“I want to spend time alone with you tonight, if that is something you want too.”
His reply came almost immediately.
“Yes. I would like that.”
The speed of his response made her pause, but when she hesitated, he added another message.
“Only if you are certain. We do not have to do anything you are not ready for.”
That reassurance was what tipped her decision into action. She chose the hotel herself. She chose the room. She chose to knock.
When the door opened, Robert stepped aside without touching her, his expression calm, observant, respectful. Inside, the room was softly lit, the city skyline stretching beyond the window like a distant promise. Kiera sat on the chair near the table, her posture rigid, her heartbeat loud enough that she wondered if he could hear it.
He spoke gently. “You look nervous. Do you want to talk first.”
She nodded, swallowing hard. The words trembled when they finally came.
“I need to tell you something,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I have never been with anyone before. I have never had a relationship. I do not know what I am doing, and I am afraid that I will disappoint you.”