Chapter Twenty-Three
October
Nathan had only been inside the McKinnon home in the Carmel Highlands for a few minutes, but still felt an instant connection to the place. The architect in him greatly admired the design of the spacious home and its abundance of natural light. Nearly every room had an ocean or cove view, and there was access to the wraparound deck from multiple locations.
And the homebody in him felt an immediate sense of peace and tranquility from the way the place had been decorated. It seemed that each piece of furniture, each sculpture or bowl or memento had been lovingly and carefully chosen. And of course, the house boasted some of Natalie Benoit’s finest works hanging on the walls.
Because work had been so crazy these past few months, and factoring in the month Julia’s parents had spent vacationing in South America, this weekend was the first time Nathan had met Robert McKinnon and his wife Natalie. He had been admittedly more than a little nervous to meet Julia’s parents, especially her father who Nathan had hero-worshipped since deciding to become an architect. He had been pleasantly surprised at how warm and welcoming both of them had been, and how they had made him feel instantly at home.
It was late Friday afternoon, and the four of them were sitting on the main deck at the back of the house which had a spectacular ocean view. The weather was perfect – sunny, a little warm, and very little breeze – the sort of ideal Indian summer day that Northern California often enjoyed at this time of year. Natalie had opened a bottle of crisp, chilled Chardonnay and set out little dishes of olives, ceviche, mango salsa, and goat cheese with assorted breads and crackers.
Upon their arrival less than an hour ago, Nathan and Julia had been enthusiastically greeted by her parents’ three Australian shepherds. Julia had called each of them by name – Gracie, Duncan and Mickey – and explained that the female was the mother to the two younger, friskier boys. All three dogs had followed Nathan in a pack, clearly enchanted by the newcomer and demanding his attention. They had finally mellowed out, retreating to their own corner of the deck, rousing now and then to bark at an errant seagull.
He was glad he’d followed Julia’s instructions to dress casually in jeans and a gray Armani T-shirt, for both of her parents were equally casual. Both wore jeans, Robert in a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, while Natalie’s floaty tunic was half a dozen shades of blue and lavender. Both were barefoot. Julia, of course, wore her version of casual – a dainty white ruffled chemise top paired with a tiered floral print cotton skirt. To Nathan’s surprise, she actually kicked off her wedge sandals upon arrival and was now padding around barefoot like her parents.
It was clear that Julia and Lauren greatly resembled their mother, for Natalie had the same classically beautiful features and caramel colored hair. But the twins’ huge mossy green eyes had been inherited from their father – a handsome, dark-haired man with touches of gray at the temples.
The peaceful serenity was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Lauren. They could see her approach from the road below, and Nathan was not the least bit surprised to see her drive up in a four-wheel drive Jeep Wrangler. Given the tough-girl image she worked so hard to project, it was small wonder that she would be driving such a heavy duty vehicle. The dogs went nuts when they saw her, barking and running around excitedly before greeting her with enthusiastic licks. She dropped her backpack and an overstuffed canvas tote bag in her tracks, and gave everyone a hug, Nathan included.
“So you finally got the balls to meet the parents, huh?” she asked in her usual forthright manner.
Natalie rolled her eyes. “Lauren, darling, language.”
Lauren merely gave her mother a resounding smack on the cheek in reply. “Nathan’s a big boy. He can handle whatever I dish out.”
Julia shook her head in exasperation as she greeted her twin with a hug. “One of these days that smart mouth of yours is going to get you into trouble.”
Lauren hooted. “Baby sister, what makes you think it already hasn’t? Remind me to tell you about the latest blow-up I had with my boss. I can still see the steam coming out of his ears.”
Julia frowned. “Careful he doesn’t fire your butt.”
“Nah. It’s way too cute a butt and besides, Ben knows how valuable I am to the magazine. Doesn’t hurt to keep him on his toes every so often. So – you don’t look a year older, baby girl.”
Julia laughed. “Yeah, neither do you, big sis.”
“That’s because your birthday isn’t until tomorrow,” retorted Robert. “And both of my girls look beautiful. Though I can’t believe you’re already twenty-six. It seems like just yesterday you were small enough that your mother could still dress you alike.”
Lauren shuddered. “Thank God Mom got over that whole notion by the time we were two.”
“That’s because Julia refused to wear anything but cute, frilly dresses and you would only wear pants or shorts,” replied Natalie dryly. “Some things haven’t changed.”
“Hey, I wore a dress last month,” protested Lauren. “It was at a dinner party that Jules and Nathan gave. One of their big clients attended so Julia dragged me into her closet and got me all girly.”
Julia smiled. “And she looked gorgeous. Enough so that Ian stuck by your side all evening.”
Lauren shrugged. “He’s a sweetheart. Such a gentleman and really, really attractive. But nothing happening there, I’m afraid. Not my type.”
“Honestly, Lauren?” asked Julia in exasperation. “Mom, you should see this guy. Six four, shoulders like a linebacker, Savile Row suits, British accent. And he’s filthy rich. But Lauren would rather go out with some grungy guy in a two-bit rock band who lives above a garage somewhere.”
“If Ian Gregson is so fabulous, why aren’t you dating him?” challenged Lauren.
“Um, hey? Over here? Remember me – the boyfriend?” Nathan glared at Lauren. “I saw her first. And Ian is a client – our best client.”
Lauren looked unimpressed. “So? You’re Julia’s boss – employer – whatever. How is that anymore appropriate?”
“Enough.” Robert McKinnon’s voice was brisk and authoritative, and both girls were instantly quiet. “It’s like the two of you were back in high school with your arguing. Let’s have a peaceful weekend, young ladies. I don’t get to see both of my girls together very often so cease your bickering.”
Nathan wasn’t surprised when Julia obediently murmured, “Yes, Daddy,” but he was startled when the ballsy Lauren also backed down and gave her father a hug. It was obvious that Robert adored his twin daughters and that they in turn doted on their father.
Julia helped Natalie get dinner together while Lauren fed the dogs. That left Nathan alone with Robert.
“I’ve been admiring this house since we drove up,” admitted Nathan. “It’s given me a few ideas about a project I’m working on. A personal project.”
Robert nodded. “Julia mentioned that you’re designing a home of your own. And that you’ve got designers block or some such thing.”
Nathan grinned. “I’m not sure that’s an actual condition but yes, nothing I’ve started so far feels right. There’s something I’m missing, and it’s been driving me mad for months now.”
The older man finished his wine. “Did you bring any of your designs along?”
“I did, actually,” admitted Nathan. “I thought spending time by the ocean might inspire me. I don’t know how much Julia has told you about the lot but it’s on the waterfront.”
“Aye, she told me that much.” A trace of Robert’s Scottish brogue could be plainly heard now and then, though living in the U.S. for over forty years had erased most of it. “Perhaps after dinner we’ll take a look at some of your ideas, brainstorm a bit. Natalie has a good eye for these things, too. Such a talent that woman has for art and design. Simply brilliant.”
Nathan was almost speechless with surprise. “I - that’s fantastic, Mr. McKinnon. But I don’t want to intrude, especially since you don’t get to see your daughters that often.”
“Not to worry, young man. I see our Laurie quite a bit, and Natalie and I are planning to visit Julia at the end of the month. In fact, we can take a first- hand look at this property of yours, maybe refine any ideas we might come up with this weekend. And Nathan – “he paused until Nathan met his eye, then smiled reassuringly. “It’s Robert. We’re not much for formalities around here.”
Nathan couldn’t help but contrast the relaxed and informal atmosphere that filled the McKinnon home with the stiff, uncomfortable and stuffy feeling he’d always had when associating with Cameron’s family. The Tollivers would never have dreamed of dining alfresco in bare feet, eating off Mexican pottery and enjoying a casual but delicious meal of clam chowder, cracked crab, and a huge green salad. The conversation around the dinner table was lively and stimulating, and Nathan never felt that he had to choose his words carefully or avoid particular topics. The McKinnons made him feel instantly welcomed and part of the family. Even the dogs liked him, judging by the fact that one rested a furry head in his lap, while another lounged at his feet.
“You’ve made some friends there, Nathan,” observed Natalie with a smile.
Lauren snickered. “Don’t flatter him, Mom. These mutts will hang around anyone they think will cave in and feed them. They must scent your susceptibility, Nathan.”
“Hey, missy, these are purebred, pedigreed Aussies,” said Robert in indignation. “Don’t be calling my boys and my best girl here mutts.” He scratched an adoring Gracie behind the ears.
“Dad’s dogs got away with murder when we were growing up,” groused Julia. “Far more spoiled and indulged than Lauren and I were.”
“And more obedient, too,” retorted Robert.
Julia tapped Mickey on the nose, his head still resting in Nathan’s lap. “Hey, you, stop begging. Never mind that look. I stopped falling for those sorts of looks a long time ago.” She looked curiously from the dog’s pale blue eyes to Nathan’s and smiled. “Look, you two have the same eyes.”
Nathan grinned. “Maybe Mickey thinks I’m a long lost brother or cousin. He sees the family resemblance.”
That comment brought a round of laughter from everyone at the table and made Nathan feel even more at ease.
When dinner was over, everyone did their part in clearing the table and tidying up the dishes. Robert took several shot glasses from a cabinet in the dining room.
“What say we hold off on coffee and dessert for a bit and break open this lovely bottle of Macallan that Nathan brought down?” he suggested.
There were no arguments to be heard as everyone settled around the spacious oak pedestal table in the dining room. The sun had set and with it the day’s balmy temperatures, so it felt good to be inside the house. At Robert’s urgings, Nathan fetched the house designs he’d brought with him and spread them out on the huge table. It didn’t take long for all the McKinnons to jump into the discussion and offer up their opinions, in between shots of twenty-one year old single malt Scotch.
After listening to his wife’s and daughters’ ideas, Robert furrowed his brow and tapped a finger against his lips.
“Here’s a thought, Nathan. What if you were to change this over here – “he drew a few lines, erased others. “And then, in this section, you tried something like this.”
Fifteen minutes later, Nathan could only stare in wide-eyed admiration at the small but significant changes Robert had made. All of a sudden the missing pieces clicked into place, and he had a clear and vivid picture of what he wanted to do.
The two men worked on the design for another hour until the smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm cinnamon scented bread budding lured them away from their project. It was after midnight by the time he was cuddling in bed with Julia, and he offered up an apology.
“I’m sorry if I neglected you tonight, baby. I just couldn’t believe how that design came together so easily with your dad’s input. He really is a genius,” marveled Nathan.
Julia entwined her legs with his, pressing a kiss to his throat. “I don’t mind at all. I’m just happy you seem to get on so well with him. Daddy isn’t always an easy one to get close to. But he likes you, I can tell.”
He stilled her hand as it caressed his hip. “Well, he won’t like me at all if he thinks we’re getting it on in his house. As tempting as you are, I’m not going to ravish you with your parents’ bedroom on one side, and your sister’s on another. Not to mention our roommate here.”
Julia laughed softly as Mickey’s ears twitched in his sleep. The dog had followed them into their bedroom and promptly settled in for a long night’s sleep at the foot of the bed.
“Don’t mind Mickey. Not much wakes him – or the other two for that matter. But you’re right – I’d be more than a little self-conscious with my parents and Lauren both within earshot. Guess we should have stayed at a hotel, huh?”
He cuddled her close, kissing her temple. “Don’t be silly. I wouldn’t have passed up the opportunity to sleep in a Robert McKinnon designed house. And it’s been great meeting your parents and seeing where you grew up.”
“I’ll get to return the favor when we head to Michigan for Thanksgiving. I’m really looking forward to seeing your parents again and meeting the rest of your family.”
“You’re sure you don’t mind not seeing your family then?”
Julia shook her head. “It’s okay. My parents and Lauren always fly to New York to spend Thanksgiving with Aunt Maddy. With the holiday shopping season already in full swing, it’s impossible for her to get away then. Besides, we’ll get to spend Christmas with my family so it’s a fair trade.”
They fell asleep soon after, one of the very few times they’d slept together without having sex first. It took a great deal of self control on Nathan’s part the next morning to gingerly extricate himself from her arms and slip out of bed. The temptation to wake her with a bout of sleepy sex was almost too much to resist, but the recollection that they were far from alone in this house greatly cooled his ardor. Not to mention the fact that Mickey suddenly bounced up like a jackrabbit, evidently well rested from his long sleep, and began licking Nathan happily, his tail wagging furiously. Nathan was barely able to struggle into some running clothes and pick up his shoes without the dog lavishing him with attention.
He’d figured to be the only one awake at this hour, but the smell of coffee dispelled that idea. Lauren was in the kitchen, sipping from her coffee mug, and also dressed in workout gear. The other two dogs were resting at her feet.
“So you survived the night with Mickey, I see,” she said dryly. “He snores pretty loud.”
Nathan accepted the mug she handed him and poured some coffee. “Yeah, well, he’s also a very effective cockblocker.”
Lauren snickered. “Like you would have really had the balls to hump my sister with our father in the next room anyway. Jules and I might be twenty-five – ah, twenty-six actually – but Daddy still thinks of us as his little girls. Do you know I still have to call him every time I’m on assignment? One time I was in a really remote locale with no cell or internet service, and he actually called my boss in New York because he hadn’t heard from me yet. Ben had to reach me by satellite phone and tell me to call my Daddy. He still ribs me unmercifully about it, the bastard.”
“He just cares about you. And he’s right to worry, given some of the godforsaken places Julia’s told me you’ve been to. You’ve got more guts than I do.”
She grinned. “Yeah, and I’ll bet I can kick your ass on this run, too. I hope you’ve been doing some hill training, because there aren’t too many flat spots around here.”
Nathan finished his coffee and gave her a mock glare. “Oh, it is on like Donkey Kong. Come on, let’s see how tough you really are.”
An hour later, he was grateful he hadn’t eaten anything that morning for he was sure he’d be puking it up right now. Lauren had been merciless, running him up one ridiculously steep hill after another, until his lungs were ready to burst and his quadriceps shaking. The only satisfaction he got from the punishing workout was that Lauren, too, seemed more than a little spent.
They staggered up the outside stairs to the upper level deck just off the kitchen. Natalie was seated outside sipping coffee and sketching on a big pad. She smiled at them serenely.
“Lovely morning for a run. Lauren, I hope you weren’t too tough on Nathan.”
“He can take it,” she replied without even a hint of compassion. “Where is everyone?”
“Your father’s walking on the beach with the dogs as usual, and Julia is still asleep last I checked. She always was a much better sleeper than you were, Lauren.”
Lauren snorted. “Lazy slug. I can’t believe she actually drags her butt out of bed for a six a.m. yoga class.”
“She does,” verified Nathan. “Most mornings, anyway. But I’ve learned not to try and actually talk to her until after class. She’s not much of a morning person.”
Natalie smiled. “You’re a wise man to have figured that out. But I did want to get breakfast started soon. We’ll have our hands full as the day goes on getting ready for tonight’s festivities.”
There was a party planned to celebrate the twins’ birthday, though Julia had told him not to expect anything too big or fancy. Maybe two dozen people, mostly family and old friends, and a very casual, laid-back buffet dinner. But it had been evident from last night’s dinner that Julia had inherited her love of cooking from her mother, and Nathan was certain that Natalie had something special planned for tonight.
He finished the bottle of water that Natalie had thoughtfully had waiting for him and Lauren. “I’ll go wake up Sleeping Beauty,” he offered. “We’ll be out after I shower.”
He removed his shoes before entering the house, conscious of the beautiful white birch floors. They were a key element of the Nantucket style of the house, with its high wood-beamed ceilings and wainscoting in nearly every room.
He carefully shut the bedroom door behind him, and stripped off his sweaty workout clothes before kneeling beside the bed. Julia was still sleeping peacefully, her cheeks rosy and her mouth softly parted. With her hair tumbling around her shoulders, she looked very much like the fairytale princess he’d once compared her to, so beautiful she took his breath away. Gently, he pulled the covers off her, revealing her petite, curvy body garbed in a slip-style nightie of gold satin. One of the thin straps had fallen down her shoulder, baring half of her breast. Unable to resist, he slid the strap farther down, and groaned when her full, round breast popped out. He bent his head to lick the pink nipple before drawing it into his mouth.
Julia stirred beneath him, her legs moving restlessly. He pushed the short hem of her nightie up, baring the lower half of her body. She wasn’t wearing panties and his nostrils flared at the sight of her naked cunt, and the musky scent of her female essence. He couldn’t help nuzzling his face into her public hair, and then running his tongue over her satiny slit.
She gasped when he sucked at her clit, her eyes flying open as her hands tangled in his hair. “Oh, God, Nathan. God, that’s good,” she breathed.
He replaced his tongue with two long fingers, thrusting them in and out of her slickness. “Good morning, baby,” he told her wickedly. “Sleep well?”
Julia panted as his fingers grew bolder. “You – ah, you should have woken me sooner. Especially if you’re going to give me an orgasm.”
Nathan chuckled. “That’s the plan, baby. But I think we should continue this in the shower. I don’t trust your sister not to eavesdrop. That girl needs to get laid more regularly. Maybe then she wouldn’t be such a –“
She laid two fingers over his mouth, only to have him suck them hard. “You’re right. Let’s shower. Especially since I can tell you’ve been for a run. Please tell me you didn’t go with Lauren.”
He groaned. “Too late. Just don’t tell her how badly she kicked my ass.”
Minutes later they were happily ensconced in the en suite shower, soaping each other up and confident that the sound of the water running would drown out their amorous activities. They kissed wetly, Nathan’s palms overflowing with Julia’s lush breasts, while she stroked his rigid cock with both of her hands. When she reached further back to lightly squeeze his balls, he growled and spun her around, pressing the front of her body against the white and blue tiled shower wall.
“I haven’t been inside you for over twenty-four hours,” he rasped in her ear. “I think that’s some sort of record for us. One I have no intention of ever trying to break.”
He guided his cock inside of her, then held on to her hips as he began to move, his thrusts growing faster and harder. Julia’s moans were muffled against the hand she thrust into her mouth, and his groans were stifled by burying his face in her neck. He slid one hand over her belly before dipping into her pubic hair and finding her swollen clit. Her head fell back against his shoulder as he continued to fuck her hard while flicking his thumb over her clit.
She came mere moments before he did, spilling himself deep inside of her. He held her back against him, steadying her while she quivered, and then turning her in his arms to meet his deep kiss.
“Now that’s a proper good morning kiss,” she whispered. “My very favorite way to start the day.”
“Better than yoga class?” he teased. “And I can’t believe it’s better than a café au lait and a chocolate croissant.”
Julia giggled. “Well, both of those are pretty close. But nothing says good morning like a big cock fucking your brains out.”
He smacked her bare ass a little too hard to be considered playful. “You’ve become such a bad, dirty girl. We’re going to have to start talking about punishments if you don’t watch that filthy mouth.”
“Hah. You love it and you know it.”
Fifteen minutes later they were dressed and joining the others for breakfast on the deck. It was a simple but delicious meal of waffles, brown sugar-glazed bacon, fresh fruit and coffee. After the meal was served and the dishes cleared, everyone was tasked with doing their part to get ready for the birthday party. Lauren, who admittedly wasn’t much of a cook, instead did some cleaning and rearranging of furniture. Natalie and Julia busied themselves in the kitchen to turn out platters and bowls of food. Nathan helped Robert set up the bar and the sound system, but after that there wasn’t much else for them to do. But when Nathan suggested they help Julia and her mother with the food, Robert shuddered.
“It’s a brave man – or a foolish one – who tries to invade Natalie’s kitchen. It took years for her to get comfortable with Julia helping in there. Lauren is all too happy to stay out of there, as is my sister-in-law. Let’s do some more work on those house plans of yours instead.”
Nathan was thrilled at the opportunity to work alongside the architect he’d admired and emulated for more than a dozen years. And it didn’t hurt that he was also forming a real rapport with Julia’s father.
At some point, when they were looking at designs for the master bedroom, Robert lifted a brow in question. “I assume you’ve seen the contents of Julia’s closet?”
Nathan nodded. “It’s quite impressive, isn’t it?”
Robert looked rather revolted. “More like obsessive. That’s Madelyn’s influence, not Natalie’s. But be that as it may, all that stuff needs a place to reside. You’d best plan on making this walk in closet a whole lot bigger.” He paused for long seconds before adding, “That is, assuming you intend for my Julia to live in this house one day.”
Nathan flushed under the older man’s intense regard. “Yes, of course. I mean, we haven’t discussed marriage just yet, we haven’t officially been dating all that long. But I’m crazy about her, she’s everything I could ever want, and having her as my wife one day – well, it would be a dream come true.”
Robert smiled, clearly pleased with this answer. “That’s good enough for me, then. All in due time, I suppose.” He returned his attention to the house plans. “On second thought, you may just want to build a whole separate room for her clothes. I don’t know if a mere closet could hold them all.”
Guests began to arrive around six o’clock for the party, and within half an hour the upper deck was filled with people. Julia happily introduced Nathan to everyone – neighbors, old friends from school, friends of her parents, and Robert’s younger brother Malcolm. Nathan learned that Julia’s uncle lived in nearby Monterey and was also a renowned photographer. It was his influence that had set Lauren on her chosen career path.
To Nathan’s surprise, another guest at the party was none other than Sam Patterson, the NFL quarterback and Julia’s old high school sweetheart. His team was playing the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, and thus he’d been able to break away for a quick visit to his parents, who were also at the party.
Nathan clenched his fists when he saw Sam sweep Julia into a fierce hug and plant a resounding smooch on her lips. But from the way both of them laughed as he let her go, Nathan felt reassured that the embrace had been a friendly one only.
Sam grinned at Nathan as they shook hands. “So you’re the dude dating my Julia. You’d better be taking good care of my girl here.”
Nathan scowled at him, not caring if he was one of the top sports figures in the country. “Actually, I think she’s officially my girl now. You blew your chance a few years ago.”
Sam chuckled. “Yeah, that’s for sure. If I thought I stood a chance, I might try stealing her back from you, Nathan. But Jules seems pretty taken with you.”
“There’s always her identical twin,” teased Nathan.
The look of horror on Sam’s face was almost comical. “Oh, hell, no. I’d rather get sacked by a three hundred pound defensive lineman than tangle with Lauren. She scares the shit out of me.”
Nathan nodded in agreement. “One of these days she’ll meet her match. Kind of like Taming of the Shrew.”
Julia gave him a playful punch on the upper arm. “Hey, that’s my sister you’re dissing. And while Lauren may be a little intimidating she’s a great girl. Any guy would be lucky to have her.”
Sam gave a little shudder. “Not touching that one. I still haven’t forgotten the roundhouse kick she landed on my head junior year. Almost knocked me out cold.”
Nathan was pleasantly surprised to find that Sam was one of the most likeable guys he’d ever met, and they conversed easily. It turned out that Sam had actually met Jared a couple of years ago at some celebrity golf tournament, and the two of them had kept in touch. Sam’s parents were also terrific people and spent quite a bit of time talking to Nathan.
Sam’s mother – Wendy – gave Julia a fond hug. “I’m still not sure why my idiot son let this one slip away,” she confided. “She’s the sweetest girl. You’re a lucky man, Nathan.”
Nathan proudly admired the glowing picture Julia made tonight in a flowing gold chiffon Alexander McQueen dress belted at the waist. With her strappy gold sandals and long, curly hair, she positively shined.
“Don’t I know it,” he acknowledged. “Though I still don’t know why she picked me.”
Wendy winked at him. “Think I can guess. You two make a gorgeous couple. Meanwhile, my dimwit son is dating some vapid supermodel who never eats.”
Everyone laughed at Wendy’s half-joking comment, including Sam.
The rest of the party was as casual and relaxed as the McKinnons themselves. The platters of food were hungrily devoured, the wine and beer consumed in rather startling quantities, and the soft jazz and blues music that played through the speakers entirely appropriate to the surroundings. Nathan had a very pleasant buzz going on that was only partially due to the alcohol. The rest was from being completely content and blissfully happy, and he couldn’t remember too many times in his life when he’d felt this way. Even though this was his first visit to Julia’s childhood home, he felt welcomed and at ease, as though he’d been coming here for years. As for Julia, she looked happier than he’d ever seen her, and it made his heart ready to burst from how much he loved her.
It was far past midnight by the time all the guests had departed and the house cleaned up. Julia was yawning sleepily as she scrubbed off her makeup, and he forced himself to check his lusts when she stripped down to her pale yellow lace bra and sheer panties.
“Not fair,” he groaned, clenching his fists. “You shouldn’t wear such sexy undies when I know you’re too wiped out for sex. Not to mention the parents on one side of us, and the nosy, bossy sister on the other.”
Julia tried to giggle, but another yawn escaped instead. “Sorry. I’ll make it up to you tomorrow night.”
Nathan growled as she stripped off her lingerie and quickly shimmied into her nightie. “Night? Hell no am I waiting that long. I’ll warn you now, baby. The minute we get inside your place I’m tossing you on the sofa and having my wicked way with you.”
She shivered. “Oh. I wonder how early we can get out of here tomorrow.”
He guffawed as he slid into bed and he cuddled her close. “I have definitely corrupted you.”
She nuzzled her face into his chest. “Complaining?”
“Not on your life.” He kissed her long and deep before reluctantly lifting his mouth. “Let’s get some sleep now, baby. And rest up for tomorrow. You’ll need all the energy you can spare.”