We haven’t discussed that conversation again, but I’m going to tell her how I really feel about her soon. Maybe even later tonight.
It’s a Saturday night and we’re getting ready for the annual winter holiday party at Halcyon. All employees and family are invited. Hell, Winston even invited Charlotte’s family and the majority of them are coming, save for her youngest brother who’s still in school.
Her parents are showing up, which is major. Something I warned my wife about a few days ago, after Winston’s assistant let me know that they RSVP’d. I’m not about to let her come upon her parents at the party unprepared. I’m not that cruel.
I’m standing in front of the mirror in my rarely-used bedroom, buttoning up my light gray dress shirt when my wife strides into the room.
“I have a tie for you to wear. It matches my dress,” she announces as she heads toward me.
My gaze snags on her in the mirror and I swear to God, my heart fucking stops. She’s absolutely stunning in a red strapless dress. It molds to her body perfectly, showing off her smooth skin and of course, the skirt is short. I can’t stop looking at her legs.
“What the hell are you wearing?” I practically growl.
She stands next to me at the dresser, checking herself out in the mirror, her eyes wide and full of mock innocence. “You don’t like it?”
I realize the fabric is covered entirely with red sequins, and they catch the light with her every movement. Even when she’s breathing, they twinkle and shine. Her tits look barely restrained, as if they’ll pop out at any moment and I turn to face her, really taking her in.
“I love it,” I admit gruffly. “That dress should be illegal.”
“I’m too exposed, aren’t I?” She faces the mirror, her bottom lip caught between her teeth as she contemplates the dress. “I don’t normally go for strapless, but I was feeling daring. Maybe it’s too much.”
It’s definitely too much, but I don’t say that, because she’s insecure and I want my wife to feel strong.
Beautiful.
“It’s not too much.” I move to stand behind her, watching as she sets the tie she was holding on top of the dresser. I rest my hands on her silky-smooth shoulders, caressing her there. She tilts her head to the side, watching me touch her. “You look fucking gorgeous.”
“Is it too sexy?” The question is laden with worry.
“So fucking sexy,” I say, letting my approval shine. I lean in, brushing her golden hair to the side so I can press my lips against her neck. “I’ll be proud to walk into the party tonight with you by my side.”
Her smile is faint as I wrap my arm around her middle, and she settles her hand over mine. “I figured this could be my last hurrah before I get fat with a baby.”
“You’ll never be fat.” I lift away from her neck to kiss her temple, careful not to mess with her hair. “You’ll be full of my baby.”
Those possessive feelings wash over me, the same ones that always do when I’m with my wife. Can’t wait to see her belly grow with our child. I’m going to be proud as hell, walking around with her on my arm, knowing I’m the one who did that to her.
“Such a caveman,” she murmurs, studying our reflection. “You put that tie on and we’ll match perfectly.”
“We match pretty well already.” I can’t wait to show her off tonight. To our employees, our business associates, our families. Celebrating our year, and the holiday season. It’s the one party Winston goes all out for and he spares no expense.
Helps that it’s our mother’s favorite party as well and she pushes Winston to spendallthe money to ensure it’s a lavish affair.
Charlotte eventually pulls out of my embrace and reaches for the tie, turning to face me. “Want me to put it on?” She raises her brows.
“Please.”
I like it when my wife makes a fuss over me. She loops the tie around my neck, tucking it under my collar and tugging so the ends are even before she starts to put it together. I lift my chin, giving her room as I smile down at her. When she’s finished, she steps away, looking pleased with the results.
“You look good.”
“So do you.”
I’m filled with the sudden urge to bail on the party. Keep her at home, where she’s safe. She’s laid low the last couple of weeks because of McStalker and lucky for him, he hasn’t come back around. Yet again, he’s gone off the grid like a ghost. I don’t know who’s protecting that asshole, but it’s working. We’ve not had a single sighting since the time Myron’s inept son spotted him near the Halcyon building and promptly lost his ass.
Wait, I lied. We know who’s protecting him—the Morellis. I wanted to march into the Morelli mansion last week and demand to know where he’s at, but Winston wouldn’t let me.
More like he talked me out of it, but the plan still lingers in my brain, just dying to turn it into reality.