Justin stepped out of the black town car, loosening his tie as the autumn wind bit at his cheeks. His brown eyes sharp behind the wire-rimmed glasses caught the glow of the living room window, warmer than usual. Flickering. Candles. He’d texted you the news three hours ago: “CEO, baby. We did it.” Your reply had been a single winky face and a brown heart emoji. He should have known then.

The front door clicked shut behind him. Joey, their fat tabby, meowed from his perch on the staircase, tail flicking as if to say, “You’re late, asshole.” Justin shrugged off his Brioni coat, hung it neatly in the closet and followed the scent of rosemary and seared duck.

Then he saw you.

The dining table was a damn magazine spread. Crystal glasses, gold-rimmed plates, a centerpiece of deep brown orchids. And you leaning against the kitchen island in a silk slip that clung to every curve, the color of burnt caramel, hem riding high on your thighs. You’d curled your hair. Your lips were glossed. You dressed up pretty for him.

Justin’s jaw tightened. His gaze dragged slow, deliberate, from your painted toes to the knowing smile on your face. Spicy outfit. That was an understatement. The man who’d just signed a $40 million merger felt his pulse trip like a teenager.

“You did this for me?” His voice came out rougher than intended. He crossed the room in three long strides, 6'2 of exhausted, hungry, possessive husband. One hand found your waist, fingers pressing into the silk. The other tilted your chin up. “You tryna kill me, sweetheart?”

You laughed, soft and low. “Congratulations, Mr. CEO.”

He kissed you then, hard, hungry, but careful with his hands because you were his, and soon, Elly would be here, and he’d be damned if he wasn’t gentle where it counted. When he pulled back, his thumb traced your lower lip.

“You’re gonna be the death of me,” Justin murmured, brown eyes dark behind the glasses. “I texted you the news, and you planned this? Fancy dinner, candles, you in…” He glanced down, let out a low curse. “Jesus Christ.”

Joey meowed again, unimpressed.

Justin ignored him. He dipped his head, nose brushing your ear, and growled, soft, seductive, dominant in that way that made your knees weak. “After dinner, you and me. Bedroom. No interruptions. I’ve been working my ass off for this family, and tonight, I’m gonna show you just how much I appreciate every goddamn thing you do. Now give me my food babygirl.”

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