“Your schedule might be too—”
Hannah couldn’t help but laugh. “I don’t have that busy of a schedule. I was in the middle of cleaning.” She touched the headband that she’d used to keep her hair off her face and neck, completely aware of how she looked to him in her cut-off jeans and faded t-shirt. “But you could have called to let me know so I didn’t look so dingy when you showed up.”
His gaze turned hard and… was it her imagination or did he look embarrassed? “I can leave if you want.” Then, out of the blue, he started for his car. “Sorry to have bothered you.”
She pushed open the screen door and ran after him. “Don’t go,” she said, catching him by the arm. “I was only teasing you. Sorta. You do have a knack for catching me not at my best.”
He stopped walking and turned to her. “I should have called.”
“You don’t have to call. We’re married,” she said. Married. It had barely been twenty-four hours since she’d last seen him.
“My wife shouldn’t be extended the same courtesy I’d give a business colleague?”
“Well, when you put it like that… yes, you should be considerate of me. But I’m happy you’re here,” she said in a rush. “Nervous, too. I’ve never been married before, and I still haven’t told my grandparents.” She wriggled her fingers at him. “No ring either.”
“About that last part.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a light blue box. “This is for you.”
Taking it from him, she opened it and gasped at the platinum ring inside. “How beautiful.”
“It’s yours. I hope it meets your expectations.”
Hannah eyed him. “I’m pretty sure I never expected a ring from Tiffany’s.”
Gently lifting the ring from the box, he placed the diamond on her ring finger. “I had wedding bands made for us as well, but thought you might like to wait until the official ceremony, since we skipped that part.”
Hannah caught her neighbor staring at them. “Why don’t we go inside? I’ll fix you some tea, and we can talk about things.” She led the way inside her house and shut the door behind her.
“I made reservations at Chesson House.”
“Good,” she said and was suddenly spun around.
Drew captured her face in his hands. “I missed you.” He rubbed his thumb across her bottom lip. “I couldn’t wait until Saturday.”
She leaned into his touch. “I missed you, too.”
“I’m not sure what you want, but I know what I want, and if you’ll say yes, then I’ll,” he stopped, the bridge of his nose flushing as he gathered his thoughts, “I’m prepared to do anything to make you comfortable, to make you feel at ease. Hell, I’m prepared to spend days seducing you with poetry, jewelry, trips, and anything else you’ll allow me to do for you.”
The thought of him seducing her didn’t bring to mind jewelry or trips or even poetry. She could only think of touching and kissing… of their bodies coming together. Nude, hot, sweaty… with him moving inside of her. Of finally giving her what she wanted from him.
And this was why she shouldn’t be celibate for the past three years. She wanted to jump the first attractive guy who married her. A giggle escaped her throat.
“What’s so funny?”
“The thought of me jumping you. You make it sound much more romantic. Seducing me…” She shook her head. “I don’t know. I mean, I want to be seduced. In fact, I’m a hundred percent on board with seduction, but I’m your wife and after we, uh, get to know each other again, I’ll be a sure thing.” Her face grew hot, and she knew she was blushing. But if he could be honest, so could she. She had wants and needs that he could take care of, and she could do the same for him.
“Sure thing or not.” He brushed his lips across hers in a fleeting kiss. “I want to seduce you, Hannah. I want to seduce my wife.”
Chapter Eight
“Seduce away,” Hannah said, all breathless.
“Where can I take you first?”
“Right here’s good with me.”
He laughed. “You misunderstand me.” His gaze dropped to her lips, and then his hands fell away. “I meant where can I take you on a date.”
“Oh.” She winced a little. “Sorry¸ I got all caught up in the seduction part. We can go to Jack’s over in Holland Springs. Best Italian food I’ve ever eaten.”
“I have a jet at my disposal.”
“Holland Springs isn’t that far away,” she said.