She relaxed in his arms, drifting off to sleep. Without warning, her eyes popped wide open. By his steady breathing, she knew Craig was asleep.
Her mind whirled like crazy with uncertainty. I just got out of a relationship. What am I doing? Craig had ignited so many feelings inside her, feelings she hadn’t known were possible. She didn’t want him to get the wrong idea. This had to be a one-time thing. Had to be. But was she getting the wrong idea herself?
“I can’t.”
“Can’t what, sweetheart?” he asked. “You okay?”
“Just talking in my sleep again,” she fibbed.
He kissed her hair. “Talk all you like. You have the sweetest voice I’ve ever heard.”
She couldn’t help but smile, though she knew this wonderful time with Craig needed to be the last. Her smile faded as she let that thought sink in.
Chapter Ten
Craig awoke, feeling the afternoon sun hitting him in the eyes. He got up on his elbow and gazed at Mary, still asleep. He’d never known any woman quite like her. Not only was she beautiful, she was also so warm, sexy, smart, and had a great sense of humor. Mary was the entire package. I’m so in love with her, but should I tell her? I don’t want to scare her away.
She’d shared a little about her childhood, and it had broken his heart. How could any parent be so distant that their child wasn’t sure they loved them? Don’t worry, Mary. Our children will always know they are loved.
Her eyes opened. “How long have you been awake?”
“Just a few minutes.” He kissed her, relishing the taste of her lips. “Are you as hungry as I am?”
She smiled. “Famished.”
“Don’t move.”
“Why? What do you have in mind?”
“You’ll see, sweetheart.” He left the bed and headed into the bathroom. He filled the tub with warm water. He grabbed a towel, one of his robes, some shampoo and soap, and placed them neatly on the edge of the tub.
When he returned to the bedroom, he found Mary sitting up in the bed with the sheet pulled up to her neck. Without a word, he lifted her up into his arms.
“What are you doing?” she said with a smile.
“I thought you might enjoy soaking in the tub while I finish getting our lunch ready.”
“I would, but I think it’s now closer to dinner time than lunch.”
He glanced at the clock and realized she was right. He carried her into the bathroom and lowered her down into the water. “How’s the temperature?”
“Perfect,” she answered.
“You relax and I will come back when dinner is ready.”
He went into the kitchen. The hamburger patties he’d been cooking earlier were ruined. He tossed them and started over. Hamburgers won’t suffice now. This was the first meal he would prepare for Mary, and he wanted it to be unforgettable.
He pulled out two T-bone steaks and rubbed them down with his special seasonings. He put them on his built-in grill on his stove. While they were cooking, he prepared a tossed salad and buttered some bread slices. He opened a bottle of red wine and got out two glasses.
Just as he was ready to go get Mary, she walked into the kitchen looking fantastic in his robe.
“I was going to come and get you, sweetheart.”
“I know, but I was looking like a prune.” She held up her fingertips to prove her point. “It was time to get out. What smells so delicious?”
He pulled out a chair. “Have a seat and find out.”
She smiled. “Such a gentlemen. A woman could get used to being treated this way.”