Page 63 of How to: Hide a Baby

“I intend to make sure of it. This dayandthis night.”

The ride from Luc’s apartment to Le Premier, the exclusive, five-star hotel perched atop Nob Hill, didn’t take long. From the moment they arrived, they were given preferential treatment, whisked from limousine to check-in, to room in no time at all. The bellman opened the double doors leading to their suite, a massive apartment with a living room, dining room, bedroom, and an enormous bath with a sunken tub the size of a small lake. Vases of fresh flowers sweetened the air in each of the rooms. There was even a bottle of Dom Perignon chilling in a silver ice bucket, along with a selection of cheese, fruit, and chocolate. After showing them the various amenities, the bellman discreetly pocketed Luc’s tip and disappeared.

“It’s not a suite at the Ritz in Paris overlooking the Place Vendôme,” Luc said apologetically. “I seem to recall telling you that would be my choice for our first time together.”

“This is stunning,” she reassured him. “I can’t believe you were able to pull it together so fast.”

“Perhaps we’ll save Paris for our first anniversary.”

Grace simply shook her head, and tears pressed for release again. “Thank you, Luc. It’s perfect. Everything’s perfect.”

He cupped her chin and tilted her face into the light. “Then why are you crying, sweetheart?”

“I think I’m overwhelmed.”

He nodded, as though understanding perfectly. Knowing Luc, he probably did. “I’ll tell you what. Why don’t you enjoy a nice, relaxing bubble bath?”

She smiled through her tears. “That tub looked big enough to swim in.”

“I’d offer to join you, but the point is for you to relax. Maybe by tomorrow, a bubble bath for two will be more tempting.”

Actually, she found it incredibly tempting right now. “Time will tell,” she murmured.

“Then I’ll order dinner and after that...”

“After that, what?” she prompted, unable to help herself.

“After that, we’ll just go with the flow.”

Grace couldn’t help herself. She laughed. “You. Go with the flow? Have you ever gone with the flow before in your entire life?”

“Possibly.” He pretended to consider. “Maybe when I was four.”

“That’s what I thought. You direct the flow. You don’t go with it.”

He lifted her chin and took her mouth in a slow, delicious kiss. “And right now I’m directing you to flow into the bathtub.”

Fifteen minutes later, Grace slid into a gigantic pool of fragrant bubbles and closed her eyes with a sigh. Soft music drifted from nearby speakers, the lovely melody easing her tension as much as the warm water. Luc had been right to insist she take a bath. Somehow it managed to melt away all her cares and worries. A short time later, the door opened and Luc appeared, a pair of champagne glasses in hand. She fought the urge to sink lower in the tub. He was her husband, a husband she loved with all her heart. She didn’t need to feel shy around him.

“I’ve ordered dinner,” he informed her, setting one of the glasses on the tile surrounding the sunken tub. “It should be here in an hour or so.”

“Anytime is fine.” She took a sip of the champagne, the carbonation tickling her nose. “You can join me if you want.” She didn’t know where the words came from. But the second she spoke them, she hoped with all her heart he’d agree. He hesitated, clearly torn. It was so unlike him, she held out her hand, and insisted. “Seriously. Please join me.”

Luc didn’t require any further prompting. Slowly, he removed his clothing, folding everything neatly beside her own. Grace watched his every movement, riveted, the slow revelation of his body equally riveting. First came the broad, muscular chest, covered with a triangular mat of hair that arrowed toward his belt buckle. Next, his long, athletic legs were revealed. And then he shed the last of his clothing, baring tight, toned buttocks. Finally, he turned.

He was aroused and did nothing to conceal it from her. But then, why should he? He was her husband, she reminded herself for the umpteenth time. He crossed to the tub and climbed in, sitting across from her. His legs tangled with hers and he reached for his champagne, downing half of it in a single swallow.

“I should have brought the bottle.”

“We don’t need the bottle.”

She took another sip and drifted across the tub toward him. He shifted to one side and she settled beside him. Their hips kissed and parted in a tantalizing manner, and the brushing caress sent desire rocketing through her. She leaned across him, setting her flute beside his, and his arms closed around her. He drew her more fully into his arms. Warm water and bubbles blanketed them, the foam parting just enough to offer delicious glimpses before modestly concealing them once again.

He kissed her, taking his time, keeping it slow and sweet and gentle. He caught her lower lip between his teeth and gave it a gentle nip. “You feel like silk.”

She laughed. “I think it’s from the bubble bath.”

“I think it’s you.” He cupped her breast beneath the water, his thumb brushing across her nipple, causing it to furl into a tight bud. “See? Soft as silk.”

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