Behind her the screen door opened and closed. “Why didn't you wake me?” Jake wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her against his side.
“You looked so adorable sleeping. I didn't have the heart,” she teased before dropping a quick kiss on his cheek.
“Adorable? I looked adorable?” He asked with mock outrage. “I'm going to get you for that one.”
“Just try.”
Jake took a long drink of coffee before replying. “Those sound like fighting words.”
“You can take them anyway you want,” Charlie tossed back, enjoying the silly banter. “So what's on the agenda for today?” As she spoke Charlie looped her arm around his waist and leaned into his side.
“For starters, breakfast. It’s ready when you are. After that you'll just have to wait and see.”
After a breakfast of freshly baked scones and fruit, Charlie took her time getting ready. She felt no need to rush and Jake didn't seem in any hurry either. In fact, by the time Charlie showered and dressed the clock read noon and Jake still hadn't finished getting dressed
What are we up to today? Charlie sat in a leather recliner watching television while she waited for Jake. The slowpoke was still in the bedroom getting dressed. Whoever said women took forever to get ready obviously hadn't met a twenty-first century man.
She pressed the up arrow prepared to scroll through the TV stations a third time when Jake entered the media room. Water still clung to his hair making it appear a much darker shade of blond than usual. He wore shorts and a t-shirt indicating that his plans were casual.
“Let’s go,” he announced as he leaned one shoulder against the door frame. “Unless you'd rather stay inside.”
Charlie switched off the television and stood. “I'm the one who's been waiting.” She crossed to the door and stopped.
“I promise you won't be disappointed. But you do need to wear this.” Jake told her pulling a black bandana from his pocket and moving toward her.
Charlie pulled the bandana from his hand and held it over her breasts. “Well, if I'm going to wear this then you're definitely overdressed.”
“Not a bad idea, but not what I had in mind,” Jake said grabbing the bandana back and covering her eyes. Once secured, he took her hand.
Warmth spread up her arm and through her body at his touch as they walked down a set of stairs. He remained silent as he led her, and Charlie wondered just where he was taking her.
She could tell they were walking through the house though she had no idea in what direction. Soon she felt the ocean breeze on her face and she knew they were outside, most likely on the lower deck. In the distance she heard the roar of the waves, and the warm sun above beat down on her as Jake continued to lead her toward his surprise.
“Just one last step,” Jake told her as he helped her down a staircase.
Charlie felt the surface beneath her sandals change from something solid to sandy and she knew they'd stepped onto the beach. The walked a short distance before Jake again stopped. “Okay, you can sit now.”
A visit to the beach didn't seem like all that much of a surprise considering where they were, yet she didn't complain. After all it was a flawless day and she was on a private beach with possibly the most gorgeous man alive. Really what was there to complain about?
Sinking to her knees Charlie waited. Behind her she felt Jake loosen the knot in the bandana. When the cloth dropped she blinked a few times as her eyes grew accustomed to the bright sunshine. Then she really looked around. Spread out in front of her was a red and white checkered table cloth with a huge wicker basket in the middle. Two champagne flutes stood in front of the basket with a bottle of champagne on ice right next to them.#p#分页标题#e#
“Surprise!” he said dropping down to his knees next to her.
A picnic, she thought, unable to say anything around the lump in her throat. He'd brought her on an old-fashioned picnic. “You remembered,” she whispered, her voice almost impossible to hear over the waves. “I can't believe you remembered.”
Jake popped open the champagne bottle and poured her a glass. “Playboys have terrific memories. Didn't you know that?” he asked as he handed her a glass.
Charlie took a sip from her glass. The bubbles tickled her throat and she savored the taste. She generally preferred beer when she drank, but this champagne was the smoothest she'd ever tasted. “I didn't know that, but I'll keep it in mind for the future.”
“If you ever have any other questions about us, don't hesitate to ask.” Jake smiled at her as he began to pull food from the picnic basket.