Page 46 of Cherished Lands
"You know," I said, examining my nails, "for someone who's been married to me for nearly a week, you seem awfully worked up about sharing a bed."
The elevator started its slow climb. Elliot's reflection in the mirrored walls was a study in careful control. "This isn't funny, Tessa."
"Who's being funny? I'm just pointing out that technically?—"
"Don't." His voice was low and dangerous. "Don't finish that sentence."
I pushed off from the wall, stepping closer. "What's wrong? Worriedabout maintaining that professional distance you're suddenly so fond of?"
The elevator pinged again. Third floor. Elliot practically bolted out, leaving me to trail behind him down the bland hotel hallway, watching the way his ass moved in those jeans. He may have thrown up a brick wall between us since the wedding, but at least I could enjoy the view.
I wasn't sure what to make of this forced distance. He'd had his hands and his lips on medaysbefore we were married. Now it was like he couldn't stand to be anywhere near me.
I hated it.
"Room 312," I called out, just to watch him stop short and wait for me to catch up. "Need my key card?"
He turned, finally meeting my eyes. Their scorching intensity made my breath catch. "You're enjoying this way too much."
"Maybe." I stepped around him to swipe the key card, deliberately brushing against his chest as I did so. "But then again,Husband, so are you."
The door swung open to reveal a room that suddenly felt way too small to contain the tension between us. The space was dominated by a king bed, covered in pristine white linens. A single armchair sat in the corner. One desk. One everything.
Elliot shouldered past me to drop our bags. His arm brushed against mine, sending electricity shooting through my whole body. I watched him survey the room. He scowled and worked his jaw like he was chewing a big wad of gum. If he kept this up, he was going to crack a tooth.
"I'll take the chair," he said gruffly.
"Don't be ridiculous." I kicked off my heels. "The bed is plenty big enough for two adults to share without touching."
He followed me with his eyes as I crossed to the window. "Tessa..."
"Unless..." I turned, leaning against the window frame. "You don't trust yourself to keep your hands to yourself?"
The look he gave me could have melted steel. "I think we both know who has trouble keeping their hands to themselves,Wife."
The way he said 'wife'—like it was both a curse and a caress—made my blood rush south. By now, my panties were drenched and my core was throbbing. Two could play that game.
"You're right," I said, reaching up to unpin my hair. His eyes darkened as it tumbled around my shoulders. "I should probably shower first. Unless you'd like to..."
I gestured toward the bathroom door, letting the invitation hang in the air. His grip tightened on the back of the chair.Tessa: two. Elliot: zero.
"You're playing with fire," he warned.
Smiling, I grabbed my toiletry bag and sauntered past him. "Good thing I like getting burned."
Chapter Seventeen
ELLIOT
Less than twominutes after Tessa disappeared into the bathroom, I finally cracked.
The sound of the shower starting up was like a match to gasoline. All I could think about was her standing in there, water sliding down her tight little body...
The bathroom door wasn't locked.
Steam billowed out as I yanked it open, and I heard her surprised gasp. Behind the frosted glass of the shower door, her silhouette froze mid-motion.
"Elliot?" Her breathy voice echoed off the damp walls. "Did you need something?"
