“Don’t. You look perfect.” Elliot links my fingers with his and brings my hand to his lips. “If I didn’t think you’d enjoy their company, I would’ve turned down the invitation.” His warm breath is on my skin, sending shivers up my arm. “If you don’t relax, I’m going to drag you into a bathroom and finger you until you come a few times.”
My face heats. “Elliot!”
“Nothing like a few orgasms to loosen someone up.” He kisses my knuckles, then lets go and opens the door for me.
“You are awful.” But I’m fighting a smile as I say it.
“Gavin wouldn’t mind. Trust me. He’d probably take the opportunity to seduce his wife. He’s totally whipped.” He puts a hand to the small of my back. The gesture is ineffably possessive and protective as he leads me to the main door.
It opens before we reach it, and a woman smiles. Her dark hair is pulled back in a no-nonsense bun, and she’s wearing a white polo shirt and khakis. “Welcome, Mr. Elliot.”
“Hello, Luna. This is my wife Belle.”
“Hello, Ms. Belle,” she says. “Amandine says she’s sorry she can’t come, but she’s resting in the living room. I think she’s a bit tired. Jeremy has been very energetic today.”
“No problem,” Elliot says. He hands her the wines and chocolate in a glossy paper bag, and she takes our gifts and leads us in.
We follow the housekeeper. Everything inside is spotless and gleaming from the chandeliers to the marble and hardwood floor. Every nook and cranny we pass has fresh flowers. The mansion is redolent with their rich scent.
The living room is spacious with huge windows facing the pool and garden. A slim blonde sits in one of the dark leather couches, her feet up on a matching ottoman. Her shiny hair is pulled in a sleek ponytail, and the light makeup on her face highlights her cheekbones and even features. The sleeveless green dress is loose with an empire waist, the soft material draping over a baby bump.
She smiles at the sight of us and gets up. “Sorry you have to see me like this,” she says. “I’m so drained.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Elliot gives her a quick hug. “This is my wife, Belle. Belle, Amandine Lloyd.”
“How do you do?” We shake hands. “Thank you for the invitation. You have a lovely home.”
“Thanks, but you haven’t seen the Lego blocks littering the place. Jeremy’s determined to build a castle big enough for him and his baby sibling.” Her palm rests on her belly briefly.
“How much has he gotten done?”
“Not much,” Amandine admits. “But he won’t let us touch his ‘construction material.’ Apparently the Lord of the Castle needs no interference from those not in his clan.” Even as she shakes her head, a smile lights up her face. “Would you like something to drink? Gavin decanted a bottle he got from Mark. It’s supposed to be very good, not that I’ll get to have any. He swears he’s going to get another after I have the baby, but he’s apparently forgotten that I won’t be able to drink when I’m nursing either.” She turns to me. “Or we could just have dinner. It’s already after six anyway. Jeremy’s had his meal, and Luna’s going to put him to sleep before leaving. It’ll just be the four of us.”
“That sounds great,” I say, even though I wonder where Gavin is. I haven’t seen the man at all.
“I want to say hello to Jeremy before he goes to bed,” Elliot says.
“Luna’s probably about to wash him right now,” Amandine says. “Upstairs.”
“I know where it is.” He glances at me, and I give him a slight nod. He takes off.
“Elliot is incorrigible,” Amandine says brightly. “I’m pretty sure he smuggled in some toys for Jeremy.”
I laugh. “I didn’t notice any.”
“Oh, he’s extra sneaky, but he always brings something special to spoil my son.” Her tone is soft with fondness. “He loves children. I’m sure he’ll make a great father when the time comes.”
I flush. “I’m sure.” The idea of having a baby with Elliot… No way. We already agreed to no kids. Talk about complicating things!
And there are my misgivings—mainly, I’m not sure if I’ll make a decent mom.
“I should go get Gavin, let him know you’re here.” She puts a hand on her lower back with a wince.
I rush forward to support her. “Why don’t you sit down? I can go get him.”
“Sorry. I think I pulled something earlier when I was playing with Jeremy.”
“It’s fine. Where is he?”