I walk into the room that was mine, pushing open the closet door. Closest to it is the white lace-and-silk baby doll nightgown and robe that was part of the lingerie Luca had purchased for me. Then I’d seen it as a dig at the virginity I’d been clinging to, a spiteful way to remind me that if he’d wanted it, he could take it.
Now, looking at it hanging untouched in my old closet, it seems like a way to redo my wedding night. I could put it on for Luca, and tonight, on a night made for love, we could try again.
I slip it off of the hangar, carrying it into the master suite. In the bedroom, I strip out of the violet bridesmaid’s dress, draping it over a chair as I kick off my high heels and take off my jewelry. And then, I slip on the silk nightie, sighing with pleasure as it slides over my skin.
It feels sensual just having it on. It falls to the tops of my thighs, fragile silk like the red dress I wore on that ridiculous date, and the feeling of having nothing on underneath it is both vulnerable and erotic all at once. There’s eyelash lace along the hem, a delicate band of see-through lace at my waist, and more eyelash lace along the edges of the neckline. My nipples brush against the silk, hardening at the thought of Luca seeing me in this, the way I hope he’ll react.
The robe is the same light, airy silk, and I leave it open as I shrug it on, walking into the bathroom. I leave my makeup on but undo my hair, letting it fall in heavy dark curls around my face. My lips are still faintly pink even after dinner, and even to my own eyes, I think I look sexy, more seductive than any virginal bride should be.
I hear Luca’s footsteps in the hall and step out into the bedroom, feeling a sudden rush of nervousness.What if he thinks this is stupid? What if he hates it?
But when the door opens, he catches sight of me. The look on his face tells me a very different story.