Chapter 12

The Next Morning

Amanda started stirring but was consciously trying not to disturb Lee. She kept her eyes closed and listened for any movements from the other occupant of the bed. There was no movement, no sounds other than the peaceful, soft breathing. Lee must not be awake yet. I wonder what time it is. Amanda thought. Amanda opened her eyes and quickly found out that she was not the first one awake. There before her were two of the most gorgeous eyes she had ever seen, watching her. They both smiled; Lee was the first to speak.

"Good Morning, Beautiful. How did you sleep?"

"Good Morning. I slept like a baby. I don't think I moved once. And you?"

"It was the best night's sleep I have had in a long time. It must have been the company."

"How long have you been awake, Lee?"

"Oh, maybe thirty minutes. I'm not for sure. The view was too fabulous to worry about time."

Amanda blushed. "Thank you, Lee. What time is it?"

Lee rolled over so he could see the clock on the nightstand. When he rolled back over, he was closer to Amanda than before, and the sheets fell further down his chest. Amanda couldn't help but look at the very chiseled chest staring back at her. "You're welcome, and the clock says 9:13."

Amanda sat up with a start. "Oh my gosh. I can't believe we slept that long. Are you getting hungry?" Lee puckered his lips and gave Amanda a questioning look. "Never mind, you don't need to answer that."

"I would make you something, but we really didn't pick up any breakfast food. Do you want to get ready and go grab something?"

Leaning back on her elbow, Amanda couldn't stop herself; she placed her hand on Lee's chest and absently rubbed her thumb back and forth. "That sounds like a great idea. Do you have any ideas on what we will be doing today? That way, I know how to dress."

Lee took a moment to answer due to the fact that his body was responding to Amanda's touch. He stumbled through his response. "Um, I was, um, thinking maybe we would hit the Eiffel Tower today. Depending on how busy it is, it may take a few hours to get through it all. Then we can just walk around. I would wear something comfortable, as well as shoes that are good for a lot of walking. If we get tired, we can always take a cab back."

"That's a great idea. Casual it is." Amanda was still stroking his chest. "Do you want to jump in the shower first?"

"Oh, no. You go first. I'm just going to stay in this nice warm bed for a while." Plus, I need to get my body under control before I get out of this bed. I wonder if she realizes what her touch does to me.

"Okay, if you say so." Amanda rolled over, sat on the edge of the bed, grabbed her robe from the headboard, and stood to put it on. She looked over at Lee, still in the same position, and walked towards the bathroom. When Lee couldn't see her face, she smiled deviously. Let's see how long you can hold out. If I keep this up, it won't be long.

Lee laid in bed for about another ten minutes, but it was not helping. All he could do was think about how it felt having Amanda touch him. He decided that he would try to get up. Maybe moving would help. He carefully got out of bed and walked to the dresser to get out his clothes for the day. A pair of jeans, a polo shirt, and his tennis shoes. When he heard the water shut off in the bathroom, he quickly grabbed his robe and put it on. Less for Amanda to touch.

Amanda came out of the bathroom, freshly showered, and still in her bathrobe. She walked by Lee and ran her hand over his shoulders. "The bathroom is all yours."

Lee didn't waste any time. He grabbed his clothes and practically ran into the bathroom. "Thanks."

Amanda just shook her head and finished getting ready.

Fifteen minutes later, Lee came out of the bathroom and looked for Amanda. Not finding her in the bedroom, he walked out to the living room to see her in what appeared to be her favorite spot. He approached Amanda on the balcony and wrapped his arms around her from behind. Amanda sank into his chest, enjoying the closeness. "Are you ready to go?"

"No," Amanda firmly responded. Lee looked at her with curiosity. "I'm quite comfortable right where I am." They both laughed.

"Come on, Amanda, we need to get moving if we are going to be back in time for dinner," Lee declared.

"Where are we going for dinner?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you. I ran into Billy and Jeannie yesterday when I was looking for you, and we have a dinner reservation with them to discuss the conference at 6:30." Amanda turned to face Lee and wrapped her arms around him.

"Well, then I guess we better get a move on it. The Eiffel Tower awaits no one."