And once I do that, I don’t think ‘casual’ will be part of our equation.
Chapter
Twenty-Two
Serena
I’ve been meticulous about setting up West’s surprise.
Joey sleeping with Lindy even though it’s a school night—Jayne is on board and Lindy’s really a good kid who adores Joey.
A very special bottle of red wine.
Candles, bubbles, and essential oils.
My hair is pinned up in what I hope is a sexy messy bun.
The only makeup I have on is my favorite red lipstick.
I think West will appreciate the set-up. At least, I hope so.
He’s been so kind to me, I want to do something special for him. It’s not about the sex, really—we’ve already done all that. It’s about relaxation and thoughtfulness, with a nice dose of romance. I also plan to give him a back rub, but that depends on what happens once he gets home.
“Serena?” I hear his voice and see the lights switch on in the bedroom.
“In here,” I call. “Make sure you’re naked before you come in and turn the lights off after you put your stuff away.”
I hear his chuckle and approximately a minute later he’s standing in the doorway. Every tan, muscular inch of him bare for my perusal. And Jesus, he’s beautiful. So tall and strong, the muscles in his thighs bulging almost as prominently as his erection. That’s pretty awesome too.
So, I turn my head slowly, glass of wine in one hand, and give him a slow, meaningful look as I crook my finger at him.
“Pour yourself a glass and join me?”
His smile is wolfish. “Fuck yes.”
He pours himself some wine and then puts a foot in the tub behind me. I lean forward so he can get in and then rest my back against his front, my butt firmly pressed against his erection.
“Hi,” he says softly.
“Hi.” I take a sip of wine. “How was your trip?”
“Long. But this makes getting home worth every minute of it.”
“I’m glad. I wanted to do something nice for you.”
“I don’t expect anything,” he says quietly, “but this is amazing. Thank you.” His free hand drifts around to cup one of my breasts, and I sigh happily.
My head falls back, resting against his shoulder, and he presses soft kisses on my temple.
“It’s good to be home,” he whispers. “And to find you waiting here.”
“I missed you,” I say, swallowing my hesitation to be this vulnerable.
“I missed you too.” He lifts his hand and uses two fingers to turn my head so he can kiss me. His lips are warm and firm but also sweet and tender. Our tongues play together for a minute or so before he pulls away. “If we keep that up, the wine and everything else will go to waste.”
“We have time.” I take a sip of wine. “Let’s enjoy the water while it’s still hot.”
“Deal.” That free hand is back to my breast now, gently cupping, kneading, and occasionally tugging on my nipple. If he keeps that up, I’m not going to be able to concentrate on conversation. But it feels too good for me to ask him to stop.