She blinked at me, her dark eyes wide in her face. “I think you’re the sexiest man I have ever seen.” She ran her hands over my arms. “I have never met anyone like you. So strong and masculine, yet so sweet and amazing.” She swallowed. “You make me feel safe, Ronan.”
“You are always safe with me. Always.”
She bit her lip, glancing down between us. “You’re, ah, large everywhere.”
I chuckled. “All to make you smile, little bird.”
“Well, you do that just fine,” she responded.
Regretfully, I lifted her back to the corner and handed her the glass of wine.
“I don’t know how you do that.”
“Do what?”
“Lift me like I weigh nothing.”
“Do I need to strip you and show you with my mouth just how perfect your curves are? Happy to do so, but you’ll be here all night.” I paused. “And most of tomorrow.”
Her eyes widened to the point of hilarity. “Um…”
I leaned over and kissed her gently. “Whatever and whoever put those doubts in your head—forget them. I like your curves. They’re sexy as hell. I like how your hips feel in my hands. How fucking gorgeous your breasts are. Thinking of how you looked riding me, I can’t wait to see you ride me again and watch them. Touch them.” I lowered my voice. “Suck them.”
“Oh, ah…”
“Are we clear?”
“Yep.” Her head bobbed, her voice slightly higher than normal. “Curves good. Mouth standing by, ready. Big dick. Sucking…” She swallowed. “Good God, I’m rambling.”
Laughing, I kissed her nose.
“Another thing I find highly attractive. Now, drink your wine and tell me in detail about the weather system around us. I want to hear every weather-related word you got.”
She grinned, her color still high and her eyes bright. I was thrilled I made her look like that.
It was worth the aching balls.
At least for now.
On Sunday, I packed a picnic. I went to my favorite place in Port Albany on Saturday and picked up fried chicken. Then to the deli where I had them make up some sandwiches. Beth was bringing dessert—there was no point in even pretending to think about getting anything else.
I added some chips and snacks and filled a cooler with ice and drinks. I even remembered to add napkins.
After my errands, I stopped by my parents’ for a visit. We sat on the deck looking over the water. My dad and I talked about a new project they were thinking of undertaking, and he asked me to go over the building plans with him on Monday.
“Or tomorrow if you’re around,” he said casually.
“Oh, um, no. I have plans.”
My mom looked at me. “Again? With your friend?” she asked pointedly.
I shrugged. “A few people, actually.”
“You’re awfully secretive, Ronan,” she admonished.
Luckily, my dad stuck up for me. “Give him a break, Sunshine. He’s got a life. Let him live it. He doesn’t have to tell us everything.” He threw me a wink. “Does a man good to have some secrets.”
She tapped her fingers on the table. “Is that right?”
I tried not to laugh as he backpedaled. “When you’re young and single, I meant. Not when you’re happily married to the most beautiful woman in the world. Nope.” He shook his head. “No secrets then.”
She harrumphed and I chuckled. Luckily, she dropped the subject, and I left not long after, tamping down my guilt once again.
I was smiling as I headed to Beth’s. It was a warm day, although the weather report had indicated a change later today. I was hoping we would see some cloud formations and Beth could name them for me. I found it sexy when she spoke “meteorologist” in her lovely voice. She became animated and used her hands to indicate the various parts of the cloud she was detailing to me. I loved it.
The trunk was full of the food I had brought. I had a car seat for Lucy. The weather was good. It promised to be a grand day.
The kids were excited when I arrived, and I let Beth and Paige deal with getting them strapped in. Not for the first time, I was glad I drove a spacious car. I had an SUV as well, but it was parked in Port Albany. Once everyone was ready, we headed back toward the place I felt really at home. Part of me felt guilty that I wasn’t taking them to my house or the Hub, where my family would be hanging out—or at least some of them. I also felt guilty I hadn’t told my family about Beth.
Then I shoved down all those feelings. Today was about them, enjoying some fresh air, spending time with all of them, and getting them out of the city. I would deal with my family and everything around it later.
I bypassed the entrance to the housing complex. The kids were so busy spotting the water and the open spaces no one noticed as we went by. I drove a short distance and turned on a barely visible road.