I throw my hands up. “I’m actually not sure. I don’t want to necessarily give it up or sell it, but I have offers.”
I don't know what to do with the van, but in reality, it’s hard for me to think about letting it go, at least right now. Maybe it’s my backup plan, or perhaps it’s my safety net. But this isn’t the time to sell it. One day, the decision will be easy, but that day is not today.
“What? Already have offers?” He seems shocked.
“Yeah, I put a few feelers out and the response has been overwhelming.” My hand rests on the table, with him still holding mine. What I’m feeling is comfort from the conversation, his touch, and there’s a sense of calmness that floats through me.
The sunset streaks the sky with deep pinks and blues, reflecting off the ocean and onto the patio. “I love colorful sunsets.” My head twists back to Kai, waiting for me to finish staring at the skyline.
“It is beautiful, but not as gorgeous as the woman sitting across from me.” He never averts his eyes; 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 acouple 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.
