Abby made it even more intense when she clutched his ass and pulled him deeper into her.

He looked down at her, his eyes meeting hers in a moment of perfect unity. “Love you forever, Mrs. McCarthy.”

“Love you, too, Mr. McCarthy.”

Smiling, he hammered into her until they were coming—loudly—together.

“Holy wow,” she whispered, running her fingers through the sweaty strands of his hair.

“Holy loud sex.”

She laughed. “At least our families will know this marriage has been well and truly consummated.”

“Indeed.” He raised his head to kiss her softly. “No escaping now.”

“You’re stuck with me.”

“Good, because you’re all I need.”

Chapter 24

Alone in his room on the third floor, Slim was unbearably lonely for Erin, especially after hearing signs of marital bliss from the room down the hall. He who had slept alone for most of his life was suddenly tossing and turning without her to hold on to.

He wondered if she was feeling the same way, so he texted her, hoping she was still awake.

Favorite ice cream?

The message immediately showed as read, and he could see that she was replying. That was all it took to make him feel less lonely and breathless with anticipation as he waited to see what she had to say.

Depends on the season. Sherbet in the summer, and cookie dough the rest of the year. What about you?

Rocky road all year long, baby.

What’re you doing awake?

Missing you. How did you ruin a successful career of sleeping alone for me in just one week?

The same way you ruined it for me. Does that mean you didn’t pick up a single girl to take home from the wedding?

Slim knew she was joking, but the idea of her thinking he would do that had him calling her. “None of the single girls at the wedding were you,” he said when she answered. “So no pickups for me.”

“That’s nice to hear.” Her voice sounded sexy and husky and way too far away.

“I hope you know I mean that. We’ve started something here, and I’m not going to run out and get laid the second you’re somewhere else.”

“Also good to know.”

“What about you? Do I need to be worried?”

“Seeing as how I hadn’t gotten laid, as you put it, in two years before last week, I think you’re safe with me.”

“Two years? That’s a federal crime. A woman as hot and sexy as you needs regular care and servicing.”

“Servicing? Is that what they’re calling it these days?”

“I miss you.”

“So you said.”

“I mean I really miss you.”

“I really miss you, too.”

“I can’t wait months to see you again. You have to come with me to Evan’s wedding.”