“But are your doggies okay?”
Elias’ eyes warmed even more. “They’re fine. They have a doggie run they can get into and out of at will and they’re comfortable.” Elias kissed her softly. “But I love that you’re worried about them.” He pointed to the bed. “Now, lie down.”
“Yes, sir.”
She kicked off her shoes and scooted back on the navy-blue comforter, then lowered herself slowly to keep her shoulders from complaining. Wren watched the ceiling fan spin while she listened to Elias’ voice grow higher in the other room as he opened the door.
“Hey, guys! You’ll never believe who’s back.”
Wren laughed quietly, her heart thumping in her chest. He sounded so happy.
Because I’m here.
To think, I actually ran away this morning.
Watching the fan made her sleepy and she closed her eyes. It seemed like only a moment before she felt the mattress shift as Elias sat on the bed. She opened her eyes and started to sit up.
“Nope. Roll over, relax, and let me do the work.”
Wren hesitated for just a moment, a small smile playing on her lips as she teased, “You’re really committed to this massage idea, aren’t you?”
“I’m committed to making you feel good,” he replied, his tone serious now, his eyes holding hers with an intensity that made her breath catch.
I don’t need any more convincing. Wren lay back on the bed, her body sinking into the soft mattress as she relaxed beneath his gaze. Elias leaned over her, his hand brushing a strand of hair away from her face as he looked down at her with a mix of tenderness and desire.
“The dogs are fine?”
Elias chuckled. “The dogs are fine. If you’re good, I’ll let you see them later,” he teased.
“Oh, I can be good.” She started reaching for his lap but he stopped her.
“Just relax,” he whispered, his fingers tracing the curve of her jaw before trailing down to her neck and shoulders. “I’ve got you.”
Wren closed her eyes and rolled onto her stomach, letting go of everything except the sensation of his hands on her skin, the warmth of his body hovering over hers, and the promise of what was to come.
Elias straddled her without letting her take any of his weight. His touch was gentle yet firm, his hands knowing exactly whereto press and where to soothe, drawing out the tension. After what felt like a delicious eternity, he dipped down and whispered beside her ear.
“How are you feeling now, baby?”
Baby. Wren should have shivered at that, but she no longer had muscles, or bones, or a nervous system stuck on high. She was no longer even a human—just a puddle of warm goo under his fingers.
“Mmurff.”
Elias chuckled. “Can I take that as better than you were?”
“Mmurght. Yeah.”
He laughed again, his voice husky. “Ready for more?”
There was no mistaking whatmoremeant.
And no mistaking, she was ready. Very ready.
She opened her eyes and propped herself up on her elbows. She looked over her shoulder and caught the look in Elias’ eyes that mirrored her own desire.
“Tell me, baby. You ready? If you aren’t we can just?—”
“Oh, no you don’t.” Wren rolled over as he lifted up to give her room to move. “Can’t let all your hard work go to waste.”
