“Because it’s not about getting you into bed. I know how to get you into bed. It’s because you’re important. What you want and need, who you are, matters to me.”
Her eyes well with unshed tears and she clutches my arm. “Thank you.”
“There’s no need to thank me, that’s how it’s supposed to be.”
“I know.” She relaxes, fractionally, and I think I’ve made a difference.
Over her head I see Jace waving to me. I squeeze her hand, steady and firm, over my beating heart. “They’re signaling us over, I think it’s time to snorkel.”
She nods. “Okay.”
We stand and she dashes into the sea, dunking herself under, I presume to wash the sand away and I watch her. Her hair streaming wet down her back, yellow bikini highlighting all that golden skin, and my chest squeezes.
I could love this girl someday. And I think she could love me back.
If she lets herself. If I can make her believe.
Nine
Ashley
After our talk on the beach, things had changed between Christopher and me. It was exciting and terrifying and real.
I want to grab hold and never let go.
That day, and the two days that followed, have gone down on my list of the best days of my life. I slipped into the group of Christopher’s friends like I’d been part of them forever and I loved it. Loved them. With them I was free. I laughed. Talked. Had fun.
But mainly, it was Christopher.
After our talk, we’d dropped the pretense of being just friends. He still hadn’t broken his promise, still hadn’t kissed me or seduced me into his bed, and I understood he wouldn’t, that the move was mine to make, and he’d wait as long as necessary for me to be ready. But he’d held my hand, stroked down my back, rubbed a finger over the curve of my shoulder, put his hand on my leg so I silently screamed for him to go further.
And as much as I wanted to give in, I’m enjoying the anticipation.
This morning when he’d been on his early break, he’d called me and asked if we could go to dinner just the two of us. I didn’t hesitate. As much as I loved his friends, I found myself wanting to be alone with Christopher.
In preparation for the night to come, I’d spent the day pampering myself. I kept true to my quest, which surprised me. I’d taken another yoga class, with the pretty instructor Xavier was sleeping with. I’d done a guided meditation, sat by the pool and read one of my books, before getting a massage, manicure and pedicure, and wax.
I’d gone into town and bought a dress, a slinky pale pink sundress that highlighted my new tan and clung to my curves, dipping low on my cleavage and leaving my back bare. It was a dress meant to seduce, and that’s what I wanted. Not because of some game, not to get Christopher’s attention, because I already had that, but I wanted to show him he was worth my effort.
Just as I smoothed the dress over my hips there was a knock at the door. I looked at myself in the mirror, liking what I saw. My hair was loose, curling gently over my shoulders, my makeup light, enhancing my sun-kissed glow. I looked pretty. Exactly how I wanted. And best of all, I’d lost the desperate glint in my eyes that had been dogging me for months.
I’d done that. Not, Christopher, me.
I smile. He was going to reap the benefits, but it was all me.
I walk over and open the door, the smile still on my lips.
The second our eyes meet, tension fills the small space between us, crackling on the air. A muscle in his fine jaw ticks as he skims the length of me, slowly and deliberately, making me shiver with desire.
He looks gorgeous. His butterscotch hair a bit disheveled, his melted-caramel eyes hot, his shoulders broad in a white button down, hips lean in a pair of tan linen pants. The outfit should make him look harmless and boring, but it did none of those things. Instead, the neutral colors highlighted the color of his skin, and masculine features.
I want to eat him up. Devour him.
“Hi.” My tone is a bit too breathless.
“Hi.” When his attention dips to my breast he pauses, and his eyes rake over me, making my nipples tighten to hard, points clearly visible under my dress. He cocks a brow.
I clear my throat. “Are you ready to go?”
I’m not sure if it’s because we know we’ll be alone all night, but electricity shimmers and sparks, distracting me. Making me want him.
“Yeah.” His voice is hoarse, growly and delicious.
“I just need my purse.” I turn and walk to the dresser to grab it before coming back to stand in front of him.
He continues to stare at me, almost like he’s never seen me before.
I shift on the balls of my feet. “Is everything okay?”
“You’re gorgeous.”
I flush with pleasure. “Thank you.”
“What am I going to do with you?”
I smile. “Um...take me to dinner?”
He tilts his head out into the hallway. “I will. But first you need to understand something.”