C.A.K.E novel Chapter 2

THE STONES

“Home sweet home, my dear.”

Elliott opens the door of their four-bedroom condo and ushers Arden over the threshold. As soon as her heels touch the reclaimed hardwood floor, the motion sensor lights are triggered. The open floor plan of the main living area is illuminated within seconds. She sits her clutch on the foyer table and Eli removes his jacket from her shoulders.

“Such a gentleman.” Smiling, she slips out of her shoes.

“Only for you.” He hooks his arm around her middle and scoops her up. “I can be quite rough at times.”

She squeals and pretends to struggle against him. Elliott carries her to the master bedroom and falls backward onto the California king bed with her.

She sits up and swings her leg over his body so that her thighs are hugging his torso. Her dress glides up as his hands chase the thin material up her thighs, before cupping her round bottom.

Moonlight rains down from the skylight above the bed, casting a sapphire glow over them. Arden stares down at him and runs her fingers through his dusky blonde curls. Still grasping a handful of his hair, she bends and whispers in his ear.

“Rough little boys need to be punished for their actions.” She tugs his locks. “Now what should I do with you?”

“I don't know.” He sighs and turns his head to face her. “But I think it should hurt.”

She smiles, devilment in her eyes. “Can do.”

Arden teases him, letting her lips get just within reach of his before pulling back. Elliott tightens his grip on her, making her soft curves press into him.

Eli breaks their kiss to trace slow circles on her shoulder with his tongue. She whimpers, as he bites and sucks her skin. His hand finds the zipper on the side of her dress and tugs it down.

Arden pulls the garment over her head, ruffling her hair. She leans down, seeking his lips again. But his touch on her stomach keeps her upright.

“What is it?”

“Just let me look at you for a second.” Clad in nothing but her nude strapless bra and matching seamless underwear, she's a disheveled goddess.

She smooths her thumb over the stubble of his forming beard, then tugs at his bottom lip. “You know that's not all you're allowed to do.”

Elliott pulls her down into another kiss.

Arden yanks the cashmere blend shirt over his head. She trails soft kisses down his chest to the waistband of his jeans. She undoes the button and zipper with an urgency that isn't easy to derail. But Eli manages.

“Baby, wait.” He catches her hands.

“What?” She lifts her head, brows furrowed.

“We both have early mornings ahead of us. And you know, we don't do quickies.”

Arden nods, continuing to undress him. He flips her over onto her back and holds her down by her wrists.

“I have a meeting at eight. And you need to be at the bakery by four.”

“You're just stating facts right now. What's the problem?”

“We should get some rest.”

“It will still be late in twenty minutes.” She blows a lock of hair out of her face and wraps her legs around his waist. “The only difference is we'll both be a whole lot happier.”

He gives her a tender kiss then scoots to the edge of the bed to remove his shoes. Arden turns on the bedside lamp and pulls him back down onto the sheets. Straddling him, she grabs his chin and makes him look up at her.

“Hi. Elliott? Maybe, we haven't met.” She smirks and gestures to herself. “I'm Arden, your wife. And I'm trying to sleep with you.”

“I'll make it up to you tomorrow.” He kisses her neck, then picks her up and lays her on top of the duvet. “I promise.”