“Me either,” she admitted, appreciating his acknowledgment of their attraction.
“We just met today, and I don’t want to rush things between us,” he said in a deep, throaty voice.
Haven nodded, appreciating that even more. All this was new to her. She’d never been this intensely attracted to someone, and never so quickly. Gramma Dora always warned her that when a man tries to rush a woman into a relationship, it’s usually for his benefit, not hers. A man with serious intentions would want to take the time to build a solid foundation and a lasting connection. “How long will you be staying at the hotel?” she asked.
“I’m here for as long as I want.”
Since he was a businessman, she figured he could probably do that. Evidently, his time was his own. From the custom-made business suit he had been wearing this morning to the one he was wearing now, she could tell he’d achieved a lot for a man his age. That made her wonder.
“How old are you, Skylar?”
“Twenty-eight. How about you?”
“I’m twenty-four.”
He nodded. “You will be here for four weeks, right?”
She wondered how he knew that. Evidently, he could see her surprise, because he added, “Although I’m not connected to the pharmaceutical groups you asked me about earlier, I know other businessmen here tonight who are. You’re a medical researcher, right?”
“Yes.”
“So I assume you’re attending the four-week medical research summit that’s being hosted here.”
“You assume right,” she said, smiling.
He glanced at the flowers now surrounding them - a beautiful display of roses of different colors, varieties, and species. The stunning exhibit was captivating. “Oh, my goodness. Aren’t they beautiful, Skylar?”
He smiled. “Yes, and you look gorgeous standing in front of them.” His gaze was locked on her face. “There is something I’d like to do, Haven.”
“What?” she asked, although she could see the heat of desire in his eyes.
“This.” He slid his arms around her and leaned in to capture her mouth with his. She had no thought of resisting. Why deny what he wanted, when she wanted it, too?The moment his lips touched hers, she knew her fate was sealed. Even though she didn’t know much about him, this felt so very right. She pressed even closer, opening her mouth for him as their tongues tangled. Still, it wasn’t enough. And she could tell from the way he was kissing her that he felt the same way.
At that moment, snippets of her grandmother’s last words flowed through her mind…Strangers appearing in her life for a reason… She should appreciate it when they do…
Could this be one of those times? Meeting Skylar Kingston had definitely been unexpected. Their instant attraction was like nothing she’d ever experienced before.
He released her mouth when they heard voices. He licked across her lips before taking a step back. “I guess we aren’t the only ones enjoying the beauty of the garden.”
“I guess we’re not,” she said, when he took her hand and they began walking again.
“While you’re here, Haven, I want to get to know you better. And I want you to get to know me.”
“I’d like that,” she said.
“I need to take a couple of business trips to finalize a few deals, but when I’m back here, I’d love to take you out. Are you usually free in the evening?”
“For the most part. There are a couple of social functions I’m expected to attend.”
He nodded, then looked at his watch. “Come on, let me walk you to your room.”
They left the hotel’s botanical garden holding hands. Since the garden was annexed to where the function was being held, several people noticed them together. It was apparent that he was well-known to many people. Even the hotel staff immediately gave him respect. When they reached herdoor, she said, “You must stay here a lot for so many people to know you.”
He smiled. “I do. Whenever I’m here, I take one of the penthouse suites.”
“Would you like to come in for a drink?” she asked, opening the door.
“Only if you feel comfortable with inviting me in,” he responded.
