Part 3 (2/2)

We walk the rest of the way to the car, in silence, in utter silence.

As we're heading back home in Gabe's truck, I lean back on the soft leather of the seat, and close my eyes. I can't seem to get the images of the night out of my mind-Weston's face, his s.h.i.+ny silver cufflinks, Gabe in his s.e.xy b.u.t.toned s.h.i.+rt, his hand on my thigh. I feel tense and restless.

And almost as if Gabe can read my thoughts, he slides his hand under the skirt of my dress. I don't protest this time-I want to be touched.

”I can't wait to get you home,” he says, his voice hoa.r.s.e. ”I'm going to rip that sweet little dress right off you.”

His hand slides further up, and I find myself spreading my legs for him.

Just a little.

”You want it. I can tell.”

Gabe always seems to know what I want. He and I have a very s.e.xual relations.h.i.+p...always have. I'm convinced that's one of the reasons our marriage is so strong.

He reaches my sweet spot and strokes me over my panties, and I can't wait to get home.

He's arousing me and he knows it. ”You're primed.”

He's right. I can't remember ever being so turned on. I just want him to stop on the side of the road and finish me off.

”Thank you, Mr. Perfect,” he says with a hint of laughter in his voice.

He is so cra.s.s-has always been that way.

”He's probably the one who got you this wet,” he points out, his voice playful. ”But I'm the lucky one who gets to f.u.c.k you.”

”Yeah...you are,” I say, breathless, and I sneak a peek at the odometer-he's going ten to fifteen miles over the speed limit-he can't possibly go faster without getting us in trouble.

But I almost wish he could.

As soon as we walk up the steps, Gabe presses me against the door and kisses me. I can't quite remember the last time he kissed me like this.

”Hold on, big boy,” I whisper, pus.h.i.+ng him away, despite the fact that I don't want to. ”We still have to pay Caroline.”

Caroline welcomes us back with a friendly smile. ”How was your night?” she asks.

I'm in no mood for small talk-I'm in the mood to screw my husband. I smile and fumble through my wallet. ”Here you go. Thank you. See you next time,” I say quickly as I hand her the cash.

”Everything went fine and the girls are fast asleep,” she tells us, putting on her jacket and shoes-not fast enough.

And finally, she's on her way back home, across the street.

As soon as the door closes, Gabe grabs my face in his large hands and kisses me-his unshaven face scratches my lips.

His kiss is amazing.

He deepens the kiss. His ragged breathing is the only sound I can hear in the stillness of the night-he wants me. And he'll have me. Gabe never asks-he never needs to-he reads me too well.

His hands travel down my body and find their way under my dress. I run my fingers through his messy hair. I kick off my high heels and lose a few inches. He towers over me and hoists me up against the wall-my head knocks against a gla.s.s framed photo.

I reluctantly pull my lips from his. ”Why don't we go kiss the girls good night,” I whisper, my voice slightly breathless. As much as I'm enjoying this, I don't really want to have s.e.x against the wall, in our entry hall.

He trails kisses down my neck. ”We're kind of busy at the moment.”

”Just two quick kisses,” I insist. ”Then you can have your way with me.”

He laughs a little. ”Oh...I will,” he warns me. ”Remember...you asked for it.”

We tiptoe into Chloe's mess of a room, stuffed animals and books scattered everywhere. I kiss her softly on the cheek. Then we're off to Claire's b.u.t.terfly filled room. Gabe gives her a quick peck on the forehead, and I linger awhile and plant a kiss on her sweet cherubic face. I watch her for a few seconds-she's so sweet.

When I finally make my way out of Claire's room, Gabe is waiting for me, leaning against the wall.

He's taken off his jacket. His hair is ruffled, and his eyes are intense. He scratches his unshaven jaw and looks at me.

He wants me to come to him.

Neither of us say anything as he studies me for the longest time. Finally, he's the first to break the silence. ”I'm not sure if I'm in the mood, Ella,” he says, the slightest hint of a smile on his lips. ”It's kind of late. And I'm kind of beat.”

I smile. I know he's joking. Gabe is always in the mood.

He's toying with me-teasing me.

I grab a handful of his s.h.i.+rt and start unb.u.t.toning, from the bottom up. ”Is that so?” I ask, my voice silky.

He bites his lip, an impish smile on his face. ”I have a bit of a headache.”

I almost want to laugh. He doesn't fool me for a second. I look him straight in the eye as I start undoing his belt.

He grabs my hand and stops me. ”You want it badly, don't you?” His eyes seem darker, even more intense-almost angry. ”But I'm not giving it to you. Because I know it's all about him.”

My smile fades. I'm really starting to think he's serious, and I'm more than a little peeved. He's so wrong. It isn't just about the other guy-it's about him too. He's the one I want.

”I'm going to bed,” he deadpans.

My stomach is suddenly tied up in knots. I didn't want this to happen. I didn't mean to hurt Gabe. It was just a stupid little crush.

”Okay...I admit,” I finally manage. ”I...I was attracted to him. But you're the one I want to be with.” My voice is a little shaky. ”Please don't be like this.”

He turns to look at me, and his scowl slowly fades.

He starts laughing, and I'm confused. I'm not sure what kind of game he's playing, but I'm not impressed.

<script>