Chapter 33: Epilogue

Ian was aware the moment Alec stepped into the room. She paused and watched the news on the TV he’d forgotten he’d turned on. The news for the last three days had been about the twenty arrests that had taken place bringing a conspiracy to light. It was actually twenty-two and murder, but who was he to correct the reporters?

Her warm hands came to rest on his bare shoulders, it was one of those gestures that made him want to jump up and scream ‘yes!’ because she’d initiated it and it meant more to him than he could express that she was with him.

She leaned over his shoulder and lifted his tablet so she could see what he’d been doing. A job offer for him was on the screen. He’d just been about to decline it before she came out.

“You should take it,” she said softly next to his ear.

Reaching up, he placed his hand behind her head, to keep her there longer. “You’re telling me to go ahead and obtain classified details for this other company?” He lowered his arm, catching her hand and pulling her around beside him. Seeing her wearing a wrinkled t-shirt of his and nothing more made him smile. With a tug on her hand, she sat across his lap.

Wrapping her arm around his neck, she lifted his chin with the other one and stared into his eyes. “Would you have to sleep with anyone to get it?”

He watched her mouth for a moment as her tongue nervously licked a path over her lips. Looking back up at her eyes, he gave her a serious glare. “No.”

She leaned forward and kissed him lightly before releasing him. “Then go for it.” She flashed him a heart-stopping smile, “And if you happen across anything illegal you...”

Smiling, he ran his hand up her bare thigh. “Pass it onto you immediately?”

She kissed him again, lingering a little longer. “I knew you were a smart man.”

Clearing his throat, he pushed the carnal urges back for the moment. This was one thing he wanted irrevocable clarification on. “So, you’re okay if I have to leave town for a few days from time to time and work?”

Her fingers played with the back of his hair and she studied him. “I think I’ll manage.”

Pulling her so she rested completely against him, he nuzzled into her throat and hugged her. “You should move in here.” He hadn’t meant to just blurt it out like that, but it had been on the tip of his tongue for two days. Well, at least when he hadn’t been consumed with wanting her it had.

Alec straightened away and looked at him. “You’re sure? We’ve only known each other...”

He crushed her mouth in a deep kiss, to end her words. Pulling away, he noticed her eyes had clouded with that lustful look that drove him crazy. “I’m sure.” Smiling, he kissed her softly this time. “You could water my plants while I’m gone.”

She laughed quietly. “Ian, you don’t have any plants.”

Running his hand up her thigh once more, he gave her a sober look. “Maybe we should buy some.”

Her eyebrows shot up, a smirk on her lips. “You think we’re ready for that?” She blew out an exaggerated breath. “Having a living thing rely on you, that’s a pretty big step.” She shrugged. “You have to water it, talk to it...”

“Yeah, that’s a lot to take on.” Dropping the playful tone, he sought her eyes with his. “We’ll call it practice.”

“Practice?” Her voice was shaky.

Standing, he lifted her into his arms and kissed her gently. “For when the kids come along.” Turning, he headed toward the hall.

“Kids?” she squeaked. “As in plural? Licking along, her throat, he walked into the bedroom. “I think at least three,” he bit along her jaw, “all with your gorgeous hair and beautiful eyes...”

As he lowered her to the bed, she pulled him along by holding his neck. “What if I want them to have your black hair?” She was smiling now.

Leaning over her on his elbows, he looked down into her eyes and felt his heart start that now familiar tempo that only she controlled. “I will do my best to give you everything you want.” He kissed her softly. “So, I need a yes before we continue.”

“A yes?” Her breathing had already gotten heavier.

“Will you move in and water my plants?”

She grabbed his hair and pulled his mouth down to hers, “Yes.”

The End.