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“I knew something was going to happen, so I had two people watching you. I told them to stay a good distance away,” he adds when my eyes widen in shock, “so they didn’t infringe on your privacy. But if something happened, they were to call me.”
I don’t know what to make of that. I’ve never had people shadowing me before or a reporter threaten to smear my name.
It feels a little creepy, though. Should I stare over my shoulder next time, or am I supposed to act like they aren’t there?
Gabriel brings my hand to his lips and kisses the back of my palm. His eyes are filled with remorse, and if I was angry in the first place, there’s no way I would have held on to it.
“I know you’re mad at me, and I’m sorry. I didn’t tell you because I knew you would be against it.”
I muster a gentle smile, wanting to ease his distress.
“I’m not angry. Just weirded out. It feels like I’m in those movies where someone important has people tailing her because others want to harm her,” I explain. “And I guess I should be thankful because you saved me.”
My fingers intertwine with his, and I offer, in my way, a silent reassurance with gratitude.
He taps his shoulder. “Here. Rest your head. I was coming to get you anyway so we could spend the day on the water.”
A flicker of surprise dances on my face.
“Water? What are we going to do on the water? I do know how to swim—but I’m a bit worn out for that.”
The corners of Gabriel’s lips curl upward.
“Not swimming, although there’ll be the chance to do that later if you change your mind. I was hoping we could have dinner on a yacht.”
“Yacht?” I repeat, my voice tinged with mild surprise.
He laughs. “Why do you sound so shocked? You don’t think I have one?”
I smack my lips. “Nope. You’re such a playboy to have a yacht. I’m sure you’ve had some wild parties on it.”
Gabriel laughs louder and kisses me on the lips again. I expect him to pull away almost immediately like the last time, but he lifts his hand to cup my cheek, and his thumb traces soft circles on my skin as his fingers drift up behind my ears.
I sigh faintly at the delicate touch, drawn in by the tenderness in his hand matched by the passion on his lips. I press closer—wanting—needing to feel more of his warmth and strength surrounding me.
When his head slides further to cradle my head, and his head dips as he trails kisses down the slender column of my throat, I turn my head instinctively to give him better access, small gasps escaping my parted lips.
I moan softly when his lips linger on the hollow of my throat, sinking my fingers into his hair as he places open-mouthed kisses and soft licks on my thundering, pounding pulse points.
The rasp of his five o’clock shadow on my skin heightens the arousal flowing through my body and settling below the curve of my stomach, and I tilt my head back with a sigh, giving him more, inviting him to take more with a wordless plea.
Then he pulls away, and my eyes slowly open to see him staring at me with a satisfied smile.
“I did the right thing,” he groans.
“What right thing?” My voice is thick with need.
“Falling for you. I don’t doubt my decisions, but this one is the best I’ve ever made. You’re smart, beautiful, sexy, and by God, I don’t think I can get enough of you.”
I smile as butterflies fly around in my belly. “I don’t want you to. Because I like the idea of being an enticing novelty.”
“Oh, you are,” he replies as his hand touches my thigh, gently nudging them apart.
I suck in a heavy breath when Gabriel’s fingers nudge higher, and my heart begins to pound in two places at the same time.
“You are the most enticing novelty of my life,” he whispers. “I plan to show you better when we get to the yacht.”
His hand leaves my thighs, and he leans back, staring at me instead.
