Romans de Nobelpen

ANDERS The meeting finally wrapped up with Emmett’s usual closing remarks about growth strategies and sponsorship expansions. I leaned back in my chair, stretching my neck slightly. The meeting had gone beyond the time I expected, it was one of those strategy sessions that left your mind buzzing with numbers and possibilities but as I glanced at my wristwatch, a slow smile tugged at my lips.Five minutes to five. Perfect.I really wanted to see her again. Carrie.I told myself I only wanted to check in on her, to make sure she was doing okay after the nursery setup. But if I was being honest with myself, that wasn’t the full truth. I liked being around her. I liked the calm she carried, even with everything she’d been through. I liked the way her laughter softened the air, the way her eyes lit up when she talked about her baby, or her work, or anything that meant something to her.I’d seen her smile more often lately, and that did something to me: something I couldn’t quite explain,

CARRIE It was a crisp Saturday morning, and the sunlight spilled softly through the large windows of my apartment, bathing everything in a golden glow. I stood in the doorway of the nursery, one hand resting on my rounded belly, and smiled. The baby would be here soon, just a few more weeks and I could hardly believe how quickly time had flown.The room already looked perfect, thanks to Ellen. She’d practically taken charge of the entire decoration, insisting that I rest and “let the experts handle it.” But I wanted to be part of it, at least for today. There were still a few finishing touches I wanted to add, tiny details that felt personal, that made the space feel more like ours.Ellen arrived first, her blond hair tied back and a look of excited determination on her face. “Morning, mama!” she greeted, stepping inside with a shopping bag in each hand. “Ready to make some magic happen?”I laughed softly. “I feel more like a spectator today. I’m as big as a house, Ellen. Don’t expec

SHANE “Time for a shower,” I suggested, my voice gravelly with exhaustion and renewed want. “We’ve… made a mess.”She turned in my arms, her dark eyes sparkling with mischief. “I suppose we have.” Her fingers traced a slow, possessive line down my chest. “And I intend to make an even bigger one.”She took my hand and led me the few steps into the glass-walled shower. She turned the knob, and a cascade of hot water instantly rained down on us, washing away the sweat and the evidence of our passion from our skin. It streamed over her hair, plastering the dark strands to her neck and shoulders, beading on her eyelashes.She reached for a bottle of body wash, pouring a generous amount into her palm. The scent of sandalwood and vanilla bloomed in the humid air. She turned to me, her expression one of intense concentration. “Let me take care of you,” she murmured, her voice almost lost under the spray.Her soapy hands landed on my chest, and I groaned at the sensation. The slick, warm slip

SHANE The promise in her voice sent a fresh jolt of electricity straight to my core, a startling resurgence of desire that defied the satisfying exhaustion humming through my limbs.I rolled off her, my body already responding to her challenge. The cool air of the room was a shock against my damp skin. She sat up, her dark eyes gleaming with a newfound, wicked intent. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, her sun-kissed skin glowing in the low light. She stood, a powerful, sensual goddess, and offered me her hand.“Come with me,” she said, her voice low and inviting.I took her hand, letting her lead me. We didn’t go far. Just across the hall, into the pristine, cool atmosphere of the bathroom. The white tiles and chrome fixtures were a world away from the soft, rumpled warmth of the bedroom. The harsh, overhead light was unkind to most, but it only served to highlight Cathy’s stunning figure, casting her curves into beautiful, stark relief.She turned to face me, her back aga

SHANE I didn’t wait. My arm snaked out, my hand settling on the warm curve of her waist, and I pulled her flush against my chest. She melted into me, a perfect fit, her head tilting back as my mouth found hers. The kiss was deep and tasting of coffee and mascarpone, a slow, languid exploration that quickly caught fire. Her hands came up, her fingers tangling in the hair at the nape of my neck, holding me to her.When we finally broke apart, breathless, her lips were swollen, her eyes dark with desire. "Are you ready for another kind of dessert?" I growled against her mouth, my voice barely recognizable.She didn’t hesitate. "You bet," she breathed, her words a hot promise against my skin before she claimed my lips again, her kiss fiercer this time, all lingering sweetness transforming into raw need.A primal sound rumbled in my chest. "I like the sound of that." In one swift motion, I bent and scooped her up into my arms. She let out a surprised, delighted gasp, her arms instantly lo

SHANE Dinner was quiet except for the soft clinking of cutlery and the muted hum of the evening jazz playing in the background. The chef had outdone himself again, pan-seared duck in orange glaze, roasted potatoes with rosemary, and a delicate salad of pear and walnuts. Cathy looked delighted, her eyes lighting up each time she took a bite.“Your chef is a genius,” she said, her voice lilting with satisfaction. “I swear, every time I eat here, I feel like I’m in Paris.”I smiled faintly, setting down my fork. “He’s worth every dime I pay him. I told him to surprise us tonight. Looks like he delivered.”“Oh, he definitely did.” She leaned back in her chair, dabbing the corners of her mouth with a linen napkin. “I might steal him one of these days.”“He’d probably follow if you offered to double his salary,” I replied, amused.She laughed softly, the sound smooth and practiced. Cathy had always known how to fill a room, not with noise, but with her presence. She was wearing a black sil