Distracted
Page 16
Erin's eyes brimmed with tears and she ducked her head. Spence sat up and pulled her close, stroking her head and rocking.
“I’m so scared, Spence.”
“Why, babe?”
“What if you don’t love me?”
He kissed her. She clung to him, her lips hungry, demanding. He pulled away with some difficulty. “Do you remember that morning at the farm? In the squeaky old bed? We were kissing and, I don’t know what happened but it all changed. You must have felt it. That was the time I lost control, I hurt you.”
Erin nodded. “You didn’t hurt me. And yes, I remember.”
“That’s when I knew.”
“Knew what?”
“Knew that you loved me. Knew that everything had changed. We weren’t just messing around anymore. It wasn’t just sex. I knew I wanted something more that night and I could only have it with you.”
“More like what?”
“Like you, forever. I love you, too, Erin.”
* * *
Much later, they were caressing each other in bed. A sweet lassitude filled Erin and she smiled as she drifted off to sleep.
“Will you come back home with me?”
Erin held her breath. “You mean give up my apartment or just come for a visit?”
“I mean come home again and live with me. I can take care of you. You wouldn’t have to work.”
She thrilled at the word “home” and felt her stomach flutter. “But I like to work, Spence.”
“Okay. You can work. I don’t mind. So it’s settled? You’ll come home and marry me? Have children with me?”
“Just try to keep me away. I’ve kept a suitcase packed and in my hall closet ever since that night in the limo when I found out you’re a movie star. Or is it a professional wrestler? I can’t recall.”
“Are you ever serious?”
“Always, love.”
Four months later, Erin stood on the pier at the marina and watched as ex-Sergeant Mick Smith maneuvered his skiff against the pilings. He tossed her a line and she wrapped it around the cleat.
“Thanks, sweetheart. I’ve got a dive lesson this afternoon,” he said as he clunked two diving tanks on the pier.
Erin rubbed her swelling stomach and smiled. Mick caught the gesture.
“When’s the wedding?”
“Excuse me?”
He winked. “Well, gal. Appears you’re knocked up and I’m asking you when’s the wedding?”
Erin watched a sailboat tacking its way up the sound.
“I’ll ask. I’ll ask if you’re invited, too.”
Mick laughed and continued pulling tanks from the bow of his motor boat.
That night, as Spence stroked her belly and kissed it, she told him about Smith’s comment.
“He said ‘knocked up’?”
“Yes.”
“Well, did you tell him that it’s up to you?”
“No.”
“When will you marry me?”
“As soon as you finish the manuscript.”
Spence sighed. “How many pages do we have left?”
“Oh, I think we could wrap it up this week if you promise to focus.”
“Baby, it’s not my fault. You’ve been distracting me since we met.”
THE END
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Madeline Sloane is a writer with more than 25 years experience in communications. With ten published history books under her belt, she is new to the world of romantic fiction but finding it just as fun to research.
In addition to writing, she is a college instructor whose interests include traveling and boating. Rounding out her list of Top Five interests are reading, pets and cooking.
On the web at http://www.MadelineSloane.com
ABOUT THE SERIES: WOMEN OF EATON
The first novel in the "Women of Eaton" romance series, "Distracted" introduces readers to Eaton, a fictional, idyllic town tucked away in the mountains of Pennsylvania. Several of the characters in "Distracted" are featured in other, soon-to-be released books such as "East of Eaton," "West Wind" and "Deadline." Look for Erin and Spence to return in a few of these new stories that explore and celebrate romance.
Connect with Madeline Sloane online:
Madeline's website: http://www.madelinesloane.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/madelinesloane
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/distracted.by.madeline.sloane
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/MadelineSloane
Prepared by The Omnibus
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Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen