When they arrived at the lodge, Tara followed Bo down the hall to their room. A flame of desire surged through her. Though she did feel nervous, the cold fear and dark memories she’d anxiously anticipated were curiously absent. Perhaps changing their clothes together had helped. She’d seen Bo’s magnificent body many times. Now he’d seen hers ... and he was not disappointed.
Bo unlocked the door and Tara wheeled their bags inside. She stilled, taking in the room. “This is beautiful. I would have been happy just taking you home.” Flames flitted in a gas log fireplace along the left wall. It had a river rock facade. A wet bar and a small kitchen took up the right corner. A glass-covered tray with an array of cheeses, crackers and fresh berries sat on the counter. Several bars of her favorite chocolate were in a basket alongside.
But one thing was missing. A very important thing. She laughed, wondering if Bo was playing a prank.
“What?”
“Where’s the bed?”
Bo chuckled. “Open that door.”
She did and her jaw fell open. The bedroom was huge, one wall all windows. The fireplace was two-sided, so it warmed this room as well.
Bo came up behind her. One arm circled her waist, drawing her to him. She stared at the king-sized sleigh bed, outfitted with plush linens and a fluffy down comforter. Tara turned to him. “I thought you were messing with me.”
“Not tonight.”
“I’d like to shower. Do you want to join me?” That idea had come from Lily, who thought it would help Tara bridge the gap between being nervous and fully clothed, and truly sleeping with Bo for the first time.
“I do,” Bo answered.
Tara hugged him. “Will you be able to get in and out without help?”
“I’ll let you know if I need help. I’ve been showering since the fixator was removed. I just need something solid to balance on until I can bear my full weight.”
“Okay. But you still need to heal. If I—”
“Shh. I don’t want to be your patient anymore.” He prodded her toward the bathroom. “Turn off the nurse. Turn on the wife.”
She unzipped her coat. “Isn’t that your job?”
He laughed. “It is. And you should know I tend to be an overachiever.”
"There are no promotions in this position, Mr. Michaels. You're stuck with me." She used an imperious tone. "However, I am kicking around the idea of a generous rewards program.” Tara shrugged out of her coat and flung it on a chair near the TV.
"You can fill me in later."
After languorously undressing each other, Tara put her hair up so it wouldn’t get wet.
Bo eyed the wound on her side. “Does it still hurt?”
“Not much.” It was nearly healed.
He ran the water and got in first, extending his hand to her. The shower door closed with a click and they took their time exploring each other.
There were His and Hers terry cloth robes in the bathroom. When they got out of the shower, Tara wrapped one around her. Bo was glad she preceded him to the bed. He was irked by his need of the crutches but he tried not to grouse.
Tara stopped at the side of the large bed. She’d been brave thus far, even bold. He noticed a sudden uptick in her breathing and snapped out of self-pity mode. “Do you mind tossing all those extra pillows somewhere and turning back the covers?” It might help to give her something to do since she always dealt with her nerves by getting up and moving around.
“Uh, sure.”
When she was done, he turned her toward him and picked up the sash on her robe. “May I?”
She nodded.
Bo pulled and the two sides parted. He sucked in a breath. “I’ll never get over how lovely you are.”
The boldness in her gaze dissipated.
“Let me hold you.” He sat on the edge of the bed, bringing her sideways onto his lap and tucking her robe closed. Tara looped one arm around his neck. He kissed her, every taste, every touch a delight. She responded, slowly at first, less confident than when they’d done this fully clothed. But it wasn’t long before heat built between them.
Tara made a soft moan. “Can we lie down?” She sounded as desperate as he felt.
Bo set her near the pillows, gently slipping the robe from her shoulders. She moved to make room for him. He laid down, reached out his hand. Tara came close, her expression suddenly uncertain again. He traced the round of her shoulder. “It’s okay. We’re not in a hurry.”
“I’m sorry—”
“That’s the last thing I want you to feel.” Bo pulled up the covers to calm her. Moved his hand down the curve of her waist to her hip. “I want to pleasure you. Learn every inch of you.” He took his time, making sure she was relaxed and ready before he entered her. The depth of their connection overwhelmed him. Afterward, he held her, smoothing the hair from her face. “I love you.”
“You showed me.” Still breathless, she kissed him. “Don’t ever stop.”
“There’s no way I could.”
Tara settled in the crook of his shoulder. The room was quiet. Soft flames flickered in the fireplace, casting shadows on the walls. Her fingers moved softly over his chest. “I can’t believe you’re mine.”
They snacked on the tray of food between rounds of loving and tangled sleep. The next day, they ordered room service for breakfast, then lunch, finally leaving their private enclave for a special dinner.
When they finished eating, Bo picked up her hand. “We’re back in our bubble.”
Tara sighed. “Only until tomorrow afternoon.”
“But then I’m going home with you.” Bo kissed her palm. “And I’ll be there every night.”
Her eyes darkened and she smiled. “I’m going to like having a man around the house.”