“Oh,” I let out blandly.
Lainey looks at me, slightly worried. “You okay? If it’s any consolation, my expectations for my first Valentine’s Day with Tyler are low because I told him many times how much I hate this day. Lingerie will throw him off, though.”
My mother presses her lips together to lock in her approving laugh, only to swallow and touch my friend’s shoulder. “A wonderful idea. See anything youlike? The maroon number might be reserved for my stubborn daughter,” she says as if it’s a normal conversation.
Lainey abandons her chocolate and steps to the nearby display. “Ooh, that’s gorgeous, but I think I will stick with the purple one I have my eye on.”
They both look at me.
I hold in my breath only to huff it out in a groan and my arm darts out. “Fine. Give me the outfit.”
Maybe Lainey is right, and we should remind our significant others what day it is.
My hands adjustmy straps as I stand in the middle of the living room with a silk robe on. Appraising the lit candles, I’m satisfied. Even on a normal night, I cozy up with candles. Lately it’s been fleece pajamas and the TV on to watch the away games. Tonight, I’m going back to my roots.
My eyes sink down to my belly, and my hand naturally finds home there. “I mean, technically, your dad sees me like this all the time. Which, by the way, if your grandmother wishes to discuss the family company, then run… far away. It’s okay if your dad doesn’t remember what today is, everything else feels perfect anyhow.”
I quirk my lips out and check the clock on the wall. Asher should be home any moment, and now they are off for the week. The players are, anyway, Asher not so much.
The moment I hear the door open, I feel my heart skip. Why am I nervous?
Suddenly, it hits me why. The man I’m having a child with is actually the man that I love, really love. Maybe we’ve both been falling fast, but we haven’t stopped for a long moment to really say it.
“Gracie, I’m home. Want me to start the fireplaaaa… whoa.” He stills when he enters the living room, and he seems to drink up the view.
My brows furrow, because I wasn’t expecting him to be carrying a bunch of roses that are the color of what I’m wearing, nor was I expecting a small gift bag and a box from the bakery in town.
“Did you only remember the holiday because the team sends chocolates?” I’m skeptical as he places his gifts down on the sofa in passing.
He slowly walks my way as if he is hunting and I’m his prey. “Actually, I had it circled in my calendar, with not only one but three reminders popping up over the last few days.” His hands encircle my wrists.
“Really?” I’m in doubt. “I kind of thought you must hate this day.”
“Oh, I do, but I’m falling in love with you, so now I like this day. Flowers, your favorite orange rolls from Lake Spark, and even something for our baby, and that one I think I nailed because it saysmy little cupid.” He encourages me to step closer to him. “And I did all of that without answering my mom’s hundredth call because she would probably berate me for not making a reservation somewhere.”
I stutter a laugh. “You too?” Then it dawns on me. “Wait, did you say love?”
He knows he has me because of the wicked sexy smirk spreading. “I did.”
“As in you are falling, meaning potentially love me?” I’m enjoying this conversation already.
“As in Idolove you.”
My bright smile hits my mouth like a firework. “Perfect then, because Ilove you too.”
His intense eyes send me a message that this isn’t a game. “It’s kind of been obvious between us.”
“It has.” My heart is beating so fast. “I think I know a way that we can celebrate.” I step back and purposely take my time to untie the belt of my robe to let it fall and pool at my feet, leaving me in my new lingerie.
Asher is instantly pleased, and he smacks his hand against the side of his cheek because I’m twisting his mind, heart, and cock in all directions. “Every time you do this to me, wear something like this, my thoughts go to places far dirtier than I thought I had. You are beautiful, I love you, and you’re carrying my baby. I hope you realize that combination means I have every intention of living inside of you tonight.”
I pout with fake disappointment. “But there are baked goods.”
He storms forward and yanks me to his body, his hand fisting my hair in the back of my head. He has a savage look in his eyes. “The only way you are having cake is if I lick it off your body then kiss you.”
Heat prickles my skin, and I feel the pounding of my clit. “That could get a little messy.”
“As much as it could be fun, your little scraps of cloth need my attention. I won’t let you get cold.” Both of our eyes bounce down to my peaked nipples, then our gazes meet. “And I need to worship this body that has our baby growing inside of it.” The tip of his fingers touch my belly. “Most of all, I need to make love to you slowly.”
