McKenzie Cousins Box Set 1

He blinks and his smile widens. “W

hy, thank you, ma’am.” Chuckling, he helps me back to my feet. “And you’re one sexy mama.” His hand caresses over my hip. “Every time I see you my thoughts are constantly on other things.”

I chuckle and snuggle into his side. “Then, as I’m on bed rest for a few days, I think we should stay naked.”

“I think your doctor wants you resting, and not getting up to no good.”

“I think so too, but I can fantasize.”

“Sirena,” he warns. “You are going to be the death of me.” Settling his arm around my waist, Garrett ushers me through the doctor’s office and outside into the cool morning.

“I guess I should be grateful that it’s cooler today otherwise my blood pressure would have been higher.” I shrug. “It usually is when I’ve been rushing in the heat to get to the office. I’m not usually the best at time keeping.”

“I may have already picked up on that one.” He grins and steers me toward where we’d parked.

Whenever I’m here for an appointment, I can never find anywhere close by to park. Garrett drives me to this one and there is a space two minutes away.

Sitting back now, a sudden thought hits me. “What if my blood pressure doesn’t go down?” Tears form in my eyes that I try to hide. “I won’t be able to go to the opening of your new hotel.” I face him. “I have to be there Garrett. I need to be there.”

“Honey,” he leans forward and kisses my lips, “don’t worry about it yet, okay? Whatever happens though, we’re doing what your doctor says.” He starts the car and continues, “If you end up having to stay on bed rest, then there will always be the next time.”

“I’m so looking forward to the opening, Garrett. It’s your big night and I want, more than anything, to share it with you. It’s going to break my heart if I’m not there.”

Silence follows and when he pulls up outside of the jewelers and cuts the engine, he runs around to my side. Opening the door, he turns me to face him and wraps his arms around my waist while he kisses my belly. “I love you Sirena, and I love this unborn child. Of course I want you by my side to share in my success, but I don’t want that if it costs you and our child. You’ll both always come first no matter what, okay?”

“Okay, but,” I slip out of the car and into his arms, “I’m going to be there.” I grin and taking his hand, lead him toward the jewelers.

No way am I not being there for him on the opening night of his new hotel: The Hudson Nirvana.

17

Garrett

Unable to hold the chuckle inside of me any longer, I let it out and gain a frown from my woman. “You’re so damn cute.”

“Is that right?”

Moving closer, I kneel to the side of the couch and bring her left hand to my lips where I place a gentle kiss over her engagement ring. “I love watching the way your eyes light up when you admire your ring.”

“Oh Garrett.” She cups the back of my neck and brings me closer so that I’m hovering over her lips. “It’s the most beautiful ring that I’ve ever seen, and I can’t wait to become your wife.” She draws me closer and places a whisper of a kiss across my lips.

“What have you done to me?” I smile. “Before I met you I was a workaholic with no interest other than the hotels, and now . . . now, I can’t wait to get things done so that I can get home to you. I delegate so much more than I ever have before. My general manager even thanked me for passing things over.” I chuckle. “I think I like to be in control, but since I met you I’m finding it so much easier to let things go. My outlook on my future has changed.”

“You’re going to make me cry.” She wipes at her face and brings my palm to her waiting lips. “I love you.”

Dipping closer, I capture her lips with mine and deepening the kiss, Sirena tries to bring me closer, but I stay grounded. “I want you, honey. I always want you. However, the doctor has only allowed you to be here if you rest and don’t do anything.”

Pouting she says, “If I just lie here . . .” she lets the sentence drift off and all I see is her fluttering lashes.

“You’re killing me.” I stand and placing my hands on my hips, let her see how my body reacts to her. She notices as her eyes widen in surprise.

“Oh wow.” She smirks. “I think I better take care of that for you.”

“I’ll take care of that in the shower.” I laugh, moving my hips away. “The doctor said to do nothing that is likely to higher your blood pressure. You might not have noticed, but I certainly noticed how she made a point of looking at me when she said that.”

“Ugh.” She throws her head back onto the cushions. “I’m so frustrated.” She narrows her eyes. “In more ways than one.”

Chuckling, I tell her, “If you rest now, and only spend an hour downstairs, maximum, then I’ll treat you once I join you in the big bed.”