The oven dings.Guests will arrive any minute and I still need to get dressed. Raiden should be home by now. I brush away the sweat from my upper lip.
“Mom, can I have the iPad?” My six year old daughter, Elyssa comes sliding into the kitchen in her tights.
“Where are your shoes?”
“Under the tree.”
“Put them on, and scoot on out of here.” The oven mitt slides onto my hand. “It’s too hot in here.”
“But can I?” Her cornflower blue eyes widen. Tiny specks of gold line her irises just like her father’s. She presses her clasped hands in front of her party dress, and pouts her little cherry lips.
I roll my eyes, a smile stretching across my face. It’s so hard to say no to her. She’s a good kid and her blatant resemblance to her father usually renders me useless. Thank God Raiden has a stronger will. “Yes, but only until the party starts.”
“Yes!” She cheers and dashes out of the room before the last word leaves my mouth. With a sigh, I remove the dip from the oven. Of course, most of the party is catered but I like to put a little something out that I make myself, even if it pales in comparison.
The front door opens. A squeal sounds from the living room. “Daddy!” It never ceases to amaze me how much of a daddy’s girl Elyssa is. The two of them are inseparable, even if he possesses the stronger hand.
I put the dip on the counter, set down the oven mitt and head into the front room in time to see Elyssa jump in Raiden’s strong arms.
He snuggles into her long dark hair with his eyes closed. “How’s my little warrior princess?”
“Bored,” she says.
“Bored?” His finger presses against the tip of her nose. “I don’t believe you for a second. You have enough toys and games to fill a department store.” His gaze drifts to the sofa. “And it looks like you’ve also got Mommy’s iPad?” Elyssa nods her head, teeth sunk into her lower lip, suppressing a victorious smile.
Raiden’s eyes stretch to mine. Guilty as charged. I shrug, sinking my own bottom teeth into my lip. He sets down our daughter and makes his way over to me. “That’s a very naughty mommy.” Raiden’s lips, still cold from outside, press against mine. A chill washes over me. My center heats up, sending a wave of tingles between my legs. It’s unbelievable how much I still want my husband after nine years of marriage.
“When’s everyone arriving?”
“Right now.”
“Why aren’t you dressed?”
My eyes narrow. “Because someone had another party they insisted on attending before his own.”
“Who could that be?” He reaches around, giving my ass a playful tap.
“I wonder?” I gently push him away. “How’d it go?”
He grabs a carrot from the crudités tray. “I met one of the partners of the Barclay’s Center.”
“Sounds promising.”
“Especially considering they’re renovating their suites next year.”
“Sounds expensive.”
“Hopefully it will be.” He leans over and plants a kiss on my cheek. “Go upstairs and get dressed.”
“I’m going, I’m going!” I head up the stairs, thankful I’d picked out my dress ahead of time, and tried it on. No zipper mishaps tonight, thank you very much. I smile at the changes Raiden’s gone through. By learning to pick and choose what people and opportunities deserve his attention, he’s much happier and a lot less tired. Which leaves plenty of energy for the bedroom. I shiver just thinking about it.
The Christmas party tonight was my idea. It’s a win/win; I get to stay home and he gets to socialize. We’ve hosted a lot more parties and business dinners here since I moved in nearly ten years ago.
I slip into my dress and head downstairs just as the doorbell rings. Of course, Keisha and Andréa are the first to arrive, homemade cookies in hand. “Merry Christmas!” The scream in tandem, and even though I still see them every day at the library, it’s so good to see them dressed up and ready to party in our home.
Raiden takes their dishes and coats, then both women gravitate toward Elyssa, sitting with her and smothering her with attention, which she loves—another trait she’s inherited from her father. Raiden wraps his arms around me and kisses me when no one’s looking.
“You look gorgeous.” His soft lips brush against mine. “The most beautiful woman in the world.”
“I love you, you know that?” I look into his eyes, sparkling in the low, party lighting.
“Oh, I’m well aware.” He says, whispering into my ear. “I love you so much, it’s criminal.” His hardness presses against me, and I grow instantly wet. “I can’t stop thinking about all of the things I’m going to do to you once I get you alone.”
“It’ll have to wait,” I say, and grind up against him. “Right now we have to be social.” I plant a kiss on his smooth cheek, taking in his clean scent.
“I love watching you play hostess.” He pops another carrot into his mouth as I walk away, accentuating the sway of my hips in the process. It’s hard to believe this is my life. To think none of this would’ve happened if I weren’t working at the library is simply bonkers.
Soon the house is filled with guests. Business associates mix with friends and family. Everyone’s merry, cheerful and stuffed with food. I catch my husband’s eye across the room and raise my glass. Raiden matches my gesture and shoots me a wink. It’s corny, but he really does make me feel like the most gorgeous woman alive.
Thanks to Raiden, I finally believe in forever.