‘You have me intrigued,’ she says, smiling, tapping the space beside her with her hand.
Against my better judgement, I sit. If I can’t touch her right now, at least I can be near her. A few seconds later the doorbell rings.
‘You ordered pizza,’ she laughs when I walk back into the main room carrying the box and two bottles of beer.
I shrug. ‘I did. I hope you don’t mind. It’s what we ate the first time we were together.’ I’m suddenly feeling stupid. This kind of behaviour isn’t me. I was trying to be sweet, but in all honesty, I’m far from it. This woman has turned my whole fucking life upside down and it scares the hell out of me.
After placing the box on the coffee table, I hand her one of the beers and sit. The moment my arse hits the couch, she grabs my shirt, pulling me towards her.
‘It’s a perfect choice,’ she whispers against my mouth. ‘Perfect, just like you.’
And there you have it, a few encouraging words from her and she’s now made me glad I did it. I’m fucking bewitched.
‘Shit, plates,’ I say.
‘Let’s just eat straight from the box. We don’t need plates.’
‘Are you sure? You don’t seem like a straight-from-the-box type of girl.’
When she throws back her head and laughs, it’s like music to my ears. ‘The real me—the Jade on the inside—is a simple girl at heart.’ Taking a slice, she brings it to her mouth, taking a bite.
‘That’s what I love about you. You’re a breath of fresh air.’
She looks away as a blush spreads on her cheeks. I get the feeling this woman isn’t used to being complimented. And that astounds me. She’s not only breathtakingly beautiful, she’s smart, funny and so adorable. I have an urge to pull her into my arms and hug her tightly, but I don’t. I ache to protect her and keep her safe. I want to shelter her from all the ugliness in this world. And surprisingly, more than anything I want to make her mine.
Once the pizza and beers are consumed, we both seem more relaxed. We’ve been talking about insignificant things, but I need more. I want to know everything there is about her, but I still get the impression she’s not ready to open up. I don’t want to force her into doing anything she’s not ready for, but I’m hoping in time that will change.
‘I almost forgot, I got you dessert.’ I rise from the couch. ‘I’ll go grab it.’
‘You bought me a Snickers bar,’ she says when I walk back into the room and hand it to her. She hugs it to her chest, just like she did the day on the plane. She must really love chocolate.
‘I did.’ I sit down beside her.
‘I still have the one you gave me on the plane.’
‘You do?’
‘I couldn’t bring myself to eat it,’ she admits. ‘It was the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.’
I love that my small gesture meant so much to her, but it also saddens me to think nobody does nice things for her. Surely her family does?
‘I want you to eat this one.’
‘You’re not having one?’
‘I have something else in mind for me.’ When I wink, a pretty pink blush spreads across her cheeks. How can this woman do what she does for a living, and yet still exude such innocence?
My eyes are glued to her mouth as I watch her eat. Lucky fucking chocolate. She offers me a bite, but I shake my head; I’m having too much fun watching her. Who knew watching her eat could be such a turn on?
‘I’m so glad you’re here,’ I say, briefly placing my hand on her leg.
‘Me too.’ Her exquisite eyes gaze into mine as the world around us stands still. Our faces inch towards each other. The moment our lips touch, every part of me comes to life—it’s like she flicks a switch inside me. Her lips are so soft and sweet. The only contact we have is with our mouths, but it’s hot. Scorching.
I tilt her head back slightly and deepen the kiss. She moans and her hands grab my shirt again. Leaning back into the couch, she pulls me with her until my body is resting on top of hers. I groan when she hooks one of her legs over my hip. All my resolve vanishes. I need her like I’ve never needed anyone before in my life.
But tonight I’m going to take my sweet time with her. I’m going to savour every second. Who knows when I’ll be permitted to see her again? I fucking hate that we’re not free to see each other whenever we please, but I don’t want to think about that now. I want to stay in the moment. I can worry about that tomorrow.
‘Christ, you drive me wild,’ I say as my lips trail a path across her jaw. ‘I don’t think I’ll ever get my fill of you.’