Page 101 of Sweet Oblivion

—Delaney’s Secret Thoughts

Sitting at the head table with Lexie at the end of the night isn’t exactly how I pictured my wedding reception ending. But my company is perfect, and my view is pretty incredible, so why should I complain?

Lexie leans her head against my shoulder and sighs. “You doing okay, Lane?”

I look at her, really look at this woman who accepted me into her circle and now helped ease my transition into her family, and my heart settles. “You know what, Lex? I think I am. I think I’m better than okay.”

Ryker’s head swings my way as if he can sense my thoughts, and his smile grows predatory. He stands in front of the bar, his brother on one side, Hendrix and Lexie’s husband, Lucky, on the other. Beautiful smiles on their faces. Relaxed and happy. His jacket discarded hours ago. And hello, arm porn. My husband’s sleeves are rolled up, achunky, expensive watch wrapped around his wrist, and all his glorious ink is on display, dancing along his skin and covering all his corded muscle.

I feel like I went from inexperienced to full-blown ho for my husband pretty quickly, but does it really count if it’s just for him?

Who am I kidding? I don’t even care.

“Well.” Lexie clears her throat, drawing my attention back to her. “I’d say that’s a good thing because your husband looks like he’s about done with this party.”

And before I can sayyes, please, Ryker and Lucky cross the dance floor, heading for us.

His eyes are like a heat-seeking missile focused on me, and I’m not sure if I should run or throw myself at him.

It only takes one small curve of his lips for my heart to decide for me.

Stay it is.

Only time will tell how long.

“Time to go,dolcezza.” Lucky pulls Lexie to her feet and throws her over his shoulders like a sack of potatoes with a swift smack to her ass.

My eyes widen as she giggles and lifts her head to wave goodbye.

“Don’t even think about it, husband.” I tilt my head to the side, tired. “This is the prettiest thing I’ve ever owned, and if you toss me over your shoulders, it will rip wide open.”

He holds his hand out for me instead and pulls me to my feet, steadying me as I slip my feet back in my heels. With a hand on my face, he tilts my chin up to him, and the steady current of electricity that’s hummed between us all night sparks back to life. “Tell me, Bambi, was your wedding day everything you ever dreamed of?”

I slide my arms around his shoulders and let him take my weight in his hands. “It was more, Ryker. I never dreamed of this night. I never planned it or thought about itbecause I never made plans further than a few weeks ahead at a time.”

“And now?” he pushes, swinging me into his arms like he’s about to carry me over a threshold instead of through an entire vineyard. “How do you feel about plans now, wife?”

I rest my head on his shoulder and close my eyes, exhaustion pulling at me. “They’re growing on me.”

But as he turns, I open my eyes again, certain we’re going— “Ryker... the parking lot is the other way.”

“It is,mia moglie.”

“Then why aren’t we going that way?” I ask, confused.

“Because we’re not going to the parking lot. I rented out the bed and breakfast.”

“What?” My head pops up, and I tighten my hold while Ryker walks us along a lantern-lit path toward a beautiful building with a massive wraparound porch. “Like rented out the whole bed and breakfast?”

“Yeah, baby. The whole thing. I plan to make you scream. Loudly. Couldn’t have any neighbors complaining.”

Any lingering exhaustion is suddenly very forgotten as I find my second wind.

“My clothes?—”

“Are waiting for you in the B&B. Ashton helped me.” He presses his lips to my temple. “The cake’s there too. Lexie was in on it. And Ryleigh has food already waiting for us in case you didn’t eat anything tonight.”

“Always worried about feeding me.”