‘Imagine, we could have three more days of this.’ My hand flicks between us.
Watching her taste the seafood, observing how her head tilts back before her low throaty laugh exits her chest, and just getting to know her better, has been the highlight of my day.
She stares at me for a beat, her head cocked to one side as if she’s analysing me. Analysing the meaning of this growing intimacy between us.
I hold my breath as she contemplates my offer, my heart hammering in my chest. She has no idea how big a deal this is for me.
‘Sure,’ she says with a casual shrug.
There’s nothing casual about any of it. I’m falling headfirst into the deepest darkest manhole I’ve ever known, yet instead of fighting it, I’m free falling, cruising on the short-term rush, ignoring the inevitable looming crash to rock bottom, with consequences so devastating I might not survive.
We eat together on the veranda as the sun sets, the sky glowing pink and orange. There’s no fucking denying it. I’m developing feelings for Chloe, even though I can’t afford to for a million reasons, none of which are because I’m ashamed or embarrassed.
But I don’t want to hurt her. Or let her down. Because that’s what I do, isn’t it? It’s what I’ve always done, and a leopard doesn’t change his spots just because he’s falling in love.
Given my rapidly flourishing feelings for Chloe, it’s probably a saving grace we’ve set an end date on this fling, because I’ve got a horrible feeling she might be the only woman I could truly fall in love with. And after losing my mother and Sofia, then watching Ryan’s years of heartbreak, that’s something I vowed I’d never do.
ChapterTwenty-One
CHLOE
Santa Monica
I glance around Jayden’s swanky bachelor pad. I’ve imagined so many times what it might look like, his own private lair, while we talk on the phone for hours into the night.
Seeing the inside of someone’s house is so personal, especially when you’re staying in their bed. So why am I not utterly freaked out?
Because you’re utterly obsessed with all the naughty things he might do to you here.
The house is everything I expected and more. It’s miles bigger than my villa in Dubai and screams wealth and power. The back wall is triple glazed glass and overlooks stunning manicured gardens and an Olympic-size pool.
The kitchen is Nigella’s dream, with marble counters big enough to carve a roast fit for forty. Naveesha would have a field day here.
I hate to admit I’m impressed, and not just with Jayden’s house, but with the man himself. To think he and Ryan built themselves an empire from nothing.
Sasha mentioned they’d had some rough times. Sleeping on the streets of LA, for one thing, but in all the hours we’ve spent curled in our post coital, bliss-filled bubble, Jayden’s never once mentioned it.
Not that I ever expected him to. I’m not his girlfriend. We’re just sleeping together.
‘I can’t wait to get you into my bed tonight.’
I can’t wait to get you into my bed tonight.It’s so caveman. I love it.
Energy swirls between us, hot like a wildfire. Butterflies swell and dip in my stomach.
This thing between us is feeling dangerously close to something more than it’s supposed to be. These past few weeks he’s ignited something in me I didn’t think was possible. It’s probably for the best there’s an end date in sight because I’d never forgive myself if I did something stupid like fall in love with Jayden-Super-Smug-Cooper.
‘What are you thinking?’ He closes the distance between us.
I almost blurt out, ‘Reminding myself not to fall in love with you.’ But I catch myself. ‘The bucket list.’
‘What’s next?’ he asks with a potent stare.
Carnal thoughts rip through me as he pins me against the countertop. ‘Toys?’ Who am I kidding? Perky Pete’s been permanently relegated. My new favourite toy is in Jayden’s pants, hard and ready.
Hot, full lips pave a trail along my neck, skirting across my collar bone. I yank off the top I’m wearing to showcase the lingerie I spent way too long selecting to impress a man I’m simply having a fling with.
Dark eyes rake appreciatively over the black transparent lace. ‘You know, you’re nothing like I imagined.’
