Her eyes meet mine in the mirror as she’s brushing through her hair, and her cheeks flush.
“What?”
“You’re so damned sexy. I forget sometimes and then it smacks in the face.”
That’s the last thing I expected her to say, and I’m not sure how to answer. So, I take the easy way out. Stepping up behind her, I move her damp hair out of the way and kiss her neck and nibble underneath her ear. Fuck me running, I’m almost fifty and we just fucked, and yet my cock didn’t get the memo. It’s already half-hard. It shouldn’t even be possible, but this woman is magic.
“When you’re done come find me in the kitchen. I’ll get dinner set out.”
“I’m almost done. I can help.”
Shaking my head as I smile into our reflection, I tell her, “Take your time, baby. I’ve got this.”
I grab my phone off the dresser and text Mike as I make my way to the kitchen.
Me: You guys outdid yourselves. I owe you.
I don’t expect him to answer right away, so I’m surprised when the phone buzzes in my hand.
Mike: Nothing you wouldn’t do for any of us. How did Providence take the surprise?
As I stare into the stocked refrigerator, I shake my head. They went so far over and above it’s insane. I’ll never be able to thank them enough. But next time, when Tempest tells me something about my woman, I’m going to damn well listen to her. She warned me Providence wouldn’t be happy, and boy, did she nail it.
Me: She was shocked and more than a little pissed.
Mike: I guess Tempest was right.
Me: Yeah. Take this as a lesson. You can’t manage women the same way you manage SEAL teams.
Mike: Fuck. Even I could have told you that. Besides, no worries there. I’ve made it this far without being tied down, no reason to change that shit now. On a side note. We’ve got a lead on the trafficking cell in Baltimore. Are you coming to the office tomorrow?
Me: Finally. I’ll be there. I’ll even bring donuts.
Mike: Copy that, boss. Have a good night.
It’s late, I’m exhausted, no doubt Providence is too. As much as I’d love to feed her the lasagna and have a nice dinner for our first meal, I think it’s too much right now. Instead, I grab the charcuterie board out of the refrigerator and set it up on the island. Then open a bottle ofPinot Noirto let it breathe. I’m setting the glasses down when Providence comes in.
“You made us a charcuterie board?” She quirks an eyebrow at me.
“Umm, no. It was in the fridge. If I had to make it, it wouldn’t be nearly this pretty.” I grin. “I made an executive decision that we’re both tired so a light meal would be better.”
“Another one, you mean?” she snarks.
Ugh. I run my hand through my hair and shrug. “A bad habit I need to work on apparently.”
“Nah, this is good. I would have picked the same thing. Although I little birdie told me there is lasagna too.” Providence laughs as she sits down at the island and grabs a piece of cheese.
“A little birdie, huh?”
“Yeah, Tempest texted me. Asked how I liked my surprise.”
“She did? What did you tell her?” asking as I pour the wine.
“That I was shocked and wanted to tan your hide. But that I’m also thrilled we got our dream house.”
Letting out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding, and hand her a wine glass. “To a new chapter, the best one yet. I love you, baby.”
After a moment’s hesitation, she touches her glass to mine and gives me a soft smile. “To new chapters. I love you too, Tony, even if I want to kick your ass right now.”
