By the time Dane woke up, Jeneda was already in the kitchen. Pots clanked as she prepared a meal, and the scent of something sweet filled the air as sizzling noises came from the stove. Lazily giving a yawn, Dane lifted his head from the pillow, then rose to his feet and slipped into his boxers. On entering the kitchen he saw Jeneda, who stood at the stove tending to the griddle. French toast was on the menu, as well as her famous eggs, making his mouth water at the sight.
As he came up behind her, his arms encircled her waist, yet instead of melting against him, her muscles went strangely stiff. Very out of character, as she always adored his touch. Yet before he could even ask, she’d escaped his grasp and made her way to the fridge. Following her with his gaze, he wrinkled his brow in complete befuddlement.
“I did something wrong…” His voice was low, tone laced with worry.
“Is that a question, or a statement?” Jeneda asked. “Because you seem very sure about it.”
“Well you tell me,” he replied. “Because you aren’t acting loving towards me at all.”
For a long, drawn out moment she simply focused on his face, as if attempting to let him know through the act of telepathy. Then reaching into the pocket of her apron, she retrieved the restaurant bill. Handing it over to him, she closely watched for his expression. Eyeing the bill she had given him, Dane remained calm and completely unflustered. He did, however, ease out a small sigh, then gave her a look of disappointment.
“First off, this isn’t what you think,” he calmly explained. “Yes, I went to dinner yesterday evening, but it was with a realtor.”
“And why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I wanted to surprise you,” he said. “I closed on a house for us, and the dinner was just a thank you for the phenomenal job that he did.”
“He?”
“Yes, he.”
“So it was a male…”
“Yes, and it was all strictly professional. You can’t actually think I would ever cheat on you.”
“Well I didn’t know what to think,” she replied. “When I saw the receipt, my mind immediately went to the worst thoughts.”
“But why?” Dane’s expression was wounded. “I would never do something like that, I love you too damn much to even think about it, Jeneda. I’m crazy about you, and have been since the first day we met.”
“I’ve been real insecure lately,” she said. “What with the pregnancy and crazy hormones and how my body has changed…”
“But none of that matters, and I told you that.”
“I know.” She gently nodded. “But I still have my moments, and some days it wreaks havoc on my self-esteem. I don’t want to be an emotional wreck, it’s just I can’t help it with my current condition.”
Pulling her against him, Dane gave her a loving and tender hug, which she fully embraced with just as much passion. It wasn’t until they pulled back, that she saw he was studying her very intensely. Having always possessed a sensual stare, she found it impossible to look away. Using this to his full advantage, he leaned in to give her a kiss.
Soft, sweet, yet deliciously wet, the oral embrace left her totally breathless. His tongue caressed hers with dizzying skill, causing sensations to flood her body. Gradually he removed his lips, yet his hands remained on her hips, keeping her pinned in place before him. Gazing up into his gorgeous eyes, Jeneda breathed hard with lustful desire.
“Don’t ever think I’ll grow tired of you,” he deeply said. “I made you my wife for a reason, and that isn’t ever going to change.”
Nodding at this, she stared into his eyes.
“I picked you because I knew you would be a perfect match. You’re damn sexy of course, but I could also tell you would make a great wife and an excellent mother.”
Greatly flattered, she smiled at this. But she couldn’t help adding some saucy words of her own.
“Well I love that you say you picked me, Dane, but the truth of it is, that I really picked you.”
“Oh, how do you figure?” A smirk laced his lips. “Because from what I remember, I made the first move.”
“Maybe so,” she admitted. “But I had already set my intentions on you from the start, so in my mind, you were already my man from day one.”
He let loose a chuckle at this, then widely grinned at her spirited remark.
“Guess I shoulda known that. You always have been good at getting your way.”
“Well you make it so easy, can’t help but take advantage.”
“Got me wrapped around your finger. Always have, and always will.”
“Just wait until the twins get here,” She replied. “Then you’ll have three of us to contend with.”
“Already ganging up on me, huh? Okay, I see how it is.”
Jeneda giggled, then headed for the stove where the food was sizzling. “So you say you closed on a house…”
Dane nodded.
“But no mention of it to me, at all.” She flipped the French toast. “I thought we were deciding together. I haven’t seen a photo, Dane. türkçe bahis No idea at all if I even like it.”
“We’ll drive out after breakfast,” he said. “You’ll see for yourself if you like it or not.”
As she served their food onto plates, Dane filled a small pitcher with orange juice, then placed it on the dining table. Five minutes later they were seated and eating.
* * * *
Jeneda guessed the drive had taken half an hour to forty minutes, because when the car came to a stop, the smell of the ocean was filling her nostrils. The air was breezy, and traces of salt were on her tongue, making it immediately obviously they were close to the beach. Unable to see due to the blindfold over her eyes, she impatiently waited for Dane to remove it. The sound of the passenger door opening came first, followed by him unbuckling her from her seat. Then taking her by the hand, he urged her out of the car.
“Welcome home,” he softly said, placing a hand at her hip to help her out of the car. “I think you’ll really like the place.”
Slowly he led her along, carefully leading her forward until they came to a stop. Jeneda expected him to remove the blindfold and finally reveal the house, yet instead he stood behind her, pressing his crotch up against her backside. Then caressing his mouth against her ear, he softly spoke into it.
“Does this blindfold bring back any memories?”
A touch of a smile immediately came to her lips, followed by erotic images that flashed through her mind. How could she ever forget, the amazing kinkplay they’d shared as a couple. The thought of it alone, was enough to make her hot between the thighs.
“But of course,” she huskily replied. “You always work me so well, that my body would remember it for an eternity.”
“Mmm…” Sliding his hand along her hip, he possessively held her in his grasp. “We’ll make new memories at this house. Good memories, loving memories, but really hot and raw ones, as well.”
Now thoroughly turned on, she felt her heartbeat quicken. This his lips lightly kissed the side of her neck, and that was when her nerve endings began to stir and tingle.
“Dane, stop…” Tone playful, she lightly smiled, then blushed as his palm touched her butt.
“Why?” He asked. “You love it.”
“Well of course I do, but we’re out in public.”
“Hasn’t stopped you before,” he said, tenderly squeezing the roundness of her backside.
“Let’s see the house first,” Jeneda throatily said. “Then we can indulge ourselves later, sound fair?”
Immediately undoing the tie on the blindfold, Dane then lowered it so that she could see. And as her gaze finally focused on the house in front of her, she sucked in a breath, then stared dazedly at the beachfront mansion. Seeming to exude the scent of old money, it was the type of home which was rarely on the market. Gratified by the look on her face, Dane watched on in silence, just taking it all in.
Regal in size, it was nothing short of world-class, all-white in color and resting majestically on a cliff-side lot. A mixture of Georgian and French Renaissance architecture, it overlooked the Pacific Ocean, stretching three levels above the ground. Exuding pure class and wealth, it was undoubtedly one of the finest looking homes on the entire block. It was also a house that Jeneda had drooled over many times before, and hardly able to contain her excitement, she had to fight hard against whooping it up.
“I take it from your expression, that it meets with your approval?” Dane was smiling, just soaking it all in.
Totally breathless, Jeneda struggled to talk. “Of course it does, it’s completely gorgeous.”
“But you weren’t expecting it…”
“Well, no.” Still wide-eyed in shock, she gazed fervently at the house. “I never revealed to you, that I wanted this one, Dane…it wasn’t even on the list that I printed out for you.”
“I know.” Dane gently smiled. “Found it saved to your desktop, though. I also noticed you had a clipping of it in your dream home journal.”
“I did,” Jeneda confirmed. “But there were several other houses in there, as well.”
“It was obvious this one was your favorite, though. You had it marked off and highlighted, plus all sorts of notes and exclamation points were circled around it.”
“I made it that obvious, huh?”
His smile widened. “What I can’t understand, is why you didn’t just tell me.”
“It seemed like a lot for us,” Jeneda said. It’s got six rooms, way more than we need, even after the babies.”
“So it’ll be extra space,” he said. “But we do have plenty of friends and family, and I’m sure they’ll be thrilled to visit anytime.”
“Well even so, it’s incredibly grand. And the asking price is outrageous.”
“You wanted it though, and so I got it.”
Holding her hand, Dane pulled her forwards, so they were approaching the walkway which led to the front. Appreciating the fact that iddaa siteleri it was so private and tucked away, Jeneda marveled at the elegant features, such as crown molding and outdoor sconces. She also loved the plethora of windows, which would undoubtedly fill their home with plenty of light.
Having reached the front of the home, which was entirely hidden from view of the street, she looked out onto the Pacific Ocean. Along with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, she could also see Baker Beach and the Marin Headlands. Simply put, it was incredibly stunning, and literally took her very breath away. Now able to check out the rear façade, she saw there were floor-to-ceiling windows, plus terraces which looked out on the gorgeous vistas. There was even a Cliffside hot tub, which immediately made her think of romantic evenings with Dane.
“And there’s more,” he said with a wink, unlocking the door so that they could enter.
Open, airy, and luxuriously roomy, the foyer featured a chandelier, which was made of crystal and vibrantly sparkled. A dramatic staircase led upstairs, but that was for later, as Dane led her on forward. Now entering the living room, she saw there was a gas fireplace, with Calacatta marble surrounding it. French doors led out onto a terrace, where unbroken views of the ocean could be taken in.
They headed beneath an arched entryway, checking out the formal dining room which overlooked a lovely garden beyond the windows. The kitchen followed, with limestone floors and custom cabinetry. They checked out the second level next, before ascending to the third, which featured the master suite. Immediately heading for the luxury bathroom, Jeneda entered it eagerly, checking out the His & Her marble vanities before continuing to the huge bathtub.
Centered directly next to an oversized window, it was just perfect for a good long soak, and more than large enough to accommodate both her and Dane at the very same time. Completely enticed by the view of the ocean beyond the glass, Jeneda veered away from Dane, releasing his hand so she could have a closer look. It didn’t take long before she was imagining them in the tub, enjoying a glass of wine while gazing out at the incredible view. When he came up behind her she settled against his warmth, allowing his palms to cradle her belly in a doting and protective way.
“We could swim in it if we wanted,” Dane huskily told her, “but I’m pretty certain we’ll find more interesting things to do instead.”
“Like what?” Asked a voice from behind them, both low and mysterious in tone.
Turning to face the source of this voice, Dane and Jeneda watched as a man stepped into the bathroom. Impeccably dressed in a Brooks Brothers suit and polished cap-toe oxfords, he approached the couple with a casual stroll, one hand in his pocket as he offered a smile. With dark brown hair, smoldering hazel-green eyes, and beautiful olive skin, he had the look of a guy who belonged in the Mediterranean, rather than cold and foggy San Francisco. His haircut, which was layered, gave him the look of a surfer guy. Yet at the same time, he managed to pull off a professional demeanor. Immediately recognizing him as the realtor, Dane opened his mouth to make introductions. Yet to his utter surprise, the real estate agent went straight for Jeneda.
“No way. You’ve gotta be kidding me.” His words, laced in a Spanish accent, sounded slightly melodic. “Conejita, is that actually you?”
“Mateo?” Her mouth fell open, eyes widening with shock. “Oh wow, I can’t believe it. What are you doing here?”
“I’m the guy who sold this house,” he casually stated, then glanced at Dane, who was curiously watching on. “Wow, small world. I had no idea that Jeneda was your wife.”
“You two know each other…” Looking at Mateo and then at Jeneda, Dane seemed to be stating, rather than asking the obvious.
“Yeah, we used to go out.” Mateo shifted his gaze back to Jeneda. “It’s been what…seven years? Hard to believe, but wow, you look great.”
“Almost didn’t recognize you, with that suit and tie on. Looks like you ditched the jeans and Vans for posh wear, eh?”
“Not willingly.” He grinned. “Had to do it for the job, of course. But hey, still got my weekends to bum around.”
“Well it’s great to see you,” Jeneda said. “And it’s really nice to see you doing well.”
“Yeah, same to you.” Glancing downward, he focused hard on her belly. “And I see you’re pregnant, so congratulations.”
“Thanks.” She cradled her stomach. “Twins, and we’re really excited.”
“Wow.” His brows lifted in shock. “That’s really amazing, conejita. I’m seriously happy that you’re going to be a mom.”
“I appreciate that,” Jeneda said. “And I’m a little nervous about the birth, but I’m sure it’ll turn out just fine.”
“Of course it will,” he assured her. “No need to worry, it’ll be a beautiful experience.”
“So what about you?” She asked. “Any kids, deneme bonusu veren siteler wife, girlfriend…?”
“Single at the moment,” he said. “But that’s by choice, as I’m pretty busy launching this surf school business. I give private lessons when I’m not doing real estate, but I honestly much prefer to take the surf school full time. Give it my full dedication, you know?”
“Well I guess that makes sense, you always were an amazing surfer.”
He grinned at her compliment, then glanced at Dane, who was intently observing them.
“So Dane, everything good with your new home? Because if you like, we can do one more walk-through, just to make sure.”
“We’re good,” Dane said. “You’ve done exceptional work Mateo, and I thank you for that.”
“It’s been my absolute pleasure, and an incredible honor to be at your service. Especially knowing the elite background you come from.”
“We’re just a family, like any other,” Dane humbly replied. “More money and resources than most in this city, but that doesn’t make us any better.”
“Well I apologize if it seems like I’m trying to kiss up,” he replied. “It’s just your mother is well known across San Francisco. The Harrington Heiress, as the paper likes to call her. And your father, he’s a legend in the financial world. Sinclair Berman is the go-to wealth management firm for the ultra-rich. Really impressive, I just wanted to say that.”
“Much appreciated.” Dane nodded politely. But they did all of that on their own. So the accolades go to them, only.”
“Of course.” Mateo nodded, then gazed at Jeneda, who politely smiled. “You’ve gotta at least give yourself credit for landing Jeneda though, Dane. Beautiful and classy, can’t say I blame you for locking her down.”
“I know a high quality woman when I see one,” Dane replied. “So yes, I made sure that I kept her.”
Although subtle in the way that he looked at Jeneda, Mateo allowed his stare to linger just a little too long. Noticing this, Dane immediately knew there was something in Mateo’s spirit that he didn’t like. Not only that, but he hated the way that Mateo’s eyes kept lowering to his wife’s pregnant stomach, as if he were enticed, or even outright lusting. Immediately going into protective mode, Dane wrapped an arm around Jeneda’s waist, palm gently cradling her vulnerable form. Lifting an arm to link it with his, Jeneda returned his affectionate gesture with one of her own.
“So anyways conejita, I gotta say, I’m blown away at seeing you again…” Mateo’s eyes were bright with desire. “All pregnant and beautiful, wow. Totally unexpected seeing you here, but what a welcome surprise.”
Jeneda nodded and smiled, but didn’t say anything else.
“Guess I was a fool to let you get away. But hey, it was clearly for the best on your end.”
“That’s very sweet of you,” she replied. “But you never had any trouble attracting women.”
“Well just so you know, none of them were ever on your level, conejita.” A glint of regret passed through his eyes, then all of a sudden his charming smile was back.
“We thank you for your services, Mateo.” Dane’s tone was curt, demeanor reserved. “You really have been a huge help in me getting my wife her dream home.”
“My pleasure, Dane.” Mateo extended his hand for Dane to shake, then offered it as well to Jeneda.
Accepting his palm, Jeneda noticed that he held it tenderly. And was she mistaken, or was Mateo covertly caressing the underside of her hand with the tip of one finger? Looking into his eyes, she could see he was giving her a look. Not just any look either, but a brazen seduction with his eyes that she immediately picked up on. Hastily retracting her hand, she shifted her gaze, which effectively broke whatever spell he’d been trying to cast.
“Be well, conejita,” he said in his thick Spanish accent. “And I certainly hope to be seeing you again.”
“Take care of yourself, Mateo.” Her smile was tight now, and her arm remained linked into Dane’s, showing solidarity with her loving husband.
Walking as a group to the first floor of the mansion, they made idle chit chat about the house. Yet on reaching the foyer, Dane stepped in front of Jeneda, which blocked Mateo’s view of her entirely. Opening the door, Dane ushered him out, then closed it halfway so that they had privacy. Now standing all alone, they had the chance to talk man to man.
“Smooth move back there. Real subtle, Mateo. Did you actually think it would work?”
“Excuse me?” His face went blank, posture instantly stiffening.
“You made a move on my wife.” Dane’s lips went flat, muscles tight with tension.
“Dane, come on.” Mateo dryly smiled. “I don’t know what you saw, but I was just shaking her hand.”
“Don’t come near her ever again,” Dane firmly said. “And just so you know, Jeneda can’t be seduced.”
“You sound very sure of that.” No longer playing dumb, Mateo softly smirked, his hazel green eyes locking tightly with Dane’s.
“Well why wouldn’t I be?” Four inches taller than Mateo, Dane gazed down with utter disdain. “A fully satisfied woman never strays. She wants for nothing on any level, and I always make sure to protect her and make her feel safe.”