Page 73 of Love From the Ashes

Sofie’s face radiated a mixture of pleasure and surprise when she entered the family room a little later. “I thought I was imagining things when I heard music a while ago.”

“You weren’t. I bought the stereo speaker when I went out earlier. I remembered you saying music was soothing to you.”

“It is. It always makes me feel better.”

“That’s what I hoped. Well, we should eat. I heated dinner and set it on the dining room table a few minutes ago.”

“I can smell it, and it’s making my stomach growl.”

Reid helped Sofie with her chair in the dining room, placing a kiss on top of her head before taking his seat. They awkwardly filled their plates in silence. It was as if they were treading cautiously around each other after their momentous fight and Sofie’s disappearance, neither one quite sure what to say.

“The rice is good,” Sofie said, breaking their silence. “I developed a craving for it over the last couple of weeks. It doesn’t matter what kind, either. They all taste wonderful. I read it’s because of the pregnancy.”

“Have you developed any other cravings? Maybe pickles or ice cream?” Reid chuckled as he watched Sofie attack the pile of pork fried rice on her plate.

“Pepperoni pizza and strawberries, but not together. That would be gross.”

“I don’t know. Maybe we should try it. It could be the next exotic dish.”

“I’ll try it if you will,” Sofie said, giggling.

“That’s it. We’ve got a dinner date for tomorrow night in the Morgan household dining room. Pizza à la Sofie, otherwise known as pepperoni pizza with sliced strawberries.” Reid stabbed a piece of chicken poking out from his chow mein noodles. He held up his fork. “Maybe we can figure out something exotic to do with the chicken, too?”

“Ooh, I have an idea. I’m also craving peach yogurt. We can have grilled chicken dipped in yogurt.” Sofie took a bite of her chow mein and closed her eyes, pretending to savor her imaginary concoction.

“I don’t know about that one. Yogurt doesn’t exactly hit the spot for me.”

“I know what we can have,” Sofie said, getting up from her chair. She came around to Reid’s side of the table and pulled out the chair next to him. “Egg rolls dipped in sweet-and-sour sauce.” She grabbed an egg roll from the table and dipped it in the sauce, then held it to Reid’s mouth, getting some of the condiment on his lips.

Reid took a bite and cocked his head at her. “And what is supposed to be so special about this dish?”

“It comes with a kiss.” Sofie licked the dab of sauce off Reid’s lip with the tip of her tongue. Then she kissed him.

Reid pushed his chair back and pulled her onto his lap, his arms going around her as he kissed her.

Sofie pulled back and gazed into his eyes, her hand caressing his cheek. “I missed you. Everything was so horrible without you.”

“For me too. I was devastated when I found out you’d left. It wasn’t what I wanted, and I didn’t mean to hurt you. I agonized day and night about whether you were safe and where you’d gone. We can never do this again.”

“Never again,” Sofie said softly. She kissed Reid, her arms wrapping around his neck. Then she nestled against his chest.

She felt so warm, soft, and comfortable in his arms. Reid looked down at her and kissed her forehead. This was how it was supposed to be—the two of them together.

Sofie looked up at him and smiled. “Ooh, I love this song. I think of you whenever I hear it, the way you drive me wild when you make love to me and always make me feel so special.”

“Dance with me to the song.” Reid slid Sofie off his lap and stood, extending his hand toward her.

Sofie giggled and took his hand.

Reid reached over and dimmed the chandelier. Then he danced with her, holding her close as their bodies swayed to the music, his voice in her ear as he sang the chorus.

Sofie stared at Reid, her eyes wide with surprise. “I didn’t know you could sing. Your voice is so soft and sexy.”

Reid gave her one of his devilish smiles. “You’re the only person I’ve ever sung to, so I’m glad you like it.” He sang the chorus again as he twirled her and pulled her against his chest, giving her a deep, sensual kiss when the song finished.

Sofie’s cheeks were flushed when she pulled away. “Take me upstairs. I want you to make love to me,” she whispered.

Reid scooped her into his arms and carried her up the staircase. He didn’t need her to ask him twice. Reid wanted her. His body burned for her. He laid her on the bed and slowly undressed as she watched him. Then he lay beside her, slowly undressing her while kissing her shoulders and neck. He took his time caressing her, feeling every inch of her body. There was no need to rush. He wanted to enjoy every second of having her in his arms.

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