Damon over the last two weeks has been in my sight at all times. If he has to work he opts to work from home, if he needs to pop out to a meeting he take me along. Most women would be bothered but being pregnant makes me clingy, so I love that he wants me with him at all times.
We walk for a few minutes more before we stop outside the door. I take a step forward, and Damon's hold on my hand loosens as I reach for the door handle.
His eyes are locked on the window display. That is what drew me into Bundles of Love to begin with. The beautiful arrangement of all kinds of baby clothes is breathtaking. Rosemary really knows how to present items to draw the eye.
The bell above the door tinkles as I open it, announcing our arrival. Rosemary is at the back of the shop arranging a display of baby clothes. She looks up as we walk in and gives us a welcoming smile, recognition shining in her eyes.
“Hello again,” she greets warmly. “How are you today?” she asks. She looks from me to Damon and smiles at him. Damon gives her a polite nod and turns to look around the store.
“I feel great Rosemary. Thank you. How are you? How is Ebony? Is she not here today?” I ask. Rosemary looks happy that I remembered her daughter’s name, but I can't see her here so she must be alone in the shop.
“Oh we are great, thank you for asking. Ebony is in school today, not that she’s happy about that. I’m sure that girl would quit school today and sit in here all day with me if I’d allow it,” she replies, laughing. “How can I assist you today?” she asks, motioning us further into the store.
“We’re looking for nursery furniture,” Damon replies from behind me. He sounds confused and I know it’s because they doesn’t actually sell furniture in this store, but I know from my last visit that they sell furniture from another location. Rosemary nods her head in acknowledgement before reaching behind the counter, pulling out some catalogues, and hands one to Damon.
“We offer everything here. Anything you could possible need for a baby is in there,” she says, nodding to catalogue. “We have everything in our storage warehouse and delivery can be arranged quite quickly. Of course if you’d like to see the items before purchasing, then we can arrange a walk through the warehouse. Just let me know if you find anything specific you’re interested in,” she replies before walking over to an array of bedding. “We have a wide variety of nursery accessories that are in stock today. Have you settled on a colour scheme?” she asks. I glance at Damon, who is flicking through the pages of the brochure.
“I don't know. We haven't really thought about it yet. I was hoping something would catch our attention,” I reply honestly. It's only been the past few weeks that it has really hit me that I am about to become a mother.
Rosemary gives me a small smile. “It can be a little intimidating for first time parents. There are so many choices and items you’ll need, but we can help you with anything you need darling. Just give me a shout if you find anything that takes your fancy.”
“Thank you,” Damon replies absentmindedly. I look at him and he’s engrossed in the catalogue in his hands.
“Why don't I leave you two to browse? If you have any questions at all I will just be over there,” she says, pointing to the back of the store where she was when we arrived.
Damon is still absorbed in the catalogue so I walk over to the rails of baby clothes, and running my hands over the delicate garments, I examine them all closely. I want them all. Every single item is individual, and the detail on the dresses is breathtaking.
My hand stills on a stunning tiny lemon dress. Small bows adorn the shoulders with little ruche lace frills and long sleeves. A delicate lace overlay covers the dress from the chest downwards and finishes past the bottom of the dress. Ribbon tied in a bow is the finishing touch, right at the heart. The dress itself is made of cotton; cotton so fine it feels like silk against my skin.
I look at it for a while, taking in every little detail, trying to imagine what our daughter would look like in it. I can only picture her looking like Damon, and she will be perfect, just like him.
I take a few more moments to pick out a few more items for her. I select four more dresses along with some babygrows, sleep suits, vests, bibs, leggings and tops, different coloured woolen tights, and some frilly nappy pants. My arms are full by the time I’ve picked everything that I possible can’t leave behind. Looking up, I find Damon standing at the counter talking to Rosemary. I make my way to them with my purchases and my husband notices me and stops speaking. His eyes stay fixed to mine as I close the remaining space between us. The smile he gives me is full of warmth and love, and it completely takes my breath away.
It's the smile that is reserved only for me.
Returning his smile, I drop the items onto the counter. Damon’s eyes take in all the tiny baby clothes and he softy strokes the different materials, his eyes clouding with love. I know he’s picturing our daughter wearing some of the delicate outfits I’ve selected.
Rosemary is busy writing something down on a notepad and doesn’t seem to notice I’m now standing with them.
“Mr. Hunt, we can–” Rosemary looks up, and spotting me, she cuts her own speech off. “Oh, sweetie, did you find everything you need?” she questions.
“Oh yes. Thank you. You have so many beautiful items in here. I could buy the whole shop,” I say with a giggle. Rosemary gives me a big smile.
“Ebony designed another new blanket with you in mind. After the first purchase you made here and the blanket you selected, she went straight to work. I have it in the backroom. It’s a gift from her to your little one. I’ll grab it for you if you just give me a moment.”
I nod my head and decide to look at the other blankets in store. I forgot they hand make pieces here. My excitement bubbles when I reach the knitted woolen items. All knitted items are kept together and I find myself selecting cardigans and jumpers for our daughter too.
Damon approaches me from behind, and I can feel his breath on my neck as he looks over my shoulder at a tiny white cardigan I’m looking at. Small flower buttons embellish the front and an embroidered heart is over the left breast. It’s beautiful and I must have it.
Damon’s arms wrap around my ever expanding stomach, and he pulls me flush against his chest. His hot breath on my neck makes me shudder, and I close my eyes when his lips nuzzle against my ear. I have to bite my lip to stop myself from moaning out loud when I feel his tongue gently tracing my earlobe.
“Have you found everything you want beauty?” he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Mmhmm.” I reply, losing all train of thought. The effect he has on me is criminal, and I have no control over my emotions whenever he is touching me. I never believed it was possible to love someone quite so much as I love this man.
“Are you hungry?” he questions, before dropping his arms from around my waist. Before I can answer my stomach grumbles, making both of us laugh.
“I think Jellybean has decided for you,” he says, removing the clothes from my hand and leading me back to the counter.
Rosemary is on the phone but as soon as we approach she ends the call and takes the items from Damon.
“Did you find everything you needed?” she asks, while ringing up our purchases.
“Yes, thank you Rosemary.” I reply “I'm sure we will be back soon though. We still need to pick out the nursery.” Rosemary doesn't reply for a second, as she is busy wrapping the dresses in tissue paper before placing them in little boxes. When she is done, she pulls out a bag, and places everything in before handing them to Damon. She hands me a separately wrapped gift and I realise it’s the blanket Ebony designed. I quickly unwrap the paper and pull out the beautiful lemon and white woolen blanket. Pompoms adorn each corner with tiny little butterflies attached to each fluffy ball. It’s stunning.
“Thank you,” I choke. My emotions are all over the place at the gift. “It’s beautiful. Please share my thanks with Ebony. She’s got a real skill for designing baby items.
“What?” I ask.
“I have nothing to hide from you Ella, not even this.” he says as he holds out a credit card to me. I look at the front and see that my name is printed on it. Confusion must be clear on my face as Damon steps towards me, gripping my chin in his hand, and lifting it so I am looking directly at him.
“What's mine is yours beauty. Everything I have is ours.” He doesn't say anymore but the implication is clear. I'm not sure how I feel about it. Three years ago it was what I wanted but now I’m worried as to what people will think. Will they think the same as Leona? That I'm only with Damon because he is rich?
I'm pulled from my thoughts when I hear Rosemary saying thank you to Damon. I smile at her as we say our goodbyes, promising that we will come back soon. Damon places his hand at the small of my back, and gently guides me out of the shop. When the door closes behind us he spins me around and crushes his soft lips to mine.
The kiss starts getting deep fast and I'm glad that Damon has the restraint to pull his mouth away, because I’m more than happy to let him strip me naked here on the street. I have no control when it comes to my husband. My head feels heavy with lust, and my body is needy for him. I lean against Damon for support, and his arms band around me, holding me to him. When I finally have my breathing under control I lift my eyes to meet his chocolate liquid ones.
“Will it always feel like this?” I ask, my eyes taking in his perfect face.
“No beauty,” he says, pausing. “Every day I spend with you will keep getting better,” he whispers gently.
“I love you,” I tell him. I love saying those three little words as much as I love hearing him say them back.
“I love you too Ella,” he says, letting me go and taking my hand. “Let’s go get some lunch. I want to take you to a country pub we used to go to when we were younger,” he says, leading us back to the car.
****
We pull into the car park of The White Oak about thirty minutes later. Climbing from the car, Damon moves to my side and reaches for my hand, helping me out before pulling me towards the pub doors. The outside is beautiful. The grass has been freshly cut, and rose bushes line the edges, running all the way around the building. Three large wooden sash bay windows are the focal point, surrounded by luscious green ivy trailing up to the roof. If the outside is this beautiful, I'm excited to see how the inside looks.
Walking through the door, we are greeted by chatter and laughter, voices bouncing off the walls. A woman standing behind the bar looks up as we walk in and gives us a smile. As soon as she realises it’s Damon, a huge smile spreads across her face, and she stops what she is doing and rushes out to greet Damon with her arms open wide.
“Damon Hunt. Wow, where the hell have you been?” she asks, pulling him into a warm hug. When she lets him go he looks ashamed and apologises.
“I'm sorry Joan, I’ve been busy,” he pauses, pulling me into the crook of his arm. “Joan, this is my wife, Ella,” he says, in a voice filled with pride.
Joan’s eyes light up at his words and she looks me over, pausing when she reaches my stomach. Her eyes flit between Damon and me.
“Yes Damon, I can see you’ve been very busy,” she says, laughing. She reaches forward and pulls me into a bone crushing hug. For a little woman she sure does have some strength behind her embrace. She pulls away, holding me at arm’s length, her hands resting on my shoulders.
Joan reminds me of someone I’ve met before, but I can’t put my finger on who. Her hair is dyed jet black and back combed so it’s full bodied. Her face, that was probably quite beautiful when she was young, is caked in makeup. Laughter lines span out from her eyes, showing years of joy. My eyes fall to her lips that are smothered in ruby red lipstick.
“She really is a beauty Damon. How the hell did you catch someone like her?” she jokes. My eyes flick back to hers, and I blush at her compliment. I look at Damon who has a huge grin on his face, and his arm around my waist pulls me closer to him.
“She couldn't resist me.” he replies smugly, making Joan burst out laughing.
“Don't be too smug Damon. I seem to recall your charm hasn't always worked on all the girls,” she says matter of factly. Another voice calling out can be heard across the bar.
“Well, look what the cat dragged in,” calls a husky voice. We all turn towards the voice, and an attractive woman who looks similar to Joan starts walking towards us. I take her in and realise that she must be Joan's daughter. She looks exactly the same, only younger. She is beautiful also, and for a moment all my insecurities creep to the surface.
When she reaches us, Damon returns her smile, and pulls her into a warm embrace, letting go of my hand to wrap his arms around her, and I feel an instant loss. Jealousy consumes me when he gives her his special smile. Not many people get to see that smile, only me and his family, and now this woman. She must have meant something to him.
I feel angry at myself for feeling jealous. He’s my husband for fuck’s sake. I have no reason to be insecure.
When he releases her, I take in her appearance. Her shoes are six inch black Laboutins, and she is wearing a fitted black pencil skirt that falls just below her knees, her pink blouse is tucked in and she is wearing a matching black fitted jacket. Her makeup is flawless, only enhancing her natural beauty. Her black hair is tied back in a sleek ponytail high on her head.
“Lisa,” Damon exclaims. “How the hell are you?” he asks before reaching for my hand again. “Let me introduce you to my wife Ella.” He breathes out my name sending electric jolts through my body.
Lisa holds out her hand and I reach out to take it, accepting her welcome.
“Ella,” she says with a smile, as she shakes my hand. “Wow, Damon she really is a beauty,” she purrs.
Am I missing something or did she just check me out?
“Yes and she’s all mine,” he replies. Damon chuckles beside me, and when I look at him he hides a smile, tugging on my hand, and leading me to a table at the back.
As we take our seats at the table I take in my surroundings. It’s so homey. There is an open fire that is roaring, sending out warmth that only enhances the atmosphere. Dimly lit lighting hangs above each table and the thick wooden tables give a rustic feel.
How did I not know about this place sooner?
My eyes land on Damon and find him watching me.
“What?” I ask.
“Nothing, I was just taking in your beauty,” he says, making me feel even warmer inside.
Before I can reply Joan appears asking for our order, and Damon orders a steak while I have the soup. When we’re alone again I ask the question that has been swirling around my mind.
“What did Joan mean when she said your charm doesn't work on all the girls?” I ask.
A smile spreads across his face and his eyes flit to the bar where Lisa is standing, talking animatedly into her phone. “You wanted her?” I ask. Of course he did. Why wouldn't he? She’s stunning.
“Lisa was my first crush, but she wouldn't give me the time of day,” he replies, laughing. “I wasn't her... type,” he says, but something in his voice is mocking and I can’t quite figure out what.
“You’re everyone's type Damon. You would have to be a... oh!” I stop as realisation hits me and my eyes widen. “Oh, I see.”
I look up at her standing the bar, just as she looks up at me. Heat creeps to my cheeks as I look away, blushing. When I look back again she winks at me causing my blush to deepen.
Damon's laugh bellows around the room, and everyone turns to look at him. I kick him under the table as all eyes land on us. Tears stream from his eyes as he takes in my embarrassment, and he clutches his stomach, leaning in closer to me.
“Oh gosh Ella. I fucking love you beauty,” he says warmly, while wiping his eyes.
We laugh and joke for ten m
inutes, just enjoying each other’s company, and when our food arrives, our conversation ends. I devour my soup, not pausing to speak again. It’s delicious and I want more by the time my bowl is empty. Damon then shares his food with me, letting me eat until I’m satisfied. Lisa approaches the table, causing Damon to scoot his chair back to stand up, but she motions for him to stay seated.
“Damon, it was so good to see you again. I have to go to a meeting.” Turning to look at me she gives me a smile. “Ella, it was lovely to meet you,” she says, turning back to Damon. “Don't leave it too long before we see you again, okay Damon?” she demands.
“I won’t. Give my office a call on Monday. We’re starting a new events venture soon, and we may be looking for a hotshot lawyer to join the team,” he replies before handing over his business card. Lisa takes it from him before shaking his outstretched hand. She turns on her heel and heads for the door, and I can’t help watching her leave. Her hips have a feminine swing to them and her arse looks magnificent in her tight skirt. Lisa stops at the door and turns to look at me, my mouth dropping open when she winks and smiles, giving me a flirty wave.
“Hmmm,” Damon says, calculatingly. “I never thought I would have to worry about women hitting on my wife. Close your mouth Ella. You must know the appeal you have on everyone beauty,” he says, his eyes running over me, making me feel exposed.
“Don't look at me like that,” I whisper. My husband quirks a brow in question. “You’re undressing me with your eyes Damon,” I breathe.
“Ella, I undress you at every opportunity baby. I crave you, you know this. When I'm not with you I picture what I want to do to you when I have you back in my arms,” he says barely above a whisper, but his words are screaming in my ears.
“I feel the same about you Damon, you know that,” I reply. He knows how I feel. It scares me how much my heart belongs to him, and only him. How my body reacts when he is close must be abnormal. People surely wouldn’t leave their beds in the morning if they all found the one who made them feel everything.
Avowed (The Manipulation Trilogy Book 3) Page 17