Stealing Hearts (Wild at Heart #1)

49. PAIGE

49

PAIGE

An hour later, I groan as Rhett washes my hair. “You have magical hands, husband.”

“It’s my pleasure, wife.” His mouth grazes my neck as he presses against my back, and he sucks on my pulse, sending little bolts of pleasure shooting through my body. “I’ve never washed a woman’s hair before, but I think we should add this to our daily routine. I love getting you soapy.”

His giant hand grips my breast, and I stretch up to rake my fingers through his hair and push my ass back against his erection. “I’m at your beck and call.”

“Let’s finish your hair before I bend you over and fuck you.” His gruff voice in my ear makes me shiver.

“That’s a problem why?” My core pulses at the thought.

“I’m trying to do a good job here.”

Closing my eyes, I smile. He rinses my hair, conditions it, then sprays me off, taking extra time to wash off my boobs. Then he snakes a hand between my legs and groans. “Fuck, you’re so wet.”

I turn to face him and run my hands over the swells of my breasts while he groans again. “Are you going to do something about that?”

Gripping himself, he shuttles his hand over his swollen cock. “I had every intention of letting you take a nap first. I wanted to make love to you in a bed. Show you I could be gentle and prove I’m not a caveman.”

Tossing my arms over his shoulders, I push up on my toes to kiss him. “Maybe I like that caveman.” I hike my leg over his hip, and he takes the hint and pulls me up to his waist.

I scramble for purchase on his body, and he pulls me closer and whispers, “I got you.”

He does, doesn’t he? He knew I was at the cemetery this morning. No one told him that. He and I are a work in progress, but there’s a part of him that understands me in a way no one else ever will.

The joy I didn’t let myself feel when we got married filters through me, like the sun breaking through the clouds.

Rhett is mine. He will always be mine. And I’m his.

Turning, he leans me against the tile, and I nip his bottom lip. “Please fuck me, husband.”

“I’m yours to command, wife.” He holds me by my ass and lines himself up to my opening. Our eyes meet as he slowly slides into me. I see love shining back at me. Love and so much affection.

My breath catches as he works his way into me.

The stretch, the feel of him, is drugging. He’s almost too much. Almost too big. But he doesn’t rush. He takes his time until he bottoms out, and we both moan.

This connection is magical. It’s not just the sex. It’s not just how our bodies fit together or the places he touches me. It’s not the physical that makes our bond so incredible.

It’s the soul-deep connection I’ve never had with anyone else.

He squeezes me tight. “You’re everything to me, Paige. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

He kisses me long and slow as he moves in and out of my body. We come together beneath the steamy water with quiet moans until we shatter.

Shaking in his arms, I press my face into his shoulder, and he kisses my temple. “You know, if I hadn’t already put a baby in you, I’d be wanting to now.”

Leaning back, I grin. “I love a goal-oriented man. Looks like you hit your target without even trying.”

He winks. “I love hitting your target.”

Drowsy, I yawn and reach for Rhett, but his side of the bed is empty. A minute later, the bedroom door opens, and he pokes his head in.

“Hey, baby. You get a good nap?”

“Yes.” I sit up. “When did you get up?”

“About two hours ago. Talked to the sheriff. He said to call him because he has a few questions.” He sits on the edge of the bed. “They arrested Harlan and his son, and they issued an arrest warrant for Dods.”

“Oh, my God. That’s great news.”

He wraps his arm around my shoulders. “Because of what you recorded on your phone, I have another shot at saving this ranch. I had Jace inspect the fence again, and he found where Jimmy must’ve mended it after sneaking sick steer back onto our property last week.”

“It’s crazy how far they went to screw with us.” I nuzzle against him. “I’m so happy everything is working out.”

Rhett kisses the top of my head. “Brought you some coffee. Sorry it’s decaf. You can’t have full-caf, right?”

“Damn. That’s right,” I say as he hands me the mug. “This smells good though.”

“We need to make an OBGYN appointment, don’t we?”

I nod. “Would you… would you like to go with me? I mean, you don’t have to come. I know you’re busy.”

“I’m never too busy for you. I know I’ve had the wrong priorities, but I aim to change that.” He kisses me again. “I swear, I’ll never miss a chance to see our baby on an ultrasound.”

Our baby. I’m having Rhett’s baby. I’m ridiculously happy about that.

“Do the boys know yet?”

He shakes his head. “They might’ve been the ones to uncover the pregnancy test, but they were too busy playing to take notice.”

“Will they be okay when they hear the news? I know this might be hard for them.”

“They’ll be fine. Now that they’re not going back and forth to their mother’s place, they seem a lot more settled. But we can hold off on telling them for a bit.”

“I hope we can be one big, happy family. I want Austin and Gabriel to know they’re just as important as any new additions.”

He smiles. “Thanks, wildflower. That means a lot to me.”

“Will Amber freak out when she hears we’re having a baby?”

“Probably, but it’s high time she gets a grip on her life. She has to learn she can’t keep throwing tantrums. She used to get me all twisted up and upset, and now I realize it was her way of getting what she wanted. Well, I’m over it. She can either act like an adult or fuck off.”

I’m relieved to know that her hold on him is broken.

Needing to wake up, I take a sip of coffee, and my stomach rumbles. “How am I hungry again? Didn’t we just have breakfast?”

“It’s been a while since you ate.” He gives me a naughty grin. “Plus, maybe you worked up an appetite in the shower.”

My eyes go a little hazy with the memory. “That’s true.” I check out my husband, who’s sporting his usual attire—a t-shirt, jeans, and boots, plus that sexy backwards baseball cap.

“Wife, if you keep looking at me like that, we’re never gonna leave the bedroom today.”

“Why is this a problem?” It must be the pregnancy hormones because I’m ready to pounce on him again.

“Because half the town is in our living room right now, wanting to see you.”

“What? Why?”

He brushes a strand of hair out of my eyes. “People heard what happened, that you were attacked, and now we have a table full of casseroles and baked goods. Sylvia and Baylee have been here for a while. They wanted to see you with their own eyes. Apparently, me saying you’re fine isn’t enough.”

I chuckle. “Well, let’s not worry them. Give me five minutes to get dressed.”

His brow lifts. “Can I watch?”

Playfully, I shove him. “Not if you want me to greet our guests.”

“Fine,” he grumbles.

Once I get changed, I head out to join him in the living room. My eyes widen when I see so many people. I thought he was joking when he said I had a lot of visitors. Judge Tate is here, Ty, Mabel from the ice cream shop, Mrs. Nash from the trading post, several of my high school teachers, and of course Baylee and Aunt Syl.

But before I get a chance to greet anyone, Gabriel and Austin tackle me in hugs. “Are you okay?” Gabe asks.

I lean down to squeeze them both. “I’m just a little scratched up. That’s all.”

“We were worried,” he says quietly while Austin nods.

“Aww, boys. I’m fine. I promise.” How sweet are these two? As I have them both in my arms, my eyes meet Rhett’s, and he winks.

Gabriel scratches the back of his head. “Can we still tumble this week?”

“I might need a few days to rest up, but then I should be good to go.”

The grin he gives me makes my heart so happy. When the boys run off, Baylee and Aunt Syl wrap me up in hugs.

“ Mija , I’m so glad you weren’t hurt,” Aunt Syl says. “ Gracias a Dios. I’ve never liked Harlan Calhoun. I can’t believe that man.” Then she lets out a string of curses in Spanish that makes Baylee laugh.

My best friend shakes me. “You scared me to death this morning. When I saw your message from last night and realized you never came over, I nearly had a heart attack.”

“I’m sorry. I never meant to worry you.”

Sylvia squints at me. “I’m assuming by the beard burn on your neck that you and your husband made up.”

I slap my hand on my neck. “Aunt Syl!” I chuckle. “Yes, we’re in a good place now.”

She lowers her voice. “And did I hear we’ll have a stork visit soon?”

“Yes, but we haven’t told anyone yet. Rhett’s brothers and you guys are the only ones who know.”

“This is so exciting! My lips are sealed.” She zips her hand across her mouth.

I glance around the living room. “I’m surprised so many people came out today.”

Baylee snorts. “I’m not. Everyone loves you.”

Syl nods and takes my hand. “This town has missed you.”

My eyes get watery. “When people showed up for our wedding, I thought they only came because they were nosy. But seeing everyone today, I think I was wrong.” And for the last few days, I’ve been worried everyone judged me because of what Darlene said at the Moonlight Mixer, but based on the relieved looks on people’s faces when they see me, they don’t care about the gossip.

“We’re a little nosy,” Sylvia admits with a grin. “But mostly, we care about you. I know you went through a lot in high school, and I think that distorted your perception of Wild Heart. It’s a good town with good people. And it’s a great place to raise a family, which you’ll soon learn.”

Rhett comes up behind me and wraps his arm around my shoulders. “Can I have my wife back now?”

Sylvia smacks him. “Oh, hush.”

He chuckles. “Glad you two could make it today.”

She glances between me and Rhett. “In case I haven’t said it, y’all make an adorable couple. And Rhett?”

“Yes, ma’am?”

“I’m glad you pulled your head out of your ass.”

My eyes widen, and Rhett chuckles again. “Never said I was perfect, but I’m trying.”

Sylvia nods. “I can see that. And I’m happy for y’all. Now stop hogging Paige, and let her talk to the rest of your guests.”

My husband’s chest shakes with laughter. “Yes, ma’am.”

As I chat with our neighbors and friends, my heart is full. I’m really grateful to have so much support.

Now I just need to get through Monday when we meet with the bank. I say a little prayer that we’ll be able to get the extension Rhett needs to untangle this mess that Harlan made.