Page 64 of Desiring an Angel

Ashton wrapped his arms around my waist, his chin on my shoulder.

The anxiety fled at his comforting touch, my body sagging against him.

“I desire more than your womb—so much more, Sky. I want your smiles, your laughter, and tears. All the good moments and the bad.”

I ignored the voices in my head that sounded like Mom and Dad saying it was way too soon to be declaring such things.

“And what if that isn’t what Rhett wants?”

“Then we have to change his mind.” Ash pressed his lips to my neck and squeezed me tight. “There’s no rush and no need to worry. With you all up in our space, he’ll have no choice but to admit how perfect you are in every way.”

I held in my snort, knowing Rhett would never see me as anything more than annoying.

But perhaps I could attempt to tone down a bit. Maybe I would grow on him if I made enough pies and created a happier home than the one he and Ashton had already built.

Chin lifting, I decided to do that very thing.

“There’s the fire I needed to see.” Ashton kissed my neck again and released me. “Should I let Rhett know breakfast will be ready soon?”

“The best one he’s ever tasted,” I sassed over my shoulder and winked.

Ashton snickered and left me to finish preparing their meal.

If only attempting to win someone over came as easily for me as cooking.

24

Ashton

Rhett was the type who needed time to process, so I hadn’t pushed a conversation that would set him on edge when I’d joined him in the shower. He’d already finished washing, so we shared a quick kiss while changing places.

Slight body aches had hounded me on and off since the day before, but the hot water soothed them away.

Rhett had been gone from the bathroom when I finished.

The kitchen had been empty—until it no longer was.

Sky’s arrival had brought warmth to my blood and a smile to my lips. A simple sundress covered her gorgeous body, and the memory of being inside her for too damn short of a time had me wanting another taste.

I’d bid her a good morning, and her smile dazzled and enlivened every cell in my body with an addictive warmth. Pink had stained her cheeks when I’d asked if she’d slept all right. Her murmured affirmation had made my insides smile.

She’d zipped around the kitchen like a ball in a pinball machine, every little murmur and quirk lighting me up with buzzing energy. Rather than helping her, I’d stood back and enjoyed the sight of her making herself right at home in our kitchen.

I’d imagined her belly swollen, her hand on the baby bump in loving caresses while she flipped the French toast.

Longing to see that reality weakened my knees and caused my throat to tighten. I used the excuse of telling Rhett that breakfast was ready to keep from crying.

I got hold of my emotions before I reached the office.

Rhett stood at the window with his back to the door. “You’re helping her with her resume and headed out to fill applications today?”

He was in plan mode—all business as usual.

“I was thinking she could maybe come work for us.”

Rhett turned toward me, face unreadable. His defenses were up— “No.”

“It would give you the right to run a background check,” I tossed out what might sway him.

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