Severely loving the authority he stripped from her, she ran over to her discarded apron. Picking it up, she shoved her hand into the pocket and whipped out the very blindfold hed teased her with when he showed her Noahs nursery and the house. Oh yes, payback was about to become Gavins bitch. Coming up behind him, she slid it over his face, making sure his intoxicating baby blues were covered.

Gavin tossed his head back, laughing. Very sneaky. I like.

Emily intertwined her fingers in his as she led him through the mudroom and into the garage. Ive learned from the best of them.

Cant say Id disagree with that statement. Gavin crossed his arms, a grin lighting up his face. Ive taught you every single naughty thing you know.

Shaking her head, Emily hit the garage door opener and smiled at not only Gavins over-confident remark, but her carefully thought out birthday gift. Sleek, as silver as a shiny bullet, and wrapped in a larger than life Yankees bow, Emilys eyes scanned Gavins new minivan. She couldnt bring herself to purchase a forest green one. Nope. And being it wasnt in the same class as the insanely priced sports cars Gavin was accustomed to driving, the Chrysler Town and Country would be something that would take some getting used to. However, considering the lower end vehicle held more meaning than she could ever imagine, Emily was pretty positive this color and model might fit the bill.

Okay. Are you ready? Emily draped her arms around Gavins neck, breathing in his cologne. Kissing his chin, she felt excitement rushing through her veins. This is a few gifts wrapped into one. I just want to make sure youre prepared. I dont need your old ass having a heart attack on me.

Gavin shook his head, his dimpled smile as contagious as ever. Youre turning into a certified

Wiseass like you. Emily ran her hands across his chest and pushed up on her tiptoes. Lips grazing Gavins ear, she closed her eyes and huskily dropped her voice. I have a couple hot, delicious, naughty things to teach you, Mr. Blake. She slowly slid the blindfold from his eyes. Class starts in five. She nipped his ear and backed away. Watching him blink open his eyes, his dimple deepening with his growing smile, Emily clapped as Gavins mouth dropped open.

You didnt, he said, chuckling.

Oh yes I did. Emily wasted no time making her way over to the passenger side. Before opening the door, she reached into a utility closet and snatched the keys to the new ride. She chucked them over the roof and giggled when Gavin caught them. Get in. Were taking this bad boy for a spin. Oh, and check out your customized plates. They fit you to a T.

Brow drawn up in curiosity, Gavin padded to the front of the vehicle, his eyes landing on the plate his certified wiseass wife had made for him. With a Baltimore Orioles emblem winking at him, Gavin scanned the letters BRDLVR. Belting out a laugh, Gavin tossed the keys in the air and caught them before he hopped into the drivers seat.

Am I good or what? Emily questioned, a proud smile toying at her mouth. I mean, you know you had it coming, right?

Gavin shook his head and slid the keys into the ignition. Yes. I had it coming. Engine started, he leaned over the console and reached for Emilys seatbelt. He clicked it in place and brought his lips to her ear. So when does this class begin? Im an eager student, more than willing to learn new tricks from the teacher.

Goose bumps popped over Emilys flesh as she stared into Gavins eyes. Im glad youre an eager student, she breathed, her body caught in his easy vortex of seduction. Damn. She swore hed be able to pull this shit on her when they were well into their golden years. Wrinkled, barely able to walk, and sucking on an inhaler, she was convinced hed never need Viagra. Ever. But Im not done giving you your gifts.

A smirk formed at the corner of his lips. I know. Im trying to coax the others out of you right now. Emilys blood coursed violently through her veins as Gavins hand crept behind her head, his fingers melting through her hair. He teased his lips to hers, his voice a low whisper. Am I doing a good job? He didnt let her answer. He probed her mouth with his tongue, seeking the sweet taste he could never get enough of, the sweet taste that would forever belong to him.

Emilys limbs went pliant, her pulse racing as she gasped into their kiss. Lips locked in wanton indulgence, she breathed in everything that made Gavin. His touch, taste, and the spark of life that continued to light her world on fire time and time again. His presence soothed her. His arms protected her. His soul loved her. He was a cleansing, a purification, and a fresh start at a life she never believed shed hold. Hed always know how to carefully stalk the fringes of her heart, how to steal her breath, and how to make her worries seep into the nothingness where they belonged. In a blink, he was there. In a flash, shed almost lost him. But here, and now, he was hers. Leaving behind what once was, and no longer holding visual remnants of chaotic past thatd almost broken them, Emily slowly drew her lips away from his, her need to fill their present with continued happiness growing by the second.

I love you, Gavin, she whispered, her mind burning every precious second, minute, and hour theyd spent together into her memory. Youve given me everything I couldve ever imagined and more. I hope Ive done the same for you. She paused and cupped his cheek, her pulse racing. Your other gifts waiting for you in the back seat.