‘Great views,’ I said, attempting to focus on the pretty Californian coastline and not the fact that I overheard someone in another gondola excitedly shouting out the fact that we were over a hundred feet off the ground.
‘Would it be cheesy to say that I prefer the view in this carriage?’ The corner of Jake’s mouth tipped up.
‘Kind of,’ I laughed.
‘But what kind of cheese level we talkin’?Like mozzarella or full-on Stilton?’
‘Maybe something mild like Parmesan.’
‘Awesome.I love Parmesan.’ He grinned and took off his sunglasses.
‘Well, then, you’re good!’
‘If I’m being honest, I don’t care if I sound as corny as a crate of stinky blue cheese because the truth is, I’m becoming borderline obsessed with looking at you.It’s kinda worrying, but seeing you smile is my new favourite hobby.’ He brushed a loose strand of hair away from my face.‘Does it make you uncomfortable?If it does, tell me.’
I swallowed hard.
He was obsessed with looking at me?
Bloody hell. I had no idea.I mean, I’d caught him looking at me a few times and obviously there was the stuff that almost happened on the beach yesterday, but I didn’t think he liked me that much.
‘No, it doesn’t make me uncomfortable.’ I removed my sunglasses too.‘I’m flattered.And I’d feel bad to stand in the way of your new hobby, so if you’re obsessed with looking at me, maybe you shouldn’t stop…’
Our eyes locked and suddenly the Santa Monica views I’d been so interested in a few minutes ago faded into the distance.Right now, the only thing that I could think about was Jake.
His face inched closer.
‘Thanks for your understanding.’ He flashed a warm smile and champagne bubbles popped in my stomach.‘But what if I tell you that I’vealsobecome obsessed with wondering how your lips taste and how it’d feel to kiss you?What would your advice be then?’
Tingles erupted between my legs.And if my vagina could talk, right now it’d be chantingdo it, do it, dooo it!
I’d like to say that I ignored it and that my common sense took over, but what can I say?I must’ve left my logic back in my hotel room.
‘The only way to cure your obsession of wondering what it’d be like to kiss me would be to actually do it.That wayallyour questions would be answered.’
‘That sounds like excellent advice, Dr Halle.’ We both moved in closer.‘And when would you recommend that I do that?’
‘Now?We’re up here and everyone else on this ride is probably focused on the scenery rather than us, so there’s no time like the present, right?’
Before I had a chance to say anything else, Jake closed the gap between us and gently brushed his lips against mine.
My breath hitched.I couldn’t believe we were finally kissing.He’d barely touched me and I already felt like I’d been set on fire.
Jake kissed me softly, pulled away, then looked me in the eyes as if he was checking that I was sure I wanted him to continue.
To make sure he knew it was okay, I pressed my mouth on his.He reciprocated, and although he deepened the kiss, somehow it was still soft and curious, like he was savouring the taste of me.
I parted my lips, willing him to slide his tongue inside, which he did right on cue.As his tongue flicked against mine, electricity rocketed through my veins.
For what felt like the first time in years, I wanted to take things further.
I was so wet for Jake right now.
I wanted to touch him.
I wanted him to touch me.
And this time, I didn’t mean hand-holding.
