“Luna is pretty,” Layla said. “I wouldn’t mind naming our son Samuel.”
“Like a junior. Samuel Jr.” I wasn’t a fan of calling my kid Junior for various reasons. And while I liked my name, it would be confusing.
She frowned, no doubt thinking of her cousin. “Maybe not. I mean, I love your name, but it would be weird to call our son Junior. I did like my cousin, but the name evokes memories of things I would like to forget.”
Time to change the subject for now. “After you eat, we’ll take a walk on the beach. Or whatever you would like to do.”
Her full lips split into a wide mischievous smile. “I have something in mind.”
Her lust wafted into my nostrils, sending my cock into a frenzy.
28
LAYLA
Stars twinkled, surrounding the crescent moon as the sound of the waves sliding along the shore trickled in through a tiny opening in the accordion glass doors. I was tucked between Sam’s legs with my back to his front on a blanket by the fireplace as he leaned against the couch. We’d decided to create our own picnic inside.
The weather wasn’t as warm as I would like, but I was by the ocean with the man who meant more to me than anyone in my life. His arms were around me, and he was rubbing light circles on my large belly. I was close to three months but looked like I was six. The rapid growth aligned with what Dr. Vieira had found in the Emily Crawford medical file.
I snuggled into him, contented despite how fat I felt. We weren’t fighting enemies, getting kidnapped, hanging over a firepit, running through the woods, or dealing with any stressful situation like the ones we’d both been in since we’d met. I couldn’t remember a time when I felt at peace like I did now.
The fire crackled as Sam nibbled on my ear. “A penny for your thoughts.”
I tipped my head slightly to the side, feeling the warmth of his breath. “I don’t ever want to leave here.”
The day had been surreal. That morning, when I’d told him I had something in mind for us to do, he thought I meant I wanted to fuck his brains out. I would always want to do that. But it was time to chill, hang, and enjoy each other outside of sex. We knew we had that perfected. Now, we needed to learn more about each other, breathe, and talk about our future, which we’d done when we’d walked on the beach and had eaten a late lunch at the diner in town. One of the things on my list had been to sample the assorted desserts George had bragged about. The small restaurant was famous for its pies, and not to mention its view of the ocean was spectacular.
“One day, baby doll, we’ll have a home on a beach or close to it where our rug rats can play, build sandcastles, fish, surf, if that’s their thing. My promise to you.”
I wished he could assure me we wouldn’t have to fight the war brewing or deal with my grandmother or Rianne, if she was alive. My intuition whispered that she was. I still didn’t know how I felt about that.
He kissed my hair. “You’re tensing up.”
I hated to tell him that my mind wandered to the dark side. Any thoughts other than Sam, the babies, and us would ruin a fantastic day. So I mentally threw everything else in the ocean.
I rubbed his thick thighs encased in blue jeans. “You should wear tattered jeans more often.” I hardly saw Sam out of uniform. He was handsome in anything he wore, especially when he was suited up with weapons. That look had me swimming in lust and my ovaries spitting out more eggs for him to fertilize. But the casual clothes added a softer layer to my arrogant, powerful vampire. One that projected a man who had a big heart as well as gentle hands when need be. Despite his current outer appearance, Sam was a badass motherfucker through and through.
“You’re avoiding my comment,” he said in a tone that seemed faraway.
“Busted. But we’re not here to talk about anything except us.”
I wasn’t the only guilty one. Sam had been squirrelly when we’d left the house, senses sharp, scanning the area, and at times not paying attention to what I’d been saying. I didn’t complain or blame him. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t jumpy, even though we had a bodyguard—a brawny vampire who was built like a brick wall. I would pity anyone in his line of fire.
I reached over Sam’s leg and swiped my finger through the remaining elderberry left on the plate. I couldn’t believe the diner had elderberry pie. My mom loved the fruit. I almost felt her with me when I’d savored every mouthful. Needless to say, I couldn’t leave the diner without purchasing more of the delicious dessert.
I stuck my goo-covered finger into my mouth and suckled, moaning as I relished the tasty treat.
Sam groaned in my ear. “Careful, Layla.” He slipped a hand between us and adjusted his crotch.
I giggled. “It doesn’t take much to arouse you, does it?”
“Nope. Not when it comes to you,” he said in a lustful tone. “I have an idea.” Using the couch as an anchor, he pushed to his feet. Then he held out his hand. “Come on.” Once I was upright, he snatched up the blanket and ushered me out onto the deck.
I inhaled the salty air as a light, cold breeze ruffled my hair. “Skinny-dipping?”
Laughing, he draped the blanket around my shoulders. “Your tits would fall off, and my balls would freeze.”
“I would hate that. I need those balls.” I latched on to the plaid fabric as I crossed my arms, closing myself inside.
