Page 66 of Breaking the Ice

He’s too adorable for words. I push up on my toes and kiss him again, because I can’t resist. Warmth licks across my skin when our lips meet. “No. But I can see that you’ve changed. I trust you.”

Evan skims his hands along my ribcage. “Just so you know, I haven’t noticed anyone since I laid eyes on you.”

“I—what?” That can’t be right.

“Since I first saw you outside the locker room that night. There’s been no one else.”

If I didn’t know him better, I might think it’s a line. But his actions have proven it, time and again.

I clear my throat. “Please, husband. Make love to me.”

His words are quiet, his eyes serious. “This is not a Christmas present thing, right? Like, not because you owe me or something?”

“I want to be with you.” I toy with the hair on the back of his neck. I love the way the short strands feel against my fingertips.

“Thank god.” Glancing heavenward, he picks me up and settles me underneath him on the bed. “I’m not sure I could have resisted you much longer.”

Evan tugs at the straps on my dress, exposing my shoulders. I’m torn between how much I want to be naked with him right this minute and how much I’m enjoying taking our time.

“Freckles,” he murmurs, kissing the ones across my collar bone and making me shiver. “I want to taste every single one.”

“By all means,” I tell him, panting slightly thanks to the things he’s doing with his tongue. My blood thrums with anticipation and lust. I can’t take it—I have to pull his mouth back up to mine in a searing kiss.

While his lips are distracted, I slip every button through its hole in his dress shirt and then peel it off of him. I revel in his body—his abs, bicep muscles, and the light dusting of hair sprinkled over his chest. I’ve seen it before, but now I have official permission to ogle and touch. I don’t hesitate, running my hands over his skin.

“That feels good,” he says, his voice rough with desire. “I want to make you feel good, too.”

“You do.” Standing, I shimmy out of my dress, gratified with the way his eyes light up.

“You’re the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen.”

I want to laugh or make a joke, but he’s staring at me like he’s serious, like he really believes that. And since he does, I let myself believe it, too.

The problem is, I’m not sure how I’m ever going to give this up. We can’t stay married…right?

Evan grabs my hand, pulling me back down on the bed next to him. I put my doubts out of my head and let myself enjoy my husband fully, even if I don’t know the answers to all my questions. We’re here together tonight, and that’s enough.

Chapter

Twenty-Nine

Evan: So what day works out best for everyone to celebrate Christmas?

Mom: I know you only have a few days to come home because of hockey. Beth’s schedule is always crazy at the hospital, but she and Ally have made themselves available for our family Christmas on the 24th.

Mom: But we are moving the location to the new lake place in South Haven.

Evan: Wow, that was fast.

Evan: Also, I’ll have to check and see what Isabella’s schedule is like.

Isabella: I know it’s a girls’ day tradition, but you’ll have Aunt Kate and all the cousins. You won’t even notice I’m not there.

Mom: I’ll definitely notice that my own daughter is missing!

Isabella: Evan only has a few days that he’s free, and his sister and her wife will be there. I haven’t met them yet. I really should go up to Michigan with him for Christmas.

Mom: Under normal circumstances, I’d agree, but it’s not like you’re really married. It’s just a PR thing, isn’t it?