Love on the Menu

by Ellen March

  Jago’s lips quirked into a wicked, little-boy grin. “Welcome home, honey,” he said quietly, unable to believe she was actually back. He intended to make up for lost time. Walking around the Jeep, he opened the door and scooped her out.

  “What are you doing?” she squealed, wrapping her arms around his neck.

  “Carrying you to bed, what does it look like?” he said, kissing her softly. All his hormones were raging, urging him to make passionate love to her. But he was worried she wasn’t fit enough. She looked so frail—almost ethereal.

  Reaching his room, he let her slide to the floor in front of him.

  Riley hesitated at the door to his bedroom. The image of him with the long-haired woman was still too fresh.

  Jago glanced down and knew what she was thinking. Wrapping his arms around her, he nuzzled her neck. “I never made love to her, honey. I never touched her. And yes, I was drunk, but even when I was sober I didn’t touch her. On my life and yours, I swear.”

  Riley turned to him, the ghosts finally banished. She slid her arms around his neck and licked and nibbled at the base of his throat. With urgent intensity, they snatched at each other’s clothes till they lay heaped on the floor, leaving them both naked. Gently he laid her on the bed, his hands greedily scorching over her breasts. They seemed bigger than he remembered, despite her frailty. Touching one reverently, he suckled the other. His fingers scrambled down her stomach, over her hips, then back up again. His palm moved over her stomach and detected a distinct swelling.

  “Riley, do you have something to tell me?” he asked, trying to keep his voice normal.

  “Well, I don’t know if you can afford it, but I’m pregnant,” she stated without preamble. She waited for his explosion.

  “Riley,” he breathed, running his hand over her swollen abdomen, “I can’t believe it.” He kissed her full on her lips. “Thank you, honey!” His eyes were shining.

  “Are you sure you don’t mind?” she needed to ask, though she realized nothing could be done about it now even if he did. “I mean a baby doesn’t come cheap, and knowing our luck we’ll have twins.”

  “Riley, I don’t care if we have bloody quads.” He peppered her with kisses. “And we don’t need to worry about money.” He flicked his tongue into her ear and slowly slithered it around. “I’m a millionaire.”

  Jago paused, waiting for the scream.

  But instead there was silence. After a time, she asked, “So, why are you running this place?” She shook her head, confused. “An outdoor pursuits centre wouldn’t make that much money.”

  “It’s what I love. Tyrian, the outdoors … the money works itself. I had a large inheritance from the uncle who raised me, put it into stocks and shares, and my investments paid off.” He wished she’d stop asking questions and make love. A thought occurred to him. “We can still … you-know-what, can’t we? I mean we won’t hurt our baby?”

  Riley eyes glowed with warmth, loving his concern. “No Jago, we won’t. In fact, we can make love right up to the day I give birth. If you’ll still fancy me, that is, with a big fat belly.” She laughed.

  “I’ll love you even more if that’s possible. Watching you grow big carrying my child,” he whispered. Leaning down, he kissed her stomach. Then, deciding the opportunity was too good to miss, he slid down between her legs.

  “Jago,” she squealed.

  “Mmmm,” he moaned, laving the inside of her thigh with his tongue. Skipping to her pussy, he furrowed his tongue magically inside. He licked and suckled, feeling her tense and arch into his mouth as her hands clutched the sheet.

  He moved upwards, careful not to put his full weight on her. Leaning on his forearms, he nudged her legs apart. Not moving, he gazed down at her until she opened her eyes.

  “What are you waiting for?” she asked huskily.

  “I want to look into your eyes as I take you,” he whispered, pressing against her. He inched slowly and leisurely forward, melting into her warmth. His tongue slid avidly across her lips in an expression of pure desire.

  But Riley didn’t want gentleness. She craved to feel him deep within her, now. She arched upwards, casting herself upon his cock. And Jago was undone, unable to stop himself from pummelling in deep. His arm muscles bulged as he rocked against her writhing body.

  His eyes remained fixed on her face as she writhed from side to side, thrusting her hips up to meet his, grinding and meshing. She arched her back and cried out loud. Her sweet sexy mewls filled the room as she climaxed, shuddering against him. Jago growled loudly as he joined her.

  Rolling over, he pulled her with him so that she lay on top.

  Still joined to him, she kept her head on his chest, listening to his heavy breathing, unable to believe he was all hers. At last.

  Jago ran his hand down to the small of her back, running them over her protruding ribs and not so peachy ass. “I’m sorry for the pain I put you through, honey,” he murmured as he sucked each of her fingers in turn.

  “It’s in the past. All that matters is we’re together.” Riley was ever the pragmatist. She wished he’d stop doing that. For such a simple action her clit was responding like a beacon in the night.

  You need to put on weight. There’s nothing left of you,” he grumbled, dismayed by the evidence of her suffering.

  “I will, now that you’re mine,” she promised, absently stroking his chest. “I wonder if we’ll have a son or daughter?”

  “I don’t mind, as long as you’re both fine. I hear it is really painful giving birth.” Already he was worrying.

  “Yes, that’s what the programmes I’ve seen say. Hell, some of them scream in agony. But, as I’ve not done this before, I don’t really know. You’ll be there for me ….” She paused wickedly. “And as you’re so rich, you can afford the best pain relief possible.”

  Jago burst out laughing, knowing damn well he’d be there. He liked the fact that she had so much trust and confidence in him and gave her a squeeze. “How far along are you?”

  “Not sure until I have a scan. About two or three months. Looks like I caught almost at once.” Her eyes scored over him, and she grew serious. “You’ve lost weight as well. Did you really miss me that much?”

  “Riley, you don’t know how much. I was a wreck. Just ask Em. Don’t ever leave me again, honey. I couldn’t bear it.” His arms coiled tightly around her.

  “I’ll never leave you, I swear,” she promised. Holding his head in her hands, she kissed him softly. Her tongue flicked across his lips, and a frisson of warm breath settled over him. “You’re my soul mate.”

  “Where did you get the bracelet?” he asked. His hand continued to stroke her shoulder in little circles.

  “A little jewellers when we were in town.” Riley grinned as she remembered the conversation. “I was five pounds short. But she said that as long as I came back to tell them I was getting married, I could have it cheaper.”

  “You spent all your money on me?” Jago was amazed at her sweet nature. He’d never had anyone care about him that way before.

  “Well, technically, no. Forty-nine pounds and forty-nine pence. The rest was yours,” she pointed out logically. She squealed when his hand smacked playfully across her buttocks.

  “Tomorrow we’ll go back there. I want to buy one for you with a special inscription.” He kissed the top of her nose. “And how about an engagement ring while we’re there?”

  “Do we have to get engaged?” Riley felt his body stiffen and grasped his chin. “Behave,” she scolded. “I just meant can’t we skip that bit and get married instead?”

  Jago relaxed and grinned. “Sorry, honey, but where you’re concerned, I’m a mass of insecurities.”

  “Jago, shut the hell up and make love to me again.”

  * * *

  He woke up holding her in the same position they’d fallen asleep. No matter that he’d sworn to go easy on her; they’d still made love till the early hours of the morning. Now he didn’t want to move. Holding
her close, he spanned the curve of her stomach with his hand in a protective gesture, experimentally pressing and feeling.

  “Will you behave?” she chuckled tiredly. “You’re not going to feel anything this early.” Still, she was pleased at his excitement.

  “Just checking.” He nuzzled her throat, and his hand slid up to cover her breasts, appreciating the weight of them. Recalling what she’d been through, he was so thankful she hadn’t lost the baby.

  Miracles do happen, he thought.

  “Riley?” His tone became serious. “If I hadn’t come to my senses, would you have told me you were pregnant?” He was only too aware what his arrogance had almost cost them.

  She turned to him and gently stroked his cheek. “Do you want the truth or what you’d like to hear?”

  “The truth,” he whispered, his gaze coasting over her.

  “To be honest, I did consider not telling you.” Carefully she studied his face, the shadow of pain that flitted across. “But I loved you too much to do that to you. And even if you didn’t want me, I couldn’t have separated you from your child.” She gave him a saucy wink. “Only, I couldn’t decide when to turn up. I could wait until I was the size of a house, or just drop by with the baby in tow. Either way, I figured I’d give you a heart attack.”

  Jago heaved a sigh of relief. He hadn’t realized how important her answer was till she said the words. But he’d already known what she’d say. She was too sweet natured to harbour any ill feelings. He kissed her softly. “Thank you, honey.”

  She rolled over and wiggled her ass against him.

  “I still can’t believe I’m marrying a millionaire.”

  “Do you mind?” His tongue stole into her ear, and he felt himself harden yet again.

  “I think I can cope with it, but you do realize I’ll still go to cheap shops and use vouchers, don’t you?” At his not-so-subtle probe against her, she snuggled her hips closer.

  “You can do what you like. Spend ten pence or ten thousand. What’s mine is yours,” he said, moving against her.

  “Can I ask you a favour?”

  “Anything, but make it quick,” he groaned, wanting her just as badly as the first time they’d made love.

  “Do you think you’ll be able to do something for Rob? He’s good deep down. It’s just that he got in with the wrong crowd.” She sucked in her breath as he edged between her legs, keeping her back to him.

  “Already in hand. I’ve spoken to a colleague of mine who needs an apprentice.” He gasped, pushing slowly into her sweet haven until she moved her leg and he nudged home. Bit by bit he slid at a leisurely pace in and out, moving through her folds, furrowing and tunnelling. His one hand remained on her clitoris, coaxing her to new heights. Usually she had some semblance of control. But in this position he kept the driving action moving smoothly. Perspiration bathed his forehead as he fought to hold back.

  “Oh shit, oh Christ, Jago!” she screamed, throwing her head back as her whole body exploded. She slammed urgently back against him, taking him so deep his balls were the only thing stopping her from absorbing him fully and completely. And then Jago released his tortured hold. As he plunged hard into her, his orgasm quickly joined hers. “Jesus,” she gasped brokenly, “that was amazing.”

  Turning her head towards him, he kissed her tears away. Small sparkling droplets glistened on her cheeks, and he tasted the salt. “I love you, Mrs. Tanner.”

  “Is that your name?” It was only then she realized that although she was lying in bed with him, carrying his child, and agreeing to marry him, she hadn’t known his surname. “We’re not married yet.”

  Jago burst out laughing. “A mere technicality. As soon as I can arrange it, you’ll be my wife.”

  “Riley Tanner.” The words rolled off her tongue. “I like it.” She giggled when he gave her a squeeze.

  Emily was in the kitchen when they wandered in, Jago with his hand possessively around her waist.

  “Oh, Riley,” sniffed Emily, dabbing at her tears with her apron. “We’ve missed you so much.” She pulled her into a bone-crushing hug. “Look at the weight you’ve lost,” she scolded.

  “I’ll soon put it back on with your home cooking.”

  “And you’re not ill?” she asked with a brief glance at Jago.

  “No, that was a ploy by her brother. But she’s back for good now,” said Jago. Proudly, he added, “We’re getting married.”

  “That’s the best news I’ve heard.” She gave a little sob as the tears came again. “Any idea when?”

  Jago didn’t answer.

  “Before the baby’s due,” grinned Riley glancing back at Jago, who wore a soppy grin. Moving forward, he put his arm around her and placed a hand possessively on her stomach.

  “Oh, my word, a baby in the house! I can’t wait,” blubbered Emily happily.

  “We’re going into town. I’m buying a matching bracelet,” said Jago. “We’re also going to look for an engagement ring and wedding rings.”

  “But before we go, can I see Farley?” asked Riley, her voice pleading, her eyes beseeching.

  Jago frowned. “You’re not to ride him, and that’s an order,” he stated, not wanting her or the baby at risk. “And I don’t want you in the stable with him either.” At her pout, he glared at her. “I mean it, Riley, so don’t even think of trying to talk me out of this one.”

  “I think he’s going to be overbearing over the next six months, don’t you?” she said, giving Emily an exaggerated wink.

  “Damn right I am.” Jago pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly.

  * * *

  Ellen March and her husband live on top of a mountain in Wales, which is ideal in the summer but not so much in the winter months or when it rains. She has three grown children, one suicidal cat—it really does have nine lives—and three Alaskan Malamutes. When not writing she delights in backpacking around the welsh countryside with them and is proud to say that all three have earned their WPD (working pack dog) titles.

  Her first love, however, is reading and writing. She devours any steamy romance and works of the paranormal she can get her hands on and enjoys acting out her own fantasies in print. Her body of work includes erotic romance, psychological thrillers, and the supernatural.

  Fanny Press has published three of Ellen’s erotic romances—Promises, His Girl Friday, and A Ghost of an Affair—and will be publishing many more in 2015 and beyond.

  You can find Ellen online at ellenmarch.jimdo.com.