Page 52 of Wine & Whiskey: Everything for You
“You have got to stop saying shit like that and put some clothes on.”
She giggles through the minty foam and bends over to spit.
Okay, he’s done. She needs her robe. Now. He grabs it from the chair and holds it up for her to slide into. Once she ties the belt, he grasps her hand and leads her to the bed. After she slides in, he leans over and kisses her neck. “I’ll be right back.”
Soft fingers reach backward and caress his cheek. “Don’t be too long.”
He strides into the bathroom, jerking off his tie and slinging his jacket on the chair. It’s going to take everything he has to resist her when he returns. Especially because she’ll let him make love to her. She’ll welcome his touch, her sweet body responding to him, breathless and arching under his fingertips. Never admitting she’s exhausted. Not wanting to disappoint him. He flies through brushing his teeth and flips off the light, unable to be away from her any longer than he has to.
His breath catches as he steps back into the bedroom. She’s so beautiful and peaceful curled onto her side. Her delicate hand rests on the pregnancy book Dr. Patterson gave her, the diamonds sparkling in the soft light from the nightstand lamp. He smiles at his own idiocy.
The rings look ridiculously huge on her petite fingers, unnecessary with her lack of concern for money and extravagance. At the time he bought the first one, he needed to somehow fill the ache of trying to prove his love to her, of showing her that she’s everything he’s ever wanted and needed. Now she’s his, and he refuses to let her ever suffer again because of it.
Her bookmark slides across the open pages as he climbs in next to her. “What are you reading about?”
“His development.” Her quiet voice stirs the contentment in his soul only she can give him. “‘At this stage, your baby is about the size of a kidney bean or grape, and he’s starting to look more and more human with fully formed eyes, tiny earlobes, and distinct mouth and nose’.”
He wraps his arms around her and pulls her against his chest. “It’s amazing, isn’t it?”
“Yes, and so are you.” The top of her head tucks under his chin. “Everything for the wedding was absolutely wonderful. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Her slender shoulders hunch, the tiny pink strap of her negligee sliding down her arm. Damn.He’s dying here. The cashmere skin needing to be tasted.
“But I’m sorry about tonight.”
No guilt allowed. She’s suffered enough without adding self-blame on top of it. “It’s okay. We’ve got every night for the rest of our lives to make up for it.”
“Every night? That’s a bit optimistic, don’t you think, Mr. DeMarco?”
She taunts him, knowing the desire she flames in him by making him say her new name, reminding him his fantasy has come true. “I’m up for the challenge, Mrs. DeMarco.”
Her fingertips skim over his boxer briefs, straining from the throbbing need for her. “I can tell.”
“I’m going to have to sleep on the sofa if you don’t keep your hands to yourself.”
A worthless threat if she touches him anymore. A contented sigh crosses her smiling lips before she slides her hand back to his arm wrapped around her waist. “Okay, I promise to be good.”
He kisses her again before turning off the light and closing his eyes too. “You already are. Now go to sleep.”
Only the sound of her gentle breathing fills the room, her flowery scent surrounding them in their peace. Everything he imagined is now his reality. Sometimes still difficult to accept, to believe she belongs to him, and they’ll never be apart. How what he never thought possible came true. For him. Because of her.
“Nick?”
Thinking she was already asleep, his body flushes at her whisper in the darkness. “Yeah, sweetness?”
“I don’t know if I ever tell you enough, or explain very well how you make me feel.” She folds her arms over his, hugging him tighter. Almost undoing him with the intensity of her tone. “Very few people are this lucky. To know they never have to worry. That they’ll always be loved. No matter what.”
He kisses her hair, holding back from everything else he wants to feel with her. To show her how correct she is. “That’s right. You’re safe and loved. Forever.”
“I didn’t think I would ever find it. And now, lying here with you, I’ve got it. Just like you promised me. We’ll have a family and grow old together. You’ve created the perfect life for me, for us. Thank you for giving me that. For giving me everything.” Her deep breath blows against his skin, and she snuggles in, her body softening. “I love you.”
How can he respond? What sentiment could match the depth of devotion this angel feels for him? He utters the only words he can manage. “I love you too, Shae.”
The ache in his chest throbs stronger at the realization of her commitment. He’s been blind to the truth, wanting her so badly, not thinking beyond the present. Not considering what their life will be like past the here and now. How her feelings toward him might change. And he can’t do a damn fucking thing about it.
Only a few minutes pass before she drifts off. The stress of the last few days catching up with her. Much needed rest claiming her quickly, while worry steals his drowsiness. She remains still, no soft protests when he climbs out of bed, yanks on a pair of sweatpants, and jogs downstairs.
In the kitchen, Max’s eyes widen as his fork pauses in the ascension to his mouth. “I knew you were a fucking dumb ass, but this proves it.”
