by Girard, Dara
"When we love, it consumes us, seeps into our smallest vein. But there's no reason to be ashamed, because we're both strong enough to accept and cherish the gift from each other. We will never use it to hurt." She kissed his forehead. "Therefore you have nothing to fear. Because any time you fall it will always be into my arms." Her mouth swooped down to capture his. He surrendered willingly, his body eager and open to her, her body ready to honor him, adore him, please him. As their moment together slipped into the night he learned that love was not a weakness and that it took the greatest courage to trust.
* * *
Later, they lay together on the couch wrapped in a blanket, their bodies languid with pleasure. Adriana rested her chin on his chest and looked at Eric. His eyes were closed, but she knew he was awake. "What does KSY stand for?"
"Keith Simon Yothers." He opened his eyes. "Why?"
"Your story was clever except when you said, 'I spoke with Keith.' My brother's spoken to a lot of people and always ended up bloody afterward."
"I didn't touch him."
"I'm glad. I liked his face."
They fell silent. A bus rumbled past, pigeons cooed outside the window, and something scurried through the grass. Adriana looked around at all of Eric's plants and felt as though she had found her own private Eden.
"I think it would be beneficial to get married," he said.
Adriana shut her eyes and fell face forward on his chest. "Oh, Eric," she said, disappointed.
"What?"
She turned on her cheek. "I imagined the ways you would propose to me, even the boring ones, but that was the worst. It's so horrible I can't repeat it."
"I want you to marry me."
"That's a bit better. However, that's not how we agreed a proposal should go."
He sat up and lifted her in his arms. His eyes captured hers. "I love you."
Joy fluttered through her, tears glistened in her eyes. He was completely hers, the ice was gone.
"You're going to cry?"
"No." She cupped his chin. "That wasn't a proposal."
"I just wanted you to know."
"Thank you." She waited.
He looked at her.
"Eric," she warned.
He smiled. "I wanted to see how long you would wait."
She jumped to her feet and began to dress.
"Will you marry me?"
She sent him a glance and slipped into her shoes.
His smile fell. "I was only teasing, don't be angry."
She pulled on her coat and opened the door.
He grabbed her wrist. "Adriana, wait. It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment thing. I've been waiting to ask you." He pulled a small box from a flowerpot and opened it. Inside was a band with an emerald, a ruby, and a diamond. "I chose the emerald and ruby because I fell in love with you Christmas Eve. I know we'll have our differences but I'd like you to be my wife."
She closed the door and slipped the ring on her finger. She looked at him and winked. "The answer is yes."
He snapped the box closed, recognizing her ploy. "You're a wicked woman."
"Just what a bad boy deserves." She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
* * *
The spring morning crept into her room with the promise of a fresh new day. Adriana stretched her arms and turned to the empty space beside her. She could still smell Eric's scent on the sheets. She looked at the ring on her finger in wonder. It had been three weeks and the sight still made her feel giddy. No weight or burden came with the symbol of devotion, just love and commitment.
She looked at Elissa, who sat on the ottoman looking smug.
Adriana made a face. "I know you're a cat, but you don't need to look so pleased with yourself."
Elissa blinked.
She put on a robe and slippers, then checked on Nina, who was still asleep, clutching the pendant Eric had given her—two spiders on a rose. Adriana thought it was a rather creepy gift, but wisely said nothing when Eric had wrapped it around Nina's neck. She watched them share a mischievous look, but instead of feeling excluded she felt proud of their special bond. Already they were planning what their new place would be like. Adriana wasn't picky as long as there was plenty of closet space.
She headed for the kitchen and opened a cupboard. She stopped when she heard city sounds, seeping through an open window. She went to the living room and saw Eric fully dressed, standing on the balcony. His hands rested on the railing.
She went up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Congratulations."
"You're right. The view is nice."
She stood beside him and looked down. "Yes."
He paused. "So you won't mind living out here?"
She turned to him, alarmed. "Why?"
"Because I can't move."
She glanced down at his hands. His knuckles were pale. She bit her lip to keep from grinning.
His jaw twitched. "Go ahead and laugh."
"I love you too much to laugh at you." She sat on the rail. "I could do my little trick again."
"Don't you dare."
She swung one leg over.
He narrowed his eyes. "You promised."
She sighed and stood. "You're right." She ducked into the circle of his arms and looked up at him. He didn't meet her gaze. She could feel his shame. "It's going to be okay." She hugged him, her head resting against his chest. She abruptly let go, stunned. "I didn't realize you were terrified. Your heart is racing."
His mouth twitched. "No, that's your fault."
She giggled, pleased. "Oh." She tilted her head. "Then that's strange."
"What?"
"Why would you hold on to the railing, when you can hold on to me?"
His gaze went to her face, his eyes melted into hers. "You're right." He kissed her with his eyes and then his lips, all fears of falling dissipating into a feeling so strong he felt he could fly. He let go and gathered her in his arms.
The End
National bestselling author Dara Girard, began her writing career at the age of six with a ball point pen and her mother's diary. Fortunately, her mother loved the story so much her daughter escaped punishment. Writing on the walls, however, got her grounded. Dara is the author of more than sixteen novels including The Sapphire Pendant, The Daughters of Winston Barnett, All I Want is You and Beneath the Covers. She loves to travel, eat French pastries and hear from readers.
Visit www.daragirard.com to contact the author and find out more about her current and upcoming books.
Table of Contents
Cover
A note from Dara Girard
The Henson Brothers: Book 1 - Table for Two
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Epilogue
The Henson Brothers: Book 2 – Gaining Interest
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Meet the Author
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