The Russian Billionaire’s Secret(147)
“No, the opposite to be exact, I have a good imagination, and... yeah, let us just leave it there and not talk about it anymore,” Julie said and then met his gaze as the blush went up her neck, cheeks and even turned the tip of her ears red.
“So, you don't find the idea of the marriage bed distasteful?” he asked her to clarify.
“No, I know that it's for producing children, but I also know my mother told me that it can be fun just for the sake of it. I wouldn't know since I saved myself for marriage, but the idea of it doesn't offend me, or scare me. I know logically the first time can be painful, but after that it shouldn't hurt anymore,” Julie wanted to impress him with knowledge, hoping that she'd seem worldly and more educated than she was, despite her innocence.
“I find you beautiful, despite how young you appear on the surface. Your descriptions didn't do you justice, and your energy makes me smile. I think things will work out between us, I think we'll get along famously. I work long hours sometimes, and if you don't mind getting your hands dirty, I'll pay for you to train as a nurse so you can assist me eventually, but after we celebrate being married for a while first,” he told her, but the more he thought about her helping him, the more it seemed like a good idea. He could use an extra set of hands around, and she seemed eager to help.
“I don't find you unappealing either. I also think what you do is an honorable profession. We need good men in this world, and helping others is a good thing,” she said and then placed her hand over his, smiling at him.
“So, tell me about your horse?” Marshal changed the subject, thinking about sex with her made it hard to sit here and stare at her across the small table and not reach out and touch her. He could smell her lavender scent and it was hard not to kiss her, but he promised he wouldn't rush her, and he knew that she was the type to wait for marriage.
She deserved to wait for marriage and be treated respectfully. He owed her that. Keeping it simple was the goal tonight.
“I'll miss her, I raised her from birth, taught her everything she knew. I loved working with the animals on my farm, especially baby animals. I want you to tell me more about you, we have our whole life ahead of us to learn intimate details, but what about the regular childhood ones?” Julie said, leaning forward, eager to get to know her new husband-to-be better.
“I'm the youngest of four children, all boys. My mom died in childbirth with our little sister when I was a few years old. If we'd have had a doctor around, she might have lived. It's what made me decide to be a doctor. I always wished I'd been able to save her, and because of that experience, I have saved many women and children since I've become a doctor,” he told her and finished his meal then leaned back to visit with her.
“What do your older brothers do?” she asked curiously, and didn't focus on the death part of what he shared. She appreciated that he shared it though, it gave her insight into his wiring.
“One's in the military, one's a priest, and the other is a cowboy and has his own ranch down in Texas. We aren't in contact much anymore, we're sort of spread all out and it's a little too far to get together for family reunion s. We send letters sometimes,” he replied and then checked his pocket watch. It was getting late. He hadn't realized that spending time with her would make the time pass so quickly.
“I should be letting you rest. It's getting late, and we will have plenty of time after we are wed to talk about anything you want,” Marshal told her.
“I appreciate your honesty. I also appreciate that you'll let me assist you. I hate sitting idle, and I want to be useful. I appreciate that you can find a use for me besides just being your wife,” she told him and then walked him to the door.
Julie put her hand on his arm and stopped him before he left the room, leaning up on her tip toes, she pressed a gentle kiss to his mouth.
Freezing, Marshal wasn't prepared for her to kiss him and it shocked him. He crushed her in a bear hug and kissed her back, his beard tickling her cheeks and face as his warm lips pressed against her small delicate ones. Placing one large hand on the back of her head, the other held the small of her back as he kissed her.
Julie felt the tingles all the way to her toes, realizing that kissing felt pretty good, and she liked him. It was her first real kiss, and it had far surpassed her expectations. She'd been worried it would be sloppy and wet and gross, but he tasted like wine, and when his tongue plunged into her mouth and dominated her tongue, she melted against him.
After a few minutes, Marshal pushed her away, he was breathing hard and Julie brought her fingers up to her swollen lips. Her heart was beating in her chest, feeling like she'd just run a mile without stopping.
“I should leave,” Marshal told her as he stared down at her, trying to tear himself away and not let himself give in to temptation.
“Okay,” Julie nodded, understanding that he cared for her reputation and her honor, though at the same time she wished he would keep kissing her.
“We will be married soon enough. Bettina is going to help you get your wedding dress altered to fit you, let her know in the morning that you are ready,” Marshal leaned down and placed one smaller kiss to her forehead before leaving her for the night.
Julie watched him go and then went and laid down on her bed, the knot in her stomach leaving her feeling like something was missing, with an ache that wouldn't go away. She didn't know how to fix it.