Free A Hero to Dance With Me by Marteeka Karland Page B

above him. His big hands skimmed her skin from waist to breasts and back.
    “That’s it. Do it, baby. Ride me. I want to watch those perfect breasts bouncing as you do.”
    When she started to move, he clenched his teeth, a hiss escaping as his hands settled on her hips, tightening as he gripped her flesh. With ease, he guided her movements until they were both panting hard. He rose to meet her downward thrusts, driving into her with dizzying intensity. Elle could do nothing but throw her head back and let it happen.
    She was close. So very close, yet riding that rail of pleasure, unable to fall. “Steve.” She didn’t have to say more. He knew exactly what she needed. With a growl, he sat up, swinging his legs off the bed to better brace himself. He urged her to slide over him, rocking her hips, grinding against him. Immediately she felt the difference. The pressure and friction on her clit were exactly what she needed, and the new positioning allowed her to move faster and faster until her orgasm exploded through her with the force of a lightning bolt to the chest. Steve’s own shout soon followed and Elle collapsed against him, clinging to his hard strength.
    This was real. As she looked at her ring when it caught the sunlight, glinting to get her attention, the thought that she would actually marry Steve Carver swept through her with a giddy sense of anticipation.
    “You’re going to marry me,” she said absently, sounding dazed even to herself.
    “Damned straight,” he answered, nuzzling her cheek.
    Pulling back to look at him she asked, “When?”
    He shrugged, looking as content as any male could be. “Whenever you want. Might take a day or so to get the marriage certificate, but I think I can pull a few strings. Up to you, though be warned that Mom will not be happy if we elope.”
    Elle laughed, hugging him to her, his body still tenaciously joined with hers. “There’s no rush. We can wait until after the baby is born if it will make her happy, though I can’t imagine a true Southern woman wanting that.”
    “Honestly, I don’t think she’ll care as long as we’re both happy. The only reason she’d be displeased about an elopement would be that she wouldn’t get to be there to cry over us.”
    With another little laugh, Elle swatted his chest. “Your mother loves you. You should be thankful.”
    “Oh, believe me, I am,” he said, going all serious. “I know that, if it hadn’t been for her, you’d have turned your back on me and never thought twice about it. She guilted you into coming home with her that night knowing that if she put us together we’d somehow work it out.”
    “I know.” She smiled. “Which is why I’m willing to give her time to prepare if she wants. Do you think two or three months after the baby is born will be long enough?”
    “More than. But it will give you time to heal and to get used to being a mom and everything. You’re due…when? End of June? We can get married in August.”
    “Mark it on the calendar. And don’t you dare be late, Steve Carver.”
    “Not on your life.”

Chapter Twelve
     
     
    Preparations for the wedding were going smoothly. Steve’s chest had puffed out just a little when he and Jezelle announced to the family they were getting married but planned to wait until after the baby was born. Steve’s father had pursed his lips, but, as he’d known she would, Vivian simply clapped her hands with glee.
    “Oh, good! There will be time to plan a proper wedding. Every woman deserves a beautiful wedding day.”
    “We’d have done it sooner if I weren’t so far along,” Jezelle had offered by way of explanation.
    “Nonsense, dear.” Vivian had waved the explanation away. “There’s no rush. Love will wait and you only get one wedding day. Besides, I’ll get to hold the baby through the service.” Her smile lit up the whole room. In that moment, Steve knew he’d finally done the right thing by Jezelle. They would be married. Not