Protecting Her(92)

“Hi. Are you busy?”

“I’m at a fundraiser in DC. It’s at a hotel. I was just leaving the restroom.”

“Oh. Sorry. I didn’t know you were out of town. We can talk later.”

“Let’s just talk now. I’m trying to kill some time. Pearce is talking to someone about work and I didn’t want to stand there and listen. So what’s going on?”

“Logan and I decided we’re going to try for another baby.” Her voice rises in excitement.

“Shelby, that’s great! When did you decide?”

“Yesterday. Logan has been super sweet to me the past few days, even sweeter than normal. Buying me flowers. Bringing home dinner so I wouldn’t have to cook. I couldn’t figure out what was going on with him. Then he hired a sitter yesterday and took me to a nice hotel for the night and told me how much he loves me and how he wants to try for another baby.”

I smile. “I’m so happy for you, Shelby. I know how much you wanted this. I just can’t believe you’ll soon have four kids. That’s a lot for someone who used to say she didn’t want kids.”

She laughs. “I know. It’s crazy, but I love it. I love being a mom. Speaking of kids, did you bring Garret with you?”

“No, he’s at home. Eleanor’s staying at the house with him. He was so upset when we left.”

“Because he didn’t want you to leave?”

“Yes. He begged me to stay home. His little face looked so sad and he had tears in his eyes. I almost couldn’t go.”

“That’s sweet how much he misses you guys.”

“Yeah. I miss him too. I don’t like leaving him, but at least we won’t be gone long. Pearce and I are flying back tomorrow night.” I check my watch. “I’d love to talk some more, but I should probably get back to the party.”

“Yeah. I’ll talk to you later. I just had to call and tell you the news. Hey, if I don’t talk to you this week, have a nice Thanksgiving.”

“You too. Bye, Shelby.”

I hang up and go find Pearce. Gerald is gone and Pearce is standing there alone.

I come up behind him. “Excuse me, but are you single?”

He turns around. “I’m afraid not. I’m married to the most beautiful woman in the world.”

“In the world?” I smile. “Really? Can you verify that?”

“I can.” He cups my cheek and presses his lips to mine for a kiss. “Definitely the most beautiful. And I love her more than words can say.”

“I love you too.”

Pearce takes a step back and holds his hand out. “Would you like to dance?”

“I would love to.” I take his hand and we make our way to the dance floor. There’s an orchestra playing and the sound fills the room. Mostly older romantic songs meant for slow dancing.

We dance to several of them, Pearce leading me across the floor. It’s nice to be out with him like this. All dressed up. Dancing. Having champagne. It feels like a true anniversary celebration.

The ballroom has an almost magical feel. The ceiling is dark blue with gold swirls painted on it and there are lights embedded in it that look like stars. There are more sparkling white lights around the perimeter of the room.

After some more champagne and more dancing, I’m ready to go. I’m in a romantic mood, ready to go back to our lavish suite and be alone with Pearce.

“Are you ready to get out of here?” he asks, as if he read my mind.

“Yes. Let’s go.”

The limo brings us back to the hotel. As soon as we’re in the room, Pearce takes off his tux jacket and tie, then walks up to me, his eyes on mine. His gaze holds purpose and intent, and I feel the heat rising in the room. He holds my face with his hands and kisses me with those slow sensual kisses that sparked fireworks inside me when we first met. They still set off fireworks in me. I love his kisses. They’re bold. Assertive. Determined. They convey what he wants, and fill me with anticipation of what’s to come.

He reaches behind me and unzips my dress. Then his hands move slowly up my spine, to my shoulders, and he slips the dress off. I step out of it, wearing just my black lace lingerie and heels.

His eyes rake over me as he unbuttons his shirt. “I’ve been imagining you like this all night. My imagination didn’t do you justice. You look gorgeous.”

His shirt drops to the floor, followed by his pants and boxers. My heart picks up its pace at the sight of him. His muscular body. His smooth skin. His arousal. Even though I’ve been with him for years, he still makes my heart race. He still stirs up those intense feelings of desire. Just seeing him in his tux got me going, and now, my body is longing to be with him.