Page 77 of Why Not Forever?

“Of course I did. Has he called you about it?”

“No. I was only wondering. He’s not your brother, so it’s not really something you need to take on.”

She stops running her fingers through my hair and I’m calling myself a fool for even bringing it up. It’s not like Keith is going to go through with it. I’ve offered to send him to rehab before and he’s refused every time it’s brought up. He doesn’t have a problem, he always says.

“Sit up, Tanner.”

Shit. I wince before I do what she tells me and turn to face her.

“You’re my husband, Tanner. Your problems are my problems, right?”

I search her blue eyes, but there’s nothing in them other than complete sincerity. I want to tell her right now. I want to tell her I’m in love with her and have been practically since the moment I met her. That no one has ever compared to her.

Instead, I kiss her. I take her face between my hands and kiss her like I want to take her into me, like I want us to never be apart. She leans back, letting me cover her with my body, and I try to tell her with this kiss how much I love her, how much I appreciate her. Behind us, the movie continues. The couple figures out their shit and they live happily ever after. That’s what I want for us.

When I pull away, her lips are swollen and her eyes are half closed.

“Thank you, Vic.”

Her eyes meet mine and she gives me a soft smile. “You’ve done the same for me. We have this motto at Blue Vista. I’ve got your back. No matter what. I’ve always thought that’s what I want in a relationship. You’ve got me. I’ve got you.”

I brush a strand of hair away from her face. “How did I get so lucky to have you in my life?”

“My dad was trying to be manipulative again, and you turned it around on him. Not many people can get one over on my dad. You’re really smart, Tanner. You’re funny. And it doesn’t hurt that you’re hot and really good in bed.”

I grin at her. “You think so, do you?”

“Are you fishing for more compliments, Mr. Marcus? Or do you want to skip that and take me to bed?”

I stand, quickly turning off the TV before reaching down to scoop Vic up. She wraps her arms around my neck as I carry her, bridal style, to her bedroom. The more I carry her, the more willing she is to let me carry her. “Taking you to bed sounds like a better use of my time, I think.”

“I think you’re right.”

She kisses me and I lose myself in it for a moment, standing next to her bed, holding her in my arms. Until she lifts her head and says firmly, “Set me down, Tanner.”

I do as she says, lowering her feet to the ground. She keeps her arms around me as she says, “You have been amazing at being in charge, but tonight, it’s my turn.”

She kisses me and takes half a step back. “Now. Take off your shirt.”

I do as instructed, stripping out of my shirt as my wife watches me, a pleased smile on her face. I stand there, waiting for her next instruction.

I haven’t ever been exactly submissive in bed before, but somehow I understand the rules all the same. Vic makes a slow circle around me, trailing her fingers over my chest, my back, stopping behind me.

She presses a kiss to my shoulder. “Have you been a good boy, Tanner?”

“I hope so.”

“Why do you hope so?”

“Because—” I cut off before I say something a little too raw.

“Because why?” she whispers against my skin.

I let out a shuddering breath, closing my eyes, and say the words. “Because I want to make you happy.”

She returns to my front, placing her hands on either side of my face, pulling my lips down to hers. “You do make me happy. Take off those pants so I can show you what good boys get.”

I don’t think I’ve ever removed my pants faster than I do today. They’re gone, while Vic is still fully dressed in front of me. She motions to the bed and I sit, almost painfully hard just from the smirk she’s giving me, the lust shining in her eyes.

---