My cheeks flush. He’s so good at that—being naturally affectionate and lovable. It’s disconcerting to my emotional balance. He’s easier to handle when he’s not so charming.
He checks his buzzing phone. “Our ride’s here.”
A few moments later, a man in a crisp black suit walks in. His large hands are encased in snowy white gloves. Elliot points to the bedroom, and the man goes up and grabs our suitcases.
“Time to go,” Elliot says. He turns to Elizabeth and Nonny. “Be good. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Ha! That gives us totally free rein.” Elizabeth waves. “Have fun, you two!”
“Don’t forget to send postcards!” Nonny beams.
Elliot puts a hand at my elbow. The contact feels sweet and possessive. I lean slightly closer toward him as we step into the waiting elevator.
“Thank you,” I murmur.
“For what?”
“Everything. You took care of every detail.” So nice not to have to be the one in charge.
“As your husband, it’s my pleasure to take care of you.”
My heart thuds. When he speaks like this, I feel like I’m truly married. “Still…”
He places a finger over my lips. The contact sends shivers down my back.
“You’re welcome,” he says.
Two heartbeats pass, and he shifts closer, dipping his head as though he’s about to say something more. But then the elevator opens, and we’re off to a waiting white limo. A uniformed chauffeur opens the rear door.
“Rather extravagant.” I slide next to him on the leather bench that feels clover soft. The partition between us and the driver is already up, giving us privacy.
“It’s a honeymoon. It’s supposed to be extravagant.” Elliot waits until I’m settled down next to him. “Something to drink? Maybe water?”
“Please.”
He hands me a bottle of cold water. I take it gratefully, then note that we don’t have any champagne, which is what I would’ve expected.
He takes another water for himself. I’ve seen him drink scotch at this time of day before, and it is our honeymoon. “You don’t have to go without because of me,” I say.
“It isn’t going without if it’s by choice.” He takes a quick sip. “I want you to feel comfortable and happy on the trip.”
“Elliot…”
His fingers link with mine. “Let’s not think about the past. The only thing that matters is the present. It’s the only thing we can be sure of.”
“How about the future? You don’t think about that at all?” Like what’s going to happen in a year?
“Not particularly.” He kisses my knuckles, one bump at a time. His mouth is warm and wet as it moves over my delicate skin. “What’s the point? For all we know, I might get hit by a truck tomorrow.”
The horrible possibility, no matter how remote, chills my body. “Well, I’m sure you’ll survive. And if you don’t, I won’t either since I’m going to be with you.”
A lopsided grin tugs at a corner of his mouth. “Nope. You probably will survive it. You’re a tough woman, Belle, a lot stronger than you think.”
He turns my hand over and presses his lips to my pulse point at my wrist, then licks, the tip of his tongue flickering over the fluttering spot. My heart pounds, and it’s all I can do not to squirm as liquid heat pools between my legs. I never knew my wrist could be so sensitive.
His mouth travels along my arm, his fingers still linked with mine. His other hand wraps around the back of my neck. As anticipation builds, I part my lips, my breath quickening.
“Beautiful. So responsive all over.” His voice rasps hotly over me.