Page 134 of I’m Already Gone

A blissful smile stretches across my face. “It’s so beautiful, Ethan.” I press a kiss to his jawline.

Above the bed, plump, heart-shaped balloons in shades of purple and white bob gently, mirroring the smaller clusters that float on the bedside tables.

“There’s sparkling juice and chocolate-covered strawberries if you’re in the mood,” he suggests, carefully guiding me to the comfy chair situated across from the bed. He kneels before me, his hands warm as he cradles my aching feet, slowly removing my heels. A sigh of relief escapes my lips, prompting a soft chuckle from him.

“I want to, but I’m not sure I can,” I admit reluctantly.

“That’s okay, Lily,” he reassures me, settling onto the floor with my feet resting comfortably in his lap. He begins to gently massage them. “We don’t have to do anything tonight. If you want a warm bath, we’ll take one. If you want to sleep in your dress, we can do that too. Whatever you wish.” His soothing touch makes me smile, and I lean down to kiss him.

“It’s amusing that you keep saying ‘we,’” I tease.

He grins, that charming smirk of his lighting up his face. “Well, wherever you go, I go.”

I lean back, basking in his comforting presence. “I want to make love to you on the beach,” I say, almost mischievously.

His hands freeze mid-rub. I glance down to see a mix of disbelief and surprise on his handsome face.

“What? You wa-want to have s-sex?” he stammers.

“Yes, Ethan. It’s our wedding night. Why wouldn’t I want to?”

He swallows hard. “But you hardly ate anything...”

“I was saving my energy for tonight.” My eyes flit over to the bag near the door, an impish grin forming.

“What’s that?” he asks.

I respond cheekily, “Something we’re taking with us.” I slip my feet from his lap and notice the undeniable bulge in his pants.

I smile triumphantly.

“Come on, let’s go,” I urge, slowly rising to my feet and moving toward the door.

I glance back and see him still sitting on the floor. “Are you coming or what? Or should I grab my dildo⁠—”

Before the last syllable can escape my lips, he is on his feet, a blur of motion, as if a firecracker was ignited beneath his ass. His eyes blazing with arousal, he storms toward me, a primal growl rumbling in his chest. I yelp, a thrill of excitement coursing through me.

Tonight is ours, and I can’t wait to embrace every moment.

Ethan turns to me, his arms resting on the steering wheel. “You sure about this, Sunshine?”

“Yes, I’m sure,” I say, already reaching for the door handle.

“Hold on a second,” he says. “I’ll help you down.”

He springs out of the truck and is at my side in an instant. With a warm smile, he takes my hand and helps me navigate the awkward step down until my bare feet finally sink into the sand.

He slings my bag over his shoulder and intertwines his fingers with mine, giving them a reassuring squeeze.

We weave our way around the rocks until we reach our destination, our pocket of privacy where the only audience is the endless ocean. He drops the bag, pulling out the thick blanket and spreading it in a corner formed by the rocks.

A soft breeze, carrying the taste of salt, sweeps across my face. I close my eyes, letting the sound of the waves wash over me.

“Lily?”

I open my eyes to see Ethan standing in front of me, his gaze intense. “Are you ready?” he asks.

I nod. “Yes.”