Free Marry Me by Karen Stivali Page B

until he stopped shuddering.
    He threaded his fingers through her hair, pulling her up. “Holy God.” His eyes were glazed, his face flushed.
    She smiled, feeling quite pleased she’d gotten such a dramatic reaction out of him.
    He kissed her, stroking his hand down her back. “I think I’ve lost the feeling in my legs.”
    She giggled, massaging his thigh. “I think you’ll live. But maybe you ought to spend the night. Wouldn’t want you to have to stumble back to your hotel.”
    “Absolutely. Might fall prey to some crazy stalker and I wouldn’t stand a chance.”
    She stood and tugged him up with her. He followed her into the bedroom, crawling under the covers alongside her. His fingers trailed along her arm in the semi-darkness. “Can I tell you something?” His voice sounded so serious she became alarmed.
    “Of course.” Her heart skipped a beat.
    “You’re the only woman I’ve ever shared a bed with, apart from my wife.”
    “What?” She propped herself on her elbow, straining to see his face. His eyes were dark and shiny in the dim light.
    “It’s never felt right with anyone else. I wasn’t sure it ever would.”
    “And now?”
    “It feels more than right.” He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand.
    Tears prickled the back of her eyes. It feels right for me too.
    * * * * *
     
    Julia awoke to the sight of Ben, fully dressed and sitting on the edge of her bed. “Sorry to wake you,” he said, his hand caressing her head, “but I’ve got a breakfast meeting and I need to get back to the hotel to change.” He leaned in for a kiss.
    She squinted at the clock. “Oh geez, I need to be up anyway. I can’t believe I slept so late.”
    “I did too. I was hoping I’d get up early. I pretty much trashed your kitchen cooking last night. I meant to straighten that.”
    “I’ll get it later.”
    He shook his head. “You’ve already told me you’re not fond of cleaning. How about if I send someone over?”
    “That’s not necessary.” He’s so good to me.
    “Seriously. I’ll have someone give me a name. You can just leave a key with—”
    She cut him off. “I don’t give out my key.”
    His forehead crinkled and she realized she’d overreacted. “Okay, I just thought…”
    “It was a very sweet thought, but please, don’t worry about it. I don’t mind cleaning, especially not in exchange for an amazing meal like that.”
    His eyes were deep swirls of blue and she could tell he was trying to figure her out. A smile crossed his face. “It was pretty good, eh?”
    “Delicious.” She kissed him, massaging the base of his skull with her fingers.
    “You need to stop that or we’re both going to be late.” He held her hands in his, the tension gone from his expression. “Can I see you later?”
    “Yes.”
    “I love it when you say that. Marry me?” He arched his eyebrows, looking extra handsome.
    “Not today.” She smiled, no longer able to give him an outright “no”.

Chapter Eight
     
    Ben sank into the booth, book in hand. It had been over a month since he’d eaten breakfast at the hotel restaurant, he’d spent every morning with Julia. He ordered a coffee, sunny-side up eggs and bacon, then settled in to read.
    He didn’t get more than two sentences in when Niles interrupted. “Julia finally dumped you, eh, mate?”
    “Hardly. She’s out of town.” Ben sat back so the waitress could pour his coffee.
    “I’ll take one of those too, luv. And a sausage and cheese omelet.” Niles turned his cup upright, being none too subtle about eyeing the waitress’s well-endowed chest or watching her walk away. He blew on his coffee then took a sip. “What’s she up to?”
    “Some other GQ shoot. Out in the Hamptons.”
    “Ahh, surrounded by those hot model types, no doubt.” Niles was in a particularly annoying mood and was enjoying himself way too much for Ben’s liking. “Probably beating them off with a stick.” He chuckled and started stacking sugar cubes