He groaned again and she felt wetness pool between her thighs.
“I could take you right here, did you know that? Every time I’m near you all I want to do is rip your clothes off and fuck you.”
A sound of need escaped her, and when he pulled back and cupped her face, all she wanted to do was tell him to do just that. Instead, he kissed her, stealing the words from her and causing her to moan in desire instead.
Long seconds passed as he mouth fucked her, and when he pulled back and grinned, satisfaction covering his face, she could’ve moaned in frustration.
“Do I need a special reason to make my girl a nice dinner?”
“Absolutely not,” she said and smiled. She was the one to kiss him now, and then looked around. “What can I help with?” He handed her a bowl of fresh salad, and gestured for her to take it out of the kitchen.
“Just set it on the table. I’ll bring the rest out.”
She did as she was asked, and when she had the bowl in the center of the table, Brice was making his way out with two wine glasses in one hand, and a bottle in the other.
She sat down and he instantly poured her a glass, followed by one for himself. She brought the cup to her nose and inhaled deeply, the aroma of blackberries and blueberries, the slight hint of lemon mixing with them, having her moaning softly.
And when she took a drink that moan became louder.
She opened her eyes to see Brice staring at her, this focused look on his face, pleasure etched in his expression. He cleared his throat and walked back to the kitchen, but she didn’t miss the way his pants had started to bulge. When he came back out two more times, it was to set covered dishes on the table.
Finally, he took a seat across from her, reaching down to do what she assumed was adjusting himself.
Her heart beat harder at that knowledge, knowing she was the one to cause this reaction in him. She could see his desire tinged by nervousness the longer they sat there. He started fidgeting, adjusting his glass, fixing his silverware.
“Hey,” she said and smiled when he looked up at her. “What’s going on? I’ve never seen you like this before.”
Brice cleared his throat and straightened, but then leaned back in the seat and exhaled. “Damn, I had this all mapped out in my head, planned on doing this the right way.” She felt her brows furrow, having no idea what he was talking about. “But I don’t think I can get through dinner without just spitting it out.”
“Okay? Brice, what’s going on?” He didn’t say anything as he stood and walked toward her, standing there for a moment just breathing deeply.
His nervousness was evident. “Brice?” And then he reached in his pocket and pulled out a small black box. Everything around her froze, her lungs seized, her heart stopped. He dropped to one knee in front of her chair, holding out the box, his hands shaking.
He popped the lid and she stared at the massive solitaire diamond ring. Covering her mouth with her hand, she had no idea what to say, how to act. She didn’t even remember how to breathe in that moment.
“So much I wanted to say. So much I wanted to do to make this perfect, but I’m so fucking nervous I can’t even sit still.”
Her heart raced as she listened to him.
“So I’m just going to go ahead and say it, do it.” He inhaled deeply, as if trying to gather his nerve.
God, she loved him.
“I’d chase you to the ends of the earth if it meant I could keep you forever, Bunny.” He smiled. “Bunny. Will you marry me?”
The world tilted, her head spun, and she felt dizzy. She didn’t know how long had passed before she heard Brice clear his throat. Blinking a few times, she felt wetness sliding down her cheeks.
“Bunny, baby.” His words were low. “I know this is fast, but I love you so fucking much.”
“Yes,” she blurted out then stated laughing. “Yes, I’ll marry you.” She was laughing and crying at the same time when he hauled her out of the chair and held her tightly.
In that moment, everything seemed perfect … right in the world.
Epilogue
Three years later
Brice let out an almighty roar, loving the sound of his wife and daughter screaming as they both tried to run away. Their little girl could walk at the age of two but Bethany still took her time and he didn’t want her to trip and fall.
With the sun out on the warm Easter day, they had set out a little picnic for them all to enjoy.
“I’m coming to get you.”
“Quick, quick, we don’t want the daddy monster to get us,” Bunny said, laughing.