Taking Chloe (Vaughn)

“I hope you’re right, Merrick. I really do.”

For the first time he noted a tinge of hope in her voice instead of emptiness. As far as he was concerned, it was a step in the right direction.

Chapter Five

“Because I want to, damn it, that’s why.”

Chloe rolled her eyes at Merrick’s reason for wanting to shower with her. “It would be faster if you’d just let me finish.”

“I’m not leaving, so deal with it.”

“We’re never going to get to dinner if you don’t leave, Merrick.”

“Fuck dinner. I want to wash you, so scoot over. Besides, let’s not forget the deal. I’m in charge.”

“Yes, you’re in charge…of our fun. This is a shower.”

“And a shower can be mighty fun.”

Chloe wasn’t sure why she continued to resist. As husband and wife they’d showered together hundreds of times. This time it seemed so different, as if it were the first time. A virgin on prom night would be less jumpy, for crying out loud!

“Fine, but if we don’t make our reservations, don’t blame me.”

His grin was one of pure male arrogance. “Duly noted.”

Chloe tried not to drool when Merrick yanked his shirt off and tossed it to the bathroom floor. As he undid the fly of his jeans and slid them and his black boxers down his powerful thighs, she gave up on maintaining control all together. God, he was gorgeous. His muscled behind faced her, and if she leaned toward him a few inches, she could take a bite out of his delicious flesh. He straightened and turned toward her. His cock was huge. As she watched, it seemed to get even bigger. As her gaze snared his, he grinned. She lit up like a Christmas tree.

“Those pretty eyes are devouring me right now, babe.”

She pushed her wet hair behind her shoulder and tried not to let his sweet, hard body get to her…too much. “I can’t help if I like what I see.”

“I like what I see, too. A lot,” he growled.

He stepped into the tub with her. Chloe moved to the side to give him room. He was twice her size and he took up most of the tub. Not that she was complaining. She couldn’t remember the last time her husband had taken the time to shower with her. Too long. Much too long.

“You’re so beautiful, Chloe. Inside and out.”

His words and the sincerity behind them filled her heart with warmth. “You haven’t told me that for a very long time. It’s nice to hear compliments from you.”

He slid the backs of his fingers down her wet arm, leaving little goose bumps in his wake. “You make me want to slay dragons and shower you with diamonds,” he murmured. “I’m sorry I’ve been so wrapped up in work. I need to explain about that, but first I want to show you how much I’ve missed you. May I?”

He’d melted her completely. She’d become a useless puddle of pudding at his feet.

“Yes,” she capitulated, “I think I’d like that very much.”

He placed two fingers against her lips. “Shh, it’s okay, baby. We’re going to take our time, go real slow. I have a need to experience my wife to the fullest tonight.”

She removed his fingers and asked, “What about dinner?” She didn’t really care about food, but she should at least ask, for his sake.

“Screw dinner,” he muttered.

As his mouth came crashing down on hers, Chloe fell against him, relishing the sensation of her nipples against the solid wall of his chest. At once he was everywhere, his arms sturdy and protective around her. He cupped her ass in his palms, lifted and pulled her tighter against his lethal strength. His hands squeezed, and she laughed. “Merrick, that tickles!”

“I know. Thought I’d forgotten, huh?”

Chloe feared he’d forgotten a lot of things about her, but she didn’t want to reveal so much of her inner turmoil. “Well, you must admit it’s not your typical ticklish spot.”

“There’s not a damn thing typical about your ass, Chloe. It’s sexy as hell.” He squeezed her flesh again, and she let loose a string of giggles. “When you giggle like that it turns me on like you wouldn’t believe.”