuckled. "We'll match then."

"What?"

"Babe, you have a bruise on the side of your gorgeous face. And that pisses me off. But you're still the most beautiful woman in the world."

A tear slid down her cheek, and he swiped it with the back of his forefinger. He leaned down slowly and kissed her lips lightly.

When he straightened, he groaned softly.

He took her hand and led her to the bedroom, where there'd be no sex tonight. But he'd hold her all night. When they both felt better and could move without discomfort, they'd make up for tonight. He looked forward to that day.

Theresa softly asked. "Do you want to shower first, or should I?"

"Go ahead, babe. I'll go use the other shower."

She didn't even argue. She turned toward the bathroom, stopped, and looked back. "Can you unzip me?"

He chuckled. "Yeah. I can unzip you."

He pulled the zipper down and helped her step out of her dress. He carried it out to the sofa and lay it across. Mitch was going to have a lot to explain to the dry cleaner.

36

Theresa climbed into bed naked as the day she was born and sighed. Marco chuckled and slowly scooted toward her. He wrapped his arms around her from behind. She lay her head on his arm, his other pulled her closer. His warm skin touched hers and she felt wrapped in the safest, sexiest cocoon.

She closed her eyes and whispered. "I've never spooned before."

His voice, deep and sexy in her ear chuckled. "Really? I'm your first spoon?"

"Yeah. Lame right?"

"I don't think so. I'm happy to be your first."

She laughed.

He kissed the back of her head. "I love you, Theresa."

She stared across the room for a moment, though it was dark and she couldn't really see anything. "Did you mean to say that or are you sleep-deprived?"

He chuckled. "I meant to say it. Because it's true."

She could feel his heartbeat strong and solid on her back. His arms tightened slightly. She smiled. "I love you too."

His arms tightened again and he sighed. That sounded so sweet. So lovely. A tear slipped from her eye and dripped onto his arm. She sniffed lightly, embarrassed that she cried twice tonight. His soft steady breathing near her ear told her he didn't know about this time, so she didn't have to tell him. She closed her eyes and sleep took her sooner than ever before.

She woketo Marco setting a cup of coffee on the bedside table and a plate graced with two macarons.

"Thank you." She stretched.

He sat on the edge of the bed and slowly leaned in to kiss her forehead. "You're welcome."

She smiled. "How are you feeling this morning? I see you're moving around, though slowly."

"I'm sore. But I'll be fine in a day or two."

His hand smoothed over the left side of her face where she likely had a nice purple mark. "How are you?"

"I'm fine. How purple am I?"

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