Chapter 23
Chapter Twenty-Three
Britney
We made it to the bedroom, and he tugged off the simple cotton maxi dress I’d thrown over my head.
I was in my bra and underwear, and my body burned to be his again.
Those muscles of his were all on display as his shirt joined my dress.
And those lips of his, which made me ache, met mine, and for a moment I saw stars.
As we made it onto the bed, his hand playing with my bra strap, I clasped his wrist and said, “Wait.”
He froze and backed off and jumped off the bed. “So you don’t want to?—”
“I do,” I said and sat up. Then I caught my breath and said, “I let you talk, so now, it’s my turn.”
He went for his clothes. “Let me get dressed.”
I patted the bed. “I like those sexy black boxer briefs of yours. Just sit.”
“Okay.” He sat about three feet away.
My body grew cold from wanting his touch. “I came here because I’ve been… broken since I left.”
He ran his hands through his hair, clearly getting himself under control. “Broken?”
I nodded and realized he’d spoken from his heart, but I would be falling back into old habits if I just rushed into bed without exploring mine too. “I was so scared of changing that I ran out on the best man I’ve ever met.”
He moved slightly closer to me. “That’s something.”
I was tense, which had nothing to do with how panic had sent me to a hospital the previous week. I swallowed then said, “It’s more than something. I’ve loved you for a while now, but I didn’t see it.”
His head rose. “You’ve loved me?”
I had butterflies in my stomach. He’d said he loved me, but I’d been so frozen.
I swallowed and said, “I love you, even now. How could I not? You’re sweet. I was so scared of the changes my life needed to make, and I hate bending, so I ran and lied to you.”
“It’s okay, though. We both know you’re quite bendy.”
“No joking right now.” I swiped my face because I hated tears, but they were coming all the time.
“I pretend to be tough so I don’t look weak, but…
when I realized you had no idea how much I was faking my life…
sheer panic sent me to the hospital in pain.
I… was wrong to use that moment… as a reason to run.
I’ve not slept… I’ve not eaten well… I’ve been a complete mess because… ”
He was closer, making my skin buzz at his nearness. “Because?”
I nodded. “Because I didn’t want to admit to you or myself and be weak or vulnerable because I have feelings.”
He let out a small laugh. “You’re the opposite of that.”
I sat straighter and pressed a hand to my heart. “I was a fucking coward, and you shouldn’t forgive me. I was so scared of changing that I… that I hurt you.”
He offered to hold my hand and said, “Well, if you love me and promise to keep our marriage vows, live with me—forever—and we raise our children together to love and trust each other without telling our son or daughter that I assumed the worst without confronting the truth… then I suppose we can sweep what happened under the rug.”
I laughed, and more tears washed down my face. “Seriously? You are steadfast, the calm in the storm.”
“That’s too much.”
“No arguing with the pregnant woman.”
He kissed my wet cheek. “Of course, darling.”
He made life sound amazing. I pressed my leg into him, and his nearness sent a shockwave through me.
I took his hand and said, “We need to promise one more thing.”
“What’s that?”
I met his gaze and refused to blink. This was important. “We can never lie or avoid or omit any truths. It’s time we always tell the truth.”
He nodded as he pressed his lips together. I wasn’t sure what he would say.
“Fair enough,” he said. “In a completely different conversation we need to have, I am hoping you will help manage the funds for our children and for us.”
My eyes widened. I’d never imagined working for my children, but the idea was good. I was good at reading the market.
“Are you serious?” My heart pounded as I finally realized I had some useful skills.
“You had clients as a financial advisor, and I think this child will need your assistance and devotion.”
I almost jumped then quickly nodded. “I’ll help. Actually, I wouldn’t mind starting my own firm to help other people manage their funds instead of working to make partner.”
He caressed my cheek. “I do know some friends who already own a business like that. They’d probably want you on their team.”
I narrowed my gaze and asked, “The Norouzis?”
He nodded and raised my hand to kiss the back of it. “I’d hate to compete with the people who gave me everything, but I’m sure they’d need a partner.”
Right. I needed to stop trying to control everything. I preferred being in a partnership anyway. I quickly said, “I’m willing to compromise. It’s time to start listening as I can’t do everything on my own.”
“I love you,” he said. “And I shouldn’t have shot down your dream. If you want to compete, I’ll be there for you.”
“Dream” was too strong a word for my passing thought. I shook my head and said, “I love you too, and I think I just want to focus on the empire we’re setting up for our children.”
He raised his eyebrow. “Children?”
I quickly said, “Yes. I want more than one. I want us and a family, and I’m sure it’s enough to not bury myself with work.”
“I want you and the family we create too,” he said.
I reached back and unclasped my bra. We were more than enough. He scooted backward, and I climbed on top of him as he stared at me without moving.
“The doctor told me to watch my salt, which is why I skipped the Chinese food I ordered at home.” I rolled off my panties. “The doctor also said the more sex we have, the easier the birth will be.”
He took off his boxer briefs, and I climbed on him, keeping him between my thighs. Then I kissed his lips as my hands found his hard cock and guided him inside my folds.
When he filled me entirely, I was whole and forgot the rest of the world as we became one.