Page 6 of Thresholds

If he makes it back intime.

I didn't say that. I didn't need to. I could tell from the furrow in Shannon's brow that she was thinking the samething.

"Remind me to set up the spare room for him," she added, setting her empty plate on the side table. "I can't remember the last time those sheets werechanged."

"No," I said flatly. "You're not changingsheets."

"Will, for fuck's sake, I'm not putting your brother in a questionably clean bed after he's been undercover in Russia for a short eternity," she cried. "You'd think I said I was going out back to dig up that boulder on the edge of the property or chop and stackwood."

"Please tell me those aren't actual items on your to-do list because I will lock you in thisroom."

"Please suck mydick."

We glared at each other for a long beat. I blinked first, and only because her breasts were screaming for my attention. With a finger curled around the strap of her camisole, I tugged it down until her nipples poppedfree.

"Hello, my pretties," I murmured against herskin.

"You're not going to distract me," she said as I dropped light kisses all over her chest. "Nothing is going to distract me today. I have a lot to do, you know. I'm hoping I can close sales on two of Riley's properties. It would be great to get them off the books, especially since they're such unique homes. But I haven't heard from the buyer's agent since yesterday morning. I don't know where the hell this guy went, but if I don't get a response this morning, I'm moving to backup offers. And then I'm working on something for Matt, and really hoping to finalize that today or tomorrow. Oh, and then there's a new project for Patrick. I need to move quickly on thatone."

"Tomorrow's Christmas Eve, Peanut. Time to close up shop for the holidays," I said, my lips on her breast and my palm on her belly. "And this littleswimmer."

"I'll close up shop when I'mready."

"I realize you're not familiar with the notion of vacations, Shannon, but this might be the time to learn," I said. I ran my tongue over her nipple and grinned when it pulled a needy cry from her. "It will make mehappy."

"When has that ever been my priority?" she asked,breathless.

I peeled off her camisole and tossed it to the floor. "There's a first time for everything,Peanut."

"Do we still have time to leave town?" she asked, grinning as she tugged my shirt off. "Maybe this is the year we make it to Mexico. If you go, I will definitely follow thistime."

"Too soon, Shannon," I said, shaking my head. "Too fucking soon." I nudged her legs apart but she snapped them shut. "What?"

"There's probably a Mesozoic forest growing down there," she argued, her face twisted in apout.

"There's not," I promised. I trailed my fingers along the smooth skin of her inner thigh as she went right on pouting. "And even if there was, I wouldn'tcare."

I gestured to the erection throbbing against my track pants asproof.

"Your standards need some work,Commando."

Impatient, I pulled her shorts down and tossed them aside. She didn't wear undies to bed, and that was the only gift I needed for Christmas, my birthday, our anniversary, and the Fourth of July. "My standards are exactly right," I murmured. I pressed my palm to her inner thigh, silently asking her to open for me. "Stop worrying about this, everything. Relax. You are perfect right now. Everything about you isperfect."

With a sigh, Shannon parted her legs. "If my water breaks and I go into labor, and you drown in amniotic fluid, you'll have only yourself toblame."

I glanced up at her, taking in the vinegary-sweet scowl on her face. "I'll remind you that I've survived far more harrowing experiences," I said. "I'll also remind you that I did this to you, and I can deal with the consequences." I reached up and ran my hand over the swell of her belly. "Now, let me take care ofyou."

Chapter Two

Matthew

Iwason my third home design of the morning when Lauren rolled over and wrapped her arms around mywaist.

"Why are you awake?" she mumbled into my side. "It's still darkout."

"That's December in Boston for you," I replied, still focused on nailing the look for this house. It was close but not there yet. I was going to get it there if it killed me. "The sun doesn't come out until seven in the morning, and it sets before fourthirty."

"But you're an early bird nonetheless," Laurensaid.

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