Chapter 4
I sighed as Joe pulled into the driveway. "I don't want to be home."
Joe shut off the engine and reached over, taking my hand in his. "We had to come home. We've got a wedding to plan."
Raising my eyebrow, I looked at Joe. "Yeah, right. I know you Joseph Morelli and at the first sign of wedding planning you'll be out of sight."
"No I won't," he said as he brought my hand up, kissing it softly. "I promise that I'll be there for every decision unless something work related comes up." He reached for the door and I stopped him with my hand on his arm. "What's wrong?"
"Who knows? Are we going to have a machine full of people wanting to know details or what?"
Joe chuckled and shook his head. "Let's go inside, Cupcake. Don't worry about the machine.
Nodding, I sighed and slid out of the SUV. I grabbed my bag and went to the door. After digging my keys out of the bag, I unlocked the door and was greeted by an overly enthusiastic Bob. The force of his greeting knocked me on my ass and I found myself flat on my back on the porch with Bob standing over me.
"Shit, Steph," Joe said and I heard him running towards me. "Get off Bob," he dumped the bags he was carrying on the porch, grabbed Bob by the collar and drug him off me. Joe reached down and helped me to my feet. "Are you okay, Cupcake?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just wasn't expecting Bob to be home," I said as I dusted off my backend then walked in the house. Bob was sitting with his head hanging down and I knelt in front of him. "It's okay Bob," I said rubbing his ears. I looked up to see Joe watching me. "What?"
"You sure you're okay? That looked like a hard hit."
Grinning, I looked up at Joe. "My ass hurts a little. Think you can help make it feel better?"
"I'm pretty sure I can make you forget all about your ass." Joe reached down and picked up my bag, a small box falling out. "What's this?"
I gasped and grabbed the box. "Oh my God, I can't believe I forgot!" Looking at Joe, I smiled and held the box out to him. "Happy anniversary, Joe."
Joe chuckled and kissed me softly. "Let me get the rest of the bags then I'll open it." He smirked and ran his hand down to my ass. "Then we can see about the pain in your ass."
"You're the only pain in my ass Morelli," I called out to him as he jogged to the SUV. His laughter reached my ears as I picked up the bags he dropped on the porch and moved them inside. "Men," I said to Bob, setting the bags on the sideboard and starting to unload the things we bought.
"You know Bob's one of us right? He's not going to sympathize with you when you complain about men," Joe smirked as he carried in our suitcases.
"Smartass," I rolled my eyes then squealed when Joe grabbed me around the waist and turned me around.
"You love my ass."
I grinned and ran my hands down to cup his perfect backside. "Eh, it's okay."
Joe's eyes darkened and a hint of mischievousness sparkled. "It's not nice to lie to your fiancé." He picked me up and threw me over his shoulder then turned for the stairs.
"Wait! Your present."
Chuckling, Joe picked up the box and started for the stairs.
My stomach was resting on Joe's shoulder and I had a perfect view of his ass. Smirking, I slid my hands into his jeans and squeezed.
"Hey!" he squeaked bouncing me against his shoulder.
"Ow. You're not planning on carrying me up the stairs like a caveman are you?" I asked as he started up the stairs, my stomach hitting his shoulder with each step.
"Me man, you woman. We fuck," he said smacking my ass.
I started laughing uncontrollably at Joe's caveman-esque comment. The position I was in, however, wasn't suitable for laughing and I started having trouble breathing. "Joe, stop," I gasped. "I…I can't…can't breathe."
He stopped and quickly lifted me off his shoulder and gently set me on the step. "I'm sorry Cupcake."
Shaking my head, I regained my breath then smiled at Joe. "It's okay. I couldn't stop laughing at your caveman comment and my stomach was hitting against your shoulder."
A smile crept up on Joe's face as he moved his hands under my shirt. "I'm so very sorry," he said caressing my stomach. "So sorry," he lifted my shirt and slipped his head underneath.
I shivered as Joe placed soft, open-mouthed kisses over my stomach. "Joe," I whispered, gently pushing on his shoulders.
Joe pulled his head out from under my shirt and tilted his head at me. "Something wrong?"
"The bed would be a better place to continue this. You've worn me out this weekend and I don't think I can handle wild sex on the stairs right now."
"Yes ma'am," Joe grinned and scooped me up in his arms and carried me the rest of the way to the bedroom. He dropped me onto the bed and crawled on top of me. "Now, where was I?" His hands went under my shirt and pulled it over my head. "Ah, this looks familiar," he smirked and lowered his mouth once again to my stomach.
Reaching down, I gathered the end of Joe's shirt in my hands and started tugging it. "Take it off."
A deep chuckle rose from Joe's chest as he sat up and tore his shirt off throwing it across the room. I giggled and ran my hands up and down Joe's back. He arched his back into my touch as he started kissing and nipping my neck. One hand moved to cup my breast while the other rested on my stomach.
"Beautiful," Joe murmured against my skin. His mouth moving lower to capture my nipple.
"Oh Joe," I tangled my hands in his hair and arched into his mouth.
Joe suckled my breast and I moved my hands around to his chest, running my fingernails up and down. When I reached his hard, pebbled nipples I gave them a slight tug causing Joe to suck in a breath. "Damn, Cupcake," he breathed then returned his attention to my breasts.
I arched my back to give Joe better access and ran my hands down his stomach to his jeans. Quickly unsnapping his jeans, I slid my hands inside until I found what I was looking for. "Joe…please…I need you."
Silence filled the room and Joe stopped his ministrations on my breast. He slowly kissed his way along my neck then my jaw to my mouth. His eyes locked on mine and I was a bit taken back by the depth of love reflected in his chocolate eyes. "I need you too, Cupcake. I've never needed anyone more," he said then pressed his lips against mine.
In no time, the rest of our clothes formed a heap on the floor and Joe was poised above me. Instead of giving me what I really wanted he slid a hand between us and slipped two fingers inside me. I arched off the bed, moaning Joe's name, my fingernails scratching his shoulder blades.
Joe growled softly and lowered his head to kiss and nibble my neck. His fingers worked inside me while he sucked on my neck then licked down to my breast once again taking my nipple in his mouth.
While Joe's mouth and fingers worked their magic on me, my hand joined his between our bodies and I stroked his throbbing length. I was almost to the point of no return when Joe stilled his fingers. He gave my nipple one final tug and I whimpered when he slid his fingers from inside me.
I watched with heavy lidded eyes as Joe brought his fingers up, sucking them into his mouth. He grinned at me then lowered his mouth to mine letting me taste myself on his lips. Our tongues dueled for several minutes and I felt Joe shifting on top of me. He pulled back and smiled down at me. "I love you so much," he whispered as he slowly entered me. Holding himself still inside me, Joe placed soft kisses over my face and neck.
Running my hands down his back, I massaged his ass, trying to get him to start moving. He must have gotten the hint because he began slowly moving almost withdrawing from me completely before thrusting deep again. I rocked my hips against him, bringing my hands back to tangle in his hair. I gasped when Joe bit my neck before he started going a little faster.
Our moans mixed together filling the bedroom with the sounds of our lovemaking. I couldn't get enough of him and wrapped my legs around his waist pulling him deeper into me.
"God, Steph," Joe moaned as he thrust harder and deeper into me, picking up the pace. I ran my fingernails up and down his back feeling my orgasm building. Joe slid one hand between us, intent on bringing me the ultimate pleasure.
I screamed Joe's name as I hit my peak and felt Joe thrust deep into me and remain buried inside me as he filled me. Trembling, from the force of my orgasm, I held tightly onto Joe, almost as if I was afraid to let go.
Joe dropped his head on my shoulder, alternating between panting and kissing my neck. He must have regained control faster than me because he rolled onto his back, bringing me to rest on h is chest.
Still trembling, I couldn't help the tears that slowly trickled from my eyes. I sniffled hoping Joe wouldn't notice but my attempts were futile because he gently lifted my chin.
"Steph? What's wrong? I didn't hurt you did I?" he asked his eyes full of concern.
Sniffling, I shook my head and kissed Joe's chin then placed a soft kiss over his heart.
"Then what is it, Cupcake? Why are you crying?"
I sighed and rested my hand over Joe's heart. "I love you so much, Joe."
Joe put his hand over mine and kissed the top of my head. "I love you too, Stephanie."
After several blissful moments of just laying in Joe's arms, my eyes landed on my hand still over Joe's chest and I smiled seeing the ring on my finger. I gasped and disentangled myself from Joe's arms. "Your present!" I jumped out of the bed and hurried to where we dropped the box on the stairs, Joe's laughter following me. When I returned to the room, I climbed on the bed and resumed my position curled against Joe's side setting the box on his chest.
Smiling, Joe unwrapped the box and opened it. "Wow. Steph, this is nice." He took his old watch off and I stopped him before he could put the new one on.
"Wait, there's an inscription," I said softly, wondering why I suddenly felt shy about his gift.
Joe turned the watch over and read the inscription. "Forever your Cupcake." He lifted my chin and brought our lips together. The kiss wasn't demanding but soft and full of love. "Thank you, Cupcake. I love it," he said as he slid the watch onto his wrist.
"You're welcome, Joe." I smiled and laid my head back on Joe's chest. My hand once again finding its home over his heart. "Joe?"
"Hmm?" he mumbled as he ran his fingers through my hair.
You never told me. How many people knew you were going to propose?"
"Just my mom and your dad. I asked his permission a few weeks ago. I don't know if he told your mom or not," Joe said.
I sat up and looked at Joe. "You asked my dad?"
Joe nodded. "Yeah. I mean, that's what a guy's supposed to do right? I guess I'm just old fashioned or something." He looked at me with a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. "You think it's stupid that I did that don't you?"
Quickly shaking my head, I kissed Joe's cheek then snuggled against him. "I think it's very sweet. Thank you."
I was almost asleep and content to stay in Joe's arms for the rest of the day and night when the phone rang. "Guess this means our vacation is officially over," Joe muttered as he reached over and picked up the phone. "Hello?"
Sighing, I returned to my position snuggled against Joe's side as I listened to his side of the conversation.
"Hey Mama….yeah, we got back about an hour ago….it was very nice and relaxing," he laughed and looked at me with a grin. "Yes, she said yes."
Chuckling, I could hear Angie Morelli's excitement through the phone.
Joe ran his hand up and down my back. "No, not tonight Mama. We're just going to stay in tonight….okay, we'll see you then….love you too, Mama. Bye."
"I take it she was excited."
"Yeah," Joe laughed. "Just a little. But I think she was kind of sad, too."
I sat up and looked at Joe. "Sad?"
Nodding, Joe smirked. "She said something about her little Joey growing up."
Smiling, I straddled Joe's waist and started kissing his chest. "Nothing little about her Joey," I said then sat up. "Wait a minute. Call her back and ask her not to tell anyone."
"Why?"
I shrugged as I ran my hands over Joe's chest. "I…I just want to enjoy it with you before everybody and their brother is asking us about it."
Joe sighed but did as I asked and called his mom back and asked her not to tell anyone. After he hung up the phone, he grinned at me. "She doesn't give us keeping it a secret much of a chance. She said it'll be all over the Burg by Tuesday."
"Well, that gives us the rest of today and tomorrow to enjoy it by ourselves," I said as I lowered my mouth to his chest. I wasn't very far into my exploration when the phone rang again. "Ugh!"
A deep chuckle rumbled from Joe's chest. "Bet that's your mother."
"I don't wanna talk to her," I grumbled as I resumed kissing Joe's chest.
"She's not gonna give up, Cupcake. Might as well get it over with now."
Frowning, I rolled off Joe and picked up the phone. "Hello," I said hoping my frustration was clear in my voice.
Joe chuckled and wrapped his arms around me, tugging me against his warm body.
"Stephanie, it's your mother."
Like I don't know her voice, why does she always say that? "I know mom."
"Did you have a nice vacation? Anything I need to know about?"
I laughed. "That was quite sneaky mom. Yes, the vacation was wonderful and yes there is something you need to know about." Joe's lips were on my shoulder and I sighed softly. "Joe asked me to marry him and I said yes but we don't want the entire Burg to know yet so don't say anything. We're not coming over for dinner tonight, maybe tomorrow. I'll call you later. Bye," I said in a rush then hung up the phone and rolled around to face Joe. "Now, where were we?"
Joe's laughter filled the room. He leaned over me to the phone and turned the ringer off. "No more interruptions," he said then captured my mouth with his as we once again celebrated our engagement.
