Together but Separate

Chapter 30: New Discoveries

Kate R. Ferragni

The moment Nicko and I entered my room and closed the door, we both fell silent. I stood in the middle of my room, frozen in my spot. Nicko was standing few steps behind me near the door.

There were so many thoughts came into my head. I thought about where Nicko should sleep if I had no couch in my room - just a bed. I thought about how awkward it might be for both of us to sleep next to each other in the same bed. I thought about what could go wrong. And many more things.

I took a deep breath. I should not worry or something. We are both married anyways. There's nothing wrong with sharing the same bed, right? But why do I feel so uneasy?

"Kate?"

I closed my eyes and answered, "Y-yes?"

"I can sleep on the floor, you know . . . or I can sleep in one of your guest rooms." I heard his footsteps coming near me. "I love you and as much as I want to be with you, I don't want you to be uncomfortable, especially in your own bedroom." Then I felt his hand on one of my shoulders.

The warmth in Nicko's hand in my shoulder made me feel easy. I turned to face him. He looked at me intently. His eyes were full of concern and worry.

"Just tell me what you want, and I am willing to grant whatever you wish."

Guilt was flooding inside of me. Nicko didn't deserve to be treated this way. He was a nice man and willing to sacrifice his comfort for me.

"I'm sorry for acting this way, Nick. You are my husband, and it is unfair for you to sleep on the floor in your own wife's bedroom. I slept on your bed at the mansion, and you were okay with it. I remember you told me before that you wanted us to start living like a married couple. And I think this is the perfect opportunity to practice that." I smiled at him. "I don't mind you sleeping next to me unless you do?"

He shook his head three times. "Never will I mind sleeping next to you, Kate."

Nicko smiled at me after I nodded my head. He caressed my face with his hand and said, "I promise you that I won't do anything against your will."

Even without him saying that, I knew he wouldn't. Nicko was a gentleman. I did not remember a single thing he did that was against my will.

When Nicko let go of me, he asked me to use the bathroom first. It took me less than thirty minutes to get done. Nicko was the same. He did not take too long in the bathroom. But I made sure that I had our bed ready before he came out.

He was drying his hair with a towel as he was walking towards me. I was standing next to the bed. Nicko looked so handsome in his wet hair, white shirt and black pajama pants. His well toned body made him look extra handsome and appealing. How could he maintain such body? I wondered if he had time to exercise if he was always busy?

"Kate? Are you okay?"

I blinked my eyes. Hindi ko alam na natulala na pala ako dahil sa mga iniisip tungkol sa kanya.

"I-I'm okay." Napalunok ako saka iniba ang usapan. "Which side of the bed do you prefer to sleep?" tanong ko.

This was the first time that we would share the same bed and as a wife, I should be considerate of my husband's preferences.

"Which side do you like?" he asked me instead. I preferred the left side of the bed, but I wouldn't give that away until he chose his side. Knowing Nicko, he would want to accomplish me first.

"I can sleep either side. I want you to choose, Nick."

He looked at me like he wanted me to choose a side first, but I gave him a look that I wanted him to choose first. I assumed he gave up convincing me, so he answered, "I'll sleep on the right side."