A Arrangement for Rose Read online

  I kiss her once again and whisper against her lips, “I’m glad to hear that.” I trail kisses along her jaw and I hear a soft moan escape her. My teeth find the soft lobe of her ear and I nip it gently to the sound of another moan.

  “Mmm, Alek,” she whispers as she squirms in my lap.

  I suck the soft flesh my teeth just nibbled, “I’ve been thinking about tasting you again since I left.”

  Rose turns to straddle my lap, fingers tangling in my hair, her delectable mouth a breath away from mine. “What are you waiting for then?”

  My hands squeeze her thighs before skating up her sides to cup her face. “Rose you have no idea how much I want you right now.”

  She interrupts me, a sexy smile pulling at her mouth as she grinds against me. “Mmm, I may have some idea.”

  I groan as my dick strains against my zipper, “Sweetheart it’s your first night home, I don’t want to hurt you.”

  Her lips make contact with my neck and in between each kiss she coaxes, “I have a big comfy chair in my room that would be perfect for us. I even promise to leave on this sexy sling.”

  I turn my head so we are breathing the same air, my gaze drops to her lips and her tongue sneaks out to wet them. “Now how can I refuse an offer like that?”

  Chapter 15

  Rose

  Alek’s hand rests on my hip as we take the stairs up to my bedroom. When we reach my room, I notice my bed is just as I left it. Coming up behind me, Alek wraps his arms around my waist and leans in to kiss my neck.

  My head falls back against his shoulder giving him better access to continue his sensual assault on my neck as his fingers work the button on my shorts. He slides down the zipper and gives them a gentle push so they pool at my feet. His hands skate slowly up my thighs leaving goosebumps in their wake, “So soft.”

  His fingers hook into the lace waistband and he drags them down my legs. Placing a kiss at the base of my spine, his hands caress my ass before he moves in front of me. Carefully removing my tank top, he tosses it into the pile with the rest of my discarded clothes. “Beautiful.”

  I squeeze my thighs together, trying to relieve the ache between them as Alek’s sultry gaze takes me in. My body hums with anticipation as his hand cups my breast and his thumb caresses my nipple into a hardened peak. “Alek, please,” I beg breathlessly.

  His hand falls away and I immediately feel the loss of his touch. He takes a step back, pulls his polo shirt over his head, and tosses it on the floor. He toes off his shoes as his hand goes to his belt before releasing the button on his jeans.

  Before he reaches for the zipper, I step forward. “Let me.” With my arm in a sling, my foreplay participation is at an all-time low, but this I can do. I let my finger lightly caress the skin just above his waistband and I hear his sharp intake of breath. I slowly pull down the zipper, close the distance between us and slip my hand into his pants. The moment my hand makes contact, Alek’s cock leaps and a moan rumbles through him before his mouth crashes into mine.

  He nips and sucks my lips, “You keep doing that and I’m not going to last.”

  “Then quit making me wait.” I pant as I try to help him remove his pants. When the last layer between us is gone, I push him down in the chair and straddle him. He runs the tip of his cock through my wetness, and a moan escapes me. “Alek, I need you,” I shamelessly beg.

  His hands grip my hips as he guides me down onto his hardened shaft. “You have me baby, all of me, heart and soul.”

  “And I’m all yours,” I pant out as we begin a slow sensuous rhythm. Alek grips my hips controlling the pace as he moves me up and down. I place my hand on his shoulder shifting positions, making each thrust from him feel even deeper than before. “More, Alek. I need more.”

  His voice is as breathless as mine, “You want more? I’ll give you more. Hold on baby.”

  I wrap my arm around his neck and he carries me the few steps to my bed without breaking our connection. Lying me down on the bed, I wrap my legs around his waist as he drives into me harder and deeper than before, causing me to cry out with each powerful thrust.

  “Is that what you were looking for Rose?”

  My voice is louder than I intend it to be as I answer him. “Yes! Yes, just like that, don’t stop. I’m close.”

  Alek takes my breast in his hand and with his forefinger and thumb pinches my nipple. The sensation shoots desire through me causing my inner muscles to constrict around him and bright white lights explode behind my eyes as my orgasm takes over. Alek’s thrusts slow as he finds his release, filling me with his essence.

  Alek gently breaks our connection and leans in to capture my mouth with his, before covering me with a blanket. He rounds to the other side of the bed and crawls in behind me. Wrapping his arm around my waist, he draws me close, his hand caressing the fingers of my broken arm. “I love you, Alek Berringer.”

  He places a kiss on my shoulder and then my neck just beneath my ear. “I love you too, Rose.”

  I snuggle deeper into him and let sleep claim me as I lie in the arms of the man I love.

  The bed seems colder when I wake a few hours later the faint sound of music greets me as I realize I’m alone in bed. I pull the afghan from the back of the chair and awkwardly wrap it around me with my good arm. I make my way down the stairs, letting the sweet sound of Alek’s violin guide me.

  He stands at the French doors, violin tucked under his chin, pulling the bow across the strings creating the most beautiful melody I’ve ever heard. Shirtless in the moonlight, jeans hanging low on his hips, I watch as the muscles of his back expand and constrict with each move he makes. I stand silently watching him as he creates a piece that floats through the air and fills my heart and soul. When he finishes, he turns to place his violin back in the case catching sight of me out of the corner of his eye.

  “That was beautiful.”

  He smiles as he secures the violin case and then moves to stand in front of me. His arms encircle me and he places a soft kiss on my forehead. “You inspired it.”

  My eyes find his, widening with his words. “Me?”

  His hand cups my face, his thumb caressing my cheek, “Yes, you. Meeting you, falling in love with you has awakened my creativity.”

  I run my hand over his muscular chest and then wrap my arm around his neck, pulling his face down until our lips are almost touching. “What do you say we go back upstairs and see if I can spark some more of your creativity?”

  His smile is wide as he captures my lips in a teasing kiss, “I like the way you think.”

  I squeal as Alek swings me up into his arms, causing my makeshift wrap to fall to the ground.

  “My cover,” I gasp as I try to catch it.

  He nuzzles my neck as he takes the stairs two at a time, “Leave it, you won’t need it anyway.”

  Chapter 16

  Alek

  It’s been five days since Rose came home from the hospital and cabin fever is beginning to set in. I promised I’d get her out for a while today, even take her by the shop so she could check on things there, as long as she promised she wouldn’t overdo it.

  Along with cabin fever, Rose’s determination has also returned. Confident she can bathe herself, I run her a bath and help her get undressed. After wrapping her cast, and getting her settled into the warm water, I washed her hair and left her to bathe while I started breakfast. Mixing some eggs, I add cheese, diced ham, and green peppers before pouring it into the skillet and placing it in the oven. I start a pot of coffee and then head back upstairs to check on Rose.

  I knock on the door as I open it, “Are you doing okay in here?”

  She’s submerged beneath the water, head back as she answers, “Mmm yeah, but it would have been much more enjoyable if you had joined me.”

  I kneel beside the bathtub and kiss her forehead, “Next time, I promise.”

  A lazy smile teases her delectable mouth, “I’m going to hold you to that.”

  I smile as
she closes her eyes sleepily again; it’s good to see her so relaxed. “You won’t have too, it’s a promise I intend to keep.” I hold out my hand, “Now let’s get you out of here before you turn into a prune.”

  Rose places her hand in mine and I place my other hand at her side to help leverage her to her feet. “I’m going to get you all wet.”

  I shake my head, “I appreciate the concern, but my shirt will dry, and you need assistance, so let’s get you out and dried off before the frittata burns.”

  She cocks her head at me, “Anyone ever tell you you’re bossy?”

  I chuckle as she gets to her feet and steps out of the tub. I wrap her in a towel and pull her flush against me, “I think you like my bossy side.”

  A smile turns up the corners of her mouth, “I wasn’t complaining, in fact I find it very sexy.”

  I drape my arms around her waist, “Do you now?”

  She places a kiss on my neck, “Mhmm, very sexy.”

  The timer sounds on the oven and I kiss the tip of her nose and take a step back. “You my beautiful Rose are very distracting. Now let’s get you dressed so we can go eat.”

  I help Rose dress, and then brush out her hair, “Do you want me to braid your hair?”

  She giggles and smiles, “You know how to braid hair?”

  I chuckle at her surprise, “I’ve yet to master the fishtail braid yet, but I can do a basic one.”

  She glances at me over her shoulder, “A fishtail braid? Who are you?”

  I laugh at her question, “I’m just an uncle, wrapped around his six year old niece’s finger, who ends up with his nails painted and bows in his hair during every visit.”

  I can see Rose’s smile reflected in the mirror above her dresser. “I bet that is the sweetest sight. What’s her name?”

  I stand from the bed and help Rose to her feet so we can head downstairs for breakfast, “Claire, or as she would tell you, Claire Elizabeth Berringer. She’s as pretty as her momma, and will give my brother fits when she gets older.”

  When we reach the kitchen, Rose pours us each a cup of coffee while I get the frittata out of the oven and place it on our plates. “What about your sister?”

  I smile loving the fact that she wants to know more about my family. “Ahh well, my sister has a one year-old little boy. Tyler looks just like his daddy and has his momma’s temper.”

  She laughs as she carries one cup of coffee to the table before returning for the second. “Let me guess, your sister is a red-head?”

  I chuckle as I carry our plates to the table. “You would think so, but no. My Dad had a quick temper, so I’m pretty sure that’s where she gets it from.”

  Rose cuts into her frittata and loads her fork, “I bet they were a lot of fun to grow up with.”

  I tease her by moving my head back and forth in consideration, “Most of the time.” Rose is quiet for a moment as she picks at her food, so I cover her hand with mine, “Hey, what’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”

  She smiles as she glances up at me, “It’s nothing really.”

  I squeeze her hand, forcing her to look at me again. “Tell me.”

  “I was just thinking how much I would have loved having a brother or sister growing up.”

  I lean over and kiss her soft lips, “I will gladly share my family with you.”

  “You would?”

  I kiss her again, “Of course I would. I’m pretty sure they’d love you as much as I do.”

  Her smile lights up her face, eyes sparkling, “I love hearing you say that you love me.”

  “Then I’ll tell you as often as possible. Now let’s finish our breakfast so we can go to the shop.”

  Once we have everything cleaned up from breakfast, I help Rose into the car and we drive over to her flower shop.

  Janet greets us with her hands on her hips, eyes zeroing in on me. “You are supposed to keep her home.”

  I shrug before gesturing toward Rose, “Have you met Rose? She’s pretty determined once she has something in her head.”

  Rose raises her hand, “Hello! I’m standing right here.”

  “I know,” Janet says making her way around the counter. “You should be home resting.”

  I chuckle and lean in to kiss her cheek, making Janet laugh as Rose rolls her eyes.

  “I’m fine. You do realize I’m not going to stay away the entire six weeks right?”

  Janet fires right back, “I do know that missy, but I’m pretty sure you shouldn’t be here five days after being released from the hospital.”

  Rose sighs, “I was starting to go a little stir crazy so Alek brought me out for a little while. I promise I’m not staying, I just wanted to sign off on payroll and make sure everything went well with the wedding.”

  “Well, I’m sure everyone would like to get paid so I’ll allow it. As for the wedding, Megan hated to hear what happened to you, but she loved all the flowers and promised to stop by and show you some of the photos when she gets back from her honeymoon.”

  “I’m so glad she loved them, and I can’t wait to see the photos.” Rose looks first at me and then Janet, “Now if you’ll both excuse me, I’ll go send payroll over and then get out of your hair.”

  Rose makes her way to the back room to do payroll, leaving Janet and me in the front of the shop.

  Janet watches and once Rose is out of ear shot she turns her attention back to me. “Tell me the truth is she giving you a hard time?”

  I smile and lean against the counter, “Not at all. But she was getting a little antsy, so I thought it best to get her out for a little while.”

  “Good idea. I don’t want her worrying about this place, we have everything under control here. She just needs to focus on healing.”

  “Thank you. I know she really appreciates you taking charge while she’s out.”

  Janet waves a hand dismissively, “Please, it’s no problem at all. I’ve told her a hundred times all she has to do is say the word and I’d look after the place.”

  “That’s good to know.”

  Rose comes through the doorway, a puzzled look on her face. “What’s good to know?”

  I wrap my arm around her waist and draw her into my side. “That Janet is willing to look after the shop if I want to whisk you away for a romantic getaway.”

  She leans into me and smiles, “A romantic getaway, huh? I like the sound of that.”

  I lean down and drop a chaste kiss on her lips, “Me too.”

  Chapter 17

  Rose

  After we left the flower shop, Alek and I stopped by the grocery store to pick up a few things. When we pull into the driveway of the house, Alek puts the car in park, turns off the engine and comes around to open my door. He offers me his hand, which I take and step out of the car.

  Smiling up at him I tease, “You know opening doors is one of the few things I can do on my own.”

  “That may be so, but if I allowed you to do it, I’d be breaking rule number two.”

  “Rule number two?”

  Alek drapes his arms around my waist, “Yes, rule number two, always open doors for a lady. You wouldn’t want me to break a rule would you?”

  I grin up at him and wrap my arm around his neck urging his lips closer to mine. “No, I wouldn’t want that.”

  Alek’s gaze travels over my face before landing on my lips once again as he whispers, “Not to mention how disappointed my parents would be.”

  “Oh we definitely couldn’t have that. I can’t have them thinking I’m a bad influence out to corrupt their son.”

  Alek kisses the corner of my mouth while backing me up against the side of the car, his body pressing into mine. “Who’s to say I’m not the one corrupting you?”

  “Oh you are, but only in the most delicious ways,” I purr just before he captures my mouth with his.

  My body ignites as his tongue slips into my mouth doing a sensual dance with mine. His hand grips my thigh raising it to his waist allowing me to feel
his hardened length. I grind against him needing the friction only he can provide in this moment.

  Alek tears his mouth from mine, as we both gasp for much needed air. Soft warm lips find my ear as he kisses the sweet spot on my neck. “What are you doing to me?”

  “The same thing you’re doing to me,” I reply breathlessly.

  His thumb caresses my cheek as he places a kiss on my forehead. “Whatever it is, don’t stop because I need it as much as I need air to breathe. As much as I need you.”

  Tears fall from my eyes and track down my cheeks, and Alek gently wipes them away. “I won’t if you won’t.”

  He smiles softly, his eyes filled with warmth, before he kisses me again. “I won’t, I promise. Now go open the door and I’ll bring in the groceries.”

  “Yes sir,” I tease with a mock salute, causing him to shake his head and chuckle as he watches me walk away.

  I unlock the door, leaving it open for Alek to carry the bags inside. Knowing he won’t allow me to help put away the groceries, I head upstairs to gather and sort laundry.

  I smile to myself finding Alek’s laundry mixed in with mine. It seems so natural for the two of us to be living together. I should probably clear out a couple of drawers for him to use so he doesn’t have to live out of his suitcase, not that he’s not used to that.

  I’m just putting the last pile of sorted laundry back into the basket when the doorbell rings. Knowing Alek will answer it, I continue what I’m doing until I hear a raised voice I recognize immediately as my ex-husband.

  I quietly step out of the bedroom and stand at the top of the landing.

  Todd's is the first voice I hear, “Her boyfriend?”

  “Yes,” Alek replies cautiously. “And you would be?”

  “I’m her husband,” Todd spits back.

  I can almost see Alek's posture straighten and I smile to myself.