She heard the sound of water running, and a short time later, he came back to the bed, cradled her in his strong arms and carried her to the bathroom.
Her loud intake of breath pierced the silence. He had lit candles and placed them on the sink and around the edge of the huge tub, casting a warm glow throughout the space. He’d interspersed rose petals between the candles.
“Do you like it?”
“Like it? I love it.” She tightened her arms around him and kissed him softly. “Thank you. It’s beautiful.”
Damian let her slide down his body until her feet hit the floor. He undressed them both, then gently lifted her into the tub. “Is the water okay? It’s not too hot?”
Sinking down under the water, Karen sighed contentedly. “No. It’s perfect.”
He climbed in behind her and sat on the step. “Scoot closer.”
She did, and he began to massage her shoulders. Her head dropped forward, and she moaned. “That feels so good.” He kept up the ministrations until she was limp as a noodle.
He moved down the step and pulled her between his legs. Picking up the washcloth, he added bath gel and circled the cloth across her shoulders, over her back and around to her breasts. Damian dropped the towel and used his hands to gently knead and stroke her breasts and the sensitive peaks of her nipples. His hands slid beneath the water to her center, where she was already pulsating. Karen brazenly widened her legs to give him full access and arched against his exploring fingers. She groaned in protest when he removed them.
Damian kissed her hair. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll give you everything you want.” He washed them up, stood and helped her up. “Watch your step.” Picking up thick towels, he dried them off and led her to the bedroom. He pulled back the covers.
She climbed in, moved to the center and watched as he put on a condom. She opened her arms, and he fell into them. Karen palmed his face and brought her mouth up to his, trying to communicate what she was feeling.
He tore his mouth away and rested his forehead against hers, breathing harshly and trembling above her. He lifted his head, and their eyes connected. “I love you, Karen.”
Her eyes widened in surprise.
He dipped his head and took her mouth in a kiss so achingly tender, tears leaked from the corners of her eyes.
“I love you so much.”
He guided himself into her, inch by incredible inch, and started a gentle rocking motion, gyrating his hips in slow, insistent circles. Every movement reached deeper and deeper, touching the very core of her soul. “Damian, I love you, too.”
His movements stopped and he stared down at her, his hazel eyes blazing with desire. An expression of relief spread over his face. “Thank you.” Kissing her, he began thrusting again, whispering tender endearments.
They moved together in a sensual rhythm until she felt something burst within her. Karen came with a soul-shattering intensity as wave after wave of ecstasy washed over her.
Damian stiffened, arched and cried her name, groaning long and low. His body shook violently and collapsed on top of her briefly before rolling to his side, taking her with him. He brushed back the strands of her hair off her face and kissed her.
She sank into his comforting embrace and closed her eyes, sucking in air as spasms of delight continued to rocket through her body. Her breathing and heart rate gradually returned to normal. She vaguely remembered him pulling the sheet up over them before drifting off to sleep.
* * *
When Karen woke up the next morning, she was alone in bed. Her mind immediately went back to the gentle yet passionate way Damian had made love to her last night. She bolted upright. He said he loved me! She wasn’t sure what shocked her more: the fact that he loved her or her own declaration of love. Although she hadn’t intended to tell him so soon, what other response could she have given him, other than the truth? She flopped back against the pillows. Did he really love her, or was it just something he’d blurted out in the throes of passion? Then there was the issue of his wife. Would Karen be a substitute for the one he had lost? The way he behaved and the things he said told her no, but she didn’t want to set herself up for the possibility of having her heart broken again.
“You’re frowning. That can’t be good.”
Karen rolled her head in the direction of the door, where Damian stood leaning in the archway wearing jeans, a long-sleeved pullover shirt and black boots. “Good morning.”
He pushed off the wall and came toward her. “I thought it was until I saw that expression on your face.” Damian took a seat on the side of the bed. “What’s going through that beautiful head of yours?”