He stood, his body a breath from hers. Looking into her eyes, he took hold of the hem of her shirt and lifted. She raised her arms, assisting him, and he tossed the shirt into the near full hamper on the other side of the room. His fingers caressed her belly, his touch soft against her skin. The baby took that moment to kick. She smiled.

Tucker’s eyes widened, then so did his lips. Amazement raised his eyebrows and he chuckled, his body shaking with mirth.

“This kid is going to keep us on our toes. I can’t wait to meet him or her.”

Her heart banged against her rib cage. She loved when he talked like that. She believed him, too. Despite his reputation with the ladies, Tucker didn’t say anything he didn’t mean and he’d never lied to her.

“Me either.”

He pushed her hair over her shoulder, running the back of his hand over her skin. Her breath caught in her throat. He stepped closer, her tummy pressing against him. He released her bra clasp and drew the straps down over her arms. It joined the shirt. His heated gaze dropped to her chest. She withheld the desire to cover herself. This man had seen her naked before. Had done more than look at her, still she quivered beneath his stare.

“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

Adele might have dismissed Tucker’s statement as flowery words had the heat in his eyes not backed them up. His hands gripped her stretchy pants and pushed them down her thighs. He dropped to his knees to help extract her as they clung to her shins. Completely naked, she shifted her weight. Her pulse rocketed.

“You okay?”

“Sure.”

Besides feeling fat and ungainly.

Tucker turned off the taps. The water had reached mid-tub. Getting to his feet in a svelte move she envied, Tucker lifted her into his arms and lowered her down into the water. She wiggled into a more comfortable position and lifted her head as Tucker rolled up a towel and placed it behind her neck. The heat of the water soothed her tired muscles. The sudsy water teased her pebbled nipples, playing peek-a-boo each time she shifted while her bump poked out of the water like a buoy.

She’d never felt more cherished as Tucker wet a facecloth and ran it over her skin, washing away the day’s dust. Like the first day, he lifted each of her feet and gave them attention, easing the ache but starting another between her thighs.

“Feeling better?” The husky tone sent a thrill through her.

“Yes, thank you.”

“How about some dinner in bed?”

She nibbled on her lip. “I could get used to this treatment.”

“Good. You should. I plan to spoil you every day for the rest of your life.”

Warmth flooded her. When he said stuff like that she melted. It was easy to believe him. Too easy.

When the water began to cool, his hands slid beneath her, the sleeve of his shirt soaking up the water. He lifted her out of the tub with ease and placed her on the soft, latte-colored bath mat. To steady herself, she pressed her palms to his shoulders. His heated skin burned her through his shirt. He dried her quickly, his moves efficient and arousing. Her belly fluttered at his touch. The moisture in her mouth evaporated. She swallowed and played with the open fabric at his throat, the blue-and-gray-striped cotton polo soft beneath her fingertips. A button was missing, leaving only a jagged tuft of thread where it had once been.

He tipped her chin up with a gentle finger, and her breath caught her in her throat.

Slowly, as if giving her time to pull away, his head descended. Despite all the thoughts buzzing around her head, warning her away, Adele held her position. His lips pressed against hers, coaxing her open. He slipped inside and his tongue tangled with hers, devouring her. His taste burst on her tongue, like the most decadent chocolate. He took, demanding. She gave, helpless to refuse, and at the same time wanted to give him everything. Adele moaned, desperate for more. Her fingers clenched in his short, somewhat shaggy blond hair, grasping to hold onto something to remain grounded. Tucker deepened the kiss. Adele fell hard and fast into sensation, drowning in ecstasy. Her lungs cried out for air.

She broke the kiss, struggling to breathe. Dots danced in her vision and she swayed, slightly weak-kneed. Tucker caught her arms and tugged her toward him. She buried her nose against his throat and breathed in his delectable scent. His arms folded around her, drawing her as close as her bump would allow. She melted, feeling secure and happy. Emotion clogged her chest. She pressed a kiss to his skin. His throat worked as he swallowed.

“Adele—” His hands tightened on her hips.

“I want you, Tucker. If you’ll have me.” No truer words had been spoken.

“I’ll never stop wanting you, Adele.”

The world tilted, once again she was in his arms, and he was striding into his bedroom, setting her down on the mattress. Straightening, his heated gaze ran over naked skin, warming her blood, culminating in a throb between her thighs. Everywhere his gaze touched was as though he’d reached out and stroked her. Smiling, Tucker caught the back of his shirt and a second later, the fabric was floating to the floor.