“A Timex is a reliable watch. This is something else entirely.” Julia almost laughed.
“Something entirely deserved, I assure you.”
She touched the engraving in awe.
“How did you know?”
“How did I know what?” He clasped the watch around her wrist. It fit perfectly.
“How did you know I’d do a good job?”
“Because I have faith in you.” He kissed her slowly. Then, with a determined look, he exited their suite.
Christa Peterson sat on the large bed in her hotel room, waiting. She’d managed to find a sexy black basque that laced up the back, and she wore it with gartered stockings and very high heels.
Champagne cooled in a silver container in the corner, provocative music floated through the air, and a series of sensual accessories (including handcuffs) lay on the table next to the bed.
She checked the very expensive watch she’d worn since she’d lost her virginity, resisting the urge to think back to the words Giuseppe had said to her the night before. His ascription had been too close to the mark.
Instead, she focused on what was about to happen. She was finally going to have her heart’s desire—Professor Gabriel O. Emerson in her arms, her bed, her body.
At last.
Men never said no to her. And despite Gabriel’s attachment to his plain and mousy little wife, he was a man. They’d f**k a few times and go their separate ways. She’d have the satisfaction of knowing her success rate at seduction was one hundred percent.
A knock echoed through the room.
Trying to hide her enthusiasm, Christa straightened the seams of her stockings and walked toward the door.
Chapter Eighteen
You were wonderful,” Gabriel whispered, lazily running the backs of his fingers up and down her spine.
She hugged the pillow, hiding her face. She was lying on her stomach, her back gloriously exposed.
He eyed her bashfulness with concern before leaning over to kiss the slope of her shoulder.
“Darling?”
“Thank you.” Julia shifted a little, her eyes meeting his.
“How did you feel about that position?” Gabriel pressed his palm flat just above her backside, resting over two dimples.
“I enjoyed it.”
“But?”
“No qualifications.”
“Then why are you shy?”
She shrugged.
Gabriel rolled her to her side. “You’re safe. I promise, you’re safe in my arms and in my bed. Always.”
He placed a finger to her chin, lifting it.
“Talk to me.”
She avoided his eyes. “I don’t want to bring old issues up, but sometimes I worry.”
“About what?”
“I worry I’m not adventurous enough for you.”
Gabriel would have laughed had she not looked so serious. He forced himself to look grave.
“That’s a remarkable worry after the past few hours.” His palm rested on the curve of her backside, but he resisted the urge to squeeze.
She blew a lock of hair away from her mouth. “I didn’t get a chance to tell you this, but Christa cornered me just before lunch.”
Gabriel’s eyes flashed. “I don’t want to hear that name while we’re in bed.”
Julia nuzzled against the fine hair of his chest. “I’m sorry.”
“What did she say?”
“She said you deserved someone adventurous.”
“Don’t listen to her poisonous bullshit.”
“I told her you deserved love and that’s what I gave you.”
“That’s certainly true.” His hand slid up her spine to her neck, where he began massaging her gently. “So why are you worrying?”
“Because I want to keep you.”
Gabriel chuckled in spite of himself. “I’m afraid we’re in a competition, then, darling, because I want to do my damnedest to keep you.”
“Good.” She snuggled closer in his arms.
“There are some adventures I experienced before you that I don’t wish to repeat.”
Julia thought of Professor Pain and winced.
Gabriel’s index finger traced the curve of her neck, up and down and up and down, whisper soft. “Other adventures I’d be willing to explore, if you felt the same way. Our bed is for pleasure. My utmost concern is to please you and to find my pleasure with you, not at your expense. You don’t need to worry that I’ll abandon you if you say no to me. You can always say no. Understand?”
“Yes.” She breathed deeply.
“So if I were to suggest something . . . new, and you were to decide you didn’t want to try it, that’s fine.”
“Really?” Her large eyes searched his.
The edges of his lips turned up. “I might attempt to seduce you and change your mind. But I can think of few things more unpleasant than bedding an unwilling woman.”
He stroked his thumb across the curve of her cheek.
“And in your case, I can think of nothing more painful than looking into your eyes and seeing discomfort or regret.”
He brought their mouths together and they were both momentarily lost in the sweetness of their embrace.
“Do you still feel shy?” He pulled back so he could see her expression.