I’d get the chance to experience this again. I don’t take a single moment for granted.
I pull my feet up, tucking them under my thighs as I glance around the room at my family—at my husband, who’s so relaxed cooking and chatting among all the women. Through the windows behind me, I can hear Ellie and Kennedi jumping into the pool while Chance watches over them. For so long I held such a grudge toward that man. Now it makes me smile to see my best friend sneaking longing glances at him through the floor-to-ceiling windows when she thinks no one is watching.
Oh, but I’ve been watching. I’m the last to admit when she’s wrong, so this will remain between us, but I was mistaken about these two. My girl has finally met her match, a fact that gives me the warm fuzzies all over. No one is more deserving.
It’s growing dark by the time the dozens of tamales are steamed and ready for tomorrow’s party. After a hard day’s work, we stuff ourselves on the fruits of our labor, along with Mexican rice and refried beans.
Following dinner, Ellie and Kennedi take off to the Larsons, where they’ll remain until tomorrow evening after the shower. My weary family goes right to work tidying up the place.
I shoot Liam a look—one he is able to read instantly. I’m all peopled out for the day. My husband dutifully sends everyone home to get some rest, insistent we can handle the cleanup ourselves.
Finally, the house is quiet for the first time today. I find solace in the rhythmic motion of wiping down the countertops and cabinets while he handles the mountain of dishes.
By the time we’ve finished, all I want to do is fall into bed and shut my eyes. But it’s apparent my husband has other ideas when he comes out of our room with my yellow bikini dangling from his finger. “The heater’s still on in the pool…” His other hand scrubs over his bare chest, drawing my eyes to those well-defined pecs. His smile is so boyish and jovial while he rakes his blue orbs over my frame.
We haven’t had much alone time lately. The girls tend to hang out at our house most of the time now that it’s summer and warm enough to swim. Not to mention, this third trimester is kicking my ass. I’m usually asleep by the time Liam makes it to bed. He has to be feeling deprived, especially after such an active second trimester, although he’d never complain.
Despite my aching muscles and heavy lids, I plaster on a seductive smile and take the suit from his procured hand. “Be right back.” My laziness beckons as I rush past the lush king-sized bed, fighting the urge to bury myself in the mountain of pillows, on my way to the bathroom.
With haste, I don my swimsuit, my swollen breasts spilling out from all angles. Eventually I just stop tugging, accepting this fit is as good as it’ll get. I feel so insecure these days. Liam swears he doesn’t see the faint lines developing on my hips as my stomach stretches a little more with each passing day, but when I look at myself, it’s all I see.
How could anyone find this attractive?
After piling my hair into a bun, I shove my insecurities aside and head out to join my husband. He deserves a night of passion. This man does so much for me. I can give him that. I will give him that.
“Hot tamale!” Liam’s shout of approval greets me as I step through the back door, followed by an obnoxious cat-call that’s so my husband. He’s already waist deep in the pool and shaking his hips along to beat of the salsa music my father left playing on the surround sound.
Heat fills my cheeks. “You’re so embarrassing.”
“Who’s there to be embarrassed for? It’s just you and me, baby.” The next thing I know he’s reaching a hand below the water and coming up with his sopping wet shorts. They land with a plop on the cement beside me, drops of water splattering my legs.
I shake my head at his brazen move and start for the steps. Butterflies swarm in my chest as I wade into the water, both eager to touch him, and desperate to hide.
“You’re very naked.” Way to state the obvious, Nya.
Am I sexy or what?
Once I’m within reach, he pulls me close and my senses go haywire. His erect penis brushes my