Elodie gave a twisted smile. ‘I’m not sure Mack would agree with you on that.’ She sighed and, focussing her gaze on the neat knot of his tie, added, ‘It was a lovely service. I had trouble controlling the urge to cry.’
Lincoln tipped up her chin with his hand, meshing his gaze with hers. ‘Are you disappointed that our wedding last month was the complete opposite?’
She stripped her features of all emotion. ‘Why would I be? We agreed on the terms.’
He studied her for a long beat. ‘All the same, I could have made it a little less sterile.’ There was a note of regret in his tone and a small frown pulled at his brow.
‘But we don’t have the same kind of relationship as Els and Mack.’
‘Perhaps not.’ He gave an on-off smile that didn’t have time to reach his eyes. ‘But then are any two relationships the same? Take us, for instance. Our first relationship was different from what we have now.’
‘Do you think so?’
He turned her away from another couple who were getting a little close, his hold warm and protective. ‘We talk more now. We don’t argue as much. And making love with you is even more exciting and satisfying.’
‘Even without the arguments?’
He smiled and brought her right hand up to his mouth. ‘I do kind of miss those arguments.’
Elodie gave a sheepish smile. ‘Yes, well...we both have strong wills and seem to clash on just about everything.’ Her smile faded and she continued with a tiny frown, ‘Makes me wonder why we got together in the first place. Our relationship was totally based on lust. I’m not sure it’s the best foundation for a lasting union.’
The hand resting on the small of her back pressed her a little closer to the hot, hard heat of his body. ‘It’s a damn good starting point, though.’ He lowered his head so his breath mingled intimately with hers. ‘How soon can we go upstairs?’
Desire licked at her with searing tongues of flame. ‘Not until the bride and groom leave.’
‘How long will that be?’ There was an impatient groan in his voice, and he lowered his mouth closer to her.
Elodie smiled against his lips. ‘Too long. But I’m sure, knowing you, it will be well and truly worth the wait.’
And it was.
***
Elodie woke the following morning with a dizzying wave of nausea. Lincoln was still asleep beside her, one of his arms lying across her body.
She swallowed back the rising bile in her throat and gently eased out of his relaxed hold. She got to her feet and walked carefully to the en suite bathroom, her stomach churning, her mouth dry, her fingertips tingling as if her blood pressure was dropping. She made it to the toilet in time to release the contents of her stomach, but unfortunately there was no way to do so without making a noise.
Lincoln opened the bathroom door and rushed over to her. ‘Sweetheart, are you okay?’
Elodie groaned and shook her head. ‘Go away. I’ll be fine in a minute.’
He pulled her hair back from her face, then reached for a facecloth and handed it to her. ‘You must’ve had too much to drink last night.’
‘I didn’t drink at all... I—I think it’s a stomach virus. I’ve been feeling a little off for a couple of days.’
‘Why didn’t you tell me?’
Elodie stayed hunched over the toilet, not quite confident that her stomach was settled enough for her to move. ‘Please, just leave me to deal with this. I don’t need an audience right now.’
Lincoln flushed the toilet and then crouched down beside her, his expression full of concern. ‘I’m not leaving you. What if you pass out and knock yourself out or something?’ He put a hand to her forehead. ‘You don’t seem to have a temperature, but you’re clammy.’ He lowered his hand from her face and straightened to get another facecloth, this time rinsing it under the tap first. He crouched back down beside her and handed it to her. ‘Here.’
‘Thanks...’ Elodie dabbed at her face, then handed it back to him. ‘I think I’ll be okay now.’
‘Here, let me help you up.’ Lincoln took her gently by the shoulders and guided her to a standing position. ‘Do you feel up to having a shower?’
‘Yes... I think so.’
‘I’ll stay with you.’
Elodie would have argued the point, but she was still feeling a little light-headed. Or maybe that was because he was naked and looking as gorgeously sexy as ever. She brushed her teeth and rinsed, relieved the bout of hideous nausea had passed.
Lincoln turned the shower on for her and helped her in.
‘Aren’t you going to join me?’ she asked.
‘Only to help you shower. Nothing else.’
He stepped under the spray of water with her, making sure not to take the bulk of the flow away from her. He shampooed her hair, gently massaging her scalp, then rinsed it and applied conditioner before repeating the massage. She was very conscious of his lean, athletic body so close to hers, wet and naked...and aroused.
‘That feels divine...’ She sighed and turned so she was facing him. Her hands settled on his slim hips and she moved closer to the jut of his erection. ‘So does that...’
Lincoln placed his hands on her shoulders. ‘I didn’t get in the shower to have sex with you. You’re not feeling well.’
‘But I’m fine now.’ Elodie pressed herself against him and he groaned. ‘And you want me.’
‘I can wait. I want to make sure you’re feeling a hundred percent first.’ He placed a soft-as-air kiss on the top of her damp shoulder.
Elodie stroked her hands down his chest, her heart skipping a beat at the tender look in his eyes. ‘Thanks for making me feel better.’