After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 171

Catherine glanced at the clock. It was almost eleven. Soon, she’d be moving back into the Blair family home, and she didn’t want tonight to slip away unused.

She looked down at her nightgown. The smoky gray fabric made her skin look almost impossibly fair. She’d spent years keeping herself in perfect shape, always striving to be good enough for Waldo, never slacking off. Now, there wasn’t an inch of her body that wasn’t toned and smooth. She knew it. She was proud of it.

She took a slow, deep breath, her heart fluttering with a mix of nerves and secret excitement.

Quietly, she opened her bedroom door and tiptoed down the hall to Lawrence’s room. She paused for a moment, then gently pushed the door open.

Lawrence wasn’t asleep. He was sitting by the window in an armchair, a thick stack of papers spread out on his knees. When he heard the door, he looked up. His gaze landed on her, taking in the slender, tempting silhouette leaning in his doorway.

“Still awake?” Catherine tried to act casual, but her voice trembled with shyness.

“Was just about to go to bed. What about you?” Lawrence’s voice was lower than usual, a little rough around the edges.

Catherine felt her face heat up. “I… I’m scared. Can I sleep with you tonight?”

She didn’t wait for an answer. She hurried over to his bed, slipped under the covers, and pulled the blanket up to her chin, cocooning herself.

Lawrence’s eyes lingered on the outline of her body beneath the blanket. He set his paperwork down on the table, switched off the lamp, and stood up.

Catherine’s heart thudded wildly. She could hear his footsteps coming closer. Her mouth went dry. Was this really happening? Was tonight going to be… their first night together?

The blanket was suddenly lifted away from her face. Catherine’s eyes flew open. In the soft light from the window, she saw Lawrence leaning over her, hands braced on either side of her shoulders. He was close, so close that it felt like he was trapping her there.

The way he looked at her made her breath hitch. There was something possessive in his gaze, but also something that made her feel wanted in a way she’d never felt before.

She could smell him, feel the heat coming off his body. She tipped her face up, her eyes shining with hope and nervousness.

“Are you really scared?” Lawrence’s voice was deep and husky.

Catherine nodded, her hand snaking up around his neck. “Hold me,” she whispered, her cheeks burning.

Catherine realized what he was doing. He was holding himself back.

Was he saving everything for their wedding night?

A wave of warmth swept through her, softer than anything she’d felt before. Being treasured and respected like this meant more to her than any wild passion ever could.

She burrowed into his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. “Lawrence,” she whispered.

“Yeah?” His answer was gentle, soft against her ear.

“Is this… Are you waiting for our wedding night?” She lifted her face, searching his eyes.

Lawrence stroked her hair, leaned in until their foreheads touched, and looked at her with eyes that glowed in the darkness. There was so much feeling there, it almost took her breath away.