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Asa turns and smiles as if something clicks in his head. “I’m a recent Jude Deveraux fan. Have you read any of her work?”
I can’t stop the laugh that bubbles up inside me. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I have.”
He drapes his arm across my shoulders. “I can’t wait to talk to you about them. I see a book club in our future.”
I give him a little poke in his ribs. “I bet you do.”
When dessert arrives, Asa insists I take a bite of everything. I’ve never known a man so intent on making sure a woman enjoys her meal. When Tony took me out, he always told me the nutritional value of everything. Knowing that one bite of chocolate cake was the caloric equivalent of an average breakfast took away the joy of eating. But not one word came from Asa’s mouth about calories or sugar content.
I look across the dining room searching for Justice, but I don’t see her. Chances are she is on a dance floor in one of the clubs or she is behind a closed door with red beads hanging from the handle. Food isn’t a priority for her. That’s why she looks the way she does—skinny. We all have our vices. Hers is men, mine is chocolate. I take a final bite of the chocolate soufflé and set my spoon down. “What a perfect end to a perfect evening.”
“That’s only the end of the meal.” Asa pushes out his seat and stands. The captain also stands, and when Asa pulls out my chair, I get up. “Ready, sweetheart?” He licks his lips like he is still hungry, but I know his hunger is satisfied. At least as far as food is concerned. The man looks ravenous, and a skitter of electricity jolts through me.
“Yes.”
Asa walks around the table shaking everyone’s hand. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you,” he says over and over until he comes full circle back to me.
He leads me out of the restaurant and onto a side deck that overlooks the ocean. The sun is setting and an orange glow rises on the horizon making it look like the sea is on fire.
“Did you enjoy dinner?” he asks.
I lean across the rail and look out as the water rushes past us. “Yes. The food is good, but the company is better.”
He places one arm on each side of me and pushes against my back. I’m trapped between Asa and the ocean. “Now, you flatter me.”
I turn around so my face is flush with his chest. He steps back slightly only giving me enough room to tilt my head up. “Oh, you thought I was talking about you? I was speaking of the captain,” I tease.
His eyes grow amused. “I’m sure I could put a good word in for you.”
“Oh, now you tease.” I try to poke him again, but he takes my hand and holds it against his chest. “Why didn’t you tell me you were the Mr. Cross?”
“Would it have mattered? I kind of liked that you didn’t know who I was.” He pulls my hand to his lips and kisses it. “I would have kept it a secret the whole trip if that was possible.”
“Why?” I run my finger down the center of his tie. When my hand reaches the pointed end, he pulls both of my hands around his waist. The motion forces me against his body. A body chiseled in stone.
“I like that you said yes without knowing who I was. That you gave me—just this ordinary guy—a chance.”
Now it was time for me to laugh again. “Asa Cross, there is nothing ordinary about you. You can fill an empty room with your presence. You can warm the cold with a smile. You’re dazzling.” Oh lord, I shouldn’t drink so much wine. I’m sounding like Justice. No filter.
“Liberty Ferall, you’re the dazzling one, and I will kiss you unless you say no right this second.” His head tilts down, and I watch as those luscious red lips get closer. Everything in me screams ‘yes’.
He stops millimeters away. His lips hovering close to mine. His eyes ask without saying a word.
One second.
Two seconds.
Three and his mouth covers mine hungrily—proving that he hungers for something other than food. His tongue traces the fullness of my lips until I open them enough to grant him entry. He delves in and explores the recesses of my mouth. The kiss sends the pit of my stomach into a wild swirl.
He moves closer, pressing one of his thighs between my legs and I moan at the feel of him against my body.
The boat rocks with the waves, and I rock against his thigh. I feel wanton and naughty. I also feel free.
I should step away and say good night, but Justice’s words come back to haunt me. You’re so buttoned up. She’s right. Ever since I got my ego crushed, I’ve been buttoned up and battened down. Maybe it is time to let my sails loose.
The kiss lasts for minutes, and when he pulls away, his touch still tingles on my skin and his taste still lingers on my tongue. He is better than flourless chocolate cake and that is saying a lot.
“I knew that would be amazing.”
