Page 110 of A Certain Step
Ethan’s eyes narrowed. “But I really want to take it off you…up there,” he pointed out.
She arched her eyebrows, looked down at the dress, then up at the treehouse again, trying to decipher if she could manage without the fabric catching anywhere or ruining her ascent.
Willa folded the dress to her knees, took her hair band from her wrist, and tied it. It’d be a few seconds. She’d undo it when she got there so the spot wouldn’t crease. Ethan let her go first, then followed from behind. She thankfully climbed the steps without any complications and entered.
Inside, there were pillows scattered on the ground, blankets in a woven basket, a small treasure chest-looking stand as a coffee table, two chairs, and one large window.
She strolled toward the window, overlooking a quaint stream beyond the canopy of leaves. It was the most transfixing sight she’d ever seen, a close second to the man who’d just gone back down to grab a few things from his car.
Standing there, she closed her eyes momentarily and counted her blessings one by one.
She had daydreamed about this exact moment without ever realizing it.
Ethan returned with a picnic basket in his hand and set it down on the small chest near the entrance. She ambled back over to him, spotting Dr. Peppers and her favorite jam and cream biscuits from Marks & Spencer.
Her jaw dropped; she picked up the biscuits and stared at them. “Now I know you can’t order these online somewhere.How?”
He beamed at her. “I’d asked Sahar’s sister to bring them in when she visited.”
She shook her head affectionately. “Ethan, I physically cannot take any more surprises today. Please tell me there’s nothing else, or I might combust.”
He laughed at her. Openly, loudly, strikingly.
He put his hands up as if to surrender. “That’s all I’ve got,” he admitted.
And instantly, Willa drew closer, colliding her lips with his in open-mouthed, staggering kisses. His hands flew to her waist, and he tugged her body flush against his.
Ethan’s tongue voraciously darted forward, seizing hers in a chaotic dance they’d mastered in all forms.
He stopped for a beat, hands splayed along her waist, gazing at her like she was indeed his bloody gift. Like those words he had said were real and not some frivolous declaration. “This dress, Willa. It’s my favorite thing you’ve ever worn,” he acknowledged through panting rasps.
“More than the emerald costume?”
He groaned and pulled her close again. “You’d make a trash bag look stunning. Everything about you is my favorite.”
“Oof, now that’s a compliment. Thanks a million, babe,” she returned.
Willa kissed him again and then turned, taking his hand in hers, she guided them back toward the window.
There, Ethan circled his arms around her belly and pressed his lips to her shoulder. A tiny moan escaped her from contact.
She marveled at the sunset. He bestowed all his attention on her.
“You’re distracting me,” she rebutted.
His laugh vibrated through her. “That’s the point.”
She tilted her head back, giving him more access. Ethan kissed his way up her neck, her jaw. He tipped her chin to face him, then seized her lips slowly, yet with an eagerness that made her knees buck. “I promise I’ll let you watch the sunset tomorrow when I’m forced to behave myself if you letme have my way with you tonight.”
She giggled. “So, we’re bargaining now?”
“It’s my one birthday wish,” he claimed, nipping at her ear.
“Finally pulling the birthday card.” She took his face in her hand. “How could I say no to that when it’s what I’ve been trying to get you to do all day.”
He gleamed, a smile more transcendent than the sun’s routine behind them.
“Whatever you do, I need you to take off this dress as carefully as you’d remove a costume. I want to wear it again tomorrow,” Willa added.
