CHAPTER TWO-4
647 Words
Just before nine a.m. Bella stirred. Slowly she became aware of Nathan’s arm draped protectively over her and his deep and even breathing lightly fanning on the side of her neck. She slowly turned her head and gazed in wonder at this gorgeous man snuggled beside her.
Wow was all she could think. So, this is what a “we” feels like.
It was the most comfortable feeling in the world to see him beside her. She studied his face, so peaceful in sleep. Long dark lashes, high cheekbones, chocolate brown hair, just a hint of a cleft in his chin and a touch of five o’clock shadow. And now those amazing hazel eyes were open and looking back at her.
“Morning,” he murmured, tightening his arm around her waist. “Sleep well?”
“Very well,” she replied. “I’ve never woken up with anybody before.”
“Me either. But I like it. I like it a lot,” he said sleepily, softly stroking her cheek.
At some point during the night he had removed his shoes and shirt. Before she could stop herself, she ran the palm of her hand across the muscular landscape of his bare chest, and watched his eyes awaken and take on a sparkle.
Christ, he’s built, she thought.
Lost in the feel of him, her hand began to slide downward toward the six pack of his abdomen. The sparkle became a fire of longing in his eyes.
Nathan put his hand over hers.
“Bella? You might want to be careful. I’ve got willpower, but I’m not invincible.”
Bella leaned forward and kissed him, long and hard. Against his mouth she whispered, “I’m ready, if you are.”
He moved his head back slightly so he could see her eyes. “Are you absolutely sure about this?”
“I am more sure about this, about you, than I have been about anything, ever,” she stated. “I want to be with you. Make love with me, Nathan.”
Now it was Nathan’s turn to blush.
“Bella,” he said gently, softly. “You have no idea how tempting you are. But I don’t have any...” he faltered a bit, then continued, “I don’t have any protection with me. Are you on the pill?”
She smiled, a little frustrated. “No. And you’re right, we shouldn’t do this without being prepared.” Bella sighed. “I know it’s the right choice, but I sure don’t have to like it.”
At this, he bellowed with laughter and hugged her tightly.
“I know,” Nathan said. “But if we’re willing to wait until we are prepared, I have a feeling it will be spectacular.”
He kissed her gently, then continued, “Let me buy you breakfast at least. And I want to make plans to see you when you’re home for Christmas.”
They were interrupted by Stacy calling to arrange to meet for brunch at eleven. Bella hung up, turned to Nathan, and said, “Do you mind running the gauntlet? I want you to meet Stacy and Brad. They’re the whole reason I’m even in Vegas.”
“I would love to,” Nathan answered. “Tell you what. I’m going back to my room to get cleaned up. I’d stay here and do it but seeing you in any state of undress at all would completely wreck what little self-control I have right now. I’ll be back in half an hour.”
She smiled at him.
“Did I mention I’m glad I met you, Nathan?”
“You did,” he said. “And I feel the same way. See you in a bit.”
She kissed him again at the door and watched him all the way to the elevator. Then Bella closed her door and couldn’t stop herself from doing a little dance across the room.
He is so amazing, she thought, unable to stop smiling as she headed for a shower.
Two floors up, Nathan also couldn’t shake the stupid grin as he shaved.
She is so beautiful, he mused as he relived their meeting. Waking up with her had been phenomenal.
He dressed, packed up his things, and headed out to the elevator to return to Bella.
- Writer
