A Different Divergent: Everyday Love

39

Chapter 39

I light the last candle on the dining room table knowing Tobias will be home any moment now then tuck the matches back in the junk drawer. It didn't take me long to formulate a plan for the evening as I was driving away from the park. I stopped by the Italian restaurant that we both love so much and got takeout including a trio of delectable desserts then I visited the ice cream parlor next door and restocked our freezer with a few pints we can indulge in later; although, the only thing I really want to indulge in tonight is my husband.

I look around the kitchen, making sure everything is ready. The chicken parmesan, baked ziti, crostini, and garlic bread are in the oven on warm while the Caesar salad, bruschetta tomatoes, prosciutto and melon, and sparkling cider are all in the fridge chilling. The table is dressed in a long soft white lace runner, a bouquet of wildflowers I stopped along the road and picked in a large crystal vase, two lit red tapers with wax dripping in a pool on the delicate cloth, and two place setting of our wedding china and crystal champagne flutes.

Suddenly, I hear a key in the front door and excitement causes my heart to pound. Tonight is going to be so good. I nervously run my hands down my gathered skirt as I step into the living room to wait on the love of my life. I took extra care this afternoon getting ready for our impromptu date. I washed and deep conditioned my hair then styled it with wide curls that fall softly over my shoulders and down my back. I applied just a touch of makeup, nothing too heavy, and put a coat of deep pink polish on my fingers and toes. Luckily, I had a salon and spa appointment earlier in the week so my body is perfectly free of stubble. The hardest decision I had was what to wear to greet him. I thought about answering the door wearing nothing but a pair of skyscraper stilettos or one of his shirts but I decided on a new dress that he hasn't seen before. It's a sexy fitted satin mini dress with a sweetheart one-shoulder neckline that shows off my soft curves. The boutique had it in a few different colors so instead of the same old boring black or gray, I chose a pink a couple shades lighter than what I just painted my nails. I also bought the most gorgeous pair of shoes I've ever owned, and I think they're also the tallest. They're the same color as my dress with an open lace floral design adorned with jumbo rhinestones. I know he's going to love them as much as I do.

I watch as Tobias sits on the bench in the entryway, slowly taking off his boots. There must be something weighing on his mind. He hasn't even looked up yet. I hope it's nothing too serious. I take a few steps closer to him, and I don't know if he sees me out of the corner of his eyes, senses my presence, or hears my heels on the hardwood floors but just as I'm about to say something he looks up, his eyes boring into mine.

"Welcome home, baby," I say. His intense gaze lingers on my eyes for a second before slowly traveling down my body. When he gets to my shoes, he breaks out into a sexy smirk and his tongue darts out to wet his lips.

"This is a surprise," he says as he gets up and saunters my way. He takes me in his arms and lowers his lips to mine. The kiss is searing, burning straight to my soul. I clutch him tighter as our mouths move together aggressively, our tongues lashing out at each other's. Our pants synchronize when he pulls away. "Love those shoes," he mutters. He seems to remember something and looks around, befuddled. "Where are the kids?"

"Zane wanted Tyler to spend the night so he's at Zander and Stella's," I say, still somewhat breathless. "And the girls are spending the night at my mom and dad's. She invited us to supper tomorrow night. We'll pick them up then. Caleb and Cara will be there also."

"Are you telling me we have nearly 24 hours alone ... just you and me ... no interruptions?" he asks, his eyes darkening with lust.

"If we're lucky, that's exactly what I mean," I demurely say as I run a finger down his chest. "I got some takeout for us."