Chapter Thirteen
Jessica leaned back in her seat as the plane took off from Vegas.
They’d spent the last three days enjoying themselves with shows, nice restaurants, and tourist attractions.
But it was the time they spent in their room that she loved the most. Alone, naked in bed, in the dark, talking about their dreams and kids.
She felt closer to him at that moment than she ever had to anyone before in her whole life. The only thing that tried to take her bliss was the fact that Gideon hadn’t told her how he felt about her. He’d never said he loved her, even when they were getting married.
Sometimes, she wondered about it, but she wasn’t going to let it take away from the moment. He showed her, in many ways, how much he cared, and she didn’t really need the words. Right?
She must have dozed because they had just lifted off, but they were already landing in their city. Gideon’s plane seats were like resting in clouds.
Her mind went over the last few days. She would remember it for the rest of her life.
She felt his hand run up and down your arm. “Wake up, mate. We are home.”
She nodded and stretched.
“Jesus, I’ve had you twice today, and just watching you right now makes me want to strip you and fuck you until we can’t walk.”
She shivered, which made him curse.
“You’re not helping,” he told her.
She smiled up at him as he unlatched her seatbelt, took her hand to help her stand, and then led her out of the airplane.
“Let’s get you home. I can tell you’re tired, and I wouldn’t mind a nap.”
She snorted. “Are you talking about a real nap or one where we don’t sleep at all?”
“I will try my very best to let you sleep.”
Jessica rolled her eyes and then slid into the car that came to pick them up.
She lightly dozed against Gideon as they sped through the city toward his house.
When they got home, Lucie and Addy were at the front door with huge smiles.
“Welcome home, and congratulations,” Lucie said.
“I’m so happy for you,” Addy said.
Jessica smiled at the two. They had been so lucky to be able to take them with her to live with Gideon. They had hired a few more people, like more security and another maid for Addy, who also helped Lucie in the kitchen. But these two would always have a special place in her heart.
“We made a cake and have a tray of snacks in your room. There will also be a meal in the warmer for later. The three of us girls are going out to eat and see a movie, so you’ll be on your own.”
Jessica hugged them. “Thank you, guys. I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow.”
Addy smiled. “I love the picture of you two and Elvis.”
Gideon and Jessica laughed.
“It was fun,” Jessica said.
“We’ll see you both tomorrow morning unless you need something before we go,” Lucie said.
“No. Have fun. You have worked hard since you’ve been here, and I don’t want you to get burnt out,” Gideon said.
Jessica squeezed his hand. It made her feel good when he cared about her people, now his, as much as he did.
Jessica nodded. “I agree. Go have fun.”
Gideon led her up the stairs and into their room. She tossed her purse on one of the chairs and started to unbutton her blouse.
“I’m going to shower and then lie down. Flying always makes me feel grungy,” she said.
“I will, too. I would say together, but we both know where that would lead, and I really need you to get some sleep.”
“My, don’t I have a sweet husband.”
He scowled. “Sweet? No one has ever called me that.”
“Does it bother you?” she asked, smiling.
“If it’s just the two of us, it’s fine, but if you say that in front of others, you’ll regret it.”
She pressed her lips together to keep from smiling. “Okay. I’ll do my very best.”
He grunted and walked into their closet.
She decided to stop teasing him. She had plenty of time in the next few decades to drive him crazy.
Jessica showered and then pulled on her silky robe.
Her breath caught in her throat when she opened the door to see Gideon naked except for his underwear. His muscular body made her mouth water. Even half asleep, he still turned her on.
“Stop looking at me, mate,” he growled.
She smiled. “I’m sorry.”
He snorted, walked into the bathroom, and closed the door.
Jessica pulled the blankets down on the bed and walked to the tray Lucie had set out for them. Her stomach growled, reminding her they had missed lunch. She ate some crackers, olives, grapes, and cheese before washing them down with the cold bottled water she saw in a small cooler.
When she felt she had eaten enough, she pulled off her robe, slid into bed, and closed her eyes. She tried to stay awake, but it was impossible.
She felt him against her back, and he wrapped his arm around her waist.
He kissed her temple. “Sleep. I’ll wake you in an hour or so.”
She nodded, closed her eyes, and slept.