36. Ava
THIRTY-SIX
AVA
“You look beautiful. Doesn’t she look beautiful?” Josie picks up my blush brush and swipes at her own cheek as we sit side by side in my room while I do my makeup.
Tyler sidles over while he straightens his bow tie. He’s devastatingly handsome in a black tuxedo. Just the sight of him has warmth gathering low in my belly and my cheeks heating. This last week has been quiet. His game schedule has been intense, and I’ve been busy working on this event. In the evenings, the kids keep me busy. After Tyler gets home and we put the kids to bed, where I expected there to be loads of ravaging going on, there’s been none. He’s been gentler since I opened up about my sister’s illness. He’s using kid gloves with me. I both hate it and love it at the same time.
On the one hand, I appreciate the space and respect he’s given me after I sobbed over not being loved. I couldn’t stand it if he’d felt obligated to say he loved me because I was practically begging for it.On the other hand, god, the sight of my husband in a tuxedo is dangerous. About as dangerous as he is when he sings Scarlett to sleep or when he braids Josie’s hair. The many facets of Tyler Warren are making it impossible not to fall hard. And if I’m being honest, I’m horny.
It’s nearly impossible to lie beside my husband knowing he is capable of bringing me to orgasm so easily and not jump his bones.
I have a plan, though. I’m ready to move past this pause we’ve taken, and I’m desperate for him to finally fuck me.
“She always looks beautiful, Jos.” With a wink at me, he turns and strides to where his jacket is hanging on the back of the bathroom door.
As I watch him go, zeroing in on his butt, I have to remind myself to breathe.
“The car’s here,” Maria calls from downstairs.
Tyler leads our little girl out of the room. “Come on, fighter. Let’s let Ava finish up.”
Promising that I’ll be ready in five minutes, I take out my phone, snap a picture of my gold dress and matching shoes, and text it to my sister.
Me: No Cinderella tonight. I’m keeping the shoes and the man!
When I hit the bottom step, my husband practically growls. “Fuck, Mrs. Warren. You look damn pretty tonight.”
I roll my eyes, even as my heart stutters at the heat in his tone.
“Language,” Brayden chides.
Grabbing my waist, Tyler pulls me into his chest and nuzzles my neck.
“Come on,” Maria says, carrying Scarlett on her hip. “Let’s get a picture of the two of you.”
“Oh, that’s okay.” I shake my head and take a step away from Tyler, only to be pulled back into him and tucked under his arm.
“I want a picture with my wife,” he says quietly, making it clear his words are just for me.
Butterflies flap like crazy in my chest. “Okay, fine. But let’s get one with the kids too.”
“Sure, but first—” He turns me to face him. “Your outfit is missing something.”
It is? Frowning, I glance down at my arms, which are bare for the first time in as long as I can remember. I’m trying to be okay with it. I’m embracing who I am. The scars are faint and unlikely to be noticed unless someone is really looking, but this is still more skin than I’ve shown in years. With only a few words, Tyler has made me feel like it’s okay to entrust others with my truth. I don’t want to hide anymore.
He pulls his hand from his pocket, and there, between his thumb and forefinger, is the most beautiful infinity band. It’s gold, like my engagement ring, and covered in diamonds. With the arch of one brow, he silently tells me what he wants.
I obey, holding up my left hand. First he slides off the engagement ring, then he slips the infinity band on, followed by the emerald.
“So everyone knows you’re my wife. ”
The words send a shiver through me. I’ve never wanted to be anything more.
Maria snaps a picture of us, then we hold out our arms for the kids to join. Scarlett is the first to dash in our direction, with Josie quickly following behind. But Brayden stands to the side, hands stuffed in his pockets and hair falling over his forehead.
“What are you doing?” Tyler lifts his chin and hits the kid with his piercing gaze.
He merely nods. “Just take the picture.”
“We said family picture,” I remind him. “Last time I checked, you’re family.”
He tilts his head, squinting, like he’s trying to come up with a smart-ass retort. He tries so hard to act cool, unbothered, but he idolizes Tyler. If I weren’t here, would he have joined the picture without hesitating like this? Tyler told me once how much he wants Brayden to feel like he matters to me. And the kid really does. So I have to do better.
“Pretty please?” I push out my lower lip and give him puppy dog eyes.
It takes a few seconds, but finally, he breaks. With a roll of his eyes, he stomps over. “Fine. I’ll take a picture with you. No need to cry over it.”
When we’re done, I ask Maria to text the pictures to me. “I’m getting that one framed and putting it on the mantel,” I tell Brayden with a wink. “Proof that you’re not too cool to hang out with your family. ”
He nods and pivots away, though not before I catch him smiling. “Have fun, you two.” He lifts a hand. “Don’t stay out too late. Wouldn’t want Daddy War to fall asleep at the ball.”
I snort. “Daddy War.”
With a smack to my ass, Tyler leads me out the front door. “Don’t egg him on.”
“Sorry, it’s just too good.”
On the front porch, he grips my hip and pulls me to a stop. “I wouldn’t mind it if you called me Daddy War while wearing this dress and riding my cock in the back of the limo.”
My whole body heats as I shake my head and hustle away from my husband. The man is dangerous tonight. And I, for one, am excited about the ride.