Nothing.
“Welcome home, Mrs. Palazzo,” Rafe said before scooping Ari up into his arms and carrying her across the threshold. At least he didn’t stumble, but she didn’t expect him to.
Her worries temporarily forgotten, Ari laughed with delight as he nuzzled her neck and made his way to the kitchen. Then she melted a little when she saw the gigantic bouquet of stargazer lilies waiting for her on the table.
“My favorite flowers,” she sighed.
“I could never forget. I will have a bouquet for you every week for the rest of your life,” he said before kissing her breathless while letting her body slide down his as he set her on her feet.
“Did you order them yourself, or have Mario do it?” It shouldn’t matter, but it did. If they were from him, the gesture meant so much more.
“I ordered them,” he said, and kissed her again.
“I love them, then,” she said before kissing his neck, tasting his skin as she reached toward one of his buttons.
“I’m starving, woman, so quit distracting me,” he said with a grin as he pulled back after leaning in for one more lingering kiss.
“Mmm, I’m not the one who started this,” she reminded him while looping her arms around his neck and nibbling on his lips.
“I can’t seem to keep my hands off you,” he said before deepening the kiss, making them both lose sight of the meal they needed to have.
“I like that very much,” she told him when he came up for air.
“You are going to have to sit on the other side of this island so I’m not tempted,” he said, finally extracting himself from her arms.
Ari pouted as she took her seat, but quickly lost her moue as she watched him take food from the fridge. She hadn’t seen him cook before. This would be interesting.
“What are you making?”
“For our first night together, I thought a salmon-topped salad, lots of wine, and ice cream for dessert.”
“That’s not very creative,” she teased him.
“I’ve never claimed to be a culinary master,” he said, unwrapping the already prepared items and putting the salad together.
“You have many other talents, so I suppose I shall forgive you.”
“Why, thank you ever so much,” he said as he set a plate in front of her. It was so nice to be alone with him, with no staff interrupting them as they enjoyed their first meal back in the States as man and wife.
It still seemed unreal, even after their time on honeymoon.
“I love you, Rafe,” she said, halting the progress of her fork halfway to her mouth.
“You are my world, Ari,” he said as leaned over, gently caressing her lips with his before lifting his hand and running his thumb across her swollen bottom lip.
“Who needs food?” she asked. The bedroom beckoned, saying “Now!”
“Oh, woman, don’t tempt me,” he scolded gently. “Eat up. You will need the fuel,” he continued with a wink, making her stomach tighten in anticipation.
“You have a strenuous night planned?”
“Oh, yes, yes, I do,” he promised.
Further anticipation filled her as she picked her fork back up and nibbled on her salad. They’d had romantic, amazing, take-her-breath away sex on her honeymoon, but now that they were home, she couldn’t wait to see what he had planned next.
“Before we retire to our bedroom, I want to show you something,” Rafe said as he cleaned up the dishes and set a bowl of ice cream in front of her, topped with extra whipped cream.
Ari filled her spoon with vanilla ice cream and syrup, enjoying the cold on her tongue. He grabbed a folder and placed it before her.
“What’s this?” she asked, picking it up and opening it.
Then her eyes widened in delight. Listings. Home listings.
“I wanted to surprise you with a new house, Ari, but then I thought this was something you would want to be involved in. I know you haven’t said anything, but I want us to start our life together with a home you can love. Here are some choices for you to thumb through. If you hate them all, then we’ll meet with the Realtor and keep looking. I spoke to your mother and she told me what she believed you would like.” Rafe spoke almost nervously.
Ari glanced through the listings, and on the third one, she stopped, entranced by the pictures of a beautiful colonial-style home with a wraparound porch and bamboo flooring. And then the pièce de résistance, at least where she was concerned: a giant backyard, with a pool and a variety of giant trees providing shade and privacy.
It fulfilled her dreams.
“Oh, Rafe, I don’t know what to say,” she gasped, feeling as if it were already home without ever having set foot inside the double front doors.
“Do you really like it? This was my pick. I put down earnest money to hold it,” he said, smiling as if he’d done well.
“I love it, but are you sure? You’ve lived here a long time.” She suddenly felt guilty over not loving the place he’d called home.
“This is just a house, Ari. It’s just a place I have rested my head. I’ve been waiting for you to come into my life to actually have a home — the place I can see myself living forever. You are what will make it a place of comfort, you and our children. If you’re happy, then I will be too.”
“Oh, Rafe, I am going to make you a very happy man tonight,” she said with a watery smile as she rose from her seat and positioned herself between his legs. She leaned forward and kissed him.
“Mmm, it’s too late, Ari. I’m already the happiest man alive,” he said, when speaking was possible.
She grasped his face, her thumbs rubbing over his high cheekbones. “I can’t believe I get to spend the rest of my life with you.” She kissed him again, trying to convey all the emotion she was feeling, and she held on tight as his hands drifted down her back and cupped her behind, pulling her against his already aroused body.
When he pushed her back, she whimpered until he reached into his pocket and pulled out a bright red sash.
“What’s this for?” Though she asked, she already knew, and her body tingled as she realized the games were about to begin.
Without saying a word, Rafe turned her around and lifted the sash, securing it across her eyes and tying it behind her head. Then he leaned forward and ran his tongue along her throat, making her core heat up. He wrapped his arms around her, and slid his hands up her stomach to surround her br**sts, making her breathing deepen and her ni**les harden painfully.