Page 75 of Big Mad
I glanced back at our house, a house so beautiful we’d poured an entire college fund into it. “Elijah’s memories weren’t the only thing that kept me away. I’d included this home in my HEA. I just got big mad at every facet of my life.” I nudged him. “Nowthat the truth is out, I’m glad that Judge Baby Face Washington isn’tjudgingme.”
“Baby face?” He rolled his eyes like I asked if crawfish was spicy.
“Boy, you should’ve seen yourself, all smiles when I giggled in the car. So proud of yourself, like a kid getting a gold star. Job well done.”
“Yep, I completed that task to perfection. Pleasing my woman,” he said, smiling. “But I’ve got a beard. Clearly not a baby face. You received grown-man energy,bébé. Thank me.”
“Thanks,” I replied, voice light with laughter.
“Yeah, alright. You know what, you never used to clown me, Madison.”
“Boy, when we met, I clowned you to ensure you remembered me after all the girls you knew in a biblical sense.” I grinned. “The wholeyou’re doing it wrongwhile dancing made me feel a little older since you were already in law school.”
“Yeah, but that occurred before we married. I see I need to put that ring back on you soon.”
I stood up. “A new ring.”
“You want a bigger ring?”
I stared at him, stone-faced. “Hell, no. I’m still coming down from the notion of blaming assets. A platinum band works. No diamond. Or if you must, something from a Cracker Jack box. I’m good. Simple. Or maybe … if you haven’t pawned it, you can give me the same ring you bought me after we made it big. It wasn’tthatextravagant.”
Washington muttered, “It wasthatextravagant,” as he punched a code into the keypad.
“Sir,” I said with a tease, “please open this door so I can see my home. It’s family, remember? Besides, my emotional breakthrough is over.” I rubbed my hands together in anticipation.Dang, when my mind did a complete 180, therewas no stopping me. “I’m ready to go inside. It’s now or never, baby.”
“Okay,chère.” As he opened the door, the river drudged on with the consistency of applesauce. A wind stirred the tropical blue-green surface of our pool.
The second we entered the kitchen, he said, “I’ve gotta check the front door.”
“Texas wouldn’t leave the door unlocked.” My voice echoed throughout the kitchen and past my Viking Tuscany range, which was kind of intimidating for folks who couldn’t throw down when cooking.
“Mm-hmm. Wait for me,mon chère…bébé.” He started calling me all those sweet names, torn as he retreated toward the foyer.
It was now or never. I could do this. Air swooshed past my lips, and I started up the stairs. Grumbling, Washington strode past me with his long strides. Either he was worried that Texas had disappeared again, or he must’ve left the door open to Elijah’s bedroom.
“Don’t, Wash.”
He stopped and lowered his hand from Elijah’s doorknob. “Okay …?”
“Leave it. Let’s go get you that shower.” I stepped closer to him.
“You sure?”
“Wash, I’m trying not to be added to your lawsuit. It was rather convincing.” I chuckled, because maybe this 180-thing was like double Dutch. You get in, you get out, you let a tear fall and try again. I was afraid I might fall out.
“Maddy, you?—”
I cut Washington off with my approach, taking his belt into my hands and unbuckling it. That sound always did something to me. I tugged his short-cropped beard to bring his face down.Between kissing and nipping his earlobe, I said, “I know you won’t turn on me. Still. I’d love to serve you for all those years I pushed you away.”
His gulp was as loud as if someone had struck a tuning fork. And it made me proud. I had this effect on my man. My husband. We just had to fix some paperwork issues.
I took his hand and led him through the wide doorway to our room. “C’mon, Dome Daddy.”
He was speechless for a moment. Then I was too. He’d scattered delicate rose petals across the plush white goose-down duvet. My favorite wine lay in a silver bucket that needed ice. Red lingerie. New designer furry slippers. I had tortured myself without those damn slippers. I’d thrown mine away because they made me feel too cherished. Now, momma needed to cherish her man.
I led him into our spa, past the his-and-her vanity. Hell, the darn thing was big enough to host a designatedtheirs. He pressed a button on the phone as I kicked my heels off, and the bottoms of my feet got deliciously warm on the heated tile.
As he loosened the top button on his linen shirt, I took over. “Uh-uh.”
