One to Protect (One to Hold 3)

I manage to resist. “Just wait.”

A quick pit-stop in the toilet to freshen up, and I dash to the kitchen. Opening the freezer, I pull out the bottle of cava I brought. Tiny bits of ice float in it, but I pop the cork and pour him a flute—ginger ale for me. Next I take the two large olive-salad sandwiches from the fridge and arrange them on plates. It’s all loaded onto a tray, which I carry on my shoulder to the living room where he’s waiting.

“What have you done?” His voice is full of warmth as he watches me from the sofa.

“Since you’ve been working too hard—”

“Exaggeration.”

“Since you’ve been working too hard,” I repeat, “I decided to recreate our relaxing spa vacation in the desert.”

Placing the tray on the coffee table, I hand him his flute and lift mine. “To family restrooms.”

He laughs and clinks back. “To the gorgeous woman who drives me to crazy extremes.”

We sip and I crawl forward on the couch to kiss him and tell him again. “I love you.”

He leans forward, placing his flute, the tray, my flute, all of it on the coffee table. Then his hands move through the open robe to pull me onto his lap in a straddle, facing him. Just that fast, his mouth is on my neck, nibbling and kissing. My eyes are closed, and I’m powerless.

“I love you more,” he says beside my ear with a deep inhale. “You smell so good.”

Threading my fingers in his hair, I kiss his temple. “I wore the red lace…”

A rumble of approval, and his lips touch that spot behind my ear, a light scruff against my skin, sending shivers flying down my legs.

“My favorite.” His voice is thick as I pull his cheeks, reuniting our mouths.

For a moment, we make out like teenagers, hot and breathless, tongues entwining. He holds me against his bare chest, my elbows are bent, and my palms are on his cheeks. His mouth is like some rich, decadent chocolate I can never get enough of tasting. As we kiss, I feel him relax, and my hands slide behind his neck, my lips travel up to his brow. He hugs me against his torso and doesn’t move. Neither do I.

This big, strong man saved me twice. If comfort is what he needs, I’m here to give it to him. I’m here to give him anything. After a few more breaths, his arms relax. I lean back and study his face a moment. The robe has dropped around my shoulders, so I’m basically sitting nude on his lap, but I don’t care.

“Hungry?” I reach for the sandwich plate and hold it between us, right at our chins. “You probably won’t think it’s as good as Central Grocery, but I think it’s delicious.”

His blue eyes take me in before he bites. “Mmm…” is all I get.

Giggling, I lean forward and take a bite myself. The tangy, savory flavor of olives and smoky provolone fills my mouth.

“Delicious!” My voice is muffled.

His smile glows as he watches me, his voice full of love. “How’s the baby?”

Lowering the sandwich to the plate, I turn and put it on the side table again. “I can’t feel a thing, but the doctor said he’s doing great.”

My last checkup was a week ago, and we both agreed unless something unusual occurred, Derek could miss the routine exams. So far everything has been by the book.

“So he’s a boy now?” I love his grin at the prospect of a little son.

Shrugging, I acquiesce. “Maybe… it’s too soon to know.”

His attention moves from my face to my abdomen. Large hands span my bare stomach before he leans forward and kisses me right below my sternum, right at the top of my belly.

“I love you,” he whispers to the little bean growing there.

I’m certain my heart melts in that instant, and I catch his face again to cover it with kisses. He’s right with me, lifting me in his arms and carrying me to the master suite. A California king-sized bed fills the space, and he spreads me out on the soft mattress, lying on his side next to me.

I trail my fingers lightly over his brow, to his temple, following a line to his strong jaw. He looks at me like I’m the most fragile thing in his bed—another detail he knows isn’t true.

We don’t disturb the moment, though. The truth might be that both of us are strong as iron, tough as flint, but holding each other, we know how precious it is that we’re here, together.