Seconds ticked.
“I suppose I am…yes, I’m attracted to you. I like y….oh shit. God, I can’t believe I’m saying this out loud. I must be mad.”
“Don’t say that. We’re just two people who want to have a go at life. I’ve wanted you for a long time, Olivia, and I won’t apologize for it.”
I’ve wanted you for a long time.
They looked into each other’s eyes, and the world spun on its axis. At that moment, there was nobody else but them on that plane. His face was so close to hers that she could feel his breath settling on her mouth. His hand slid over her thigh and softly kneaded and caressed her flesh through the thin material of her khakis, leaving a burning sensation in its wake.
The Fasten Seat Belt sign came on again. It was time for landing. Could life go topsy turvy in two hours?
The look in his eyes gave her pause.
“You’re mine, Olivia. All mine. And in the next few days, I intend to show you why.”
Chapter Four
You’re mine.
His words were still ringing in her head by the time they caught the taxi and made it to the B & B. Fortunately, they didn’t have to wait in line to retrieve their luggage at the airport. As their stay would be short and they’d both be returning to New York the day after the wedding, they were traveling light and had only packed a few casual outfits in their hand luggage. Cole’s groomsman suit was waiting at his brother’s place, so he didn’t even have to carry that either.
The B & B was a family-run establishment nestled right in the heart of midtown Atlanta. The place oozed with charm, and the moment she stepped through the door, it felt like she had taken a trip back in time.
“Let’s go settle in our rooms. We can meet downstairs in an hour for a late lunch. I heard the food’s pretty good here. The owner was a chef for fifteen years before he decided to restore this house. We can decide where to go and what to do later.”
They checked in, and he got the keys to their rooms. He walked her to her door and stopped.
“Sounds great.” She couldn’t help the nervousness which tied her stomach in knots. She was mentally preparing herself for the inevitable, and she knew it was only a matter of time before things spiraled between them. The tension could be cut neatly with a knife.
He ran his finger down her cheek, kissed her lightly on the forehead.
She moistened her dry lips.
His gaze dropped to her mouth and fixed there, as if in fascination, then moved briefly to her breasts and back to her face.
“I’ll see you in a short while, pet.”
Her whole body trembled as he opened the door to her room and handed her the key. A few seconds passed as they drowned in each other’s eyes. It was an unspoken rule that from this point on there would be no turning back.
* * * *
Her room was elegantly appointed with tastefully chosen antiques scattered carefully within the welcoming space. The bed, magnificent and huge, was adorned with four exquisitely carved posters and artfully arranged silk drapes. The walls were painted a warm ivory color, a perfect backdrop for the beautiful paintings depicting late nineteenth-century scenes and vignettes. A small window framed by heavy dark red and gold brocade curtains and delicate sheers gave a perfect view of the charming urban garden located at the back of the house.
She couldn’t wait to jump in the shower and wash away the weariness from the trip. Things had been happening so fast that it seemed like ages since she’d been sitting alone in her small, empty Manhattan apartment.
She laid out a fresh set of clothes and her favorite set of red silk underwear on the bed and proceeded to strip down to her panties before walking barefoot to the bathroom. She had a fetish for high quality matching silk and lace sets, so she made it a point to add to her impressive collection of unmentionables every single month, loving the way the material felt against her skin. This particular set consisted of a pretty red lace bra and thong she had treated herself to last Christmas. It had set her back a pretty penny, but it had been worth it, she thought mischievously.
She brushed her hair and teeth and checked the water before jumping in the claw-foot tub and closing the circular shower curtain. She’d never been in one before, and she was thoroughly enjoying the experience. There was quite an array of products to choose from, including hyacinth perfumed soap and moisturizer. Her favorite scent.
She kept humming a tune she had heard at the airport. What was the name of that song?
She took her time getting ready, wanting to look her best for Cole; there was no reason denying it. It had been such a long time since she had prepared herself for a man, and even so, this time it felt different, as if there was much more at stake. How could she feel this way so soon? She decided she’d stop analyzing the issue and just relax and enjoy her day with one of the most fascinating and attractive men she had ever met. No. Make that the most fascinating and attractive man she had ever met.