She loved the way he was looking at her right now. Like she was beautiful. Like she was the only thing that mattered to him, and given that he was the CEO billionaire of a major international corporation in the middle of his sister's wedding reception, that was saying something.
Together they leaned against the railing and looked out at the moonlit waters. Crickets called to their mates and the wind whispered gently against the trees. Jace's shoulder pressed against hers and even through the silk fabric of his jacket, she could feel his heat. It was distracting in the best possible way.
“Now, there is something that I don't understand,” Jace said after a moment. “Not to brag, but I'm kind of a big deal. My picture is everywhere. How did you not recognize me as Xavier Connor, billionaire CEO?”
“Honestly?” Ella bit her lip. “Terrible internet.”
“Terrible internet?”
“I'm not supposed to use the hotel's internet since it's for guests. So, I use the free wifi that comes in from next door. It's terrible,” Ella explained. “It's a lot faster to load everything without pictures.”
“What about magazines?” Jace asked, his voice amused.
“All the pictures right now are of your very photogenic sister,” Ella replied. “And, I don't exactly have the time to be reading more than just the covers in the checkout aisle.”
“I guess that means you missed my interview in Blush Magazine last month,” Jace said. “It's too bad. You would have found out my favorite flavor of tortilla chip.”
“I am horribly sorry.” Ella turned to face him, putting her hand on her heart. She was surprised to feel it beating so quickly under her hand. “How ever will I find out that information?”
Jace smiled. “It's Cool Ranch.”
“I'm so glad to know,” Ella said. “I would have guessed Nacho Cheese and that would have been terrible.”
“A disaster of epic proportions,” Jace agreed. “Nacho Cheese is a close second, but if you had guessed Salsa Verde, I'm not sure we could be friends.”
“I'll have Allison return the box tomorrow,” Ella assured him. He laughed, filling the night with the warm sound. If Ella's heart had been racing before, it was out of control now. That laugh was amazing.
Jace grinned at her. “My stay here has been fantastic. Not even a box of Salsa Verde chips could ruin it.”
“I bet you say that to all the girls who bring you chips,” Ella teased.
“No. Just you. I think this might be the best trip of my life.”
Her heart skipped a beat. “I'm glad you're enjoying your stay, but you've probably been everywhere. Here's not that special.”
“Here's where you are,” Jace replied. “And it was special enough to have a wedding for someone I care deeply about.”
“Good point.” Ella's voice squeaked a little and she couldn't look at him. If she did, he would know just how fast she was falling for him. “I guess, I've just always been here. I don't know that it's special.”
Jace reached out and tipped her chin up to look at him. His blue eyes caught the moonlight, making them mysterious and deep. “It is.”
Ella didn't know what to say. The quip she had ready about chips suddenly disappeared and all she could do was focus on his lips. His perfect, kissable lips.
“Have I told you how beautiful you looked today?” Jace asked, his voice husky and low.
“Looked?” Ella repeated, confused at the past tense. If anything, this dress was the best she'd ever looked in her whole life.
“The jeans looked sexy as hell earlier,” Jace answered, somehow moving closer to her. “And that blue dress at the wedding was perfect. It made you glow.”
“And now?” Ella was breathless. His fingertips were still on her chin and she was staring up into his eyes. This was what magic felt like.
“Beyond beautiful,” he whispered. “Beautiful doesn't even begin to describe you.”
She forgot to breathe because she no longer needed to. Jace tipped his head, taking his time to slowly capture her lips. As soon as their lips met, fireworks seemed to explode and Ella wasn't sure if they were a part of the wedding celebration or all in her mind. He lifted his hand, bringing it up to the back of her neck. As soon as he began to draw her in, she threw herself at the kiss, her mouth desperately seeking his.
His kiss was wild yet sweet, rough and soft, heavenly and wicked. Quickly, his tongue found hers and tasted her. He was sensual and delicious, filling her with desire she didn't know she could possess. She could feel every nerve ending of hers tingling. Her whole body was going to explode with pure desire just from the sensation of his lips against hers.