“You’re welcome.” His token phrase is back in action, I hear.
Batting my lashes, I add, “And because curious minds want to know, the winning ice sculpture was a hagfish.”
“I’m not sure I wasthatcurious.”
“It really just looked like a penis. The judges were all women, though, that year, and agreed it was a fantastic likeness.”
His expression scrunches his nose almost to his forehead. “To a hagfish or a penis?”
“Both.”
Pulling us forward, he grumbles under his breath, “Just leave it next time, Mav.”
I skip ahead to catch up, wondering where the tour is stopping next. “You call yourself Mav?”
“Huh?” He stops with his hand on the knob of a closed door off the entry.
Standing with the tip of my big toes pressed to his, I say, “You said, and I quote, ‘Just leave it next time,Mav.’ You called yourself Mav.”
“You don’t talk to yourself?” He scratches the back of his head. Maybe this conversation is a little much for the time of day.
“All the time, but I use Summer or Sum.”
“Well, mine is Daniel or Mav. Same thing.” Not really, but I’m thinking this isn’t worth the tit for tat. Reaching up, he slides his fingers along the doorframe and pulls a key down. “Safety measures with Roman around.” He unlocks the door and guides me in before him.
I scramble to turn around, grabbing onto the drawstring of his pants. I’m a terrible person for thinking there’s a chance he’s locking me in here for the night, right?Yes, Summer.I shouldn’t have letAmerican Psychoenter my psyche. Now I’m all twisted with mistrust, which is misplaced in Daniel’s case. He’s been inside me. Trust has been established.
As if everything else was left in the entry, he smiles like he did earlier when he first woke—correction. . . whenIwoke him up. Sweet and sleepy at the same time. “Turn around,” he whispers.
His arms come around me when I do, holding me to hischest as if I’m precious to him. Moonlight shines inside, lighting up the room. “This is my office. Sometimes I need fresh air, too.”
I grin. It feels like we took the scenic route, but we got here in the end. He was listening. The room is larger than I would have expected for a home office and bigger than our family room at home. Creamy fabric-covered couch that looks like the perfect spot to take an afternoon nap. If it’s raining outside, even better. The desk is modern wood and so large that visions of getting naughty come to mind. Paintings hang above the couch and are opposite a fireplace.So cozy.
But it’s the large patio that has me standing in awe. Words won’t do the beating of my heart justice.
He whispers in my ear, “Want to go out there?”
The excitement heard in his tone transfers, and I nod. “Yes, I do.” Calling him charming didn’t do him justice. He knew I wanted fresh air, and like magic, he gave it to me.
Shifting around me, he goes to the door and pulls a rod from the top of the frame and unbolts it. Pushing forward, wind slips in through the opening. He holds it open for me. I wouldn’t say it’s the size of a basketball court, but I don’t know those measurements, and it’s massive out here. My eyes return to him on a swivel. “How do you have a pool up here?”
He grins. “Just do. I wouldn’t suggest skinny-dipping unless the underwater lights are off. Unless you’re an exhibitionist.”
“You’ve met me, right?” The pool is tiny, but it’s enough to enjoy an afternoon if you need to cool off.
Chuckling, he says, “I have. Just letting you know it’s an option.” He lets the door close and starts toward the turf-covered area. I follow him to a row of four lounge chaises.He grabs towels from a cabinet and a blanket from a large trunk. “I thought we could lie out here. Horns aren’t the same as the ocean, but maybe it can help you sleep.”
I just fell for this man all over again.
Dragging two together, he spreads the towels down and then sits, patting the spot next to him. So stinkin’ cute. I lie next to him as he reaches over me to tuck the blanket in on the other side of me before he snuggles close under the covers. “What do you think, Sunshine?”
His eyes have a renewed energy, lifting his expression and bringing it to life. He did this for me, brought me out to get fresh air, but it sure looks good on him.
He leans over and kisses me. Even when deepened, there’s no intent behind it other than connecting. It’s not a base to lead to a home run or a puck to a goal . . . wait, not sure that makes sense. I need to learn about hockey quickly.
I cuddle in the nook of his arm, resting my head on his shoulder. “Thank you.” I flip my index finger up. “And don’t say you’re welcome.”
“You are, though.” I don’t have to see the smirk with the smugness all over his response.
