by Erika Wilde
EPILOGUE
“Melodie, can I see you in my office, please?”
Cole made the request, disconnected the intercom and waited for his efficient secretary to enter. In less than a minute she arrived, gliding across the room confidently, the sexy skirt she wore giving him all kinds of wicked ideas. And, lucky for them, it was after six in the evening and Noah and Jo were gone for the day, leaving them completely and totally alone. Just as he’d planned.
The two of them had been dating exclusively for three months, and he couldn’t imagine another woman in his life. Melodie was perfect for him, in every way. She matched him intellectually, stimulated him sexually, and evoked a love so strong it threatened to consume him—in a good way. She never held back with him, not physically or emotionally, and it was her generous, selfless nature that allowed him to open up to her, too.
He’d never thought his life could feel so rich and rewarding, and he constantly marveled that this incredible woman was the reason. And, unbelievable as it was, she wanted him just the way he was.
She tipped her head as she neared, and he could tell by the diligent look in her eyes that she was expecting a business-related discussion. “What did you need?” she asked.
He grinned sinfully and crooked his finger at her. “I need you.”
Her gaze softened with desire, and a sensual smile curved her lips. Rounding his desk, she slid onto his lap, entwined her arms around his neck, and brought his mouth down to hers for a hot, tongue-tangling kiss that stoked a fire deep in his belly. Knowing how easily one of these naughty office encounters could flare into a frenzy of passion, he reluctantly pulled his lips from hers before she ended up sprawled on his desk and his original intentions were forgotten.
She sighed dreamily, and her fingers played with the hair at the nape of his neck. “You know, the perks around here just keep getting better and better.”
He chuckled. “I’m glad you think so. And speaking of perks, I’ve got a bonus for you, for a job well done lately.”
She stiffened. “Cole—”
“Shh.” Gently, he pressed his fingers over her damp lips, his eyes catching hers, silently asking her to trust him. “Don’t refuse your bonus until you see what it is.”
She sat quietly on his lap as he opened the side drawer in his desk and withdrew the small, square, black velvet box he’d tucked there. She eyed the box warily and gasped when he opened the lid to reveal a glittering, two-carat diamond solitaire ring.
“Marry me, Melodie,” he said, his tone gruff with emotion.
She pressed a hand to her breasts, her eyes shimmering with tears. “Marry you?” she croaked.
Panic surfaced, and Cole wondered if she’d grown content with their dating arrangement and didn’t want the restrictions of marriage. “I never thought I could love a person the way I love you,” he said, emphatically stating his case. “And I want everything that goes with it—commitment, marriage, living together under the same roof, waking up in each other’s arms every morning.”
“And what about having a family?” she asked, the question a cautious, tentative one.
He understood her reservations. He knew how much she cherished and valued family and wanted one of her own someday. While she might be willing to be his for the moment, he never doubted that someday the issue of children would be brought up between them. After thinking about the situation long and hard for the past couple of weeks, he was prepared to answer her question.
He drew a deep breath. “Yes, even a family. With you.” He splayed his hand on her tummy, imagining her pregnant with their child, one created together, out of love. “Having a baby with you makes all the difference in the world.
He grinned. “I even went and asked your father for your hand in marriage. He gave me his blessing and said it was about time I made an honest woman out of you.”
His fears with Richard had been unfounded. Cole had been nervous as hell when he’d approached the older man three months ago to tell him he was in love with Melodie, fearing disappointment, but Richard couldn’t have been happier about the situation.
She laughed through watery, happy tears, her love for him shining through. “Oh, Cole,” she breathed. “This is more than I’d ever hoped for.”
“It’s everything you deserve.” Taking her left hand, he slipped the ring on her finger—a perfect fit, just as she was a perfect fit in his life. “Marry me, Melodie, and make an honest man out of me, too.”
The ecstatic “yes” she whispered made his entire world complete.
Don’t miss, HOT AND BOTHERED, the next book in The Some Like it Hot Series featuring Noah and Natalie’s story!
All Books in The Some Like it Hot Series:
HOT AND SEXY
HOT AND HEAVY
HOT AND BOTHERED
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