Page 39 of A Wanderer's Redemption
REGGIE
I had to grip the bed covers to keep from jumping up earlier when she came walking through in that flimsy gown. I am sure she had no idea it was leaving little to the imagination, as her body had still been damp when she put it on. Her small, dainty feet peek out from the hem as she walks past and just knowing she has nothing on under that scrap of material makes me question all my morals. Now I do believe my willpower is being tested, as each time she pulls that curtain open, a goddess steps out, even more beautiful than before.
“Jess Honey, that’s it. … You are never leaving this roomagain!”
Even though I am teasing her, her smile fades, and I see her shrink back within herself.
“What have I done?”
Immediately, I feel like an ass.
“You’re too beautiful to be in public. The moment the men see you, I am going to have a fight on my hands.”
When her smile reappears, she rolls her eyes playfully, making my own heart seem to roll around in my chest.
“Stop it, you had me worried there for a minute but thank you for the compliment. You don’t look half bad yourself.”
“Are you flirting with me?”
“It’s a possibility.”
“Come on, we’d better go before we get ourselves in trouble. I took the liberty of placing your order for dinner this evening, I hope that’s alright?”
“I’m not picky, Reggie. One in my position can’t have that kind of luxury.”
“Hmmm, a fact that I consistently seem to forget.”
I hold out my arm as we exit the door, heading for the main dining car, and I will say Jessica carries herself well. No one would ever know that she was not born into this life. As I have never seen her any other way, I have a feeling this is not an act for her; she just has this natural grace about her. Tyberius stands up when we enter the car. He shakes my hand before kissing Jessica on the cheek.
“Ahh, look at you! Jessica my dear, you are quite stunning. I may have to help Reggie fight off the men later.”
“Thank you, Tyberius, but I am sure none here are brave enough to approach either of you, no matter how tempting the urge might be, and it’s because of your own lovely wife that I appear this way. She has taken a plain canvas and added some much-needed color to the painting.”
“Oh Jessica, there is no denying the dress helps, but your beauty was always there, just hidden.”
I watch Victoria hold her hand out for Jessica’s when she slides across the bench closer to the window, and before I can say anything else, the servers enter the room, passing out the many dinners for the evening. Jessica’s expressive eyes widen when she sees them heading our way.
“Oh dear, forgive me, we were almost late.”
Tyberius laughs, “Sweetheart, the whole world is always in a hurry, don’t get caught up in the madness. The food can always be reheated. Reggie, I will say I am sad that our trip is coming to an end. Victoria and I were talking this afternoon as we were getting dressed, and we both fear the remaining part of our trip will be quite dull without you two to entertain us.”
“I do hope we can stay in touch beyond our correspondence about the mines, Tyberius. If you ever find yourself out west, I hope you two realize you will always be welcomed at our home.”
“Same for us as well, Reggie. Victoria was writing down our addresses to give to Jessica before you all depart. I know she wants to stay in touch as well as she has become quite attached to your littlewife.”
I glance over at the women who seem lost in their own conversation. Jessica’s smile and vibrant personality, normally hidden behind plain clothes and society’s rules, are open for all to see. When she sees me watching her, she gives me a small knowing grin that has me reaching out, taking her hand in mine, and kissing the back of it without a second thought. The servers move in and out as our conversation continues. The food proves to be excellent, my steak and potatoes cooked to perfection, butI can’t seem to concentrate on my plate for watching Jess enjoy hers. Tyberius must have also noticed.
“Jessica, dear, would you like us to ask for seconds? I will say it’s nice to see someone enjoy their food since most women pick at theirs, and that’s such a waste.”
“As tempting as that is, Tyberius. I would never be able to finish another serving. But I will say … I thought dinner the other night was good, but this one is probably the best I’ve ever eaten.”
I see Tyberius frown, and I know he is thinking about how that statement could be true if she is married to me. Thankfully, the music starts up, and the subject changes to dessert as we finish our meal. Before I realize it, the plates have been taken away, and the staff is moving a few of the tables aside, making way for a small dance area while the band starts to play. The moment the tables are out of the way, Tyberius reaches for Victoria, and with a smile on her face, she slides out of the bench and into his arms as they glide around the floor.
I start to reach over for Jessica only to hesitate, not wanting to embarrass her if she doesn’t know the steps, but my eyes catch her fingers tapping to the melody as she watches Tyberius and Victoria. Deciding who cares if she misses a few steps, I pull her toward me.
“You want to dance with me, Jess?”
“I would love to but I didn’t think you were going to ask me.”
