(3 Book Romance Bundle) "The Cowboy's Love" & "Sex with the Billionaire" & "Loving the White Billionaire"
Page 21
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He had meant what he said. He'd ordered almost an entire wardrobe of clothes, and any argument I gave that suggested I didn't need so much just for two days was quickly dismissed. That night, we shared a dinner, during which we talked about all kinds of things...expect anything personal. It wasn't a conscious decision on my part to steer from those areas, but I was glad it worked out that way.
By the time the following morning rolled around, I was amazed at just how comfortable I felt in his company. It was as if I had known him forever. His younger friend, who I eventually found out was named Tom, headed back to his own place in Monte Carlo the night they'd pulled me from the water, which left me completely alone with Gethin. Well, alright, alone with him and his small crew of ten.
My days were spent lounging on his sun deck, trying to disguise my interest in his diving technique and my even greater interest when he climbed back on board with swimming shorts that clung to his generous form. I was well aware that I shouldn't have been looking, but I couldn't tear my eyes away – he was impressive to say the least.
We fell into friendly banter; a relaxed easiness on the surface which had, for me at least, a frisson of something else bubbling beneath the surface. And when the two days had passed frustratingly quickly, and we were spending our last evening together, I found myself ridiculously melancholy. Although I wouldn’t have been able to admit it at that time, I was going to miss Gethin. I was going to miss him much more than I missed Carl.
Over a casual dinner in the main living space, Gethin seemed equally quiet and introverted. When he did speak, it wasn't with the usual cheerfulness that I'd become accustomed to. Instead, he began opening up about himself: he told me that he'd been married, and was recently divorced.
"To be honest," he said, "I'm a bit of a screw-up all round."
Not recognizing the self-critical man before me as the one I thought I'd come to know, I shook my head. "I'm sure that's not true."
"Well, I made a mess of my marriage," he sighed. "And my dad was the successful one where business is concerned. I don't run anything, I just let it all run itself. But there is one thing I got right," he added, smiling as he stood up from the couch and moved to the large glass doors. Thoughtfully, he gazed out into the dark. "My daughter," he breathed. "She's probably the best thing that ever happened to me."
Unable to prevent myself from smiling at the affectionate way he spoke about his girl, I got up and wandered to the window. "Nothing quite like being a parent, huh?" I softly uttered, settling by his side our arms brushing against each other.
"You got kids?" he asked, with a soft smile.
"Two boys," I replied, nodding as I found myself running the palm of one hand reassuringly over his broad shoulder blades. It seemed natural, we'd been unconcerned with personal boundaries ever since he pulled me onto the boat.
I realized that was the point in the conversation at which I should have said, 'And, by the way, I'm married. Separated, but still married.' However, I avoided it. I can't say exactly why. I guess, it wasn't something I was ready to discuss. But I should have done. I should have been as open with him as he had been with me.
"You know," he said, turning to face me. "I've really enjoyed these last few days."
"Me too," I responded without hesitation.
"I'm glad you agreed to let me bring you to Bastia," he continued, his right hand lifting to my cheek and the backs of his fingers brushing almost imperceptible across my skin.
My heart skipping a beat, I tried to smile at him. "I'm glad you offered," I whispered. "Thank you."
"No," he responded, shaking his head. "Thank you." His eyes were focused intently on mine, almost oppressively. I was held captive by them. And then, his face began to move. It was a slow glide forward, I had plenty of time to pull away if I'd wanted to.
But I didn't want to.
My eyelids fluttered closed as his sweet lips gently met mine, and my entire being called silently for him.