Page 22 of Rome
I eyed him, instantly knowing his real motivation. “And best of all, you don’t have to put up with Aunt Charlotte.”
He tried to hide his self-satisfied grin. “I’d prefer to think of it as me being considerate and not subjecting her to my presence, since she finds it so fuckin’ objectionable.”
“That’s very noble of you,” I teased, and his dimple flashed as he smiled. I reached up to cup his jaw, running my thumb back and forth over the soft hair of his beard. “I wish we could spend the day together. I feel like we’ve barely seen each other this week,” I said softly.
“That’s because we haven’t, and I’m not fuckin’ pleased about it. I’ve already told Dax and Saint that they’re on their own at the shop tomorrow. I’ll be home as soon as Church is over with in the morning.”
“Good.” I said, tapping my index finger on his lower lip. He tried to nip it with his teeth, and I pulled away with a squeal. Caleb caught me around the waist before I could go too far, then lowered his head to whisper in my ear.
“We’ll spend the day snuggled on the couch, and then tomorrow night after the kid goes to sleep, I’m gonna take you to bed and fuck you into the mattress, baby girl.”
I couldn’t hide the shiver that made goosebumps break out on my skin. “That sounds like an excellent plan, stud. I’m going to hold you to that.” Everly chose that moment to kick, causing me to wince. Caleb saw it and glanced down at my stomach. “Is she playing soccer in there already this morning?”
“Yep,” I huffed, rubbing at the spot in an attempt to get her to settle down. “Just scored a goal, too.”
Caleb dropped down to his knees and cupped my belly in his huge hands. He kissed it, then spoke directly to the baby. “Hey sweet pea, this is your Daddy. I know you’re running out of room in there, but I need you to take it easy with the kicking. You’re hurting your mama.” Everly kicked again, and the movement was noticeable even under my shirt. He leaned forward and rested his head against my stomach. “I love you, Everly Rose, and I can’t wait to meet you.” I teared up at the words he whispered softly and dropped my hand to his head to run my fingers through his hair. After a moment, he stood up and cupped my face in his hands.
“And I love you, Abigail Jane. You are my life, baby girl.” He kissed me then, his lips sliding over mine as he wrapped his arms around me. His tongue traced my bottom lip and I opened for him, allowing his tongue to tangle with mine as we deepened the kiss. I moaned softly, my hands coming up to clutch his broad shoulders.
“Ewww!”
We broke apart, both of us startled at the interruption. Caleb laughed, flashing me a rueful grin before reaching out to rub Ethan’s head.
“Sorry, E-man, forgot you were still finishing your breakfast.”
“Are you leavin’ now, Daddy?”
“Yeah, bud, I have to go to work. I’m going to the clubhouse tonight for Uncle Bull’s birthday, so I won’t see you until tomorrow after Church.”
“Can we watch football tomorrow?”
Caleb grinned, shooting me a wink. “Of course. I know Mommy can’t wait to watch the game.”
“Yeah, can’t wait,” I agreed sarcastically.
He scooped Ethan up into a big, bear hug, then set him back on his feet and ruffled his hair.
“Love you, kid.”
“I love you, too, Daddy,” Ethan said as he scooped another spoonful of cereal into his mouth.
I followed Caleb into the mudroom where he slipped on his boots, then shrugged into his cut. He reached out and cupped my butt, giving me a squeeze. “This ass is mine tomorrow night,” he promised gruffly.
“Looking forward to it,” I said, reaching up to peck his lips.
“All right, I’ve gotta go or I’ll be late meeting the supplier. Have fun at the baby shower, and don’t let Charlotte pull her usual shit,” he admonished. “Love you.”
“Love you, too. Be careful.”
“Always, baby girl.” With one last smile, he disappeared through the door.
Chapter 7
Rome/Caleb
The next few hours were hectic as I tried to get the shop back to normal. The prospects had done an excellent job cleaning up. There wasn’t a shard of glass to be found. Lacey had stocked the new jewelry into the new supply case. She was happy because this one was a little bigger than the old one had been, and already had plans to order a few new pieces she’d seen on the supplier’s website. I was so damned glad she hadn’t quit after all the shit she’d witnessed in the last few days that I’d told her to order whatever the hell she wanted.
I had a headache from hell by mid-afternoon. My day had been filled with women determined to hit on me. It wasn’t an unusual occurrence, partly due to my looks – I knew without conceit that I was considered hot by most women – and partly due to the cut I was wearing. Today, though, it was like every horny female within a ten-mile radius walked through our door.
