Page 85 of The Wedding Crush

Except, those annoying little ellipses keep bouncing the rest of the drive to my house. Through Monica’s suggestiveTell him to come take care of you tonight, and still half an hour after that. So, imagine how embarrassed I feel with my phone glued to my hand, refreshing the message for the umpteenth time, when my doorbell rings, and it’s a tall, super sexy and sweet silver fox holding his version of my Fix-it Kit.

“I didn’t mean to make you feel like you had to come all the way over here. I’m fine.”

I’m wedged in my doorway, torn between wishing I’d picked up Ace’s toys and straightened the sofa pillows, and yanking him inside.

Stefano tilts his head, smiling.

“You’re not well, so I’m here to take care of you. You never have to ask me, Avery,” he says as if that’s just an unwritten rule, and not the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.

My heart jackhammers against my ribs as I step aside, opening the door wider for him to enter.

He presses a soft kiss to my cheek on his way inside.

As soon as he reaches the kitchen, he gets to work, unloading the reusable grocery tote.

“All right, we’ve got chicken noodle soup from Bramoso’s, ginger ale, and a little vitamin C. We’ve got to get those immune cells operating on all cylinders again.” He tosses me an adorably boyish wink. “For entertainment, I’ve got my Get Well Soon Movies playlist…”

I climb up on a barstool. “I’m sorry, what?”

He looks at me like he’s offended by my surprise.

“Listen, just because I’m a staunch businessman who values nicely cut suits and a great book, doesn’t mean I’m not a film connoisseur. I know my movies.”

A laugh twitches my lips, but I fan out a hand, giving him the floor.

“Please, enlighten me,” I say.

“Since I suspect you’re only humoring me because you’re under the weather, I’m going to give you five movies to choose from. Then, you’ll be relegated to the bedroom.” Stefano clamps his mouth shut at my hopeful expression. “To rest and recover,” he clarifies.

“Hey, a girl can wish.” I shrug.

We could’ve thrown a pillow over my head to shield him. I’ve heard of kinkier things.

His expression softens with amusement.

“For the record, as much as I’d love to pick up where we left off over the weekend, I’m here to tend to your health needs.” He grins. “We’ll take care of the rest once you’re feeling better.”

Slumping against the counter, I feign disappointment.

“If you say so.”

Stefano rounds the island, and plants himself between my knees. Tenderly, he tips my chin up to meet his stare. Every nerve ending on my body stands at attention as he drags his thumb over my lower lip.

“You’ve got no idea how fucking bad I need you right now,” he says.

Lord.

It’s the word “need” that makes it so sexy, though.

He doesn’t just want me. Heneedsto be with me, inside me, his lips trailing across my aching skin as we chase the feeling…

Ooh, Lord. Save me.

A shiver trembles down my spine.

“Okay, well, at least we know it’s mutual suffering.”

Stefano presses a petal-soft kiss to my forehead, laughing. “That it is, Pollyanna.” He leans forward again, then pauses inches from my lips. “Oh, I almost forgot, I’ve got one more thing in the bag.”

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