Page 53 of Power Play

When we finally land, I’m the first off the plane, but of course my luggage is the last to be unloaded. I’m half tempted to leave my suitcase there.

The thirty-mile drive home usually takes me a good forty-five minutes, but tonight, I make it in just under half an hour. I park my car behind Riley’s and unclench my hands from around the steering wheel.

She’s probably asleep. Both of them. It’s close to four o’clock in the morning.

But when I go inside, I find the upstairs hall light on. Riley’s door is open, but she’s not inside.

I poke my head into Emmy’s room, and my heart nearly thumps out of my chest at the sight of my girls. My daughter is lying on Riley’s chest, her breathing steadier than it was when I left.

Lifting Emmy into my arms, I hold my breath, but relax when she doesn’t stir. Riley does, though.

“Hmm?” Her lashes flutter open, and she relaxes when she catches sight of me. Her sleepy smile makes me grin. “You’re home.”

“Come to bed,” I whisper, trying not to startle either of them.

“But—she’ll wake up.”

“I’ve got her. Come lie down.”

Offering my hand, I’m gratified when she takes it, and I lace our fingers together. I lead her into my room, and Riley blinks a few times, even as she follows me. She’s wearing a pair of sweatpants and one of my Grizzlies T-shirts, and I have to admit, I like the sight of her in my clothes. Maybe a little too much.

“You want me to stay in here?” Her sleepy expression is adorably confused.

“We can all stay here together.”

“Co-sleeping isn’t safe. We could crush her.”

I set Emmy down in the bassinet beside my bed. We don’t use it very often, usually she’s in her crib in her own room, but right now I’m glad we have it. She’s close enough we can check on her, but she won’t be in the bed with us. Hopefully, she’ll sleep for another few hours.

“She’ll be fine. And we’ll be right here if she wakes up.”

Stripping off my coat and suit jacket, I toss them to the side. Riley stands at the end of my bed, tracking my hands while I unbutton my shirt. Her gaze sears into me like a brand, and my cock pulses, enjoying the frank appreciation on her face.

Discarding my shirt, I work at my belt and then unceremoniously shove my suit pants down, almost forgetting to take off my shoes. Once I’ve gotten rid of them, plus my socks, I climb into the bed in my boxer briefs.

“Come lie with me,” I say again, softer this time.

As I reach out my hand, Riley rounds the bed, pulling back the covers and sliding in beside me.

“Hi,” she whispers, rolling onto her side to face me.

“Hi,” I murmur back.

Before I know what I’m doing, I cup her cheek and lower my mouth to hers. It’s an innocent kiss, a simple brush of lips against lips. It’s not meant to be sexual; I’m not trying to start anything.

I just needed to kiss her. I do it again, and she gasps.

“What are you doing?” she breathes.

But she doesn’t pull away. Instead, her hand wraps around my wrist, clinging to me.

“I don’t know.”

It feels right, though.

She pulls away first. “It’s late. You should get some sleep.” She rolls over, putting her back to me. But then she scoots closer, pulling my arm around her waist. Her lopsided ponytail brushes against my face, and the scent of her lavender shampoo fills my nose. I finally feel at ease. Settled.

Her body was made for mine. Fuck, her soft curves feel so good pressed to me, but I tamp down my baser urges and indulge in the simple pleasure of holding her. I didn’t realize how much I needed to have her in my arms until now.

I want more than a marriage of convenience. I want something real. We’re married, and for better or for worse, we’re stuck together.

And now I know what I have to do: I have to woo my wife.

She lets out a soft moan, melting into me, and I place a gentle kiss on her nape. My last thought, before I finally drift off to sleep, is that I could get used to this.