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CHAPTER 15
CASSIE
During the drive, Cassie asked the driver where he was taking her, but he told her he was asked to keep it a surprise. She fidgeted with her dress. She’d only worn it standing in the dressing room and never realized how much thigh was exposed when she sat. So much for her newfound confidence. Her heartbeat kicked up and beads of sweat broke out on her forehead. She fiddled with the air conditioning knobs to cool down.
“Is there a problem, miss?” the driver asked, glancing into the rearview mirror.
The fan kicked in, cooling her overheated skin. “No, I’m good.” The Mercedes got closer to the marina and parked beside a dock with a luxurious boat gleaming white in the early evening sun. “Ambrosia” was written in an elegant font near the bow. Eros had planned their dinner date on a boat big enough to hold several bedrooms. Taking a deep breath, she calmed her heartbeat. It was time to accept his promise of one night of indulgent passion.
Cassie took a photo of the boat and sent it with a quick text to Lucy to tell her where she was.
She looked up from her phone to see Eros on deck talking to another man, who left the boat with a wave. Eros’s gaze turned to the car. The tinted windows gave her unfettered access to admire him. He wore cream-colored linen slacks and a loose white shirt. His self-assurance defied his stylish casual clothes. This was a man who would never be denied what he wanted. And tonight, he wanted her.
The driver opened the door, and the balmyairpermeated the car’s cool interior like an erotic invitation. Cassie stepped out, a little wobbly on her new high heels. “Why did I let Lucy talk me into these things?” she muttered, walking toward the boat.
Eros met her at the top of the ramp, his eyes riveted on hers.
“Hi,” she said, incapable of saying anything more requiring a full vocabulary.
“Good evening.” He kissed her cheek. “You look absolutely beautiful.”
“Thanks.” Her skin warmed by his compliment.
Any reservations she had about her appearance evaporated with the heat in his eyes. He loved her dress. For the first time in her life, she wasn’t hiding behind clothes. Her dress revealed the power of her femininity.
“I love those heels, but you’ll need to take them off when you come aboard.”
“Thank goodness,” she said, holding onto his arm for support.
“Here, let me.” His deft fingers quickly removed her shoes. “Would you like to go barefoot, or you could wear these?” He picked up a pair of white flip flops wrapped in plastic.
She looked down at his feet. Even his bare feet were sexy. “Barefoot is good.” She wiggled her freshly polished pink toes.
He took her hand, and looked at her through hooded eyes, giving her fingers a feather soft kiss. “I want you to be comfortable tonight.”
His touch heightened her senses. She’d just arrived, and she was ready to melt on the spot. “Thank you.” Cassie slowly withdrew her hand. “It’s a lovely evening.”
He gave her a wide smile. “It’s perfect for a dinner at sea. I hope that’s okay.”
“It sounds wonderful.”
He held her hand as she stepped onto the boat. “Is this your boat?” she asked, looking around for crew members.
“No. I chartered it for the evening.”
“Where’s the crew?”
“It’s just us.”
Those two words,just us,echoed in her mind, unleashing both anxiety and excitement.
“I’ve got some boating experience, so I was able to convince the owner I didn’t need a crew.”
She looked around at the sumptuous furnishings and spacious surroundings. “You went to all this trouble to rent this big boat for one date?”
“This is no ordinary date.” He gave her a lingering gaze, taking her in from head to toe, fueling her desire. “It’s dinner and one night with you.” He guided her to sit on a cream, upholstered bench. “And yes, this is a big boat.” He opened a bottle of prosecco and handed her a glass. “I used to own a boat.” He leaned in close to her ear. “But mine was bigger.”
She stifled a laugh. “That wasn’t even subtle.”
