Zuri pulled back, her eyes wide, a surprised laugh escaping her lips. “What?”
His eyes burned into hers with an intensity he couldn’t contain. “I said, get your coat, we’re leaving.”
“But I just got here. What about the girls? I can’t abandon them.”
“They’ll be fine. You can text them on the way.” He took her hand and strode purposefully to the door, her high heels clicking behind him.
“On the way where?”
“To Paradise.”
Chapter Twelve
Forever With You
Flickering flames from the glass-encased fireplace cast dancing shadows across the bedroom of the Rose Premier Suite at Hotel Andreas. Rose petals, once arranged in the shape of a heart on the white duvet of the king-sized bed, now clung to damp skin and nested in dark hair.
Kyree lay on his back, staring up at the ceiling, Zuri’s arm draped across him, her head resting on his chest, her breath warm and velvety against his skin, and her leg curled over his hip. He pressed his lips to her temple, and breathed in the lingering scent of cocoa butter, vanilla, and the essence of their lovemaking, feeling like the luckiest man on the planet––the same feeling he’d had when they made love for the first time, five nights ago, on this very bed. This time, though, beneath white Egyptian cotton with Zuri’s heart beating steadily against his ribs, Kyree knew for certain that this was the beginning of his forever.
He let his gaze drift over her face, memorizing the curve of her cheekbone, the fullness of her lips, her arm wrapped around his torso, possessive even in rest. She looked peaceful and content, and just watching her, Kyree felt as though his whole universe had fallen into place.
He wanted to wake up like this every morning for the rest of his life. Wanted to fall asleep with her beside him every night. He didn’t want to just date her––he wanted to build a life with her. He’d never been more certain of anything.
This morning, after telling Michelle how he felt about Zuri, Kyree had asked her if he could use the suite tonight. She’d said yes, and had even suggested asking the hotel staff to add a little touch of romance with flowers, champagne, and chocolate covered strawberries. He’d planned on bringing her here after the party, but the minute he’d seen her in that alluring dress…
Zuri stirred, her fingers flexing against his side. She tilted her face upward, her long dark lashes fluttering open, and when her eyes focused on his, she offered him a dreamy smile.
“Hmmm.” She stretched like a cat, arching her back. “That was delicious.”
Kyree plucked a rose petal from her hair, holding it between his fingers for a moment before letting it flutter to the sheets. “You were delicious,” he murmured, capturing her lips for a quick kiss.
She moaned her agreement and began drawing lazy circles across his chest with one crimson fingertip, her touch light and teasing. “What time is it?” Her voice was still rough from sleep.
He glanced at the digital clock on the nightstand behind her. “Nearly eleven.”
“You think the party is still going?”
“I’m sure it’s just getting started, baby.”
“Mmm, I like when you call me that,” she purred.
Kyree nuzzled his nose through the silky tangle of her loose braids, burrowing until his lips grazed her ear. “I’ll call you baby every day for the rest of our lives,” he whispered.
She snuggled closer to him and sighed contentedly. “I like the sound of that.”
So they were on the same page, he thought, courage to finally confess his love welling inside him. His gaze drifted down her body, and he started at the faint shadow of a bruise on her butt. “Where’d you get that?” he asked, tentatively touching a finger to the spot.
“Oh, I fell skiing the first day… Racing Thao, actually.”
“Bad girl.” He admonished playfully. “I’m guessing you didn’t win?”
“No, I didn’t win that race, but I think I won in the end…”
“And how’s that?”
“Well, if I hadn’t fallen, you and I wouldn’t be here right now,” she explained, meeting his eyes. “I was getting ice for my bruise when I saw you walking to your room.”
“I see.” It was all the conformation he needed. He took her hand, laced his fingers with hers, and squeezed gently, grounding himself in her touch. “Zuri,” he whispered, forcing his voice to remain steady despite the racket going on inside his ribcage, “these past few days with you…” He swallowed and cleared his throat. “Well, they’ve been the best days of my life. And I know it’s crazy,” he added hastily. “I know we barely know each other. But Zuri—” He drew a shaky breath. “I’m in love with you.”
