Page 52 of Tiago

“You have employees.You’ll have to hire more people to take tour groups eventually.You’ll have plenty of time to train new employees.”

I close my eyes.“I like my job.I like leading tours.”

“I didn’t say you have to quit, baby, just scale your role back.”

I wiggle free of his arms because I need some space.“This conversation is ridiculous, Tiago.We’ve known each other for a week.You can’t start browbeating me into getting pregnant.”

Tiago reaches out with one hand and grips my fingers.“We’re a team, baby,” he says gently.“I know it happened fast, but nothing has ever felt more right to me in my life.You are my world.I want my ring on your finger, your body in my bed, and my child growing inside you.That’s my vision of perfect.Whenyou’reready.”

I sigh.He wants me to be ready yesterday, and I’m not sure I can commit to that.Babies are forever.

Chapter20

Tiago

I know my girl is nervous about everything.It’s a lot.All I can do is remind her how much she means to me and that I love her.

She spent the last two hours with her brow furrowed, chewing on her bottom lip, while Ryder and Dallas helped me move everything up to one of the large, third-floor rooms.

When Gretchen learned about my plans, she rushed up here to vacuum the hardwood floor so it wouldn’t be dusty.The room I selected didn’t have anything in it, so cleaning it wasn’t an issue.It’s a corner room, so there are windows on two sides and lots of natural lighting.

I know I’m rushing this.I don’t specificallyneedto sketch or paint today, but I’m itching to capture my girl on paper and canvas, and I’m anxious to have her pose for me.

As soon as everything is in the room, I lock the door, head for the corner between the two outside walls, and motion for Reagan to join me.“Come, baby.”

She shuffles closer, looking uncertain.I’m not surprised.“Whatever you’re planning, I don’t think I’m going to like it.”

I chuckle.“You’re going to love it.Trust me.”I quickly pull her shirt off over her head, making her gasp.

“Tiago…”

I unfasten her hiking pants next and then squat in front of her.“Hold on to my shoulders.”

She whimpers when I remove her shoes and socks before pulling off her pants.“I need a shower,” she grumbles.

“I’ll let you shower after I’m done capturing you on paper.”I lower her panties, stand, and finally, remove her bra.

She shivers.“You can’t sketch nudes of me, Tiago.”

“Trust me,” I repeat.“They are going to be spectacular.”I turn her toward the wall and guide her to stand facing the corner.I kiss her neck and press her forehead against the spot where the two walls come together.“Bring your hands to the small of your back and clasp one wrist with the other hand.”

She turns her head toward me.“Tiago…”

I lift her chin with one finger.“I won’t show anyone the pictures, baby.They’re just for us.I’m not going to pull out any paint today.I’m just going to take pictures and sketch you.”

“Take pictures?With a camera?”Her voice rises.

I stroke her cheek.I told her before that I would photograph her.She didn’t believe me, but I intend to capture every minute nuance as my wife’s body changes with each pregnancy and age.“They will help me paint later, so you don’t have to pose for me every time I want to capture you.”I point toward the corner.“This first pose won’t even have your face.Just the back of you with your red-hot bottom on display.”

She shudders.“You won’t show a single soul.”

“No, baby.I would never share images of you without your permission.”

She sighs.“Okay, but I’ll murder you in your sleep if anyone sees them.”

“I promise.”I guide her back into position, help her get her arms in place, and then pull her braid from over her shoulder so that it dangles down her back to land over her clasped hands.“Spread your legs, baby.”

She’s panting as she follows my directions.I love the shiver that races through her.Even though she’s leery about me capturing her image, she’s aroused.

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