Reckless (Thoughtless, #3)(187)

Wading through a sea of books and toys, Kellan laid Ryder down on his changing table and quickly slapped a diaper on him. That was something we’d both learned right away: if you wait too long to put a diaper on a baby boy, you were going to get peed on. Kellan got it in the face once. I’d nearly passed out from laughing so hard. Once Ryder was safe, Kellan leaned down and blew raspberries on his stomach. My favorite sound in the world filled the room—the uninhibited belly laugh of a sweet little human being that knew nothing about feeling self-conscious. It was infectious, and Kellan and I were both laughing right along with him.

After a half-dozen kisses, one on each foot, one on each hand, and a few on his cheeks, Kellan finally got him into his pajamas. Ryder’s belly was already full, and he was rubbing his eyes like a madman, so I knew he was seconds away from sleep. Kellan still held him and rocked him until his eyes closed, though. And he sang to him. He sang to him almost every night. And he always told him that he loved him, like he wanted to make sure that Ryder never doubted that, not for an instant.

My eyes were wet when Kellan put our sleeping child to bed. Glancing up at me, he crooked a smile. “Every time,” he whispered.

“What?” I sniffled.

Grabbing my hand, he quietly pulled me from the room, shutting the door after him. “Every time I put him to sleep, you cry. Why do you do that?”

Because I love you more than any one person should be allowed to love someone.

“I just love seeing how much you love him.” In my complete happiness, I felt a tear roll down my cheek.

Stepping in to me, Kellan grabbed my hands and lowered his forehead to mine. His thumb traced his name on my wrist. “I love you too, you know.”

I nodded. “I do know. You show me every day.” Pulling back, I indicated our bedroom with my head. “But why don’t you show me again right now?”

The smile that crept over Kellan’s face was so devilishly handsome that a rush of desire flooded through me. I loved that he still had that effect on my body. “I would love to show you, again and again and again.” He bit his lip, then slowly dragged his teeth across them while his eyes scoured my body. It was such a hot move. I felt naked already. And sexy, and loved, and wanted.

Needing him just as much as I’d always needed him, I pressed my body against his and wrapped my arms around his neck. With my chest flush against him, I stood on my toes until my lips were barely brushing his. “Take me to our room and make love to me nice and slow . . . please?” Not a trace of embarrassment was inside of me as I asked for him. I could ask him anything. I could tell him anything. I could be anything with him. I could be everything with him.

Kellan pressed me against the hallway wall, making me gasp. As his lips lowered to mine, his hands reached down and, scooping up my legs, wrapped them around his waist. Hungry and passionate, his mouth worked over mine. When he paused, we were both breathing heavier. We were both ready and aching for the other. “I love it when you beg,” he husked, before stepping away from the wall and carrying me to our plush bedroom.

He didn’t set me down until we reached our bed. I felt on fire as he stripped my clothes off. He hissed in a breath when I removed his shirt and kissed over his tattoo. By the desire racing between us, you would think we hadn’t been together in weeks, not twenty-four hours, but that was just the way it was with us—electric. Every time.

His fingers unfastened my jeans and my fingers ducked inside the waistband of his. I wanted him, so much. He whimpered as I felt his need for me. By the time we were both laid bare, I knew I was going to explode soon, but that’s when Kellan’s expertise kicked in. Instead of finishing what we both wanted as quickly as possible, he took his time. He dragged it out. He kept me on edge, wanting more and more. It paralleled our relationship—always wanting more of him, never having enough. Sure, we had our moments, just like any relationship, but being with him, in any capacity, was always satisfying. And I knew by his reaction as we both finally reached our climaxes that he felt the same way. He needed more and more of me. He would always want me near him. I would always be first in his eyes. We were a good match. A perfect match. Soul mates.

Passion, friendship, love, loyalty, trust . . . if you found the right person . . . you really could have it all.



Acknowledgments

First and foremost, I would like to thank all of the fans. Bringing this trilogy to you has been such a joy! I am awed every day by the outpouring of love you have for these characters. They are like my children, and to know that others care for them just as much as I do warms my heart. Thank you for your devotion!

To my four foundations, Rena, Lesa, Toni, and Amy, you are all a blessing in my life that I wouldn’t give up for anything. To my family, in case I don’t say it enough, I love you all very much! To Wayne, Robin, Tyson, and Dean, thank you for your never-ending support and encouragement, and for being so patient with me and my crazy schedule.

To my mentor, Nicky Charles, thank you for guiding me through the rocky road of self-publishing! You’ve always been there to lend a hand and an ear, and I’m forever grateful.

To K.A. Linde, the world’s greatest muli-tasker, you have been such an incredible friend, and I am so honored to have started this crazy journey with you. I’m so incredibly excited to see your star taking off! You deserve it! I’m so proud of you!

To Jenny . . . where to begin. Thank you for being my rock! Thank you for being my cheerleader! And thank you for being my friend! I think I would still be huddled in a corner crying my eyes out if it weren’t for you. I love you to pieces!