Page 77 of Carnal Risk

“I’m so sorry about your brother. I didn’t know him well but he seemed incredibly nice.”

“Yeah, he was the best.”

“Do you have family?”

“We do but we’ve kind of been out of touch with my mom and dad for a long time.”

An awkward silence hung between them as Selby let the conversation die. Aware that sometimes strained family relationships existed, her curiosity was piqued, but she resisted the urge to delve further. Her own background had been dicey at best. If she fell off the face of the Earth, her dad wouldn’t even know.

As the song ended, they both clapped their hands. Selby was grateful when she caught sight of Garrett approaching.

“How are you, man?” he asked Beckett. Garrett gently set his palm onto his shoulder.

“I’m hangin’ in there. It’s quiet at home.”

“Take all the time you need. We’re all going to miss him.”

“Thanks.” Beckett gave a tight smile that didn’t reach his eyes. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and pointed toward the bar. “I’m goin’ to go get a drink.”

Garrett nodded in understanding and turned to Selby, taking her hand in his.

“You ready?”

“More than you know.”

Selby had no idea what he had planned but that was what she loved about him. The tease of anticipation drove her wild, and as she fell into his arms, she forgot about everyone else in the room.

Garrett led Selby up the grand staircase, never mentioning where he planned to take her. In silence, they turned the corner and reached their destination. She waited patiently while he unlocked the closed double doors. He gave her a sexy grin and turned the handle.

“Welcome to my secret conservatory,” he said with pride.

Selby’s eyes widened as she entered the glass-encased solarium. She gazed around the room, entranced at the sight of the twenty-foot trees and various ferns inside the spacious room. The masculine décor, in rich tones of brown and tan, extended to the mahogany beams that framed the enormous structure. A black wrought iron staircase led up to a balcony that circled its octagonal turret.

“This is incredible. What is this? Is this for your group?”

“I built Altura for us, but this room is mine. I don’t get to spend much time here, but it’s special. No one is allowed inside except maybe Lars every now and then.”

“It’s hardly a man cave,” she noted, scanning her surroundings.

As he closed and locked the door, the din of the party was silenced.

“I do have some of my office things in that armoire over there, but this place is mostly for play, not work. It’s where I come when I need to create. I know it probably doesn’t seem that way, but at Emerson…all the different facets, products and services…over the years, there are just times when I need to think with no distractions.”

“Like your own personal slice of heaven?” Selby trailed her finger over the chemise daybed.

“Yep. You like it?” he asked, seeking her approval. “I’ve got a telescope over there. We’re far enough away from the city. The light pollution isn’t too bad. On a clear night, you wouldn’t believe what you can see.”

“It’s amazing.”

“I installed these last month…wait for it.” Garrett pecked at a panel on the wall and the lights dimmed, leaving the room illuminated by small lanterns that dangled from the ceiling. “They’re solar.”

Selby smiled at him, aware that once again he was sharing something incredibly important to him. The intimacy flourishing between them was palpable, so much more than a passing sexual affair. She’d never imagined falling in love could be so incredible, leaving her terrified that he’d disappear if she said the words that resounded in her heart.

As he approached, she held her breath. Everything stood still as he commanded her attention. She had an urge to spear her hands into his perfectly coiffed hair and kiss him, but she resisted, allowing him to control the situation. Within his own private paradise, she’d submit to whatever carnal pleasures he wanted.

He brushed the back of his knuckles against her cheek and her eyes lit up. Seconds seemed like hours as she waited for him to take her. A strong hand slid around her waist, and she released a sigh, her eyes never leaving his.

“I think it’s been just about an hour.”