Page 105 of Heart Breaker

My chest tightens. That’s Lottie. She appreciates every opportunity this life affords us, but she’s never once expected it. Never treated it like it was owed to her. She appreciates everything, she always thanks the staff by name, and she somehow makes every place we visit feel less impressive than the person she’s sharing it with. Money has never been what impresses her. Love does. And every time she reminds me of that, I fall a little harder.

“You’re freezing, baby. Go sit by the fire and I’ll make us warm drinks.”

She turns in my arms, pressing a lingering kiss to my lips. “With marshmallows?”

I lightly smack her ass. “If you’re lucky.”

Lottie pads across the living room, dropping onto the oversized sofa in front of the stone fireplace. She tucks her knees up to her chest and stretches her hands toward the dancing flames.

My eyes brush down the length of her hot as fuck body. One look at Lottie and desire hits me like a freight train.

I leave her curled up by the fire and wander into the kitchen. I pull a saucepan from the cabinet and pour in some milk before adding dark chocolate, a splash of vanilla, and a generous pour of Bailey’s. While it warms on the stove, I head to our bedroom and grab the ring from my duffel. I open the box, turning the ring over in my hand before slipping it into my pocket and returning to the kitchen.

I pour the hot chocolate into two oversized mugs, top them with whipped cream, and finish each with a dusting of chocolate. I grab the bakery box of chocolate chip cookies we’d picked up in town this morning from the counter and make my way back to the living room.

Lottie looks up from the fire, eyes wide. “Who knew my husband is so skilled in the kitchen?”

“I enjoy taking care of my wife.” She takes a mug from my hand. “I’d do just about anything to see that smile on your face.”

She cradles the mug between both hands, letting the warmth seep into her fingers before taking a careful sip. Her eyes close and a satisfied hum escapes her. “Okay,” She peeks at me over the rim of the mug. “This might be the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had.”

I smirk. “Might?”

She laughs. “Fine. It definitely is.”

She takes another sip before grinning at me. “So, I married the hottest pilot on the planet.” She tips her head thoughtfully. “Who also happens to make an elite Bailey’s hot chocolate.”

I can’t help but smile. “Quite the résumé.”

“You’re unfairly good at taking care of me.”

“Well,” I say quietly, “I’m pretty crazy about my wife.”

Her smile softens into one that has the power to completely undo me.

We settle into the couch together, the fire crackling softly a few feet away. Between stolen kisses, we make quick work of the cookies in the box. Somehow, the simplest moments with Lottie always become my favorites.

“I’ve eaten too many of these.” She pats her stomach dramatically. “I don’t think I’ll have room for dinner.”

“You’re going to have to make room for dinner,” I tell her. “Dinner’s non-negotiable. I’ve booked us a reservation at Tofino’s best restaurant. You’re going to love it.”

She sighs, pretending to think it over. “Well, if I absolutely have to, I suppose I can force myself to endure some fine dining.”

“Such a sacrifice.”

Her smile turns playful as she set her mug on the coffee table. “So,” she tilts her head to the side. “What should we do until dinner?” I know that look in her eyes. My wife wants me.

I really want to kiss that teasing smile right off her face, and throw her over my shoulder. But not yet.

“I’ve got a few ideas,” I say, unable to keep the grin off my face. “But you’re going to have to be patient, Peach.”

She narrows her eyes. “Patient has never really been my thing.”

“I know.”

I lean forward and steal one quick kiss. “That’s what makes this so much fun.”

My heart pounds harder than it ever has in the cockpit. The moment my knee hits the floor, her entire expression changes.