Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 20725 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 104(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20725 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 104(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
Bethenny blinked in surprise, and hope sparked in her eyes, though she was still hesitant. “I love the sound of that, but I can’t ask you to give up your career for me.”
I smiled and ran a hand through her hair, tucking a strand behind her ear. “Although I would give up anything to be with you, I’m not retiring for you. You are, however, what tipped the scales since I’ve been on the fence about it for a couple of years now. Everything that used to excite me about my job has lost a lot of its luster. I’m tired of the traveling, the pressure, the loneliness, and so many other things. I even had my agent put a stipulation in my last few sponsorship contracts stating that I’ll still represent the brand for several years even after I stop competing. I want to settle down and”—I winked and cupped her hips before lifting her into my lap—“start a family. The moment I met you, I knew I wanted to do those things with you.”
“But…”
“No buts, Bethenny,” I said in a firm tone. “I’m staying here. We’re going to get married, have babies, and be deliriously happy.”
“Why?”
I frowned and tilted my head to the side. “Why what? I think I’ve been pretty damn clear, little one.”
“You have. It’s just...I was wondering if I was just convenient. The right place at the right time. Or if you…”
She trailed off, glancing away nervously, and it hit me. I was a fucking idiot. “Bethenny,” I said softly. “Look at me.” I waited until her beautiful hazel eyes met mine. “You want to know why I knew the second we met that you were it for me?” Her head bobbed and her small smile was adorable. I couldn’t help giving her a quick kiss before saying, “Because it took even less time than that for me to fall in love with you.”
Her eyes lit up like her Christmas tree, and she beamed at me. “You love me?”
“Desperately.”
“I love you, too.”
I smirked and cupped her face. “I know, little one.”
Her nose scrunched in an annoyed expression. “How could you possibly know that?”
“The way you gave yourself over to me, trusting me and letting me take charge. You wouldn’t have done that with someone you didn’t love.”
She harrumphed, crossing her arms over her chest. “True,” she admitted. “But you don’t have to be so cocky about it.”
Dropping my head back, I laughed so hard she bounced on my lap—which led my laughter to turn into a groan. “You love it when I’m cocky,” I growled as my hands glided around to cup her ass.
Sighing, she smiled with exasperation, although her eyes twinkled with merriment. “I guess it’s kinda hot.”
I grinned. “Like your naughty librarian outfits. Hot as fuck.”
Bethenny matched my happy expression, then her cheeks bloomed with pink, and she suddenly looked a little shy. “Did you say get married earlier?”
I jerked my chin up and down once. “You bet your pretty little ass. I want my ring on your finger before you start showing with our first baby.”
Her jaw dropped. “Baby…? You think I’m pregnant?”
Rolling my eyes, I snickered as I yanked her forward, so her pussy was pressed tightly against my erection. “I’ve been fucking you bare for three days, little one. What did you think would happen?”
“You were trying to knock me up?” she gasped in fake shock, her dreamy eyes giving her away.
“Not exactly,” I chuckled. “It was just a perk.”
“A perk?” she laughed.
“Yep.” I winked and rocked my hips up. “So, I guess we better keep fucking like rabbits to make sure I earn the bonus.”
“This isn’t just our little bubble, is it?” she asked, her tone filled with wonder.
I shook my head and leaned in to take her lips in a passionate kiss before murmuring, “No. This is forever.”
“I have to say,” she said with a sly smile, “Santa has amazing taste in gifts. He couldn’t have picked a more perfect present for my Christmas than you.”
“You must have been good enough for the both of us because there’s no way I deserve you.”
“Well…” She tapped her lip with a finger, looking up as if deep in thought. Then she snapped her fingers and looked at me again. “You can be extra nice next year to make up for it!”
“I don’t think that’s possible,” I told her solemnly.
“Why not?”
After another kiss that left her breathless and in a daze of lust, I answered. “Because I plan to spend most of the year being very, very naughty.”
8
Bethenny
I couldn’t remember the last time I had deliberately chosen something sexy to wear. I wanted to look amazing for Lincoln when we went to the New Year’s Eve party, though. As I dug through my closet, I figured I would need to buy a new dress since everything I owned had been picked with my role as mayor in mind. It was all prim and proper with high necklines that didn’t show as much as a hint of cleavage and hems that hit below my knees. I was starting to think that I would need to hunt through the local boutique when my fingers brushed against the silky back material of a little black dress I’d bought several years ago. I’d never worn it anywhere, but it would be perfect for tonight.