“I did my fair share of diaper-changing for five weeks. I think I deserve a pass on this one. Don’t you?”
Paisley considered his words briefly, but what she couldn’t get past was the kiss. It left her speechless. She raised her free hand to her lips before running her finger over her bottom lip. Was there something more than a diaper change behind the kiss? She knew there was only one way to find out.
“Was that kiss a please change the baby kiss?”
He brushed his thumb along her cheek before placing his palm behind her neck and lowering his lips to hers once again. When he pulled away he saw, lust. Want. Desire.
“That had nothing to do with the baby and everything to do with how amazing you are, how important you are to me and how much I want you.”
Paisley stood in her shower, the hot water rolling down her body as the steam filled the room. She was lost in another universe as she pondered just how she should react to Braxton’s declaration that he had feelings for her. There had been a time when she’d longed to hear those words, but that was years ago. Before Alissa, before their junior year of high school when Braxton had started sowing his oats with random girls. Now she was afraid to open her heart; it would never survive rejection again. Could she trust his revelation?
What could their relationship look like if she gave in? Could they ever become husband and wife in the true sense of the words? She ached to know what that felt like, craved to feel the sensation of his hands on her body as he worshiped her, to hear his professions of desire for her nightly.
Though the water was steaming hot, goosebumps raised across her body at the thought of them as a couple. Her hand clasped at her chest, recalling the hurt she’d felt the morning Braxton told her Alissa was moving back home with him. She’d vowed not to delude herself anymore and pushed her feelings for him deep into the recesses of her heart. She’d kept her promise to herself even though it had been a struggle. Never had she ever imagined that she’d be married to Braxton, or that she’d be raising a child with him.
Paisley ran her palm over the lower part of her face, caressing her cheeks just as she imagined Braxton would if he was there. When she opened her eyes, she found Braxton standing in the doorway that joined Emmersyn’s room to the bathroom. Her breath hitched as he stared at her, lust burning in his eyes.
“Damn, you are the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen. How could I have been so blind?” Braxton stepped into the room, slowly stalking toward her.
“Sexier than—“Paisley stopped mid-sentence. Should I ask him if I’m sexier than Alissa? Did she want to know the answer to that question?
“Yes,” Braxton answered.
“You don’t even know what I was going to ask.” Paisley stood facing him, her body on full display through the glass shower doors.
“Oh, but I do. I’ve always been able to read your mind, and the answer is yes. You’re sexier than Alissa ever was, and yet I was blinded to it.”
She had forgotten that they’d used to finish each other's sentences, or how a single look could reveal what the other felt. Braxton stepped just a little closer and slid the glass door open. He didn’t ask permission. Instead, he turned the handle, shutting off the water, and with his other hand he reached beside him, grabbing the towel off the wall.
A slight shiver from the cool air overwhelmed her. Braxton opened the towel, his eyes begging her to step out of the shower and into it. She hesitated briefly but then advanced into his arms. Braxton wrapped the towel around her before he drew her body to his. She could feel his erection hard against her belly, causing her core to clench and release in anticipation. She settled into his embrace; her racing heart began to slow as a calmness spread through her. His touch felt right—perfect. How could she have believed she’d be able to resist him forever?
Braxton bent, placing an arm under her legs, and swooped her up. He carried her into Emmersyn’s room, ensuring their little girl was still sound asleep, before he made his way toward his.
Chapter 27
This is it. This was his opportunity to show her just how precious she was to him. His heartbeat faster with every step until he reached his bed. For the first time, he was unsure of what his next move should be. If this were just another woman, he’d toss her on the bed and do dirty things to her. But this wasn’t any other woman; this was Paisley, and he couldn’t afford to screw this one up by making her feel anything less than what she truly was. She was the other half of his heart and tonight he was going to show her just how important that half was. Braxton lifted one leg and placed his knee on the bed. Paisley was still in his arms. Slowly, he lowered her to the mattress, all the while his eyes never left hers. As he stared into hers, he saw desire laced with apprehension written on her face. Was this a bad idea? Hell, no. And he was going to prove to her he was worthy of her love.
“You’re so beautiful, and I’ve been stupid. I’m sorry, Paisley, that it’s taken me so long to see what should have been all along.”
Paisley gasped and he hated that she was so surprised by his admission. He had broken her spirit for years. Held her in the friend zone. But he was a fool. She’d always had the power. He was just too stubborn to submit. Tonight, was all about him giving
