She hesitated. “I have to brush my teeth—and I need to change.” She indicated her red-covered torso. “I don’t think this is the most comfortable thing to sleep in.”
“No. You should definitely take that off. I could help you with that.” I grinned as I watched the dull color creep over her chest, and she began to look nervous.
“I’ll loan you a T-shirt.” I kissed her cheek, nuzzling her skin. “I’ll behave, Shelby. Stay?”
“Okay,” she whispered.
“Don’t move,” I instructed, chuckling at her sudden shyness. “I’ll get you a shirt.”
She pointed to my chest. “I can wear that one.”
“You don’t want a fresh one?”
Her color deepened. “No. That one will smell like you.”
I looked down and grinned, pulling it over my head and handing it to her with a wink.
After gathering the jacket, I went to my room where I removed what was left of the tux, hung it up, and pulled on some sleep pants, forgoing a shirt, then returned to the bathroom.
She was still on the counter, but now in my T-shirt, her hair down and makeup gone. A damp flannel sat on the counter beside her.
My Shelby was back. Effortlessly lovely.
She grinned at me as she put down a facecloth, her expression mischievous. Unable to resist, I leaned over and kissed her.
“Why is your breath minty?”
“I used your toothbrush.”
I plucked the still-wet toothbrush from the holder and smirked at her. “Bit dodgy, that, Beaker.”
“I wanted to brush my teeth. I couldn’t move. You said so.”
“I see.” I arched my eyebrow at her. “Well.”
Her eyes widened as she watched me add toothpaste and use the same brush, never taking my eyes off her. When I was finished, I smacked my lips and grinned at her. “Now we match.”
She whimpered.
I pulled her closer.
“You want me to behave, or can I be slightly…naughty?” I nipped her ear gently, tugging on the lobe.
“Ah…”
“Just a wee bit naughty, Shelby?” Using my tongue, I swirled a wet pattern on her skin.
“Oh…God… Naughty, Liam. Please.”
I gathered her off the counter and strode into my room.
“Brilliant.”She was so bloody right in my bed. Small and warm and incredibly sexy. She fit against me perfectly. Her quiet noises were addictive, and I knew I didn’t want to be without them again. Her hands tugged on my hair, holding me close as my mouth worked hers. She tasted like…more.
I wanted more.
I wanted all of her.
My hands delved under the T-shirt she was wearing, finding warm, silky skin. I dragged her closer as I ran my fingers under the tiny straps of the sexy red thong she was still wearing.
For now.
I wanted it off.
I tugged gently, feeling the thin material start to give way. I kissed her harder. Pulled again.
This time, it broke, and I caressed the warm, bare skin of her hip, bending my hand around to cup the plump curve of her ass.
Shelby gasped into my mouth, pulling back.
“Whoops,” I breathed against her lips.
“Liam… I’m… I’m not—”
I sighed and buried my face in her neck. She wasn’t ready.
Of course she wasn’t.
I already had her married to me and in my bed forever even though she only admitted to having feelings for me two hours ago. Of course she wasn’t ready.
I pressed my lips to her cheek in apology. “I know. I got carried away.”
I rolled over, taking her with me, and she curled into my side, her head on my chest. Her fingers traced lazy patterns on my skin, their gentle warmth a calming sensation. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“No,” I insisted. “I understand, Shelby. I’ll wait until you’re ready. I’ll wait as long as you need me to.” I pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Simply being able to hold you is bloody amazing.”
“I just need some time to adjust.”
“I know.” I ran my hand through her hair, loving the feeling of the thick tresses against my palm. I had to remember that for the first time ever in our relationship, I was ahead of her. “Sleep. Just let me hold you and sleep.”
I felt her lips press to my chest. I kept stroking her hair until I felt her grow heavy with sleep. Only when I knew she was resting did I let myself fall asleep.
Holding her.
Bloody perfect.I woke alone. I threw my arm over my face, groaning.
Where was she?
She’d been warm and close all night. Every time I woke up, she was there beside me, and I would pull her closer, needing to feel her pressed against me. She made me realize I was a cuddler.
And dammit, I wanted to wake up cuddling her.
I sat up, huffing. How was she even walking?
I flung back the covers, and grabbed a shirt, making my way downstairs where I could hear movement.
She was standing at the counter, some sort of kitchen utensil in her hand. She had the cheek to smile at me as I stalked toward her.