“To me, please,” the man replied. “I’m a huge fan.”
“Thank you, Chef Marco, for an unforgettable night.” Ethan penned the message and signed his name with bold strokes.
“I appreciate it.” Chef Marco beamed. “Would you like some tea or coffee to go with dessert?”
“We’ll help ourselves,” Ethan replied. “Please thank the rest of the crew for their exceptional service. We’d appreciate having the rest of the night to ourselves.”
“Of course. I’ll let the crew know you’re not to be disturbed. If you need anything, just use the intercom. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” He gave a final nod and left.
With the dessert platter and a couple of spoons in hand, Ethan led Priya over to the couch. Setting the platter on a stool, he pulled Priya onto his lap. She curled into him, spreading a soft throw over their legs. As they sank into the cushions, the yacht began its return journey, away from the dazzling lights of the waterfront.
Ethan’s hand settled on Priya’s knee and trailed down her leg to her foot. He slipped off her shoe and let it fall to the floor, then did the same with her other one. Priya let out a contented sigh. As enchanting as the entire evening had been, being alone with Ethan was the most perfect part.
“Hang on a minute…” Ethan moved her off his lap and stood.
Priya’s heart went into overdrive when he dropped to one knee, something small and shiny glinting between his fingers. She gawked, her mouth opening and closing like a fish gasping for air.
Oh my god! Is Ethan about to propose?!
Her brain spun in circles—part exhilaration, part panic.
“It’s not yours?” Ethan asked.
“Huh?” Priya croaked.
“The earring.” He placed it gently in her hand. “It must have slipped off when I pulled you onto my lap.”
Priya’s hand flew to her ear, and she let out an awkward laugh. “Oh. Right. Thanks.” She slipped it back on.
“You okay?” Ethan asked, settling back beside her.
Priya’s face burned as she nodded.Yeah, sure, just embarrassed as hell for thinking you were about to propose.
Ethan tilted his head, eyes narrowing as he studied her face. Slowly, a knowing grin tugged at the corners of his mouth.
“I think I just pulled off the impossible—I made Priya Solanki swoon. You looked like you were about to pass out.”
“Please. Don’t flatter yourself.” Priya scrambled to explain herself. “You plan this super romantic evening. Fancy yacht, fancy dinner, then you get down on one knee with something sparkling in your hands. What’s a girl supposed to think?”
“You realize we’re having our first fight because Ididn’tpropose on our first date?”
“We’re not arguing because you didn’t propose. We’re arguing because—” Priya broke off and threw him an accusing glare. “You’re enjoying this.”
“Damn right I am.” Ethan grinned. “I love seeing you all fired up. You get that spark in your eyes, like lightning in a bottle. Do you know what happens when lightning meets chocolate?”
Before she could continue, Ethan slipped a spoonful of mousse into her mouth. It melted on her tongue, and she let out a soft, satisfied hum.
“Apparently, lightning purrs with delight,” Ethan concluded.
“You think you’re so smooth, huh?” Priya snatched the spoon. “Okay, smart guy. My turn.” She dipped a piece of chocolate into the sorbet and slowly guided it to his lips.
Ethan’s eyes stayed on hers as he took a bite, his mouth grazing the spoon. His tongue flicked briefly over the corner of his mouth, and Priya felt heat rush to her cheeks.
“Good?” she asked.
“Delicious. I think you should feed me everything from now on.”
“Oh, really?” Priya teased. “Should I hand-feed you these berries next?”
