CHAPTER NINE
Wednesday, November 22
Two days later, Nia seems really comfortable with my family. I’ve studied the copious notes I took on everything my brothers and my sister’s husband suggested. They’re smart and they’re slick. If they’re right, the way I’ve gone about persuading Nia to marry me is all wrong.
So today, she’s going to see a whole new Evan.
“Where are you taking me?” she asks from the passenger’s seat of the black Mercedes convertible I borrowed from Noah.
I’ve never seen the point of a vehicle like this—until now. It’s deeply impractical…but damn fun to drive. The weather in Hawaii is good enough to justify having such a car, so I might buy one, especially since Nia squealed in delight when I told her we’d be riding in this sweet two-seater today.
“Why would I tell you when it’s supposed to be a surprise? It’s my turn to plan the date, remember?”
Beside me, she huffs. Her little pout makes me laugh. As the wind whips around us and I head toward the north side of the island, I soothe her by taking her hand and brushing my thumb across her soft skin.
Since we’re finally alone for the day, it’s time to put my plan in motion. The advice I got rolls through my head.
Make her feel like she’s the most beautiful woman in the world.
That won’t be a problem. Nia is the most beautiful woman I know.
Make her feel like you can’t wait to touch her.
Totally easy. I’m desperate to get my hands on her. I haven’t in weeks. My damn well-meaning sister put Nia in her own room, so for the last two nights I’ve lain awake, alone and hard, wondering what Nia is doing on the other side of the wall and if she’s thinking of me.
Make her feel like you can’t wait to slide a ring on her finger.
Again, this shouldn’t be difficult. The more time passes, the more I’m convinced this marriage makes sense. The more I’m certain she’s the right choice. And the more I’m determined to see the stamp of my possession on her.
Make her come every single time you get her into bed.
I want to. I’m ready to try. I worry this sounds easier than it is, though. I lack her experience. I knew what buttons to push with Becca, but Nia is a completely different woman. Sure, the sex between us seemed scorching, but what if we’re not as earth-shattering together as I remember? Anxiety and pent-up need gnaw at me, but if drowning a woman in pleasure is as effective as all three guys swore and our chemistry is everything I recall, then sex is a tool I should utilize now.
Make her feel like she’s got you—body, heart, and soul.
Body, absolutely. I’ll happily devote that to her. The rest of this notion is problematic, however. I don’t think I can love again. Nia is certainly worthy, but once you love someone, logically you no longer have your heart to give to someone else. So…if I loved Becca, how could I possibly fall in love with Nia? It doesn’t compute. But I will be a responsible, faithful, and dependable husband. No one will be more important to me. Can’t that be enough?
“All right,” Nia says finally. “I accept that it’s your turn and you’re probably not going to tell me what you’ve planned for us.”
“I’m not.”
“Meanie.” Her pout deepens. “At least tell me where you went yesterday? You were gone for hours.”
Does she want to know because she missed me? “Didn’t you enjoy your time by the pool with the ladies?”
“I did. We had a lot of fun. They’re great to hang out with and easy to talk to. And very curious about you.”
“Well, Griff, Maxon, and I worked, scouting potential office spaces on the island, just in case.” Which is true, but that’s not all we accomplished.
“Any location you liked?”
“A few. Still narrowing it down. If the Stratus deal falls apart and I end up moving the company to the island, I’ll pick somewhere close to the new house.”
She cocks her head. “Why would it fall apart when you finally have the deal you want?”
“I never trust anything until the ink is dry.”
“But you’re planning to say yes?”
“Why would I say no? Granted, I don’t like the fact they’re trying to lock down all the employees for two years, and Lund has made it clear he’s done negotiating. But—”
“All the employees? Does that apply to me, too?”
“Everyone, unless they leave Stratus before I sell.” I try not to grit my teeth. “I intend to take you with me, Nia.”
She looks wide-eyed. “When are you going to tell everyone so they can start deciding what they want to do?”
It’s a fair question. I don’t have an answer. “As soon as I read through the latest offer they sent, scan the details, and see if they’ve truly met all my terms so I can actually close the deal. You still think selling is a billion-dollar mistake?”
“I think they’ll run your business into the ground in under twelve months because they don’t have the knowledge or the passion you do. How would you feel if Stratus was no more?”
I can’t imagine Douglas Lund would be dumb enough to spend that much money on a company only to kill it off. But hypothetically, it’s possible. Weirder things have happened. “It would suck.”
Years of hard work…gone. Logically, it shouldn’t matter. I will have made an astronomical profit and gotten out at Stratus’s peak—every entrepreneur’s dream. But I admit, I don’t much like that notion.
“It would, and I think you can build the company into something even bigger. But whatever you decide, at least you have a lot of amazing places to choose from once you relocate here.”
“I do. They showed me a few areas yesterday so I could get a feel for the island.” I peer over at Nia. “Can you see yourself living here?”
“I’m not sure. It’s really different from Seattle.”
“It is, but maybe we were both stuck in a rut there, and this move will be a good thing.”
“Maybe. It’s hard to say after only thirty-six hours. But your family is wonderful. I’m glad you all connected. Moving here will definitely be good for you.”
“I want it to be good for us.” I squeeze her hand. “Have you given more thought to marrying me?”
She nibbles pensively on her lip. “Every day. But nothing has changed, Evan. I can’t marry you for purely practical reasons.”
Because she wants love. I hold in a sigh. I have to take the guys’ advice and prove I can make her deliriously happy, even if those three words will never cross my lips.
“You wouldn’t be. There are a lot of wonderful reasons, too. But let’s enjoy our time together today and worry about the future later.”
As I suspected, my suggestion stuns her. “You, putting something off? Isn’t that impractical?”
I grin wryly. “You wanted to date and get to know each other better, so this is me being wild and crazy…for you.”
“Who are you and what have you done with Evan?”
“I have an unpredictable side,” I insist. “You’ll see.”
I’m going to persuade you to say yes to being my wife.
Nia is still eyeing me like she’s wondering what I’m up to. “Why?”
When I roll to a stop at a light, I reach across the car, wrap my palm around her nape, and drag her lips under mine. As soon as our mouths meet, we’re connected by more than our kiss. I groan. It feels like forever since I’ve been this close to her.
She opens beneath me instantly, and I’m grateful as hell she’s receptive after I’ve bungled everything up to this point. But she’s right there with me, lips sliding open with a little pant of need, pressing in as if she can’t get enough of me, either. Something about the way she tastes obliterates rational thought and rouses the primal animal in me.
Her tongue dances with mine. I grab her, lunge, thrust again, needing more. She throws herself against me, fingers clutching at me as she whimpers and falls deeper into the kiss.
Then suddenly she’s pulling away.
“Nia…” I grip her nape tighter. “I don’t want to stop.”
“The light.”
I look up. It’s green, and I suddenly remember: traffic, civilization, the critical plans I have today. If I do this right, I’ll be able to kiss her any day, any time, any way—forever.
Swallowing back a curse, I press on the accelerator and mingle with traffic.
Less than five silent minutes later, we arrive. As I park, I see her looking around. In typical Nia fashion, she understands immediately.
“We’re taking a helicopter ride?”
“What better way to see the island than from above?”
I had to talk myself into this. Statistically, helicopters are one of the least safe forms of transportation, and I understand all too well the significance of weather, wind, and the reliability of the vehicle’s maintenance and performance. Luckily, this is a nearly perfect day in Hawaii, and the pilot is someone Maxon and Griff know well. He’s been flying for thirty years, and they swear there’s no one better.
If showing Nia that I can be romantic will help sway her to say “I do,” then I’m willing to take a few calculated risks.
We enter the no-nonsense office. Gary greets me, a smile lifting his graying beard as he shakes my hand. He’s wearing a loud Hawaiian shirt and a tan that makes his blue eyes look almost electric.
“Welcome. You’re one of Maxon and Griff’s brothers, huh? They said you’re moving here.”
“I am. They seem really happy on the island, so why not?”
“I don’t know if Maui is ready for another Reed.” He chuckles.
I don’t bother to explain that my last name is Cook and I’m the illegitimate offspring. It’s too complicated. Besides, I came from the Reed line, and based on everything my siblings’ spouses have said, there are some traits inherent in all of Barclay’s children. Stubbornness ranks high on the list. So does a complicated love life.
“I’ll try to keep the impact of my presence here to a dull roar,” I promise.
Gary gives me a thumbs-up, then gets us suited up with safety gear, gives us preflight instructions, then takes us outside by his chopper. Nia is unusually quiet.
I glance her way as I take her hand. “You okay?”
“Nervous. I’ve never done this.”
“It’ll be a first for us both, then. But Maxon and Griff swear this will be amazing.”
A tentative smile breaks across her face. “I’ve always wanted to ride in a helicopter, but I was too chicken.”
I drop a kiss on her forehead, resisting the urge to go in for more. “So we’ll tackle this together.”
After Gary does his prefight check, we load up. Moments later, accompanied by the sound of whirring blades, we take off. Nia grips my hand, her nails digging into my knuckles. The airport gives way to surrounding civilization, then to lush fields of sugar cane and tempestuous blue water bashing against sand and rocks.
Gary gets his tour underway quickly. “The windward side of the island is a lush rainforest that gets about three hundred inches of rain annually. The leeward side is more like a desert. Its annual rainfall is less than twelve inches. There are even places on that side of the island with growing cacti and roaming scorpions.”
We float around the shore, oohing and aahing over all the stunning sights of lush mountains, sheared cliffs, and sweeping waterfalls. We see a reef teeming with green sea turtles and blue, blue water. It’s truly paradise.
“I’ve never been anywhere so beautiful,” Nia breathes.
“Me, either.” I squeeze her hand. “Even though I’ve been here twice before, I didn’t appreciate it as much as I should have until now.”
“Isn’t it peaceful up here?” Gary asks into his mic, which links directly to our headphones. At our nods, he goes on. “Over there, that crescent-shaped island is a great place to snorkel. Lots of tropical fish. Heading back this way, we’re going to take a climb above that ten-thousand-foot mountain.”
Nia grips me as we glide into a cloud bank at the crest of a peak and seem to disappear into nowhere. I hope to hell Gary knows where he’s going. I’m all for having my heart race today, but not in fear. But he’s a pro, steering us through the cloud bank until we crest on the other side to another gorgeous view of the ocean.
For nearly two hours, he takes us around the island. After showing us the east coast, we move south, then fly back around to the west, over Wailea. When we hover above Lahaina, he identifies some points of interest before we’re back out over the ocean, skirting the coast of Lanai before making our way up to Molokai. I’m shocked to find out that about half that island is completely off the grid.
Nia seems every bit as enthralled as I am until Gary finally turns back to Maui and puts the chopper down in the middle of a field near the coast.
She turns to me in confusion. “What are we doing here?”
“Enjoying ourselves for the afternoon. C’mon.”
Gary helps us out, then takes off with a friendly wave.
She’s still gaping when I snag her hand and lead her up a small hill, toward a sprawling white house shimmering in the tropical sun. I’m lucky my brothers seem to know everyone on the island and don’t have any problem calling in favors. Of course, the fact I’m willing to spend money, especially if it advances the cause of Nia saying yes, helps a lot, too.
When we reach the house, the ocean views dazzle me all over again. The doors and windows are open to take advantage of the trade winds. There’s seemingly no one around for miles.
“What are we doing here?”
“First, we’re eating lunch.”
When I urge her to follow me, she does slowly, gaping. “I don’t understand.”
“This is our private paradise for the day. You, me, an oasis for two, and no one to disturb us for hours.” As we walk around the side of house, I ease her against the wall and face her, pressing my body against hers. “I enjoy being with my family, but I want time alone with you. So I planned today for us. No one to interfere. No other responsibilities or expectations. We can relax and talk and do whatever we want.”
A little smile creeps across her lips as she stares at me as if she’s trying to figure me out. “You’re up to something.”
I wink at her. “A lot of me is up to something.”
Nia rolls her eyes and laughs. “You didn’t have to do all this, you know.”
“I wanted to.” I cup her face in my hands and delve into her eyes. “You should know how important you are to me. I’ll always do everything I can to make you feel special. And if your exes have been too stupid to do that, I’m here to prove I’m smarter, more determined, and ready to make you happy.”
Her eyes tear up as she blinks at me. “What are you saying, Evan?”
I press a kiss to her lips and have to tear myself away before I get swept up in Nia again. “I’m saying you’re the best thing that’s happened to me in years. Maybe I should regret shoving my way into your dressing room and your life, but I don’t want to be without you—now or ever. I’m hoping like hell you feel the same.”
A silvery teardrop falls past her lashes and onto her dusky, satiny cheek. As I brush it away with my thumb, I feel my hand shake. The naked need on her face stuns me. For the first time, I’m convinced she feels something for me…
“Nia? You okay, honey?”
“I gave in to the pull between us that night because I couldn’t help myself. But I’ve been wondering ever since if it was just sex and convenience for you, whether you saw me as an easy way to curb your grief and loneliness. And I…”
When more tears come, I caress her face and thumb her lower lip. “No. None of that.”
I hate like hell that I ever made her feel insecure. Plenty of her exes have given her too many reasons to guard her heart. Even if she never loved them, their disregard for her feelings must have hurt. Until Maxon, Griff, and Noah verbally slapped me with some reality, I don’t think I came across as any less selfish or focused on my own needs.
“Then I don’t understand,” she murmurs.
“I shouldn’t be surprised. Communication in the office only works between us because you read my mind more often than not. Maybe I expected you to somehow understand how I saw our future together. But what we have isn’t a meeting or a memo. I have to show you what I have in mind, so that’s what I’m trying to do. My goal is for you to be wearing the brightest, happiest smile of your life when you say ‘I do.’”
She sniffles as another tear falls. “When did you get romantic?”
“When I realized I was being an ass.” I brush her tears away with my fingertips, then kiss their wet paths before I lead her toward the backyard again. “I’m sorry.”
“Apology accepted.” We emerge from the shady side yard and into the bright sun bathing the deck. She glances around the huge private space with a gasp, the sound nearly swallowed by gentle winds, swaying palms, and distant waves. Then she fixes her gaze on the tropical pool mere steps away. “Wow, if this is how you’re going to say you’re sorry, this place is worth a little suffering.”
Her teasing makes me laugh—and gives me hope. “You keep me guessing. I like that, you know.”
“Really?” She gives her lip a pensive nibble. “I’ve always had the feeling Becca was more predictable.”
“She was.”
“And you liked that about her. I’ve been thinking that’s what you want.”
How did I not know—or at least guess—she felt this way? Probably because I knew it was incorrect and, therefore, groundless. But Nia had no way of knowing. It’s not her job to guess; it’s my job to tell her. I can’t thank Maxon, Griff, and Noah enough for that gem of wisdom.
“You know, when I decided to start looking for a wife, I probably did want that because I wanted order to the chaos in my life. But as time has gone on…” I shake my head. “No, as I spent more time with you, I realized I didn’t need what I had before. The day I told you to place the wife-wanted ad, you asked if I that was how I intended to replace Becca. I told you no one could. It’s true, and I can’t bring her back. But I can honestly say after being with you that I don’t need any semblance of my old life anymore. I need to move on and embrace the future. And I can’t see doing that with anyone but you.”
To my surprise—and delight—Nia comes closer. “If you don’t stop, you’re going to make me all mushy and melty.”
I laugh. “I want you mushy and melty.”
“Not until after the food. You promised me lunch.”
Though I’m not excited about letting her go, I release her and lead her to the table. There’s a feast, a bottle of champagne, and two flutes waiting for us.
We eat chicken, fruit, salad, and coconut pudding. Every bite is delicious, and the champagne takes the edge off my nerves. Instrumental mood music plays softly in the background as we talk about how incredible the helicopter tour was and how much the thought of living on this island already excites us. Our future stretches out in front of me. I can almost reach it. I’m getting closer… If I can just keep saying and doing the right things, maybe today will end exactly the way I planned it.
“Want to swim?” I ask as we stand and stretch, lazy from the food, booze, and sun.
“I didn’t bring a suit.”
“So?” I give her a sly smile.
Nia searches the deserted patio, her dark eyes dancing. “Are you proposing we skinny-dip?”
“I’m proposing marriage. But I’m suggesting skinny-dipping for now. Interested?”
“In broad daylight? At a stranger’s house?”
“Yes.”
“You are full of surprises today.”
“Why not?”
I expect her to find her way to the nearby cabana to take off her clothes. I envision her emerging in a tightly wrapped towel and finding the most shadowed corner of the backyard before she works up the courage to drop the length of terry cloth and jump in the water. But that’s what Becca would have done—if she’d agreed to skinny-dip at all. Not Nia. She kicks her shoes off and under the table, pulls her T-shirt over her head, then shimmies out of her shorts. Suddenly, she’s wearing nothing but a lacy underwire bra in a shimmering cinnamon shade and a pair of matching boy shorts that do a wonderfully inadequate job of covering everything I want my hands and mouth on.
I groan as I reach for the hem of my shirt, wondering how fast I can get everything off and feel her naked against me.
“You’re moving slow,” she taunts as she fiddles with one of her bra straps, flicking it down her shoulder, then the other, so the soft cups cling to her breasts.
“You’re tormenting me.”
Nia smiles, then drops her gaze to my stiff cock. “It’s working.”
Can’t refute that. “Take off the rest. I want you naked.”
At my command, her nostrils flare. Her breathing quickens. She licks her lips as she reaches behind her for the hook.
As I rip my shirt over my head and toss it across a chair, she turns away and manages to unfasten her bra. It slides from her body, baring her back to the shining sun. I’m fascinated by her skin, by its lush pigment, by the hues, shadows, and luster of it.
I can’t stand not touching her for another minute.
Sidling up behind her, I hook my thumbs in her barely there underwear and kiss my way from her shoulder to her neck. “Hurry.”
When I slide her panties over her hips, she shimmies. Her sweet backside sways and moves against me. I skim my hands back up her thighs, planting one on her hip and circling the other around her waist. I’m a tall man with big hands. When I lay my palm flat, I’m hyperaware of the fact that my pinky stretches so, so close to her pussy. Her heat rises up to my fingers.
She draws in a ragged breath. “Evan?”
“Want me to touch you?” I drift a little lower, my fingertip resting a fraction of an inch from her cleft.
“Yes.”
She sounds breathy, aroused. I’m tall enough to peer over her shoulder and see that I’m right. Her chest rises and falls. Her taut, dark nipples shine in the sun. I want her now. My hands and mouth all over her. My cock deep inside her. In my head, I know I can’t rush this; she’s too important. On the other hand, I’m more than eager to dazzle her with orgasms…if I can.
I lower my hand, closing the distance between my touch and her nerve-laden clit. I don’t even try to keep my hungry mouth off her skin. Instead, I drag my lips up her neck and toward her ear. Nia rewards me with a moan and a roll of her hips against my erection.
Pressing against her luscious backside, I skim my fingers down to find her slick folds. She gasps. Shit, she’s soft as silk. I smell her arousal blending with the perfume of flowers in the air. Everything about this moment heightens my senses. I know I’m in the right place with the right woman at the right time.
As I run my fingers into her furrow and gather her moisture, I nip at the sensitive spot below her lobe. “I’ve missed you, honey. I’ve missed the taste of your kiss and the way you call my name when you’re near climax. I’ve missed breathing you in when I’m inside you. I miss feeling close to you. I’ve missed feeling like you’re mine.”
She melts back into me, head braced against my shoulder, eyes closed. “I’ve missed you, too, Evan. More than you know.”
Longing bleeds from her breathy admission. She’s under my spell. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her there.
With a moan, I strum my fingers over her hardening bud. “Want to show me how much?”
Her breath catches. She gives a frantic nod as her body tightens around my touch. Power floods my veins. I’m holding her pleasure in my hand—literally. It thrills me. Becca had so many danger points and no-go zones in bed. Nia seems wide open and ready to do whatever pleases us both. The notion is dizzying.
I lift my free hand to her breast and thumb her nipple relentlessly. I hope she’s sensitive here because I suddenly find myself fascinated. Her weight fills my palm. She tenses and whimpers as I pinch and stroke, envelop and twist the tip.
“Evan…” She reaches back to grip my thigh.
“Feel good?”
“Yeah,” she breathes.
“Spread your legs. I want to touch you deeper.”
Nia doesn’t hesitate. I’m gratified when she slides her feet farther apart on the deck. I don’t waste a second before plunging my fingers inside her. She’s slick and tight and like something out of my fantasies. No wonder being inside her once somehow rewired my sex drive to respond to her completely.
As she sucks in a breath, I drag my fingers across her clit again, brushing, teasing, tormenting. Her nails dig into my thigh. I see her nipples tighten even more, the tips gleaming in the afternoon sun.
I don’t let up. I don’t stop for any moan, whimper, or plea. If orgasms will help her see how good we’ll be together, she’s going to have them. The fact I love giving them to her is a bonus.
Suddenly, her entire body seizes up. She’s holding her breath, shuddering and tense against me. Her clit swells and hardens. Her pussy isn’t merely slick anymore. She’s wet. She’s juicy.
She’s mine.
“Come, honey. Right on my hand. Let me feel you. Let me hear you. Give it all to me.”
Seconds later, climax comes fast and breaks hard. She keens out and convulses, chest buckling, hips rolling, lips parted with a scream of ecstasy. Pleasure suspends her for long moments, and I drink every moment in, teeming with triumph. Eagerness to be inside her—and to have the right to fill her every night—surges in a hot spill through my blood.
With a rhythmic sweep of my fingers, I ride out her climax all the way to her gasping, frenzied end. Nia has barely had time to go limp in my arms before I turn her to face me and grab her body against mine. As she wraps her legs around my waist, I drop my head and seize her mouth, plunging hot, fast, and deep—the way I intend to do with my body soon.
She clings, moaning into my mouth. As I cross the patio, she’s completely attuned to me, every whimper and shudder given to me totally and freely. This heady willingness is unlike anything I’ve ever felt. I’m greedy for more.
When I reach the table, I swipe one arm across its cool, flat surface, tumbling empty cups onto their sides and moving dishes out of my damn way. Then I lay Nia across the cleared surface and stare. At her darkened eyes and skin. At her stiff nipples still begging for attention. At her swollen, saturated pussy.
Yes. To all of that, hell yes.
I pull up a chair and sit between her splayed legs, then grip her lush hips and drag her to the edge. “Come for me again.”
Nia barely has time to take a breath before I’m on her once more, digging my tongue between her pouting folds and licking my way up her center, finally fucking tasting her.
Oh, god. If I thought I enjoyed stroking her to orgasm, I can already tell I’m going to love tonguing her to one way, way more.
Her taste isn’t like anything I’ve ever had in my mouth. In some ways, she reminds me of wine—rich, complex, and intoxicating. But she’s more. Mysterious, remarkable.
Mine.
I open my mouth wide, as if I can inhale every succulent part of her at once. I’m fucking greedy.
Cupping her thighs in my hands, I spread her wider and settle my tongue over her clit. I lap. She wriggles. I suckle. She jolts. I go deeper, demand more. Her reactions are instant, absolute, and perfect.
The man in me wants to witness every moment of her surrender. This time, I won’t be satisfied by having her in a dark corner while she’s half-covered by whatever she’s wearing because I’m too frantic to be inside her. No, I want the golden sunlight around us as I catalog every dip, swell, valley, nook, and cranny of her body.
Easing away from her sweet sex, I thumb her clit and stare. Her sleek, dark thighs are slender and smooth. Her flat belly leads to a pair of breasts tipped with swelling nipples I can’t wait to get my mouth on. She’s tossed her head back to give me the perfect view of her arched throat, her graceful arms tossed above her head in abandon. Even her feet are dainty with high arches and bright toenails. The best part, however, is definitely in front of me.
Her pussy is spread open like a treat. She looks nothing like Becca, but that’s especially true here. My wife was pale, pink, and shrouded in curls. Nia’s sex is devoid of anything that shields her from me. Here, she’s saturated with a darker hue than the rest of her skin. Because she’s aroused? That idea sends my need for her higher.
I’m fascinated as I spread her open and take another long lick at her center. Beyond her folds, she’s a deep, bold pink—almost red. The contrast is mesmerizing. I want to be right there, sliding my cock into that bright, snug clasp.
As soon as she comes again.
I redouble my effort to ramp her up so I can feel her shatter on my tongue. Under my lips, her whole body turns rigid. As I flick her clit, her breaths turn raspy. She keens, her back arching as she grips my hair and pulls me in closer.
It doesn’t take long before she’s thrashing, lifting to me, and encouraging me to give more.
“Evan… Evan, damn. So good. You make me feel… Yes!”
I love that she’s vocal about her pleasure. I especially love that she lets me arouse her however I want.
Nia is close now. I can see her, smell her, taste the change in her flavor. I dive deeper, thrust two fingers into her empty, clutching opening, and feel her bud surge hard with blood and need against my tongue.
She’s so ready.
Her fists grab at my hair as she rocks against my mouth, her breath turning to a heavy exhalation, then a squeal, followed by a throaty growl of satisfaction that lasts for long, electric moments. She holds nothing back, and this climax is twice as long and strong as the first. She jolts and shudders as her nails scratch at my scalp and she drags in more air so she can let out another howling cry. I can actually feel her pulsing. Knowing I can unravel her—and that she won’t hide her reactions from me—is like nothing I’ve ever experienced.
Finally, she sighs and goes limp under my hands. “Oh, my gosh. I can’t move.”
I give her a satisfied smirk as I fish into my pocket for a condom. I planned ahead this time, and I’m beyond ready to lose myself inside her. She watches me with heavy-lidded eyes as I tear open the foil packet. Before I can roll it down my aching length, she takes it from my hand.
“Want help?” She doesn’t wait for my reply, just sits up and fits the tip over the head.
It’s the first time she’s truly touched me, and damn if her fingers working the latex down my length isn’t already undoing me.
“Nia…”
She smiles at my distress and continues on, slowly destroying my composure with each brush of her hand. By the time I’m sheathed, my chest is rising and falling, lungs audibly working. My entire body is tense. I’m losing my mind.
Somewhere, I find the sanity to lift her from the table. I ignore her squeal of surprise as I settle her onto my lap, her legs straddling me. Then I press against her opening and work her down every one of my desperate inches. By the time I’m balls deep, she’s wide-eyed and shuddering.
“Evan…” My name is a gasp on her lips as her nails dig into my shoulders.
“I’ve dreamed of being inside you again. This feels amazing.”
She gives me a silent, frantic nod before she plants her knees on either side of my hips and begins a torturous rhythm. I brace my hands on her waist and groan at the instant friction.
Clearly, I wasn’t imagining how good we are together. At all. It’s every bit as amazing as I remember—and more. Holy hell… I can’t thrust into her fast enough. I can’t surge into her deep enough. I can’t suck her sweet nipples hard enough. Being with her is paradise and purgatory. Agony and ecstasy. It’s wrenching and animal and shattering. And I want more.
Taking her ass in my hands, I rise to my feet and lift her. Automatically, she wraps her arms and legs around me. Our eyes meet. She looks breathless and stunned.
“What are you doing?”
“Taking you to bed.”
Her question morphs into a whimper when I begin to trek across the patio—and gravity propels her farther onto my cock with every step. Her nails dig into my shoulders. Her eyes plead as she writhes and moans. As she wordlessly begs me for more.
I can’t spare the brainpower to respond. I’d far rather put my energy into seizing her mouth than speaking anyway.
Once I fuse my lips to hers, I have to fight not to come undone. The house is only a dozen steps away, but as torqued up as I feel, it might as well be a thousand. I hope I fucking last until I can get her on her back.
I’m sweating as I step across the threshold. The cool shade and swirling air from the ceiling fans brush my damp skin. My head is swimming. I don’t know how I’m holding it together. As my lips crush hers, my tongue dominates our kiss. I try to focus on her pleasure, as my hazy memory guides me into the master bedroom.
The instant we reach the cool space, I topple her onto the crisp white bed and follow her down, shoving myself even deeper into her body.
We groan together. The sensations are like a supernova—hot, unstable, never meant to last.
I set a pace that’s rapid and harsh. It feels as amazing as the first time, but I’m fucking her with the desperation of a man worried that this time with her will be my last. I grip her hips, nip at her shoulder, and plunge my way into her with enough force to send her sliding up the slick sheets.
“Evan…”
Yes, I feel her tense. I’m right there with her, bucking and stroking toward the titanic explosion I know is almost on us.
“I’m here. Open your eyes. Look around.” I have to hold myself together long enough for her to do that.
Her lashes flutter up so slowly, it’s as if her body is using all its resources simply to breathe and process the pleasure. Finally, she blinks a few times and the room must come into focus because she gasps. “The fireplace!”
“And the house. They can be ours,” I assure her between gritted teeth and hard strokes. “Just. Say. Yes.”
Nia doesn’t answer, simply drags in another breath and stares at me, stunned. Damn, I can’t not kiss her. She’s the song stuck in my head. She’s the fever igniting in my blood. I can’t not be inside her in every way possible.
I take her mouth under mine one more time, and the pace of my thrusts ramps up. She’s clamping down like her orgasm is right there, and I can’t slow down. For good measure, I grind against her on the downward stroke and drag my crest against all the spots that make her clutch me and mewl.
And that does it. Her thighs and her body begin to quiver. Her breaths get faster. Her moans sound throatier. “Evan…”
“Say yes.”
“Evan…” She’s wailing now. It’s prolonged, low, and loud as her fingers bite into me. She looks at me like there’s something she wants to say.
“Give it to me.” One word. I can’t voice the rest of my demand because ecstasy notches up and nearly pulls me under.
“Evan, I-I…” She blinks, parts her lips, and seems to lose herself in my stare for timeless seconds. “I love you!”
Then she falls into climax.
Her words trip across my brain. I’m stunned. I’m shocked. That admission should not turn me on more. But it fucking thrills and unhinges me. It undoes me.
As far as I’m concerned, that’s a yes.
The orgasm I’d been holding at bay breaks my restraint. My body takes over. My blood surges. A growl tears from my throat. I erupt and give myself over to Nia. If I thought our first time was amazing, the second is beyond all comprehension. I’m never letting her go. She will be my wife.
My spine melts more with each thrust. I meld into her, become one with her, as we share the shuddering ecstasy.
I’m light-headed and panting when I’ve sated the desire. Slowly, my breath returns. Reason reasserts itself. And I remember my plan.
With a grimace, I withdraw from the hot clasp of her body. I don’t want to, but it’s essential.
“Evan?” She sits up, her face tightening. “Say something.”
I’ve never seen her expression so hesitant, her eyes so vulnerable. Because I didn’t tell her I love her. But I have more than words to bestow on her. The house. The sex. And the thing I should have given her weeks ago.
“Nia, honey… Everything is fine. In fact, everything is great.” I reach into the nightstand beside her, pull out a box, then kneel at her feet. “Because you are everything I want and I can’t imagine living the rest of my life without you. I want to make you smile. I want to make you happier than you’ve ever imagined. I want to devote myself to you. Every day.” Then I open the box to reveal the massive engagement ring I bought last weekend. When her eyes flare in shock and she covers her gaping mouth, I smile. “Nia Wright, marry me?”