Page 7 of Mine to Keep

He took his time handing her the things, but then he turned and closed the door behind him.

The thought of being naked around him was making her body feel things it never had before. Most of them were pleasant, but she couldn’t hold back the wave of fear of the unknown. She just prayed he would be gentle with her—especially the first time.

Chapter Four

Roland waited for her in the bedroom and couldn’t help but smile. She was so much fun to tease he knew he’d probably do it often.

There was something about the way she acted sometimes. It was like she was trying to sound like a child, and he didn’t know why she’d do that. He’d watch her carefully and see if he caught anything. If he did, he’d sit her down, and they would talk.

The air caught in his throat when she walked out of the bathroom. The color of the sundress was perfect for her pale skin, but her dark hair stood out. She was slender but not bony. She had beautiful breasts, and what he’d seen of her body so far made him hotter than hell. Even her feet and tiny toes turned him on. He held out a hand and was pleased when she took it. He led her down the long hallway and tall stairs. He stopped when he came to the door of his father’s office.

“Father, I’d like you to meet Laila, my fiancée.”

His father looked up, surprised. “You’re very beautiful. I think my son is pleased and may even thank me someday.”

Roland rolled his eyes. His father came to stand in front of her and held out a hand.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Laila said softly.

“It’s nice to meet you, too.”

Warren, his father, looked up at him. “What are you thinking about for the wedding?”

“We haven’t talked about it yet,” he told his father.

Warren looked at Laila. “Will you want a large wedding?”

She shook her head.

“We’ll discuss it and get back to you,” Roland said.

“That’s fine. Welcome to the family.”

Roland led her to his office and closed the door. “Have aseat,” he said, pointing at the chair in front of his desk.

When she got comfortable, he started asking questions.

“I want you to tell me if you get overwhelmed, okay?”

She nodded.

“How big a wedding do you want?”

He watched her think about it for a moment.

“Would it be weird not to want one?”

“You don’t want a wedding or to get married?” he asked, feeling his stomach tighten.

“The wedding. Can’t we just go to a justice of the peace or something?”

His eyes widened. “You don’t want anything special?”

“Not really, unless you do.”

“I’m a guy, so the simpler the better.” He grinned when she snorted. “I could have a family friend who is a judge come here.”

“I like that idea.”

---