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“A crime,” Mason said, shaking his head. “An utter crime. We can’t let this stand. It won’t mix well with the wine, so I won’t order it yet, but definitely, at our next dinner.”
Ellie felt excitement rush through her at the idea of their next date. Clearly, Mason was already thinking about it, maybe even planning it. She wondered how he would spoil her next.
It was easy to focus on these thoughts and leave her uncertainty behind. It was only their first date, after all. They could talk about settling down in the future if they both decided they wanted one.
Isn’t he the one who mentioned marriage?
It was true. He had. But he’d mentioned it in connection with nonstop travel. It wasn’t the kind of marriage Ellie wanted.
I’m on the biggest vacation of my life. I should just focus on having fun.
Mason seemed to feel the same way, and he lifted the conversation toward more flippant topics. Ellie really did feel like she had his full attention as Mason more than made up for ignoring her on the plane.
By the time dessert was served and the wine was finished, hours had flown by. Ellie hadn’t even noticed; she’d been so deep in conversation with Mason. After he paid the bill, they headed out into the night, and Ellie expected to be heading to their hotel rooms.
“The sky is still clear,” Mason said. “Do you want to go out on the Thames?”
Ellie didn’t have to think about it. “Yes!” she cried. “I’m not tired yet, even though I feel like I should be.”
Mason laughed softly. “Good. I haven’t worn you out, then.”
“No,” Ellie muttered, thinking about making a joke but deciding not to at the last second.
I don’t know if I should be flirting … is he flirting?
As they headed to the river, Ellie started to get the feeling that he was flirting with her. She could feel her cheeks getting warm as his hand lingered on hers, and his eyes held her gaze for a second too long. By the time they got into the boat, Ellie was experiencing some pretty serious fantasies.
As if he could pick up on her feelings, Mason put an arm around her shoulders, holding her against his body. The heat of his hand seemed to seep into her, relaxing her muscles so that she curved against him.
Ellie expected to feel nervous, but Mason’s closeness comforted her. She hadn’t known it was possible to feel wildly excited sexually and yet safe and secure at the same time.
Like I could let myself go, really let myself go, and he would love it … he would keep me safe.
When Mason casually put a hand on her thigh, Ellie left it there, even snuggling closer to him so she could enjoy the feeling of his fingers sliding along her leg through the fabric of her dress. They were supposed to be seeing the sights, but all Ellie could see was Mason.
She turned her face upward, pressing her body against his as she reached for his shoulder. They shared a soft, tender kiss so full of passion that Ellie thought her skin might actually ignite.
Neither of them noticed when the boat finally stopped near the hotel, and the man at the helm had to sharply clear his throat to tell them to disembark. Ellie could tell by his expression he was used to this, and he happily bade them good evening.
He’s probably seen a ton of marriage proposals.
Why am I thinking about marriage again?
Ellie shoved the confusing thoughts from her mind and focused on Mason. He walked her to the door of her hotel room, keeping one arm around her the whole time. Ellie kept snuggling up against him and stealing short, hot kisses as they headed down the hall to her door.
“Well, goodnight,” Mason said, gently letting go of her. Ellie stood at the door, her keycard in her hand. She was full of doubts, but they were being obliterated by a tidal wave of lust that crashed through her, destroying her inhibitions.
Why does he have to be so fucking pretty?
His big brown eyes drew her in, the dark velvet depths shimmering with hints of golden light. His curved, dark red lips enchanted her. As he stepped back and his hands left her, she literally ached for him to touch her again.
“I, ah …” Ellie began, not sure how to tell him what she wanted.
What do I want?
It was very clear from the throbbing in her body that there was only one thing she really wanted.
Mason.
