Page 42 of Bryson

He was happy to see that his instructions had been carried out to the letter. There was a bucket of non-alcoholic wine on the bedside table, some light snacks (he did not want her stomach revolting!), candles in their candle holders, vying with the fire simmering on low in the fireplace. And the sheets were turned down. And of course, a huge slice of their almond amaretto wedding cake.

"You had all of this done?"

"I've been busy," he told her with a grin.

"How long are we staying?"

"Just two nights," he told her regretfully. "Since we won't be going on our honeymoon yet." He put her on the bed and bent to remove her boots. "I have some cattle coming in and with the approach of the cold weather, we have some fences that need mending. But tonight," he looked up at her, "I promise you that tonight and tomorrow night I'm all yours." He rubbed his hands up over her insteps. Scooting between her thighs, he unhooked the waistband of her slacks and pulled the zipper down.

"Wait." Before he could take off her top, she laid a hand on his.

"What?"

"I brought a case."

"I know you did. What..."

"I need time to prepare."

Understanding dawned and had him smiling. "How can I say no to that. Need a hand?"

"Absolutely not. Be prepared to be amazed."

"I already am," he told her huskily. Rising, he stepped back and watched as she grabbed her case and headed for the bathroom and had the distinct pleasure of staring and admiring his wife's sexy ass clad in black lace panties.

Shaking his head and anticipating the night ahead, he uncorked the bottle of wine and filled the two glasses. The light from the candles caught the platinum gold of his simple band and had him staring at it, the jolt going to his heart. He was a married man, he thought in wonder. He was thirty-five years old and was finally married to a wonderful woman. One who was now preparing to make his heart race. Chuckling softly, he finished pouring the wine and used the knife that had been left on the table to cut two slices of cake.

His instructions had been very specific. He wanted everything to be perfect, and they had been followed to the letter. The room had a cozy glow about it both from the candles and the light from the fire. He had chosen this cottage because of how new it was. It had three bedrooms and two baths and a stunning view of the lake with the pergola shrouded in twisty vines and long-blooming pink, white, and yellow roses.

It occurred to him that while he was waiting for her to appear, he should get undressed.

He was just putting on a robe over his nakedness when she opened the door. In anticipation, he turned towards the room.

"Close your eyes," she instructed.

"Really? Baby..."

"The more you argue is the longer it's going to take," she warned from her place in the bathroom. Sighing softly, he did as he was told.

"Eyes closed?"

"Yes. And if you're not out here in-"

"Open them."

His lids lifted. And he realized he wasn't the least bit prepared for what he saw. Desire was like molten lava inside him as he stared at her. The skimpy lace was an intriguing mix of stark black and white. The top was almost non-existent, making him wonder why whoever came up with the design even bothered. It was just something barely covering her lush breasts. There was a deep plunging opening in the center that reached her navel.

The sides were cut high and clung to her sex lovingly. He finally lifted his head and belatedly discovered that she had gotten rid of the ponytail. Her thick curls which had been ruthlessly brushed back tumbled in a series of curls over her left shoulder. She had removed her makeup leaving her face fresh and enchantingly bare.

"What do you think?" she asked huskily. She had seen the banked fire smoldering in the depths of his emerald eyes.

"I think it's a pity that I'm going to have to tear it off you." His voice was thick and unrecognizable. "But I will have the memories inside my head."

When he started to reach for her, she took his hands and drew him to the bed.

"It was a lovely ceremony."

She wanted to talk, now? While his desire was raging out of control?