Tempted by Her Innocent Kiss(16)
“That’s what I like to hear,” he murmured.
He leaned forward to kiss her brow. “How about you take a long bubble bath to recover from last night’s activities and then we’ll have breakfast together.”
She flushed red. She had to be flaming. But she nodded, eager to discuss their future.
Mrs. Devon Carter. It had such a nice ring to it. And speaking of rings… She glanced down, transfixed by the radiance of the diamond that adorned her finger.
“Like it?” he asked in a teasing voice.
She looked back up at him, suddenly serious. “I love it, Dev. It’s absolutely gorgeous. But you didn’t need to get me something so expensive. I would have loved anything you gave me.”
He smiled. “I know you would. But I wanted something special.”
Her heart did a little dance in her chest. “Thank you. It’s just perfect. Everything is perfect.”
He kissed her again, long and leisurely. When he pulled away, his eyes were half-lidded and they were glowing with desire.
“Go draw your bath before I forget all about breakfast and make love to you again.”
“Breakfast?” she whispered. “Were we planning to eat?”
He made a sound in his throat that was part growl, part resignation.
“I don’t want to hurt you, Ash. As much as you tempt me, I’d rather wait until you’re fully healed from last night.”
She pushed out her bottom lip.
“As adorable as you are when you pout, it won’t move me this time. Now get your pretty behind out of bed and hit the bathroom. Breakfast will be served in forty-five minutes. Plenty of time for you to soak.”
She sighed. “Okay, okay. I’m going.”
She got up and walked toward the bathroom but just as she got to the doorway, something he’d said the night before came back to her. She paused and turned around, her head cocked to the side.
“Dev, what did you mean last night when you said I’d be sleeping here with you every night from now on?”
He rose and pulled his robe tighter around his waist. He stared back at her, his gaze intense and serious.
“Exactly what I said. I’ll want you to move in as soon as possible. I’ll arrange to have what you need transferred from your apartment. You’re mine, Ash. From now on, you’ll spend every night in my bed.”
Four
“Well, you finally took the leap,” Cameron Hollingsworth said as he stared across the room to where Ashley stood with a group of women.
Devon took a sip of the wine, though the taste went unappreciated. He was too distracted. Still, he forced some of it down, hoping it would at least take the edge off.
The official announcement would be made in a few moments. By Devon himself. Ashley’s father had wanted to do the honors, but Devon had preferred to do it himself. William Copeland had already orchestrated entirely too much of Devon’s relationship with Ashley. From now on, things would be done his way.