Page 315 of The First Time
Chapter Nineteen
We take a long shower together. Blake rubs soap over every inch of my skin and rinses me off carefully. I return the favor.
It's the first time I've really gotten to touch him. His body is all hard muscles and perfect lines. He really is gorgeous.
After, he helps me into a soft terry cloth robe. It's as lush and luxurious as everything else in the apartment.
We move to the kitchen.
Blake pours two glasses of water and motions for me to drink.
I'm still not sure how to handle his commands. Part of me wants him taking care of me. Another wants to screamI'm not a child.
His eyes catch mine. He can sense the irritated half.
I turn and pull my robe tighter. I'm not sure I'm up for this conversation. Not right now.
His eyes stay glued to me. His stare is penetrating. I don't have to look at him to know. I can feel it.
My cheeks flush. "Yes?"
"Is something wrong?" His voice is steady.
"You're asking?"
"I'm trying."
That makes me warm all over. "I appreciate gestures, but I don't need to be told when to drink or eat or sleep or shower. I'm not into that."
"Noted."
My shoulders relax. Is it really that easy? Maybe our marriage won't be so bad. We're getting good at compromising.
"Are you hungry?"
"Starving." I finish my water and pour another glass.
Blake fixes a plate of fruit, cheese, and chocolate. My breath hitches as he slides a square between his lips.
I just had him.
How can I want him more?
I grab a piece of cheese and plop it in my mouth. It's good. Rich. Creamy.
My gaze shifts to the windows. Moonlight falls over the part. Meryl was right. We don't have any stars here. For the first time in forever, I miss their twinkle.
It's sad. This apartment is gorgeous, but Blake doesn't appreciate it. I don't appreciate it. The space is a curse. It gives him more room to lock me out.
"Are you here a lot?" I ask.
"No."
"You're at work?"
"Mostly."
"How many hours a week do you work?" I ask.
