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“Something like that. How about Friday? Because there’s no work the next day, we won’t have to worry about rushing home for an early morning start. You could come over so no one will see us.”
She nipped her bottom lip, which made him think about nipping it and– “I’m not sure.” She interrupted devious thoughts. “I might have plans.”
Suddenly he very much wanted a date without a time limit. “We could make it Saturday instead. Then we’d have the whole day together.”
“Friday night it is,” she exclaimed. She sighed. “People don’t say no to you too often, do they?”
He grinned. “Nope.”
She grumbled, shook her head, but a tiny smile burst through. Then they both relaxed and gazed at the stars. A cool breeze played next to them, as majestic birds cut a path through the velveteen sky. They were beautiful, yet nothing compared to the stunning woman next to him.
The moments passed, as they lay next to each other in comfortable silence. Their connection wasn’t just about physical attraction, not about desire. She brought rare contentment, an absence of the restlessness that so often plagued him. He’d been blessed with success, yet at times something seemed tobe missing. For the first time, he felt the urge to do something about it sooner rather than later. That missing piece looked a lot like the woman next to him.
This was ridiculous. He’d only known Destiny for a few days. Not nearly long enough to start thinking about the future, at least not the long term. As for the short term, he just wanted to get to know her – the real her. “So do you want to…”
The words died on his lips. While he’d been pondering the mysteries of life, she’d fallen asleep. He reached over and softly brushed a lock of hair from her eyes. Even in repose, she was breathtaking. Had there ever been a creature as beautiful as this woman?
He should wake her, take her home. And yet as he lay next to her, he couldn’t bring himself to interrupt her slumber, or even to leave her side. So after texting his limo driver to go home for the night, he closed his eyes and marveled…
Life had never seemed this perfect.
Sunlight filteredthrough Cheyenne’s eyelids, casting a warm, comforting glow through the sleepy darkness. Birds chirped good morning melodies, heralding the new day’s birth and the beauty that lay ahead. She took a breath of gardenia-scented air and stretched lazily, snuggling deeper into the warmth, moving back as it surrounded her. The day was crisp and cool, but all was warm and heated in her safe cocoon.
A second later she gasped, opening her eyes to an unfamiliar world. What happened? Where was she? But most importantly:
Who was holding her?
For a moment, she panicked and scrambled to get out of the unrelenting hold. Had the criminal captured her? Was her life in danger? She struggled but the man held her fast. “Relax, Destiny. You’re safe. It’s me, Julian.”
The softly spoken voice broke through; at once she stopped struggling as memories of the night returned. It was okay… she was with Julian.
Wait a minute.
WithJulian?
She resumed her struggles.
Finally, he opened his arms, and only then was she able to scramble away from him, almost falling off the chaise. Heaving brisk morning air, she looked first at him, and then at herself. Thank goodness she was still wearing last night’s dress, albeit a wrinkled form. Of course that didn’t mean…
“Nothing happened.” He sat up slowly, holding out his hands. “We just slept.”
Before she could stop them, the words popped out, “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.” He remained serious. “I would never take advantage of a woman.”
Embarrassment painted heat on her cheeks. Of course, he would know, and so would she. She hadn’t been drunk, just exhausted, and she’d definitely remember if they shared intimacies. However, that was not the only potential complication of the impromptu sleepover. Had she inadvertently revealed something in her sleep? “I didn’t say anything strange, did I?”
The clever man didn’t hesitate. “Like the real reason you’re acting this way?”
Precisely.
He stared for a minute, before giving a curt headshake. “No, I already know you’re hiding something.”
She exhaled relief and alarm in a single breath. She may not have betrayed the secret – yet – but he knew one existed. Perhaps she could admit something trivial, to avoid himdiscovering the true secret. “I have a confession. I might have missed your last movie… or twenty.”
He showed no surprise at the unexpected change of subject. No doubt he understood her attempt at distraction, yet thankfully he allowed it. “Not even pretending anymore? And you know how many are in a dozen, right?”
She relaxed. She hadn’t escaped his scrutiny, but for now she was safe. “Of course.” As the mood lightened, she rubbed her chin. “Fifteen. Or was it thirteen?”