He wasn’t afraid of much, but this gamble was huge. He smiled weakly. “I’ve made reservations at a hotel in the North Carolina mountains.” He didn’t tell her that he’d heard about the elite hotel from a very wealthy client, or that the two nights were costing an obscene amount of money. She was smiling. A good sign. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “That’s a great idea.” He relaxed a bit. “I thought we could use a little alone time. You know… get away by ourselves.” She blushed, and her lashes lowered, concealing the expression in her eyes. He reached across the table and captured one of her hands again, linking his fingers with hers. “I want to be alone with you, Katie,” he said softly. “I want us to concentrate on each other with no distractions. I want that very much.” She gripped his hand, looking up at him with a direct gaze that combined interest, curiosity, and frank desire. She wet her lips. “No argument here,” she said, her voice low and husky. He focused on her soft, shiny mouth. Those lips… when they closed around his… He cleared his throat and forced himself to remember the other things he needed to say. “It’s a special, private hotel called The Scimitar,” he confessed, watching her face carefully. “Where adults go to play, to act out fantasies.” Brief shock crossed her face, and then he saw a darker flush of pink color her cheeks. “Fantasies?” she said, her voice shaking just the tiniest bit. He nodded slowly, stroking the back of her hand with one finger. “Games, role playing… unusual costumes. All in a safe, private, protected environment with lots of luxury.” She was breathing quickly, her eyes wide. “You mean we would…” He interrupted, his temperature spiking. “Whatever you want,” he muttered. “That’s the whole point. We can explore our wild side.” She stared at him, speechless, her pupils dilated, her breathing ragged. “I’m a little shy sometimes,” she admitted with an adorable grimace. “You might have to help me get past that.” He dropped a wad of bills on the table and tugged her to her feet. “Fine, great, whatever…” He practically dragged her toward the exit. |
