An Engagement in Seattle - Debbie Macomber [125]
“Victoria,” Chase answered. He hadn’t said anything to Lesley, wanting to surprise her. That didn’t seem important now.
“Victoria,” she repeated. “Oh, Chase, what a wonderful idea.”
“I don’t imagine you’re going to do much sight seeing, though,” Daisy added with a suggestive chuckle.
“Daisy!” Lesley said as she blushed becomingly.
Their honeymoon. The words floated through his mind. Not knowing if Lesley would even be there for the wedding, he’d put off all thoughts as to what would follow.
He’d wanted to make love with Lesley almost from the moment they’d met. But he was determined not to enter into the physical side of their relationship until they were both prepared to deal with it. To accept the emotional repercussions of that aspect of their lives—of their life together. He didn’t know about Lesley, but he was more than ready. He only hoped she was, too.
Their guests didn’t seem in any hurry to leave. The champagne flowed freely, but Chase drank only a small amount. He needed a clear head.
They left, under a spray of rice and birdseed. He placed Lesley’s suitcase in the back of his rental car and ran around to the front of the vehicle.
“Ready?” he asked, smiling over at his wife. His wife. The word still felt awkward in his mind. Awkward, but very right. He’d accomplished what he’d set out to do. He’d gotten himself a bride.
The one bride he’d wanted above all.
Nine
“The honeymoon suite,” Lesley whispered as the bellman carried in their suitcases. “You booked us the honeymoon suite?”
Chase gave the bellman a generous tip and let him out the door. “Why are you so surprised? We’re on our honeymoon, aren’t we?”
“Yes, but, oh, I don’t know…” She walked around the room and ran her hand over the plush bedspread on the king-size bed. “Oh, Chase, look,” she said after she’d walked into the bathroom. “The tub’s huge.”
“Imagine wasting all that water,” he teased, enjoying her excitement.
“They left champagne and chocolates, too.”
“I’ll file a complaint. How are any two people supposed to survive on that? A man needs real food.”
“There’s always room service.”
“Right,” he said, laughing. “I forgot about that.”
“Oh, Chase, this is so lovely.” She seemed shy about touching him, stopping just short of his arms. He was a bit embarrassed himself, although he didn’t understand why. Lesley was his wife and he was her husband.
“I…I think I’ll unpack,” she said, reaching for her suitcase.
“Good idea.” There was definitely something wrong with him. Lesley should be in his arms by now, begging him to make love to her. Instead, they were standing back to back emptying their suitcases, as though they had every intention of wearing all those clothes.
“Are you hungry?” he asked, just to make conversation.
“No, but if you want to order something, go ahead.”
“I’m fine.” No, he wasn’t. His temperature was rising by the minute.
“I think I’ll take a bath,” she said next.
“Good idea.” He realized after he spoke that she might find his enthusiasm a bit insulting, but by the time he thought to say something she was in the bathroom.
The sound of running water filled the suite. He noted that she’d left the door ajar, but he wasn’t certain she’d done it on purpose.
Focusing his attention on unpacking, Chase opened and closed several drawers, but his mind wasn’t on putting his clothes in any order. It was on Lesley in the other room.
Lesley removing her clothes.
Lesley stepping naked into the big tub.
Lesley sighing that soft, womanly sigh of hers as she slipped into the steaming water.
The image was so powerful that Chase sagged onto the edge of the bed. He didn’t know what was the matter with him. They were married, and he was acting like a choirboy.
“Would you like me to wash your back?” he asked.
“Please.”
Chase’s spirits lifted. That sounded encouraging. He smoothed back his hair and rolled up his sleeves before advancing into the bathroom.
Lesley was exactly as he’d pictured her. She was lying