Page 94 of The Husband Diet
I slowly eased myself out of the tangle of my kids and then Julian brought Warren upstairs while I placed Maddy in her bed, my love fiercely gushing out of every pore. I’d kill anyone who hurt them.
I sat there for a few moments until Julian came back from Warren’s bedroom, then I crept downstairs into the kitchen and away from Julian. My face was hot and I was trembling. Julian’s presence in the house was reassuring me, but his nearness was overwhelming. I felt drawn to him like no one ever before. I wanted to reach out and touch him, smell the shampoo scent of his hair, touch the tautness of his skin. I wanted him to put his arms around me and tell me everything was going to be alright, becausehewas here.
There was no denying it. I wanted him to be my man for good. I wanted him to be part of my Tuscan dream.
Julian took my empty mug from my fingers and set it on the counter and before I knew what was happening, he pulled me into his arms. I felt the stubble of his face against my cheek, and my body and soul filled with so much longing, I moaned. He pulled me closer and I wrapped my arms around him, my hands climbing up his back, gripping his shoulder blades. The feel of his strong, lean frame against mine was so invigorating, and it scared me, the way my body reacted. Like never before.
He stroked the back of my head and neck, and I could hear his breathing, feel the warmth of it against the side of my face.
‘You’re so brave, Erica,’ he whispered, his voice deep, hoarse. Breathless, almost.
‘Whatareyou talking about? I’m a total loser. Can’t you see the mess my life is?’
He put his hands on my shoulders and looked down at me in surprise. ‘No. I see a strong woman whose kids love her to pieces because she’s a wonderful mother,’ he said softly. ‘I see a kick-ass manager who makes things work. And a sexy, intelligent woman. And the way you faced Ira – I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t have cowered in a corner, but you… you are amazing and I…’ Then he went silent, busying himself with our coffees.
I rubbed my face against his chest and he squeezed my shoulders, his eyes hooded, then turned to the coffees again. I had to hand it to him. He was a real gentleman. I knew he wanted to take this further, but he respected the situation I was in. Later, once we were all settled, I’d show him exactly how grateful I was.
‘You’re the amazing one,’ I said finally. ‘And so was your meal. You and Paul could rival Le Tre Donne.’
‘You’re my teacher. You know, we should ditch our jobs and open an Italian restaurant somewhere,’ he whispered, and I felt my cheeks go hot.
Now would have been the perfect time to investigate.
The coffeemaker pinged and he poured me a cup.
‘Thank you,’ I whispered as he handed me a full mug. ‘What you did today – you saved our lives. Ira could have seriously hurt you as well.’
‘Well, he didn’t, and you won’t have to be afraid anymore. Now, you’re free of him.’
Free. I’d never be totally free until I landed on Italian soil. And until I could confess my Italian desires to Julian.
34
Carpe Diem
Morning caught me unprepared. I opened my eyes to find myself on the sofa – in Julian’s arms under a throw, his lips against my temple, his body hot against mine. Would I never tire of this man?
‘Morning,’ he murmured, his voice languid, caressing me just as languidly, and just like that, I wanted him, right here, right now.
Here was our chance. It was early and all was quiet. I shifted so I was straddling him. Ooh, that felt nice.
‘Morning, your highness,’ I whispered with a giggle. ‘Or should I say your hardness?’
‘Kids are fast asleep,’ he informed me, kissing my lips. ‘Come here,’ he rasped as he grabbed my hips and placed me on his…
‘Ah…’ I moaned. ‘That’s… that’sgood…’
‘Perfect fit,’ he moaned back as he removed our clothes under the throw, his mouth bending to my bare breasts, and I gripped his shoulders.
And we took each other home in record time. Fast (that was a first), hard, urgent. I loved it. I loved any way we did it.
‘Mommy?’ came Maddy’s voice from somewhere at the back of my consciousness.
I turned and threw on my jeans and T-shirt before she made it downstairs. That had been close. The kid was already scarred for life – the last thing she needed to see was her mommy buck naked lying on the sofa with her principal.
‘Yes, sweetie?’ I whispered.
‘Warren’s wet his bed,’ she whispered back.
