“Oh, fine, you big baby,” she said as she walked into the bedroom. A minute later, I was helping her into her coat again, doubly thankful I’d planned a dinner where I’d have her all to myself without needing to worry about every guy in the room watching her with hungry eyes.
Chapter 10
Elisa
“I’m speechless.” Understandably so. There were no words to describe how incredible our night had been so far and it had barely started. When Brysen took me to the gondola, I assumed we were going to have dinner at the restaurant on top of the mountain. When we got on board and there was a bottle of champagne chilling and no other passengers, I figured he’d made arrangements for our ride up to be private. Then a waiter served us crab stuffed mushrooms when we reached the first stop and I realized this was our dinner date—the two of us hanging over the mountain, completely alone, as we ate a gourmet meal with all my favorite dishes.
“It’s only fair since the sight of you often leaves me without words,” he murmured, trailing a finger up my arm. “I guess they’re right when they say love makes you speechless.”
It seemed like time stood still as what he’d said registered in my brain. My heart leapt in my chest while butterflies swirled in my stomach. Brysen Mariano, the renowned playboy quarterback, had just used the four letter word every woman wanted to hear. And he’d said it to me. Okay, he hadn’t quite said it directly to me, but the sentiment was there just the same. I was even more shocked by how I wanted to respond. We hadn’t even known each other a month, but I already had his ring on my finger and love in my heart. It hadn’t hit me before this moment, but I loved Brysen. I should have realized it when I told him yes this morning, but I’d fooled myself into thinking my feelings would grow into love as we got to know each other better.
“Yeah, I guess they are,” I agreed. I almost confessed the depth of my feelings, but the opening of the doors as we reached the next station interrupted me. The moment was lost while the waiter quickly cleared the table and served the next course: a delicious salad of mixed greens, berries, and nuts paired with a sweet white wine, Seven Daughters Moscato. I loved the choice of wine, but it wasn’t up to the usual standards for what Brysen would pick since it only cost about ten dollars a bottle.
It seemed out of place with the rest of the gourmet meal, but Brysen didn’t appear to mind. We polished off the bottle as we cuddled close and devoured our meal. Bacon-wrapped filets cooked to a perfect medium served with au gratin potatoes and asparagus. Since it wasn’t in season, it was entirely possible the vegetables cost more than the wine.
I giggled at the thought and Brysen’s gaze heated. “Best damn sound in the world.”
My laughter died in my throat. “What do you mean?”
“Two things I want to hear for the rest of my life: your laughter and the sound you make when you come. I live, and would happily die, for both.”
Holy moly, this man knew exactly what to say to press all the right buttons. I didn’t know what I’d done to deserve him, but I would forever be grateful for having him in my life. “I don’t think I’ve ever laughed as much as I do when I’m with you.”
“I guess I’d better up my game.”
“What?” I sputtered. I didn’t think I’d survive it if he did. “Why?”
“Making you laugh more than anyone else feels good, but I’ll be damn sure the same goes for your orgasms.”
“Oh, Brysen,” I whispered, “if you only knew.”
“Knew what, baby?”
With his brown eyes locked on my face and the gondola slowing down for the next stop, I made an admission I never thought I’d say aloud. “You’re the only man who’s ever made me come.”
“Fuck,” he hissed, dragging me onto his lap while the doors opened. “It’s a good thing we’re almost back at the bottom of the mountain because I’m going to enjoy it even more knowing I’m the only person who’s ever heard those sounds escape your mouth.”
“Forget dessert. Can’t this thing go any faster?” I joked in a desperate attempt to lighten the mood before I ripped the clothes off his body without a care for who could see us.
“Don’t speak too soon,” he said, gesturing toward the covered dish on the table.
I lifted the lid and gasped in surprise. “A chocolate soufflé? Seriously, how did you know all my favorites?”
“I remember every word you’ve said to me since we met. Etched into my fucking memory because of my need to know everything I could about you.”