Page 41 of The Mister I Married

“I do want to,” Emmy said, her smile small but genuine. “I admit to feeling a bit nervous, but I’m curious, as well.”

Nervous and curious.

Yes, Alex felt that, too. Mostly, though, he was excited. Eager. Lustful.

Even just being alone in this room with his wife and a bed was a temptation almost too great to resist. He wanted to kiss her.

He was desperate to kiss her.

He couldn’t kiss her.

Not with a bed nearby.

Abruptly, he released Emmy’s hands and stepped back, edging toward the door. “We dine at five,” he said. “I’ll collect you then and escort you to the dining room.”

Emmy nodded. “I shall see you then.”

Turning on his heel, Alex quit the room without a backward glance, and pulled the door shut behind him. It was several seconds before he moved away, his gaze riveted on his hand still gripping the doorknob, as if refusing to let go.

Desire pulsed through him, erotic images slinking through his mind. With herculean strength, he released the door handle and strode toward his own chamber, inhaling several deep breaths of mind-clearing oxygen as he tried not to think of the uncomfortable hours ahead of him.

Perhaps a cold bath before dinner was in order.

Perhaps a long, cold bath.