It's not likely you're going to experience much passion in that state."
She frowned, but was listening, and Christian continued, "I mean, you're obviously comfortable with me...
and knowing I'm not likely to try to push you into bed, you relax which is probably why it allows your body to react as it does. And then in the dreams you're in control," sort of, he added to himself. "Your dream lover doesn't do anything to make you uncomfortable or rush ahead to...... er...... completion without exciting you first." At least he knew that was true. Carolyn was definitely with him every step of the way in the dreams, including orgasm...... well, when they weren't interrupted, he thought and wondered if she was buying any of this tripe he was feeding her. It was hard to tell from her expression. "So, wouldn't it be better for you to wait until you're comfortable with someone and not rush out and pick up the first guy who looks your way in a bar?"
Carolyn, sat back with a sigh. "I suppose."
Christian almost melted into his seat his relief was so strong. But then he glanced to the side as their waiter appeared with their desserts. When the man left again, Carolyn and Christian arranged the plates in the middle of the table between them to share.
"So," Carolyn said on a sigh as she scooped up a bite of apple strudel. "What are you going to do tomorrow while Bethany and I are on the cruise? If she's feeling up to it," she added, rolling her eyes.
Christian relaxed and smiled. She wasn't angry anymore.
That knowledge stirred a relief in him like none he'd ever experienced.
Carolyn closed the villa door and turned to carry her bags to her room, but paused abruptly when she spotted Bethany at the top of the stairs in a bathing suit.
"You're up," she said with surprise. "And obviously feeling better."
"Yes." Bethany grinned, moving forward to help her with her bags. "I think it's finally done."
"Well, great," Carolyn said with a smile. "Why don't you go get dressed? It's almost dinnertime. We could-"
"Oh no, I don't want to push it and risk not being ready for tomorrow's cruise," Bethany said at once, leading the way to Carolyn's room with half the bags. "Instead, I was thinking we could order room service and eat here, have a glass of wine by the pool, and maybe a swim under the stars. Relax for a bit. Then we could have an early night so we're both well-rested for tomorrow's cruise."
"Oh," Carolyn said with surprise, and bit her lip as she followed Bethany to set down the bags she carried.
"I'm so glad to be feeling better," Bethany said as she sank onto the side of the bed. "I've been alone so long I think I'm ready to start climbing the walls."
"Oh, of course you are," Carolyn said, guilt immediately claiming her. Turning, she bent to hug her, saying, "Honey, I'm sorry, I should have stayed and kept you company. I-"
"Don't be silly," Bethany laughed. "You offered, but I just didn't feel well enough for company. I mean, it's not like we could have talked anyway while I was hanging over the toilet," she pointed out with a grimace. "Still, I'm ready for company now... if you don't mind a quiet night in?"
"No, of course I don't mind," Carolyn assured her.
"That sounds lovely."
"Good." Bethany stood. "Then let's go look at the room service menu and you can show me what you bought while we wait for dinner to show up."
"You go ahead," Carolyn said, moving toward the bathroom. "I'll be right out."
"Okay, but hurry," Bethany said cheerfully. "I suspect it will take a while for dinner to get here."
"I will." Carolyn closed the bathroom door behind her.
Pausing then, she heaved a sigh and withdrew her phone.
She'd made plans to have dinner alone with Christian and then sit with Marguerite and Julius while the band played.
She'd have to call and cancel. Carolyn felt bad about it, but what could she do? She'd come here with Bethany.
Christian and the others were new friends. She owed her loyalty to Beth... whether she'd rather go out or not, she thought unhappily, as she called the main building and asked to be put through to Christian's villa.
Carolyn paced the large bathroom as she waited for someone to pick up the phone, and felt an odd sense of relief when she recognized Gia's voice saying hello.
"Hi, Gia. How are you?"
"Caro!" Gia greeted. "I'm good, but Christian's in the shower. Do you want me to see if he'll-"