Chapter Twelve
I feel mildly giddy, in a silly schoolgirl-crush kind of way as Kai reaches for my hand in the corridor.A gorgeous boy wants to hold my hand!Unfortunately, the thrill doesn’t detract from my now pinching shoes as I transfer my weight from one foot to the other, waiting for the elevator to descend. I probably look like I need to pee.
‘Stop fidgeting.’ Kai’s hand tugs my own. ‘I’d ask if you have ants in your pants if I didn’t know any better.’ He smiles, white teeth showing and I notice his incisors are a little pointed. It’s a small imperfection, but it suits him. He is sort of wickedly beautiful.
‘Very funny. Not.’ I make an effort to curtail my returning smile and glance down. ‘I was just wishing I’d packed thongs.’
Laughter bounces off the walls as he reaches a long arm around my waist. ‘Is that so?’ Pulling me to his chest, he kisses the top of my head, his hand briefly brushing across my butt. ‘I see no problem here.’
‘What?’ I angle my head in question. ‘I usually have some in the bottom of my purse for after nights out. Blisters are no laughing matter.’
‘What kind of emergencies are we talking here? Blistersandspare underwear?’
‘Underw—not bum-floss! Thongs as inshoes,you know, flip-flop thingies for your feet? Not thongs as in underwear, G-string thingies for your... your... well, you know.’
His eyes shine with amusement, but I can’t tell whether he’s being serious or having fun at my expense.
‘That makes much more sense.’ He pulls my body against his again. ‘My mind was drawn to much more lewd conclusions, somehow.’
‘Honestly, talk about being divided by a common language.’
At the hotel’s grand entrance, Kai’s car pulls up: the behemoth black SUV from last night.Was it really just a few hours ago?Stepping into the brilliant sunshine, I wince and shield my eyes as Kai, the consummate gentleman, opens the passenger door.
‘Where to?’ he asks, manoeuvring into the busy road.
‘Mall of the Emirates.’
‘Main entrance okay?’
‘Sweet,’ I answer, trying not to watch his profile and failing badly.
Turning to the side window, I allow a curtain of hair to shield my face. If last night wasn’t enough in the fantasy stakes, this morning feels almost as surreal.I bet the price tag on this car would buy a large chunk of a small house, at least.
‘You’re pretty delicious yourself.’ His gaze slides my way, one brow cocked.
‘I meant sweet as an affirmation, not sweet as inyou,’ I reply.
As the car slows for a red light, he twists in his seat, my face reflected in his aviator frames.
‘You don’t think I’m sweet?’
He sounds a little hurt, and by his tone alone I might almost believe him. But the fact is, while I could think of lot of words to describe him,sweetwouldn’t be one of my choosing.
‘Not so much,’ I answer honestly.
His hand reaches out to brush a loose strand of hair. ‘Oh, sweetheart,’ he murmurs, the back of his hand grazing my jaw. ‘I could be so sweet I’d make more than your teeth ache.’
Ho-ly!I believe him; why not? He can make the nerve endings enclosed in my undies dance, make my mouth water,andrender me almost mute, just by looking at me like that. The lights change and Kai’s eyes return to the front. Mine don’t budge from the highway for the rest of the way.
As we pull into the valet parking bay—an idea as absurd as a ski-slope in a mall, as far as I’m concerned—Kai’s hands seem to almost anchor him to the steering wheel.
‘May I call you?’
A mixture of relief at his courtly question catches me off guard, and I actually giggle before examining my hands. ‘I’d like that.’
‘Then I shall. Have a good afternoon.’
‘You, too,’ I answer as the attendant opens the door.
