“When I first met you, I was… I was worried that you wouldn’t even give me the time of day if you knew I had kids.”
“I see,” I reply, taking his hand in mine. “We’re grown adults. At our age, so many of us have kids. I just happened to not meet anyone and have kids. That’s all. It doesn’t mean that I don’t like them. But if you’re wanting more kids, I’m not sure I’m that woman, though.”
He snorts softly. “No, I’m not looking to have more kids. I have two and that’s enough. I love you exactly as you are Layla.”
My heart melts. “Same for me. I love you, Gabe, just as you are. Never change,” I tell him, pecking him on the lips. “But… I have to say, I’ve never worked this little. I’m usually a workaholic, filling all my time with work. And I’ll probably do that once you leave to go back to Blue Valley for the season.”
He smiles and pecks me on the lips back. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
We both relax and sip our drinks. Life is good.
CHAPTER 18
LAYLA
“Happy New Year!” the crowd booms, the clock striking midnight. Gabe and I are with Cora and Chris for the evening. We’re at a local pub, enjoying a drink whilst the clock winds down. And, with the countdown at zero, Gabe and I start a new year. Together.
“Love you,” he murmurs near my ear, bending down to kiss me.
“Love you, too,” I whisper back, right before his lips cover my own. I think it’s going to be a quick peck on the lips, but it becomes something else entirely. It’s almost as if Gabe puts everything he has into it. Like he doesn’t want to let me go.
“Get a room already!” Cora jokes, her arm around Chris’ waist as he holds her, a smile on her face.
Gabe straightens, leaving me wanting more. Looking up into his handsome face, I see a twinkle in his eye. He’s not remorseful at all. He did it on purpose. A blush on my cheeks, I smooth my hair back and smile at Cora, laughing softly. She’s not wrong. Every time Gabe and I get together, the temperature in the room climbs by several degrees. The chemistry between us is undeniable. “Ready to head out?” I ask, looping an arm around his waist.
“If you are.”
I smile. “Let’s go.” Taking his hand in mine, we tell Cora and Chris goodbye and head back to Gabe’s place.
On the drive back, I let out a yawn. “Tired?” he asks, one hand on the wheel and one hand on my thigh.
“A bit.”
He quirks an eyebrow. “I’ll bet I can keep you awake,” he teases, tightening his big hand over my thigh, rubbing his thumb back and forth over the fabric of my jeans.
I have no doubt he can keep me awake. “What did you have in mind?” I tease, squeezing my thighs together, trapping his fingers between them. I know damn good and well what he has in mind.
He smirks. “I’ll show you when we get home,” he replies, moving his fingers to stroke my core through my jeans. I shudder. Even with the barrier of my clothes between his touch and my skin, Gabe doesn’t fail to ramp up my desire.
“Gabe,” I moan softly, settling into the seat and closing my eyes as he strokes his fingers over my core. He keeps touching me, light strokes, until I’m on the verge of climax. Then he stops. “Gabe,” I hiss, my voice sounding needy. That’s what he does to me.
He doesn’t reply, just parks and shuts off the car. Then, he unbuckles my seatbelt and pulls me to him, locking his lips over mine. Immediately, I open my eyes and stare into his, connecting on a deeper level. He spears his tongue into my mouth and I moan at the sensation. I’m already so turned on that it’s not going to take much to push me over the edge. He teases me with his tongue, then stops. “Let’s go inside.”
I nod. It wouldn’t be such a good idea to get caught making out like teenagers in the car.
He takes my hand and leads me inside. Immediately, we shed our coats and shoes. “Come with me.”
What is Gabe up to?
I follow his lead. And when we step inside, my eye immediately goes to the item on the bed: a pair of fuzzy handcuffs. My gaze meets his and I purse my lips.
“Are you up for it?”
“Absolutely.” As soon as the word leaves my mouth, he looks relieved.
“Good. Now strip,” he commands.
My hands go to the buttons of my blouse and I unbutton them one by one, revealing an inch at a time. His eyes are on me as he divests himself of his clothes, never leaving mine. Dropping the blouse to the floor, I unbutton my jeans and push them down and off. I stand in front of him, wearing a lace bustier and matching lace thong. He stands in front of me, his boxer briefs tenting obscenely.
