Feather Light (Knead Me) (37 page)

“I love you more.” Parker smiled in contentment. “Now let me show you what paradise looks like.” He scooped her up into his strong arms. “Direct me to the patio.”
 

“But we’re naked,” she protested, snickering and wrapping her arms around his neck.

“Even better. We don’t have to worry about undressing each other anymore.” He grinned. “Directions?”

“Six big steps, and the loungers are to the right.”
 

Parker followed her directions and placed her into the lounge chair. She couldn’t stop the shiver when her body made contact with the cold fabric.
 

“Here, let me warm you up.”
 

He slid next to her and cradled her against him, blanketing her body with his masculine warmth. Kelly snuggled closer, taking in his familiar fragrance. Words were unnecessary as they held each other and gazed up into the blue sky.

“You have no idea how happy you’ve made me,” Parker whispered.
 

“I think I do . . . because I feel the same way.”
 

She sighed in contentment. Kelly Storm had arrived, and she’d conquered a good man—a man who made her feel like the luckiest woman on Earth.

Feeling her lids growing heavier, she mumbled, “Remind me to give Jessica a lifetime gift certificate for a massage next time I see her. It was her idea to come and try your Monday Delight. ”

Parker smiled. “I can have Webbie arrange that right away.”
 

He gathered her closer, tightening his arms, staking a claim of ownership, and giving her a glimpse of their future.
 

Epilogue

“You’re beautiful,” Parker whispered, kissing her cheek.

Kelly laughed as cameras flashed around them. “How would you know?” she teased.

“I feel your skin, and it’s oh so soft.” He ran his fingers along her back and smiled. “You smell delightful, like a rose in full bloom. I know, even without seeing, that you’re stunning in that red gown. And most of all, you fit right in
here
.” He dropped his gaze down to his crotch.

“Parker! People are watching!”
 

He laughed and snake his arms around her waist. “Let them. They live for this.”

Kelly shifted in his arms, and he followed the cue to look up and smile. The flashes came from all directions as fans clamored for her attention, calling out her name.
 

“I have to tell you something.”
 

The sudden shift in her tone worried him. “Is there anything wrong?”

“How is married life, Mr. Storm?” a reporter asked. Kelly gave him the silent signal to face in the same direction as her. A few hours of rehearsing had paid off. He smoothly turned to the sound of the voice and grinned.

“I’m loving every minute of it.”

“How does it feel to be walking the red carpet?”

Parker shrugged, smirking. “Didn’t notice it was red.”
 

The reporter laughed. “Do you think Kelly will win again this year?”

“I’ve already cleared a place on the mantel for the li’l man.”
 

Kelly squeezed his hand, and he gazed down at her. “Parker, I’m pregnant,” she murmured.
 

He’d heard her, but he couldn’t believe it. The crowd forgotten, Parker cupped her cheeks and searched her face.
 

“Kelly, please tell me you’re not joking.”

“Shelby’s six weeks old.” She stood on tiptoe and brushed a feather light kiss on his lips.

“I’m going to be a father?”
 

When he felt her nod, his smile widened. Parker wrapped his arms around her waist and spun her in a circle. Kelly’s giggles rose above the noise around them. Then he turned to the crowd, still holding Kelly, and blurted out with joy.
 

“A
storm
is on the way!”
 

Amid the thunderous applause, he felt like he would explode with happiness. Parker smiled down at his wife with total adoration, because life really couldn’t get any better than this.

Acknowledgements

My immense gratitude to the ladies at Free Writers and Readers for all your support and encouragement when I took the plunge into an unknown territory known as Erotic Romance. And to all my friends, relatives and supporters who voted for the story every week.
 

Donna Rogers- This story is as much yours as it is mine. I can never thank you enough for your time, patience, pep talks, and most especially, the invaluable lessons during the course of the contest. I couldn’t have done it without you.

Kristen Giles- This has been a wild ride. I’m glad to have you by my side.
 

Wendy Depperschmidt- Sisters don’t have to be related by blood. I’m glad we found each other.

Judith Somera- You wear countless hats, my friend; among my favorites are, therapist and cheerleader.
 

Claudia Trapp- ‘Fantastic’ should be your middle name.
 

Trenda Lundin- You brought out the best in Kelly and me.
 

To Mavvy Vasquez- Believe it or not, you’ve kept me sane. Brownie points for you, toots!

To Amanda, Cindy, and Team Awsum: Wyndy, Elyse and Shaina- thanks for making this an enjoyable experience for me.

And lastly, to my wonderful and supportive family- Thanks for picking up my slack, for keeping me well-fed and hydrated, and for the constant reminder to step out of my cave once in awhile. You fill my heart with pride and joy.

About the Author

Lorenz Font discovered her love of writing after reading a celebrated novel that inspired one idea after another. She is currently enjoying the buzz from her debut novel Hunted, the first book of The Gates Legacy Trilogy and Indivisible Line, a romantic thriller. Her newest novel, Tormented, the second installment of The Gates Legacy, is now available for vampire lovers everywhere.
   

Writing is a therapy for Lorenz, and a perfect day consists of writing and playing with her characters while listening to her ever-growing music collection. She enjoys dabbling in different genres with an intense focus on angst and the redemption of flawed characters. Her fascination with romantic twists is a mainstay in all her stories.
 

Lorenz currently lives in California with her husband, children, and two demanding dogs. She divides her time between a full-time job as a Business Office Manager for a hospital and her busy writing schedule.