by Katia Rose
“I know we’re going to dinner,” he says, grabbing hold of my ankles and dragging me to the edge of the bed, “but I’d like to start with dessert.”
We don’t leave the bed for almost an hour after that. Aaron teases a climax out of me with his tongue, and then two more with his cock as he takes me hard in three different positions before finally letting himself release. We’re a sweaty mess by the end, and I have to rinse off and touch up the just-been-fucked look before I’m ready to head out into the city.
I swap the lingerie for some more practical underwear and pull on a denim skirt and loose white t-shirt. We’re about to head out the door when Aaron puts a hand on my arm.
“Wait,” he tells me. “I got you something.”
He heads back into the bedroom and digs around in his suitcase for a bit. When he walks back over he’s holding a jewellery box. My heart starts to pound.
He notices the terrified expression on my face and laughs. “Relax, Peaches. It’s not that kind of a box.”
I let out a sigh of relief. I can’t say I haven’t thought about what’s next for us, but while we’re both sure we’re done looking for anyone else, I still feel it’s just a bit too soon to put a ring on it.
“Good,” I answer, trying to hide my panic. “I would have attacked you if it was.”
“Duly noted,” he replies. “When the day comes, I’ll make sure I’m wearing Kevlar.”
He hands me the box and I pry it open.
“I thought you could wear it tonight,” he explains, as I take in the sight of the necklace.
It’s a tiny silver boxing glove attached to a simple chain. I lift it off the padded cushion and hold it up to the light.
“Aaron,” I breathe, “it’s perfect.”
“I saw it in one of the markets we visited and I knew I had to get it for you. A badass like you needs some badass jewellery.”
He holds his hand out for the necklace and I turn so he can fix the clasp around my neck. I feel the cool metal brush against my skin.
“You amaze me every day, you know?” he continues, brushing my hair out of the way. “I didn’t just get this because it made me think of your kickboxing. I got it because it made me think of how strong you are, in everything you do. You fight so hard for yourself, and for the things you care about.”
“Things like you,” I say, turning around. I stare fiercely into his eyes, knowing words alone won’t be enough to show him how much this means to me. “I care about you. I care about you so much, Aaron. I’d fight until I couldn’t move anymore, until I couldn’t even breathe, if it was for you.”
He cups my face with his hands. “I know you would. I’d do the same, although I doubt I’d last even half as long as you.” He presses his lips to mine for just a moment and then pulls away. “I’m glad I have you in my corner, Peaches.”
I punch him right in the gut and he doubles over.
“What was that for?”
I toss my hair over my shoulder and open the door. “For calling me Peaches,” I answer sweetly.
He shakes his head and we leave the hotel together, our hands reaching for each other and fingers lacing together as we step out into the warm night air.
Acknowledgments
There are many people that need to be thanked for their contributions to the writing and publication of ‘Thigh Highs’, but the first person I want to express my complete and total gratitude to is you.
Yes, you. The one reading this book right now. As a reader myself, I know that free time is often too limited and TBR shelves are often too long. The fact that you’ve given some of your precious reading time and made a bit of space on your bookshelf (or eReader hard drive) for my story is truly an honor, and one that I don’t take lightly. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking a chance on an indie author.
I had a kickass team of betas and proofers help me out on the book. Their feedback lit up my life every time it filled up my inbox, and I’m so thankful for each and every one of them.
Pam- PAM! PAM! WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN? You have been beyond supportive of me and my writing and I’m so thrilled we’ve had a chance to connect. This book wouldn’t be what it is without you. You’re a glittering crown jewel in the world of indie romance.
Maria- Gurllll. You rock my world and your feedback has been irreplaceable. Thank you a million times for all the support. I can’t wait to see the incredible places your own writing goes.
Urvi- Thank you for coming up with the concept of #penntastic and for all your amazing feedback on the story. It would have been far less #penntastic without your help.
Margie- You are truly a romance guru and your comments and suggestions helped to strengthen the story so much. I kept having “Why didn’t I think of that?” moments, and I feel extremely lucky that I had you to think of all your feedback for me! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Jenny- Thank you for your detailed answers to all my questions and for helping get the first few chapters into shape.
Christine- Thank you for your speedy edits and encouragement, and for dealing with all my beta questions.
Michaela- You have the gift of being both an honest and encouraging beta reader, and ‘Thigh Highs’ benefited so much for your help. I’m so glad we got to work together.
I am also bestowing endless gratitude and limitless bouquets of imaginary flowers to all the bloggers and ARC readers who have supported ‘Thigh Highs’ and my writing in general so far. I’m still so amazed by the sense of community in the indie romance world, and I stand by my statement that it is due to people like you. I don’t think I can properly explain what your help means to me, but I hope you know that I honestly couldn’t do any of this without you. Keep being awesome.
And of course, to Hamster Feet. You love me when I’m freaking out over bad things and when I’m freaking out over good ones. There’s no one else I’d rather have with me in either situation.
About the Author
Katia Rose is not much of a Pina Colada person, but she does like getting caught in the rain. She prefers her stories served steamy with a side of smart, and is a sucker for quirky characters. A habit of jetting off to distant countries means she’s rarely in one place for very long, but she calls frigid northland that is Canada home.
For more information visit
www.katiarose.com
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