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But as the lights dim and the candle flickers on the table, and the wine threads through my veins, I feel the need to turn the conversation more intimate. We both know where we’re heading tonight. Elizabeth began the evening tense and professional, but as the wine’s done its job, she began leaning on the table, playing with her hair, even though I don’t think she’s aware she’s doing it.
She still looks a bit nervous, and that puzzles me, because she’s usually so confident, and I know she’s not inexperienced. Perhaps it’s the idea of making a baby that’s made her anxious, and that’s fair enough. She’s not going to be the easiest woman to seduce, but I enjoy a challenge, and I’m more than happy to take my time, conscious of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Chapter Nine
Elizabeth
In the flickering candlelight, Huxley’s eyes are filled with the buzz of adventure. He’s gorgeous when he’s like this—excited and full of energy, no doubt fueled by his self-styled ‘no-nut ten days’. The guy could light the whole of the island on his pent-up sexual energy.
He looks young, handsome, and wealthy today in his smart-casual clothes. As always, he carries himself with an attractive insouciance and an inner confidence that gives me goosebumps.
He must have shaved earlier today; his jaw is stubble-free and smooth. During the day, he usually wears a lighter aftershave, but he’s wearing his evening fragrance now—dark and sensual, with a mouthwatering touch of blackcurrant and a sensual undertone of jasmine and musk. It smells expensive and sexy.
I have the sudden, irrational thought that he’s sprayed himself with pheromones. Maybe that’s his secret?
The deck heater is warm, and he slips off his jacket and hangs it on the back of his chair. His shirt emphasizes his shoulders and biceps, which have always been impressive because of his archery training. He’s kept trim over the years, and he has a narrow waist and not an ounce of fat on him. I like the way the muscles of his thighs stretch the denim of his jeans.
We’ve spent the meal talking about everything under the sun except what we came here for: sex. I know he’s done that on purpose. I know him well enough to understand that he’s trying to relax me. Putting people at ease is his job, and he’s very good at it. But we’re on a train heading for our destination, and at some point we’re going to arrive. I can’t avoid it.
“Are you nervous?” he asks. “Because that’s okay. I know you’re probably quite inexperienced, and I’m happy to show you the ropes.”
I give him a wry look.
“If you’re a virgin,” he adds mischievously, “I promise I’ll be gentle.”
That makes me laugh. Then I admit, “I was. When we first dated.”
He stares at me. He looks genuinely shocked. “Seriously?”
“I was a late bloomer. I was very shy when I was young.”
And I was saving myself for the right guy. I think it, but I don’t say it out loud. I don’t want to harp on about the past and spoil the mood.
“Are you nervous?” I ask.
“No.”
“Why not?” I’m a little resentful that he seems so in control.
He tips his head to the side. “Do you remember the Band of Brothers episode where Captain Speirs tells Private Blithe the way to survive the war is to accept you’re already dead?”
“Uh, yeah.”
“It’s kind of like that. If you accept that in a few hours we’re definitely going to be having really, really good sex, it’ll help a lot.”
I think I’ve turned scarlet, judging by the heat in my face. His lips curve up, so he obviously notices.
“How can you be so confident?” I ask enviously.
“I have great faith in my powers of seduction.” He sips his wine, his eyes gleaming over the rim. I blow out a breath, and he chuckles. “I’m teasing. Why are you so anxious? It’s only me.”
“That’s exactly why I’m nervous. We’ve never crossed that line other than a few kisses. And you’re all…” I wave a hand at him. He raises his eyebrows. “Scented and shaved,” I say.
That makes him laugh. “I bet you are too,” he says, his eyes gleaming. “Waxed and body-creamed and sublime. I can’t wait.”
“Oh God.”
“Will you calm down? I thought you were a self-assured, modern woman. You’re acting like a teenager on her first date. I should have brought some weed.”
