Authors: Casey Lane

Inferno (19 page)

BOOK: Inferno

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I felt Ethan’s heat at my spine before his arms slipped around me. “I’ve gotta say baby, that was kind of hot.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

I have taken particular care in tonight’s set up. Candles adorn the dining room, lending a soft glow to the ambiance. Fine china placed for two. A candelabra ready to be lit, and a bottle chilling, decorate the table. The only thing I have left to do now is wait. I hate waiting. Staring out of the picture window, and into the chilly night, I’m watching for Ethan to pull into our drive. If things go as planned, tonight will make it onto my list of favorite memories. As I am searching for his approaching headlights, I reminisce, pulling up images of my others.

*******************

It was a cold December evening and we had just gotten back from dinner with Ethan’s family. I remember complaining that I was cold…

“I don’t think I’m ever going to warm up again,” I whined dramatically and shrugged off my coat.

Ethan took my jacket, tossing it in the general direction of the couch, where it fell in a heap on the floor next to his. He pulled me close, wrapping me in his arms and letting his body heat seep into mine. Not satisfied with the pace of my rising temperature, I tucked my freezing hands under his sweater, sucking the warmth from his bare back.

“Goddammit Lex,” he shouted, prying my hands away. “You’re a spiteful, mean woman, you know that, right?”

I tossed him a saucy grin and replied, “yes, but you love me anyway.”

It always amazes me how incredibly fast he moves for such a big man. I was still uttering the last word when I found myself up and over his shoulder. Crossing the room in five long strides, he smacked my ass and chucked me onto my bed.

“I’ve got a better way of warming you up, and we both get to be naked.”

“Oh really, and what would that be?”

“It’s much better if I show you,” he smirked and slowly began to peel the sweater up his body. His muscled torso rippled with the movement, causing the first signs of a sizzle to begin stirring within me. Fingers, I knew to be nimble, moved with exaggerated slowness, releasing his jeans. By the time he was completely naked, my body was burning and ached to touch and be touched.

Continuing his slow seduction, he inched my pants off, little by little. My patience was wearing, and I took the liberty of removing my remaining clothing at a much faster pace.

Turning me to my stomach, loving hands began working their way up and down my spine, smoothing stiff muscles along the way. Skilled fingers kneaded down one leg and then the other, turning me into a pliant doll. Scorching wetness trailed in a sluggish line from my ankle to the nape of my neck, following the path of Ethan’s tongue.

Flipping me to my back, he began the process again, slowly working his way down my right side before moving up my left.

“Mmmm,” I purred as he massaged his way from my shoulder towards my hand, “you spoil me. I like it.”

Ethan started applying pressure to my hand, rubbing circles with his thumb. “Do you know what would make me very happy?” he asked in a husky timbre. He was manipulating my fingers, stroking each one separately. “If you would be my Mrs. Storm,” he advised, and I felt a hard circle slide down my left ring finger.

********************

It’s the day of every little girl’s dreams, the one day that she is not only allowed, but also expected, to be the beautiful princess. A year’s worth of planning, the heated arguments, the delicate negotiations, and that was just with Makayla. Throw in the other two divas, the Stewart females, and Ethan’s mother, running away to Vegas starts looking better and better. Even with all of the stress and multiple meltdowns, standing here now, makes it all bearable.

The music signals our start down the red carpet. I’m gripping tightly, to the man who has become a father with one hand, willing him not to let me fall. The other has a crushing grip on a bouquet of red roses. My girls are standing, forming a black and white line in the dress each selected, and reserving my spot. To the right, Ethan’s groomsman, dressed in head to toe black, are positioned in a single row.

Keeping pace with the music, I am only vaguely aware of passing guests as I’m escorted down the aisle. My focus is on the man waiting for me. Deep pools of sparkling blue beckon my mossy green, keeping my gaze from drifting anywhere else. My heart beats faster in anticipation, and I struggled not to quicken my steps. Reaching the end of our journey, Mac gently kisses my cheek, murmuring loving words meant for a daughter, and places me in Ethan’s outstretched hand.

The world around us fell away as we exchanged vows. Nothing else mattered; we were two people passionately in love, binding ourselves for eternity. The minister was pronouncing us man and wife, and I was listening for our cue to kiss.
How in the hell did I ever get a man like Ethan Storm to fall in love with me? I am the luckiest son of a bitch in the world.

Chuckling broke out among those around me, and Ethan flashed me that trademark smirk I love. “No babe, I am the luckiest son of a bitch in the world.”

My face heated at the realization my thoughts were heard by those around us. The preacher finished his decree, and Ethan’s hand shot out, pulling until our lips met. Now my face was burning for an entirely different reason.

********************

Headlights flash through the glass, momentarily bathing the room in a muted light. I rush to the kitchen, removing trays from the oven where they were keeping warm. With the last candle lit, I hear the door close, followed by approaching footsteps. Arms wrap around me from behind and his face nuzzles my neck.

“What’s all this? I didn’t forget our anniversary, did I?” he teased, burrowing further to breathe in my scent.

Leaning back, allowing him to support my weight, I answered with a wicked smile. “If you ever forget our anniversary, I would advise not eating any special dinners I cook just for you.”

With a bit of an awkward twist, our lips finally met in the greeting I’ve been waiting for. Ethan released me, and I began spooning food onto the plates. He seized the bottle from the chiller, preparing to fill our glasses. Examining a label I was sure he had never seen, a look of puzzlement captured his face. He was about to ask, but I beat him to it.

“What do you think about Aiden Michael for a boy and Addison Michele if it’s a girl?”

Ethan looked down at the bottle, with the words Sparkling Cider, that he still held in his hand. After a few moments, a goofy, deliriously happy smile, parroted by the twinkle in his eyes, replaced his initially shock over the news.

Dinner forgotten, and as predicted, a new favorite memory joined my list.

Friend Code

You are not merely friends. You have actively selected the other members of this group to be your chosen family.
This is an A Team group. All other individuals are designated to the B Team. This includes, but is not limited to, significant others/spouses, biological family, friends, co-workers, ect.
You will always be honest with the group, even if the truth is not flattering.
Members will not make derogatory remarks concerning other group members, blood relatives, or current significant others in the presence of non A Team members.
You will side with the members of this group in any argument, regardless of fault. The only exceptions are a) if the argument is between group members, and b) when the argument involves a blood relative of a group member. In either case, you may choose the alternative option of nonparticipation.
Nonparticipation is allowed when a dispute is between a group member and their significant other. However, the moment involvement ends, the demise of said relationship is the full responsibility of the other party, regardless of facts.
Group members will not poach guys from each other.
Once a group member has had intimate relations with a guy, including one night stands, he is forever off limits to all other group members.
In the event of an emergency, real or perceived, group members will immediately come to the aid of their friend.
Any member may declare Girl’s Trip. When evoked, all other members will take the necessary actions to secure their involvement. Participation is mandatory. When possible, friends will give advance notice. To be used sparingly.