I pulled her closer and rolled on top of her.
“A blessing, huh? Is that why you were screaming ‘Oh, my God! Oh, my God, Nick!’ last night.” I quirked an eyebrow and laughed at her dropped jaw.
She smacked my arm, trying to squirm away. I took her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. She stopped wriggling and moaned in my mouth.
“You're my blessing, too. You and Jack.Te adoro mi vida.”
Ellie’s eyes darkened. “What . . . does that mean?”
My mouth twisted in a smirk. Speaking Spanish made Ellie hot—I had a shitload of fun with that.
“‘I adore you, my love.’ My dad always said that to my mom. Technically, it means ‘I love you, my life.’ And that’s what you are—my love and my life.”
I kissed her slowly and settled between her legs. My love and my life deserved to wear my ring.
I only needed to find the right time to ask.
“WHAT SMELLS SOgood?” Nick startled me as he strolled into the kitchen. I’d forgotten I gave him a key last week. There was nothing ceremonial about it as he was here all the time anyway, but I was still getting used to it.
I pulled the tray of baked ziti out of the oven and set it on the stove.
“I thought we’d have somethingmygrandmother used to make for a change.” I sauntered over to Nick and wrapped my arms around his waist. “Won’t be as good as anything you make, but . . .”
Nick shook his head as he leaned over to give me a soft kiss. “I love when you cook for me. Especially when it’s just us.” His teeth nipped at my earlobe. “And I get to have you for dessert.”
I groaned as I tilted my neck to give him more access. Nick painted soft kisses down my shoulder as I clutched his waist. Jack was at Evan and Paige’s for the night, and this was the first night we’d had alone in a while.
“No dessert without dinner.” I swatted his arm and motioned to the table.
Nick frowned as he pouted his bottom lip. “You’re no fun.” He made his way to the already set table and I followed with the foil covered tray.
“I didn’t realize you’d be helping Evan all day long.” I scooped some pasta onto his plate and passed it over.
His brow furrowed as he grabbed his phone out of his pocket before he sat down.
“Sorry, sweetheart. Kevin was seeing the surgeon today, and Maddie said she’d let me know what he said.” Nick didn’t look up as he punched out a text.
Since Kevin got into an accident a few weeks ago, Nick had been more than a little distracted. I wasn’t jealous of Maddie. I’d glanced at a couple of messages from her, and they were short updates about Kevin’s condition, nothing more. His connection to her was severed and done, but he still worried about her little boy as if he were his own.
“How is he?” I squeezed Nick’s forearm.
His grandmother confided that Maddie never seemed all that into Nick, but used his affection for her son to get what she wanted until she couldn’t be bothered anymore. He was a big softie, especially when it came to kids. The thought of Maddie taking advantage of him that way made me want to punch her, even though we’d never met.
“Better. One more surgery and his leg should be fine. He’s gone through a lot, but it could have been a whole lot worse. Maddie’s even letting me send him a present without sending it back.” He raised an eyebrow and chewed a mouthful of pasta. “I’m sure it won’t last, so I’m trying to think of something good to send him, you know? One last thing to remember me by.” A sad laugh rumbled from his chest.
I nodded as I gave him a little smile, all the while thinking,bitch.
“I learned a lot about flooring today, even if I was only meant to be the muscles to carry stuff in.”
“Sorry I missed that.” I took a sip of wine as I arched an eyebrow. “Lots of lifting and squatting?”
A smile slanted Nick’s mouth before he threw me a wink. “Some. Just glad I was able to help. Evan has a lot more work to do on the house, but it goes up for sale next week.” Nick set down his fork and scooted his chair closer to the table. “I was . . . thinking about buying it.”
I squinted at Nick before I set my glass down. “Buying it? Why?”
Nick shrugged. “I’m getting a little sick of my postage stamp-sized apartment.” He reached for my hand and squeezed. “You wouldlovethis house. The master bedroom has its own balcony overlooking a huge backyard. I think I have enough saved up for a decent down payment. The agent was there checking things out today, and I set up an appointment with her for next week.”
“It sounds nice. I wouldn’t mind sitting on the balcony when we visit.”
