“Hmmm... Sounds interesting.” She turned and walked to the bedroom, half expecting to find a nightie on the bed. Instead there was a pretty dark blue cotton dress. She smiled and ran her hand over the front of it, enjoying how incredibly soft it was.
“You like it?” He moved into the bedroom and wrapped his arms around her from behind. “It's a type of cotton that feels like silk. They were selling them at the golf club. Crazy, right?”
“I love it.” She wrapped her arms around his as he held her. “I love even more that you thought about me.”
“Of course I did.” He kissed the side of her face and moved back, gripping her hips and turning her as he worked on her jeans before tugging her shirt over her head. He smiled as he cupped her belly. “Beautiful.”
“You like the little bump?” She smiled and reached back, removing her bra and tossing it onto the floor.
“Oh yeah. It's incredibly sexy on you.” He moved down to his knees and wrapped his arms back around her, leaning in and pressing his cheek against her tummy. “Do you think the joke’s on us?”
“What do you mean?” She ran her fingers through his hair before leaning over to press her cheek to the top of his head.
“That the twins are a girl and a boy. My Lilliana and your Benton?” he chuckled, and Jamie couldn't help but join him.
“That would be rich.” She kissed his head once more before standing up.
He lifted a little and teased one of her nipples with his tongue before cupping her breasts and massaging softly. “I want you to relax tonight and let's just have a good dinner together. After that, I'll get you in a hot bath and then we're going to do anything you're up for.” He stood up and reached around her, grabbing the dress and lifting it over her head. She lifted her hands and stepped closer, kissing him as he worked the dress over her hands and pulled it down her body.
“I'm up for everything where you're concerned.” She slid her hands over his hips and up his back as she pressed herself to the front of him.
“Good. I like the sound of that.”
“My dad's leaving my mom.” She hadn't meant to blurt it out, but he had a way of leaving her raw and completely open when it was just the two of them.
His eyes widened a little. “Wow. Really? Didn't he try that last year, and he went back within a few weeks?”
“Yeah, but he said that when he thought he was dying, staying with her was the one thing he regretted.” Tears swam in Jamie's vision. “I'm sorry. I'm just worn out from all of it.”
“Oh, baby. That's horrible.” He wiped at her tears and kissed the tip of her nose. “Did you tell him that we're here for him?”
“Yeah. He said he would call when he was physically strong enough to leave her. I think he's just going to have to work on getting his strength back at this point.”
Alex nodded. “Good. He’s a grown man; he knows what to do. He’s not the kind of guy to rely on his daughter to deal with his marriage issues. I respect him and what he’s dealt with.” He shook his head and straightened. “Don’t worry about, okay? He’ll be alright. How about we enjoy our awesome marriage? Let's go have some pasta and enjoy our time together. This thing your dad is doing is probably the best thing he could do. Your mom is...”
“I know. No need to find the right word. I'm not sure it exists.” They turned and walked to the kitchen with his arm over her shoulders and hers around his waist.
“You're nothing like her, so don't even go down that path.” He leaned over and kissed her forehead before releasing her and walking toward the stove. “Now, get a glass of the sparkling grape juice I got for you, and go have a seat while I plate this up.”
“Let me help you.” She started for the stove as he lifted his hand.
“No. I want to serve you. Go sit down.” He let his eyes move across her. “I'll serve you dinner, and you serve me in the bedroom.”
“Wow. That was hot.” She turned on her heel and half jogged to the table. There was nothing in the world she'd rather do than serve Alex Reid in the bedroom. Good thing she got to for the rest of her life.
Chapter 11
“That was delicious, Alex. You've been holding back on these mad cooking skills.” She dipped her bread- stick in the sauce that was left on her plate and took a bite as she glanced up, to find him watching her.
“I just need to find more time to be here at the house. Then I can cook for you all the time.” He licked his lips and leaned back in his chair. “You're beautiful. Did you know that?”
Warmth filled the center of her, and she nodded. “Only because you tell me all the time.”
“Good. I want you to know.” He got up and gathered up their plates as she relaxed in her chair. “I'll do the dishes. You go start a bubble bath.”
“No. I'll do them. You start the bath.” She nabbed the last breadstick, tore it in half, and nibbled
on it as she walked into the kitchen. He looked too good to be real, standing at the kitchen sink with nothing more than slacks and an opened button-down shirt on. She finished the bread pinched between her fingers and slid her hands around his waist to rest them on the tightness of his muscular stomach. “I'm so lucky that you're mine. I would never have thought a girl like me could end up with a man like you.”