EPILOGUE
Eight months later…
I feel Brody approach me from behind. It’s an instinctual awareness that thrums through my body whenever he’s close. My lashes flutter shut while I soak in the comfort of his presence, just like a warm hug.
“Mind if I steal my wife for a moment?” His gravelly tone is a shot of hot arousal.
I bite my inner cheek to rein in the urge to squirm. A knowing grin instantly appears on my cousin’s lips. Cassidy’s husband Drake wears a smirk to match. Gemma and Ryder exchange a glance. The conclusions they’re jumping to are less subtle than Lynn Ellen Paige. I brace for embarrassment when my cousin smiles brightly.
“Give yourself more credit, stud. I’m sure it’ll take longer than that.” Cassidy’s wink is aimed at me. “Although, your boobs are boner-inducing in that sweetheart neckline, Lee. Might only last a few pumps drooling over those voluptuous cans.”
I choke on a sip of champagne, shooting her a glare. “Did you seriously just say that?”
“Women spend a fortune to get cleavage like that.” She points a manicured nail at my chest.
“And theirs still pale in comparison,” my husband rasps.
“Good grief,” I mumble and fan at the flames on my face.
“She’s right, by the way.” Brody’s voice drops lower, drifting across my neck to incinerate me completely. “But I’ll do my best to make it worth your while.”
“Um, what?” The heat is getting to me.
“I’m trying to be discreet,” is his response. “Don’t want to draw too much attention to our disappearance.”
“We’ll create a distraction if people start to wonder,” Gemma offers.
“Only if it involves that redhead at the bar.” My brother wags his brows. “She can cause a disruption under me all night long.”
The bubbly I’ve been drinking is about to make a reappearance. “Oh. My. Gosh. What is happening?”
“We’re taking a walk.” And then Brody whisks me away from the group.
“Where are we going?”
“Somewhere private.” His gaze is locked straight ahead.
Our pace is brisk, impatience tugging me along. My heels make rapid clicks against the wood floor. It’s old and original, much like the rest of this building. The owners of Two Spotted Cows and a Gray Duck wanted to restore as much natural charm as possible. Sunlight streams into the restaurant through large bay windows to showcase their success in that endeavor. Stained glass and brick walls speak of days long gone, but it’s still modern to fit the posh vibe.
The chatter of our guests fades as we turn a corner and disappear behind an ornate cast iron divider. This leads to the foyer where we met Kate and Pat before thoroughly devouring our tasting menu. There’s a much more intimate dining space at the end of the corridor on our left. That’s precisely where my husband is taking us.
“Wait.” Laughter sputters from me in a disbelieving trail. “You actually want to—?”
“Yes. Badly. It’s all I can think about, which is really inconvenient while we’re surrounded by family and friends.” Shadows swallow us, but antique sconces expose the unmistakable hunger in his gaze.
“I thought you were just messing with them.” My focus slides backward into the empty hall.
Brody’s fingers clench against the base of my spine. “I’d never joke about something this critical, wife.”
The temperature is cool but a fiery rush burns through me. “We can’t sneak off, husband. It’s our wedding reception.”
“Which is exactly why we’re doing this.” He opens the door, which isn’t locked until we’re inside.
Low lighting casts the small space in a cozy invitation. I feel that allure beckoning to my husband from between my legs. He’s turned me into a fiend.
But there’s still hesitation squaring my shoulders. “They’ll notice we’re gone.”
“Better make it quick then.” His eyes gleam. “I need to fuck you in that dress, and it can’t wait another second. It wasn’t an option the first time. Or at least not one that seemed doable. That missed opportunity has haunted me, and I won’t let it slip by again.”
I’m backing myself into the far corner while he’s talking. The round table between us might as well be a taunt. My chest rises and falls rapidly, heaving faster when he begins to stalk forward.
Static energy sparks between us. We aren’t touching yet but I feel his intentions between my legs. That throb pulses a frantic beat while I watch him approach.
Brody becomes an imposing force that towers over me. A muscular arm braces on the wall over my head. The backs of his fingers on the other hand brush along my cheek in a gentle caress. That tender touch hitches my breath before I melt into him.
“Have I told you how beautiful you are?” His smolder burns into me with the heat of an inferno.
“Yes, and thank you,” I manage to whisper.
“Gonna repeat myself.” He dips to drift his lips over mine. “You’re so beautiful, wife. Inside and out. The rare kind of beauty that radiates from you and makes me want to deserve your sparkle. Sometimes I don’t believe you’re real.”
I lift a palm to trace the buttons of his dress shirt, up to the undone collar, and then to the heat of his skin. “This is very real, husband.”
He shifts closer, allowing me to feel more of him. “What would I do without you?”
The vulnerable edge in his tone shocks me. This isn’t what I expected when we came in here, but he loves to keep me guessing.
“You’ll never have to find out,” I murmur. “We’re forever.”
My thumb drifts along his jaw. The usual scruff is barely there now, groomed for the occasion. I want the coarse rasp from the stubble to burn my sensitive flesh.
As if listening, Brody swoops down to bury his face in the crook of my neck. He maps the slope of my throat with his nose. I go boneless in his hold, allowing him to have his way with me. His loud inhale vibrates through me. Something about him smelling me is extremely sexy.
“Mine,” he breathes into my skin.
“Yours.”
“I’ve changed my mind.”
A shiver pairs with the furrow that creases my brow. “About what?”
“I don’t want to fuck you in this dress.”
My arousal falters, the warmth dropping to a mild simmer. I laugh to avoid pouting. “Um, okay.”
His smirk is a distraction, catching me off guard. “I want to make love to you instead.”
“Oh,” I sigh.
“But we have to make it fast.”
Lust rekindles in my veins and I snap into action. “Are you hard for me, boss?”
“Always.”
My gaze lowers to the bulge straining against the seams. “Will you show me?”
“Be a good little wife and do it yourself.”
I don’t hesitate. Routine and desire compel me to move quickly. My swift motions unbuckle his belt and pants, reaching inside tented cotton for his dick. He’s hard and eager in my palm as I give a trial stroke. A grunt puffs from him when I squeeze his shaft.
Brody’s hands hover over the bell shape that flares out from my hips. I lift a leg to wrap around him. That doesn’t work with what I’m wearing. He tries to hike up the bottom half of my dress, but the bulk doesn’t get past my knees. The mountain of fabric is like a shield against him. He grinds out several foul words while attempting to flatten the fluff again. It rebounds almost instantly.
A fierce scowl scolds my dress. “Why is there so much of it?”
“Too much?” I giggle.
Determination flashes in his gaze. “Never.”
“It’s a ballgown style. Extra poof and material for structural integrity.”
“Won’t let it stop me.”
And he doesn’t. Somehow, the multiple layers of tulle and satin get bundled at my waist to give him access. After he hoists me up against the wall, I’m able to cinch my legs around him. Fingers slide under the elastic of my thong to find me wet and ready. He tugs the scrap of silk to the side before wedging his hips between mine. A tremble writhes through me when his tip nudges at my opening.
Brody pushes into me slowly, forcing me to accept all nine inches in one stroke. My exhale is stilted as I try to relax against the pressure. I should be used to taking his girth by now, but there’s still a dull ache whenever he enters me. There’s no getting accustomed to a man like Brody Benson. He’ll keep me guessing until we’re wrinkled and gray.
Our eyes lock in a lover’s embrace. There’s so much emotion swimming in his bottomless depths. At this moment, he’s letting it pour out for me to see. Only me. That gets my body thrumming for more of his. My hands grip onto his shoulders for balance while his hold me against him. Brody’s next thrust manages to shove him impossibly deeper. We’re joined as one.
“Love you, wife.”
“And I love you, husband.”
Brody rumples the designer couture beyond repair just to kiss me. Our mouths fuse while his need fuels mine. Heat builds and expands. We move together to chase a fast release.
His tongue slides along my bottom lip. “You look stunning, Mrs. Benson. Lace and luxury looped around your hips. Should’ve done this much sooner.”
“Took a while to plan.” Not to mention waiting until everyone could safely attend.
“But we’re here now.” He punctuates that meaning with a flex of his hip.
I arch against the onslaught, a mewl spilling from me. “Yes, we are.”
Brody slips in and out at a leisurely pace. “I have a surprise for you when we’re done.”
My vision is getting hazy. “Another one?”
“Gonna keep ‘em coming.”
Tingles erupt from my core. “Not sure I can handle more.”
“We’re going on our honeymoon.”
“Again?”
“The first one didn’t count,” he rasps into my throat.
I stretch my neck to grant him more room to roam. “Where are you taking me this time?”
“You’ll find out soon. We leave at midnight.”
And then we’re done talking. I’m pinned against the unforgiving surface behind me by his steely demands. Each glide drags against the clench of my inner muscles. The friction builds until I’m burning with the need for relief. He feels my frantic urgency and shifts his hold. I jolt against him when his thumb finds my clit. His downward palm flattens against my center, fingers split apart to frame where he’s spearing into me. That added stimulation is what pushes me over the peak.
A soundless scream rips from me while I convulse against him. Contractions clamp him in a vise, demanding he follows me. His steady tempo fumbles before turning into a pounding rhythm. I’m lost to the spasms of pleasure as he rushes to come along. A final stroke gets him there.
He tenses and lets go. His bellow is muffled against my chest while I cling onto him through the quakes. We ride the orgasmic bliss in silence. Only our uneven breaths dare to break the quiet.
At least until voices carry from the hallway.
Brody lifts his head off me, sweat slicking his brow. “Guess they found us.”
My smile is lopsided and sated. “Or they got lost trying.”
He presses our foreheads together. “I’ll get rid of ‘em.”
“Eh, don’t bother.” I hook my arms around his neck. “It’s our wedding reception, and we’re celebrating.”
The next night…
My stare doesn’t leave Paisley while she gawks at the penthouse suite. She spins in a slow circle, admiring every detail of the spacious room. Her appreciation doubles once she catches sight of the enormous bed and shower. It reaches triple status when she gawks at the best view of Broadway Street money can buy. I mentally pat myself on the back for bringing us to Nashville.
“And there’s a hot tub,” I tell her while striding to the leather sectional that occupies entirely too much real estate. “It’s on the rooftop.”
“That’s a thing?” Her wide eyes fling to the vaulted ceiling.
Warmth spreads through me. Damn, she’s adorable. I’ll never get tired of witnessing the shock bloom across her features. That’s something I gave her. Pride expands my chest and I find myself grinning. If I spend the rest of my days putting that expression on her face, I’ll be fulfilled.
“Husband?”
It’s only then I realize Paisley has been talking to me. “Hmm?”
“Did you hear me?”
I walk toward her, wrapping my arms around her waist from behind. She’s quick to sag against me. My face lowers into the dip between her neck and shoulder. Sunshine and vanilla greet me when I inhale.
“Apologies, wife,” I murmur against her fragrant skin. “I was just thinking about how much I love to surprise you.”
A contented hum breezes from her. “Is that so?”
“Along with many other things.”
She spins in my hold, our gazes colliding. “Such as?”
“How much I love you in general. Now, what were you saying? ”
Paisley parks her chin on my sternum, excitement shining in her baby blues. “Let’s go in the jacuzzi.”
I release her from my hold and step back. “On one condition.”
“Which is?” She bites her bottom lip as I begin unbuttoning my Western shirt.
“You have to wear this and nothing else.” I pinch the front of my white undershirt.
“Is this some fantasy?”
“Big time. Ever since the cabin.” I strip off both top layers and begin undoing my jeans.
After removing her tank top and bra, my wife accepts the tee and tugs it over her head. The hem nearly touches her knees, almost bringing me to mine at the sight. Then she goes and shucks her silky thong, flinging it at me.
I catch the scrap in one hand while ditching my pants. Her panties get tucked in the pocket. She won’t be needing any on this trip if I do my job right.
Once we’re ready, I yank open the patio door and usher her outside. The summer evening offers a slight chill compared to the heat of the day. Paisley cuddles into my side as I guide her up the short staircase. Our private section of the roof spreads out in front of us.
My wife ignores the intimate layout, heading straight for the lofted whirlpool. It’s built into a small deck that grants us an even better view of the busy street below. Steam rises off the surface when we remove the cover. I get the jets going while Paisley steps onto the wood ledge. She moans while sinking into the bubbling water, causing me to falter with the controls.
My mostly naked ass is quick to follow her into the warmth. I relax into the corner seat until the froth touches my chin. “Damn, that’s good.”
“Mhmm.” Paisley stays where she is, which is opposite of me.
“If you think you’re sitting all the way over there, think again.”
She rolls her eyes but scoots to where I’m sprawled out. Before she can try cozying up beside me, I haul her onto my lap. A squeak escapes her, but then she molds into a straddled position astride me. Just the way I planned.
The white fabric clings to her skin, exposing her pebbled nipples. I thumb at the points and she jerks against me. The heat rushing through me has nothing to do with the whirlpool. My cock jerks in the confines of my boxers, begging for escape.
Paisley’s lips part to say something but she stops. Head tipped to one side, concentration strains her features. “Do you hear that?”
I do, but that would spoil it. “Traffic?”
“It sounds like…” Her voice trails off as she listens closer. “The Rhett Taylor Band.”
“Interesting,” I muse.
Paisley gasps. “It’s totally their song. They’re my favorite.”
“Did you know they own a bar down there?” I point at the country chaos below us.
“Yeah, but it’s just their album name. I’m sure they rarely step foot in Booze and Bad Decisions.”
My palms coast along her outer thighs, slipping under my shirt that she’s wearing. “Wanna bet?”
Her eyes narrow. “What do you know?”
“They’re performing live right now,” I reveal .
Her jaw drops. “For real?”
“And they’re putting on a private concert for us tomorrow night.”
“Shut the front door!”
I chuckle, the jovial noise grinding her into me. “Found out you like them and made it happen. The fact their home base is Nashville felt like a sign. Unlike Riley Green, which was who my sister suggested.”
“Forget Riley. I get to meet Rhett, Aiden, Nick, and Lyle. Will their wives be there too?”
“Probably.”
She looks star-struck from the thought alone. “There are romance novels based on them. Heather M. Orgeron wrote them to feed our fantasies. All of the guys are pierced and tattooed and very well hung. “Pour Judgment” is a personal obsession.”
“Maybe we shouldn’t meet the band,” I grumble.
“Too late,” she quips. “You already spilled the beans. I’m gobbling them up.”
My molars grind. “Not helping, wife.”
“Fine, I’ll chill.” Paisley sighs, slumping against me. “There’s actually something I wanted to talk to you about.”
My heart lurches. “Good or bad?”
“I think it’s good, depending on how you feel.”
My grip on her tightens. “Tell me.”
“Well, uh…” My wife drops her gaze. “I have a doctor’s appointment in two weeks.”
I grip her chin to reunite our eye contact. “For what?”
“Just an annual exam, but I was thinking I could remove my birth control implant.”
I go still and stare at her. This gorgeous woman who found the patience to deal with me. My pulse thunders while I try to gather enough composure to respond.
“Say something,” she whispers.
I lunge to soothe her concern, crushing our mouths together. “Yes.”
Paisley blinks at me. “Really?”
“There’s little else I want more than getting my baby in your belly. I wasn’t sure how long you wanted to wait. You’re still really young.”
“Not that young,” she argues.
“Younger than me and kids change things. Wasn’t sure you were ready. I sure as shit didn’t want to pressure you.”
“You’re not.” She confirms that with a gentle kiss.
The outlook of our future settles deep in my gut. That uplifting visual clogs my throat. To make matters worse, moisture collects in my eyes. Fuck, I’m going to cry about us trying for a baby. How far the mighty have fallen. Damn glad for it too.
At least until my wife notices.
Her keen focus studies my unraveling grip on my emotions. “What’s wrong?”
“Not a thing.” I scrub at my eyes.
“Are you—?”
I tip my face to the sky, hiding the evidence. “No, it’s the chlorine.”
She cups my cheeks, forcing me to reveal my glassy eyes. “You wanna be a daddy?”
I sniffle, gulping at the pressure squeezing me. “Only if you’re the mommy.”
Paisley rests her forehead on mine and exhales. “That sounds like domestic paradise. ”
“Our parents will be thrilled,” I chuckle.
She nods against me. “We’ll never hear the end of it.”
Temptation sets my hands into motion along her body again. “How about we start practicing the best positions?”
“Now?”
I cinch my arms tight around her, holding my everything against me. “Never a better time, Twinkles.”
I also included a little something from the next book. If you’re curious about Bianca’s private conversation with that strange man after Paisley walks off, turn the page…