A Baby Changes Everything by Marie Ferrarella

focus on his face.
    Cruz smiled, pleased at what he saw. Two could play the game she’d come up with, and maybe she had something there at that. Maybe making her the slightest bit unattainable did heighten the stakes, did increase the anticipation rather than simply gratifying himself instantly.
    He was willing to go along with that, even though, when he’d walked into the house, he’d been more tired than an eagle after a three-day, nonstop flight.
    He loved seeing the effect of his kiss on her, loved seeing how her lips were pink and slightly swollen. “Consider that a retainer.”
    It took Savannah a moment to process his words. And then she laughed. “I want payment in full, the second we cross that threshold.”
    He gave her a quick, two-finger salute. “Consider it done.”
    As he walked with her into the dining room, Cruz placed his hand on her hip, silently reaffirming not just the emotional but the physical bond that existed between them.
    About to sit down, he stopped himself at the last moment and went to help Savannah with her chair. Her surprised look melted into a pleased one, making the extra effort worth it.
    When had all the niceties eroded between them? Had they been erased by the comfort of familiarity, or had he and his wife just become too tired to care?
    This was better, he thought.
    â€œEverything smells good,” he stated as he sat down. “Especially you.”
    There was hope, she told herself, pleased that she’d thought to do this. Pleased with his response. She’d begun to think that maybe they had gotten beyond salvaging. That they’d become an old married couple years before their time, taking each other for granted and just existing side by side instead of actually living each moment fully the way they had when they’d first gotten married.
    â€œThank you,” she murmured. Pleasure brought color to her cheeks. She could feel it spreading.
    Cruz flashed her an apologetic smile as he helped himself to the burritos rancheros Savannah had carefully arranged in the serving dish. They were smothered in sour cream and guacamole sauce. He took a good portion of each.
    â€œI’m afraid I smell a little ripe.”
    She grinned. That had never bothered her about him. “I don’t mind a little perspiration,” she told him. “On you, it’s a very manly smell.”
    He put the spatula back in the dish. “You’re easy to please.”
    Her eyes met his. God, but she loved this man. “In some ways,” she agreed, then felt compelled to add, “in others, not so easy.”
    There was chilled wine waiting on his pleasure. He took only a little, feeling bad that she couldn’t have any. The wine felt good as it slid down his throat, enhancing the mood.
    â€œIs that a riddle?” he asked, setting his glass down.
    â€œYou can work it out later.” Her voice was low, husky, full of promise.
    To his surprise, Cruz felt himself getting excited again.
    He found himself hurrying through the meal, barely aware of what he was eating, only that it was tasty. His plate was cleaned within fifteen minutes of sitting down at the table, the contents washed down by a little more wine.
    Cruz noticed that Savannah’s plate was clean, as well. But in her case it was because she’d taken next to nothing to begin with.
    He nodded toward her plate as he pushed his own back. “Not hungry?”
    She gave a little shrug, the light dancing off her bare shoulders. “I ate while I was making it.”
    It was a lie, but one that she was allowed, she thought. If she made him aware of just how little she consumed during the course of a day, he’d worry. The truth was, she was afraid that if she ate more than the small portion of plain rice she’d prepared for herself, all her plans for the evening ahead would be ruined.
    There was little doubt in Savannah’s mind that she would wind up spending