Chapter 138

Returning to the room I climb into bed properly, stripping back to his T-shirt and pick up a book from my bedside table, some light-hearted romance Leila gave me that never piqued my interest back then. It’s not too late but it’s past seven, so going to bed isn’t exactly unheard of. It’s not long before my over exhausted mind drifts off mid-sentence.

* * *

“Baby, no!” Jake’s disappointed voice breaks into my sleepy state. “I had plans for you.” His voice is husky and thick but I’m too tired to open my eyes.

“I’m exhausted.” I sigh, enjoying his hands on my face, the heavy weight of his body on top of me, he smells good, a little too good.

“You’re such a lightweight, bambino … I’m going to have to build your stamina up.” He kisses me on the forehead and lifts off me. “I’m going down to the gym with Daniel to expel some of this excess tension seeing as you’re out of order. We’ll talk tomorrow about Leila, okay?” he murmurs softly, a finger stroking my cheek. I attempt to open one eye and focus on his gorgeous face inches above me, watching me with appreciation. “He’s spending the night, we’ll be an hour or two … Sleep, bambino.” He leans down, kisses me on the mouth again and leaves me to get the first decent night’s sleep I’ve had since I was pulled into his arms on that dance floor.

* * *

I wake up alone in the huge bed, but Jake’s side is messed up as though he’s been here, I glance at the clock on his side, it’s early, before 6.00 a.m. I vaguely remember him telling me that he needed to get back into his routine, early morning jogging and gym now that we’re home. It seems that having me in his bed means he no longer drags me out to run like he used to, he’s neglected it since we’ve been together. Not that he needs it with all the extra activity lately, I certainly don’t. I roll over to his side and inhale his pillows, the bed smells of him, his aftershave, and personal scent which is more comforting than any smell in the world. I wrap my arms around his cushions sighing heavily and fall back asleep.

I wake again with the alarm at seven and I can hear him in the shower off our room, it sounds like he’s singing, and I stifle a giggle, he’s surprisingly melodic. I close my eyes and listen intently.

Actually, he’s more than melodic, Jake has a really sexy singing voice … I’m more than impressed.

I’m literally swooning at this unexpected talent he has. He sounds like a singer from a band I was obsessed with in my teens, husky yet boyish, he could easily pull off soft rock with a voice like that. Desire overtakes me, and I slide out of bed and pad into the open bathroom, I strip off and slide into the shower behind him. He seems to sense my approach, stops singing and turns, catches me, and pulls me under the jets with him.

“She’s awake!” He kisses me, wet faced and smelling of his familiar citrus shower gel and shampoo.

“Barely. That sexy voice called me through here.” I wrap my arms around his neck as he maneuvers me under the water and starts running his fingers through my hair, soaking it, and letting it trail down my neck. He picks up the shampoo bottle.

“My irresistible singing in the shower, had your heart all of a flutter did it?” He dollops the shampoo in his hand and starts massaging it into my hair and scalp a little roughly.

“Maybe … Calm the hands, Carrero, you’re not washing a dog.” I lift my hands over his and slow down and ease his motion a little, helping him wash my hair. We stand for a moment while my hair is rinsed clean, his eyes flickering up and down the full length of me. I pause to reach for the shower gel which I put in here and he stops my hand.

“After … You’re going to need it.” He gives me the naughty look I’ve come to know so well then knocks the breath out of me with his mouth against mine; in seconds he hoists me up to straddle him around the waist and pushes me back against the cold, tiled wall behind me. Deepening his kiss, his arms around me tightly, grinding against me with a fever that overtakes us both within seconds. My body never failing to react to this man.

“Do we still need a condom?” he asks gruffly, hands holding me up and I shake my head. I began oral contraception before heading out on the boat with him, the doctor assured me we should be okay after two weeks to stop with condoms. Which would be today. He remembered.

It feels amazing to no longer have anything between us, just skin on skin. He makes love to me up against the tiles, slow and deliberate, his mouth exploring me and bringing me to dizzying heights effortlessly, savoring the new sensation. Water pouring overhead, the noise muffling out my moans and cries.

* * *

Leaning against his body on my own feet as he washes me, I am completely relaxed, my body still tingling, my breathing still labored. He bends down, kissing my shoulder and neck every few strokes of lathering my skin, his hands massaging me seductively. I could lay back and fall asleep this way, he has no idea how much I trust him, how soothing his touch is. I could literally curl naked around him and let him do whatever he wants to me for an eternity without any fear or doubts.

“Baby?” he breathes softly behind me, his hands come down over my shoulders and back, softly massaging soap into me with confident strokes, tracing patterns with his fingers across my skin.

“Mmm hmm,” I sigh, completely mesmerized by his hands.

“After you went to bed, I got a call … I need to go to LA tonight. We’re finally sitting down with the lawyers tomorrow … Marissa’s agreed to some of the terms I laid out.” His tone is wary, and I stiffen. “I want you to come with me.”

I close my eyes and shake my head impulsively. If he’s going to see her then I don’t want to go. I don’t want to sit in a hotel twiddling my thumbs or pacing around waiting for him to come back. I could be here at work, or with Sarah. Not obsessing over the two of them sitting across a table, talking about a linked future, and their child. The thought makes me feel sick.

“I don’t want to go to LA,” I utter quietly. He moves closer, pressing against my back, his hot body heat warming me, but it doesn’t help my internal chills.

“I don’t want this to become something we fight about.” He runs his finger down the back of my neck, sending shivers through every part of me. Planting a soft kiss between my shoulder blades before bringing his mouth back up to nape of my neck, pushing my head to one side and tracing his lips across my jaw. I know what he’s trying to do, seduction as distraction.

Yeah, I’m well versed in all the Carrero tricks I’m afraid. I see through this.

“I don’t want to go … To sit about waiting while you and she do whatever.” I sigh heavily. I want to stay in my little ignorant bubble pretending Marissa and this baby don’t exist for a little while longer. When the child is born, it’ll be a part of our lives for an eternity, for now I just want the bliss of the two of us and no outside disruptions. Later, when it’s here, I can accept and get used to the new dynamics it will bring to our lives, but for now, I don’t have to like it.

“I told you, Emma … She doesn’t get to keep you out; you’ll be at the meeting too.” His voice is determined. I spin on my heel so suddenly he almost loses his balance.

“No!” I snap “I don’t want to go! … I don’t want to be part of all that or to see her … And you … In the same place.” Emotion fills me, and I try to turn away again, suddenly ashamed of my violent outburst. I don’t want him to see just how insecure and jealous I am or can be. Embarrassed by my uncontrolled reaction.

“Bambino? … Emma? … Hey!” He grabs my face and hauls me back, pulling me against him, fresh tears rolling down my cheek. “Okay … okay.” He soothes. “I’m sorry, I just figured keeping you involved was the best way … I don’t want to upset you, bella.” He kisses me softly on the mouth, trying to soothe away my distress. He nibbles my lower lip, playfully trying to bring my mood back and quell my tears, it works a little and I begin to relax again. Sighing away the stupid emotions and wiping a hand across my already wet face. Completely pointless as every part of me is wet, Jake runs a thumb across my cheek with the same poor success.