Rapture and Lace(6)

And yet still no toilet.

I started tapping my foot in exasperation with the urge to go. And then I noticed a small, tiled half-wall tucked away in the corner from the vanity. I rushed over and instantly heaved a sigh of relief as I quickly pulled down my underwear.

Finished, I stepped in front of the mirrors. My hair was rumpled and tangled, and not in the sexy bed-head sort of way. My eyes were bloodshot from our late night and I could see a faint hint of dark circles beneath my eyes. I quite simply looked exhausted.

There was a large part of me wanted to postpone getting married, no second thoughts, just so I wouldn’t look like hell on my wedding day. I found Carter's shirt from last night draped over the vanity and pulled it on over my bra and panties. I had a flashback of the first time I’d worn Carter's shirt and my heart swelled with love. It had only been a few short weeks ago. I snuggled into his scent at the neck of the shirt and my heart skipped a few times in my chest. I loved him so much. I loved everything about him. Our good times far outweighed the bad times. I closed my eyes as a shiver of excitement ran through me. I would get to go to bed with Carter every single night of my life and wake up with him each morning.

A small tap sounded at the bathroom door and I turned to find Carter peeking in.

"Everything okay in here?"

He looked deliciously sexy leaning against the doorjamb in a pair of jeans and a plain white shirt. I wanted to wrap my body around his and never let go.

"Yes." I walked to him, placing a kiss on his lips and then taking my coffee cup from him. "I love you." I dusted my nose along his affectionately. He wrapped a heavy arm around my waist and placed his hand on my lower back, pulling me in for a warm hug.

"Drink up, lady. We've got so much to do today. And number one on your list is finding a dress."

I coughed on the hot liquid.

"Where am I supposed to find a dress? I thought we would just go to the Justice of the Peace or something." My eyes searched his for answers.

"Justice of the Peace? Not nearly good enough for my girl." He grinned. "A dress designer from Denver will be here at ten. They're bringing everything they have in your size. I've got to take care of a few things in town, but I won't be long." He led me out of the room by one hand and we went downstairs.

We stepped into the beautiful kitchen with vaulted ceilings and a large rich wooden island surrounded by plush stools. There was a small breakfast nook with views of the mountains. I was beginning to think this house boasted a view from every room. The dark granite counter tops contrasted beautifully with the rich wooden cabinets, limestone backsplash and cream walls.

"Eggs…pancakes…? I think that's about the extent of my culinary offerings in the morning." He gave me a smile.

"I remember your talent in the kitchen, all right." I set my coffee cup down on the counter and wrapped my arms around his waist tightly. "And it has nothing to do with food." I squeezed his behind playfully. He rolled his eyes at me and then scooped his head down to brush my lips with his own. I slid my hands up his chest and pulled on the fabric of his shirt to bring him closer to me. A small moan escaped my throat as he deepened the kiss and ground his hips into mine suggestively.

I wrapped my hands around the back of his neck and pulled his lips tighter to mine, grinding my hips against his in a rhythmic motion. I pulled away to take a quick breath as I tickled along the soft skin under his ear with my lips. I closed my eyes and inhaled his luscious scent, leaving me intoxicated with lust.

He tightened his grip on my hips and pushed me back gently. "Not happening, Evangeline."

I pouted and looked up at him through my eyelashes in the hopes of changing his mind.

"Are you sure about that, Mr. Morgan?" I purred and slid my hand across his arousal hidden beneath the denim of his jeans. He sucked in a quick breath and his eyes darkened. I bit my lip and my heart rate sped up to see the look of lust in his eyes.

He closed his eyes and ran a hand through his messy hair. "Breakfast, Evangeline." He flicked his eyes open to meet mine with a new look of determination.

I huffed with sexual frustration. "Stubborn heel," I mumbled under my breath.

His eyes shot up with surprised amusement.

"What was that, Miss Austin?" He dug his fingers into my hips and tickled. I tried to squirm away but he was having none of it.

"Carter," I pleaded through giggles.

"Did you say something, Evangeline?" I tried to squirm out of his grasp. He arched an eyebrow in challenge.

"I said, you Mr. Morgan, are a stubborn heel," I pushed back on his chest still trying to escape. His mouth spread into a wide smile. He spun me around and lifted me up on the island, nudging himself between my legs. One hand ran up my back, fisting my long hair in his hand as he tugged softly.