Page 122 of Perfect Distraction

Epilogue

Three Months Later

They got married in the outdoor courtyard of a church, surrounded by a small group of friends and family. Neither had wanted to wait long, and they saw no point in dragging it out just to plan a grand event.

Andrew’s parents and sisters were there, as were Lauren’s mom and dad. Her dad had been much more understanding about her decision to stay in Kansas City once he knew about Andrew. She’d have stayed either way but kept that to herself.

As they rode the elevator to the hotel suite they’d booked for the night, before leaving on a honeymoon to New York City the next day, Lauren relived the day in her mind. Everything had been flawless—from her dress, to the safe arrival of their family and friends, and the beautiful weather. Rhonda had even pulled her aside at the reception to welcome her to the family.

But above all, the most wonderful part had been the man who stood beside her, and who’d taken her hand and pledged to love her, protect her, and provide for her as long as they both lived. She peeked up at him now, still in his tuxedo, his thick brown hair swept back across his head. A light layer of facial hair covered his jaw, and her belly tightened. He’d asked if she wanted him to shave for the big day, but she’d said no. She loved that look on him, and it reminded her of the first day they’d met.

He must have felt her gaze, because he turned his head and looked down at her, his brown eyes soft. The elevator dinged and the doors opened, and he took her by the hand and led her down the hallway. It was near midnight and not a soul was around. In silence, they entered their room and the door clicked shut behind them.

They faced each other, and Andrew brushed a hand across her bare shoulder, sweeping her hair back. “This was the first thing I noticed about you,” he said quietly. “I stood behind you and stared at it…and then you turned around and flashed those green eyes at me just for a second, and I was a goner.”

She shivered at the look in his eyes and rose up on her toes to press a kiss to his jaw.

His large hands continued down her body. “This dress is beautiful,” he rasped. “And you look incredible in it. But I want it off.”

She smiled and turned her back to him. “If you’ll unbutton the back, I’ll change into something…else.” She’d asked Emma to put a small bag in the bathroom when their stuff was brought to the room, and she couldn’t wait to see Andrew’s reaction.

His fingers worked quickly, and she felt the bodice loosen around her torso. She pressed her hands against her chest and stomach to keep it from sliding to the floor, and stepped into the bathroom, closing the door. She changed quickly, carefully hanging her dress on the padded hanger Emma had left.

When she reemerged, she found Andrew sitting on the edge of the bed. He’d removed his jacket and sat in his white shirt and black slacks, his bowtie undone and hanging around his neck. He leaned forward, his forearms resting on his knees, his head bent.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

He lifted his head, and a slow, seductive smile spread across his face as his gaze swept down her body. “You’re wearing scrubs.”

“Pink ones.”

His eyes didn’t leave her even for a second as she walked toward him. He was a little more subdued than normal, but in a way that was tender and focused.

“What were you thinking about, just now?” she asked.

His expression remained serious. “Lately, whenever I’m alone, I think about how lucky I am. I can hardly believe I’m here with you right now, as your husband. It seems too good to be true, and I want to do everything I can to show you how much I adore you.”

Lauren’s heart was so full, it almost hurt. She never could have imagined loving someone like this. She approached his legs and stopped between his thighs. Lifting her hands, she slid the bowtie from his collar with one hand and ran the fingers of her other through his soft hair.

“So show me,” she said, kissing him softly. “And let me show you, in return.”

He swallowed hard, and he tugged at the white string of her scrub pants. They fell loose immediately, drifting down her hips. His hands pushed them the rest of the way, and they pooled at her feet. She lifted her arms and he pulled the top off over her head, his hands searing her skin along the way.

In a single fluid motion he flipped her onto her back on the bed, hovering above her. His forearms and knees surrounded her, but his mouth was the only part that touched her. He kissed her slow and deep, then scooted back and stood at the foot of the bed. His eyes seemed to swallow her as he shrugged out of his shirt and then unbuckled his belt.

Her breath caught in her throat, and it felt as if the room had caught fire.

A moment later he rejoined her on the bed, and soon there was nothing between them, and they merged together, skin to skin. Eye to eye, gazing at each other, afraid to miss something. Soul to soul, coming together in a perfect dance that transcended words.