‘But I didn’t want such a big house. That was your idea.’
‘You didn’t say no.’
The three parents rolled their eyes at each other.
‘Are these two having their first marital spat?’ Andy said on joining them.
‘I hope not,’ Joe said.
Jess and Ben looked at each other, then laughed. ‘We’re just kidding. We both love our house.’ It wasn’t on a beach; Ben had decided he needed more room if and when he had sons. Their new purchase sat on a five-acre lot at Matcham, a rather exclusive rural enclave not far from the coast. The house was huge with six bedrooms, three bathrooms, a four-car garage, a tennis court and, of course, a solar-heated pool. They had already planned to have Christmas there the following year, Jess aiming to make it a very special occasion.
Thinking this last thought sent another thought into Jess’s mind.
‘Is a wedding night a special occasion?’ she whispered to Ben once they’d said their final goodbyes and climbed into the back of the waiting limousine.
His eyes widened in mock horror. ‘Are you suggesting what I think you’re suggesting?’
‘Not quite. I don’t want to have to drive all that way tomorrow with an iffy bottom.’
‘Hush up, wife. The driver might hear.’
‘You’re no fun any more,’ she said sulkily.
Ben had actually refused to make love to her all week, saying she had to learn to wait.
‘No fun!’ Ben exclaimed. ‘Might I remind you what we got up to just last month in Andy’s cottage?’
‘Hush up, husband. The driver might hear.’
Ten minutes later, they were safely alone in the bridal suite, which was beautifully furnished and quite seductive, with its big bed and mounds of pillows.
‘If you must know,’ Ben said as he busied himself with the waiting champagne bottle, ‘I packed a little box of surprises which might come in handy during our rather elongated honeymoon.’
Jess’s heart leapt. ‘What kind of surprises?’
‘Just a few naughty little items which I found on a website. You’ll find out if and when required. But we certainly don’t need anything like that tonight. Tonight is meant for more romantic sex. Though even romantic sex requires that clothes be removed. Why don’t you get naked, my lovely wife, whilst I pour us some of this splendid champagne?’
‘Aren’t you going to get naked too?’ a fiercely turned-on Jess asked after she’d complied.
He walked over to her slowly and handed her a glass. ‘All in good time, my darling,’ he murmured with wicked lights dancing in his beautiful blue eyes. ‘All in good time.’
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from CHRISTMAS IN DA CONTI’S BED by Sharon Kendrick.
Ten years ago one devastating night changed everything for Austin, Hunter and Alex. Now they must each play their part in the revenge against the one man who ruined it all.
Austin Treffen has the plan… Hunter has the money… Alex has the power!
Read each of their stories in the captivating Fifth Avenue trilogy,
only from Harlequin Presents:
Avenge Me by Maisey Yates (June 2014)
Scandalize Me by Caitlin Crews (July 2014)
Expose Me by Kate Hewitt (August 2014)
And don’t miss the Fifth Avenue prequel that started it all, Take Me, by Maisey Yates!
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CHAPTER ONE
NICCOLÒ DA CONTI hated marriage, Christmas and love—but most of all he hated it when people didn’t do what he wanted them to.
An unfamiliar feeling of frustration made him bite back a graphic expletive as he paced the floor of the vast New York hotel suite. Outside, skyscrapers and stars glittered against the deepening indigo sky, though not nearly as brightly as the Christmas lights which were already adorning the city.