Page 76 of Honeybees and Sexy Tees
“I thought Milas was only taking his clients on shoreline excursions of Lake Superior. For instance, up to Two Harbors or the islands.”
“He was—at least, that’s what he told me.”
“So why was the last coordinate I finished somewhere near Florida? Why would he be charting courses down there?”
He cocked his head to the right. “Well, Milas did say he was having the yacht upgraded in Florida. My private investigator proved he wasn’t there, but it is possible that was his original plan, so he included a coordinate for it.”
I gave him the palms up. “That could be. I’ll double-check them when I finish the rest, but I just wanted to be sure I understood it correctly. Hey, did I tell you? My renter’s insurance did pay out on the apartment fire, so I got a nice little chunk of cash.”
His head shook wildly around in a circle. “I’m getting whiplash with you today, but that’s great news, honeybee.”
“Sorry. You know me.” I rolled my eyes at myself in frustration.
He leaned in and kissed me. It was hot, scorching hot with plenty of tongue. “I do know you. I know how you arch into me when my tongue teases your left nipple, and how you cry out for me when I bury myself deep, and—”
“Mattie!” I groaned, laughing at his naughty giggle. “You’re so bad,” I said, swatting at him.
“Maybe”—he wiggled his brows—”but the question is, are you hot for me now?”
I giggle-snorted. “I’m always hot for you. I can barely contain myself when you’re around.”
He reached over and grabbed me, tickling my ribs until I cried uncle, trying to catch my breath. He pulled me onto his lap and kissed me tenderly and with the reverence Mor had noticed. “I love you, so very much, my beautiful honeybee,” he whispered, his hands rubbing up and down my ribs, stirring a longing deep within me.
My lips roved over his with the same kind of need and desire. “I love you, my handsome Mattie. Never in a million years did I ever dream I could have a life this wonderful with you,” I whispered against his ear.
“I’m going to make love to you now.” He followed his words with the unsnapping of my shorts.
I grabbed his hand to stop him. “Not tonight, dear.” I was sure my cheeks were bright red, considering the discussion we were about to have. “I’m sore from this morning.”
“This morning? We didn’t make love this morning.”
“The ultrasound.” I wanted to explain further, but the embarrassment was killing me.
“Wait, the ultrasound? Why would that make you sore? Don’t they just wand your belly?”
“If you’re pregnant, yes,” I said, nodding. “But I’m not pregnant. The technician has to use an internal wand to see everything when the uterus isn’t enlarged. It’s not exactly comfortable, especially when they have to look at the ovaries too.”
He frowned and caressed my cheek with his finger. “I’m sorry. I had no idea. I thought it was just a regular one. Hell, I didn’t even know there was any other kind. God, it must suck being a woman.”
I chuckled and leaned over his shoulder, hugging him tightly. “There are days, I’ll admit. If you really want to, we can try,” I said, feeling bad for stunting a new relationship.
He lifted me and held me away from him, his smoky eyes angry. “Never would I take pleasure in something that caused you pain. Do you understand me?” His teeth were clenched together as if I had insulted who he was as a man. “Don’t ever suggest such a thing to me again. I’m not a horny teenager who can’t control himself.” His eyes softened and his jaw relaxed. “You’ve been through enough today, sweetheart. I only suggested it because I wanted to help you relax. I honestly had no idea you were in pain. Let me get you some Advil, then I’ll tuck you into bed.”
I leaned down and kissed his lips to calm him. “I’m not in pain the way you’re picturing it. I just know it wouldn’t be good if we made love. Hard to explain, but I feel bruised. I’ll be okay by morning. I want to sit out here with you and enjoy the fire for a few more minutes.” He let me snuggle into his chest then and rest against him.
“I love you,” he whispered, his lips on my forehead. “Thank you for being there to support me at the hospital. I was a mess before we walked into that room today.”
I glanced up at him, surprised. “You were? I didn’t see it. You’re a great actor.”
“I’ve acted most of my life, honeybee, but not anymore. Not with you. I was so scared to see Mor today.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know, honestly. She’s always been bigger than life to me. She’s never been ill or had surgery. She’s always been the strong one that I could count on in the family. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to be the strong one when she needed it. I was afraid I’d weep like a child when I saw her.”
“I understand.” I rubbed his temples, trying to soothe away his tension. “It’s okay to feel that way. I’m sure I didn’t help matters having those crazy tests today.”
He shook his head and kissed me tenderly, keeping a protective hand on my belly. “Those tests were an investment in our future. I want you to be the best you can be, so making sure you get the best healthcare is on the top of my list. If we ever want to have a family, we have to make sure it’s safe for you to do that. We’ve been a family for years, even if it was nontraditionally. Do I want you to be the mother of my children?” He trailed a finger down my cheek slowly. “Always have, always will.”
