Page 55 of Love From the Ashes

“No problem. I’ll see you in a few minutes.” Della gave me a puzzled look like she didn’t quite believe me.

I left the restaurant, rubbing the back of my neck while I hurried toward the corner of our office building. The tingling feeling had returned and had moved down my spine, my skin now feeling cold and prickly. Dashing along the side of the building, I rounded the corner near the front entrance and ran into Reid.

“Whoa,” he said as he steadied me on my feet. “Where are you going in such a rush?”

“I was going back to my desk to finish a project I’m working on for Jason.”

“What about lunch?”

“I already ate. Adam picked me up a chicken pita sandwich.” My words came gushing out. All I wanted to do was get out of there.

“You’re acting odd. Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. It must be those crazy hormones of mine.” I gave a little laugh, trying to act normal.

“I guess so. Well, I need to grab something to eat. I’ll see you later.” Reid kissed me and then walked away.

I waited until he had disappeared around the corner. Then I hurried through the building’s entrance and quickly headed to the elevator. I wasn’t sure what was happening except that I felt an urgent and uncontrollable need to get as far away from the courtyard as possible. Call it foreboding, premonition, a bad omen, or any other similar term. The bottom line was I felt unsafe, like someone was out there intent on harming me.

CHAPTER 20

An Intruder

Istretched androlled onto my side, burying myself underneath the down comforter on our king-sized bed. I felt relaxed for the first time all day. The incident during lunch this afternoon had scared me, and I knew in my gut that someone had been watching me. When Lawrence had driven us home from work, I’d found myself scanning people on the sidewalk, looking for anyone out of the ordinary. Now that I was behind locked doors and in bed with Reid, I finally felt safe.

“How are you feeling? You looked a little pale when I ran into you at lunch today,” Reid said, lying beside me and gently rubbing my back.

“I’m fine. I was feeling a little off this afternoon. That’s all.” I still wasn’t willing to tell Reid about my scare in the restaurant and courtyard. I was afraid he’d think I was crazy. “Why are you asking?”

“Because I want something.” He slid his hand across my protruding baby bump while he snuggled against my back, his body spooning mine.

“Mmm, you’re nice and warm. What could the man of my heart possibly want right now? Hmm?”

“You,” Reid said, whispering the word in my ear before leaving a trail of kisses down the back of my neck and shoulder.

“That feels good.” I reached behind me and touched him. “You do want something. You’re already hard.” I turned onto my back, softly purring when Reid slipped one of my nipples into his mouth. “Take me,” I whispered, feeling my body tighten, that delicious tingling sensation growing in my core.

“I will after I take care of you first.” Reid scooted lower, spreading my legs with his knee. He lay between them, his hands caressing my breasts. Taking his time, he tasted and teased me, his sensual play rewarded with a mixture of sounds from my throat.

I ran my fingers through his hair, spreading myself wider as my body strained toward his tongue. “I’m close. Don’t stop,” I breathed, my back arching from the pleasure he was bringing me. I wanted to scream. His tongue felt so good. “That’s it. Oh God. I’m coming.” I pushed my head back into my pillow, straining as an orgasm rocked my body.

Reid came back to my side, taking my nipple in his mouth. Then his lips were on my neck, and he whispered in my ear, “I love making you come.” Carefully rolling on top of me, he slipped inside. He was slow and gentle at first, his pace and thrusts quickening with his increasing arousal.

I lifted my legs, wrapping them around him, tightening my muscles so they squeezed his shaft. My nails gently raked his back.

Reid’s breathing became heavier, his face straining above me.

“I want you. Make me wet,” I whispered.

“Oh, fuck. I’m coming.” Reid threw his head back, his lips parting as a groan tore from his throat. He held himself inside me until he was spent. Then he gently rolled over and pulled me into his arms, cradling me as we lay there. Reid looked down at me. “Sofie?”

“Yes?”

“Marry me.”

“What?” I stared at his chest, shocked by his request.

“I want to get married.”

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