Chapter 1
Barefoot, she pads through the quiet two-storey home. The wooden floor boards are cool under her feet as her hand slowly guides her down the dark hallway toward the newly renovated bathroom.
The original bathroom had been a sight. Her husband had decided immediately after buying the house that both this and the kitchen downstairs would need to be replaced. So on his down time he had tore the entire thing apart, re-plumbed the exposed pipes and replaced the former light brown tiles to an off white. At her request he'd also found an antique wooden bench and sink set, and purchased a stand alone tub with shower over hang.
Relieving herself and washing her hands, she cocks her head to the side and listens.
The low hum of crickets chirp outside, the darkness encouraging their choir of songs among the dense trees and forestry surrounding the house. Beyond that, only the soft click of ceiling fans accompany a quiet groan of a wicker chair. The night air is moist, humidity collecting within the walls of the small house; the assistance of open windows and fans circulating, fight hard to cool the inside.
Rubbing semi wet hands on her bare legs she makes her way downstairs and towards the back porch. Unhinging the latch of the French doors she pulls aside the sheer curtain and steps outside.
Her husband sits in a wicker chair, his lit phone clutched in one palm; a beer in the other. Smiling, she runs her hand along his smooth back and rests her chin on the crown of his head. His soft scent of aftershave and sweat serve to comfort her as she enjoys the heat of his skin under her fingers.
"Hey. I didn't mean to wake you," he murmurs, enjoying the feel of her hands toying with his hair and bare skin.
"You didn't wake me, I needed to pee," she sighs as she wraps her arms around his neck. "What are you doing out here?"
"Couldn't sleep," he explains as he takes a sip of his beer and places it down on the small glass table. Clasping her wrist, he pulls her body out from behind him, draping her on his lap.
Leah feels breathless as she stares into those dark green eyes. They're stormy, like the rain clouds currently building on the horizon; filled with swirling emotions that make her stomach clench and her heart flutter. She does nothing but stare at him, her arm draped over his shoulder, fingers playing with his nape. The small frown on his lips makes her want to kiss him; so she does exactly that.
Softly, only barely touching, she brushes her mouth against his. His fingers climb from her calf to over her knee, stopping to finger a small childhood scar on the inside of her thigh. He starts to smile ever so slightly.
"I wish we could stay like this forever," she hums against his warm mouth, as a gust of air ruffles over her exposed skin. A low rumble sounds in the distance. The horizon lights up in a flash; before rumbling again in threat.
"It's gonna rain, pretty girl. Let's get you inside."
Leading her inside, Edward grabs his phone, laying it out on the kitchen bench as they pass by. Warm air circulates around the living room, the fan clinking to its normal beat.
Sitting her on the edge of their bed, Edward pulls at the hem of her dark blue tank, peeling it over her olive skin until she is bare except for the cotton pants she wears. Her midnight black hair is tied back, leaving only soft tendrils to shape her face. Her eyes, guarded by dark lashes and high cheek bones, leave him mesmerised.
His fingers run over the smooth skin of her face, brushing those loose tendrils away so he can see her. She still steals his breath away, just as she had the first night her saw her standing on a curbside in Alabama with a group of friends. She is everything a man can want. Beautiful, strong-willed, energetic and kind.
He loves her more than life itself; because without her he wouldn't be alive; but merely just existing.
Her hooded slate eyes watch him as he shucks himself from his cargo shorts, slowly letting the material drop to the floorboards underfoot. She doesn't waste time, crawling backwards toward the headboard, allowing him to follow.
With his weight over her and his mouth on hers, he kisses her hard. Her hands wind into his hair as her legs part and make room for him. His hard lines press into her softer body, his chest flush with her, their hearts resting together.
"I love you," he whispers against her neck, his hand clutching tightly on her hip. "Don't ever forget that. No matter how far I go, no matter how dark life becomes, I will always come back to you."
She moans with need as her legs wrap around him, drawing him closer. "I won't. I love you, too," she gasps, feeling him enter her with trepidation and love. "So much."
She clutches his back, her hips raising to meet his purposeful thrusts in a synchronized rhythm; a rhythm her heart can not forget. She has so much to be thankful for. A loving husband, a home, family and friends she loves.
His fingers squeeze painfully against her thigh, causing her to cry out into the darkness of their humid bedroom. His mouth takes the opportunity of her arched neck; instantly nipping and sucking her warm skin.
Sweat beads over both their bodies, making their movements slick and desperate. She tightens her hold on him as his muscles clench and flex under her palms, her pleasure also becoming his.
"Oh God," Leah cries, her nails sinking into his biceps. Her back arches, her breasts mashing against his solid chest.
"Leah!" He hisses back breathlessly, teeth clenching. With his hips surging forward for the last time, they both fall apart; together.
Collapsing over her, he lays panting, his heated breath rolling over her neck and shoulder.
She hums quietly as her body buzzes; a usual after effect of their lovemaking. Her muscles feel sore but content. She does nothing but smile, soothing his back and allowing his breath to slow and calm.
As Edward turns them, pulling her into his side, the soft patter of raindrops began.
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