Chapter 25
TWENTY-FIVE
Ava
Standing here in the middle of the patio with people staring.
He doesn’t flinch, doesn’t move; he doesn’t care who’s around.
His blue eyes remain locked on me while his arms hold on to me tightly, like I might vanish if he lets go.
His care seeps into my body. I’m floating on cloud nine.
I finally decided, and now the chips will fall where they may.
Kai’s excitement spreads through me, a thrill running down my spine…
or is that because he has his hands all over my body?
The fortress I’ve spent years maintaining around my heart crumbles a little bit more every time we’re together, every time he sees me for me.
He brings me joy, comfort, and safety. I want to be the first person he tells when something amazing happens, the one he whispers secrets to across the sheets at midnight.
I imagine walking through his door after the worst day imaginable, his arms opening before I can even speak, and the scent of him envelopes me like a warm blanket.
“My sister is over the moon about it. She’s already talking about redecorating her guest room into my official room. I haven’t had the heart to tell her that I’ll be finding my own place soon. The commercial loan documents are with the bank.”
He steeples his fingers and says, “You’ve accomplished a lot since we saw each other a couple of days ago, and you didn’t even text me about all this good news.”
“Seeing your face was priceless and worth the wait.” I tap his cheek with my hand. “I loved your reaction. I wouldn’t have seen it if I just texted the news.”
“You’re right. And I wouldn’t have been able to hold you like I just did, and that’s priceless.” His lopsided smirk has my belly doing somersaults.
“You can’t steal my word…” I squint at him.
“I just did, sweetheart.” He waves at me, flapping his fingers against the palm of his hand.
“Have you thought about what you’re doing with the Pages they are always on me. It’s endearing, it feels right, and I hope it stays like this.
Our food is delivered to the table and placed in front of us. The conversation switches to Kai’s project. “I’m ready. The office will be finished by Friday, and I’ll be open as planned on Monday.”
“Already? It’s great news that you’re on schedule. Still need my decorating skills over the weekend?” I take a bite of my salmon and hum in appreciation of my taste buds dancing.
He swallows. “Yes, that would work. Don’t forget we have the bowling charity.”
We finish dinner and skip dessert. As we walk to the valet, his arms are slung around me, and I reciprocate with my head resting on his shoulder. His breath brushes my hair. “Shall I bring you home or…maybe you want to try my nighttime routine with me tonight?”
No pressure, just a suggestion. “It’s not too late, let’s head to your place.
” My mind flashes images of us at his house, the last time I was there.
Heat waves over me, dampening my panties when a close-up of him flits through my mind—no shirt in swim trunks that leave very little to the imagination.
Breaking into my thoughts, he says, “Okay…” He looks up at the sky and points. “We’ll have a nice show.”
My cheeks are hot. Here I am thinking about the bulge in his shorts, and he’s showing me his tender side, a star show.
He parks in his garage and guides me into the kitchen. God, I love it. My eyes glance around, admiring the craftsmanship and style.
“I’ll change in the upstairs bathroom. Did you want a t-shirt for the hot tub? I don’t have any bathing suits hanging around.” He runs his hand through his hair and down his neck.
I bite my bottom lip. The last thing I was thinking about was keeping any of my clothes on. “Yeah, that would be great.”
“Okay, I'll show you the bathroom down here and grab you one.” He entwines his fingers with mine and brings me down the hallway. Straight fire shoots up my arm and settles in my chest. “There are a couple of bathrobes in there, too. I’ll be right back.” He scurries off and back quickly with a t-shirt dangling from his hand.
After I take the shirt and move to enter the bathroom, he clears his throat.
I swing my head back at him, thinking he forgot something, but no, not something.
He tugs on my hair and slides his fingers all the way to the tip.
The cologne he wears is clinging to my hair and my skin.
I want it all. Whenever he rests his hands on my shoulders and pulls me in, his lips collide with mine, like a man who can’t keep his hands off of me.
Neither can I. My hands slide to his back, holding on for dear life.
It is quick; it is passionate, and it surely has my blood pumping.
“I couldn’t resist. I’ll see you in a few minutes.” We both turn, and I disappear behind the bathroom door, back against it. Breathing heavily, I hold my hand to my chest.
Is this a good idea?
A deep breath in and out, catching my breath…I push myself off the door, undress, and decide not to wear the t-shirt. I stare at the robe hanging from the hook, debating. Snagging it, I put it on and tie it closed around my waist. As I smooth it down, I stand tall and walk out the door.
He must still be upstairs. I end up not waiting for him and hurry to the hot tub. Finding it empty has me reconsidering.
Oh shit, maybe this is a bad idea?
When I walk back toward the bathroom, it’s too late. There, Kai stands in all of his muscular glory, no shirt, and those damn swim trucks. My eyes meet his, like a deer in headlights, caught. The smirk as his eyes drop to my naked legs has me squeezing my thighs together.
“You going somewhere, sweetheart?” His raspy voice has my entire body tingling…in all the places.
Stumbling over my words, “No, not at all.”
“Come on, let's hop in.” His large hand splayed on my back, the heat seeping through the thin robe. The walk to the hot tub has my adrenaline kicking up.
Now or never, Ava.
With Kai behind me, I fling my hair over my shoulders, untie the robe, and let it slide down my back and off my arms. Stark naked. Slowly, I turn around to be face-to-face with him. I don’t know why my palms are sweating, oh yeah, because I’m naked in front of a guy who gave me a t-shirt.
The minute our eyes lock, he steps close to me, inches away. My nipples pebble from the air, but more from seeing him staring at me with half-hooded eyes. His pupils take over those beautiful crystal blues. When he drags his fingers along my arms, I’m melting into a puddle, humming.
“You’re gorgeous.” Once his hands reach my shoulders, he pulls me into him, embracing me.
I suck in air as my breasts press against his bare chest. He hums back at me, and the rumbling in his chest has my entire body trembling.
My head rests on his chest when he holds me tighter, kissing the top of my head.
My body reacts to him as if it's second nature. When he pulls away, I glance up at him. “Come on, let's enjoy this hot tub, the stars, and each other.”
Gah, his words land like a soft blow—he’s the kind of gentleman they write novels about. It’s a breath of fresh air flowing through my lungs.
“Okay.” I can’t resist kissing and roaming my hands over his chest, that’s right here in front of my face. Because how could I not touch and kiss this beautiful masterpiece, with hard muscles sculpting his torso?
I break away from him and slowly step into the hot tub, maybe for a little extra show from behind as I bend over as I move further in. A guttural groan leaves his mouth, which only spurs me on.
When I sit down in the water, it feels like heaven—the warmth, the jets.
I knead my breasts while pinching my nipples, as I sink further into the water.
The way his tongue darts out has all of my attention until he unties his shorts, dips his thumbs into the waistband, and flings them down over his erection.
My head bounces up and down to the rhythm of it—thick, mouthwatering goodness.
Yes, that’s the only way I can explain his cock bobbing as he steps into the hot tub.
He surprises me with a show, shaking his cock in the air like he’s galloping.
I can’t help but giggle at the sight of him.
Just as fast as the show started, it ends with him slipping into the water and sitting next to me.
I lean into him. “You surprise me.”
He chuckles. “If anyone was surprised, it was me when you decided not to wear a t-shirt.” He stretches his arm around my shoulder.
“That dick show was impressive.” I run my fingers along his jaw.
“I guess we both went off script tonight. Although you being naked doesn’t seem far-fetched for your adventurous self.” He sweeps some hair off my shoulder and kisses my neck.
I push off of him to look eye to eye. “Let’s get one thing straight…Yes, I love adventures, but I don’t go around stripping for guys.”
His smile drops. “Oh no, Ava, that’s not what I meant, not at all. You seem to take way more risks than I do, that’s all.”
I relax my shoulders and sink back down next to him. “Okay, thanks for clarifying. And okay, Mr. I’m opening my own firm, but don’t take many risks.”
“Sweetheart, my risks are calculated…kind of like the risk I’m taking right now…with you. I’m hoping like hell I haven’t misread the signals you’ve been giving.”
I place her entire hand over my cheek and presses so our eyes meet. “You have not misread them.”
I just want him to kiss me. He holds me in place. “If you keep looking at me like that, I won’t be able to stop myself.” His eyes never drift from mine. When we finally drag our gazes, I snuggle up to him. He welcomes the closeness. As we stare up at the stars that scatter the sky, I start humming.