“Wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you, now would it, darlin’?” He pushed his empty plate away, placed a twenty on the table and stood up.
She stood also. “You left too much.”
“Not nearly enough. You all work so hard.” He took hold of her hand, and leaned in to whisper, “Speaking of which.”
Brittany gave him a little push. “Away with you. I’ll see you later.”
“I’m counting on it.” Whistling, he headed for the door. Unable to stop himself, he glanced back. She was watching him.
He tilted his head, and felt like the luckiest son-of-a-bitch alive. A winning lotto ticket couldn’t feel nearly this good.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Brittany put on one of her cocktail dresses for her dinner date. The peach color complimented her tanned skin. The material was light and silky, with a plunging V neckline, and floated over her hips. She loved the way it swayed when she moved; it made her feel pretty—and sexy.
Of course it was way too much for a steak dinner in one of their efficiency cottages, but hey! When would she have a chance to wear it around here? And Ashley Chase was proving to be a very interesting fellow. Charming. Handsome. Sophisticated. Great in bed and on the dance floor.
She knew he’d appreciate her dressing up for him, and would appreciate the surprise she had in store. Not a thing lay between her skin and the silk of her dress—and it made her feel naughty.
Brittany was glad her mom was still at happy hour—she’d have a lot of questions and it was much too soon to know any of the answers. Tonight was just a date. A second date, to be exact. It meant nothing in the larger scheme of things.
She grabbed a bottle of chilled champagne, and wearing a pair of ridiculously expensive gold sandals, headed off to Serenity.
The solid wood door was open and she hesitated, peeking in at Chase through the screen. The sleeves of his pink-striped shirt were rolled up, and he wore cream-colored linen dress shorts. His hair waved around his ears and she saw him run his hands through it, pushing it off his face. It had grown about an inch since he’d been here, and his skin was tanned. He looked better than ever. Delicious, in fact.
Brittany pushed the screen door open, waving the bottle of champagne. “Look what I brought! It’s Cristal. My favorite.” She plopped it on the table, and gave him a quick kiss. “You bought flowers. How lovely! Is that my surprise?”
“No, it’s not.” Chase put his hands on her hips and guided her into him. “You look amazing, and I’ve been waiting all day for a proper kiss.”
She lifted her head and looked at him. His mouth was only a few inches away. “I gave you one,” she said. “Just a second ago.”
“That wasn’t a kiss. It was a peck on the cheek.” He moved one of his hands to the back of her head, and slanted his face. “Now this is a kiss.”
His mouth came down hard and devoured hers. She clung to him, unable to get away even if she’d wanted to. Which she didn’t. She wanted to stay right where she was, her chest crushed against his, her mouth tasting him. She raised a hand and curved it around his neck, drowning in the pleasure of his kisses, giving everything she had.
He was the one to pull away. He wiped his mouth and stepped back, emerald gaze hot. “Any more of that, our dinner will be ruined. Would you like the champagne now or after we eat?”
“Both. We could have a glass now and finish the bottle later,” she suggested.
“Excellent idea.”
While he stripped the foil around the top of the bottle, she eyed the nicely prepared steaks, the mushrooms simmering on the stove, the enormous baked potatoes sitting next to the microwave.
“Can I make a salad, or do anything?”
“Nope. Salad’s made. Everything’s ready and waiting to be cooked. I bought a Foreman’s grill last week. It’ll only take ten to fifteen minutes.” He nodded at the wine glasses on the table. “Grab them. They will have to do.”
“Oh, I almost forgot. I have two chilled flutes in my handbag.”
He laughed. “Better take them out before they ruin your purse.”
“Got it!” She waved them under his nose. “I’m ready. Open that sucker.”
A huge pop sounded and the cork went flying across the room. They both started to laugh, and he expertly filled the glasses, not spilling a drop.
They toasted each other and sipped. “Delicious.” He twirled the flute between his fingers, and sipped again. “So where did you get this pricey wine at such short notice?”
“It was left over from Taylor’s wedding. A whole case.”
“They didn’t want it?”
“We divided it up. I found this hiding in the back of the fridge. Mom was probably keeping it for her own special day.”
“She wants to marry again?”
“Oh, yeah. No doubt she’ll beat me to the altar.” Feeling embarrassed by the admission, she tossed the champagne back, and licked her lips. “This is too good to keep for something that may never happen. Don’t you agree?”
“Champagne doesn’t need a reason. It’s just to be enjoyed.” He dropped a kiss on her neck and another on her bare shoulder. “Being with you two nights in a row is special enough, and definitely worth celebrating.”
“Oh, you do say the nicest things.” She ducked under his arm, away from the temptations of his warm body and kisses. “I’m starved, and your steaks look yummy.”
“You look yummy. But I agree, let’s get this meal underway. I’ll just fire up the grill and get the potatoes nuked.”
“I can at least put the potatoes in the microwave. I’m not just a pretty face, you know.”
His dimples flashed. “Good to know I can trust you with that. They’re all yours, baby.”
She checked to make sure they’d been cut to allow for the steam to escape and then cooked them for ten minutes, expecting that he’d want to sear them on the grill for the last two. At least that’s what Taylor would do. She also corked the champagne and poured the opened bottle of red wine into the balloon glasses on the table.
When dinner was ready, he lit a candle even though it wasn’t yet dark. A beautiful sunset had appeared and they could see it from where they sat facing the patio that led to the beach.
Nothing was more beautiful than a sunset in the Florida Keys, except maybe sharing it with a man who had dimples and intelligent green eyes.
Brittany cut into the steak, and looked up with a smile. “Medium rare. Perfect.” She tasted it. “Great seasoning. Doesn’t overpower the taste of the meat.”
“Your potatoes are perfect too,” he said with a twinkle in his eye. “Microwaved just right.”
“Told you so. I know a thing or two around the kitchen.”
“I know I’d like you spread-eagled in the kitchen.”
She sputtered her wine. After dabbing her mouth with her napkin she said, “Why, Mister Ashley is that any way to talk to a lady?”
He lifted her hand and raised it to his lips. “Pardon me, ma’am, but the words just flew out of my mouth. I meant to say spread-eagled in my bed. The kitchen is no place to do the things I want to do with you.”
Her cheeks heated. With excitement, more than embarrassment. “That right? And what might those things be?”
“Eat your dinner, my sweet lady, and you will find out.”
She cut into another piece of steak and chewed it, her eyes on his the entire time.
“I’m still dying to find out what my surprise will be.” She dipped her fork into her potato that was sweet with butter. “I have one too.”
“Are you going to tell me now? Or later?”
“I want you to think about this over dinner.” She fanned her face. “I can’t believe I’m blushing.”
“What is it?” He put his knife and fork down, giving her his full attention.
“Do you like my dress?”
“Very much.”
“You are going to like what’s under it, even more.” She squirmed in her seat, wishing she’d neve
r started this conversation.
“I’m sure I will. Lace, or satin?”
“Neither.” She laughed low. “There’s nothing underneath.”
Now, it was his turn to choke. He coughed into his fist. “Well, that is an interesting fact.” He dropped his gaze and she could feel the heat as his eyes roamed over her. “And I love my surprise. You want to know what yours is?”
“Yes.” She clasped his hands. “I hope it’s as good as mine.”
“Nothing could be better than that,” he replied. “But I had Juanita and Miguel prepare a table for us outside. We have candlelight, tiki torches and music, so tonight we can dance under the stars.”
Tears sprang to her eyes. Emotions swelled inside her. She’d never felt so cared for. So precious. She cleared her throat and swiped her tears away. A romantic night of dancing under the stars? “No one has ever done anything like that for me before.”
He got up from his seat and came around behind her, his hands on her shoulders. He bent and kissed her neck, then turned her face and captured her mouth. He gave her a long, tender kiss that sent chills up and down her spine and made her want to cry all over again.
“Well, they should. And it begins now.” He returned to his chair. “Let’s eat up, then go dancing, shall we?”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Chase decided as he looked at Brittany across the small table in the cottage that she was like a delicate flower that had never fully bloomed. She was glamorous and sexy, sophisticated and wild. Exotic, like the Birds of Paradise her cabin was named for.
But he could see beyond her surface beauty to the innocence, the insecurities, the fact that no matter how stunning she looked on the outside, inside she compared herself to a hothouse rose that didn’t measure up. Brittany exuded confidence and daring, but she was as uncertain about herself as she was about her place in the world.
She lowered her gaze and finished her meal. Her hand trembled as it held the stem of her wine glass. “I don’t deserve all this. You treat me like I’m a really special person, but I’m not. There are things I’ve done. Things I shouldn’t have. I’m not proud of.”
“There isn’t anything you can tell me that will make me like you less.”
“Oh, yes there is.” She tossed her napkin down, and dared him with her eyes.
He could see she was determined to acknowledge her sins, and lay herself bare. Perhaps she hoped to crack the mirror and expose herself, not realizing that he already knew everything he needed to know. “Sex, drugs or rock ’n’ roll?”
“Drugs.” Her chin lifted, and her head snapped back. She tapped her fingers on the table.
He’d been over every inch of her body and saw no signs of abuse. Probably not heroin, or crack. Even her teeth were gorgeous. “So did I. In college.” Weed, pills. “Didn’t like it much.”
“Well, I did.” She lowered her voice, but still spoke with defiance. “Jose gave me coke, which I thought was great. All the girls were into it.” She wasn’t going to tell him that she did it to win favor by him, not for the high.
“I am not going to judge you. You wanted to be like all the other girls?” He sensed there was more to the story.
“No, I wanted to be better than all the other girls. So I ignored my instincts and pretended to like it, and in some ways I did. I could dance faster, stay up later. Be thin. I’m not the sweet innocent thing you take me for.”
“Are you still using drugs?” Chase doubted it, but better to ask.
“No.” Her shoulders stayed hitched high. “Not for the past year.”
“Why not?”
“Because I saw one of the dancers die.” She shivered and rubbed her arms. “She died after one of the shows. Just collapsed in the dressing room, and there was a syringe and heroin found on her body. It was disgusting. Horrible.” Her eyes shimmered in the candlelight. “I thought she was just another cokehead. I knew it was wrong, but I figured that if I were smart, careful, I could do it, get away with it, and it wouldn’t ruin me. After seeing what it did to Eve, I didn’t touch it again. I couldn’t end up like her.”
Chase folded her hands between his, and then kissed them softly. Her story disturbed him, but didn’t shock him in the least. It was a scene he knew well enough. “Brittany, I have heard your story, and I’m sorry for your pain, but it doesn’t make me like you less, only more.”
“You are so hopeless!” Brittany pulled her hands free. “You should think I’m despicable.”
“Well, I don’t. I think you’re adorable.” He moved swiftly around the table and pulled her up and into his arms. “We are going to dance and drink, and make love all night. And I will show you exactly how adorable you are.”
“Oh, Chase. Why do you like me?” She put her hands around his neck, and buried her face in the curve of his neck.
“I know the goodness inside of you, even if you don’t.” He took her hand. “Go wash your face and dry your tears. Then we’ll grab the champagne and make beautiful music together.”
She sniffed, and hung her head. “You’re impossible. But you just might be the best thing for me.”
When she returned, her face was washed clean, and she wore a big smile. “No make-up. No panties. Just Brittany without pretense.”
“I’ll take that girl anytime.” He had the champagne, glasses, and a dozen frozen chocolate strawberries wrapped in a picnic basket.
She took his arm and they slipped out the back door and headed for the beach.
“Oh, my,” she sighed, squeezing his biceps.
The white-clothed table was set up between the palm trees, hibiscus flowers and a lit candle in the center. Waves lapped upon the shore, and a gentle breeze ruffled the palm fronds above their heads. Stars glittered in the beautiful night sky.
“This is the most romantic thing anyone had ever done for me. Thank you.”
“You are very welcome.” Writing a play was about creating a setting to showcase the main character, and this suited Brittany perfectly. Magical.
She raised her arms to encompass it all. “It looks amazing. Best surprise ever! Way better than mine!”
“I knew you’d like it. And Miguel and Juanita did all the actual work. They were as excited as you are now.” He gently settled his hand on her lower back.
Pandora on his Bluetooth filled the air with the sweet sound of Andre Bocelli doing a duet with Sarah Brightman—A Time to Say Goodbye. Chase loved light opera, and knew that a woman as passionate as Brittany would also feel it in her bones.
“This music…so perfect.” She lifted his hand and kissed his knuckles, her eyes shining. “This is one of the most beautiful songs ever made, and two of my favorite musical artists.”
“One of my favorites too.” He turned it up, allowing the operatic voice to surround them, creating the mood he had hoped for.
She danced around the table, arms held wide, head thrown back, and when the song came to an end, she grabbed the champagne and waved it at him. “I want more! More music. More champagne. More of you!” Her eyes glittered in the starlight and he was happy that they’d had their talk—it was all in the past. It was the future he cared about now, which was unpredictable at best.
He filled the champagne flutes and they drank them down quickly. When she looked his way, her smile was brighter than the stars. “You have the best ideas ever! Please remember to thank Juanita and Miguel for me, if I don’t see them first.”
“They’re standing under the palm tree, right over there. They wanted to make sure everything was to my satisfaction before they left.” He waved at them and they waved back.
Brittany tossed kisses, and did a bow, then shouted her thanks.
After Juanita and Miguel left, he poured a little more champagne into their glasses. They both sipped, eyes locked on each other. Then Brittany put her flute down and moved into his arms.
Another song had begun and they swayed to the music. His hand was firm on her back, the other palm to palm with hers. He guided her with t
he pressure of his thigh against hers, and she melded into him as if they’d danced together forever.
“Just a second,” she said pushing out of his arms. “We need to take off our shoes.” She was already dangling hers, and tossed them in the direction of the table. “Give me yours.”
Leaning on her, he removed his loafers and chucked them next to hers. Thinking ahead, he’d gone without socks and now the sand felt good—soft and cool under his feet.
They were separated from the public beach by a low lying patch of mangrove bushes. Not that there was anyone around. It still wasn’t tourist season, and officially the hurricane season hadn’t ended. He could hear a few of the guests splashing around the pool, but unless they stood up and leaned over the railing they wouldn’t see the two of them, although the music might reach their ears.
They had the night to themselves. He was a patient man, and dancing and kissing Brit was enough for the next few hours. He wanted her well-primed when he guided her back to the room. A repeat of last night was a given, but he hoped to double her pleasure and more.
“Chase?”
“Yes?”
“Do you have any more surprises?”
“Like what?” Had he forgotten anything? There was another half bottle of red wine in the basket in case they ran out of champagne.
“I saw strawberries in your fridge. With chocolate. I love chocolate.”
He chuckled. “Then let’s have one. Or three or four. We have a dozen and they were frozen when we left. Hopefully they haven’t melted.”
She took his hand and pulled him over to the table, dipping into the picnic basket and pulling out the wine and the berries. She offered him a strawberry then ate hers in two bites.
“Pure yum. I love decadence, don’t you?”
He licked chocolate off his bottom lip. “If it involves you I do.”
“Good.” She clapped her hands. “You know, we can stay here all night if we want. Eating, drinking, dancing. And kissing.” She slid her hands around his waist and leaned in to kiss him. And didn’t stop.
Her breath was sweet and cool from the champagne and the chocolate, and he didn’t want to end it either. Her breasts were crushed against his chest, her hips moved against him and he felt lost, like a man who’d taken a step too far on a narrow cliff. Skydiving in flight without a parachute. That’s how Brittany made him feel.
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