13. Chapter 13
Giselle
T he sun has dipped below the horizon, leaving the vineyard awash with the soft glow of twilight as Loys and I pack up the picnic. As we head back to my cottage, hand in hand, my heart beats a little faster, and it hits me.
Oh no , I’m falling in love.
How did this happen? We were supposed to be friends—he lives in Europe and my life is here for now. It was supposed to just be a fun fling, if anything. But now… now I want more.
It’s only been three days since we met, but somehow I feel like I’ve known him my whole life. And he makes me feel things I’ve never felt before with someone. It’s beyond chemistry. It’s both safe and comfortable, but also intense and magical. When he kisses me it’s like there’s a glitch in the universe and all of the reasons why we shouldn’t be together disappear. Nothing has ever felt so right.
And maybe it’s not as impossible as it seems to be together. He said himself that he’d be interested in moving here if the deal goes through. His boss seems like he’ll need some convincing, but at least there’s hope. I thought my heart might burst when he told me how he felt about me this evening. I’ve never had a man be so clear with his feelings and intentions. I guess I’ve never dated a real man before.
As we approach the cottage, Loys winces slightly, reaching a hand to his lower back.
“Are you okay?” I ask, concern evident in my voice.
He straightens, trying to mask the discomfort. “Just a bit of a sore back. It’s nothing.”
I stop and turn to him, frowning. “Has it been bothering you for long?”
He shrugs, giving me a reassuring smile. “It’s probably just the bed. I’m not exactly made for small spaces.”
I laugh, glancing at his tall frame. “No, I suppose not. How tall are you exactly?”
“Six foot five,” he replies, his smile widening.
I shake my head in amusement. “No wonder you’re uncomfortable. The futon is way too small for you. I’m sorry I didn’t think about that.” An idea forms in my mind, and I hesitate for a moment before speaking. “You know, my bed is much bigger. You could… um, share it with me tonight, if you want. I mean, just so you can get a decent rest.”
His eyes widen slightly, and I can see the conflict in them. “Are you sure? I don’t want to intrude.”
I nod, trying to sound casual. “Of course. It’s no trouble at all. I just want you to be comfortable.”
He hesitates for a moment longer before nodding. “Thank you. I’ll gladly take you up on that.”
We continue to the cottage, my heart racing at the thought of sharing a bed with Loys. My stomach is fluttering just thinking about it. It’s been awhile since I’ve slept next to someone, especially someone that I’m this attracted to.
Once inside, I light a few candles, their warm glow filling the cozy space. “Make yourself comfortable,” I say, gesturing to the small living area. “Would you like some tea or water or something?”
“I’ll have whatever you’re having.”
“Tea it is. Chamomile okay?”
“Perfect,” he says with his gorgeous smile.
I busy myself in the kitchen, preparing tea and trying to calm my racing thoughts. This evening has been magical, and the connection between us is undeniable. But now that I realize I’m head over heels for him, my stomach is full of butterflies.
When the tea is ready, I bring the cups over and sit beside him on the couch. We sip in comfortable silence for a while, the warmth of the tea soothing my nerves.
After we finish, I set the cups aside and glance at Loys. “Ready for bed?”
He nods, standing up and stretching his back. “Sounds good. I’ll go change and meet you in your room.”
I hurry to quickly change into my pjs, which consist of fleece shorts and a long sleeve tee. I contemplate putting on something more sexy, but I don’t want him to think I’m expecting anything. Once changed, I go into the bathroom to brush my teeth and do my nightly skincare routine. I don’t wear much makeup as it is, so I’m not too worried about Loys seeing me with a completely bare face.
Heading back to my room, I find Loys already there, laying in my bed with no shirt on. My thighs instantly clench. He’s propped up against the headboard and pillows, his arms raised with fingers laced behind his neck, putting his upper body on display. I knew he was strong just from how he fills out his clothes, but seeing his muscles in all their glory is a sight to behold. I feel like I’m salivating. How am I going to survive sleeping next to this European lumberjack god?
I walk around to the other side of the bed, feeling his eyes track me as I pull back the covers and climb in. It’s large enough for us to have our own space, but the proximity is still intoxicating.
“Are you comfortable?” I ask, turning to face him.
He shifts onto his side, facing me, his eyes soft and warm. “Very. Thank you again, Giselle,” he says, tucking stray strands of hair that had fallen forward behind my ear.
We lie there in the semi-darkness staring into each other's eyes, the only sound the gentle rustle of leaves outside and the beat of my thumping heart. I can feel the heat radiating from his body, and it takes all my willpower not to climb on top of him.
I find myself inching closer to him, drawn by an invisible force. His hand brushes my shoulder and down my arm, and a shiver runs through me.
“Giselle,” he murmurs, his voice low and filled with emotion. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
I look into his eyes, sensing the weight of his words. “What is it?”
“I… I’m not…” He hesitates, then shakes his head. “I’m so grateful to be here with you.”
Before I can respond, he closes the distance between us, his lips capturing mine in a tender, lingering kiss. My heart swells, and I lose myself in the sensation, the world around us fading away.
When we finally pull apart, our foreheads rest against each other, and I can feel his breath on my skin. “I’m so glad you’re here too,” I whisper, my voice barely audible.
“May I touch you?” he asks, his eyes filled with longing.
“Please.” My body is on fire just from his kisses and I might combust if he doesn’t. He kisses me slowly and expertly with so much passion. I melt into him as he slowly runs his finger across my collarbone and then traces the outside of my breast. My nipples harden from the anticipation and when he runs his thumb over one of the peaks, we both moan into each other's mouth.
He starts kissing down my neck and then lifts up my shirt to expose my chest. “Fuck, you’re perfect. These are perfect,” he says as he leans over, kissing and sucking on each nipple. It feels like lightning shooting straight to my core every time he pulls them through his lips and teeth. I’m practically humping his thigh as he continues feasting on my breasts. “Are you going to come for me, sunshine?”
“I… I’m not sure,” I say, honestly, as I’ve never experienced an orgasm this way before, but I can feel myself winding up tight.
He brings his hand down along the curves of my waist and hips before hiking one of my legs over his. When he reaches his hand under my shorts and brings his thumb to my clit, I jolt as pleasure shoots through me. He rubs in firm circles that have me moaning his name. And when he gently bites and pulls one of my nipples, I go off, writhing against him.
Loys kisses his way back up my neck, whispering how beautiful I am into my ear. He places a delicate kiss on my forehead as I come down from the high. I feel my cheeks blush slightly when I look up at his satisfied grin.
“Thank you for giving me that. You are exquisite, Giselle.”
“Thank me? Thank you… That was so good. Can I return the favor?”
“Tonight was about you. And it’s late. Let’s go to bed, sweetheart.”
“Okay. Goodnight, Loys.”
“Night, beautiful.”
We lie there, wrapped in each other’s arms. The connection between us is undeniable, and as I drift off to sleep, I can’t help but wonder how I got so lucky to meet him.