Free Deadly Rivalry (Hardy Brothers Security Book 17) by Lily Harper Hart

More stuffed sharks to win?” For a second Madeline’s forced smile slipped.
    “If she wants one,” James replied, unruffled. “We’re going to play more games. We’re going to eat some elephant ears. Then we’re going to watch the fireworks and go home so we can play a new game.”
    “How nice for you,” Madeline deadpanned.
    “It’s the perfect day,” James said, reaching for his kebab. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m on a date with my wife. I’m sure you understand.”
    Madeline’s expression was murderous. “Oh, I understand.”

8
    Eight
    “ G ood morning , baby,” James said the next morning, tightening his arms around Mandy’s waist and snuggling her close. “Did you sleep okay?”
    “I slept like a rock,” Mandy murmured, rubbing her nose against James’ neck. “I don’t even remember dreaming.”
    James glanced down to the spot where her head rested against his chest – her ear pressed to his heart – and pushed her hair away so he could enjoy the angular planes of her face. For a moment he was overwhelmed by love. Then reality set in.
    “I would like to spend the entire day naked.”
    Mandy barked out a laugh as she rubbed her cheek against his chest. “Isn’t that a given on a Sunday?”
    “You didn’t let me finish, wife,” James chided. “I would like to spend the entire day naked, but I really have to go to the bathroom and we need breakfast. Therefore, I would like to get dressed in the barest minimum of clothing for those two tasks and then immediately strip again.”
    Mandy raised her head so her chin rested on his firm muscles and met his gaze. “That seems fair to me.”
    “Good,” James said, leaning over so he could kiss her forehead. He usually preferred a lazier morning and would’ve happily spent an hour relaxing with her before greeting the day if it wasn’t for the other pressing issue. “Now get up, because your elbow is poking into my bladder.”
    “Oh! I’m sorry.” Mandy rolled off of her husband so quickly she lost her balance and slipped over the edge of the mattress, falling onto the carpet and bursting into hysterical giggles. The sound was raucous and happy, and James knew he would never get enough of it.
    “I would pick you up and kiss your bruised bottom, but I really need to go to the bathroom,” James said, hurrying past her. “Don’t put a lot of clothes on. I’m not kidding.”
    “Yes, sir!”
    “I’m going to ‘yes sir’ your ass off as soon as I’m done,” James warned. “You’d better get a running start.”

    J AMES found Mandy in the kitchen ten minutes later. Her honey blond hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail, and while it looked like she’d splashed water on her face, it was devoid of makeup and bare – just the way he liked it. She was dressed in short cotton sleep shorts and a tiny tank top that clung to her skin and left very little to the imagination. James sauntered over to Mandy and kissed her neck, pressing his palm against her flat abdomen and hugging her from behind.
    “I’m sorry I had to cut our morning routine short,” James whispered, causing her to involuntarily shudder as he nipped at her ear. “I really had to go, though.”
    “That’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever said to me,” Mandy said, sighing dramatically and causing James to grin.
    “I’ll romance you later,” James said, pressing one more kiss to her soft skin before separating. “I want pancakes, by the way. I’m willing to cook them if you handle the coffee and juice.”
    “Sold,” Mandy said, turning so she could kiss his chin. “I want mine in the shape of a rooster.”
    “Cute, wife,” James said, tapping Mandy’s nose. “If I could figure out a way to make a rooster I would cook one just for you.”
    “I bought rooster and hen griddle shape molds,” Mandy said, brightening. “They were going to be a surprise one weekend. Crap. Where did I put them?” Mandy knit her eyebrows together as she tried to