Page 61 of Falling Again
Without saying another word, Natalie tugged at the belt of her robe, allowing the garment to open and slide down her frame to the floor. Underneath she wore only the red, silky lingerie he’d spied in her suitcase before they left Buckeye Falls. The lacy fabric hugged her in the most delicious way, and he thanked any almighty force listening for the opportunity to be alive in that moment. Anthony nearly swallowed his tongue.
Her tongue jutted out to wet her lips as she coyly stepped over his legs and got in position. “I hope this is okay,” she said sweetly, winking at him as his skin turned as red as the dots under his feet.What an evil little vixen, he mused.
“Uh, yeah,” he coughed, his hands now so slick with sweat he almost fell onto his back. They were two spins into the game and already Anthony wanted to call it quits. Why were they doing this again?
Once she was in place, Natalie nudged his knee with her own. “I think it’s time to spin again.”
“Why?” He recovered quickly. “I mean, yeah.” Reaching out with his elbow, he spun a left hand yellow. Natalie turned herself so her butt was right in his line of sight. Anthony couldn’t decide if this memory was worth it any longer. They could be wholesome another time.
When he didn’t spin again, Natalie deftly kicked the spinner until it landed on right foot blue. She only had to wiggle an inch closer before what little resolve Anthony had melted away. He positioned himself underneath her, yanking her down until she straddled him.
“Are you forfeiting?” she laughed as he gripped her around her waist.
“I think you cheated. I don’t remember reading about sexy distractions in the rules.”
“Hmm,” she sighed into his neck, nibbling on the tender skin. “I think Twister is open to interpretation.”
Anthony made a sound between a choke and a sob. “What about our house rules?”
Natalie brought her face back to his, a glint in her eye proving she wasn’t playing by any rules. She kissed him chastely, offering a teasing preview of their night to come. “I don’t remember this in our rules discussion. But I’ll happily go find my notes.”
Anthony was done flirting, done waiting. Despite the magical week they’d shared, he was still hungry for Natalie—starving for her. “Yeah, I think we’re done talking. You win, I lose. The rules need reworking.” Closing what little distance remained, he devoured his wife’s lips like they were his last meal.
The morning came too quickly, beckoning them closer to their departure time. Sunlight streamed in through the blinds, illuminating Natalie as she slept. Usually a morning person, Anthony wanted nothing more than to stay here forever. He was more determined than ever to keep things going smoothly. Not only had their reconnection come just in the nick of time, but so did his revelation about the lake house.
Anthony wanted more from life on the island. He wanted to bring the kids to the lake house, to make lasting memories they would share with their families someday. He meant what he’d told Natalie, too. Having their friends out at the house seemed like a dream come true. This house was meant for the Snyders; it was meant to be busy and brimming the laughter.
Natalie twitched in her sleep and burrowed closer to him, nuzzling into his neck. If they hadn’t worn themselves out the night before, he was tempted to start something before they had to pack and go back home. But there was one thing hewaslooking forward to when they were back in Buckeye Falls, and that was the surprise anniversary party. He knew it was just what Natalie needed—and deserved.
“Good morning,” she mumbled as she pulled herself up on an elbow. Her hair was mussed, a blonde lock plastered to her cheek. Reaching out, his swiped the hair away and tugged her closer for a quick kiss.
“Good morning.” Studying Natalie in the morning light, Anthony’s heart felt like it might beat itself right out of his rib cage. Remembering all they talked about, he met her gaze and said, “You look gorgeous.”
Natalie dipped her head, embarrassed by his praise. “Stop,” she whispered as a blush swept up her neck.
Using his knuckles, Anthony tipped her chin up until their eyes locked. “I’m serious, Nat. You were hot as hell last night, and right now you look like a woman out of those Renaissance paintings.”
“Pfft. If that’s the case, then I stand by my statement that you look like George Clooney’s stunt double.”
Anthony shrugged, savoring their banter. “Fair enough. I was looking for a side hustle as an actor.”
Natalie pulled out her pillow and playfully tossed it at his head. “Alright Mr. Clooney. Does this mean you’re too special to get the coffee started?”
“Not for you,” he promised as he scrambled out of bed and pulled on his pajamas. “I’ll get breakfast started.”
“I’ll be right over.” Natalie watched him leave, and he felt the heat of her stare until he was out in the hallway. He couldn’t think of the last time they’d been like this, and he hoped it would continue when they were home.
Walking into the living room, Anthony nearly tripped on the remains of their Twister shenanigans. What was left of the mat—which wasn’t made for the strenuous activities they continued when the game was over—lay strewn on the floor. Strips of plastic were tangled around the legs of the coffee table, and Anthony almost didn’t want to toss out the evidence of their love making.
He still had it—all of it. Anthony had his wife, two kids he loved more than life, and a job that both challenged and fulfilled him. If he played his cards right, this wonderful feeling could continue when they were back home. “I’ve got this,” he promised himself while he made coffee and started cracking eggs. Whatever it would take, he wouldn’t lose this. He couldn’t.
