Smiley(109)

He grinned. “I want babies with you. I want everything with you.”

“We’re okay then.” She smiled at him. “We’re both a little sweaty. How does a bath sound?”

He chuckled. “Good. I just want to hold you for a little longer though. I don’t want you just to share sex with. We’ll cuddle and then figure out if we enjoy sex in water. Sound like a plan?”

“Yes.”





Chapter Twenty-One




Vanni gripped Smiley’s hand, feeling a little disorientated by the trip. He’d had her sit on his lap to soften the helicopter ride but she didn’t believe she’d ever enjoy flying in them. He helped her out, gently placing her on the ground, then hunched over and kept her in his protective embrace until they cleared the blades.

She peered around in curiosity. It was vastly different from Homeland. They were in an open area with only a single building within view. Trees and hillsides surrounded them. As they neared it, her attention focused on what was obviously a hotel. New Species exited the building. Most of them wore casual attire. Plenty of them sported grins and a few waved. Smiley responded. It was clear they were happy to see him and he them.

“I want you to meet everyone but I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed.” He maneuvered her toward the doors, speaking loudly enough for everyone around them to hear. They nodded greetings as she passed, not making any comments.

They entered the double doors that slid open without a key card. The lobby was large and a New Species female greeted them. She was a tall, dark-haired beauty.

“Hello.” She offered her hand to Vanni. “I’m Creek. It is so nice to meet you, Vanni. I’ve made all the arrangements for this evening.” She released her after a quick handshake, reached inside the pocket of her pants and withdrew a key card, which she handed to Smiley. “I had them prepare the third floor honeymoon suite, Smiley. Second one on the right. You can’t miss it.” She winked. “Food is waiting. Just call the desk if you need anything at all.”

“It’s nice to meet you too,” Vanni got out.

Creek stepped back. “Welcome to the family. You’re Species now that you’re Smiley’s mate. We are so happy you said yes. He raved about you on the phone.”

Vanni liked hearing that but she also wondered if Smiley and the woman had any kind of past. That idea was quickly quelled when Smiley spoke. Creek’s reaction wasn’t one of a woman who’d ever dated him.

“Creek, smell Vanni. She might be pregnant. We didn’t have time to go to Medical this morning for her to take a test.” Excitement laced his voice. “We’d be happy about that.” He turned his head, grinning at Vanni. “Canines have the best sense of smell. She might detect it.”

Creek stepped closer and sniffed. She bent a little and sniffed again. She straightened. “All I smell on her is you, Smiley. She’s covered in your scent.” The woman chuckled. “I could try again later after she showers and before you touch her. Just call me and I’ll come up. That would be exciting news.”

“It would.”

Creek glanced between them. “I really enjoy seeing a couple in love.” She winked at Vanni. “It won’t be difficult to call Medical here and have them send someone to draw blood from you if you really want to know.”

“That would be great,” Vanni admitted.

“After we go to Security but before the wedding,” Smiley added.

“I’ll make it happen.” Creek spun away and walked back to the desk. She picked up the phone.

Smiley tugged on Vanni’s arm, steering her toward the elevators. They entered it alone, rode to the third floor, stepped out and turned right. A white banner had been strung across the door with a red heart. Someone had used a black marker to write S & V.

“That is so nice!” Vanni was touched.

Smiley swiped the card. “I told you everyone was happy we mated.” He pushed the door open but stopped her when she tried to enter.

She looked up at him as he used his foot to hold the door ajar. He bent and scooped her into his arms, shouldering the door open to carry her over the threshold. He kicked the door closed.

“This is going to be our home for the next few days.”

The room was large and tastefully furnished. It was one of the nicer hotels she’d ever seen. Balcony doors across the room had been left wide open to allow the breeze inside. There was a beautiful view of the trees. A river glistened in the distance.

“Where’s the bed?” She didn’t see one. The area was set up as a living room and even boasted a fireplace along one wall. One corner contained a cozy dining table with two chairs. Two covered silver dishes sat on top, taking up most of the space, and a bottle of wine chilled in a bucket of ice with two glasses next to it.