He was thankful that he came prepared … in the full armor of God. Every piece - loins girded with truth, the breastplate of righteousness …
He was still busy shoring up himself, when he noticed with satisfaction, the wild uncertainty that leaped from her eyes.
She had called begging for a meeting so that they could come to some sort of consensus on the state of their marriage. Of course, he’d agreed. He too was on the verge of asking for a meeting.
He drew a deep breath, remembering that she played to win but so did he. He knew she came armed with another apology for her moment of weakness but was she prepared to handle and understand his moment of weakness?
Rozene stopped abruptly and began looking around the room when she discovered he was watching her with a guarded, yet approving gaze. Well, at least, he likes my dress.
Now it was her turn to take him in.
She swung her eyes back to his, taking her time to soak in his appearance. He didn’t flinch. Not that she expected him to. Oh, Lord, he looks gooood. This tall, powerful, debonair, all-male creature, in his edgy, perfectly-fitted, black tuxedo. Only he could pull off such a stylish cut that defied traditional rules.
Her stomach tightened as their eyes met. Her head angled slightly upward as he moved towards her. He looked full of confidence, and in the depths of her heart, she felt hopeful.
“How are you? Thanks for coming,” he said, circling her waist with a hand and lightly kissing her cheeks.
“I’m good. Thanks for having me. Good to see you,” she said, fidgeting in his embrace. When he released her, she glanced at her gown, and then eyed him. “You said dress up, but I wasn’t -“
“You look gorgeous. It’s a great fit.” He admired how the material accentuated her flawless, caramel complexion.
“Thank you,” she said, breathlessly staring at him, and hoping for good news. Please, Lord, favor.
“Did you have any trouble getting here? I hope not.”
She watched him. His eyes were sharply focused as he spoke, as if he was on a mission. “No problem. Everything went well.”
“Great. These are for you.” He handed her the flowers, and experienced the joy of the beautiful expression of gratitude on her face.
“Thank you.”
He flashed his drop-dead, gorgeous smile, highlighting his miniature dimples. “Just thinking about you. Enjoy. And you are welcome.” He touched her elbow. “Let’s eat.”
She nodded and he escorted her to the table. She smiled all the way there. The sudden show of civility destroyed the tightness in the air between them.
“Thanks,” she said, when he pulled out the chair for her.
Standing next to her, he said quietly, “I hope you don’t mind, I ordered your old favorites. If you don’t want them, then we’ll ask for something else to be prepared.”
She smiled up at him. “Tell me you included Soupe a L’oignon and Coquilles Saint-Jacques. Anything else with that is great.”
“I sure did. And I know you like Cheese Soufflé.” He grinned back at her. “I’ll tell them we’ll be ready for dinner in ten minutes.” Sitting down across from her, he used the small iPad on the table to indicate just that to customer service.
“Would you like a glass of wine? Hot beverages are available too.”
“A glass of wine, please.”
“Sure.” He moved to pour it. “How has your day been?”
“Good.”
He smiled as he handed her the glass of wine. “I can tell our conversation will be exciting this evening,” he teased.
Her insides knotted nervously as he took his seat. Then she decided, I’ve had enough of this. No need to wine and dine me to disappoint me. “Have you made a decision?”
He paused, looking disappointed before responding, “Let’s talk about that after dinner.”
“Okay, no problem,” she said, wishing she hadn’t jumped ahead of herself. “The children called this morning. Told them we were having dinner this evening. That Mason had to remind me not to bring more babies …” When she realized where she was heading, she blushed, mumbling, “You know, Mason.”
A soft smile tugged at the corners of Larry’s mouth. A show of unity usually works at a time like this. “I hope you told him to mind his own business. We got this.”
Her eyelids fluttered as his smile caressed her face. That smile. How can I respond to that?
Saved by the bell. Literally.
“Come in,” Larry said.
Two customer service assistants, laid out their dinner on the table, and made sure that they were okay before leaving.
After Larry prayed, they began to eat.
The steam rising from the Soupe a L’oignon made Rozene’s mouth water. She took a spoonful, blew on it a little before swallowing rapidly.
Larry grinned at her. “You’re enjoying your soup.”
“Oh, it’s so good.”
“It is,” he agreed. “Have you finished the book you were working on - Letters to Wives?”
She eyed him, before dropping her eyes to her plate. Why did you have to mention that? “That’s on pause for right now. I wrote another book, Undeniably Yours: The Journey to Love. Just completed the final edits so it should be out within the next month. I have several promotional activities lined up for it.”
He avoided asking why, Letters to Wives was on pause. Why cause her additional stress? Plus, he already knew why. Instead, he said, “Great. Can’t wait to get my copy.”
“As usual.” She smiled at him. He’d always been her greatest supporter.
The rest of the dinner passed in a haze of small talk and laughter. They made a subtle effort to bolster each other, discussing everything from the children to the latest news headlines.
Hope reigned in Rozene’s heart as Larry’s eyes gleamed with appreciation when she spoke. He chuckled often, his lips curving into a knowing smile.
Before long they were sweeping their dessert bowls clean.
“This was really good,” she said, surveying the table. “Thank you.”
He caught her gaze. “Would you like me to arrange a take-home box for you?”
Her heart began to beat faster at the care in his voice. “Thank you.”
For a few seconds, he gazed at the delight in her eyes. “That, I will do,” he told her before lifting the iPad from the table and began typing. “It should be ready by the time we’re leaving.” He placed the iPad on the table. “Let’s move to the sofa.”
She nodded nervously, although she didn’t know if it was from the flicker of desire that she saw in his gaze or from the knowledge that things were coming to a bump.
He pulled out her chair, and gently took her hand in his, and she offered no resistance. Her hand encased in his, they walked silently to the loveseat and sat on it. They were still holding hands, his eyes locked in her gaze, when the faint noise from the change in tempo of the music broke the silence.
She smiled slightly, and gently removed her hand from his. Just tell me, she wanted to yell. Her stomach wavered as her bravado faltered. She was unsure what to expect, even though the evening was going well. She fidgeted with her fingers, looking everywhere but in his direction.
“Look at me,” he said softly, ready to bare his soul.
Her eyes glistened with uncertainty, and tears burned behind her eyelids. Lord, help me to be strong. I can’t walk away from him another time. She gripped her trembling hands in a ball at her chest.
Larry decided to move speedily. A lot was at stake, but he was undecided on the approach. Her legs were restlessly bouncing and he wanted to hold her. But, he quickly decided against that. After all, she hadn’t heard his story yet.
“Roz,” he said quietly, taking her hands in his.
She didn’t even realize she’d closed her eyes until she felt his lips on her knuckles.
This was not the planned route but Larry desperately wanted to remove the petrified look on her face. “I’m sorry,” he said. The raw emotion
in his voice came through his sweet caress as he kissed hands. “I never stopped loving you.”
Confused, she swallowed the lump in her throat, gazing at him in awe. Kissing hands isn’t what you do when you’re breaking up.
Unable to help herself, Rozene smiled at him.
Larry leaned in to plant a gentle kiss on her forehead. He released her hands, and sat gazing at her.
She could barely take it all in. Tell me I can come home, she willed him.
He could see her wish in her expression. He had to tell her she could come home so she could relax and be attentive.
“I love you,” Larry told her softly. “Please come back home. I really miss you.”
Rozene cried out in relief, burying her face in her hands and began sobbing. All her pent-up emotions bubbled over and her sobs became louder and louder.
Larry cradled her in his arms. “It’s going to be all right.” He kissed the top of her head. “Roz, please don’t cry. You’re breaking my heart.”
She buried her head in his chest, breathing him in. “Thank you for taking me back.”
Guilt racked Larry and he eagerly responded. “Don’t say that. I took way too long. I’m going to spend the rest of my days making it up to you.”
“Thank -” Her voice broke and tears ran down her face “Thank you. I love you so much.” Her chin quivered. “I never stopped loving you.” She wiped her face with the back of her hand and then wrapped her arms around his waist.
Larry wrapped an arm around her, and used his other hand to brush her hair away from her face.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, tightening her arms around him.
“We are going to be okay.” Larry gathered her against him as he reclined deeply in the sofa. His lips gently touched the top of her head and he stroked her back with infinite tenderness.
“Hmmm,” she murmured. His hands felt wonderful on her back, and so did the soft fabric of his tuxedo under her cheek.
Larry wished he didn’t have to tell her about his infidelity but knew he had to. He sent up a silent prayer for help, while projecting a coolness that was far from what his troubled heart was feeling.
Fifteen minutes later, Rozene lifted herself out of Larry’s arms. She smiled weakly at him, her eyes were red from tears. “You have made me the happiest woman in the world. Thank you.” She laced her fingers together under her chin.
He considered her and once again, guilt racked his insides. Tell her now, an inner voice pressed him. Instantly, he sank to his knees before her, and grasped her hands.
She looked at him puzzled as he kissed her hands. “I love you. I’m so sorry for what I put you through.” His voice broke a little and her heart loved him more.
She caressed his cheek. “It’s okay. I did take you by surprise, you know.”
He cleared his throat and spoke again. “I love you with all my heart but I’ve not been -”
“You stop it. I’m grateful you took me back.” Her hands grasped his face, and as he opened his mouth to speak, she kissed him.
She craned her neck, desperate for his kisses and he kissed her back, instantly molding her body into his, and pressing her against the sofa. She was kissing him into mind-numbing bliss, when he remembered that he still had not confessed his infidelity. He dragged his lips from hers, breathlessly telling her, “Need-need to talk -”
“Talk later,” she told him, grabbing his face again. She crushed her lips into his, simple aching for more of him. Her fingers held the back of his head to keep him in place. Dear Lord, he feels good.
Moments later, with reluctance, she released his lips and leaned against his chest, panting heavily. Even though they had kissed each other breathless, Larry knew it was not as long as she would have liked. He pulled away just enough to smile at her.
Rozene sat up and smiled back at him, her eyes glowing with passion.
Her need was as great as his. Yet, he couldn’t. At least, not until he had confessed. “You are so beautiful,’ he told her passionately. His fingers skimmed over her cheek. “I could love on you all day. But, there’s -”
“Stop. I love you!” She laughed softly, leaning in and kissing his lips.
His face softened and in a heartbeat, he forgot the task at hand, and silently returned to what he craved - kissing her full lips, before trailing wet kisses down her neck. My. My. My. Delightful. He pulled back and looked down at her, he didn’t have the heart to go further. But neither did he have the courage to destroy her moment of bliss.
She looked up at him, willing him to capture her mouth beneath his. But instead, she saw the flicker of indecision in his eyes. She couldn’t quite understand it. Was this happening too fast for him? She pulled away from him, but still held his hand. His eyes were dark with desire, but the uncertainty was still there.
Larry watched her eyes dancing with yearning, yet there was a glimmer of fear there too. Fear of rejection, no doubt. “Roz, please -”
She quieted him with her finger to his lips. “Don’t,” she told him, nodding vigorously. “Don’t explain. Let’s take a rain check on that.” Her eyes shined with tears. “I love you and I know you love me. Let’s ... leave it there. Agreed?”
He was silent for a moment before nodding in agreement. He would tell her another day.
She removed her fingers from his lips. “Let’s pray for each other and our marriage going forward.”
Yes, I’ll tell her another day. Why spoil this beautiful moment? He gave her a soft dimpled smile, taking her hands in his and kissing them, before he began to pray.
CHAPTER 31
Rozene was pleasantly surprised at the ease at which things fell back into place with Larry, when she moved home the following day. He had been most attentive to her needs - helping her to unpack then picking up fruits, while she slept for two hours. He used every opportunity to give her his undivided attention or gently touch her, and at times, she saw his lingering gaze which caused her insides to churn happily. He seemed genuinely pleased to have her back home. He served her dinner in bed when she awoke, and by night fall, he had disarmed her with his love.
Well, almost.
While she was accepting of his light touches and warm gestures of intimacy, she still felt unworthy, and undeserving of his love. Partly too, because of the indecision she’d seen in his eyes when they had met at Abella. What was that all about? Second thoughts? Even though she could never tell by his current behavior. Probably had a chance to mull it over.
That evening, she decided to hide in Madison’s room, telling him she was going to finish up a chapter. However, she spent an hour re-writing the same paragraph because her thoughts were focused on her new season. Frustrated, she powered down her laptop, prayed, and decided to face the music.
She cautiously entered their bedroom and closed the door behind her. She glanced around and saw that Larry was nowhere in sight. As she moved towards the lounge area, she heard sounds in the bathroom. A grateful sigh left her body and she sat on the daybed so she could see him when he entered the room.
Larry heard movement in the bedroom and knew Rozene was there. He wondered if she was okay and if coming home was overwhelming for her. She had still looked a bit tense even though he had done everything possible to make sure that she was comfortable. When she had said she needed to finish up a chapter, he knew she just needed a little time to get herself together. He had waited for her to shower with him, but when he didn’t see any sign of her, he decided to shower and then talk with her to see why she was running scared.
He was running scared too … if she only knew. He had packed up the idea of telling her his little secret. She was already troubled and he had no desire to aggravate the situation any further. Plus, he had already confessed and repented of it.
A few minutes later, he entered the bedroom looking for Rozene when he heard her soft gasp.
Rozene’s heart whipped to and fro in her chest, and her mouth hung open, as Larry’s legs moved closer. How could he just casua
lly stand there in his black boxer brief that seemed to be painted on to him?
He walked over to her, smiling. “What’s up? Was wondering where you were.”
Unconsciously, a sigh danced from her lips, as she slowly regained her wits. She glanced at him and found a pair of startlingly warm brown eyes assessing her in return.
An exhilarating, yet familiar sensation passed between them and he leaned down and placed his hands on either side of her while flashing his pearly whites. “What are you so spellbound about?”
She blinked rapidly and her mouth twitched as she gazed at him wondering how to respond. She licked her lips nervously, and then broke their stare to catch a closer glimpse of his gorgeous physique. He was magnificent.
He allowed her to leisurely peruse his body and when she had had enough, he said, “You keep looking at me like you’ve never seen me.” He pressed a kiss against her forehead, and then nuzzled his nose against hers.
Shaky giggles escaped her and impulsively, she grabbed his face, and planted a quick kiss on his lips, before releasing his face.
He gasped against her mouth, before leaning deeper to brush his lips lightly against hers. He continued to graze his lips against hers, tickling her.
Eager for more of him, she clutched his face and kissed him with unbridled urgency as heat ignited in her core.
Taken by her outburst of passion, he sat on the daybed and gathered her up against him, and allowed her to devour his lips before kissing her until it took her breath away. Eventually, he lifted his lips slightly from hers, and her half-lidded eyes gazed at him as she panted.
He chuckled softly against her mouth, the heat of their kiss, still lingering and sizzling through him. “I love you.” The words seemed to float from his lips.
“I love you, too,” she whispered, nestling her face against his neck.
He could feel her smiling and he closed his eyes, inhaling her scent.
Guided by instinct, he let out a deep, slow breath, and gently eased her away from him.
She looked at him, her surprise and slight annoyance evident. Her lips parted questioningly.
Mirrored Hearts: Sealed by Fire (Encounters of the Heart Book 2) Page 21
