Chapter Twenty-Two #2
“I’ll take breaks if I need to, but don’t worry about me.”
Well, that’s easier said than done, but I take the hint and get out of the kitchen so he can work.
Since I packed my Kindle in my purse, I browse for a new book since I haven’t been able to read for fun in years, minus earlier this week. Once I’ve downloaded a few, I run the bath water and dig around for some salts and soap.
Although I showered this morning, soaking in the tub sounds too good to pass up.
Sinking deeper into the warmth, I groan at how good it feels against my muscles. I found some bubble bath, so when I move, it floats around me.
I prop my feet up and grab my Kindle from the table, then click on the first book about a grumpy hockey player and his rival enemy he’s hated since childhood—who obviously fall in love.
A girl could definitely get used to this.
I’m not sure how long I stay in here, but once I get to fifty percent of my book and the bubbles have disappeared, I rinse off and get out.
I wrap a towel around my body and another one in my hair, then dig around my bag for clothes. I packed one longer dress that I should’ve hung up, so I find a clothes hanger and let it hang from the door while I take my time getting ready.
Warren doesn’t have a hair dryer, but I was smart enough to pack my cosmetic bag so I can at least brush my hair and put on some makeup while it air dries.
While I listen to music and wait for the moisturizer to soak into my skin, I text my brother since the baby shower is tomorrow. We haven’t seen each other this week, but I’m hopeful I’ll get to chat and spend time with them during or after the party.
Maisie
If you’re having a girl, Gracelyn’s a really pretty name :)
I chuckle because he’ll recognize my middle name and most likely give me shit for it.
Aaron
And curse her with a personality like yours? That’d be child abuse.
Yep, I knew it.
Maisie
You mean an AMAZING one like mine! Collins already said it’s on the list of potentials.
Aaron
She was just trying to be nice.
Maisie
Liar!
Aaron
If it’s a girl, we’re giving her a cool name.
Maisie
Cool? I’m too afraid to ask.
Aaron
Yeah…non-traditional and unique.
Maisie
Oh God. You’re not gonna name your baby something weird like Pickles or Maroon, are you?
Aaron
Great, I showed Collins and she likes Maroon…way to go.
I snort, almost dropping my phone on the bathroom vanity.
Maisie
HAHA…You better pray it’s a boy.
Once I’ve finished my hair and makeup, I put on my dress and a pair of heels. Although we’re not going out, the fancy meal he’s making merits a fancy dress.
“Fuck. Me.”
I jump at the gravelly voice behind me.
Warren’s gaze is focused on my ass when I turn around .
“Is it too much?” I ask, flattening my palms down the tan and floral print.
He stalks toward me, taking notice of the slit that goes up my thigh and rubbing his hand over it.
“I’ve never seen anythin’ more breathtakin’ in my life.” He cups my chin but doesn’t lean in like I want. “And you definitely took my breath away.”
How does this man who’s made me swoon at least thirty times this week continue to make me blush?
“I’m so glad you approve ’cause I wore it for you.”
So you can take it off me later …
But I keep my horny thoughts to myself.
“These are cute.” He plucks at the off-the-shoulder Chiffon fabric that connects to the spaghetti strap.
“It’s especially cute rumpled up on the floor,” I say in the most innocent voice I can muster.
His soft gaze turns heated and then he’s lifting me up and tossing me over his shoulder.
“Warren!” I squeal, holding on to his ass for support. “Watch the hair! Wait, you’re not supposed to be liftin’ anythin’ for seventy-two hours!”
His chest vibrates with laughter before he carefully drops me onto the bed. When he cages his arms on either side of my head and hovers above me, my stomach flips.
“So does that mean come Monday, you’re mine to do whatever I want with?”
Dammit, why did I have to remind him that he was on restrictions?
“There’s plenty I could do to you that wouldn’t require you to do any heavy liftin’.” I smirk, lifting my knee to rub between his legs and feeling his thickening erection .
“That’s”—he licks his bottom lip, shaking his head—“a very temptin’ offer, my love. But I need to shower and then I’m feedin’ you since you never remember to eat. After that, we’re gonna dance and have some dessert.”
Oh damn, that sounds romantic as hell.
Before I can respond, he dips down and presses a gentle kiss to my just-glossed lips.
“Mm…taste delicious too.” He winks, then pushes off the mattress, making me the breathless one.
While Warren showers, I continue reading my book, but once he comes out dripping wet in only a towel, it takes all my restraint to hold back.
“You’re such a tease…” I groan.
Instead of taking pity on me and changing in the bathroom, he drops the towel, revealing his tight bare ass.
“I swear to God…” I pout, no longer able to focus on my Kindle. “This is my punishment, ain’t it?”
Flaunting every perfect inch of his body I want to run my tongue over.
“Just a temporary one,” he says over his shoulder, then smirks before continuing, “Until I can reward you, that is.”
Sweet Jesus.
How does this man have so much restraint?
I suffer in silence while he gets dressed, attempting to read my book but looking over the words to stare at him.
And of course, it doesn’t get better when he puts on black jeans with a slutty ripped knee hole. Then he pairs it with a black button-up shirt and tucks his wedding-ring chain underneath it.
When he’s finally ready, he grabs my hand and leads me into the kitchen. The meat is still cooking, but we also grabbed some appetizers, sides, and desserts.
“Taste this.” He holds out a combo I’ve never seen before. Even watching him put it together had me questioning his taste.
“What is it?” I eye the piece of shrimp sitting on top of a cucumber slice.
“Avocado shrimp cucumber.” He moves it closer and my nose wrinkles.
“Try it,” he insists.
I open my mouth and take the bite.
“You’re gonna have to get used to my cuisine ’cause there’s no New York delivery here.”
“Ha-ha,” I mock around a mouthful.
But then I taste it, and surprisingly, don’t hate it.
“Okay, that wasn’t bad.” I swallow it down, shocked I didn’t gag on the mix of textures. “I’ll try another.”
His smug smirk makes me roll my eyes at him being right.
He works on the side dishes while I tell him about the current book I’m reading.
“Does this one end in a happily ever after?”
“I hope so! After all the sex scenes, they better end up together.”
His lips twitch as he arches an amused brow.
Maybe that’s why I’m so hard up. That damn book got my hormones in overdrive.
When the meat’s done and he cuts into it, I’m legit impressed.
“I can’t believe you made that. Looks so good.” The aroma of the tenderloin and mushroom layer has my stomach growling.
He plates it with roasted green beans and mashed potatoes before setting them on the table with lit candles.
I’m on the verge of an orgasm when I take my first bite .
“You’re never allowed to stop cookin’ for me.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” He winks.
I can barely move by the time we finish eating, but it was so worth it.
“I’d offer to help clean up, but you’re gonna have to gimme three to five business days to recover.” I should’ve stopped eating after the first slice he gave me, but it was too good not to have a second.
“I’ll take care of it.” He kisses the top of my head.
“Then I’ll be no better than your siblings you call freeloaders.” I stand, grabbing my empty plate and wine glass.
He chuckles, taking the dishes from me when I meet him at the counter. “I’d much rather cook and clean up for you, so don’t worry. They steal my food like little vultures and then leave a mess before sneakin’ out.”
I laugh, clearing the rest of the table. “They love you, though. They feel safe stealin’ from you ’cause you let ’em without repercussions.”
“So you’re sayin’ I should be meaner?”
“No!” I giggle. “But maybe change where you keep your hideaway key.”
I rinse off the plates and hand them to Warren to load the dishwasher. Then we put the leftovers in the fridge and he pulls out the frozen turtle cake to thaw.
“I’ll be ready to eat that in twenty-four hours.”
He snickers. “Then dance with me while your stomach settles.”
“Okay, but no promises not to throw up.”
“Were you always this dramatic?” he taunts, taking my hand and bringing me to the middle of the living room.
He opens his vinyl record player and puts on jazz. The fireplace is already crackling, but since he opened a couple windows, it’s the perfect temperature inside. And with the dim lighting, it’s the most romantic I’ve seen this room.
“Probably, but you were too in love with me to notice or care.” The words fall out of my mouth before I can stop them and I wince at saying the L-word on his behalf. “Shit, that came out wrong.”
He pulls me against his chest, wrapping one arm around my waist, and cups my chin with his other hand. His lips meet mine for a tender kiss. “But you’re one hundred percent correct ’cause I’m still deeply in love with you, Maze. Nothing’s gonna change that.”
I rest my palm over his racing heart, tightening my other arm around him, and meet his sincere gaze.
“That’s a relief ’cause you did exactly what you set out to do even though I was hell-bent on provin’ you wrong.”
“And what was that?”
I avert my gaze, biting my lower lip before meeting his soft eyes again. “That you could have me second-guessin’ my decision and remind me what being in love with you felt like. Except you were wrong about one thing…”
His heartfelt smile drops and the skin between his brows creases. “What thing?”
Grinning, I reply, “That it’d take seven days.”