Page 92 of From the Moment We Met

Lilly shook her head. “Of course not.”

“It’s addressed to you, it’s yours to open.”

“You didn’t mention it, and I’m not one to go snooping. Besides it could be meant for another Lilly.”

Jacob guffawed. “Right, I have people named Lilly lined up outside the door, so please hurry.” He placed the box in her hands.

Lilly hesitated before opening the gift. Her eyes widened at the necklace, her hands moving to her chest as though she feared touching the item.

“It won’t bite, although I actually didn’t ask the jeweler about that.”

Lilly rewarded him with a sarcastic smirk. “That should have been your first question. Jacob, this is breathtaking.”

Jacob smiled, thrilled by her words. He never wanted to please someone so badly, and despite his reputed prowess with the opposite sex, he felt like a bumbling fool around Lilly. “You’re breathtaking.”

“I can’t accept this.”

“Why not?”

Lilly sighed. “It’s too much. I can never repay you for something like this. Have you seen how much nurses make?”

He removed the necklace from the box, fastening it around Lilly’s neck. “I have no idea what nurses make, although I doubt it’s anywhere near what they deserve. The jeweler said this is the evil eye, it protects the wearer. It’s rose gold with diamonds and sapphires…and you absolutely will accept this gift. You gave Janie your talisman when she needed it, and I wanted to give you a new one.” Jacob admired the pendant against her porcelain skin. “Besides, it looks beautiful on you.”

“A piece this gorgeous would look beautiful on anyone!” Lilly’s hand rested on the pendant around her neck. “I don’t need expensive gifts. The one I gave Janie didn’t have diamonds or sapphires. I don’t have anything to give you in return.”

Jacob kissed her shoulder. “You have no idea how much you’ve given me. This is a tiny token of appreciation. It will protect you. That’s what’s important to me.”

Lilly’s smile lit her up from inside, and she captured his lips in a tender kiss. “I’ll have to be worthy of such a gift, then. Thank you.”

Jacob had given expensive gifts before, but they were expected within the Hollywood set. This was the best four thousand pounds he ever spent, and he knew Lilly appreciated the gesture more than the price tag. “You are more than worthy. I’m jumping in the shower. Join me?”

Lilly bit her bottom lip and giggled. “We both know how that will turn out.”

“Is that so bad?” Jacob’s eyes stared at her intently.

Lilly looked at the rug, her nervousness evident. “It’s late, and we’re both exhausted.”

“If I promise not to touch you, will you join me?”

“Do I smell or something?” Lilly asked, a bit indignant.

“Yes, you smell wonderful; I just want to be near you.”

Lilly considered his statement. Then with a click of her tongue, she shrugged, slipping off her bra and panties. “Let’s go.”

Jacob inhaled sharply as his body responded to her naked form. “You can’t just do that.”

“Would you prefer I shower with my clothes on?” She brushed past him, strolling into the bathroom. The dim light played off the curves of her hips and breasts, and Jacob knew there was no way in hell he was keeping his hands to himself.

He turned the radio to some slow R&B, then followed her into the bathroom. She stood there, a smirk on her face.

“Something amusing?”

Lilly shrugged nonchalantly. “Just the sheer amount of clothing you’re wearing for someone taking a shower.”

Jacob smiled at her sarcasm and pulled her to him, his lips devouring hers as her hands pushed his pants down over his hips. He backed her into the grotto-style shower and pressed her up against the wall, water streaming over their bodies. Lilly's eyes drank him in before claiming his lips again.

Jacob grabbed the soap, massaging the lather over her body. He could push her back against the wall and take her in the shower, but he wanted their first time to be beautiful, it didn’t matter that his body was screaming for release. Lilly’s pleasure was more important.

---