Page 24 of Love Me Forever

He let go of her, stood, and flew out of his clothes. He noticed she had shut her eyes, and that brought a smile to his face. Wait until she leaned back against him; he wondered then if her eyes would remain closed or widen.

He hurried into the tub, though with care, for he did not wish to send the water splashing. He eased his legs around her and slipped his one arm around her to rest beneath her breasts, then after situating himself comfortably, he drew her back against him.

She rested her head on his chest and placed her hand on his arm. “I have never been naked in a tub with a man before this and never thought to be, especially with a stranger.” His laughter was a soft rumble in his chest, and she enjoyed the sound of it.

“I am no longer a stranger. I tend you, touch you, and sleep with you. We have become familiar with each other in more ways than many husbands and wives do.”

“Aye,” she agreed, “that is the truth. Many husbands would not do for their wives what you have done for me.”

“How could I not? You are a gentle soul and so very beautiful.”

Her eyes rushed open. She had kept them closed not knowing if she could look upon him after feeling the length and strength of him behind her. He had pulled her close, and she knew how very much of a man he was, and to her surprise the thought thrilled her. But he telling her that she was beautiful shocked her.

“You think me beautiful?”

“Aye.” He kissed her temple. “I have known no woman as beautiful as you.”

“You tease me.”

She did not believe him, and he found that odd. Women enjoyed being told of their beauty, though her beauty went beyond the common. She defined beauty and that was rare.

“Nay, I tease you not, I mean what I say. You are beautiful to look upon—all of you.” He gave her an affectionate squeeze.

She simply did not know how to respond. She was stunned silent.

He sensed her discomfort and attempted to make light of it. “Are you not now going to tell me that I am beautiful?”

She giggled softly; she could not help it. She knew he but teased her. But then, he did not realize that a man’s looks meant naught to her. It was what was in his heart that mattered, and his heart was beautiful.

“I think you the handsomest of men.”

Royce could not believe that she spoke with such conviction.

She actually sounded as though she thought him handsome. He could not help but say, “Has the accident left you with poor sight?”

“I see more clearly than I ever have, and it is clear to me that you are a handsome and caring man.”

He was about to object when she gently squeezed his arm. “Please allow me to feel as I do.”

There was a tender ache in her voice that touched his heart. He leaned his head closer to hers. “I am glad you think me handsome.”

“And caring, do not forget caring.”

“I care for you.”

His words were a soft whisper one strained to hear. Brianna heard them, for they drifted over her and settled in her heart. She did not question them or give them thought, but simply held them close and made them part of her. This man was like no other she had ever met, and if she was not careful she could lose her heart to him.

“You are comfortable?” His arms remained firm around her.

‘Too comfortable.”

He understood, for he felt too comfortable himself. He had grown much too fond of her in much too short of a time and yet why did he feel it was so right?

“The water will chill fast. It is best we wash before it grows too cold. Let me start with your hair.”

“You will wash my hair?”

“I will wash all of you.”