For the first time since their deal began, Gwen was comfortable enough after her shower to slip into the robe that hung behind her bathroom door. The soft, grey cotton was warm and comforting as she dried her hair.
Clark waited in the kitchen, as promised. He placed bowls and spoons on the island as she walked in.
"Perfect timing," he said.
His eyes lingered over her, and she pulled the robe closed tighter.
"Come sit."
He scooped a heaping bowl of ice cream for both of them, then sat next to her at the island. He rubbed his hand down her back, and kissed her temple.
"You're nervous," he whispered.
"A little."
"We don't have to do anything, Gwen. I told you, we're still on your timetable. Eat your ice cream. We'll go from there."
She nodded and took a bite. He'd stocked her favorite ice cream months ago. At the moment, it soothed her.
"Unless you've changed your mind," he said.
"No. I haven't. It's just…" She played with her ice cream.
"It's what?"
"The way I feel about you. It scares me."
"Why?" He took her hand.
"What you do. Who you are."
"Gwen, that side of me—"
"No, I'm not talking about that. Or not only that. Clark…" She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then stared at her bowl for a moment. "You give off this air of strength. Power. Our deal, for instance. You took control. You wanted to take care of me. In the beginning you were so firm, and I didn't know you, so it scared me. It closed me off. Now, I know you. You've learned to be less firm with me, but there's never been a doubt in my mind that you were in control. What you did today, the plans, the dress… I loved it."
"I thought the restaurant made you feel out of place?"
"I'm not talking about the place. You… in charge. I like it. That's new for me. I've never liked to feel like I'm not in control, but I like that I don't have to be with you. And it scares me a little."
Clark lifted Gwen to sit on the island, and he stood between her legs.
"You're saying that you want me to take control?"
She hesitated, but nodded, and Clark caressed her face.
"What can I do to ease the fear?" he asked.
"Keep being gentle and honest with me."
Clark pressed a soft kiss to her lips. He scooped a spoonful of ice cream and held it out to her. She took the bite, then his lips were on hers again. The contrast of the cold ice cream and his warm mouth pulled a moan from her.
He pulled back and rubbed his hands over her thighs.
"Well, then, let me be honest. After Jorel made me his enforcer, I did eventually get comfortable with it. From that point on, I never had a desire to be gentle with anyone." He brushed his thumb over her mouth. "Until you."
Clark pulled at the belt of her robe until it fell open, revealing her lace underwear. He slipped his arms around her waist and tugged her to the edge of the counter, pulling her body flush against his own.
Gwen wrapped her arms around his neck and sank her fingers into his hair. He kissed along her jaw to her ear.
"I can't wait to get you in my bed."
He pulled her legs around him then lifted her from the counter.
"What about the ice cream?"
"Leave it."
Clark carried her up the stairs. He pressed her up against the wall outside of his room and kissed her neck. She pulled the belt of his robe, then slid her hands up to his chest.
"You're sure?" he asked.
"Positive."
Clark carried her into his room and lay her on the bed, then let his robe fall to the floor. He kissed from her knees, up her body as he crawled over her. He pinned her wrists against the bed and kissed her breathless.
—
Clark rolled onto his back and pulled Gwen against him. She ran her fingers through his chest hair as he heaved out his breaths.
"Forget Australia," she said. "Let's just stay here in this room."
Clark laughed and kissed her head.
"I've wanted to do that since the night I met you."
"If I'd known it would be that good I might have said yes."
Clark lifted her hand to his lips. "I'm glad you said no."
"What?"
"If you had agreed that first night, that would have been the end of it. We wouldn't be here now."
She traced a finger over his lips.
"I love you, Clark."
He sighed and closed his eyes. "Say it again."
"I love you." She smiled.
"I love you, too."
Gwen snuggled against his side and draped her arm over his waist.
"I'm exhausted."
He ran his fingers through her hair.
"Sleep."
"I don't want to sleep. I just want to lie here."
"I'm ok with that."
"I like your bed."
"Yeah?"
"It smells like you." She nuzzled against his chest. "It's like I'm surrounded by you."
Clark groaned. "Do you know how happy I am to hear you say things like that? I've wanted you for so damn long."
"You have me."
"Completely?"
She traced a finger down the middle of his chest.
"Completely."
—
Clark's phone woke Gwen, and she groaned.
"Go back to sleep, sweetheart."
Clark slipped out of bed and into the bathroom. Gwen heard his voice, but couldn't make out what he was saying. She glanced at the darkness outside the window and rolled over onto her side.
She was almost asleep again when Clark spooned up behind her.
"Who was that?"
"Business."
"What time is it?"
"A little after two."
"And that was business?"
"Just Perry giving me some information."
"So, you're still off tomorrow?"
"Absolutely."
"Good."
She tugged his arm around her so that he was pressed up close against her.
"And I told him we'll be out of the country next week."
She turned to face him.
"Are we really going to Australia?"
"Didn't I say we were?"
Gwen smiled. "You're amazing."
She buried a hand in his hair and pressed her lips to his. Clark wrapped his arms around her and rolled onto his back, and pulled the covers up around her shoulders.
"This is nice and warm," he whispered.
"I could stay here forever."
"I'll hold you to that."
She kissed his chin. "Nothing to hold me to. I'm here willingly."
Clark closed his eyes and sighed, then he brushed his thumb across her cheek.
"I know I gave you a lot of reasons to call off our deal. When we first started, I thought you'd be gone before the end of the month. But you stuck around."
"We had a deal."
"And now?"
"Now, what?"
"Is any of this still just the deal for you?"
Gwen leaned up and kissed Clark's forehead. She lightly brushed her lips over his eyes, and down to his lips.
"If I remember correctly, part of the deal was that there would be no intimate touching."
"You remember correctly."
She stared into his eyes, then kissed his neck as her hand caressed his hip.
"Then what do you think? Is this still just the deal?"
Clark rolled her onto her back and smiled.
"Let's see how much we can break that part of the deal before the sun comes up."