Page 44 of Promise Not to Fall for the Rich & Famous

“You’re right,” he said, an idea coming to mind. Forget about Dad and his rules for success, forget about the fact that he might not get another approving word from the man as long as he lived. Carly was more important than all of that.

Gage tugged his phone from his pocket, swiped and tapped until his father’s name came up, and opened a new text box. He spoke each word as he tapped them out with his thumbs.

“Hey, just so you know, I’ve asked Carly, my incredible surf instructor, to be my girlfriend. I’m completely in love with her, and I can’t wait for you and Mom to meet her.”

Carly leaned over the phone, the warmth of her face close to his, and looked up at him, a shocked expression on her face.

“Send,” he said as he tapped the proper icon. The phone gave out aswish.Gage held the power button down before sliding the device onto the counter. No need to have the night ruined with an entourage of calls and texts from his parents. What he’d sent was the truth.

“You said you loved me.”

He looked at her for a blink. “Yeah, but I already told you that.”

Carly shook her head, closed the gap she’d created between them with two, short steps. “You said you werefallingin love with me.”

A grin pulled at Gage’s lips. “Carly,” he said, drawing her into him. “I love you.” The jackhammer was at it again in his chest. This time for an entirely different reason.

He focused in on the way she bit at her lip. It constrained her smile, but not a lot. In fact, those dimples of hers were in full form. “I love you too,” she said softly.

Gage leaned in, focused every emotion that had built up over the last few days, and let it guide him.

He didn’t linger on the small kisses this time. Instead, Gage urged her lips to part with the gentle coax of his tongue.

Yes, he loved Carly. Gage mused he would do anything she asked. Quit the movie, quit architecture school, fly to the moon. He was already halfway there with her kiss. Floating among the stars.

Carly pushed him even higher by running a hand up the back of his neck and into his hair, the tips of her fingers teasing his scalp. Gage groaned, so drawn into the passion that he took her by the hips and lifted her onto the counter. Her legs grazed the sides of his waist as he came in for more.

Taking his time now, Gage pressed kisses along her collarbone and over the tempting curve of her slender shoulder, sampling her sweet skin along the way. He’d never get enough of Carly Bridger, not even if they kissed until morning came, which was exactly what he wanted to do. “I could kiss you forever,” he admitted, knowing they should take things slow.

He forced his mind back to the details she’d shared with him. Carly had been hurt once before, and she needed to know that he wouldn’t fail her the way her ex had. He was a man, after all. It would take discipline on his part, and patience too, but Gage would make sure she understood how cherished she really was.

“So, you ready to eat?” His voice came out raspy and weak.

Carly smoothed her hair behind one ear and sighed. He took a moment to observe her flustered state. Cheeks red, breath hitched like his. There was no shortage of passion between them; Gage liked knowing it went both ways. It would make themoment even more special when their time came. “Yes,” she said with a nod.

Gage steadied her with both hands as she slid off the counter and onto the floor.

“I’m ready,” she assured, “and since this is seriously youronemost impressive dinner,I’m expecting it to be really good.”

An errant thought shot to Gage’s mind. Ideas of how his parents were likely reacting to his text in that very moment. His dad was probably freaking out. He’d likely lose his father’s affections, approval, and even respect. But Gage couldn’t care about that anymore. He’d made his choice, and he’d deal with the consequences.

Gage pushed that thought to the back of his mind and focused on Carly’s comment instead. “Don’t worry,” he said. “It will be.”

CHAPTER 16

Carly glanced around the office of Cyree Hue, the woman who hired her years ago. The letters etched into the glass door said she was one of The Royal Palms’ chief operators now.

Carly glanced at her watch and sighed. Gwen, Cyree’s receptionist, had told Carly to step on into her office and Ms. Hue would join her shortly, but it felt a little odd to be in here without the woman herself. She guessed her discomfort had more to do with the unknown purpose of the meeting.

“Thanks for coming in so early, Carly,” Cyree said as she hurried into the room. She rested a manila envelope on her glass desktop and sank into the white leather office chair. “How are things going this season?”

Carly shifted in her seat. Most people at the resort knew about her and Gage by now. They’d shown up at the entertainment together to watch Christian enchant the guests with a fresh routine, complete with two very beautiful students, no less. Beyond that, she and Gage had spent day after day together on the beach, at The Mini Palm, and picking up odds and ends in the gift shop as well. Of course, they’d done lesshand-holding while on the resort, and they’d also been keeping their kisses—as Gage suggested—behind closed doors.

“Things are good,” she managed.

Cyree nodded, a smile tugging at one side of her lips. “Glad to hear it.” She inched away from her desk and steepled her fingers. The shift in posture, along with the look in the woman’s light blue eyes, told Carly she was just about to get to business. “I appreciate you being willing to train ourspecial guestthis summer. I’m glad the two of you have…warmed up to each other.” She stopped there. Her eyes widened as she seemed to notice something behind Carly. Or someone,she realized as she looked over her shoulder.

A man in a suit stepped inside as if he hadn’t noticed the meeting taking place at all.