Gavin blinked. You get off on this, dont you?

Emily batted her lashes. In so manymany ways. Now answer it. She laughed and carefully maneuvered from the bed, more than enjoying the swat on her ass he gave her.

As she watched him take the call, Emily felt her stomach tighten. Though not in pain, she definitely wasnt comfortable as a Braxton Hicks contraction balled her belly. With her breath somewhat depleted, she sank into an overstuffed chair and tried to relax. Playing it safe, considering she was within three weeks of her due date, she glanced at her watch and started timing it. As her stomach loosened from the mild assault, the baby made his presence known. Hammering his foot in what Emily believed was anger at his own discomfort, he hit his mark somewhere below her right ribcage.

I hear ya, buddy, she mumbled, rubbing the area hed attacked. Soon. Emily watched concern edge Gavins eyes when his gaze landed on her.

Promptly ending his call, he moved across the room and fell to his knees in front of her. Whats wrong? he asked, placing his hand over hers. Are you okay?

She nodded and pulled in a deep breath. Fake contraction.

Are you sure?

Yeah. Im starting to get used to them. She swallowed and, with Gavins help, stood. Smiling, she draped her arms around his neck. So, can you tell whats new on me?

Startled by her nonchalance, Gavin shook his head, smoothing his hands down her waist. Emily, I think you should lay down.

Why? she asked, her brows furrowed.

Youre getting contractions.

Silly man, I had a Braxton Hicks. She waved dismissively and walked across the room. She plucked her water from the nightstand, took a sip, and nearly finished the whole bottle. Im fine.

Gavin shoved a nervous hand through his hair. Yeah, he was pretty damn sure his girl was losing it. How do you know youre fine?

Well, lets see. Its my body, and Ive come to know it quite well over the last twenty-five years. She padded back over to him, a smile on her face as she once again slid her arms around his neck. Want to know two things I bet you didnt know?

Gavin released a sigh, attempting to go with the flow. Sure.

Emily wiggled her brows. One: youre very, very shmexy when youre worried.

Gavin chuckled. Am I?

Mmm hmm.

Ive said it beforeGavin smirked, loving her playfulnessand Ill say it til the day they bury me. Youre pretty shmexy yourself.

Why thank you, sir. She pushed up on her tiptoes and kissed him. Two: While losing yourself in all my dirty, kinky, Braxton Hicks-filled shmexyness, you failed to notice Im wearing the sweatshirt you lent me one year ago tonight.

Gavin flicked his eyes down to the gray Zenga Sport sweatshirt hed sworn disappeared into thin air. No shit. Look at that. Grinning, he flipped the hood over Emilys head. It definitely fits you better this year.

Emilys mouth dropped open, and Gavin laughed. Giggling, she swatted his arm. You take that back right now.

You know Im kidding. Gavin kissed her pouting lips. Do I need to make it up to you?

As a matter of fact, you do.

Name it, sweets.

Bottle caps.

Gavin popped a brow. Bottle caps?

Emily nodded. Yep. A friendly game of toss the bottle caps.

Is this some kind of wager for your forgiveness? Gavins eyes sparkled mischievously. And when you lose, what happens then? Am I cast into one of the guest bedrooms for the night?

Emily scoffed, heading for the French doors. Why would you assume Im going to lose, wiseass? And yes, you sleep solo if you dont let me win.

Chuckling, Gavin watched her stick out her tongue in true Emily fashion as she disappeared onto the balcony. In true Gavin fashion, he was about to test his girls memory. Grabbing a remote and flicking on the surround sound, he hit repeat on one particular song. He tossed on a long-sleeved T-shirt and started for the doors. With the freezer bag filled with caps in hand, Gavin breathed in the salty smell of the ocean. Emily was leaning against the railing when he emerged into the cool night air. She smiled, sinking his heart the same way shed sunk it a year ago. Hell, if there ever came a time she couldnt steal his breath, hed know the world around him had gone crazy.

Dropping the bag of memories onto an Adirondack chair, he reached for her hand and gently pulled her to his body. May I have this dance before we play our little game?

Looks like youve already decided that for me, she teased, resting her head against his chest as they swayed.

Gavin kissed the top of her hair. Would youve been able to say no?

Never, she whispered.

Thats what I figured.

You push your luck every chance you get, dont you?

He chuckled lightly. Always. With one hand splayed along the small of her back, he took the other, intertwined with her fingers, and pinned it to his chest. Staring at her, he smiled. Do you know what song this is?

I do, she breathed, her gaze transfixed on his lips. Her muscles warmed as the memory of the first night theyd made love spilled through her. Louis Armstrongs La Vie en Rose. I also remember the first time we danced to it.