Page 119 of His to Have
But now, I couldn’t imagine spending a single day without him in our home, in our bed, or in my life...fully.
I finished arranging the petals, positioning each one of them in a way that highlighted their beauty, before feeling a firm but familiar hand on my ass. It landed with a solid but gentle thump, making me yelp.
“Teo!” I gasped breathlessly, spinning around to find him already at Rosa’s carefully arranged appetizer spread.
“Shouldn’t have had that ass poking out. You know I can’t resist. You’re irresistible.” He winked, looking over the multiple charcuterie boards arranged on the back counter for my guests.
I’d thought of everything — chocolate desserts, fruits, a deli meat platter, and savory cheeses. All meant to complement the wine for them and juice for me. When his gaze landed on the baked goods and fruit, he picked up one brownie and a handful of strawberries, then took a bite of the chocolate goodness. He chewed slowly, those light hazels holding me captive.
“Those are for Tasha and Sophia,” I said softly, trying to sound stern even as heat pooled low in my belly from the way he looked at me... devouring me with his gaze.
“Mmm,” he hummed, swallowing before closing the distance between us. “Rosa made extras.” His lips found mine in a long and delicious kiss that tasted like chocolate and a carnal promise. “They won’t miss one.”
Before I could argue further, he was already backing away, grabbing the two bags of ice he likely came to the kitchen in the first place. Without a second thought, he was returning down the hall to his game room with his friends.
Licking my lips, the corner of my mouth lifted into a lustful expression. They were still sweet from his kiss. And I was warm from his touch. Every day, this man finds new ways to make my heart flutter and my knees weak. One touch from him and I wasn’t entirely sure I was up for company. I loved my best friend and sister-in-law, but hopping on my man’s dick seemed like a more suitable activity.
The doorbell rang again, this time with more insistence, reminding me someone was at my front door. As much as I wanted to follow behind my husband, I ignored the urge andturned towards the door. By the time I’d reached the foyer, our house manager was moving down the hallway from the garden.
“I’ll get it, Rosa.”
“Sí, Mrs. Donatelli. I’ll finish setting up the terrace for your guests.” She smiled, stepping back into the garden, where I planned on entertaining for the afternoon.
I’d finally gotten around to adding my personal touches to the house, making it feel more like our home, instead of the blank canvas Teo had before I moved in. The gardens had been my first project, choosing a stylish wraparound sofa and cushioned chairs to surround the beautiful stone fountain.
I reached the front door and swung it open, and before I could even get a word out, a familiar shriek filled the air.
“Yanna!”
I barely had time to brace myself before Tasha launched herself at me, wrapping me in a huge bear hug. I laughed, stumbling back a step as I caught her, both of us giggling like teenagers who hadn’t seen each other in ages.
“Oh my God. Look at you. Glowing. Marriage looks good on you, friend.”
“Thank you,” I grinned, feeling my cheeks warm. Blushing was my natural reaction these days. “And you, look at you! I swear you get more gorgeous every time I see you.”
And she was... effortlessly beautiful. Even now, dressed down in denim shorts, a crop top, and her oversized shades, she looked real regal. Like one of our icons from the early nineties.
“Stop it,” Tasha waved a hand playfully, but still doing a little twirl and curtsy. Like I was some kind of royalty she was presenting herself to.
I giggled. “Girl, you are so silly. Come on in here. Sophia should be here in a minute.”
I led her through the expansive foyer, down the hallway, and out the French doors that opened into the garden. “We’re just out here.”
The afternoon sunlight poured through the trees, and the vibrant array of flowers I had meticulously arranged as we stepped onto the covered terrace. Tasha let out an appreciative sigh as she took in the scene, her eyes wide, and admiring.
“Wow, Yanna, this is stunning! You really outdid yourself.”
The appreciative smile I gave her was full of pride. I knew from the moment I stepped onto this veranda that I would make this someplace peaceful and welcoming. After the stressful days Teo could have, and the long days I had managing two boutiques, I wanted to have someplace we both could come and just be. It wasn’t his parents’ garden of sanctuary, but it was ours... and just as serene.
My phone buzzed with a security alert just as Tasha was settling into one of the cushioned chairs. I glanced at the screen and smiled at my sister-in-law blazing through the gate. This place was still like Fort Knox, a quality I appreciated more and more these days. But certain people always had the privilege of easy access. Sophia was one of those people.
“Actually, that’s Sophia at the gate now,” I said, pivoting on my heels. “Make yourself comfortable. There’s wine chilling in that ice bucket, and help yourself to anything Rosa brought out.”
“Don’t worry about me.” She waved me off, leaning up to grab a wine glass and then the wine bottle.
Stepping back through the double doors, I once again opened my front door to greet my sister-in-law with a warm hug.
“Sorry I’m late!” she called out breathless, like she’d been running. “Traffic was absolutely ridiculous. And then...” She rolled her eyes. “You know what? Never mind. I will not complain about my hellish day... or about the man-child I’ve been dealing with.”
