Chapter Three
WYND'S OFFER TO HELP me clean myself has me running to the en-suite with fiery cheeks. I know we've already crossed more than a few lines with what just happened. But I also believe there's no reason why we can't start from scratch if we want to.
Or have to, in this case.
So listen up, self!
I shoot a warning look at my reflection in the mirror.
You're attracted to Wynd Sullivan.
That's undeniable at this point.
You've already prayed for God to lead the way from here on.
I truly did.
So stop worrying, and just see where things go from here.
I feel a lot better by the time I step out of the en-suite, and a helpless smile touches my lips when I see him pulling out a chair for me...at one end of the table.
He helps me to my seat before going to the other end, but his already-icy gaze also turns icier when he sees my smile widen.
"Would you care to share the joke?"
"I'm just happy, I suppose."
"About what?"
"How I'm starting to understand how really good you are at calculating stuff."
"Is that so?"
"I'm seated here," I point out, "while you're seated over there. You couldn't be any clearer than that. It's you versus me."
"Isn't it?"
"We both want what's best for Sammy."
"Samuel."
I pretend not to hear this, continuing cheerfully, "That makes us a team in my book, and..." I pull the folded piece of paper from my purse. "That's what my conditions are all about."
I can sense his wariness increasing as I stand and walk toward him.
Yup, that's right, Mr. Sullivan.
"Please turn this way."
I am totally...
He swivels his chair to face me.
...incalculable.
And I promptly drop myself onto his lap.
He stiffens beneath me, but I ignore this and instead wriggle to make myself comfortable on his muscular thighs—
"Stop that."
I'm about to protest when I feel his throbbing length pressing against me through his expensive trousers.
Oh .
I've awakened the beast.
Found a banana in his pocke t.
Stop, Star!
"I'm sorry," I say lamely instead.
"Just stop moving," he advises, "if you don't want to lose your virginity in the next thirty minutes."
I nod right away.
I don't want that, of course.
Absolutely not.
Right?
Oh, Star, get a grip!
I'm about to clear my throat when he suddenly snatches the paper from my hand, and I cry out in shocked protest.
"No!"
I try turning around to take it back, but a large hand clamps down on my waist as soon as I do, a wordless command issued in its warning squeeze.
"A marriage simulation trial," Wynd drawls from behind me as he reads my carefully handwritten list, "to determine the suitability of both parties as prospective parents."
"Um..."
I try facing him again, and this time he lets me.
"About that..."
"If I'm reading this correctly, are you saying you want us to live together to see how we do as parents—"
Oh, good, he gets it!
"And at the same time test our sexual compatibility while we're at it—"
Or not.
"Correct?"
Uh...no?
Totally not correct?
But I'm unable to say this, having ended up choking at his words.
I mean...no such thing was ever written on my list, so where did that even come from?
I take a deep breath, intending to remind him that Hope Rises would only allow us contact with Samuel if we pass the preliminary round. That's all the simulation is for. To improve our chances of having our application approved.
But when I look up and find myself drowning in the icy depths of his gaze, what I hear myself say instead is—
"Yes, that's absolutely correct."
I think I've just lost my mind.
"But on one condition—"
Yup, I've definitely gone mad.
"And that's for you to promise you'll only take my virginity on our wedding night."
TEN HOURS LATER, AND my mind is still reeling at how quickly everything moves when money is thrown around to smooth things out.
In the blink of an eye, my entire apartment has been packed and moved into his massive ranch just outside San Antonio. Emphasis on massive, with all of my belongings fitting only two of the twelve guest suites he has available.
I mean, really.
Twelve?
Does he know that's enough to operate a B&B?
My heart is torn between uncertainty and wonder as I look around the converted barnhouse that serves as his home. Industrial steel beams stretch across soaring ceilings while Persian rugs laid over polished concrete floors swallow the sound of my footsteps. Everything about this place is beyond luxurious, and when I think about how this could indeed be my home and Sammy's for the rest of our lives...
I feel like I'm where I belong, God.
But what I don't know is if things are happening according to Your timing.
Is it possible that we're moving too fast?
His estate manager, a kind woman named Penny, gives me a tour of the main areas. The kitchen alone is bigger than my old apartment, with restaurant-grade appliances and a marble island that can seat ten. The living areas flow seamlessly together, all dark wood and rich leather, masculine but somehow inviting.
I push aside my worries for now, focusing on Penny's earnest chatter about meal times and household routines.
After she leaves, I'm finally alone in what is apparently now my suite. The bathroom is a masterpiece of white marble and brushed steel, with a rainfall shower that's practically the size of a small room.
I'm standing under the hot spray, trying to process everything that's happened today, when I hear the door to the en suite open.
Wynd.
He walks inside like it's entirely natural to do so, and he just keeps walking even though I'm completely naked.
Wynd doesn't even try to look away, and even worse is how I can't seem to find the will to cover myself as he devours me with his icy blue eyes. There's something almost reverent in the way he looks at me, like I'm a work of art he's been waiting his whole life to see.
He joins me in the shower still fully dressed, and it's the sexiest thing I've ever witnessed, watching his white dress shirt become wet and transparent until it's clinging to his golden, muscled chest.
Water drips from his wheat-colored hair as he reaches for me, spinning me around before pushing me gently against the cool glass tiles. I gasp at the contrast of temperatures, with the cold wall against my heated skin while warm water cascades over the both of us.
He slowly reaches between my legs, and I completely lose the ability to think as he starts pleasuring me with his fingers.
H-How...oh my goodness, how?
How is it that even the strokes of his fingers as he brings me toward climax are also elegantly prec—
"Aaaah!"
Wynd's found that hidden nub of flesh, and I can only cry out, caught completely unaware by the overwhelming strength of my release. My legs nearly give out, with only his strong arm around my waist keeping me upright.
Afterward, he carefully turns me around to face him, and all I can do is shake my head, saying unsteadily, "No."
His gaze narrows. "No what?"
I look at him solemnly. "No, I will not let you seduce me into canceling tonight's arrangement."
For a moment or two, there's just silence.
Complete, terrifying silence.
But just when I'm about to seriously consider that we're already over before we've even begun...
Oh, wow, God.
Is this Your doing?
Has my future husband just learned how to...smile?