“The feeling is definitely mutual.” I smile against his lips.
“And I appreciate the offer so much, but I wouldn’t ask that of any of you. I don’t want to uproot the kids. They are happy here, and I know it’d be painful for everyone to move back there. Especially you and Theo.”
Theo’s family situation hasn’t changed, and though he says he doesn’t care—that he’s moved past his parents’ abandonment of him—we all know it’s an ongoing source of pain because of the impact it has had on his relationship with his siblings.
Theo meets up with his sister Ria a few times a year. She’s three years younger than him, and she’s a doctor. She works in Jefferson City, Missouri, and she’s engaged to a fellow doctor. Ria is super sweet, and I’m glad Theo has a good relationship with her. The twins are a different matter. They are seventeen now and starting senior year soon, but Theo has little contact with them.
They were very young when his parents kicked Theo out of the house, so they didn’t have time to form a bond. They are virtual strangers, and despite Ria’s constant attempts to coax them into meeting with Theo, their parents have poisoned their minds to their brother, and they make no effort to get to know him. That hurts Theo. More than he will ever admit. I can only hope, when the twins mature and get older, they will see things in a different light and reach out to him.
“Would your mom and your brother and sister ever consider moving here?” I throw out the idea as it pops into my head. “We could find a nice place close by for her and help her sell her place in Prestwick? The Newport sea air might do wonders for her mood.”
Caz blinks a couple of times. “Why didn’t I think of that?” His eyes light up. “Nelia only has one more year left in college, and Jake wants an apprenticeship after he graduates high school. He could come work with me or Saint in either of the garages.” I can almost see his brain contemplating the pros and cons. He plants a firm kiss on my lips. “You’re a fucking genius, Lo. This is the perfect solution. I honestly don’t think my family is that invested in Prestwick. It holds a lot of bad memories for them too.” He glances at his watch, whipping the covers off. “It’s not too late to call them.” Grabbing his sweats off the floor, he hurriedly pulls them on. He crawls over the bed, kissing me again. “I love you.”
“Love you too.” I hold on to his face, demanding more kisses.
He chuckles as his lips brush against mine. “Don’t worry, queenie. I’ll be back, and you’re definitely due a reward.”
Desire coils low in my belly. “Damn straight I am.” I swat his butt as he climbs off the bed. “Don’t take too long. I’ll just be here naked, touching myself while I imagine it’s your hands covering my body.”
He slams to a halt, peering at me over his shoulder. “Fucking hell, Lo. I’m hard as a rock now.”
Giggling, I yank my nightdress up over my head, tossing it away. I cup my breasts, toying with my nipples, as I lick my lips, pouting seductively in his direction. “Chop, chop, Caz. Go make your momma happy, and then come back and make your wife happy.”
Chapter 7
Harlow
“THIS PLACE ISgorgeous,” I say, as Saint comes up behind me, circling his arms around my waist. I lean back into his hard chest, admiring the stunning coastline in front of me. The small golden sandy beach is private, accessible only by residents, so it truly is the perfect getaway spot.
“I’m glad you approve,” he purrs, pushing my new lavender-striped hair aside so he can plant kisses along one side of my neck. “I know we haven’t gone far from home, but I didn’t want to waste hours in the car.”
I spin around in his embrace, looping my arms around his neck. “It’s perfect, Saint. We have our own luxury cottage for the weekend, on this beautiful beach, and there is an abundance of restaurants, shops, and bars within walking distance. You couldn’t have chosen better.” I stretch up, kissing the corner of his mouth. “This weekend isn’t about where we are, but the fact we are together. No distractions. No kids. Just us.”
“Have I told you how much I love your new hair?” he says, threading his fingers through the long silky wavy strands cascading over my shoulders.
I grin. “You might have mentioned it a time or two.” I wanted to go full lavender, but the hairdresser said that will take a few trips to accomplish, so we started with some lavender highlights today which she will gradually build upon until my hair is completely transformed. After years of wearing it dark, I’m excited for the change.
“You are stunning,” he adds, and my heart melts. “With every passing year, you get even more beautiful.”
“Or it could be your eyesight is getting worse,” I quip, running my hands through his dark blond hair. Saint wore his hair cropped for years, but he’s let it grow out now, and I love the mess of waves tumbling onto his brow. More for me to grab when we’re in the throes of passion.
“There is nothing wrong with my eyesight, queenie.” He flattens his palms over my ass, squeezing. “You’re fucking gorgeous, and we’re lucky bastards.”
We move as one, our lips colliding in a passionate kiss I feel all the way to the tips of my toes.
Saint has made a huge effort this week to prove his words from last weekend weren’t thrown out in the moment. Every day, he’s sent me flowers. My office at work resembles a florist. Then he booked Jazz and me in for a mani and pedi this morning along with a trip to the hair salon where I decided on a whim to dye my hair.
My other husbands haven’t seen it yet since Saint picked me up from the hair salon and we drove straight here.
“I won’t disagree with you,” I tease, grinding my hips against his as he continues kneading the cheeks of my ass. “Iama fucking catch.”
“And still so humble,” he quips, thrusting his hips against mine.
Desire powers through me, and I slam my lips against his, devouring his mouth. I have missed kissing Saint. Missed feeling his tongue tangling with mine. Missed feeling the intensity of his love. He has made it a point to kiss and hug me every day, showering me with affection, and it’s amazing how quickly things are returning to normal. Thank God, because I have missed my possessive alpha male like crazy.
Saint breaks our kiss, rubbing his thumb along my lips. “This mouth.” His eyes darken with liquid lust. “I fucking love this mouth.” He pecks my lips quickly. “And I have plans for it later.” He winks, and my body floods with desire. “But right now, you need to get dressed, or we’ll miss our dinner reservation.”
Taking me by the hand, he leads me inside. The cottage isn’t huge, but it’s big enough with a large open-plan living space facing French doors that opens out onto the wraparound deck. At the front of the property, there are two bedrooms, both with king-sized beds and en suite bathrooms.
