A Friendly Arrangement

by Sarah Bates

  “I need you, Sami. I need you,” he murmured desperately.

  “Alex.” She cried out and then clamped her mouth over his, her legs tightening around him.

  He struggled to shift them, to make his movements more gentle when he felt her belly bump against his, but his need for her was so paramount that he wasn’t sure how much longer he would last if he didn’t get inside her. He gripped her hips tightly, his fingers curling around the band of her low cut panties.

  She watched him with heavy, darkly cloudy eyes as he sat up and slid the small swatch of silk completely free and then tossed it over his shoulder.

  Her lips parted and she let out a soft gasp when he lifted one of her feet and turned his face to rub his hot lips over the inside of her ankle. “Alex,”

  He moved his mouth up along her smooth calf, lingered along the inside of her knee, then she swallowed and gasped in surprise when he continued to move his mouth up along the inside of her thigh. “Alex,”

  She cried out and arched when he brought his mouth to her, and shuddered as he tasted her. She couldn’t speak, couldn’t do anything but cling to him as he brought her up higher along that sharp, glorious peak. Her whole body trembled as her muscles tightened, tightened, and then the world exploded and she came crashing down on tidal wave after tidal wave of pure molten ecstasy. Her breath escaped her in one loud, sharp cry and she bowed up.

  Alex shuddered over her response and he quickly moved up over her, crushing his mouth to hers. “Samantha,” he panted her name, his own body trembling as he took that one moment to steady them.

  “More,” she demanded, fisting her hands in his hair and wrapping her legs around him again. “Now. More, Alex.” He groaned, pressing his mouth to hers, tasting the eagerness, even the greed, as she sought his tongue with her own. He could do nothing but comply. In one move he pulled away from her and freed himself quickly of his clothes, tossing them over the edge of the bed, then he dragged her up and pulled her nightgown over her head and tossed that over, too. Their eyes met, and he took a deep, shuddering breath, then slowly lifted one of his hands to stroke her face. “Sami,”

  And just like that, the tone of their loving changed, softened, deepened, as he slowly lowered her down again, and somehow, they were both so much more aware of every gentle caress, every breath that caught and held, then released to blow whisper soft against heated, damp skin.

  She was a dream come true for him. Every curve, every dip of her body. He brought his gaze to hers, and felt content in the knowledge that she was his, for always.

  She saw the flicker of the raging inferno extinguish in his bright blue eyes to become a soft, lasting simmer, and reached up to stroke his hair. “Alex, if you don’t want,”

  But then he was shifting back over her, his arms braced on either side of her. “I want. I want, I want.” He dipped his head down and skimmed his lips over hers. “My Sami,” he whispered, pressing his face against hers. And then slowly, carefully, mindful of the little life growing inside her, he joined them.

  She gasped his name, and clung to him. Tears welled in her eyes and she squeezed them shut, wrapping herself completely around him as he loved her.

  Sometime later, once he’d finally regained some of his strength, he lifted a hand and stroked her long, smooth back, his hand sliding up to tangle into her long golden curls. Neither of them said anything for a long time after, each lost in their own thoughts.

  Finally, Samantha sighed and lifted her head from where she’d been resting it on his chest and met his gaze. She smiled softly and carefully stretched up to press a kiss to his chin. “I’m really not sure what to say,” she said softly, reaching up one of her hands to brush her fingertips over his face.

  “Me either,” he admitted. “Except that it’s never been that perfect before.”

  “Alex,”

  He looked to her when her voice trailed off, reached up to cup her face. “What is it, Sami?” he asked.

  She caught her lower lip between her teeth, then shifted and dragged the duvet up to cover herself some more. “I think I could get used to doing that,” she whispered, resting her head on his chest again.

  He grinned and rested his hand in her hair. “I think I could get used to doing it, too,” he told her. He lifted his head a little to look at her, and felt his body tighten in reaction to her again.

  “Alex?”

  “Yes?” He slid his hand down to rub her back gently.

  “I love you.” She lifted her head, and couldn’t stop from smiling when he did.

  “I love you, too.” He leaned up and kissed her softly, then shifted under her and slowly sat up. “I’m in your spot,” he explained when she frowned slightly. She dropped her head back and laughed, then moved over onto her side when he lifted himself up.

  When he lowered himself again he sat up straight and stretched his back, then glanced down at her, and smiled when he found her curled up all snuggly and comfortably in the deep pillows and blanket, her pale green eyes dreamy.

  “I’ll be right back,” he told her, leaning down to kiss her softly.

  She hummed in her throat and kissed him back warmly, then snuggled back into her cocoon of white duvet, her whole body wonderfully relaxed as she watched him swing his legs over the edge of their bed. Then he stood and stretched, and she purred in pleasure at the sight of him.

  He glanced over his shoulder and grinned at her, then strode naked out of their room. And laughed when he came back in a few minutes later with a small platter covered with chocolate dipped strawberries. “We missed dessert,” he told her, settling back down next to her. “Can’t let these go to waste, now can we?”

  “I suppose not,” she agreed, and took a small bite when he held a berry to her lips. She hummed in pleasure, tipped her head up to accept the kiss he bent to press to her lips.

  They lingered over the kiss for a moment, then he slowly pulled back and stroked her hair. “I love you.”

  She smiled and reached up to brush her fingertips over his cheek. “I like hearing you say that.”

  “I love you.” He smiled and kissed her again, then sat back and selected another berry to share with her.

  After they finished their dessert Alex rose to set the platter on his dresser, then he was beside her again, slipping his arms around her and holding her gently. “Sweet dreams, Sami,” he murmured through a yawn.

  She smiled sleepily and snuggled closer to him. “I don’t have any doubt they will be,” she murmured.

  * * *

  The next morning Alex woke Samantha up early, making love to her again as the first rays of sunlight came up over the horizon. As they lay tangled in each other, simply enjoying their new closeness Alex decided that they should do the whole tourist thing that day.

  Samantha pouted slightly at the idea of having to leave their bed, but he managed to convince her that they would have plenty of time that night to enjoy each other. And so, dressed comfortably, they headed into town to walk the small shops and market. By noon Samantha’s feet were aching and her shoes had begun to pinch her toes.

  After finding an empty bench Alex kissed her softly then went to go find them some bottled water. While Samantha waited for him to come back something one of the vendors was selling caught her eye, and she grinned.

  When Alex returned to the bench she smiled and wiggled her toes. “These are great,” she said, standing back up. “I don’t know why I’ve never bought any before.”

  He looked down to see what she was talking about and groaned when he saw that she had bought a pair of simple white flip-flops. “We’ll have to have the closet expanded just to accommodate your shoes,” he muttered, handing her the water he’d bought for her.

  She grinned and didn’t bother to correct him.

  When it became too hot to walk around outside he took her to the casino at the Atlantis Resort, just because she had never been to a casino before.

  He couldn’t help but laugh as she giggled over winning fifty
dollars on her first try at the slot machines.

  “I guess you’re my good luck charm,” she said to him as she fisted the front of his t-shirt and tugged him down for a kiss.

  He slid his arms around her, deepening the kiss a little more, then slowly pulled back a little. “Why don’t we go cash that in and head home,” he whispered against her lips. “I have a need for you, Sami.”

  Her breath caught and she nodded, letting his shirt go as he helped her out of the tall chair. They gathered her winnings quickly and were heading to the front when someone called her name.

  She froze as dread slowly seeped into her and she turned to find her father coming towards her, a big, bright smile plastered on his face. She groaned inwardly and felt Alex’s arm tighten protectively around her. He’d only met each of her parents a handful of times, but that was more than enough for one lifetime.

  “Look at you.” Marcus Jamieson was now well into his fifties but could have easily passed for a decade or more younger. He was, apparently, a firm believer in Botox, Alex decided. And hair dye.

  “Mr. Jamieson.” He very bluntly placed himself between father and daughter.

  “Alexander Steel, if I remember correctly.” Marcus held his hand out.

  Alex didn’t find any fault in ignoring it. “You do. What brings you to Nassau, Mr. Jamieson?”

  “Oh, you know, the beach, the casino.” He gestured around them. “My wife has never been, so here we are.”

  “What number is she?” Samantha asked before she could stop herself.

  He stared at her for a moment, as though he had already forgotten that she was standing right in front of him. The story of her life. “What number? Oh.” Marcus gave his daughter a bland look and decided to ignore the question. “She should be around here somewhere. Ah,” He smiled and waved over her shoulder.

  Samantha braced herself and slowly turned, as did Alex. And rolled her eyes when a perky little brunette bounced over to them in a pair of ice-pick stilettos, and in her opinion, not much else.

  “So, who are they?” she asked, hooking an arm around Marcus’s waist and pressing a smacking kiss to his cheek.

  Marcus beamed at her, then glanced disinteresting back at his daughter and her companion. “Jenna, my daughter Samantha. Sam, sweetie, my wife Jenna. We’re here on our honeymoon,” he added.

  “That’s funny, so are we.” Alex offered a fierce smile to the older man, then turned to the ditzy brunette. “Alexander Steel,” he introduced himself.

  Her brown eyes popped wide and she shook his hand. “You dated Paris Hilton,” she said breathlessly, almost reverently.

  He refrained from rolling his eyes, but just barely. “Actually, that was just a rumor. She only stayed at one of my resorts.”

  “Oh.” Suddenly no longer interested she pulled her hand away and looked at Samantha. “Well, aren’t you,” she shook her head and looked back at Marcus. “This is boring. I’m going to go play a game.” And with that she kissed his cheek again and flounced away, wagging her butt enough to make Alex wonder how she managed to keep herself from toppling over with each step.

  “No accounting for taste,” he muttered, then he turned and scowled at Marcus. “It’s been, enlightening,” he said, then, his arm firmly around Samantha, he turned them and head for the entrance again.

  “How young do you think she is?” she asked in disgust.

  He grunted. “Young enough to make it nasty, old enough to keep it legal,” he replied. “Am I the only one who has a very sudden urge to bathe?”

  She sighed and shook her head. “Can I have the shower first?”

  “Sure.” He kissed her brow and held her close. “I’m sorry, Sami, that he is the way he is.”

  “Don’t forget my mother. Which reminds me,” she tipped her head back to gaze up at him. “If you see or hear her, run. She’d try everything in her arsenal to get you in bed, especially if she knew that you’re married to me.”

  He scowled deeply at that. “What makes you think I can’t handle your mother?” he asked.

  She sighed and rested her head on his shoulder as they walked. “I don’t think that at all. I have no doubt you could handle her. It would just be supremely embarrassing for me to witness her making such a fool of herself. I hope I never end up like them,” she added with a groan.

  He gave her a gentle squeeze. “You won’t,” he told her, smiling. “You’re married to me.” He kissed her head and lead her out the door after exchanging her bucket of coins for paper currency. “I won’t let you get that way, ever.”

  “I’m going to hold you to that promise,” she grumbled.

  Chapter Nine

  Later that night Alex patiently waited outside the bathroom door for Samantha to finish getting ready. He knew that she was still upset over having bumped into her father that afternoon, and considered canceling their dinner reservations up at the resort, but then he decided that he wasn’t going to let Marcus Jamieson ruin his night, or any other part of his life.

  He fiddled with the box in his pocket as he waited and turned when the door finally opened and Samantha stepped out.

  His heart tripped at the sight of her. She was radiant in a knee length, cool mint colored evening dress that draped over her belly and cupped her fuller breasts in ways that had his blood heating, and her long hair fell in loose curls down her back. He couldn’t help but laugh when his gaze reached her feet and she saw that she wore the simple white flip-flops that she had bought from the street vendor that afternoon.

  “My sandals were too tight,” she explained when he looked back up to her face.

  He grinned and reached up to play with a curl. “I think they’re great. You look beautiful,” he told her.

  “Thank you.” She took the hand he offered and followed him to the front door. “So are you going to tell me what the big surprise is?” she asked once they were in the car and headed for the resort.

  “If I told you, then it wouldn’t be a surprise anymore.” He glanced at her quickly and smiled when she pouted. “Patience, Sami. All good things come to those who wait.”

  “So they say.” She shifted in her seat and rested her head back as she watched the lights of the resort grow closer. “Is there chocolate involved?” she asked, grinning when he did.

  “I’m not telling you anything.” But he did reach out and take her hand, and brought it to his lips. He was just lowering it again when he pulled up to the front entrance.

  The valet and the doorman both came forward and Alex handed the younger of the two his keys as the other helped Samantha out.

  “Your table is waiting, Mr. Steel,” the doorman said as he opened the door for them. “Enjoy your evening, sir.”

  Alex smiled his thanks and slid an arm around Samantha’s back to guide her through the lobby. Her eyes widened as they passed through, amazed by the simple beauty that was both grand, but warm and inviting.

  As with all Steel Resorts, it was decorated in the local theme, in this case, in warm tans and soft pastels; potted palms and exotic, tropical floral arrangements, and cool tiles instead or carpeting. Shells were everywhere, in bowls on the front desk, scattered in the potted plants, even inlaid in a colorful mosaic in the center of the lobby floor. Somewhere the soft clunking of a bamboo wind chime sounded.

  She stared in awe as he lead her down a small flight of steps into what she thought was a solarium, but turned out to be the dinning room. “Oh, it’s beautiful,” she exclaimed, trying to look everywhere at once. The ceiling was glassed in to give the diners an unobstructed view of the clear night sky, and each table was set in its own private nook.

  Soft, airy music played low from hidden speakers and dim lights and the flickering of candles gave it an enchanted, romantic glow.

  Alex lead her through a short maze of spectacular foliage to a table set in the back, surround thickly by the garden for extra privacy. She sat when he pulled her chair out for her, then waited as he seated himself across from her. “This is beautif
ul. Thank you for bringing me here, Alex.”

  “Any time you want to come back, just say the word and we’ll come.” He looked up as their waitress stepped into the nook and waited as she poured them each a glass of sparkling mineral water, then reached out and took her hand once they were alone. “There’s so much I need to talk to you about, Sami. So many things I need to thank you for.”

  “Thank me for?”

  He nodded and moved his chair closer to hers. “So much has changed for me the last few months, especially the last few weeks. When my grandfather died, Sami, I was alone. Truly, utterly, alone. I had no family left. Then his will was read, and my whole world fell out from under me. I thought that on top of losing the only family I had left, I was also going to loose everything that I had and that had ever meant anything to me. I was scared,” he admitted.

  “Oh, Alex.” She shifted and reached up to tough his face. “You’ll never be alone, ever. Not when you have me.”

  He smiled and kissed her palm as the waitress brought out their meals, which he had ordered when he’d made their reservations that afternoon. He waited until she left, then looked back to Samantha. “I know that now. And even when this whole thing started a part of me knew. You’re so precious to me, Sami. I can’t imagine going even a day without you. And now you,” he added, reaching out to place a hand on her belly. “I had told myself that I never wanted children, and yes, when you told me what you had done, I thought that you were insane, at first. But then I realized that the only reason why I had felt that way was because I thought that another man had touched you, and I couldn’t bare the thought of you with anyone else.”

  “You’re the only man I’ve ever been with, Alex,” she admitted.

  He blinked in surprise, then smiled, a wide, satisfied smile. “I’m selfish enough to admit that pleases me.” He chuckled, then he looked down and rubbed her belly. “It’s sort of strange for me, but I can’t wait for three am feedings,” he told her as he reached for his water. “Everything that I had convinced myself that I wanted before seems so trivial now.” he told her, lowering his glass again. “The most important things in my world now are you and your daughter. I’m honored that you are allowing me to have such an important roll in her life. I don’t deserve it.”