Chapter 121

Gretchen’s POV

Even though we'd had sex several times already, there was something different about this time. Other than holding hands, we didn't touch until we reached the bedroom, and even there, we just stood there staring at one another for a long moment. Finally, Christian started to unbutton his shirt, clearly broadcasting his intentions.

I took a deep breath and let my dress fall from my shoulders and into a shimmering puddle on the floor. Christian made a low sound, and I looked shyly up at him.

“I somehow managed to forget how truly breathtaking you are,” he said, coming forward to cup my cheek in his palm, tilting my face up toward his. He stroked his thumb over my cheekbone, and I could sense that there was something else that he wanted to say, but he was still holding himself back. For once, though, it didn't bother me, his inability to voice his emotions. It wasn't as though I didn't know what he was thinking anyway.

I climbed on the bed and lay