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  “Ellie!” my mother calls. She waves me over to where she and my sister are sitting at one of the picnic tables.

  Everyone says I look just like her, especially since we have the same light brown hair, hazel eyes, and curvy figure. My older sister, Amber, is six years older than me and looks like my father with her blonde hair and brown eyes. I hug my mother and fluff Amber’s ponytail before sitting down across from them.

  “Your husband’s a nut.” Amber laughs. “He’s like a big kid trapped in a man’s body.”

  I look over at Jake and smile. “Yes, he is.”

  When he’s at work, he’s always so serious and professional, but when you get him alone, he’s different. He can be playful in the bed too, but there are times when he just goes for what he wants. I love those nights.

  My mother pats my hand, drawing my mind away from my dirty thoughts, and slides a present over to me. “Happy birthday, Ellie.”

  “Oh, yeah, that’s right.” Amber gasps, reaching under the table. She pulls out a silver glittery gift bag and hands it to me. “Happy birthday, sis.”

  I place a hand lovingly on their arms. “Aww, thank you. You didn’t have to get me anything.” I open the present from my mother and it’s a gorgeous pair of diamond earrings. Since I’m not wearing any, I slip them on. “Mom, they’re beautiful,” I gush. “Thank you.”

  She beams. “I knew you’d like them.” I hug her hard and then open my sister’s present. Inside the gift bag are two of my favorite shower gels from Bath and Body Works, along with a Macy’s gift card.

  “You are awesome,” I say, squeezing her tight. “Thank you so much.”

  Our mother peers down at her watch and jumps up. “Girls, I’ll be back. I have to get the baked beans out of the oven.” She hurries off, leaving me with Amber.

  “We still meeting at the gym Monday morning before work?” she asks.

  I nod. “Yep. Bright and early. I have a lot to do at the bakery, so the earlier I get there, the better.”

  Her gaze lands on Jake. “Have you told him why you don’t run around the neighborhood anymore?”

  My heart spikes and I glare at her. “Not so loud. And no, I haven’t said anything. He’ll think I’m being paranoid.” And maybe I am, but there have been several times I’ve felt uneasy running alone down our streets. It’s like someone’s there . . . watching me. I haven’t been able to shake the feeling, so I just stopped running and joined the gym.

  She shrugs. “Not necessarily. If you have concerns, you need to tell your husband.”

  I shake my head. “We live in a nice neighborhood. Nothing bad has ever happened in it. I’d rather be safe than sorry anyway. Besides, going to the gym with you is much better than running alone.”

  “Exactly,” she agrees with a smile. “You’ve always had such a vivid imagination.” Her focus turns to my cake. “It shows with your cakes.” Leaning her head back against the chair, she looks up at the sky. “I need to come watch you in action one day. I’m curious to see how it all works. The girls talk about it all the time.”

  Watching my nieces with Jake makes me giggle. “They’ve been such a huge help this summer. Not having them with me all day is going to take some getting used to, when they go back to school next week.”

  Jake’s phone rings and he quickly jumps out of the pool to grab it. Every time he gets that focused look on his face, I know it’s work.

  “I heard Jake got a nice promotion,” Amber says.

  “He did,” I reply, “but not without putting in tons of hours. The money’s nice, but I miss him when he has to go out of town.”

  Jake sets his phone down and I can see the turmoil in his gaze when he looks at me. I know what it means, and I know it’s going to be hard to hide my disappointment. Grabbing a towel out of the pool house, I take it over to him. He runs it over his face and sighs. “That was Randy on the phone.”

  Randy Barrett is his boss, and the man who works under the owner of McLean Architectural Design, which is one of the biggest firms on the East Coast and will soon be that way out west as well.

  Randy is a thirty-eight-year-old divorcee with no kids and a mansion the size of the White House. He’s handsome, but his presence creeps me out. The company gatherings are always at his house, and he makes a point to seek me out when Jake is busy talking to his other co-workers. Maybe it’s the way he always looks at me that makes me uncomfortable.

  “I figured that,” I say, keeping my voice low. “What did he want?” Every time Jake has to go out of town, Randy will call to see if I need anything. I guess it’s a sweet gesture; unnecessary, but sweet.

  Jake grabs my waist and pulls me close, the water on his chest seeping into my shirt. “He needs me to fly out to Arizona tomorrow. There’s a big project he wants me to run.”

  “How long will you be gone?”

  He trails a finger down my cheek, grinning slyly. “Not long.”

  Huffing, I look up into his eyes. “Every time he sends you away, he calls me to see if I need anything. I know it’s probably just out of guilt because he’s the one who keeps sending you away, but you know it makes me uncomfortable.”

  The muscles in his jaw clench. “I know. Just keep telling him you’re fine on your own. Boss or not, if he ever tries to cross a line, I’ll kick his fucking ass. I can find a new job in a heartbeat.”

  “Oh, I don’t think it’ll come to that,” I say, rubbing a hand over his tense muscles.

  He instantly relaxes and dips his head lower, lips by my ear. “I’ll be gone two to three days at most.” He nips me gently, sending shivers down my body. “And don’t worry, cupcake. After I’m done with you tonight, you’re going to feel me for days. You’ll be ready for a break.”

  I wink. “Happy birthday to me.”

  “Do you need me to rub some aloe on your back?” Jake asks.

  I can feel the heat from the sun. It’s not bad, but I probably should’ve put a little more sunscreen on after I got out of the pool. Turning around, I look at his face as I lift the back of my tank top, so Jake can see my back. “Does it look really red?”

  He sets the leftover cake down on the counter, his eyes narrowing. “A little. Why don’t you take off your top and I’ll grab the lotion?” He looks serious, but I can see the glint in his eyes.

  “I think you just want to see me in my bikini,” I tease, tossing my tank top onto the floor.

  He winks and disappears down the hall. The air conditioner kicks on and the coolness of the air makes me shiver. It feels good on my heated skin. Sighing, I lean over the kitchen counter and steal a bite of cake. Luckily, my family preferred the chocolate and vanilla layers and chose to eat that up, leaving me with the whole layer of strawberry. My favorite.

  “I saw that,” Jake says with a laugh.

  I turn around and his gaze lingers on my lips as I lick them. His shirt is off, exposing his smooth, chiseled chest and muscular arms. “It’s so good.”

  A low growl vibrates from his chest. “I’m ready to eat my dessert now.” He nods toward the stairs. “I have the lotion all ready for you. Why don’t you go lie down on our bed? I’ll be right there.”

  I know he’s up to something, but I don’t question it. I love it when he gets that mischievous look on his face. Slowly, I saunter toward the stairs, swaying my hips as I go. “I’ll be waiting.”

  When I get up the stairs and turn down our hall, a flicker of light flashes from our room. My body tightens when I see the lit candles all around. There’s something about candlelight and the way it dances across the ceiling that relaxes, yet arouses me. The sheets are turned down on the bed, so I climb on top and lie down, still wearing my shorts and bikini. I like it when Jake has to undress me.

  His footsteps thump up the hardwood stairs and I smile as I lay my head down. The energy in the room electrifies as he comes in and I shiver with anticipation, especially when I hear the swish of his shorts as he takes them off. He sets something down on the dresser, but I don’t know
what it is. A small snicker escapes his lips as the bed dips lower. I can feel his warm breath on the back of my legs as he slides his way up.

  “I was hoping you’d be naked,” he whispers low, kissing the back of my thigh. The stubble on his chin tickles my skin.

  “It’s my birthday, and you’re leaving me tomorrow. I have to make you work for it.”

  Chuckling, he presses his cock into my backside, showing me how hard he is. “I’m not worried about it, cupcake. I can rip it all off you in three seconds.” Which is true, he can; layers of clothing haven’t stopped him before. “I’m sorry I have to leave tomorrow. It feels like I’m always having to leave you.”

  It’s because it’s true, but I don’t dare say it. He doesn’t like being out of town and I know it. I’m not about to throw it in his face. He hates it just as much as I do, but he’s building a name for himself and so many people want him right now. I know it’s going to be hectic for a few years, but eventually, it’ll get better. Or at least, I keep telling myself that.

  “It’s okay,” I say softly. “I knew it was going to be this way.”

  I hear him squirt the after-sun lotion in his hands, and I know it’s only a matter of seconds before he touches me with it. It smells sort of like cocoa butter mixed with aloe. I remember my grandmother having a live aloe plant in her yard when I was a kid. One day, my hand got burned from boiling water and she opened one of the plant stems and put the raw aloe on me.

  Jake’s hands touch me tenderly as he rubs the lotion into my skin. Chill bumps fan out across my arms and legs. “Are you cold?” he asks. I can hear the humor in his voice. He knows what his touch does to me.

  “Maybe,” I reply.

  His lips graze the back of my neck as he unties part of my bikini. “I’ll warm you up.” Sliding his fingers down my back, he grasps the lower straps of my bikini and slowly unties them. “Lift,” he commands, his voice low and deep.

  I do as he says, and he pulls my top out from under me. Just the feel of it sliding across my nipples makes me gasp. Pressing his hardness into me, he nips my ear and sucks it, his warm breath fanning across my neck.

  “I love you,” he whispers, sliding his hand down my side. He reaches underneath me and squeezes my breast.

  I crave his touch more than anything. “And I love you more.”

  Grabbing me by the waist, he turns me over and snatches my wrists above my head, his body looming over mine. I giggle, and he pushes his cock between my legs. “If you only knew how wrong you are.”

  Unbuttoning my shorts, he slides them down, along with my bikini bottoms. With us being married for as long as we have, some people say the sex will lose its luster. There are times when it’s quick, times when we do it slow, and then there are times when the need is so great the passion takes over. This is one of those times, and my body welcomes it.

  Jake’s raw and hungered gaze bores into mine and my heart jumps.

  “Make love to me, Jake.” His lips crush into mine; his tongue tasting me like a starved man. Wrapping my legs around his waist, I try to pull him into me, but he resists, his grin growing wider. “You’re evil.”

  He winks. “It’s hot watching you want me the way you do. It turns me on so fucking bad.”

  “I always want you, Jake.”

  “Good. Then you can hold out a little bit longer. I haven’t had my dessert yet.”

  Brows furrowed, I watch him slide off the bed and grab a bowl off the dresser. I can’t see what’s in it until he sets it beside me. “What do you plan on doing?”

  Jake swipes a finger into what appears to be white icing and rubs it onto my nipples. “You know I can’t resist your,” he looks down at my breasts and smiles, “icing.” The second his tongue licks across my nipple, my body lights on fire. He spreads some on my other nipple and sucks it off, his teeth nipping my tender flesh.

  I moan, pushing my breasts higher in the air. He growls low and sucks harder. All I want is to feel him inside me. His fingers slowly trail down to my stomach. Getting into position between my legs, he spreads my knees wide and smiles. Blowing lightly over my sensitive skin, he brings his lips over my center and sucks my clit into his mouth.

  “Jake,” I breathe, gripping onto his head as he thrusts his tongue inside me.

  Arching my back, I give in to his touch, moaning in delight as he explores me with his mouth. All too soon, he pulls away, leaving me breathless. He licks a path down the inside of my thigh and back up to my breasts.

  “That’s not funny,” I growl, even though I love the torture.

  He smiles and bites one of my nipples. “I want to be inside you when you orgasm tonight. Call me selfish.”

  “Selfish,” I tease with a wink.

  Pressing his hips against mine, he positions himself between my legs, grazing his cock along my opening as he swivels his hips in slow circles.

  “Ellie,” he whispers. Taking my face in his hands, he lowers his lips to mine and stays there, breathing me in with just the gentlest of touches. When he pulls back, he caresses my cheeks with his thumbs and tenderly pushes inside me until he’s all the way in. “There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

  Panting, I bite my bottom lip. “Tell me,” I reply breathlessly. Even though the room is dim with the soft lights of the candles shining around us, I can see the uncertainty in his eyes. I place my hands on his cheeks. “Jake, what’s wrong?”

  With his body still connected to mine, he pauses and presses his forehead to mine. “I’ve been thinking. I know we haven’t talked about this in a long time, but I think we’re ready.”

  Excitement bubbles in my veins. “Ready for what?” I can only hope it’s what I’m thinking of. I’ve wanted it for so long.

  He brushes the hair off my face. “I think you know.” His hips move against mine and I suck in a breath. “I want us to start a family. I think it’s time.”

  With tears streaming down my face, I chuckle through them. “Yes,” I reply happily. “I’m more than ready. I’ll stop taking the pills tomorrow.”

  Grinning wide, he nods excitedly. “Let’s do it then. And when I get home from Arizona, be prepared for some long nights.” He wipes away my tears of happiness.

  I push my hips up to take more of him into me. “Let’s get plenty of practice in tonight then.”

  Jake presses his lips to mine and slowly caresses my tongue with his, while thrusting deep and slow. His torturous pace only heightens my desire, so I grab tightly onto his ass, and lock my legs around his waist, pulling him into me.

  Picking up his pace, Jake moans and murmurs in my ear, “Let it go, cupcake. I want to come in you so fucking bad.”

  Giving in to the feeling, I grip his shoulders tight. My skin tingles and my toes curl, as the longest and strongest orgasm I have ever felt explodes across my entire body. Jake’s body jerks almost simultaneously, his cock pulsing as he fills me with his release.

  Biting his lip, Jake leans down and kisses me firmly. Lifting my back off the bed, he brings my breasts up to his lips. “Are you ready for the real fun to begin?” he asks, licking a taut nipple. My body trembles and I can already feel myself tightening around his growing cock.I can see it in his eyes, it’s going to be an interesting night.

  He grins and pushes harder and faster between my legs. “Damn, you’re so wet for me. I think I’m going to love this baby-making stuff.”

  “So am I.”

  Three

  Ellie

  My partner in crime, Vikki Nelson, is already in the parking lot when I arrive at the bakery. She’s forty-two with auburn hair and green eyes. Her smooth, milky skin would make you think she’s in her mid-twenties. Every time she’s with her teenage daughter, people think they’re sisters.

  “Happy late birthday,” she calls out, waiting for me by the back door. She’s carrying what looks to be a small pan of lasagna. “I know I texted you Saturday to wish it to you, but it’s not the same as saying it face to face.” I hug her hard and look d
own at the pan. She holds it up to me. “It’s for you. I made it last night. I thought we could eat it for lunch today.”

  I hug her again. “You’re the best. Thank you so much. You know I love your lasagna.”

  Vikki’s brows furrow and she giggles. “Is there a reason for this perma-smile?” she asks, flourishing her hand around my face.

  “Actually, there is.” My heart races just thinking about last night. Taking her hands, I squeeze them tight. “Jake and I are going to try and have a baby.”

  Her eyes light up and she squeals so loud it hurts my ears. And when she starts jumping up and down, I can’t help but jump with her. The excitement is overwhelming, but it’s a good feeling. “Oh my God, Ellie, I’m so happy for you. I know you’ve wanted a baby for a while.” She hugs me for a few seconds and then lets me go.

  “I have, but it was never the right time,” I confess. “Now, it couldn’t feel more right.” I walk through the bakery and turn on all the lights. “I know it might take a while since I’ve been on the pill for years, but I’m hoping it happens soon.”

  Vikki wipes down the glass cases and grins. “It only took a month after stopping the pill to get pregnant with my daughter. It’ll happen for you.”

  I open the blinds and peer out at our small, downtown streets of Pinecrest, North Carolina. A cop drives by like he does every morning, while two of our notorious locals, Everett and his retired buddy Gene, walk into the coffee shop across the street. Everett is our town Santa Claus and has a real, white beard to prove it. The kids love him to death.

  “Ellie, you have to try these,” Vikki calls out from the back.

  When I get to the kitchen, Vikki has about twenty-five truffles, chocolate-covered with pink sugar crystals on top, on the counter. “Do I smell strawberry?” I ask, feeling my stomach growl.

  Vikki picks up one of the truffles and hands it to me. I bite right into it and it melts in my mouth. Closing my eyes, I toss the rest of the truffle in my mouth and moan. “These are amazing. The strawberry flavor is out of this world.”