Master of the Inn(21)
“I fell asleep.”
“About forty minutes ago.” He laughed. “I think I’m tiring you out with all of these renovations.”
“I like doing them with you. It’s different than cooking. I never thought I’d learn to be so handy.”
“You’re a big help. I’m getting done much faster than I had originally thought.”
“I like the time it gives us to get to know one another.” She kissed his cheek. “I like being your helper.”
“You do talk a lot.” He teased.
She poked him in the arm. “I can’t help it! It’s always been a bad habit of mine.”
“No, I think it’s wonderful. I’ve been here alone for so long, I’d started talking to myself.” He turned so he could look into her beautiful eyes. “I’m not very interesting company for myself.” He kissed her. “And I love the sound of your voice.”
“I spend so much time in the kitchen that when I get out I find this incessant need to talk. Phillip hated it. He would tell me to find my off button.”
“Bastard.”
During the time they spent renovating the bedrooms, Logan learned much about Elyse’s past relationship. At first she was apprehensive about opening up, but once he convinced her he wanted to understand what had happened with Phillip, she held nothing back. The more she told him, the more he hated the man who had broken her. “I was young and stupid.” She ran her finger along his bottom lip.
He caught her hand before she could pull away and placed soft kisses on each of her fingertips. “He was the stupid one. Any man who would cheat on you is nothing more than a fool. I promise I’ll never hurt you.”
“I believe you Logan, and that scares me.”
“I respect your honesty.” He understood her apprehension. He’d been struggling with his own doubts ever since she’d come into his life. He didn’t know if he was capable of giving her everything she deserved. He’d never had to be more than a good time for any other woman in his life.
“Things happened between us so fast. When I came here, I never expected to find someone like you. I was looking for an escape. A way to forget my past. That first night we were together, I didn’t think it would be anything more than sex.”
“What’s between us is much more than sex. Do you want to know how I know that?”
She nodded.
“I’ve never had anything more than sex with anyone else. With you everything is different. We happened quickly, but it feels right.” Logan had never put himself out there for anyone, but he’d never experienced such intense feelings. “Can’t you feel it?”
“I do,” she whispered.
“Give me a chance to show you I’m not Phillip. The fact that you stayed with me without knowing me proves you want more. I want to give you more.” He’d give her the fucking moon if that’s what it took.
“You’re a complicated man.”
“I’m trying not to be.” With Elyse he wanted to be himself.
“I don’t mean it in a bad way.” She trailed her fingers over the hard plains of his chest. “You’re take charge, especially in the bedroom.”
“I thought you liked that.”
“I do, but there is another side to you. You’re soft and tender. Sometimes I catch you looking at me and you look so sweet.”
“Only with you.” He kissed the top of her head. “I like the games in the bedroom and it drives me nuts how receptive you are. You’re so willing to give up the control, but sometimes I wonder what it would be like to…” He stopped. He wasn’t sure he should finish. Maybe Elyse wasn’t ready to hear what he had to say. She’d already been hurt. He didn’t want to rush her into the emotions he felt.
“What, Logan? What do you wonder?”
“I’ve never asked this of any woman. I’ve done a lot of kinky stuff in the bedroom. I’ve done things at play parties that you wouldn’t believe. I thought aggressive sex was the only way I could be satisfied.” He’d never been this open with anyone, but with her he felt he could admit anything.
“Am I doing enough to satisfy you? I don’t know about that lifestyle but I can learn.”
“See? That’s what I mean about you being so willing, but that’s not what I’m asking for. I wonder what it would be like to let go of the control and just…” He ran his fingers through his hair and stared at the ceiling. Why is this so hard?
“Make love?” she said so low he almost missed it.
She gets me.
He looked down at her in awe of her courage to say those words. “I’ve never referred to sex that way. I don’t know how to do anything other than fuck, but with you I want to try.” Maybe even let her lead. He’d never done that.