Sweet Evangeline (Moon Magic Book 2) (24 page)

“Eric, my Angel. Are you real, or did I conjure you?” The familiar words made Eric want to cry.

“I’m real baby. Look into my eyes.” The faint moonlight that illuminated the room was enough for her to see his face. Framing his face with both hands she covered his lips with her own, breathing his breath, inhaling his words of comfort and endearment.

Then, abruptly, she pushed backward from his embrace—panic replacing the joy. “Eric, are you sure? I can’t hurt you. I won’t hurt you.”

“Quiet, love. It’s over. Nanette and Angelique contacted the spirit of Genevieve and the curse has been lifted.” He would explain the rest of it to her, someday. Maybe.

Her body sagging against his in relief, she began to cry. “I love you, Eric. I love you so much.” Eric stood and picked her up, holding her as close to him as humanly possible.

“Let’s get you someplace warm, baby.” He strode out of the studio, across the yard and into the house. He lay her down on their bed, adjusted the thermostat and began to undress. Her eyes never left his.

* * * *

“Hurry, Eric. I need you, so.” Her gaze ate him up. As if seeing him for the first time, she marveled at the perfection of his gorgeous body—the breadth of his shoulders, the sculpted magnificence of his pecs and abs. The sheer, unadulterated sexiness of his biceps and the leanness of his waist—that graspable, enticing ass and that mouth-watering, panty-wetting beautiful cock that made her thighs quiver in anticipation.

But above and beyond all of that, he was so beloved, so precious, so dear to her heart that she rose up on her knees, reaching for him. “Let’s get you naked, baby. I’ll keep you warm.” Their hands clumsily clashed over the buttons on her shirt, the snaps at her waist, the bit of fabric and lace that covered her privacy. But, finally, they were both divinely nude and he drew her to him, relearning the shape of her breasts, the dip at her waist, the swell of her hips, the creaminess between her legs. “God, baby. The time we’ve spent apart seems like an eternity.”

“Love me, Eric.” He needed no encouragement. “Show me the way you’ve dreamed of loving me. While we were apart, I’ve relived every moment of every time we made love.” He knelt on the bed beside her, his massive erection nudging her belly.

“Just to have you back in my arms again is an answer to a thousand prayers. Turn around baby, let me show you one of my favorite ways of loving you.” She let him guide her down, her back nestled against his front. One hand cupped her head, turning it so that he could drink from her lips. The other big hand covered first one breast and then the other, shaping and molding them, rolling her nipples between his fingers, pulling and plucking them into luscious red berries of desire. Her breath came in short, excited pants and her hips pushed back against him over and over again, letting him know that he was all she would ever desire. Letting his hand slide down her body, he boldly caressed her mons, her labia, seeking out the heat that pooled there, waiting just for him. “God, Evangeline, I have to be inside you, baby.” She lifted her rear, just enough, and spread her legs, just enough to welcome him right where he wanted to be.

He filled her, stretched her, thrilled her, completed her. She gasped with a mixture of relief and hunger. Lifting both arms, she reached over her head and touched his face. He kissed her hands, her wrists, her palms. “God, I’ve missed this—I’ve missed you,” she moaned.

As he pumped into her; he ministered to her clit—his fingers circling, petting, touching her in such a way that made her forget to draw oxygen into her lungs.

Eric buried his face into her neck, eternally grateful to be making love to her once more. “I love having you in my arms like this, I can pull you close, I can run my hands up and down your body and all the time, I’m buried to the hilt in your hot, sweet softness.”

His tender words coupled with his talented fingers were fast bringing her to a much needed orgasm. She had been so hungry for Eric. The possibility that she would never know this joy again had only made her more starved for it. His hips bucked wildly. She bit her lip, holding back the scream of ecstasy that threatened to escape her lips. “Eric. God, Eric. You feel so good. Harder, baby,” she urged him.

He needed no further encouragement. He was always careful not to hurt her. Evangeline’s body was small and delicate compared to his and he would rather die before ever hurting her. But when she encouraged him to move harder or faster it just freed something wild in his soul. Holding her tight, he pistoned into her, lifting her body from the bed, impaling her in mid-air as he loved her with everything in him. She climaxed a second time and this time he joined her with a shout of triumph and thanksgiving.

Coming down from their emotional and sexual high, he held her close, cradling her with exquisite tenderness and devotion. “I love you Evangeline. I love you more than life itself.” Pulling himself free of her, so that she could turn around in his embrace, she pressed herself as close to him as physics would allow.

“I never want to be separated from you again. The thought that we would never be together like this again, was sheer agony.”

“I’ll never let you go. Whatever demons we have to face, we’ll face them together.”

The next day dawned bright and clear. And the cloud that had hung over their lives seemed to be gone for good. Calls from the rest of the family began coming in, as everyone rejoiced over the fact that all of the couples had been reunited. Team that incredible fact up with the return of Aimee and the acquisition of Zak and the family felt that everything was just about as perfect as it could get. The neighbor that had been taking care of Tiger saw that activity had resumed in the house, so the kitten got to return home. But a thought kept niggling at Evangeline. Could they really be sure it was all over? Laying a hand on her middle, she knew there was so much more at stake than she had could have ever dreamed. A test had confirmed that. But what would Eric think when she told him?

* * * *

Eric took out the ring and looked at it. It was a symbol of their future. And what the future held—he didn’t know. He and the other men had agreed to keep their secret to themselves. Nanette had supported them in that decision. She had protected their knowledge with a cloud of magic that would not alert even Elizabeth’s sharp senses—after the baby was born, of course. They—all of them—were determined to be happy. Eric was convinced that the future would take care of itself.

He smiled as he put the ring back in the box. Evangeline would love it; he had no doubt about that. And she loved him; that was another thing that he was absolutely sure of. She had already accepted his proposal; he hoped she hadn’t forgotten that. He had made reservations at the most romantic restaurant Austin had to offer and then he asked his baby out on a date—their first actually. That is, if you didn’t count the night they met.

Eric had called the chief, his new job had been approved and he would start the following Monday in the Arson Investigation unit. On the whole, everything was looking up. That is, if Evangeline, accepted his ring. He knew her so well. And he knew without being told there would be hesitancy on her part—not because she didn’t love him—but because she wanted a fool-proof written guarantee that her loving him wouldn’t endanger his life. And there was no such thing as written guarantees. Not about anything important, anyway.

“I’m ready.”

He looked up and thanked God he had been born a male. “Damn!” Eric couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She was wearing the sexiest little black dress he had ever seen, slim spaghetti straps and a back that was barely there. A little black stole hung from her fingertips. “You won’t need that scrap of material; I’ll be keeping you warm, tonight.”

The Tuscan restaurant Siena offered elegant dining, fabulous food and privacy rooms.

Evangeline looked so happy. They had held hands all the way over from Hyde Park. She had brought a little bag with her, one that she wouldn’t let him take a peep at. That was all right. He had a surprise of his own to share.

“This place is so beautiful, Eric. Thank you so much for bringing me.” Love shone from her eyes like stars in the sky. It was hard to keep his hands off of her; he wasn’t used to sharing her with the public.

“It’s about time we went out on the town.”

She covered his hand with her own. “Eric, every moment we have spent together has been precious to me. And as much as I love being here with you, the important thing is just being with you. The location is secondary.”

“True, but tonight is special—I have something to give you.” When Eric had made the reservations, he had ordered a bottle of their finest champagne and as he poured her a glass, he watched her smile waver.

“I have something to give you, too.”

“You do?” Tonight was supposed to be all about her, she didn’t have to get him anything. “Ladies first.” He wanted his surprise to wait. The best should be saved for last.

She picked up the bag slowly. It took a little bit of effort; whatever was in it must be fairly substantial. “I hope this makes you as happy as it made me. Close your eyes, please Eric.” He did as she asked, and he heard the sound of something being set on the table in front of him. “All right, you can look.”

He slowly opened his eyes. It was a bronze. “You made something for me?” His voice was full of wonder. Then he let his gaze settle on the figures. It was him…and her. He stood in a protective stance, his arm around Evangeline, and that braid hanging seductively down her back. Then it dawned on him. There wasn’t just two people in the piece—there was three. He and Evangeline were both looking down, adoringly, at what lay so sweetly in Evangeline’s arms. His whole universe came to a screeching halt. “Love, are you trying to tell me something?” When she didn’t say anything, he looked up and the hopeful uncertainty etched on her features brought him to his feet. The next moment he was on her side of the table, on bended knee, pressing a kiss to her silk covered abdomen.

“We weren’t very good at taking precautions. I hope you don’t mind.” Her words were soft and hopeful.

“A baby? We’re going to have a baby?”

“Yes.” She breathed the answer into the crook of his neck.

“My prayers have been answered,” he whispered reverently.

“I know it’s quick. I mean, we aren’t even married…” Sitting back on his heels, Eric took her hand.

Taking her left hand in his, he kissed the tip of each finger, then turned the palm over and tenderly kissed its sweet center. Reaching into his pocket he removed a small black velvet box. He heard Evangeline’s quick intake of breath. Opening the box, he took out the ring and slipped it on her finger. “Beautiful girl, will you wear my ring? Will you be my wife? Will you make all my dreams come true?”

She threw her arms around his neck and answered him. “Yes, Eric. I will marry you. You stepped out of my dreams. I wouldn’t trade one moment with you for everything else in the world.” He slipped the ring on her finger and Eric was grateful he had reserved the private room, for when he kissed her the air was filled with dancing golden lights, raining down around them, created by the magic of their love.

As Eric sat beside his new bride, he closed his eyes and relived their wedding. The words she had said to him were indelibly written on his heart. “I, Evangeline Lisette Martel, take you, Eric Angelos McAllister, to be my lawfully wedded husband. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you every day of my life.” Eric had looked into her precious eyes and thanked God above for a second chance to treasure this incredible woman. The ceremony had been wonderful, but it was the honeymoon he was looking forward to.

“Baby, I have an idea,” he said to her as they winged their way to the Barbados. Jade had offered his private plane, and Eric had been glad to take him up on it. Now, as they winged their way over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, he had a hankering to join the mile high club. But knew his darling little doll wouldn’t be comfortable with a quickie in the restroom, and he wouldn’t put her on the spot. But the more he thought about their wedding night, the more uncomfortable he became. Thus, the idea.

Evangeline knew him so well; she could hear the lust in his voice and see the heat in his eyes. Laughing, she leaned over near to him and whispered. “I can’t wait to be alone with you either, but I refuse to go down to the cargo area to have sex.”

“No, no, I have a better idea. Do you remember what you did for me in the bathroom, the time you didn’t have to use your hands?”

He had the cutest, expectant look on his sweet face.

“Are you serious?” she asked him, not knowing whether to ravish him senseless or turn him into a white rat and let him run around in her purse until they made it to the islands.

“Well, I can’t help but consider that special talent of yours to be one of the upsides of being married to a witch.” Tongue in cheek, he waited to see what she would say.

Oh, being married to him was going to be so much fun. Since, the world had righted itself after the heartbreak of their time apart; Eric had squeezed every ounce of happiness from each moment they spent together. Since, he had made all her dreams come true, she decided to start on his. “So, you want to have a little fun?”

He nodded, wondering if he was biting off more than he could chew.

“You had better grab your little pillow, and hold it over your lap.” He did as he was told, just before he felt the zipper of his pants start to open. Yes, being married to a witch was going to be magical.

* * * *

Zak had a new family.

He had watched as Evangeline and Eric had become man and wife. She had been absolutely beautiful and he had looked like the happiest man in the world. Arabella and Jade had called him Uncle Zak when they coerced him into holding Savannah Raine while they held each other close during a slow-dance to their favorite song. He had laughed as Tyler couldn’t seem to keep his hand off Elizabeth’s baby bump and Angelique, Philippe and Nanette had been caught napping after three margaritas apiece.

And Aimee, his new mom. Aimee was happy and sad. Zak knew she was eternally grateful to be back with her family. Her daughter’s happiness was her happiness. However, her eyes, gave her away. Even after all these years, she missed her husband. It was hard to be single when so many happy couples surrounded them.

Zak understood that. However, lately something strange was happening. He had seen a girl
—
a beautiful girl—watching him. In the last three days, he had seen her twice. He had tried to catch up with her, but she managed to evade him. The wild thing was—she had looked so much like Evangeline, she could have been her sister. Zak was not in love with Evangeline—not romantically, anyway. But this girl, he couldn’t get off his mind.

It seemed momentous.

Like something important was just about ready to happen.

You never know.

Once in a blue moon, a miracle will happen.