by Frost, Sosie
“What changed?”
“Everything. I grew up in such struggle—sickness and mourning and addictions. When my sister died, I believed family was a poison that would destroy everything and everyone it touched. So I rejected it. Dedicated my life to finding a purpose for myself outside of a home. But you showed me how wrong I was.”
My fingers grazed his cheek, and I savored every miracle of our touch. “I haven’t done anything. I’m still trying to figure this family thing out myself.”
“Not true. I spent so long bouncing from city to city, job to job. Always working. Always running.” He pulled me close and held me against his chest. “I never found anything that made me even a fraction as happy as you. You can give me what I’ve always wanted—a family, a baby, everything. And I want it, Kenza. I’m ready for it.”
His hand lowered, brushing over the growing baby. I threaded my fingers into his and willed the moment to last forever.
“I know you’re afraid to trust me,” he said. “But no matter what happens, you must know that you’re the most precious thing to me. I might not be everything you’ve wanted in a man, but I know damned well I can be everything you need in a partner. I’m just asking for a chance.”
He’d already won me over.
“I don’t know why I was so scared,” I whispered. “You were all I ever wanted, but I couldn’t admit it. Think I was too afraid to love someone because I thought it’d be betraying this ideal.” I gestured around the meeting room, the company, the fifty-years of history I’d tried to save. “But loving you isn’t a risk—not when you’re my safety net. You’re the one who would catch me if I fell…and I did. Hard. For you. And I am more than ready to start that life with you. We can make our own legacy. I don’t need the past anymore…not when I can make a future with you.”
Cameron was an impetuous man, but he was always prepared.
He pulled a red velvet box from his pocket and opened it, revealing the diamond ring inside.
“I found a use for that golden gown you designed,” he said. “Though I think it should be pure white.”
I squealed, bursting into tears and not caring in the slightest as he wrapped me in his arms. I clutched at his shoulders, laughing as I cried.
“Let me guess…you want a huge wedding—dignitaries, CEOs, movie stars.”
He hummed. “I was thinking of something small—my mother, your family. Just us. We can elope as soon as you make your dress.”
Nothing had ever sounded so perfect.
Cameron did start to squirm. “Maybe we can throw a party later. Just so I can have the chance to prove to the world that you were everything I’ve ever wanted. I can’t live without you, Kenza. I’ll never let you go.”
I stole the box, too impatient to wait for him.
“I’m all yours.” I thrust the ring onto my finger, too eager to offer him the words I feared I’d never get to say. “I love you.”
Epilogue
Mackenza
The fashion show was an unmitigated success.
Of course, wearing my own sundress and waddling down the runway had seemed a grand idea at the time. An easy way to promote Maxwell Intimates new line of maternity wear for the modest yet fashionable woman.
Thank God I’d designed my clothes to be relaxed because being eight-months pregnant sure as hell wasn’t comfortable in any type of clothing.
But the dress was cute, conservative, and convenient for the sixteen times I needed to use the bathroom during the event.
Of course, Cameron had been more than delighted to show me off the instant I rolled off the runway. Yes, he allowed me to take credit for the Renaissance in Maxwell Intimates’ design, but he took sole responsibility for my prominent baby bump.
The only thing better than showcasing my own clothing and delighting potential investors and stockholders?
Utilizing the greatest excuse the pregnancy had offered.
I’m so tired. I should really go and rest.
Those few words were as precious as gold to a newly wedded couple seeking any opportunity to slip away from a bustling fashion show after-party. Sure, I loved the lights, the live music, the gowns and dancing, and the biggest, most elaborate chocolate fountain this side of Wonka’s factory.
But all I really wanted was a peaceful, romantic night with my new husband.
The door closed behind us, enveloping us in a beautiful, modern penthouse surrounded with glass. The concierge had boasted of the room’s minimalistic style, which apparently meant none of the black leather furniture had arms.
Didn’t matter.
This was to be the beginning of our honeymoon. We’d be lucky to leave the bed.
Cameron captured me in his arms, kissing the golden band on my ring finger and moving up to nibble on my neck.
“I’ll miss you being pregnant,” he said. “I never have to stay at a party for longer than an hour.”
“It has its advantages.”
“I might just keep you this way.”
I giggled. “Pregnant?”
“Sure. Maybe we’ll try for a daughter the second go around?”
“The baby’s not even born yet.”
Cameron grinned. “And I can’t wait.”
That was the truth. The man had started bouncing off the walls, bursting at the seams with pride and excitement.
The only thing that interested him more?
Me.
…And the promise of a honeymoon. Stuck on the ground until the baby was born, but any adventure enthralled Cameron.
I booped his nose. “You’ve been such a good husband, waiting until after the fashion show to go on our trip. So…I have a surprise for you. But you have to wait here.”
Cameron hummed. “What a coincidence. I have a surprise for you too.”
“Is it dirty?”
“Of course.”
“I bet mine’s dirtier.”
“I hope to God it is.”
I snuck away, searching the dozen rooms in the damned penthouse to find one suitable bathroom. It wasn’t the master suite, but it was close enough. I slipped inside, dazzled by the unrepentant luxury of it all. Marrying Cameron Mitchell had come with perks, but I didn’t think I’d ever get used to the golden faucets, indoor Jacuzzis, or imported marble floors.
But that was the magic of Cameron.
I never knew what to expect. And neither did he.
Seemed that the most adventurous, challenging part of our lives had just begun.
And wait had been worth it.
I paused in front of the mirror, stripping down before grabbing the little bag I had packed between my business casual maternity wear and pajamas.
My body had changed.
Significantly.
But it was still beautiful. Maybe a few more stretch marks than I had anticipated, but that’s what made these months magical. It hadn’t mattered how much I changed, how big I got, or what would come next in our adventure. Cameron loved every inch of me.
I supposed it was time to reward that dedication.
I pulled the lingerie from the baggie. Cream. Just like he’d imagined.
I had to rework the lingerie though, adding an extra hook to the bra and creating a new, silken and sheer top to open over my rounded belly.
But the design worked.
He was right. I did feel sexy.
I tucked myself into a light robe, tying the edges tight, and slipped back into the penthouse. Soft jazz music played from what must’ve been the master suite. I followed it, peeking inside just as Cameron dimmed the lights to showcase the massive black glass fireplace tickling with flame.
He faced me in his own robe, brandishing a devilish smile.
“I think I’m going to like your surprise more,” he warned.
“I know you are.”
Before I lost my nerve, I faced him, untangling the rope’s belt and letting it fall to my feet. His soft intake of breath rewarded me with every confidence I needed to demand the kiss I had
been dying for all day.
He muttered over my lips, grimacing in his own embarrassment. “I really wish you had told me you were doing this.”
He opened his own robe, kicking it away.
I gasped, slamming my hand over my mouth before I laughed too hard.
The lacey, sheer material could not contain all of Cameron’s massive manhood, especially as his reaction to my lingerie had been…
Confidence-boosting.
He stood awkwardly, adjusting his weight back and forth.
“I wanted to do something special,” he laughed.
Special was not the word I would’ve used.
I cackled. “You’re wearing manties!”
“You’re a gifted artist, but these aren’t comfortable at all.”
“Really?” I twirled, delighting him with the sway of my own lingerie. “I don’t mind mine.”
“You look amazing.”
“Should’ve done this for you before.”
“You never had to do anything for me…” He hesitated. “Except tell me that you never, ever want to see me in these damned things again.”
“I appreciate the sentiment.”
“Hope you appreciate that I’m losing circulation.”
“Can’t have that…can we?”
He ripped the manties from his hips with a grunt. “No one will ever know that happened. And now…it’s your turn.”
His fingers traced my shoulder. My dark skin contrasted with the cream strap. He tugged on it, emboldened by how easily it fell over my arms.
“You know.” His eyes darkened. “I never realized how much lingerie got in the way…”
“I thought you liked it?”
“Not anymore.” His words growled with desire.
He aimed for me, slowly, deliberately slipping the material from my heated body. His lips traced where the silk had once caressed.
“I don’t want you wearing lingerie ever again,” he said.
“But what will I wear instead?”
“How about nothing?”
“So much for the Panty King.”
He laughed. “I will abdicate my claim to the crown just for you.”
“I’m honored.”
“Wonder what people will call me now?”
I slipped into his arms, shivering as his hands traced a delicious path over my trembling body.
“I know what I’ll call you,” I teased.
“What’s that?”
“Well, I used to call you all sorts of things. Prick. Jerk. Arrogant ass.”
“And I deserved them.”
Not so much anymore. I twisted my fingers in his and met his dizzying gaze.
“Now I can call you husband.” I smiled. “Love of my life. Or daddy-to-be.”
“I like all those names.”
Then he would really love this.
“But from now on?” I pulled him into a kiss. “I think I’ll just call you…perfect.”
THE END
Also by Sosie Frost
The Completed Payne Brothers Romances
Baby Daddy - Free!
Boyfrenemy
Wargasm
Sixty-Nine
Roughneck
Romeo
Free Romance!
Unforgettable
(A Stand Alone Amnesia Romance)
The Completed Touchdowns and Tiaras Series
Beauty And The Blitz - Free!
Love At First Down
Once Upon A Half-Time
Happily Ever All-Star
Standalone Romances
Sweetest Sin - A Forbidden Priest Romance
Hard - A Step-Brother Romance
Unforgettable - An Amnesia Romance
Bad Boy’s Redemption (Previously Bad Boy’s Revenge)
Bad Boy’s Bridesmaid
Now Available - Baby Daddy!
Looking for more binge-worthy romances?
Fall in love with the Payne Family!
Start the Completed Series for FREE!
Baby Daddy
Payne Brothers Romance #1
Remington Marshall is the kind of gorgeous who turns a smoldering glance into foreplay.
He’s the man of my dreams. The love of my life.
...And he’s the prick who burned down my family's barn.
But, suddenly, the sparks are rekindling between us.
He’s cocky. He’s sexy. And he’s returned home after five long years to take care of his two young nieces.
So, of course, I offer to help nanny the girls. After all, it's purely professional, right?
I should have known better.
When a man doesn’t deserve a second chance...
He’ll just steal a woman’s heart.
FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
Click Here!
About the Author
I have more ways than EVER to stay in touch!
Facebook, Email, Texts!
You can:
Join the Sosie Frost Facebook Group
Love those steamy romantic comedies?
This is the place for you!
Ebook giveaway every Tuesday!
* * *
You can also
Join my mailing list!
I’ll email you as soon as a new book is available!
(1-2 emails a month and only when I have a new release!)
* * *
But the BEST way to stay in contact is via text message!
You can also receive a text message when a new book is live!
Text: SOSIE
to
245-87
Subscribe to text message alerts! Get a text right to your phone! No more wading through all those author emails that clog your inbox. Never miss one of my books again!
I’ll only text when a new book is released!
(No more than one or two times a month)
And
You can always email me at:
[email protected]
