Page 45 of Code Name: Admiral

“So, do you at least need help finding what I need?”

“Nope, it’s all clearly labeled and categorized. If you want to look at the list and let me know which boxes, I’ll bring them up.”

My chin dropped. “Are you serious right now, or are you joking?”

“Totally serious.” He handed me his cell phone, and sure enough, there was a list on the screen.

“Box number three and the larger suitcase,” I said, still stunned over what I was looking at.

“Be right back.”

I went into the bathroom that was off the bedroom and got an idea. He probably expected me to wait until he returned to get in the shower. Instead, I’d show him something that would make his jaw drop.

While I waitedfor Pershing to bring up the things I’d asked for, I decided against taking a shower and filled the enormous soaking tub instead.

Remembering I’d seen candles in the dining room, I rushed out to grab them, then arranged them on the counters and the bath. Once lit, they cast a soft glow around the space, creating the exact ethereal mood I wanted.

When I heard Pershing in the outer room, I quickly removed my clothes, tested the temperature with my toe, then climbed in the water, sighing as the heat enveloped me.

My muscles, always tense but more so after the last few days, began to unwind. I shut my eyes and took several cleansing breaths.

“Alice?” I heard Pershing say from the bedroom.

“You can come in.”

The door opened, and I heard his sharp intake of breath.

“Will you join me?” I blurted the words in a less sexy way than I had in my head, but if I’d waited even a couple of seconds, I might’ve talked myself out of saying them at all.

He walked over to the tub and ran his gaze over the length of my body.

“Please?” I added. “I’m not ready for everything, but I want this. I want to be close to you.”

His pupils dilated with desire, but he moved slowly, deliberately, maybe even giving me time to change my mind. I wouldn’t, though.

I watched as he unbuttoned his shirt, revealing the kind of muscle tone that came from the physical demands of his job rather than a gym. When his hands moved to his belt, I averted my eyes, suddenly shy despite my boldness in inviting him.

The water shifted as he stepped in behind me, drawing me back against his chest. His skin was cool against mine, but it was his gentleness that made me tremble. One hand traced patternson my shoulder while the other settled at my waist, anchoring me.

“Talk to me,” he murmured against my hair. “What are you thinking?”

“That I’ve never done this before.” I swallowed hard. “Any of it.”

He kissed the side of my neck. “This is all new?”

“I, um, told you I rarely left my apartment.” The stammer that was a byproduct of years spent using my fingers to send messages rather than my mouth to speak was back, and I hated it.

“As I said earlier, we’ll go at whatever pace you need to. There’s no reason for us to rush.”

The magnitude of trust I already felt for this man overwhelmed me. Here I was, literally naked and vulnerable, yet I’d never felt safer. “It’s not just about physical intimacy,” I admitted. “I don’t know how to do any of this. Relationships, letting someone in, being normal.”

“Normal’s overrated.” His voice was soft and sexy as he continued trailing his lips across my shoulders. “And, Alice, you’re extraordinary exactly as you are.”

I shuddered, wishing I was ready for more, wanting him to touch my breasts, slide his hand between my legs, and touch me in a way no one else ever had. But I couldn’t. Not yet.

Pershing moved both hands to my shoulders, slowly working the tension from my tight muscles. “Relax, Alice,” he whispered. “I’ve got you, remember?”

Emboldened by my desire, I took one of his hands and brought it to my chest.

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