Chapter 41
41
As the afternoon wore on, they talked and cuddled. Hugged and kissed. The afternoon turned to evening, and the sun would soon set.
“Did you bring a pair of trunks?” Michelle asked.
“I did.”
“We can enjoy the sunset in the hot tub if you’d like.”
“I was hoping we’d get in.”
“C’mon.” Michelle stood and held out her hand to Keith. She pulled him to his feet, and he acted as if she’d done all the work to get them upright. A nervous smile tilted her lips. As they passed the doorway, he picked up his bag and followed her down the hall.
Keith stopped inside her room, taking in Michelle’s private space. Her bedroom was large. The navy blue and khaki décor lent a calm feel. As with the rest of the house, it is more minimalistic than overly cluttered. Another set of French doors led out to the deck where the hot tub sat, uncovered.
Michelle pointed toward a door. “Bathroom is through there if you’d like to change. My suit is stored in an upstairs bedroom, so I’ll change there. Will you grab us a couple of towels from under the sink?”
“Are you sure you won’t change with me?” He waggled his brows.
Her cheeks flushed. “I’m building up to that.”
He laughed. “I’m not pushing you. I know you need time.”
“Thank you,” she said as she walked back out of her room.
When she returned, he was sitting on the bed, facing the door with the towels beside him. His eyes widened as she came into sight. When she smiled, he stood and rested his hands on her hips. “You are beautiful.”
“And you’re more handsome in person than on any movie screen.”
His fingers gripped her hips as his lips found hers. This kiss was meant to deepen their connection and even to arouse, but not meant to overpower. He broke the kiss. “And that’s a kiss that would never happen on a movie screen. That kiss is for you and you alone.” His gravelly voice was full of affection for her.
A gust of wind chilled the air as they stepped into the hot tub. The jets circulated the water, massaging their backs and relaxing their bodies. The sky had begun to change from blue to orange and pink before settling on purple. It looked like a painting that no artist could ever give justice to.
As the night sky began to take over, Michelle looked at Keith, whose eyes were closed. He looked more peaceful than she’d ever seen him.
“Would you like dinner?”
He opened one eye. “Do you?”
“I haven’t eaten since lunch.” She smiled. “Something light. I made a bowl of chicken salad. I have crackers or croissants.”
“A little something does sound good.”
“Are you ready to get out?”
“I could stay here all night.”
She pointed to the button across from them. “Here’s the off switch for the jets. Relax, take your time. I’m going to shower, then get dinner ready.”
“Let me know when you’re out of the shower, and I’ll come in.”
“See you in a few.” Michelle climbed out of the hot tub.
Keith settled back against the jets and enjoyed the last minutes of the setting sun. His eyes closed again as he let the remainder of the day’s stress float away.
For no apparent reason, Keith opened his eyes. He watched Michelle walk toward him. Dressed in lounging clothes, she stuck her head out the door. “The shower is all yours.”
He turned off the jets and climbed out of the water, knowing his swim trunks molded to his body. He didn’t care. He wanted her to see him, and he didn’t miss her eyes raking down his body and back up to his eyes. A faint tinge of pink colored her cheeks, causing his lips to pull into a half smile. It was only fair that she felt a smidgeon of the desire that he did. He wrapped his towel around his waist and pulled the door handle, causing her to fall into him.
“Like what you see?”
She swallowed. “You know I do.”
“Then we’re even.”
“I’ll be in the kitchen.” She spun away from him.
He caught her arm and pulled her back. “Don’t run from this, Michelle. I may be older, but the anticipation of being with you is eating me alive.” He gave her a quick peck on the lips, then turned toward the bathroom.
Dinner passed with more conversation and laughter. It was hard to tell who was falling faster. They’d eaten and drank a bottle of wine. Time had slipped away from them, and before Michelle knew it, she yawned.
“I’m keeping you up.” Keith wrapped his hand around hers.
“You’re the one who has to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in the morning.”
Keith chuckled. “I’m never bushy-tailed.” He kissed her hand. “But I don’t want tonight to end.”
“Neither do I, but we both have to work tomorrow.”
“Then let’s go to bed.”
Michelle went into the bathroom. When she walked into the bedroom, Keith was sitting on the edge of the bed.
“Matching short set.” He fought the smile that was trying to form. “So, you aren’t going to try to seduce me, huh?”
“I had no expectations of what tonight would hold, but I don’t know if I’m ready to... make love,” she whispered the last two words.
He stood in front of her and laced his fingers behind her back. “No expectations. My only hope was to be close to you tonight... to hold you.”
“I can do that.” Her lips trembled.
“Let me brush my teeth, and I’ll be right there.”
She slid between the sheets and waited for Keith’s return. When he walked out of the bathroom, his gaze landed on her. He watched her until he slipped in beside her.
She faced him. “Hi.”
“Hi, yourself.”
“I feel awkward. I don’t want to screw this up.”
“You couldn’t even if you tried.” He reached out for her hand. “Your fingers are like ice, and you’re shivering.”
“I’m nervous.”
“Turn over and switch the light off, Michelle. I’m only going to hold you tonight.”
She did as he requested. When his arm folded around her middle, she melted against him. She was amazed at how comfortable she felt so quickly. His body heat, the weight of his arm, how perfectly their bodies melded.
“Thank you, Keith,” she mumbled as she drifted off to sleep.
“Thank you for today,” he said as he kissed the back of her head.