Page 30 of Hidden Desire
Her eyes widened. “Really?”
“Yes.”
Grace looked down. “So, what happens now?”
“Tonight, we relax and hold each other. Today was stressful, and I don’t want to push you into anything you’re not ready for. Is that okay? Can I hold you in my arms tonight?”
She nodded.
“Good. Go in and shower, and I’ll bring in one of my shirts for you to wear,” he said.
“I have a nightgown down in my room,” she said.
His hands slid up and down her sides. “I know, but I want you in something of mine.”
“Okay.”
He released her and watched her go into his bathroom and start to shut the door. “I’ll let you shut the door, but not all the way. I also never want a lock between us. Do you understand?”
Grace nodded before stopping inches from the door and shutting it all the way. He knew he was pushing her, but whathe really wanted—to be inside her—was more than she could take that night, but he still needed to be able to see and feel her. When she got used to the idea of them being together, he’d make sure she never wore clothing in their bedroom and panties ever. He had never felt this height of possessive caveman emotion before, and he wasn’t sure he liked it.
He heard the shower turn on and went to find a shirt for her. When he walked into the bathroom, he stopped short at the sight of her body through the frosted glass. He couldn’t see any details, but just the thought of her naked, a few feet from him with only a piece of glass separating them, made sweat roll down his temple.
Fuck. How the hell was he going to keep from touching her the way he wanted to? He would just keep reminding himself of the fact she was exhausted, and it had been a stressful day for her. The last thing he wanted was to make it worse.
“Here is the shirt, Sweetheart. I’ll put a toothbrush and paste on the counter.”
She hesitated and said, “Thank you.”
“I’ll wait in the bedroom.”
“Okay.”
He left the door halfway open, sat in a chair on the other side of the room, and waited. It wasn’t long before the door to the bathroom opened, letting him get a glimpse of his new bride. She’d kept her hair dry, so it flowed down her back. He hadn’t thought the shirt he’d given her was thin, but when the light from the bathroom shone against her back, it made the shirt almost see-through. Robert swallowed a few times and fought back an urge to pull her onto his lap and tear the shirt from her.
It took a moment to realize she was becoming anxious while he stared at her.
“You’re a beautiful woman, Wife.”
A blush of pleasure covered her face. “Thank you.”
He smiled and stood. “Come around to this side.” He threw back the blanket and waited for her to come to him. “Hop in.”
She slid into the bed and lay stiffly. He would have smiled if he hadn’t been so close to losing control.
He tucked the blanket around her. “I’ll be right back.”
She nodded.
He partially closed the door and stripped off his clothing. He gritted his teeth when the cold water hit his body. He didn’t think it would help with the raging hard-on, but it was all he had. He’d thought about masturbating to take the edge off, but he thought that would make the situation worse.
Robert dried off, wrapped the towel around his waist, and brushed his teeth. He turned off the light and started toward the bed. He usually slept naked, but there was enough light coming in through the windows that she’d be able to see him, and he didn’t want her freaking out. He turned and walked into his closet, pulling on a pair of gym shorts before heading to bed.
Once under the covers, he turned toward her. He didn’t reach for her because he could tell she was still tense.
“Hey, Sweetheart. How are you doing?”
She turned toward him. “I’m nervous.”