Page 39 of Off-Limits

I step closer, wrapping my arms around her waist as I pull her against me. Her breath hitches slightly at our proximity, and it takes every ounce of self-control not to carry her upstairs right now and ravish her like the insatiable husband I still am after all these years.

"Today is a special day," I whisper low in her ear. "When we woke up today, we were both thinking about it."

Mia chuckles softly, her hands coming to rest on my chest as she leans back slightly to look into my eyes. "Well, maybe that's part of it," she admits playfully. "But mostly, I just wanted to surprise you."

My heart swells at her words, and I can't help but grin like a lovesick teenager. She knows me too well; after all these years together, Mia still goes out of her way to make me feel loved and cherished.

"Well, consider yourself out-surprised," I say, giving her a quick kiss before releasing my grip on her waist. "Because I have something planned for us tonight that I think you're going to love."

Mia's eyes light up with curiosity as she follows me over to the kitchen table where I've set out our laptops and some paperwork. "Oh yeah? And what might that be?"

"All will be revealed in due time," I tease, pulling out her chair for her before taking my seat across from her. "But first, let's get these reports taken care of so we can both have the rest of the day free."

We settle into a comfortable rhythm as we work side by side, each of us focused on our respective tasks but always stealing glances at one another when we think the other isn't looking. It's moments like these that remind me just how lucky I am to have found someone who not only understands and accepts every part of me but also challenges me to grow into a better man.

As we finish up the last report, Mia closes her laptop with a satisfied sigh and looks at me. "Okay, Mr. Mysterious," she says, leaning back in her chair with her arms crossed over her chest. "You've piqued my interest. Spill the beans."

I laugh, pushing back from my own seat as I stand up and extend my hand to her. "Very well," I say as she places her hand in mine and allows me to pull her to her feet. "But you're going to have to come with me if you want answers."

Mia raises an eyebrow but doesn't resist as I lead her out of the kitchen and down the hallway towards our bedroom. Once inside, I guide her over to the walk-in closet, where a surprise waits for her.

"Ta-da!" I say, throwing open the door to reveal a stunning evening gown hanging from its hanger right in the middle of the space. "I thought it was time you had something new to wear on our special occasion."

Mia gasps, her eyes widening as she takes in the sight of the shimmering fabric and delicate beading that adorns thedress. "Jake," she breathes, reaching out tentatively to touch the material with her fingers. "It's... it's gorgeous."

I step back, allowing her room to admire the gown properly while I watch the emotions play across her face. "Do you like it?" I ask softly, even though I already know the answer.

Mia turns to face me, tears shimmering in her eyes as she nods. "I love it," she answers. "Thank you so much."

I close the distance between us, wrapping my arms around her waist once more as I lean down to press a soft kiss to her forehead. "You deserve only the best," I whisper against her skin. "And tonight, we're going to celebrate twelve years of loving each other like nobody's business."

Mia smiles up at me, her eyes shining. "I can't wait," she says, pressing a quick kiss to my lips before pulling away slightly. "But first, let's eat a little, okay?"

We make our way back out to the kitchen, where Mia prepares two plates of blueberry muffins and more tea, complete with whipped cream and fresh berries on top. Coming back, as we climb into our king-sized bed together, I can't help but marvel at how truly lucky I am to have this woman in my life.

As we finish eating, Mia sets her empty plate aside and turns to face me, her expression thoughtful. "Jake," she says softly, "do you ever think about how different our lives would be if you hadn't kept that promise to Ryan?"

I pause for a moment before answering, considering the question carefully. "You mean, if I'd pursued you when you were still off-limits?" She nods. "Sometimes," I admit. "But only because it helps me appreciate everything we have now even more."

Mia smiles, leaning in to press a soft kiss against my lips. "Me too," she whispers against them. "And who knows? Maybe waiting all those years made us stronger somehow."

"Maybe," I say, pulling her closer as our lips meet once more in a slow, deep kiss that promises so much more than just words can express.

As our kiss deepens and Mia's body presses against mine, I can feel the heat building between us, threatening to consume us entirely if we don't find a way to release some of this pent-up tension. It's been too long since we've had time for each other like this, with no interruptions or responsibilities vying for our attention.

I pull back slightly, breaking the kiss as I look into Mia's eyes, now dark with desire. "What do you say we continue this celebration now?" I suggest.

Dinner at that restaurant will have to happen later…

Mia bites her lower lip, a telltale sign that she's just as eager to take things further. "I thought you'd never ask," she says playfully, pushing me onto the bed and climbing on top of me with a wicked grin.

I let out a low growl, my hands finding their way to her hips as I grind against her, letting her feel exactly how much I want her right now. Mia moans softly in response, her head tilting back slightly as she gives herself over to the sensations coursing through her body.

But I need more, to taste her, to feel every inch of her silken skin, and to hear those breathless sounds she makes when she's completely lost in pleasure. I flip us over so that Mia is now beneath me, her hair fanning out across the pillows like a halo.

"Too many clothes," I murmur against her neck, my hands already working to remove her blouse and unhook her bra. Mia arches her back, her nipples hardening as they're exposed to the cool air of our bedroom.

I take one pert bud into my mouth, swirling my tongue around it before gently biting down, eliciting a gasp from Mia's lips. Her fingers tangle in my hair, holding me against her as I continue my assault on her breasts, switching between each one until she's squirming beneath me, desperate for more.

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