A Beautiful Thought (The Beautiful Series) by Alicia Rae Page A

was going to ask him to have dinner with my family and me.
    Still lying in bed, I turned over and snuggled into Damon’s side. My hands were unable to resist caressing up and down his divinely toned chest. His body was positively sinful.
    Damon stirred beneath my touch, and he opened his eyes. “Hey you,” he whispered, giving me a genuine smile.
    The look made my chest warm.
    “What has you up so early?” he asked.
    “Well…” I said, feeling in good spirits. Who wouldn’t feel good when waking up to this hunk? “I got used to this ox stomping around and waking me up extra early on weekday mornings, so I now find myself unable to sleep in.”
    “That sounds terrible.” He chuckled, drawing me close. His hands made soothing circles on the small of my back. “And what does this ox happen to look like?”
    “Well, he’s over six feet tall, and he has ridiculous muscle tone that I can’t seem to keep my hands off of.” I ran my palms over him again, making him grin devilishly. “And he has impeccable timing when it comes to draining all the hot water right before my shower.”
    “How do you live with such a beast?” he teased, playing along.
    I let out an exasperated yet dreamy sigh, going for theatrics. “His good looks keep me going.”
    “At least he has that going for him,” Damon said before drawing me in for a long kiss.
    I melted into him, succumbing to his talented mouth.
    Then, he pulled back an inch while still keeping us close. “And how could he possibly make up for all these inconveniences he has bestowed on you?”
    I gazed into his eyes and dug deep within me for courage. “You could have dinner with my family and me tonight?” I asked in a hopeful tone.
    Emotions flitted across his eyes, switching from shock to a warmness that rendered me speechless.
    “Of course I’ll meet your family.”
    “You will?” I asked in awe.
    I didn’t know why I always expected the worst, but this man continued to surprise me at every turn.
    “Of course I will, Gail,” he answered without hesitation. “That is what people do when they are in a relationship together?” he said as more of a question.
    “Yes, it is.” I hesitated. “But this will be a first for me,” I admitted shyly. “I’ve never brought a man home to meet my family before.”
    Damon’s expression softened. “Then, I thank you.” He closed the distance between us to kiss me once more—this time, even more tenderly. “Thank you for believing in us enough to let me meet them.”
    Before I could reply, Damon sealed his mouth over mine. I gave myself over to him, allowing my heart to embrace every emotion he could so easily draw from me.
    With each passionate kiss we shared, my soul would pull him in a little more. It was as though my mind and body were finally in agreement.

    After a delightful, long morning in bed, we went to the kitchen and worked side by side while making breakfast. I relished over the way we could be playful and banter with each other one minute, and then we could share affectionate moments the next. I had never had a relationship with a man like that before, so it was very new to me, and I loved it.
    Once we finished eating and did the dishes, I suddenly ran in the direction of the bathroom.
    “Where are you going so fast?” Damon laughed behind me.
    “To catch the shower first, so you can’t steal all my hot water again!” I chuckled, my stride never faltering.
    “Oh no, you don’t!” Damon yelled and barreled after me.
    I entered the bathroom and turned to shut the door, but Damon was quicker than me. He carefully pushed it open with only the slightest effort. Wearing socks, I slid across the tiled floor.
    “Boyfriends and girlfriends are supposed to share showers,” he said with a wolfish grin. He began stripping off his clothes. “So, quit being selfish,” he added jokingly.
    That body was my weakness. My mouth watered on the spot, and my jaw dropped. I was amazed at how comfortable he was