A/N: See, I promised it wouldn't be too long of a wait! With that being said, this will likely be the last update until the end of July. I will be out of country until then, and I don't envision having much downtime to write. But I may be able to get another one out before I leave, just don't be upset if I can't! Thank you for all the love and support, you blow me away every time :) xo

***  

It has been hard to be without Dakota, but it's been harder to find time to mope with two toddlers keeping me on my feet. They behave for the most part, but they also test me on bedtimes, naps, and of course what they'll eat. Sometimes it seems like I can't do anything right, and then they crawl in my lap to cuddle or tell me how much they love me, dissipating any frustration they may have caused.

However, I do miss Dakota something fierce. Knowing she is only a couple of hours away is equal torture as it is a relief. We'd spent two years thousands of miles apart, and only a few guaranteed moments together. Now at least I take comfort in knowing she's mine for good. It doesn't relax the other half of me that knows I should be with her in Paris, that we should've gone and said, "fuck you" to those standing in the way. Alas, I remained levelheaded and have focused all of my energy into enjoying my girls while I have them.

I've successfully put them down for a nap. It may have taken twice as long as anticipated, and tears were shed, but I'm still calling it a success. I collapse on the sofa while Sky Sports plays in the background. I miss my girl most in these quiet moments, so I pull up our texts to remind her.

I miss you...

I stare aimlessly at the phone until it dims, waiting on her reply. I tap it to light it back up, and then I see the three magic bubbles appear.

You know I miss you more, she replies.

I smile at the device in my hand. Prove it. Come back.

Again I sit like a happy idiot when the bubbles pop up.

Idk when I can leave. Alessandro signs me up for shit without telling me.

Maybe I should steal a page from his book then, since it seems to be working.

Her next reply is quick. Whatever. How are the babes?

I laugh out loud because I can hear her sarcasm through the message. Down for a nap. What a struggle. D asks every hour on the hour what Kota is doing in Paris.

Well I'm free all evening, so we can FaceTime when they wake or after dinner.

I smile at that. Okay baby. It'll be good to see your face.

Have you shaved yours?

I huff. Lol why?

If I come back I don't want to end up with beard burn.

I snort at her playfulness—it's exactly what I need. But somehow she knows that, even from a distance and without hearing my voice.

I promise to be gentle ;) I reply.

Yeah, right.

A trim is in order if it'll guarantee your return? I feel myself biting my bottom lip in anticipation.

ILY babe!

Of course she dodged me. Forever and ever, amen.

She doesn't respond, so I shoot off, PS- you never answered my question...

I wait and wait and wait to no avail. This woman drives me mad, but I love her with my whole heart. She's the only woman I want to keep me on my toes, and always guessing. Life with her is an adventure even when she isn't here. Trust she'll pay for it next time she is.

***

I made grilled cheese and tomato soup for dinner, per Dulcie's request. At least it was something she could help me in the kitchen with, although it wasn't on the healthy or gourmet side of life. Anything I can do to appease them.

"Let's watch a mooovie," she says when she finishes her plate.

"We watched a movie last night," I argue, against better judgment.

She crosses her arms over her chest and pouts.

I sigh, trying to reel her back in. "I have a better idea."

Her eyes meet mine. "Like what?"

I wipe the little ones mouth and hands off, to which she whines and tries to pull away from. "Kota wants to FaceTime."

"Yay!" Dulcie yells. "I wanna talk to Kota."

"Kota, Kota, Kota," the baby says over and over.

I smile, my heart beating wildly in my chest at them both excited to talk to the love of my life.

"On one condition," I say.

Dulcie eyes me without response.

"You need to help Daddy clean up the kitchen, okay? Then we'll call Kota."

"But why?"

"Because we made a mess and have to clean it. No good chef leaves behind a dirty kitchen."

"Otay, Daddy. I really wanna talk to Kota."

I chuckle. "Then let's get a move on."

She jumps down from her chair while I help her sister out of hers. She takes off toward the toys in the living room the moment her feet touch the ground. I follow Dulcie around the island as she dumps our trash in the can.

I turn on the hot water to rinse the dishes. "I wash them, you load them?"

She nods. She does love to help sometimes, and depending on the chore. Plus, she's just OCD enough that she's careful and organized as she sets them in one at a time.

"Good job," I tell her.

She smiles, lining the cups up perfectly. "All done."

"Great teamwork, sweet pea."

I give her my hand and she high-fives it before running into the room with her sister. I dry my hands off and grab my phone from the charger. Dakota has sent me a picture of her view, which is her legs propped up on the balcony and the Eiffel Tower behind her feet. Her big toe is pointing at the tip of it, making me laugh.

"That's mine!" I hear Dulcie yell and a second later the baby is crying.

"Hey," I say sternly. "What happened?"

"She's playing wif me Barbie, Daddy."

"And is it the end of the world? We have plenty of other toys to play with."

"She'll break it."

"No she won't, she's just learning. Be gentle with her please."

She throws the Barbie down on the ground and stomps.

"All right, well I guess you would rather go to bed than talk to Kota. What a shame, she really misses you."

"No, Daddy no!" she cries. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it!"

I sigh, trying to avoid both of them crying at the same time. "Apologize to your sister, and nicely hand it back to her. Then we will call Kota."

She bends to retrieve the discarded Barbie and gives it to her. "I'm sorry, sissy."

She kisses the top of her head, making me melt. Why can't they be like this all the time?

"Thank you," I say as I sit down on the sofa. "Everyone who wants to talk to Kota jump on the couch in three seconds."

They both giggle as I count down. Dulcie hops up effortlessly, but her sister merely attacks my knee in hopes I'll pull her up. So I do, kissing them both on their chipmunk cheeks they got from me.

"I do it," Dulcie says when I open my phone.

"Fine." I let her hit the FaceTime option next to Dakota's picture.

It rings a few times and I feel my heart racing as it connects. Her porcelain face comes into view, smiling from ear-to-ear.

"Hi guys." She waves and the girls wave back, although Dulcie is really the only one of us in view.

I turn the phone toward me, and Dulcie stands up and leans against my arm to see better.

I chuckle. "Hey, baby."

"Looks like you have your hands full," she says.

"Kota," the little one in my lap coos.

"Hi sweet babies, what was for dinner?"

"Grilled cheese and soup," Dulcie answered.

"Yummy, sad I missed out on Daddy's cuisine."

I smirk. "You didn't miss much."

"You trimmed," she says with a wink.

"I thought we had an agreement."

"Did we?" She shrugs.

I shake my head as Dulcie pipes in.

"What did you eat?"

"Umm, a cheeseburger and French fries."

I laugh. "You're in France and couldn't do any better than that?"

"Excuse you, I said FRENCH fries, duh."

Dulcie giggles. "Yeah duh, Daddy."

Dakota snorts. "Sorry, babe."

The little one reaches for the phone, touching the screen. I move it before she can hang up and she whines, pushing against me.

Dakota distracts them as I re-center the device. "What have you girls been into? Keeping Daddy busy?"

"Daddy's been sad," Dulcie deadpans.

I feel the blush instantly on my cheeks. I clear my throat. "I'm fine, thank you."

Dakota narrows her gaze at my obvious lie. "Is Daddy sad?"

I grin. "Shut up. He misses his Kota."

"Me too!" Dulcie adds. "I miss you, Kota."

"See?" I point at her. "We want you to come play with us."

She giggles. "And I really want to play with you, too."

I hear the sexual undertone in her voice and don't miss the lip bite.

"Pwease, Kota?" Dulcie begs.

Dakota sighs. "I don't know when I'm done with my job, sweetie. But I want to see you in person again soon, and I love you all so very much."

My heart clenches at the word "soon," knowing she likely means next time.

"We love you," I say.

"Call me tomorrow."

I nod. "Of course."

"Night babies." She blows us a kiss.

"Night-night, Kota," Dulcie says.

The little one waves, and I blow Dakota my own kiss before hanging up.

"Okay ladies, she said it best, it's bedtime."

"Do we have to?" Dulcie pouts.

"Yes we have to. Kota's going to bed, Daddy's going to bed, so that means you're going to bed."

"Maybe Kota will come see us tomorrow!"

I smile at her enthusiasm even though it hurts that she's wrong, and will be disappointed when it doesn't happen.

"Tomorrow can only come if you go to sleep."

That's all it takes, she's off the couch and through half the apartment by the time I stand with the baby. I kiss her sweet-smelling hair.

"Another night without Kota," I whisper, breathing her in.

"Kota," she calls, "Kotaaa."

"She's not here, baby girl." I walk her to their room as she says her name repeatedly, each one causing a sting.

***

I'm a nervous wreck while the girls play with their toys in the floor. Dakota hasn't answered me all day—calls, texts, nor the FaceTime call Dulcie made. I don't know how she can suddenly be too busy to respond, but it's starting to piss me off. Yeah, shit blew up in our faces and she left on unfair terms; however, she was fine when we spoke last night, so why can't she send me a quick note? She's the one who told me to call.

"I'm hungry," Dulcie says.

I sigh, pushing my worries aside. If all else fails I'll call Mel or Olivia to reach her. "Okay, sweetie. I'll figure out something for dinner."

"Pizza!" she yells.

"Hmm, I don't know. Kind of similar to what we had last night, isn't it?"

She wrinkles her forehead. "No it's not."

Should've known better than to reason with a toddler about cheese and tomato variations. I go to respond when the doorbell rings.

"Did you already order one?" I laugh at my own joke and she giggles, trailing behind me to the door.

I open it and feel my jaw disengage as it hits the ground. All coherent thought has gone out said door.

"Kotaaa!" Dulcie yells and attacks her leg.

Dakota picks her up, hugging her tightly. "Hi, sweet girl."

My throat is dry as my heart leaps into it. "You're—"

"Hi babe," she smiles, "can I come in?"

"Come in-n," I stutter. "Of course, yeah."

I step out of the way so she can carry her bag and my daughter inside. I'm rendered speechless. She's here. In the flesh. Right in front of me as though I wished her into appearing.

I shut us in and she sets Dulcie down. "Why don't you go get your sister?"

Dulcie runs away yelling her sister's name the whole way while I take in the sight of Dakota before me.

"Earth to Dornan, are you in there?" She chuckles.

I pounce without responding, snatching her up in my arms. She squeals, but I silence her with my lips. God it feels incredible to kiss her again. I grip her ass, pressing her into me further and she moans into my mouth. I'm like a rabid animal, licking and sucking at her soft flesh. She tastes like mine and smells divine.

"Babe," she breathes.

"I missed you so fucking much," I say across her lips.

I nip her bottom one as she pulls us apart, panting. "Save it for later."

"Good thing it's almost their bedtime." I smirk and she shakes her head, moving past me.

Dulcie is back with her sister in tow. "Were you kissing?"

I blush and Dakota laughs her belly laugh.

"Maybe," I say.

"Because you love each other?"

I smirk when Dakota's eyes meet mine and she nods. "Yes, we do," she answers.

Dulcie takes that as a definitive answer, changing the subject. "What's for dinner?"

I snort. "Is that all you think about kid, food food food?"

She giggles when I reach down and tickle her tummy. "Yes!"

"How about waffles?" Dakota asks.

I grin. "Random."

"Waffles, Daddy!" Dulcie cheers. "Let's have waffles."

"It's settled then," I say, "breakfast for dinner."

"Let's go girls." Dakota ushers them toward the kitchen and I can't resist tapping her ass quickly.

She swats my hand away and I laugh when she swings her hips even more.

"Behave," she turns to say. "For now."

"We had an agreement, don't forget."

She stops on the other side of the counter. "You won't let me. Now tell me where your waffle maker is."

"Cabinet below to your left."

She bends to retrieve it. The girls watch her as she looks around the other cabinets.

"Waffle mix?"

"Above the microwave."

She turns and grabs it, reading the directions. I lean against the wall as she gathers all her ingredients. The three of us are fascinated while she preps everything.

"Need help?" I ask.

She looks up and shakes her head. "Not from you. Girls, want to help me make awful waffles?"

"Awful waffles," Dulcie repeats with a giggle. The little one is laughing, although I don't think she knows why.

I can't help but be amused by her giving them directions. She sits Dulcie on the counter and lifts the baby, setting her on her hip. This is the most beautiful scene that has every played out in front of me. I blink a few times to ensure it's real. My favorite girls in the kitchen together, cooking up a family meal—she's perfect.

"Tell Daddy to go watch sports or something," Dakota instructs Dulcie.

My daughter turns and I hold up a finger. "Daddy can take a hint."

I leave them be, walking my satisfied ass back into the living room where moments ago I was stressed because Dakota wasn't answering me, and now she's here. I turn the volume down on the TV so I can eavesdrop on their conversation.

Dulcie is going on and on about every last detail from Frozen. Dakota agrees with her every few words, and coos to the baby in between. I get lost in their voices intertwining, and the stories that follow.

"Babe," Dakota eventually calls, and I look over. "Can you set the table please?"

I laugh. "I'm watching sports."

"Daddyyy," Dulcie scolds.

"Sheesh, alright, tough crowd."

I meet them in the kitchen, dancing around from cabinet to drawer to collect the various items. I can't stop from leaning in to kiss the baby's cheek, which leads to me sucking on Dakota's neck. She squirms, lifting her shoulder to get me to stop. I smirk, pecking the top of Dulcie's head.

I hurry and set the table then step up behind Dakota while she lifts the iron to pull out her perfectly browned waffle. I place one hand on her hip, causing her to falter a bit.

"Will you behave so I don't get burnt?" She chuckles.

"I won't let you get burnt," I whisper, kissing the other side of her neck.

I notice the goosebumps on her arms and smile triumphantly. I meant it when I said she'd pay for not answering me, yesterday or today.

"Dulcie, will you grab the butter and syrup, and set them on the table, please? Waffles are finished."

She nods at Dakota, so I lift her off the counter and put her down. I move to stand where she was just sitting, forcing Dakota to look at me.

"Having fun?" she asks.

"Looks like you are. Can I take my baby?"

She nods, handing her over.

"I'll get them situated."

"Okay," she whispers, leaning in.

I kiss her all too briefly, but I know there's more where that came from. If we can get these crumb crunchers to bed without too much fuss.

***

Dakota and I both take turns reading the girls a story before bed. She helps me tuck them in, kissing them goodnight before retreating to the hall. Dakota quietly shuts the door behind her, and I grab her hand to lead her to my desired destination.

I snort when she jumps on my back, her arms wrapped around my neck. I grab her legs to lift her better and carry her to my bedroom. She hops off after kicking the door closed. I turn and lock it for safe measure.

"I can't believe you're here," I say.

She cups my scruffy face between both hands. "I didn't want you to think I was mad at you, and I definitely didn't want the girls to be punished with my disappearance."

My eyes dance between hers. "I was never mad, baby. Or well not because of that. I was ready to kick your ass when you weren't answering me earlier."

She smirks. "I know. I could barely keep my return to myself and knew I wouldn't be able to lie if we talked. I'm sorry I left you in the dark."

"Yes, quite naughty of you." I manage to thicken my accent for her, because I know it makes her purr.

"Maybe I can make it up to you," she whispers, fumbling with the tie on my sweats.

"You could, or I could punish you."

"Okay, Christian." She giggles.

"I do have a surprise."

She kisses my lips gently and I almost forget what I want to say. I resist her against my will for a moment.

"I love your surprises." Her hands snake up under my shirt and her nails scrape my abs. "But I also love this."

I roll my eyes. "You can fawn over me all night."

She pulls the tee from my skin, throwing it behind me somewhere. She's the perfect distraction and she's doing this on purpose. My sexy minx.

I clear my throat as she presses light kisses across my chest and shoulders up to my neck. I try to remain clear headed for two more minutes.

"Since you left it's given me plenty of time to book us a reservation."

She looks up at me. "What?"

I nod. "I want to take you somewhere. Get away from the drama of real life and sounds of the city."

Her flirty fingers find their way under my pants, causing me to gasp when she grips me in her palm.

"Fuck, Dakota. Can you give me one minute?"

She laughs. "I want you, so make it quick."

I groan. "Baby, you have no idea how much I want you, but listen."

"Go on." She still strokes me slowly, and I'm about to forgo the surprise until after I douse her flames.

"Finland," I squeak out.

She narrows her gaze. "What's in Finland?"

I grab her wrist to stop her. "I want to sleep under the stars and Northern Lights with you."

Her mouth opens, but no words come out.

"In a cabin with a glass ceiling."

"Jamie," she mutters.

"What do you say?" I grin at her expression.

"You're the most romantic man on the planet." Her eyes well up, so I pull her in for a sweet kiss.

She latches on and we stand like that for the longest time, her hand wrapped around me, and our lips expressing our emotions.

"I love you, baby," I say. "You deserve it all."

"I'm so sorry." Her tears are freely flowing.

"Shh," I coo, "please don't cry."

"I left because I was afraid of getting you in more trouble, and now I come back and you've planned this beautiful vacation for us. I don't know what to say, Jamie. I just love you so much, more than anything else in this world."

"That's the only guarantee I need." I kiss her swollen lips again. "You and me against all odds, got it?"

She nods, dropping to her knees and jerking my pants down with her. I can't even breathe as she sucks me into her mouth.

"Christ," I moan.

She licks around my length, and I harden at her expert touch. "I owe you and I missed you."

I shake my head. "You don't, but fuck."

My hands tangle in her dark locks while she takes me in her hot mouth, her hand stroking what she can't fit. Dear Lord in Heaven she's a goddess. She knows my body like the back of her hand, and can bring me to my knees in an instant.

"Stop please," I beg, feeling myself build.

She hums and my senses are on overload. A second ago she was emotional in my arms, now she's on the floor sucking me off like her life depends on it.

"Baby, now."

She continues, so I finally have to move myself. We both groan as I step back from between her lips. I pull her up off the floor, unashamed to kiss her breathless.

"I'm naked, you're not," I say. "Let's change that."

She squeals when I spin her away from me. I kiss my way down the side of her neck, my hands under her shirt to massage her breasts. She wiggles against me and it's torture. I pull her top off, pressing my lips over her shoulder as I unclasp her lace bra. Her nipples already peaked, so I rub my thumb over each and she continues grinding her ass on my dick.

"Can't sit still." I nip her ear before bending her over. "Shall I take you like this?"

"Yes," she breathes, "but please take them off. I need it."

I smack her ass as I fall to the floor and shimmy her out of her leggings. No panties, so I peck her plump cheek. She spreads her legs wide to give me a seductive view, my dirty girl. She really does need it, but she's going to have to wait until I'm done playing.

I grip her hips to turn her and she's panting when her eyes peer down at mine. "You didn't answer me all day."

She swallows audibly. "I'm sorry, I wanted to surprise you."

I chuckle. "You made me wait a little too long."

"Don't," she begs. "Please Jamie, just fuck me."

I shake my head. "Not how it works, baby."

She goes to respond, but I shove her backwards onto the bed. She bounces with a wide smile as I position myself between her legs. I can't help my laugh when she pushes my face toward her middle. Miss Insatiable and Impatient.

She arches off the bed when I lick a line up her core. "Oh God."

I smile, sucking and licking at her swollen clit, my tongue dipping through her folds to taste her wetness. I've barely touched her and she's slick for me. I feel her nails scratching my scalp as I continue getting my fill.

Her legs quiver against my shoulders, and that's my cue. I pull back with a grin as she writhes and groans her disapproval.

"You're an ass," she whines.

"Careful, I'm the one taking you on a romantic getaway."

She bites her bottom lip. "Mmm, I can't wait to fuck under the Northern Lights."

I roll my head back. "Jesus. A dream come true."

She chuckles, brushing my rock hard dick with her foot. "Are you done being cruel?"

"Are you not enjoying yourself?" I pull her ass to the edge of the bed.

"I want to come with that perfect dick inside me."

And I'm going to come just listening to her dirty mouth.

"You're extra naughty, I like it."

She reaches between her legs to wet the tip of my manhood with her juices.

"How do you want it?" I ask, licking my lips.

"Hard and fast." She takes care to mind my head as she flips herself over.

I chuckle, getting the hint. I jerk her hips off the bed and press her torso against the mattress. She grips the comforter in both hands as I slowly slide in. I try to muffle my groan so I don't wake the whole house, but fuck she fits me like a glove.

She rolls her hips, getting herself where she wants and quickly. I watch our connection as she meets each thrust, and I'm already close. My fingers dig into her hips to stop her motions.

"You want this?" I ask.

"So bad," she moans.

"Say please, baby."

"Fuck, Jamie. Please stop teasing."

I angle her better and slam into her repeatedly. I push her frame up the mattress and have to kneel on the edge to keep us connected. She's slick as I glide effortlessly in and out, seeing stars.

"Come, Dakota. Don't scream."

She pulls my pillow beneath her mouth to muffle her orgasm as she comes hard around me, milking my dick. I immediately follow her, stilling as my whole body shakes.

"Baby," she breathes. "Holy shit."

I fall to the bed beside her, pulling her under my arm to kiss her damp forehead. "You're home."

She looks up into my gaze, hers light with amusement. "I am."

My heart beats wildly from the sex and from her intense stare.

"You're my home," she whispers. "I love you."

I melt at her words. "For the rest of my life."

She leans up to kiss me, and we make out like starving teenagers until we're both too exhausted to move. She falls asleep with her ear above my heart that only beats for her and the two girls in the other room.

***

Am I forgiven for the last one now? ;) Please don't forget to vote and/or drop me a line before departing! You guys have made this story extremely successful already, and I have plenty more where this came from! Xo