“You,” I said, pulling her toward me as she crawled into the bed and under the covers. “What else could I possibly be looking at?”
“I don’t understand why you’re always so captivated by watching me put on lotion. I think it would be about the same as watching paint dry.”
“Yes, there’s nothing inherently sexy about putting on lotion. I don’t feel the same watching any other woman apply the stuff. It’s something about the way you do it. I don't know why. All I know is I can’t look away, and the entire time, I’m thinking how wonderful it would be if I could be like lotion and have you spread me all over your body.”
She shivered in my arms.
“What was that for?” I asked. “Are you cold?”
“No,” she said, but snuggled deeper into the covers. “Just thinking how it would feel if I could spread you all over my body. Pretty sure neither one of us would get anything accomplished.”
“I’m certain I’d get lots of things accomplished. But they would all involve you and orgasms.”
She laughed, but halfway through, she yawned. “Sorry,” she said. “It’s not that thoughts of you and orgasms are boring or anything.” She yawned again. “I’m just tired.”
Her yawns triggered my own and within a few seconds, we were both yawning. I gave her a kiss. “Sleep well, my lovely. We have nothing but time for the next few days.”
5
Stepping into the lobby of the five-star hotel we were having dinner in, reminded me why I loved the chalet so much. Whenever we’re there, whether it’s all four of us as a family, or just Nathaniel and I as a couple, we weren’t surrounded by crowds of people. It’s only us, unless we decided to be around others.
People filled the lobby, and though I wouldn’t call it crowded, there were more bodies present than I wanted to spend a week having to walk through. I thought I was a little early, but wasn’t sure since I didn’t know what time our reservations were for. Our plan was to meet in the bar before heading to dinner, and that’s where I headed, unsure if I’d find him there or not.
I’d changed and got ready at the spa before making the short walk to the hotel. Dropping my coat off at the coat check, I went in search of my husband.
It didn’t take me long to find him.
He sat facing away from me on a stool at the boisterous bar in the middle of the room. From where I stood, it was impossible to see his face. No problem for me. I’d be happy to stare at his back for a while. But looking hadn’t been enough for everyone. Or at least not enough for the snow bunny at his side, who appeared to be talking his ears off.
Years ago, I’d have gotten pissed and would have marched right up to her, and asked if she had a death wish. Over time, however, I learned my anger had nothing to do with those women, but everything to do with me and my insecurities.
Only when I allowed myself to accept Nathaniel was truly and forever mine and no one else’s, and only when I accepted that he’d never leave me, had those insecurities disappeared.
Now, I no longer wanted to kill those women; I wanted to mess with them.
Knowing what I was going to do, I smiled and hoped Nathaniel would play along. Before heading his way, I stopped by the ladies' room in the lobby to ensure I looked good. I’d picked a dress I knew drove Nathaniel crazy. We’d only had sex that one time in the shower and we’d been in Switzerland for almost two days. I'd do whatever I could to ensure the dry spell ended tonight.
Certain I’d turn a few heads, I left the ladies' room and made a beeline for the bar. I managed not to get sidetracked even once by focusing solely on Nathaniel’s back. The snow bunny was still there at his right side and still talking. I rolled my eyes. Nathaniel had his hands on top of the bar, brazenly flashing his wedding ring, and she acted like it wasn’t anything.
Fortunately, for me anyway, the stool on his left was empty. I took out my phone, acted like I was on a call, and slid myself onto the smooth leather.
“Yes,” I told no one on the other end of the line. “That’s exactly what happened.” I paused as if listening to a reply. “Right now I’m at a bar,” I looked at Nathaniel. “What’s the name of this place?” I asked, interrupting whatever bunny girl was saying.
“We’re in the middle of a conversation,” she told me. “Don’t be rude.”
“Let me call you back,” I said to nobody and made a big deal out of ending the call and placing my phone back in my purse. “What did you say?” I asked the snow bunny.
She placed a hand on her hip. “I said we were in the middle of a conversation and you were being rude.”
“How silly of me.” I brought my hand to my chest. “I wasn’t aware the gentleman was included in your conversation. From where I’m standing, it appeared as if you were doing all the talking.”
“That’s because he’s listening.” She looked at Nathaniel. “Isn’t that right, Nathan?”
Good Lord, she couldn’t even get his night right. Nathaniel didn’t appear interested in joining the conversation or correcting the bunny on his name. In fact, he looked to be having a grand time sitting back and watching the two of us knock it out verbally.
I acted like I hadn’t heard her at all and stuck my hand out for Nathaniel to shake. “Abigail King,” I said. “But everyone calls me Abby.”
His expression gave nothing away. He was so good. There wasn’t a hint of recognition present in his eyes when he shook my hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Abigail. Nathaniel West.”
Fuuuuuck. Every part of my body reacted when he spoke my name in that tone of voice. It was all I could do to stay on my feet and not drop to my knees. And one look at his face proved he knew exactly what my reaction would be.
“The pleasure is all mine, Nathaniel.”
“I’m sure it’s not all yours,” he replied. “Surely you could spare a little for me?”
“Maybe. But just a little.” I licked my upper lip because I knew it drove him mad. “Why don’t you buy me a drink and we can discuss it more?”
He didn’t reply, but waved the bartender over. “I’ll have a Trios Dames Our Bruin and a..?” Nathaniel raised an eyebrow like he didn’t know what I wanted.
“I’ll have a glass of red,” I said.
“Any particular one?”
I shook my head. “You decide.”
“And a glass of Gialdi Merlot Sassi Grossi for the lady,” Nathaniel told the bartender with a nod in my direction.
The snow bunny, obviously tired of being ignored, stirred her drink with the straw, causing the ice to bang against the glass. “Anyway,” she said. “Like I was saying — ”
“But, honey,” I said to her in a fake I’m-so-sorry tone. “He wasn’t listening to you.”
Her jaw dropped open as if she couldn’t believe what I’d just said. I tried not to laugh when she made a sound of protest and looked at Nathaniel as if he was going to say something to contradict me.
“The best thing you can do is to go peddle your wares to a man who’s interested.” I placed a hand on Nathaniel’s shoulder. “Besides, I get the impression you’re much too delicate for his taste. Just a feeling, of course, but more times than not, they end up being correct.”