Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 60268 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 301(@200wpm)___ 241(@250wpm)___ 201(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60268 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 301(@200wpm)___ 241(@250wpm)___ 201(@300wpm)
“I’m going to invite her back here for some food. Baker’s going to be here, and ta-da, we’ll share a meal, have some fun. Hopefully, Millie won’t be so clueless by the end of the meal,” she said.
“I could come round and help out,” Hardy said.
Rose frowned. “How would you help?”
“It’s quite simple. If I’m here then it wouldn’t be a case of Millie feeling like a third wheel. It would be a very subtle situation, and she wouldn’t be pressured either. A bunch of friends having some good food and some company.”
“Minus the cuts,” Rose said, nodding at both men wearing The Skulls leather cuts.
“What’s wrong with the cuts?” Baker asked.
“To some women they can be a little scary. I think they’re scary at times.” Rose shrugged. “You want to make an impression on a woman, dress up. Be prepared to court her, and to bend over backwards for her.”
Rose took some more popcorn.
“Now that’s sorted, can we get back to watching the movie?” Hardy asked.
“I could make her my famous chocolate cake. It’s got all the women happy at the clubhouse,” Baker said.
“See, now we’re getting somewhere. She’ll fall for you instantly.”
Rose had the privilege of tasting one of his chocolate cakes over the festive period, and it was unbelievable.
“I can make a mean steak,” Hardy said.
“I’m not disputing that. Baker can make a mean chocolate cake, and it’s to die for.” She tapped Hardy’s hand. “You’ve got many talents, baby.”
They sat back and enjoyed the rest of the movie, eating popcorn, and laughing at the funny parts. Hardy rested his arm across the back of her chair, and she couldn’t help but smile. He was trying to court her, and it was such a sweet gesture that it brought tears to her eyes. Not once in their ten years of marriage did he try to court her, but she’d never asked either.
When the credits rolled up, she grabbed the bowl and took it into the kitchen to wash. She came back to find Hardy waiting.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said.
“You don’t have to leave. You can take the couch.”
“This is his home,” Baker said. “I’ll take the couch, and he can take his own room.”
“You don’t mind?” Hardy looked at Baker, and her.
“I don’t mind. He’s only in the spare bedroom. If Baker’s happy with you taking the room, I’m not going to complain. The couch pulls out into a bed. I’ll go and grab some extra sheets.”
She left the room, going to the supply closet, and taking out several sheets. Baker and Hardy were unfolding the couch as she brought them in. They made the bed together, and Rose said her goodnights to Baker.
Walking upstairs with Hardy behind her brought back a great deal of memories. They used to walk upstairs with him behind her, touching, and enhancing her arousal. Licking her dry lips, she didn’t stop, and made her way straight toward the spare room. She opened the door, flicking on the light.
“See, nothing has been changed. It’s just a spare room.”
“We’re going to have to use the other spare room for a nursery,” he said, moving up behind her, and gripping her shoulders. She closed her eyes and relished the feel of his hands on her body. These feelings had never dissipated. Rose doubted they ever would. Hardy was the love of her life, and them having a baby together was the greatest feeling in the world. She touched her stomach, and Hardy leaned in close. “What are you thinking about?”
She shivered, not from revulsion but from arousal. The bristles on his chin grazed across her skin. His hands moved from her shoulders to cover hers where they rested on her stomach.
“I’m thinking about our baby,” she said.
“I can’t believe it. This is our baby, Rose. A part of you and me, mixed together.”
Rose rested her head back against his chest, loving the feel of being surrounded by him. He was so much taller than she was, and she missed this. She missed his heat and the way he held her.
“I had a lovely night,” he said.
“I did, too.”
“We should do it more often.” He kissed her neck. “Rose, I’m being the good man here. The better man. The kind of man you deserve.”
Rose nodded, pulling away from him. “It’s hard at times.”
“I know. I want more than anything to take your hand, and go back to our bed. I can’t do it, not if you want us to work.”
“I’m going to leave you then.” She turned around, cupped his cheek, and pressed a kiss to his lips. “Goodnight, Hardy.”
“Goodnight, Rose.”
She closed his door, and crossed the hall to her own. She leaned against the door, and took several deep breaths. Her life was never going to be the same again. Hardy was changing, and he was becoming everything she’d always hoped for.