Louis stood shaking with need. It had taken every ounce of discipline he possessed to pull away from that kiss.
The confusion in Gemma's eyes nearly undid him and he almost reached for her again. But some semblance of sanity held him in check. The same way he'd stopped himself from going any further
Who knew he had the willpower of a monk.
He certainly didn't feel like a monk, however, as he gazed upon his wife. Her eyes were several shades darker with desire, her cheeks flushed, her lips swollen from his stubble. He wanted nothing more than to take her by the hand and lead her downstairs to the cabin below.
But that would be selfish of him. He knew she wasn't ready.
Ramming his hand through his hair, he walked several steps away to the other side of the boat. Maybe bringing her out here in the middle of the ocean where they were completely alone wasn't such a great idea. He'd led himself straight into the jaws of temptation.
"Gemma, listen," he began, grappling for the words that might convey all the mixed-up emotions churning in his gut.
She held a hand up to stop him from continuing. "I know. I get it. The doctors all said I need to take things slow and easy. Or risk a setback on my recovery."
She sent him a soft smile that appeared all too sad for his liking. "I guess we both got carried away," she added.
He nodded once. "Right," he answered, beyond grateful that he didn't have to try to find a way to explain something he didn't quite understand himself. Becoming intimate now would only serve to further muddy the already-complicated dynamics between them.
She reached inside the picnic basket. "Let's finish our lunch, shall we? I thought I saw some chocolate chip cookies in here."
As if he could taste anything while the taste of her still lingered in his mouth.
"Think I'll save mine for later," he told her. "There's a stop I want to make. The rental agency said it was included in our package. The coordinates are programmed into the boat's GPS."
Gemma simply nodded. Several silent beats passed between them, so much left unsaid that would simply have to wait. Finally, Louis turned on his heel to make his way back to the helm. His pulse still pounded in his veins as he turned over the engine and started to steer.
Maybe he'd think clearer on dry land and get himself fully under control. It was worth a shot, though he highly doubted it.
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