Chapter Thirteen

The two adults bathed and dressed the girl before putting her to bed. Robert read her a short story, and it didn’t take long for Hannah’s eyes to droop.

Robert set the book down and laid his daughter on her back before pulling the blanket over her. He leaned down and pressed his lips against her forehead. “Good night.”

“Good night, Daddy. Good night, Grace,” Hannah mumbled.

Grace smoothed the hair from her face. “Good night. Sweet dreams.”

Robert followed Grace out of the room and silently closed the door. He could tell she was anxious and confused, but the thought of her crying set his protective mode to grow. If he never saw her cry again, it would be too soon.

He reached for her hand and started pulling her toward his … no, their bedroom, he reminded himself. He released her and shut and locked the door behind him. When he turned, she was already several feet away from him.

He sighed. Robert sat on the edge of the bed and held his hand out. “Come here, Sweetheart.”

He was pleased when she didn’t hesitate. Robert pulled her between his spread legs and gripped her hips.

“What questions do you have?”

He watched her think about it.

“What happened today?” she asked.

“We got married, Sweetheart.”

“I know that. But why?”

“It needed to get done. We’ve wanted to be together, right?”

“Well, yes. But we didn’t have to be married to … you know.”

“No. But I prefer it. Do you hate the idea of being married to me?”

She shook her head. “No, that’s not it. I just have a feeling this isn’t about us being together because we care for each other.”

She was partially right, but he didn’t want to tell her they had to get it done to protect her. “What else would it be about?” He waited for a second. “Do you want me?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Do you like my hands on you?” He grinned when she blushed.

“Well … yes.”

“I want you, too. Very much. I’ve wanted you since the first day.”

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 what he really wante d— to be inside he r— 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.”

“Why?” he asked.

“I’ve never slept with a man before. I’ve never slept with anyone.”

He reached out for her and set his hand on her arm. “I promise you that nothing is going to happen until you’re ready. I just want you close to me, and maybe you’ll let me hold you.”

“I’d like that,” she said.

The knot in his stomach loosened when she nodded and gave him a hesitant smile.

Robert moved over a few inches, turned her face away from him, and loosely wrapped an arm around her waist. “Is this okay?”

She nodded.

“Good.” He pressed a kiss to the back of her head. “Go to sleep, Sweetheart.”

“Good night,” she murmured.

“Good night.”

He stayed awake long after she fell asleep. With her scent wrapped around him and the feel of her in his arms, he didn’t think sleep would come anytime soon.

He hadn’t realized he’d fallen asleep until the light of dawn crept through the drapes, lighting the room.

It took a moment to notice she was sprawled over his chest. The deep feeling of contentment shook him. It seemed the longer she was with him, the deeper she got in his heart. It should have concerned him how quickly it happened, but instead, he thanked God for bringing her into his life.

He gently lifted her and set her to the side before pulling the blanket around her shoulders. He pressed a kiss to her cheek and whispered, “Good morning, Wife.” He slid out of bed and started his day.