She shook her head, blinking back tears. “It has nothing to do with you. It was my own battle to conquer. And I have through God’s grace.”
Blinking rapidly, he squeezed her hand. “What do you mean?”
“Not now. I’m tired.”
“Okay. Rest. I’ll be here when you wake up.”
Favouring him with a slow grin, she shut her eyes. “Go and eat, Banjo. Take care of yourself.”
While he held onto her arm, she sluggishly drifted off to sleep. He sniffed, then snatched tissues from his pocket. Why would a single woman have to face the prospect of losing her womb? With no clue as to why she was so secretive about her condition, he had hassled her to disclose the identity of the man responsible for her pregnancy.
Banjo cringed. For two weeks, he’d refused to call her. He had no idea she was faced with something so life-changing. Rubbing his hand along his jaw, he was almost tempted to knock his teeth out of their resting place. Anger was a great emotion if it was curbed early. In his case, he’d allowed it to fester for fourteen avoidable days. He could easily have lost the woman who made his heart jump all over the place because of his pig-headedness.
“Creep!” he criticized himself.
Fifteen
One Week After
“Stop making me laugh,” Rachael cried, swiping at Banjo’s arm slinked around her waist as he assisted her in a slow walk to the poolside.
To promote healing from her surgery, she had to take regular walks. In the past week, Banjo had seen her cry because of the discomfort from the pain. And he had listened to her try to laugh when he made silly jokes. But each time, the cramps set in and she had to remind him to stop being a jerk.
“I need you to heal soon. You’ve no idea how hard it is to stop my lips from uttering words that could loosen all your stitches.”
As mirth bubbled inside, she clutched Banjo’s upper arm and ground her teeth. Slight pain gripped her stomach. Once they got to the patio area, she sat down and exhaled.
“Discounting the fact you could be a jerk sometimes, it’s great to be back home.” This scenery did not compare to the hospital ward she was discharged from yesterday.
Fresh air ruffled her hair, forming a curtain over her face. Banjo stepped nearer and gently peeled off every strand of hair from her face. His glance traced her eyes and her lips, delving to her cleavage. Despite her residual discomfort, flame kissed her skin. She took a steadying breath before she spoke. “Where’s Olivia? I’ve not seen her all morning.” From the minute she met Banjo’s daughter, they had hit off. And Olivia had proven to be a real source of comfort.
Banjo grinned. “Mum took her to the beach.”
Nodding, Rachael leaned back in the seat. “More like, Mom took her away so you and I can have an alone time.”
Circling her, Banjo placed one arm around her shoulders. “About time. I was thinking about something.”
Giving Banjo an odd look, she stared at him wide-eyed. “I’m listening.”
“What do you like about me?”
Gasping, she frowned. “False assumption. Who said I liked anything about you? Not after the way you dumped me and fled from my sight.”
As if cut to size by her remark, he eased down and sat on the grass by her feet. Then he lifted her left leg and placed it on his knee.
She covered her mouth with her palm to keep from giggling. “What are you doing?”
“Giving you an unforgettable feet massage.”
Bound to him by her own yearning in the past weeks, Rachael fought the heady urge rising within her chest. But at last, she gave in. “A feet massage would be perfect, thank you,” she encouraged before he changed his mind.
“Since you’ve no idea what you like about me, I’ll have to start all over again to win your heart. Start by telling me one thing. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?”
A raw wanting scrunched her stomach. The fact he intended to pursue her again made her giddy with excitement. While she thought about his question, his fingers caressed her feet. Sweet tension carried away every sensible thought as his fingers worked on her ankle and heel. Shutting her eyes, she relaxed and enjoyed the pampering. “If you keep this up for much longer, I might actually recall one or two things I like about you.”
“Good,” he said smacking his lips. “Keep talking.” As if he had a year to massage her leg, his fingers worked up to her knee and along her calf. Then he switched to her other leg.
For nearly four days while she was admitted in hospital, her entire body had felt numb. So it was amazing Banjo thoughtfully offered to massage her legs.
“Hmmm,” she hissed as blood rushed up to her thighs. “That feels so good. Not as great as my kisses, but I can live with that I guess.”
As if boosted by a rocket, Banjo was up on his feet and bearing down her face by the time she opened her eyes. Cuddling her face with both hands, he smashed his lips over hers and pulled her up into his arms. Grunts echoed in his throat. And she soaked up every hot kiss he threw at her. Bolts of electricity oozed through her spine.
Twirling her tongue around his mouth, she braced her arms around his neck. Her fears, tears and doubts seeped away as he deepened the kiss. More rumbles escaped from his mouth into hers and she swallowed it all, revelling in the intoxicating passion.
“I missed everything about you, Banjo,” she lamented after he set her free. “Your sharp retorts and banter, your loud laughter, your caresses, hot kisses, stimulating fragrance and your shirtless body--everything!” She guzzled air as if it was in short supply in Fontvieille.
Talking about his abandonment did not hurt so much now. In the last week, he had stayed by her side in hospital. Every time she woke up, he was sitting there watching her. He’d taken her on several slow walks around the ward. He’d fed her three times a day even when she had no appetite. Day after day, her resentment lessened and eventually disappeared.
Clasping his hands behind the small of her back, he shook his head. “I love you so much, I ran away to cover up the shock I felt when I found out you weren’t pregnant. For some insane reason, I preferred to believe you were pregnant.”
Panting as if there was not enough air to drag into her lungs, she purred. “What did you say?” Her chest pounded and her fingers trembled.
“I said I love you, Rachael Louise Johnson and I don’t want to live without you.”
With her skin humming with awareness, she took a nervous swallow to gather her thoughts. “Just when I convinced myself you came back because you pitied me, you spring a surprise. How can you love me with my many problems?”
Flooding her face with smattering kisses, he sealed her heart with his hot breath. “I already knew I loved you before I fled. I just did not want to accept it. I thought I’ll get over you after I found out what I assumed was your little lie. Images of you fed me day and night, urging me to rethink and return.”
With one finger, she smoothed his furrowed brow, even as heat consumed her chest. “Why did you fight the attraction after you promised me your heart?”
“I was scared. When I got an opportunity, I bolted away. It took Olivia to finally beat down my pride and claim what you had given me.”
Unfettered happiness filled every void inside her, strengthening her from within. “It took me weeks to come out of my shell, to tell you how I really felt about you. God bless Olivia, my child- adult. How she works it all out in her head beats me.”
Stroking her nose with one finger, he cleared his throat. “I can wait till you get fit and strong. But I want to ask you right here.”
Eyes darting around, she wondered what Banjo wanted to ask. “Go on. Ask me anything.”
“The thought of waking by your side every day of my life sounds perfect. The idea of kissing you everywhere and anywhere makes my heart pound.”
Out of control like an untamed horse, her heart hammered in her chest. Tension tightened her stomach bringing pain along. “I can’t take the suspense, Banjo. What are you as
king?”
“Is there any chance at all you want to spend the rest of your life running your hands over my naked body and tolerating my excesses?”
For the first time in weeks, her body charged with amassed desire. “Are you asking me what I think you’re asking?” There was no way a gorgeous, funny, sensitive, charming and responsible man like Banjo would want to be tied to a woman with a long list of complicated health problems. Or was there a tiny possibility?
“Marry me to stop me from babbling.”
Rachael opened her mouth to scream, but pain gripped her belly. But a startled laugh still burst out from her lips. She pressed her body closer to his and upturned her lips. Banjo stroked his tongue across her top lip and swept his mouth over her bottom lip.
“I’m waiting for your reply.”
“Yes,” she giggled taking his tongue inside her mouth. Flame shot to her chest, overpowering her. Then, reality dawned on her and she grumbled. “I can’t have sex for another five weeks at least. What a shame!”
Laughter tumbled out of his throat. “One week after surgery, and you’re thinking about sex?” He grazed her cheeks with the back of his fingers.
Shaking her head, Rachael moaned. “Tell me the thought hasn’t crossed your mind.”
“Not in recent times,” he denied with a wink. “Before you ruin my honour, I’ve one more thing to do.”
Cocking her head, she chuckled. “What now?”
“I’ll be back in a mo.” Banjo rushed inside the house.
While he was gone, she covered her face with her palms, giggling to herself. How did Banjo turn from hating her to falling in love with her without her help? “God, you’re awesome!”
Back within a short time, Banjo went on one bended knee and took out the most beautiful engagement ring she had ever seen from a black velvet box.
Breathless, she blinked back tears. “Asking me to marry you was wonderful, but giving me a ring is unreal. Banjo, it’s dazzling! Amazing!”
“Not as dazzling as you, my Boobiebutt.”
“What? Boobiebutt?” she roared, failing to tame the laughter welling up inside.
“Yes,” he said, slipping his Infinity Twist Gold and Diamond ring onto her finger. “I love your boobs and your butts. So, I came up with an original name for you.”
Consumed with craving, she hooded her eyes. “And how do you know my boobs are not fake?”
Fast on his feet, Banjo pressed forward and seized her left nipple with his mouth and fondled her right breast with his fingers. Fire crackers exploded in her chest and she moaned, grabbing his head in her arms. She had meant to tear his mouth away from her nipple, instead she arched her back and pressed her breast inside his mouth.
When he squeezed her breast harder, her body jerked with high tension and her moan rent the sleepy air. By the time he lifted his head, her boobs had tripled in size and her mouth was completely dry. She was out of breath as well. And so was Banjo.
His breath came out as flames and his eyes were smoky with raw longing. “My Boobiebutt, I just confirmed your breasts are natural.”
As if to confirm his words, her nipples stood erect like two torchlights pointing in Banjo’s face. With two fingers, he petted her nipples and heat surged through her body again, weakening her knees. Worried he would set her body ablaze, she gripped his fingers. “That’s not fair, my Nipple Tester!”
Banjo burst into a long string of groans, filling the air with his predatory sounds. “I like that name, Nipple Tester. Very original. As long as I’ve access to your nipples at any time, I can live with that name.”
When she moved to sit down, he helped her into the chair. “It’s not like you have a choice. Do you think Olivia would be happy for us? Having her blessing would be the icing on the cake.”
Without a pause, he countered. “I think Olivia has married us off already in her head.”
Displaying her fingers to admire her engagement ring, she beamed. “You think so?”
“I heard her naming the Lego house she built last night, Rachael and Banjo’s Villa. And she designed our bedroom on the penthouse.”
Shaking her head at the notion Olivia was a romantic, Rachael smiled. “What an angel! Olivia’s got my back.”
“I agree. Because she knows I love you.”
“Now what are we going to say to your mom?”
Dropping a few kisses at both corners of her lips, Banjo sniggered. “Only that we’re engaged and our wedding would happen in the next few months when you feel up to it.”
Fully confident she was not dreaming, Rachael locked her arms around Banjo’s neck. “I knew I was in love with you the day I heard Tess’s name on your lips. I got this strong feeling of jealousy in my gut. It scared me to submission.”
Cocking his eyebrows, he mused. “I remember you admitting you were jealous and I celebrated in my heart. But I had no clue you were in love with me. You didn’t give much away.”
“It’s not easy to be vulnerable in so many aspects of one’s life. But I’m happy to tell you that through God’s grace, the surgeon saved my womb. It was a technically difficult surgery I was told, but in the end, they took out all the fibroids and left my womb intact.”
Banjo kissed her lips and breathed in her scent. “Thank God. Look Boobiebutt, I’m not in a hurry to put your womb to the test. We can adopt a baby if you want one within the next year or two. I’m just so happy I came back to meet you alive. It’s you I want in my life. It’s you that makes my heart thud. It’s you I want to chat with and laugh with, care for and make happy. You’re the one I want to cuddle in my arms, suck her nipples, squeeze her boobs and butt cheeks.”
Almost dizzy from his charming words, she teased. “Sex is written all over you, Nipple Tester. And it would give me great pleasure to squeeze your nipples until you beg me to stop, run my fingers all over your body and take control of your bulge. Forget about your jokes, sharp retorts and loving side. Who needs that when I have total claim over your toned butt cheeks and erection?”
Groaning with desire, Banjo gripped his crotch. “Not yet. When you walk down the aisle and say to me, I do, in front of your family and mine, I’m going to do everything you want me to do to you and more.”
“Deal.” She fixed her eyes on his hands. “And I’m going to take over your bulge forever.”
“Keep in mind I get to go first on you candy.”
“Now I need a drink,” she moaned, fanning her face with both hands.
Up on his feet, Banjo leaned forward and fondled her nipples before he ran off, growling into the warm air.
Sixteen
Early as a bird, Olivia sat down at the bottom of the stairs waiting for everyone to gather together for breakfast.
One after the other, the adults came along.
“And what are you doing sitting on the stairs?” Banjo asked his daughter, a crease marring his forehead.
“I’m up early and bright. We all have a very important wedding to plan.”
Tinu darted a look at Rachael, who had one hand supporting the lower part of her belly as she tried not to chuckle, descending the stairs.
Banjo immediately gave Rachael a helping hand, leading her towards the living room. “Olivia, I know you think you’re a wedding planner, but Rachael can’t handle the strain yet.”
Olivia hurried to stand beside Rachael, staring up at her. “That’s not what you told me. Tell my dad you’re happy to marry him in two months. There’s no need to wait.”
Meanwhile, Tinu, who had a huge grin on her face busied herself with flipping pancakes and beef sausages in the kitchen.
Staring at her God-sent angel’s amber eyes, Rachael clasped Olivia’s fingers. “Whatever works for you is fine by me. If you, your dad and Auntie Tinu can arrange a wedding in two months’, I promise to wear a wedding dress and walk down the aisle to get hooked to the man of my dreams.”
Deserting flipping the pancakes, Tinu clapped her hands and sang victory songs for a full minute, while Olivia
screeched so loud, Banjo had to cover his ears with both hands. And Rachael did the same.
Even though she could not be sure how physically strong she would be in eight weeks, Rachael was determined to embrace her future. Getting married was the last thing on her mind when she had been wheeled into the theatre room over a week ago. Not for a single second did she dream Banjo would find his way back to her side.
Unaware Banjo had moved around the table to her side, Rachael jumped when his fingers grabbed her hands.
“Oh!”
“The noise is over,” Banjo informed her with a wide grin and a kiss on her cheek. “Are you sure you can cope?” The concern in his eyes was clear.
Giving him a confident nod, she trailed his features with her eyes. “Nothing would strengthen me more than to be your bride as soon as possible.”
Stars bubbled in his eyes. And her heart wept with joy, knowing she would be his wife in a matter of weeks.
“And you know I want this more than you can imagine. I already see you as my beautiful bride and my amazing wife.”
A thousand love songs burst into her head and her smile widened. “Life is too short to waste time delaying important plans. My wedding to the most extraordinary man in the universe is one event I intend to celebrate, God willing.”
Banjo folded her in a tight hug and kissed her forehead. “My head is getting so big it’s too heavy for my neck. Soon, I’ll wake up to the reality you actually said, yes.”
Quite unexpectedly, life had turned around to present her with great joy. Thank God, who remained her comforter. After her heartache, a silver lining appeared in the cloud, only this time, she bagged a diamond in human form.
Intruding on their tête-à-tête, Tinu spoke out loud. “Rachael, I had an exciting talk with your mum over the phone an hour ago. She wants all the wedding details.”
Craning her neck in Tinu’s direction, Rachael nodded. “That’s what you and Olivia are going to work out. I’ll suggest you work with my mom. I spoke with her last night and she had grand ideas about having the reception at a beachfront event venue. Plus, she and her family want the wedding on Tybee Island.”
You're Mine ~ A Sweet & Steamy Romance Page 13