Page 167

My smile takes over, unable to be contained. How freaking adorable can one woman be?
I slip my arms around her, content to watch her excitement at the view. Every late night, every brutal negotiation, every scathing article in the press and every disappointment was worth it just for this.
My money finally has a true purpose—putting that expression of awe and delight on Clarissa Maura’s face every chance I can get.
“Is that an island?” Clarissa points down to a small circle of land surrounded by water. From the top, all we can see is an ocean of trees and the sprawling expanse of a roof.
I soak in her excitement with quiet pride.
When we land, I help her off the helicopter and gesture to the villa. “This is my private getaway.”
Her eyes widen. “This… this island is yours?”
“I also have a private island in Belize if you want to go further next time.” I wink.
Her jaw drops.
“This way.” I lead her down the path carefully. She’s still wearing heels and the terrain makes her move at a snail’s pace.
Impatient, I sweep her into my arms.
She locks her hands around my neck. “Don’t you think you’re overdoing the Prince Charming thing?”
“I don’t want you breaking your neck before I’ve had a chance to relieve you of that dress.” I nuzzle her nose. “We don’t have a hospital on the island and broken bones are a turn off.”
She swats at me. “You’re such a prick.”
“Better than Ice King.”
“Honestly, I’ve always had a thing for Frozone.”
“The IncrediblesFrozone?” I raise the pitch of my voice. “Where is mysuper-suit!”
“That’s it. Take me now.” She flails her arms and tilts her head back dramatically.
Don’t worry, baby. I will.
I chuckle and walk up the path to the house.
“It’s beautiful.” She gasps at the sight of the mansion. “And it’s so huge. What do you need all that space for, Cody?”
“I rarely have time to visit anymore, but this place was intended to be my hideaway from work.”
“Makes sense.” She bobs her head. “I’d need my own private island too if I lived right above the company I owned.”
I give her a side-glance, hearing her sarcasm.
The door is open and I set her down once we get inside.
“It’s beautiful.” Her eyes are pinned to the arched ceilings, extravagant chandeliers and winding staircase. The property manager already set a fire and it’s crackling cheerfully in the fireplace. “Wow.”
Clarissa’s admiration does something to me. For a second, I soak in the sight of her. The woman of my dreams. Right in front of me. Not a figment of my imagination. Not the secret longing I buried myself in work to escape.
She’s here, generous curves barely hidden in a gown. Hair tied up. Fingers holding tightly to my arm.
Sweet, gorgeous, vulnerable.
Mine.