really loved you.”
“Ouch. Just kick a man when he’s down.”
“I didn’t say that to hurt you. It’s just the unvarnished truth. And I don’t think you ever really loved me, either. It took me a long time to realize that, and even longer to accept it. Without that love, relationships can’t overcome the inevitable bumps in the road.”
“Sarah, you were always more than I deserved. I mean that. I hope you will forgive me.”
“I’d forgiven you long before I knew it. Now, how about some ice for that lip?”
It felt good to clear the air. She could put the past behind her without any regrets, and that could only benefit her relationship with Alex.
Adrian stayed for a couple of hours, nursing his lip, catching up on news. He was proud of what she’d accomplished, and happy to hear about Alex. When they parted, it was as cautious friends, but friends nonetheless.
Chapter 15
“Welcome to my home,” Sarah said as she opened the door. She was a little nervous, a ridiculous reaction.
Alex stepped through the front door, setting his luggage down and looking around. He first walked into her office and then crossed the foyer to enter the dining room. “It’s so . . . you. Elegant, tasteful, and warm. I love it, and I love you, Sarah.”
“Airport greetings leave something to be desired.” He grabbed the front waistband of her jeans and drew her to him. “Come here and let me give you a proper improper greeting.” He wrapped his hands around her neck and lowered his mouth to hers.
She hungrily returned the kiss, as he groaned and pulled her tighter against his body.
“Oh God, Sarah, how I’ve missed you. Let’s not do that again.”
Alex had been in California two and a half weeks, the longest they’d been apart since their reunion in July.
Before she could respond, he threw her over his shoulder like a conquering hero with his spoils, and carried her up the stairs. “I assume your bedroom is up here?” He turned left at the top of the stairs as if he knew which room was hers.
Sarah giggled like a smitten teenager as he tossed her onto the big four-poster bed. “Why, Mr. Fraser, it’s the middle of the afternoon,” she teased.
“All the better to see you, my dear,” he said, grinning wickedly. But as soon as he removed his T-shirt and crawled across the bed toward her, all playfulness fled.
The desire in his eyes scorched her skin like flames licking her body. He lowered his body to hers, nuzzling her neck, unbuttoning her blouse, his warm hands on her skin inflaming the passion.
He grabbed her wrists, cuffing them above her head. “Let me.” With each button he opened, he placed a kiss on the newly exposed skin. “I want to worship you.”
Gasping, Sarah arched her back to his caresses, reveling in his desire.
When her blouse lay open, he grazed his lips back up her body to nuzzle her neck and nibble her ear. “Sweet, sweet, Sarah, how I want you. All of you, heart, mind, body and soul. I’ll always want you,” he murmured against her skin. He lifted his face to hers. The love she heard in his voice was reflected in his deep brown eyes.
“I’m yours. Take all of me,” she whispered.
He lowered his lips to hers and the lonely weeks apart were all but forgotten in breathy sighs and throaty moans.
Stepping out of the shower, Sarah heard Alex answer her phone. She smiled to herself. There was something homey and comforting about it.
“This is Alex. Who the hell is this?” He paused for conversation on the other end of the line. She stepped out of the bathroom in time to see anger and surprise register on his face.
“Alex, who is it?”
“It’s Adrian.” He stalked over and thrust the phone at her as if he would have preferred to throw it.
“Oh.” Taking the phone, she watched as he walked over to the window, turning his back to her. “Hi Adrian—”
“Yes. That’s great news. I’m glad it was all just a misunderstanding—”
“Adrian, can I call you back later?”
“Yeah, that would be good. Thanks. Bye.”
Alex still had his back to her. “Your ex-husband came by yesterday? When were you planning on telling me?”
“I didn’t exactly get the chance. What was I supposed to do? Hi Alex, welcome to my home, and oh, by the way, my ex-husband dropped by yesterday?”
“Christ, Sarah.” He turned to face her, his brows drawn down in anger. “It would have been better