Page 177 of Huckleberry Hill
He wrapped his arms around me, low enough on my hips that he didn’t touch my injury. Declan placed his ear on my belly.
I sifted my fingers through his hair. “A little early to be feeling any kicks.”
“I’m listening for sounds of the ocean,” he teased. He turned his head and kissed my stomach. He dropped his arms and rose. “I miss sleeping next to you.”
“Me too,” I admitted.
He stepped closer and lowered his voice. “I miss having you against me in the middle of the night. I miss sliding my fingers into your panties and stroking you until you’re wet. I miss thrusting into you from behind, both of us half asleep but desperate for each other.”
I shivered and placed a hand on his chest. “I miss that too.”
He kissed me long and deep, his tongue touching mine. He kissed me until I was a drippy, needy mess and then he pulled back, his eyes dark with desire.
“Let’s put you to bed.”
“Stay with me,” I begged.
“Can’t,” he rasped. “Because I can’t keep my hands to myself, and you’re still hurt.”
Disappointment flashed across my face, but I nodded.
Tempest was already curled up in the center of my bed. We left the bathroom doors open in case she wanted to wander between us during the night.
Declan pulled back the covers and I eased into bed. He covered me and then kissed my forehead, my eyelids, and then my lips. “Can I get you anything else?”
“No, I’m good.” I paused.
“What is it?” he asked, taking a seat at the edge of the bed. “What’s got you thinking?”
“I’m so happy,” I whispered.
“And you’re terrified it’s all gonna go away?”
I nodded and set my hand on my stomach.
“Hadley, that’s not going to happen.” He smiled and lifted our hands and brought them to his lips.
Tears filled my eyes.
I sat up and Declan gathered me into his arms. I pressed my forehead to his chest, and clung to him. When my tears had abated, I pulled back and looked at him, sheepish.
“You okay?” He pushed the hair away from my face and tucked a strand behind my ear.
I bit my lip. “No.”
“No?”
“I’d be a lot better if you were in bed next to me,” I said, looking at him through a sweep of my lashes.
He sighed. “Like I’d ever say no to you. All right, bear snack, I’ll sleep in your bed. But if your father catches me in here, we might only have one child because he’ll make a gelding out of me.”
Sniggering, I shoved the covers down. He turned off the main light and gingerly felt his way to the bed. He climbed in and covered us. Tempest immediately moved up and under.
“Declan?” I murmured, my eyes drifting shut.
“Hmm?”
“How many children do you want?”
