Splendor(110)
Tessa turned to face Ian, who was just now closing the door to the suite. Her heart caught in her throat as she thought of how handsome he looked, how mouthwateringly sexy. He was more casually dressed than usual, clad all in black – wool slacks, a turtleneck sweater and a heavy leather jacket worn in deference to the cold weather. He looked dangerous and sophisticated at the same time, an irresistible combination.
At his urging, she’d dressed in a similarly casual manner – dark skinny jeans, black cashmere sweater, black ankle boots and a black knit cap pulled over her ears. Tessa didn’t want to think about how much money such a seemingly laid back outfit like this had cost, though she knew from performing a quick Google search that just the little cashmere cap had cost over a hundred dollars.
She walked over to Ian, sliding her hands up his chest to clasp around his neck. “Are you referring to this room or to yourself? Because if it’s the latter, I would have to say a very emphatic yes.”
“Is that right?” he asked lazily, his hands sweeping down the sides of her hips to cup her buttocks. “Well, I’d say you also have my wholehearted approval. Especially the way your gorgeous arse looks in these tight jeans.”
Tessa smiled, burying her face against the strong, warm column of his neck and inhaling deeply. “Mmm, you smell even better than usual. Must be the added touch of the leather.”
He kissed her temple, his hand keeping her head pressed to his shoulder. “Would you like the butler to unpack for you, or would you prefer to do it yourself?”
She looked up at him in surprise. “He would do that – actually hang my clothes up and put my shoes away? Not to mention unpacking all my – ah, more personal stuff. I think I’d rather do it myself, actually.”
He grinned, giving her a playful chuck on the chin. “To answer your question – yes, Tyson would certainly be happy to perform that task for you. You’ll begin to see as we travel together that each of our hotels offers this sort of private butler or concierge service for occupants of the larger suites. You’ll need to get used to them doing things for you and letting yourself be pampered. It’s one of the many perks you’ll enjoy as my companion.”
“Okay. It’s just – well, it might take some getting used to. I never thought I’d let a complete stranger – a male one at that – unpack my underwear for me,” she admitted shyly.
“Ah, well, that I understand. You could consider packing all of your lacy bits in a separate bag from now on, and simply instruct the butler not to touch that one.” His lips caressed the soft spot behind her ear. “In fact, I’d probably prefer that. Hell if I want another man to touch your lingerie.”
Ian lifted his head and took her firmly by the hand. “Come, let me give you the grand tour. I gave Tyson instructions to bring up an afternoon tea service in a few minutes, so we don’t have much time.”
As he showed her around the grand suite, she belatedly noticed the beautiful vases of roses arranged in several different locations – the showy red ones on the coffee table; the delicate pale pink blooms in the dining room; a gorgeous arrangement of rich apricot blossoms filled the master bedroom with their fragrance; and the exotic lavender bouquet that had been placed in the en suite bathroom.
Tessa sniffed appreciatively of the last bouquet, which Ian told her were officially called sterling silver roses.
“How beautiful they are,” she murmured. “Did you arrange for all of these?”
He smiled, seeming pleased at her reaction. “I did, yes. I didn’t know which color you preferred so I ordered several different one. Of course, red roses are traditional for Valentine’s Day but – well, the lavender ones in particular reminded me of you.”
Tessa touched the delicate petals with care. “And these just happen to be my favorite of all of them. Thank you, Ian. Once again you’re spoiling me rotten.”
“Ah, and the weekend is just beginning. I have a whole string of surprises planned for you.” He wrapped his arms around her waist, pressing his chest to her back, his voice husky in her ear. “Happy Valentine’s Day, my love.”
She caressed his hands where they rested just above her belly. “I’m sorry my little gift to you was so – simple. I had no idea what to get you since you already seem to have everything.”
“Shh. I already told you that having you here with me is the best gift I could ever hope for. And a batch of homemade cookies is icing on the cake, so to speak. Especially since they’re my favorites.”
She had fretted over what to buy him for Valentine’s Day, knowing that she couldn’t possibly afford to buy him anything extravagant, given that he wore two hundred dollar Hermes ties, had a library bursting at the seams with first edition volumes, and a well-stocked wine cellar where the cost of even a single bottle would likely make her shudder.