Page 82 of Conail
She had told him she had left their son at his mother's and the baby would be staying the night.
"Eleanor insisted and I think it's time we spent some time alone with each other."
Even though he wanted to see his son, he needed his wife even more. A chuckle escaped him as he wondered if he was going to be able to prevent himself from crawling all over her as soon as he saw her.
Taking the bag from the driver, he dismissed him for the rest of the evening. First things first. They would spend some much-needed alone time together and tomorrow being Saturday, they were going to take a drive along the countryside where the surprise was waiting. It's time, he decided. He had spent thenights in the solitude of his luxurious hotel room, wrestling with the decision. And had shed the last shackles of his past.
Anticipation at seeing her, hastened his steps and within minutes, he was inside the foyer and taking off his jacket. The place was uncommonly silent, but he knew she was here, because she had called him as soon as she arrived.
He found her exactly where he thought she would be. Curled up on the comfortable sleep chair in the nursery, her arms wrapped around his little pillow.
"We could always go and pick him up."
She jolted at the sound of his voice and smiled sheepishly. "I did not hear the alarm."
He crossed to her and tugged the pillow and put it aside, so he could wrap his arms around her. "Hi." Tilting her chin up, he brushed her lips lightly with his.
"Hi. How was the trip?"
"Eventful." His eyes scanned her face. "It's your first time being away from him. It's natural for you to feel degrees of separation."
She nodded. "I expressed enough milk to feed him for a week." She nestled her head on his shoulder and breathed in his scent. She had planned to take a long hot bath in anticipation of his return. The candles were already lit in the bedroom and the mood set. But she had slipped away to take a look inside the nursery and had just managed to stop herself from calling her mother-in-law again.
She was determined to seduce her husband. It had been too long since she felt him against her.
"How many times since you got here, have you called?"
She shrugged and tried to be blasé. "I have enough self-control--" She peeked into his face and laughed. "Three. I wasjust wrestling with myself not to make it a fourth just before you came."
He kissed the top of her thick dark curls. "Why don't I call?"
"He's probably sleeping," she protested.
"Just checking in. Besides, mother would be waiting to hear from me."
"Just don't let on that I suggested that you called." Tugging her up, he grinned.
"I won't say a word."
Framing her face between his hands, he kissed her again, this time letting his lips linger.
"Or we could call her later," he murmured huskily. "Much later. Or even wait until the morning."
"Make the call." She laid trembling hands on his chest and struggled for control. "I need a few minutes."
"I need you," he warned. "And I cannot wait."
"Neither can I."
He resisted the urge to drag her back in his arms and devour her lips. Waiting until she left the room, he walked over to the cot and rubbed his hand over the blankets that were neatly folded to one side. A smile touched his lips. His wife's doing, no doubt. The scent of baby powder and slightly sweet oil had him feeling nostalgic. He had spent a week away from them -- it was much too long. Next time, they were travelling with him, he vowed.
Stepping back, he took out his phone and made the call.
*****
When he stepped into the room a few minutes later, the lights from dozens of candles had him stopping just inside the doorway.
"You took your time."
