Page 39 of Beyond the Cage

I turn around to head to the fridge but yelp in surprise when he smacks my ass.

“Is that supposed to be punishment? ’Cause if so, you’re gonna be a great mom, too.”

With a sharp turn, he grabs my waist and deposits me on the counter.

“Ooh! I just love it when you’re all rough with me.” I bite into my bottom lip and give him a seductive but playful look.

He just smiles and hands me a bowl of grapes.

“Thanks, babe.”

As he moves about the kitchen, I can’t help but watch him. I just want to touch him. And I do, every time he passes by me. I use my hands, my toes, whatever part of me can reach him. He doesn’t even seem to mind, only chuckling and shaking his head in amusement. I think most men would be annoyed…not him.

“You have any kids?”

He answers with a shake of his head.

“How come? Don’t you want any?” I get a nonchalant shrug. “I think you’d be a great father.”

He stops what he’s doing and turns his head to me, a soft expression on his face. I smile mischievously at him.

“I mean, what kid wouldn’t be happy with a dad who doesn’t give lectures?”

His eyes narrow and he points sternly to the bedroom.

“Okay. Jeez.”

I hop down and return to the bedroom, thinking I should call Chels anyway. When I check my phone, there are six missed calls from her. I press the Call button and get ready for the onslaught.

“Where the hell have you been?” she shrieks into the phone.

“Don’t worry, Mom. I’m fine. How’s your trip going?”

“Good, but I’m ready to come home.”

“Yeah, we have some partying to do.”

“I take it Mr. Jackson has something to do with you being M.I.A?” she asks.

“He has everything to do with it.”

“Lots of make-up sex?”

“Lots and lots of make-up sex,” I affirm.

“What happened to making him work for it?”

“Girl…he showed up in a suit…with roses.”

“Oh, snap.”

“Took me to Myst.”

“He pulled out the big guns, huh?”

“In my defense, I had a lot of wine and a near-orgasmic dessert.”

“Yeah, blame it on the alcohol, Carter.”