“You sure are prepared,” Veronica noted as she hopped down from the counter and put on the robe.
“Well my wife and I were… adventurous in our youth,” Frank said with a small smile.
“Wait, I this… hers?” Veronica asked, holding up the hem of her robe.
“Don’t worry, it’s been washed,” Frank said playfully.
“Frank…” Veronica said seriously, concerned for his emotional state.
“I like my name in your mouth,” Frank purred, moving to place his hands on her waist. “And I like that robe on your body.”
Veronica frowned a little, still feeling uncomfortable.
“Come on, trust me,” Frank said gently. “Let’s go up to bed.”
Veronica hesitated a moment more, but finally she relented, and took Frank’s hand as he led her out of the bathroom.
They both gathered up their clothes from the office, not wanting to cause a scandal with the rest of the staff. Then, Frank led her quietly up the stairs and past the hallway of the girl’s room, and into the hallway where Veronica knew her own room was.
He did not go into her room, but rather opened the door across from it. He stepped into the room, pulling Veronica in behind him, and then shut the door. This room much like hers, was outfitted with small sofas, dark wood dressers, and a cream colored rug to match his cream colored bedding. The main feature, though, was the elegant four post bed, though his did not include curtains.
Veronica could tell what side he slept on from the nightstand. Veronica couldn’t help but realize that the other side had likely been where his wife slept. She watched Frank get ready for bed and take off his robe, and he waited expectantly for her to do the same.
“Come on,” he said easily, gesturing to the other side of the bed.
“Maybe I should just go to my room,” Veronica said softly. “I just don’t feel right… I mean just this had already been a lot to take in.”
Frank blinked, an expression of concern passing over his face.
“I’m sorry,” he shook his head. “I never meant to…”
“No, no,” Veronica held up her hands. “I wanted everything that we did, that’s no
t it. I just… it’s a lot to take in, and maybe we should both give each other time to process all this…”
Frank took in her words and let out a soft sigh.
“You’re right,” he said, and gave her a smile. He moved over to her and gathered her in a gentle hug. Veronica let out a long breath through her nose as she wrapped her arms around his torso. They stood that way for a long moment.
“Come on,” Frank finally whispered, looking down at her with his familiar easy smile.
Veronica let him lead her back out of his room, and across the hall into her own. They entered the room, and he crossed to her bed, turning down the comforter so that she could easily get in.
Veronica slipped out of the green robe, and made to hand it back to him, but Frank held up his hands.
“Hold on to it,” he said softly. “Just in case.”
Veronica wanted to protest, but she figured she had already won one battle for the night, and it wouldn’t kill her to hold on to the robe.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
“You’re welcome,” Frank murmured, and ran his fingertips along her cheekbone.
“Goodnight,” Veronica faintly whispered, momentarily regretting her wish to be separated for the night. Frank chuckled.
“I’ll see myself out,” Franks aid, and made his way to the door. He lingered in the doorway for a moment, looking back at her with an expression she couldn’t quite read.
“Goodnight Veronica,” he said, his voice hushed. Then, he turned his back and shut the door behind him.