“He’s nothing to you. He’s not your family, he’s not even your father, not in any way that counts. If he or his family ever bother you, just let me know.” I’ve never had a high opinion of Nelson or Karie, but now it really couldn’t go any lower. On the other hand, sometimes people surprise me. Nelson and Karie might take out a shovel.
When we reach our home, I exit and the door on her side rises. I go around the car and extend my arm. “Wife.”
She lays her small, delicate hand on my palm. With a grin, I pick her up, one arm under her shoulders and the other under her knees. She yelps, then puts an armlock on my neck.
I laugh. “Relax. I’m not going to drop you.”
“Aren’t I heavy?”
“You kidding? You’re like a cream puff.”
“A cream puff, huh? Even though my dress is black?” Her eyes twinkle.
“Okay… A chocolate cream puff.”
She laughs. “So we won’t make the Internet news for being that couple who threw out his back and broke her hip?”
“Never.”
“Man. I always wanted to be famous.” She flutters her eyelashes.
I laugh. “Fame is overrated, but if you want it, I can arrange something.”
“Like what? Call Joey the Fairy Godmother I Didn’t Know I Had?”
“Please.” A small shudder runs through him. “I can do a thousand times better.”
She’s all curiosity now. “Okay, impress me. What are you going to do to make me famous?”
“Outdoor sex comes to mind.”
“What?”
“I mean, if you want me to throw out my back and break your hip, we might as well have some fun while we’re at it…”
She lets out a shriek of laughter, the blue of her eyes brightening a shade or two. Her body is warm and soft against me, and the light, citrusy perfume she was wearing earlier has faded, leaving only the mouthwatering fragrance of her feminine scent behind.
I really missed this woman in the last three weeks. Not just her body but her humor and pluck. And the amazing way shehandled my father so that he actually behaved like a somewhat normal human being at the wedding, despite my misgivings.
My skin hot and prickling, I kiss her, our lips touching softly as I carry her across the threshold, up the winding stairs, to our bedroom. My tongue flicks out and licks the seam of her mouth, only to have hers come out to do the same, her hand now cradling my cheek. She strokes my skin tenderly, her eyes full of gratitude and affection.
It’s nice…but not enough. I want her eyes to burn with lust as well.
I place her on the bed and deepen the kiss. She plunges her fingers into my hair, holding me tight as she returns my kiss with open carnality. I run my hands along her bare arms, feel goosebumps against my fingertips. She shivers and sighs.
“I know it sounds weird, given that we’ve had some rocky moments…but I think I missed you,” she whispers against my mouth, which still tingles with the taste of her.
I put my forehead on hers. “I won’t be gone for so long again, not for a while.” I press a dozen kisses on her face. “I missed you, too.”
A small smile curves her mouth. I trace the line with my tongue and—
My home security system beeps twice, a signal that somebody is at the gates.
Who the hell could it be?My brothers know better than to plan a gag gift or prank on my wedding night. And Joey values his life too much to disturb me right now.
Probably some idiot who’s at the wrong house.I claim Grace’s mouth again—
The system beeps again.Damn it.
