“Well, it's like I'm a teenager about to tell my parents my boyfriend knocked me up or something.”
He laughed and caressed her pout. “It's nothing like that.”
“Kind of. I mean, we're basically saying hey, we had sex, and now we're committed for life. We understand it's going to be hard. Will you help us? If that isn't eerily similar, I don't know what is. Besides, I'm scared they’ll get really upset. The last time they walked into a situation like this, it was the first step in a disastrous journey that ended with the deaths of their children. How will they see anything other than bad memories when they look at us?”
“Okay,” Quin soothed, “I see your point, but you’re forgetting how much resilience your grandparents have, how much appreciation they have for life, and how much love they hold for you. Yes, they'll be scared and worried, but above all, they'll be happy for us.”
“Maybe.”
“No, Layla Love, not maybe. They know what it's like.”
Layla stared into his eyes – into his soul and all the sincerity it held – and his reassuring words soaked in, loosening her tight stomach while allowing for a smile. “It's perfect, you know.”
“Yes it is, and it's nothing like a teen pregnancy, no matter how you spin it.”
Her smile stretched. “But the analogy sounded good, right?”
His dimples appeared as he kissed her grin. “Yes it did. You are witty with your words, my love, and you make me smile.”
Her expression softened as she moved a forefinger to one of his dimples. “I love your smile, Quin. It makes my life better.”
“Your smile is like a shiny star, Layla, and I'm not the only person who treasures it. Your grandparents will need time to process the shock and worry, but in the end, they’ll want to celebrate your happiness. So, should I invite them over now, or wait? Either way I need to call to check in.”
“I guess now. They're going to know eventually…” She paused, eying him as her lips twitched into a sly grin. “Just like when a teenage girl gets pregnant.”
He laughed and lightly tickled her neck. “You're sticking to that analogy?”
“No,” she giggled. “I just wanted to see your dimples get deeper.”
His grin widened as he gave her a kiss then another. “I'll call them while I get your coffee.”
“Okay,” she agreed, pretending to examine her fingernails. “I'm going to go take a shower.”
“Oh yeah?” he laughed, recognizing her game, but instead of calling her out, he took it a step further. His fingertips slid down her back and over her butt. Then they were between her thighs, softly stroking her opening before pressing inside.
She gasped and gripped his bicep, wiggling against his hand like an attention-starved feline, which was crazy, because she’d just gotten off!
He moved closer, wedging her between his hand and hips so she couldn’t move. “Hold still,” he whispered. “I’m healing you.”
This was not what she thought he was doing, and her eyes narrowed. “Tease.”
He flashed an ornery grin as his fingers inched deeper, meticulously healing sore flesh along the way, and her eyes rolled back despite her attempt to pout. By the time he was satisfied with his work, she was fighting the urge to scream at him to stop healing her and start doing her!
“Listen,” he insisted, taking her cheek in his free hand as his fingers slid away. “If I want to keep making love to your body, I need to take care of it. We’re a blessed breed, but our bodies bruise and break as easily as anybody’s. They can’t keep up with us without a little help. Now go get in the shower,” he added, giving her butt a soft pat, “and I'll bring your coffee to you.”
She cocked an eyebrow, trying to read his expression while wishing his hand was back between her legs. “Is coffee an analogy in this case? Because that would be lovely.”
He laughed as he pulled her into hug and buried his face in her hair. “Take a long shower, my love, and I'll meet you there.”
“Mmm... That sounds much tastier than coffee.” She playfully bit his neck then pushed on his shoulders. “Hurry up and make your phone calls, then come get clean with me.”
Following one more kiss, he rolled out of bed and headed for the parlor, and Layla boldly watched him go, surprised by how unabashed she was to do so. Her embarrassment from the night before seemed unreasonable now… and downright foolish, because he was fine as hell, with a tight and muscular backside, and a well-endowed front that made her ache with need. They’d finally had sex, which was supposed to release the tension, but her desire burned hotter than ever.