He frowned, looking at her with curious skepticism. But when he pressed the button and the bed began to vibrate, he groaned and lay flat. “You’ve got to be kidding! What magic is this?”
“Magic is right. Magic fingers. Massage. There’s even a button to make the mattress warm.”
He rolled over to lie spread-eagle on his stomach. “I may never leave this bed.”
She let him play as long as he wanted, before coaxing him to get up. “Come on. Let’s go to 6th street. We can enjoy the bed later.”
“Count on it, baby.”
With that promise made, they dashed to the car and took off toward downtown. After finding a place to park, they made their way to 6th Street hand-in-hand. “I like it that there’s no cars allowed,” he observed, completely mesmerized by the crowds of people, the music blaring from every door, and the jovial people who were strolling down the street with a drink in hand. “This is just one big party.”
“Reminds me of Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Ever been?”
He shook his head no. “I haven’t been many places. Just where the war took me, then coming to Texas with Cap and the others.”
“Well, we may have a few weeks. We could travel if you want.”
He shook his head. “I have a feeling we may be going back sooner rather than later.”
She held his hand tightly. “I’m ready. As long as I’m with you, I don’t care.”
They visited several bars on 6th Street, trying a few drinks, and dancing to a few songs together. She enjoyed every minute. As he held her during one slow song, he whispered against her ear, “Dancing or making love, you fit in my arms perfectly.”
Journey sighed and placed her head on his shoulder. “You are so right, my love.”
…After a late supper at P6, a rooftop restaurant overlooking the lake and the Austin skyline, they danced again. The lights of the city sparkled in the beautiful waters while the stars shone bright overhead. “You have to admit, this is beautiful isn’t it?”
“What I’m looking at is beautiful.”
She glanced at him, seeing he only had eyes for her.
“I meant the view.”
“You’re the only view I need.” He stroked the raven wing of her hair. “You’re eyes sparkle. Your smile makes me weak. And your body…” He bent to whisper in her ear. “Your body is heaven on earth.”
“You make me want to cry sometimes. I knew you’d say these things to me.” Clasping him close, she buried her face in his neck. “There is no one like you, Reno. No one.”
“I’ve never met anyone like you either.” He held her body close, loving how her hard, little nipples almost burned his chest. “You’re exactly who I’ve always wanted. Always needed.”
She sighed with complete happiness. “I want you to remember all of this.” She lifted her hand to indicate the beauty of their surroundings. “You’ll have a vision of the future no one else will have.”
Reno took a moment to look around. “I won’t forget.” He bent to kiss her lips. “I’m just glad I’ll have more than memories of you. I don’t think I could stand to let you go. Not now. Not after knowing what it feels like to love you. I couldn’t bear it.”
“Neither could I.” She squeezed him hard, wanting to imprint him onto her very soul. “I’m so glad I won’t have to say goodbye to you. So glad.”
…Back at her apartment, Journey introduced him to the joys of shower sex. “And this is another luxury I’ve splurged on.” She showed him the shower massage and all the delicious things it could do. After they’d played, soaping one another up, giggling as the rinse waters cascaded around them, Journey went down on her knees. “I’ve never done this before, but I’ve practiced on you in my mind.”
When she took him into her mouth, Reno clawed at the wall of the shower. He couldn’t speak. He could barely breathe. No woman had ever done this for him before. Holding her head in his hands, he gloried in the sight of her as she loved on him, taking him beyond the moon and past the stars. And when she was through, he gathered her up in his arms to dry her off. “You’re amazing. The greatest gift I’ve ever received.” Then he took her to bed and returned the favor. This was new to him too, but he gave it everything he had.