Evin's Fight (Southern Charmers 3)

“What’s that?”

“I wasn’t lying about sleeping great. It was mostly about having you with me, but your bed is like heaven. My bed is nice, but it doesn’t match up to heaven. When we get to Charleston, do what you need to make mine the same.”

Her features ignite with excitement. “You want me to redo your bed?”

“Skip all the fringe and tassels for the bedding, but otherwise, yes.”

“Most of it is easy and basic, but the secret is the mattress pad. It’s organic, eco-friendly, and has truly awesome temperature regulations. If we order it today, they may deliver it while I’m there.”

“Get it. I’ll give you my credit card. Pay for rush delivery to get it while you’re in town. I want it all—the sheets, pillows, spread, whatever it takes to duplicate yours.”

“Let me grab my phone; the site is saved in my favorites. I can make a quick order.” She rounds the counter, headed to her room.

“Grab my wallet while you’re in there.”

Her steps falter and I pick up on her intentions. “Grab my wallet,” I reiterate.

“It’s much easier to use my saved information,” she tries. “It’ll take a second my way.” Her legs take off running and I’m on her trail.

“Fucking woman,” I mumble, catching her easily and lifting her from behind. She squeals when we land on her bed and I pin her to my side.

“That’s not fair. You’re bigger, stronger, and faster than me.”

“I’ll take the advantage.”

“Let me buy this for you. It can be a present.”

“No.”

“It’ll mean something to me to know you go to bed on something I gave you.”

“You take the time to decorate and make it perfect, and every time I look at it, I’ll know you gave it to me.”

“It’s not the same.”

“Is this about giving me something or about the money again?”

“Mostly, me giving you something you want.”

I move my hand under her tank and splay my palm across her ribcage, feeling her heart race under my fingers. “You are what I want. Mornings like this, you baking something you love from your grandmother. Waking up to that picture of us on your dresser, you leaping through the air and latching onto me like it’s been an eternity instead of two weeks, hearing your voice when you get home after work and listening to your day—that makes me happy. You can keep pushing me on the money thing, but it’s a fight you won’t win. Let it go.”

Realization washes over her, and her body relaxes. “Okay. But when you’re not able to retire at sixty because you were careless with your money, don’t come griping to me.”

“Glad to know you’re concerned about my retirement plan, baby.”

“Seriously, Evin, I have a very detailed bucket list that includes travel around the world. I figure by then, all these kids you want to have will be self-sufficient and we can take off without worry. Those plans do not include living out of backpacks and staying in European hostiles.”

My body strings tight at her statement, and all thoughts of beds, pillows, and cinnamon rolls fly out of my head. “All these kids I want to have? You’ve been thinking about our conversation a few weeks ago?”

“A little,” she lies unconvincingly.

“You have. How many?”

“I haven’t gotten that far. Figured we’d start with one.”

“That’s usually how it goes.”

“Considering we aren’t even having sex, it’s a moot point.”

I flex my hips into her, my hard cock pulsing against her thigh. “You tell me you’re ready, things will change.”

“I’ve waited twenty-nine years to feel this way. How much more ready can I be?”

I close my eyes and drop my head to her neck, kissing gently. “You slay me.”

She draws in a deep breath and presses deep in the pillows to bring her face into view. “I’m the lucky one. No matter what happens and how hard it gets.”

“Nothing will happen to us, Poppy, I won’t allow it.”

“You keep being so awesome, I’ll believe that.”

“Don’t just believe it, trust in it. I’ll travel across the country to be next to you until you decide to give up your contract. Luckily, I’ve got that option. You come to Charleston next week, see how I live. You’ll understand that it’s simple.”

She leans up, pressing her lips to mine. “Did you hear anything else after the comment about children?”

“No hostiles, got it.”

“I’m serious!”

“Do I seem like a man who would stay in hostiles?”

“No, I’m putting it out there now.”

“Noted.”

“My bucket list is extensive.”

“Mine’s getting there.”

“You have a bucket list?”

“Making it up as we speak, and every item has to do with you. Starting with taking advantage of this bed that feels like heaven with you naked.” My hand slides under the elastic waistband, and her knees widen, giving me access.

“And then?”

“Baby, I want you on my face, my mouth on your pussy until you’re ready to pass out.”