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“Feed me tacos and tell me I’m pretty,” I joke back, my stomach rumbling in agreement. As we move around the small kitchen, I watch him with curiosity, wondering what he has up his sleeve. He seems genuine in his willingness to take things slow, but there’s a part of me that can’t shake the suspicion that he might have an ulterior motive.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Spencer
Thesunspillsgoldenwarmth across my face as I dig into my plate. The B&B suite’s terrace offers a stunning view of the property garden. Percival sits across from me at the other side of the counter, his charming smile barely contained beneath a bite of his taco.
“Isn’t this just yummy?” he asks, eyes twinkling with satisfaction. I nod, savoring the flavors dancing on my tongue. For someone who loves luxury like Percival, this breakfast certainly lives up to his standards.
My fingers trace the outline of the seashell-patterned napkin on my lap, and I ponder the whirlwind of events that led us here. Saving Percival’s life, our blossoming connection, the shared secrets, and vulnerable moments—it all feels like a dream, yet here we are, together.
Percival’s phone buzzes on the table, and he glances at the screen before excusing himself. “I’m sorry, Spencer, I need to take this call.” He stands, brushing imaginary crumbs from his pants, and heads inside his bedroom. I know I can’t hear him, but I appreciate his respect for my space.
Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, but maybe, just maybe, this adventure is meant to be. While Percival’s on the phone, I let my thoughts drift to my work, thinking of painting a colorful garden in one dresser’s door, my style, of course. My hands itch to pick up a brush, but for now, I’ll store these images in my mind, ready to bring them to life when I return home.
Through the open door, I see Percival’s face fall, his confident demeanor replaced by a tense frown. His free hand runs through his hair as he listens to whoever is on the other end of the line.
Percival hangs up and stares at the phone for a moment, deep in thought. I worry about what could have caused such a reaction. This isn’t the carefree, party-loving Percival I’ve come to know. Whatever the person said, it left him rattled.
As I wait for Percival to rejoin me, I take a sip of my orange juice, the cool liquid quenching my thirst and offering a brief distraction from my concern. The sun continues its climb into the sky, drawing shadows on the room, and I feel that the weight of those shadows now rests upon both our shoulders.
“Spencer,” he begins, searching for words, “there’s something I need to talk to you about.”
“Is everything alright?” I ask, my voice wavering slightly, trying to read his expression.
“Everything’s fine,” he reassures me, reaching across the table to take my hand. His touch sends shivers down my spine, igniting that familiar spark between us. “But I think we need some time alone to figure out… well, us.”
“Us?” I repeat, heart pounding at the thought. Despite the uncertainty of the situation, the idea of exploring our connection further sends warmth coursing through my veins.
“Yeah,” Percival says, determination etched on his face. “I want to take you to Monterey. It’s beautiful there, and we’ll have the privacy we need to push our limits and see where this goes.”
“Monterey, huh?” I reply, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies dancing in my stomach. “That means more days on the road. What about my work?”
“You don’t have to worry about anything,” he grins, the familiar twinkle returning to his eyes. “So, what do you say? Are you ready to take this leap with me?”
“I need to think about it,” I respond, full of hesitation, my pulse racing at the prospect of what lies ahead. The thrill of the unknown is exhilarating. I trust Percival, and I’m more than willing to embark on this journey together.
“Come on, Spencer… I promise it will be fun.”
Gianna’s face comes to my mind while she begs me to go with the flow and push my limits.
“Ok, I’ll go with you.”
“Great,” says Percival, leaning in to brush a tender kiss against my cheek. “We’ll leave as soon as possible. Start packing your bags, Miss O’Hagan. We’re in for one hell of a ride.”
With that, he walks away to organize everything for the trip, making arrangements for accommodations and ensuring we have everything we need to embark on our steamy adventure. I watch him as he moves through the room with purpose, his bare torso showcasing his sculpted muscles. He wouldn’t be my typical type, but there’s something about him that draws me in, igniting a hunger within me I never knew I had.
“Alright, Spencer,” he announces later, pocketing his phone with a satisfied grin. My two small bags are sitting on the floor at my feet. “We’re all set. Are you ready to hit the road?”
“Absolutely,” I reply, my heart racing in anticipation.
“Great,” he says, grabbing our bags and leading me outside, where his black SUV awaits us. The vibration of the engine is like a siren’s call, beckoning us towards the open highway. “Monterey, here we go!” Percival says, his eyes gleaming with excitement as he settles into the driver’s seat. I slide into the passenger side, feeling the buttery soft leather embrace me.
As we hit the road, driving north towards Monterey, California, the wind whips through our hair, and the excitement builds. The sun kisses our skin, and the scent of the ocean fills the air. I feel alive, electric even, as we speed along the coast.
“Spencer, have you ever been to Monterey?” Percival asks, his words filled with genuine curiosity.
“Never,” I confess. “But I’ve always wanted to.”
