Ellie leaned in and shouted, “I think I need to leave! I’m exhausted, Gunner.”
Thank God. I nodded my head and pointed to the bar. “I need a water really quick.”
She smiled and grabbed my hand as we made our way to the bar. I ordered two waters, and when I handed Ellie the water, she downed the bottle in one drink. I followed and drank it down in one drink, too.
As soon as we got outside, we both sighed and then laughed. She jumped into my arms, and I spun her around.
“Jesus, I’m not cut out for this kind of stuff anymore. Sex all day and dancing all night—it’s too much!”
I laughed. “I agree. My damn feet are killing me.”
“Hotel?” Ellie asked.
“Yes.”
By the time we got back to our hotel and showered, we were exhausted. Ellie crawled under the covers, naked, and I followed. I pulled her right up next to my body and took in everything about her—the way she smelled, the feel of her skin against mine, and her slow and steady breathing.
She’s my everything. She will always be my everything. I closed my eyes and listened to her breathing become slow and steady as she drifted off to sleep.
“I love you, Ellie.”
“I love you, Drew. I love you more than anything.”
I smiled as I began to drift off to sleep. I dreamed of walking along the river with Ellie as we held hands, forever in love. Always.
I opened my eyes and smiled when I saw the hint of daylight shining through the curtains. I glanced over to the clock and saw it was ten thirty in the morning. I sat up quickly and searched for my phone. I grabbed it and saw a text conversation between Alex and Gunner.
Alex: Good morning, Mama and Daddy. Colt is being a brat, but I’m excusing it since I’m sure he misses you both something awful, just like I do. You’re still coming home tomorrow, right?
Me: Hey, baby girl. It’s Daddy. Smack Colt around a little bit and show him who’s boss. Yes, sweetheart, we will be home tomorrow. Mommy and Daddy miss you and Colt so much, but we’re having a lot of fun.
Alex: Have you bought Mommy flowers yet?
Me: No. Do you think I should?
Alex: Yep. Daddy, pick some off the side of the road. You know, get the daisy ones she loves so much. I think she would like that so much better. It shows you put more effort into it by picking them.
Me: When did you grow up? I’ll try my best, but trying to find flowers here in Austin on the side of the road is kind of hard. It’s a big city and all.
Alex: Ha-ha. I miss y’all. See you tomorrow. Kiss Mommy.
Me: I miss you and Colt, baby. See you tomorrow, and I will give Mommy a kiss.
I smiled as I set my phone down. “Gunner?” Looking toward the bathroom, I slowly got out of bed. I grinned as I felt every sore muscle in my body from the last two evenings while I made my way to the bathroom. I walked into the bathroom only to find it empty. Reaching for my robe, I put it on as I headed back out and picked up my cell phone.
Me: Where are you?
Gunner: Morning, sweetheart! Be right up!
Me: Okay. ?
I set my phone down and walked over to the Victoria’s Secret bag. There were panties, a bra, and a baby-doll nightie in the bag. I slipped the nightie on and turned to look at myself in the mirror.
“Not bad for a mom with two kids,” I said as I looked at my toned body.
Of course, walking every day with Ari and Emma and working in the garden and around the ranch had contributed to much of my toned body.
I spun around, reached for the vibrator, and pulled it out. I smiled as I reached for the handcuffs and headed back to the bed. I slipped both under my pillow and lay down on the bed. I moved and pulled my leg up, trying to pull off the seductive look, but it felt awkward. Then, I turned a different way, but that felt forced. I got up on my knees, and I was about to try another position when the door opened. I looked up, and Gunner stopped dead in his tracks. I smiled and bit down on my lip as I tried my best to look sexy.