Chapter 28
TWENTY-EIGHT
ETHAN
“Baby…” Nevaeh coos into my ear. I groan in exhaustion, but roll onto my side to face her.
I was at the club until early this morning dealing with the books.
Because I haven’t been as hands-on lately, everything’s piled up and I had no choice but to spend hours catching up on everything I’ve been neglecting.
My parents helped out a great deal while we were away, but there are certain parts of the business only I can handle.
“I just wanted to let you know I’m leaving,” she says softly.
At her words, I wrench my lids open and find Nevaeh sitting on the side of the bed.
She’s dressed in a flowy white top and a jean skirt with some fluffy-looking boots—none of which I’ve ever seen on her before.
She and Blaire and my mom went shopping and to lunch yesterday, so she must’ve bought it all then.
“Just give me a second to get ready.”
Before I can move, though, she puts her hand on my chest. “Rosco is taking me. I texted him this morning when I saw you got in late.” She runs her fingers through my hair. “I just wanted to say bye.” When she leans over to kiss me, my hand snakes up her smooth thigh and under the material.
“This skirt is short.” I’ve never cared how Nevaeh dresses, but since she started coming out of her shell, shopping and buying the clothes she wants as opposed to the outfits her mother would approve of, she dresses a hell of a lot sexier—showing a lot more skin—and in turn, leaving me with a perpetual hard-on in my pants.
Too many times I’ve considered selling everything I own and moving us to the mountains, so I can spend every waking hour in bed with my wife naked and under me.
Nevaeh giggles, smacks my hand, and stands. “Go back to sleep. Rosco is waiting for me downstairs.” My phone vibrates on the nightstand, but I ignore it. Whoever it is can wait.
“How about you stay here and cuddle with me instead?” I waggle my eyebrows.
Nevaeh smiles down at me and shakes her head, and fuck if her face doesn’t light up my entire world.
She has less than a week until her surgery and I’m trying to share her with others, but all I want is to lock her in our room and make love to her.
When I’m not monopolizing her time, she’s been spending time with Blaire and my mom, shopping and having girl time at the spa.
I think they’re trying to keep her spirits high and distract her from what’s to come.
Today, she’s finally meeting her dad for breakfast. I offered to go with her, but she said she’d like to talk to him alone.
“Wait…” I grab the backs of her legs and pull her into my lap.
“I need one more kiss.” Our mouths unite and I get lost in the softness of her lips—of the way her tongue moves with mine.
She tastes like the peppermint tea she bought the other day and has been drinking every morning.
She says it helps with the headaches and dizziness.
My fingers tangle in her hair and my other hand glides up the side of her leg.
“Ethan,” she moans. “I’m going to be late.”
“But it will definitely be worth it.” I pull her back to me for a kiss.
“Goodbye,” she says against my lips.
“Hello,” I murmur, not wanting to let her go.
“Go back to sleep and when I get back I’ll make it worth the wait.” She pecks my lips and climbs off me. But before she can get away, I pull her back and give her one last kiss.
“I love you, Angel.”
“I love you more.”
I keep my eyes open long enough to watch her leave, and then I roll over and fall back asleep, looking forward to when my wife gets home so she can make good on her promise.