“Beth, I’m worried that we didn’t have our first date in a more romantic location, but since this is where it all started, then it had to be the start of the rest of our lives together. I love you more than I ever thought it was possible to love someone. My life was empty until you stormed into it. Please do me the honor of being my wife and the mother of my children. Also, please protect me from your sister’s threats for the rest of our lives.”
Nick pulled a ring box from his pocket. He opened the box, revealing a large princess-cut diamond ring sparkling against black velvet. He was looking at Beth as if his life depended on her answer.
Beth was crying, but she managed to nod her head, and then yelled, “Yes!” Nick slid the ring onto her finger and pulled her from the counter and into her arms. “I love you, Nick.” Beth sobbed as he twirled her in his arms.
When he placed her back on her feet, she pulled back and asked, “How in the world did you get Gray to give you his kitchen again?”
Nick laughed. “It wasn’t easy and I had to promise not to compromise the counters again. He said Suzy was going to the gym after work so she wouldn’t find out until it was too late. Apparently, she hasn’t forgiven us for our first ‘date’ in her kitchen.”
“Yeah, I still regret telling her that. She sure does hold a grudge.” Then, placing her arms around his neck, she said, “Of course, if that should happen again, I would never make the mistake of telling her.”
“Princess, I don’t think that’s a good idea . . .”
Beth pushed her body closer to his, running her hand down lightly and grazing his growing erection. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Ahhh, baby, don’t look at me like that. You know I have no control where you are concerned. We need to get out of here.”
“If Suzy is going to the gym, she’ll be a while. Where is Gray?”
Nick was having a hard time forming words with her hand stroking him through his slacks. “Ugh, drinks . . . client.”
“Perfect,” she purred.
“Ah, hell,” Nick moaned as he lifted her back to the counter. “If your sister ever finds out about this, I’m blaming it all on you.”
Beth choked on a laugh as Nick lifted her shirt and started to suck on a nipple through the thin fabric of her bra. All thoughts left her mind as they re-created their first coupling on her sister’s granite counter. It was hot and furious. The possibility of getting caught made the thrill even greater. When it was over, Nick collapsed against her while Beth leaned against the cabinets and panted.
“That was freaking amazing,” Nick wheezed.
Beth stroked her fingers through his thick hair, nodding her agreement. Who would have thought that what began in this kitchen would eventually bring them full circle here? When she had given in to her desire for Nick Merimon in this very spot, she never imagined that she would be the woman to tame the playboy. She had no doubt in her heart that he was completely hers, body and soul. What she ever did to deserve him, she didn’t know, but she liked to believe that one of the stars she had wished upon so long ago had finally heard her plea.
Nick shifted off her and helped her off the counter. “We’d better get it together and get out of here.” He pulled up his slacks and zipped them, leaving his dress shirt hanging out. He pulled Beth’s shirt down and helped her button her new maternity slacks. Beth knew that eating in a restaurant was no longer an option. It was going to be takeout. They both looked like they had just made out in the backseat of a car.
Giggling like teenagers, they walked out the kitchen door and ground to a stop as Suzy stood in front of them with her hands on her hips. Beth heard Nick groan as she gave her sister a sheepish grin. “I know you two horny goats didn’t just deface my kitchen yet again!”
“Well . . . we were just leaving your garage door opener,” Nick offered.
“Really? So you broke in and had sex in my kitchen so you could return it?”
“Not exactly. Gray knew we were coming so we didn’t break in,” he defended.
Beth winced, as Suzy’s voice got higher. “Gray said you could have sex in our kitchen?”
Nick looked at her and stepped back. “I’m sorry, princess, but I told you that this one was on you if we got caught, so good luck.”
Beth rolled her eyes as he stepped behind her. “Coward.” As Suzy glared daggers at them, the door slammed and Gray walked in. He appeared to assess the situation in one glance and gave a wry grin.
Suzy turned toward him with an innocent, sweet expression. “Baby?”
“Yes, dear?” Gray answered.
“Did you tell your brother that he could make out in our kitchen again?”
“Um . . . not exactly.”
Beth stepped forward and shoved her ring finger in her sister’s face. Since both men seemed to be terrified of her, she thought it was time for a distraction. Suzy’s mouth curved into a smile as she looked at the engagement ring.
“Well, I’ll be damned. I have no idea why you needed to return to the scene of the crime for this, but congratulations! Nicky, couldn’t you have at least taken my sister to a nice restaurant to propose?”