STEPH
The lift dings as we reach the first floor, and I have to break into a sprint to keep up with Cal. He takes hold of my hand during the short walk, and fumbles with the keycard.
After opening the door to our room, we step inside and the lights come on automatically, illuminating the decadent space. The door closes, and he cages me against it.
Ragged breaths escape his lips. His chest presses against mine, squishing my breasts, and our hearts beat in rhythm. He moves his hand to my cheek, tangling his fingers in my hair as his thumb rubs along my cheekbone, sending goosebumps over my skin like a domino effect, trailing to every limb in waves of pleasure.
I press my lips against the palm of his hand as he runs his fingers along my jaw until they reach my chin. He lifts my head to meet his gaze. His head dips, and his lips crash against my mouth.
I’m no longer in the hotel room. I’m in the clouds. Everything is hazy like a wonderful dream that I never want to wake from.
His lips trail over my face, leaving kisses of love and admiration wherever they fall. “You’re trembling.”
“So are you.” The palm of my hands rests against his chest, and I can tell he’s just as affected as he takes possession of my mouth.
“I don’t want to fuck-up. I want tonight to be perfect.”
“Tonight is already perfect.”
“This is the start of forever with us, Steph. It’s me and you, baby. Whatever happens, it’s me and you.”
“I love you, Cal.”
“Let’s get you out of this dress, so I can show you just how much I love you.”
I turn around, giving him access to the zip running down my spine. His lips press against my shoulder as the zipper reaches my lower back. The straps drop from my shoulders, and I shimmy the dress over my hips as the fabric falls to the floor.
He unclips the bra at the back and slides it off, tossing it to the ground. I cover the fresh stretch marks around my middle and hold my breasts up with the other arm.
Cal steps back. His eyes rake over my body in nothing but a pair of Spanx, holding my gut in. I want nothing to spoil this perfect evening. I want him to think of me as I was before. Plus, these Spanx aren’t exactly a good look for me, but without them it’s even worse.
“You don’t have to hide anything from me, baby.” He steps closer, takes both my wrists in his hands and pins them against the door as he dips his head and takes possession of my mouth again.
“Can we dim the lights at least?”
“No fucking way. I need to see you.”
“You won’t like what you see.”
“Why, have you not shaved your legs again?” He chuckles and nibbles on my ear. Still pinning my wrists up against the door, he pulls away from my face and looks down at my body. “I must admit, I would have preferred the stockings, but you’re still sexy as hell, even in these ridiculous things, whatever the fuck they are.”
I smile. “Spanx.”
“Whatever, they’re getting ripped off.” He spins me around and guides me to the bed. With his rough hands, he pushes me down, making me bounce on the comfy mattress.
Positioning himself between my legs, he hovers above me. His fingers swipe the curls from my face. “I fucking love you. No matter what you wear, or your dress size, or whether you’ve shaved or waxed or whatever. None of that matters to me.”
“Cal.” I can sense my eyes glaze as a watery film coats my pupils, and I blink it away.
He sits leaning back on his haunches while he unbuttons his shirt. “I’m gonna show you just what you mean to me, baby.”
With his open shirt, he leans back over me, trailing his lips along my jaw, sucking at my skin. His love seeps into me with every touch of his lips.
* * *
CAL
Her hands glideunder my shirt, around my back. I need to be inside her, but tonight is all about her. I’m gonna make sure she’s ready this time.