Chapter 17 #2
Only then do I realize where we are. Somewhere in the middle of nowhere—far enough from any city that would light-pollute the night sky.
Above us, thousands, no, millions... actually, billions of stars glitter.
My mouth falls open as I marvel at the Milky Way and the constellations shine sharp and clear. Venus. The North Star. All visible.
Alexander lies back on the hood, turning a small USB stick in his fingers before slipping it into his pocket. He really has that thing with him all the time, like some kind of talisman. Then he folds his hands behind his head and stares upward, surely enjoying the view as much as I do.
“This is gorgeous,” I whisper enthusiastically, lying down beside him. The hood radiates warmth beneath me, while the night is cool and fresh. It’s a perfect combination, with a priceless, magnificent view.
I sense Alexander watching me before he finally says, “True.”
I turn my face toward him and smile. “This is the most beautiful thing anyone’s ever done for me.”
“Really?”
“Yes. No diamond ring in the world, no luxury car or anything else could top this.”
“Sounds like you’re hinting for a lavish Christmas gift from your boss,” he teases with a wide smile.
“As long as you show me the stars, my world’s perfect.” I turn my gaze back to the night sky. My heart has calmed in his presence, and I relax, infinitely comfortable. I have to admit: that’s another point for him. "Do you do this for all your employees?"
“Yes, I’ll be very busy for the next few months,” he deadpans, and we both burst out laughing.
“And here I thought I was something special,” I say nervously, glancing at him.
Alexander just smiles.
“Do you really think that—or do you know it?” he finally asks.
“I know I’m something special, yes.” My eyes linger on his lips. My pulse kicks up. “May I be honest with you?” Now or never. He drove me here, under this sky, and this glowing moon. There won’t be a better moment.
“Of course. As long as it has nothing to do with the church.”
“No.” That again. I can’t help but laugh softly and lean a little closer. “Well, maybe just a tiny bit—since that’s where we first met.”
I brace myself on one arm and lean over him. His lips curve into a gentle smile as he watches me. His lips form a gentle smile and then—my courage deserts me.
He’s my boss, damn it. I can’t. I flop back down, eyes darting up at the stars instead. That’s safer. Safer than imagining what his kiss might feel like.
“Why didn’t you do it?” he asks quietly, propping himself up now. The question knocks the air out of me and I wonder if he knows I wanted to kiss him.
“What do you mean?” I try to deflect.
“Then I’ll do it.”
Before I can react, Alexander leans closer, smiling as his hand cups my cheek and carefully approaches my lips.
I take one last deep breath, while I lie there stiff as a board, holding my breath and closing my eyes, until our lips touch.
A surge of tingling shoots through me - it's much more intense and beautiful than I could have ever dreamed.
Alexander's warm lips lock against mine, while he simultaneously caresses my cheek with his hand.
Whether it's the alcohol or his skills, I'm not quite sure, but I don't want to think about it anymore because it feels fantastic.
Oh, if only time would stop!
I never want to do anything else but lie here and be kissed. In this moment, I don't care about anything. Absolutely anything. Like the fact that he's my boss. I'll worry about that later. Away with the concerns. Bring on the hot butterflies in my stomach and pure desire.
“I’ve wanted to do that the whole time,” he murmurs against my lips, smiling.
I just stare at him in disbelief.
The whole time? So, I wasn’t imagining it? The looks, the subtle tension, even that scene of him undressing in front of me… all real.
“And now you just stop?” I ask dumbfounded. My hands slide up to his cheeks and I tug him back down to me. Greedy kisses on a car hood under London's magnificent starry sky - excuse me? Could it get any more romantic? I don't think so.
I loop my arms around his neck, fingers threading into his hair, one leg shifting so he can lie over me more easily. But what does he do? Nothing.
“How much have you actually had to drink, hmm?” he whispers against my lips.
“Just a tiny bit. Promise,” I lie.
“What if you don’t remember this tomorrow?”
“I’m perfectly lucid.”
“No, you’re not. I can still taste the alcohol.” He presses a tender kiss to my forehead. “But I’m glad for it. It gave you enough courage to kiss me. Made you loosen up a bit.”
“You too,” I murmur, stroking his face.
“I only had a few sips. You, apparently, had a whole bottle.”
“It was a very small one. Honestly.”
“Maybe in the world of giants,” he teases, then gets up and offers me his hand. “Come on. It’s not far to your place.”
“Are you inviting yourself over?” I ask boldly, slipping my hand into his.
“I’m just the driver, making sure the precious cargo gets safely to bed.”
To bed? That makes me giggle.
“You’re really cute when you’ve been drinking,” he adds, “but I like you better sober.”
I trail behind him, still holding his hand. When he opens the passenger door, I press it shut again with my palm.
“I think I want to lie down in the back seat,” I say, feigning tipsiness a little more. Another test for you, Mister Irresistible.
“That’s a really good idea.” He opens the back door. But as I go to climb in, I cling to him, tugging at his shirt.
“Have you ever had sex under the stars? Be honest.”
“Not yet,” he replies with a wicked smirk. “But it’s not going to happen tonight either.”
“You don’t want to?” I ask him with a hungry look.
“If you were sober, then yes. But not like this.” He chuckles softly and helps me into the car. Another point for him—but I’m still left wanting. Though… the night’s not over yet.
I lie down on the back seat, and he closes the door and gets back in the front. The gentle movements of the car feel wonderful, and unfortunately, the bit of alcohol in my blood makes me fall asleep again.
When I wake again, I’m in his arms.
“What?” I mumble, clinging to him in surprise. He's taken me out of the car, and I didn't notice at all. Since when do I sleep so deeply?
“Well, someone’s awake again,” he says with a grin. I blink and look around. Yes—this is my building’s parking lot.
“Yeah.” Lying in his arms, one arm tucked beneath my knees and the other supporting my back, sends tingles racing through me.
I’m close to him again—but now, under the bright artificial glow of the streetlamps, I can see him so much more clearly.
“You can put me down.” I should still be able to walk.
“I could make you some coffee to keep you awake for the drive back,” I offer as he gently sets me down.
“I won’t say no to coffee. But only if you also show me your stamp collection,” he demands.
“I actually have one,” I reply with feigned surprise, even though of course I don’t. Alex looks genuinely astonished as he grabs my bag and locks the car.
“Well then…”
I clutch my handbag, fish out the key, and thank heavens there’s an elevator in this building. We walk to it and ride up in silence, stealing only a few brief glances at each other.
I unlock my apartment door smoothly. If he thinks I’m not tipsy anymore, maybe he’ll stay. Nessa did say I should have fun. Once doesn’t count. Wait—did she really say that? I can’t remember, but it sounds like something she’d say. Or maybe it was just me.
“How lucky I cleaned yesterday,” I mutter as I let him in and switch on the light. Oof. That’s blinding.
“Where should I put the bag?” he asks. I take it from him.
“Make yourself at home. Bathroom’s across from the bedroom, and this is the living room.” I point in each direction. “I’ll take this to my bedroom first.” Alex nods, and I slip away quickly.
I hurry past the living room and bathroom into my bedroom, where I scoop up the pairs of underwear I’d tossed beside the bed instead of into the laundry basket. The bag lands neatly at the foot of the bed. A quick spray of room fragrance—and I head back out.
Alexander is standing in the kitchen, fiddling with the coffee maker. Okay. He really does want that drink.
“Would you like one too?” he asks, glancing over at me.
“You’re my guest. Sit down.”
More caffeine now? That’ll keep me awake all night. But maybe that’s not such a bad thing—depending on whether he plans to stay.
Instead of sitting, he leans casually against the counter, eyes locked on me. The way he watches only makes me more nervous. My hand slips, and I end up spilling a little coffee.