Luc waited for her to elaborate, but she closed her eyes and let out a soft sigh. When her head drooped a little, Luc dropped his hand from her chin and squeezed her shoulder.
“Are you afraid to be with me because of the memory loss?”
Her lids lifted, her dark eyes searching his. “I’m not afraid of you, Luc. I think it would be best if we didn’t...you know...”
“Make love?”
A pink tinge crept across her tan cheeks. “Yes. You’re injured. You need to rest and relax. Per the doctor’s orders.”
Luc snaked his arms around her waist as he pulled her flush against his body. “I plan on relaxing, but I want you lying beside me. It’s obvious we came here to get away, and I don’t want to ruin this trip for you.”
Delicate hands slid up his chest, fingers curling up over his shoulders. Just her simple touch was enough to have his body quivering, aching. Everything about her was so familiar, yet so new at the same time.
“You’re not ruining anything for me.” She offered a tired, yet beautiful smile. “Let’s just concentrate on getting you better, and everything else will fall into place.”
“So no sex, but you’ll lie down with me?”
Her eyes held his as she nodded. “I’ll lie with you.”
He hadn’t recalled her name at first, but he’d instantly felt a pull toward her. No wonder they were engaged. Obviously, they shared a special, deeply rooted bond. Their chemistry pushed through the damage to his mind, and that alone would help him pull through this.
“I’ll just go shower in the guest bath, real quick,” she told him, easing away from his embrace. “Give me ten minutes.”
Confused at her need to retreat, Luc crossed his arms over his chest. “Why not just use the shower in here? The other bathroom hasn’t been renovated and this one is much more luxurious.”
She looked as if she wanted to argue, but finally nodded. “You’re right. A quick shower in here would be better. I just didn’t know if I would disturb you trying to rest.”
“You won’t bother me. You can take advantage of the sunken garden tub, you know.” He took her hands, leading her farther into their bedroom. “No need to rush through a shower. Just go soak in a tubful of warm water and relax.”
“I’ll be quick in the shower. Why don’t you lie down?”
He leaned forward, gently touching his lips to hers. “Don’t take too long or I’ll come in after you.”
She shivered beneath his touch, and it was all Luc could do to keep from hauling her off to the bed and taking what he wanted, throwing every reason he shouldn’t straight out the window.
Retreating into the bathroom, she closed the door. Luc frowned. Was she always so private? Why did some things seem so familiar, while other, mundane things had disappeared from his mind?
As he stripped down to his boxer briefs, he heard the shower running. An image of a wet, soapy Kate flooded his mind. He couldn’t wait to get beyond this memory lapse, beyond the annoyance of the headache, and make full use of that spacious shower with her.
He would make this up to her, somehow. His Kate was exhausted, and still worried about him. She was sacrificing, when this was supposed to be a romantic trip away.
As of right now he only remembered they were engaged. He recalled some buzz about wedding invitations and upcoming showers. He’d let his assistant handle all of that...but he couldn’t recall who his assistant was at the moment.
Raking a hand down his face, Luc sighed. Now wasn’t the time to think of staff, not when he was about to crawl into bed with his fianceé. Right now he wanted to focus on Kate, on their trip and somehow making this up to her.
* * *
Kate showered quickly, constantly watching the door she’d closed. She should’ve known he’d want her in his room, that he wouldn’t even question the fact.
But sleeping with him under false pretenses was an absolute no.
No matter how Luc made her body tingle and the nerves in her belly dance...she couldn’t let her thoughts go there.
She was still Luc’s assistant, which meant looking out for his best interest. And it was in the interest of both of them to keep their clothes on. Easier said than done.
Kate dried off, wrapped her hair up in a towel and slid into her chemise. She truly had no other option unless she asked Luc for a T-shirt, but she didn’t know if he was one of those guys who would be even more turned on by seeing a woman in his clothes, so she opted for her own gown.
Rubbing the towel through her wet hair, she got all the moisture out and took her time brushing it. Perhaps if she stayed away a few extra minutes, Luc would get tired and fall asleep before she went back out there.