Page 36 of Shocking Sapphires
Once we were locked inside his suite, I said, “There’s something I have to tell you.”
“Uh oh, that doesn’t sound good. Look, if you want to back out, I understand. I probably wouldn’t be comfortable being intimate with someone like me, either, if I still had two working legs.”
His voice sounded so dejected, it nearly broke my heart. Hoping to ease his concerns that this had anything to do with him, I said, “No, it’s not you.”
“Oh, the old ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ line. That’s a classic. It’s probably best if you just go. I get it, and I’m not angry, but I need to be alone right now.”
When he used a hand to usher me toward the door, I said, “Wait. You don’t understand. I want to be with you… so much. It’s just that I’ve never done this before.”
At his confused look, I added, “With anyone.”
“How is that possible? Are all of the men in this entire damn town blind and dumb?”
“No,” I answered quietly, “But no one ever chooses me. I’ve dated a few men here and there, but nothing serious. The only man I ever really cared about, other than you, was Dean. He and I dated for a short while, but deep down I knew, even then, that his heart belonged to Josie.”
“His loss is my gain,” Grant said, before adding, “You are the most amazing, beautiful, smart, sensitive, loving, funny, and spirited woman I’ve ever met. I know I’m not the catch I once was, but I choose you, Molly. Out of all the women in the world, I choose you, and I would have chosen you even when my legs still worked. You are the one for me.”
His words were marvelous and perfect. The sincerity in his voice and gaze gave me the confidence I needed to go through with this. Nodding at him, I said, “I just need a few minutes in the bathroom. Okay?”
“Of course, but we don’t have to do this tonight, sweetheart. We can take things as slow as you want to. I’m in this for the long haul, and I’m not going anywhere, unless you make me leave.”
“I’ve waited a lifetime for you, Grant. I don’t want to take things slow. I want to make love with you tonight.” After that bold declaration, I whirled around to head into the bathroom.
I couldn’t keep from giggling when his ‘whoop!’ of excitement erupted after I closed the powder room door. I stayed locked in there pacing and stewing for several minutes. Finally, after splashing some cool water on my face and patting it dry, I decided it was now or never.
Once I emerged from the luxurious bathroom, I was delighted to see that Grant had already undressed and was under the covers on the bed. That transition had been one of the many things I had been worried about.
He used a remote control to raise the upper half of the mattress, so he was sitting more upright before explaining, “The inn owner was great about letting me install some equipment to help me live more independently. I still need Bonnie’s assistance for some things, but I am getting around pretty well on my own.”
“Looks like it,” I smiled down at him, proud of the progress he continued to make and his remarkable attitude about it.
Deciding I’d stalled long enough, I kicked off my red, well-worn Chuck Taylor All Star low top Converses and balanced myself on the bedside table as I removed my socks. Gathering every bit of courage I could muster, I reached my hands up inside my dress and slid my red, lacy panties down before kicking them aside.
Grant’s gulp was audible, which I took to be a good sign that he was enjoying himself so far.
Timidly, I pulled his covers back. Keeping my eyes locked on his, I climbed into the bed and straddled him.
His voice sounded strained when he said, “This is my first time since the accident, so we’ll learn together. Okay?”
I nodded, appreciating his reassuring words more than I could say. Instead of trying to find the right words, I leaned down to press a kiss to his lips.
When I pulled back, an ornery smile curved up his mouth before he said, “You’re on top and you’re in charge. Have your way with me, sweetheart.”
Feeling a surge of confidence, I raised up on my knees and lifted the dress over my head. Grant’s half-lidded gaze openly perused me before he reached out to unfasten the front clasp of my bra with one quick flick of his fingers.
“You are perfection,” he murmured as I shrugged the bra off my shoulders and tossed it off the bed.
When he leaned forward, I arched my back giving his lips and tongue full access to my aching breasts. My body began undulating as he loved me with his talented mouth. Unfamiliar urges had me rocking over him, craving something more––something primal––that I didn’t understand.
When his thumb rubbed over my slick front, I tipped my head back and cried out at the pleasure of it. I pumped over him as he worked my pleasure centers until we were both panting with need.
“I need to be inside you,” he whispered in a low growl as he reached for the condom that he had placed beside him on the bed.
I nodded and tilted back and watched, mesmerized, as he tore the foil packet and slid the rubber onto his length.
He reached a hand up to cup my jawline as he said, “Take it as slow as you need to, baby. I love you and anything you do is going to be perfect.”
I turned my face to kiss his palm before reaching down for him. Uncertain, but anxious to try, I positioned myself over him.
