Page 109 of 10 Signs You Need to Grovel

Sadie’s at the reception desk, not in Arizona where she’s supposed to be, waving a hand at me nonchalantly, like she hasn’t given me the best surprise.

“Cearra,” I say, with minimal control and a hint of a growl. “We need to take a break.”

She laughs. “I’ll grab a coffee. Be back in ten.”

The second she leaves, I have Sadie against the back wall and I’m kissing her senseless, keeping my partially inked arm and secret rib tattoo at a distance, but hell. It’s been two weeks since I’ve had my hands on her. I’m hard in seconds, not even talking, just kissing and nipping and pressing closer, needing to chart every inch of her.

“You’re here,” I whisper into her ear, then give it a lick.

“I’m here,” she breathes, arching into me. Then she ducks her head and studies my arm. “It looks unreal.”

“That’s what happens when I have a top-notch designer and killer tattoo artist. But back to you.” I skim my hand down her side. “How long do I have you for?”

“Three weeks.”

I pull back, sure I heard her wrong. “Three weeks?”

She nods, beaming. “I’m working on behind-the-scenes mentorship stuff for a bit, things that can be done remotely. So you have to share the sheets with me for twenty-two whole nights.”

“Oh, honey.” I plant my palms on the wall, caging her in. “You’re gonna get fucked so good.”

“Jesus, Des.” She palms my ass, pulling me flush as we tangle our tongues and share a moan. When she grazes my newly inked ribs, I flinch. She looks down, frowning. “Are you hurt?”

“Not exactly.” I lift the edge of my T-shirt, showing her the writing across my ribcage. “Had something extra done this morning.”

She traces the edge of the plastic bandage covering the scripted words. “What does it say?”

“They’re my wedding vows.”

Her eyes widen and dart to my face. “But we’re not getting married until the summer.”

I shrug. “Couldn’t wait to have a permanent reminder of my love for you. As far as I’m concerned, we’re already hitched.”

“Des.” Her eyes go dreamy—my favorite in-love look from my favorite woman.

She pushes me farther back and crouches, reading the elegant script Cearra tattooed:

When I’m lost, you light the way.

When I’m down, you lift me up.

My life is full because of you.

Friend. Lover. Wife. Beautiful mother.

A partner in this life we’re building.

When you need me, I’ll be there to hold you.

Support you. Encourage you.

Find you when you’re lost.

Lift you up when you’re down.

No obstacles are too hard for us to conquer together.

I am forever and always yours.