Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
We walk deeper into the backyard, entering the garden of mazes. The path narrows, creating a more intimate surrounding. Lights continue to lead the way and create a majestic ambience.
“It’s awe-inspiring, isn’t it?” I say.
“It’s beyond my wildest dreams,” she whispers.
“Makes you want to make a wish for the impossible or to believe in it.”
She turns her face up to peer at me through her mask. “That sounds a bit deep.”
“Does it? Are you telling me that you don’t have a wish you want to come true?”
She shrugs her delicate shoulders. “I don’t have time for wishing. I’ve had to make things happen in my life. Wishing is for those not willing to do.”
I frown. “Are you calling me privileged?”
“I wasn’t.” She chuckles. “But if the shoe fits.”
I catch her around the waist as we step through to an opening with a water fountain in the center. Music floats through from unseen speakers, causing me to sway her body with mine.
“I’ll have you know I’m willing to work for what’s mine.”
“Are you?”
I draw her closer and drop my gaze to her lips. I lean in to kiss her, but she raises a gloved finger to press against my mouth, halting my movement. I look into her eyes questioningly. I know she has to feel this charge between us.
“Showing that entitlement, are we?”
I chuckle. “Maybe. Or maybe I just know a beautiful woman when I see one. I’m not one to play games. If I see someone I’m interested in, I make it known.”
“Noted,” she says and goes to remove her finger.
I nip it before she can pull the digit back. The way her breasts heave causes me to hold it for a moment. Her tongue darts out to wet her lips and I have to suppress a groan.
I release her finger and place my forehead to hers. “What’s your favorite color?”
“My favorite color?”
“Yes, I’m working for what I want,” I reply with a grin.
Her musical laugh fills the air. She runs her hands up my back as I tighten my hold on her, still swaying us to the music. I back away to watch how her face lights up.
“You’re breathtaking. Has anyone ever told you that?”
Her laugh sobers. “No, not really. Not in a long time.”
“You’re gorgeous.”
“And you can tell that through a mask?”
“Are we forgetting I’ve seen you without it?”
She gives that sweet, mischievous smile again. “Are you truly sure about that?”
“Ah, yes, I almost forgot. We’re playing along with the theme tonight. Actually, it’s refreshing to be someone other than—other than who I am.”
“Perfection is such a hard life,” she teases.
I place my fingers under her chin. “You find me perfect?” I breathe the words as I brush my thumb across her lips.
“I didn’t say that,” she says softly.
“Why, yes, I think you did. You implied, at the very least. So, we’re both in agreement that we make a perfect connection. Something worth exploring.”
She laughs that beautiful laugh again. I can’t help brushing my fingers across her exposed cheek. She’s… wow. I feel like I have a goddess in my arms.
“My favorite color is blue. I love truffle and salted caramel ice cream, but it’s a seasonal flavor, so like many things in my life, it’s been snatched away too soon. I’m happy with the simple things in life, but I work hard to have the better things as well.”
I grin, loving that she’s opening up to me. I lift her hand to my lips and kiss her fabric-covered fingers before lacing our hands together. I get lost in her gaze for a moment.
I should be alarmed by this deep connection I feel with her. I blame it on the night. We are pretending, after all. Tonight I’m a simple, ordinary man. I allow myself to care for once as she sucks me into her world.
“Gray, I like the color gray. I love chocolate ice cream. However, I love to eat it with vanilla. There’s something about watching the chocolate run and drip over the vanilla. It makes me enjoy eating it more.”
The fire that ignites in her eyes is exactly what I’m looking for. Her body softens a little more and she sags into me. I begin to stroke the bare skin on her back. My fingers itch to release the strings of her gown.
“Are you a dog or cat person?” she asks.
“Allergic to both, but I’ll pet a pussy if given the chance.”
Her well-arched brow lifts over the mask. “In that case, I’m allergic to dogs as well.”
I release a deep laugh. We continue to banter back and forth. I truly enjoy the time we spend together. I haven’t had a woman hold my interest like this in so long, if ever.
Her wit and challenging personality keep me on my toes. I’m very much enjoying the chase as I get to know her. I want to know more with each minute that passes.