Page 21 of Be Our Ghost (The Duchess Hotel #2)

Fifteen

For once, the stars had aligned in Charlie’s favor.

She and Knox had enjoyed a scrumptious meal at the Fan Tan Café, located in the heart of Victoria’s Chinatown.

After eating dinner, they walked over to the Inner Harbour and talked for another hour.

Now that Knox wasn’t keeping his past a secret, the conversation between them flowed freely.

During their drive back to her apartment, she wrestled with her next move. She wanted to barrel on full speed ahead and invite him up to her place, but they hadn’t even kissed. Shouldn’t they ease into things more gradually?

It didn’t help that she was woefully out of practice. After Randolph, she’d only been on a handful of dates, and none had progressed beyond a few kisses. She hadn’t shared her bed with anyone for three years.

Three years.

It was pathetic.

But sex with Randolph had often been stressful.

Especially on those occasions where she felt like she wasn’t thin enough to suit him.

When he’d make cracks about her stomach being “bloated” after a big dinner or her ass looking too big.

Even during the act, she usually pretended to climax so that he’d feel like a masterful lover.

Was it any wonder she’d avoided sex for so long?

With Knox, she sensed things would be different. He’d already proven how compassionate and caring he was. Not that they needed to leap into bed right away, but she wasn’t going to let her fears hold her back.

When he parked his truck in the circular driveway, she unbuckled her seat belt, fully intending to lean toward him and initiate a good-night kiss.

Before she could take action, he reached into the back seat and pulled out another of those brown paper grocery bags.

“If it’s okay with you, I thought we could have dessert at your place. I brought supplies.”

She was grateful he was in no hurry to end the night. “What did you have in mind?”

“Last time I was here, I noticed you have a fire pit in your backyard. Is it still usable?”

“Sure. We’ve got chairs and everything.”

He handed her the grocery bag. “If you take this, I’ll grab the wood out of the back of my truck.”

“You chopped wood?” Her secret lumberjack fantasies came racing back. Knox, chopping wood in the forest. Preferably shirtless.

A burst of laughter rumbled from his chest. “No, I bought it at the grocery store. Where would I find a tree to chop down?”

“Oh…right.” She eased out of the truck with the paper bag and waited until he’d fetched a large canvas tote containing a bundle of firewood.

They walked toward her parents’ spacious backyard.

Off the kitchen was a raised wooden deck; the rest of the grounds consisted of a classic English garden filled with flowers and a large stone fountain.

At the far end, four Adirondack chairs and two matching side tables were arranged around a steel fire pit.

The last time she’d used it had been in July, when she’d invited the Damsels over for a bonfire.

“I thought we could make s’mores,” Knox said. “It’s not too chilly out, and we’ve got a full moon. How does that sound?”

“It sounds heavenly.” She set the bag on the ground and took out the items, placing them on the side table. He’d thought of everything: marshmallows, graham crackers, four bars of Cadbury’s chocolate, two metal toasting sticks, and a bottle of brandy.

Brandy? “Since when do you use brandy to make s’mores?” she asked.

“I don’t, but I thought it would complement them nicely. A spiced porter or a stout would make for a better pairing, but I know you’re not much of a beer drinker.”

“Thanks.” Though she normally didn’t drink brandy either, the strong liqueur might give her the courage to make the first move. “Want some?”

“You bet. Normally, I’d serve it up in a snifter, but we’ll have to settle for plastic cups. I tossed a couple into the grocery bag.”

She poured a little brandy into the cups and passed him one. It was so strong it made her eyes water, though it went down easier after a few sips. Rich and velvety, it had a sweetness that wasn’t too overpowering. “It’s really good.”

“It’s from Bridgeland Distillery, out of Calgary. I usually prefer bourbon, but this stuff is addictive.” After taking a drink, he set the cup on the side table and arranged the firewood, then added kindling and pieces of crumpled-up newspaper.

Charlie watched, mesmerized, as he got the fire started.

The crackling flames danced against the night sky, filling the air with woodsmoke.

She moved in closer, seeking out the warmth of the fire.

Now that the sun had gone down, the air was crisp enough to have a bite.

The smoky smell brought back memories of a trip she’d taken while in university, camping with friends at Strathcona Park.

She’d felt so free being out in nature, with nothing but the woods around her.

Knox gestured for her to sit down. “We’ll let it burn for a bit, then we can toast the s’mores.”

She did as he said but wasn’t satisfied. While the chairs were comfortable, they weren’t conducive to snuggling. “Knox?”

“What is it?”

“I really want to kiss you. I’ve been thinking about it all week, and I?—”

He stood and reached for her hand, then pulled her up so she was facing him. “You don’t have to ask twice.”

His hands skimmed her cheeks, just the lightest of touches. Smoothing his palms across her skin, as if mapping her features. Stroking the back of her neck, making little shivers dance along her spine. She whimpered as he drew his thumb across her bottom lip.

“ Please , Knox.”

His first kiss was tender, his lips softly seeking hers.

But he was being too gentle. She wasn’t some china doll that needed to be handled with care.

With a growl, she stepped closer, placed her arms around his neck, and pressed her body against his.

She deepened the kiss, eager to convince him how badly she wanted this.

All his hesitancy vanished. He devoured her mouth, kissing her with such ferocity she could barely get in a breath.

Each little sensation shot right to her core—the soft scrape of his beard, the taste of brandy on his lips, the heat of his body, warming her all over.

His hands tightened around her waist as he kissed her like his life depended on it.

A spark leapt up from the fire and landed on her jeans. With a cry, she pulled away and patted it out. Despite the momentary shock, she was so aroused she wanted to jump his bones right here and now.

Knox raked a hand through his thick brown hair. “You okay? Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to get carried away.”

“You don’t have to apologize. I only stopped because I didn’t want to catch on fire.

” Her heart was pounding fiercely, her pulse racing.

When was the last time she’d felt like this with anyone?

Hell, had she ever felt this way? “Maybe we should let the flames settle so we don’t go down in a blaze of glory. ”

He laughed. “But what a way to go, right?”

Her bashfulness vanished, replaced by the thrill of victory. She’d finally gotten Knox to kiss her. Not just any kiss, either, but a five-alarm blaze that had woken every nerve ending in her body. If his kisses were this good, what would he be like in bed?

She topped up her brandy. “Do you want more?”

“Just another splash. Thanks.”

By the time she’d polished off her second cup, her limbs were loose and relaxed.

She toasted her marshmallow until it was burned to a crisp and sandwiched it between the graham crackers and chocolate.

Then she ate every morsel, licking the crumbs and the melted chocolate off her fingers. “Mmm. Nothing beats a s’more.”

“We used to do bonfires all the time when I was growing up,” he said. “In the summer, we’d have the neighbor kids over and play night games.”

“I’m so jealous of your childhood. Do you go back very often?”

Knox broke off a few pieces of chocolate and ate them.

“Not as much as I’d like. I was hoping to go home for Thanksgiving on the twelfth, but I can’t make it work.

The Gilded Lily will be closed, but I’d need more than one day off to trek home and back.

And what with Preston leaning into Halloween, October’s already hectic enough without asking for PTO. ”

“It’s a bummer Thanksgiving falls right in the middle of spooky season. Americans are lucky. They get to have Thanksgiving in November, when Halloween’s over and done with.”

Charlie placed another marshmallow on her stick and toasted it until it burst into flames. She skimmed off the burnt part and popped it into her mouth. “Yum. Just the way I like it.”

“You’re supposed to toast it gently, not incinerate it.”

“Says who? It’s way tastier if it’s super crispy.”

He set down his toasting stick and sat back in his chair. “C’mere.”

“Who, me?” She grinned at him. Teasing Knox was becoming her new favorite activity.

“Yes you, sassy pants. Come sit on my lap. There’s room for both of us.”

She did as he said, squishing in beside him. This time, when she kissed him, he tasted like marshmallows and milk chocolate.

He wove his hands through her hair and placed soft kisses behind her ear. “Sorry in advance if I get marshmallow goo in your hair.”

“Like I care about getting sticky? Do you have any idea how long I’ve wanted you to kiss me? I’ve had a thing for you since…” As the realization struck her, she put her head in her hands and lowered her voice to an embarrassed whisper. “March of last year.”

With a gentle laugh, he tugged on her hands. “Can you speak up? I didn’t catch that.”

From his teasing tone, she was certain he hadn’t missed a word she’d said.

“You heard me. I started feeling this way after you saved me from those jerks who were at the hotel for a travel convention. Do you remember? They were part of that rowdy group who decided to throw a Mardi Gras party at the Gilded Lily.”

“What I remember most was having to clean up all those beaded necklaces. Those idiots tossed them everywhere. If they wanted Mardi Gras, they should have gone to New Orleans, not Victoria.”

“They were so obnoxious. But most of them were harmless, except the two guys who came up to the front desk and started harassing me.”

At the time, she’d been in a vulnerable position, covering the overnight shift on her own.

She’d initially responded to them with cool politeness, and then with anger, but they wouldn’t be deterred.

Since they weren’t a direct threat to any of the guests, she’d been hesitant to radio one of the hotel’s security officers for backup.

Knox had no such qualms. As he passed by the front desk on his way out, he confronted the men and threatened to call security if they didn’t back off.

Even after he’d gotten rid of them, he kept Charlie company until her shift ended.

In typical Knox fashion, he hadn’t said much, but his presence had been incredibly comforting.

He placed a gentle kiss on the inside of her palm. “I’m sorry you had to deal with them.”

“It’s fine, now. But after that night, I couldn’t stop thinking about the gallant way you came to my rescue. That’s why I started popping by the Lily and bringing you treats. And why I wheedled you into helping me with all the hotel’s events last Christmas.”

“Well, it worked. When you asked, I couldn’t say no. I even wore a red vest with shiny holly berries on it. Just for you. Every time you came in to the Lily to talk to me, it brightened my whole day.”

Hearing the words made her heart soar. “But you never said anything. Why didn’t you ask me out?”

He cupped her cheek. “I thought about it, but I always figured you were too sunny and upbeat to want a grouch like me. Even when you invited me over to watch Canada’s Most Haunted , I didn’t want to get my hopes up. I’m glad you made the effort.”

“It wasn’t easy. I was afraid you’d turn me down, but the Damsels talked me into it. And now…”

“Here we are. Right where we’re supposed to be.” His lips captured hers again, hungry and possessive, like he couldn’t get enough.

She didn’t care that they were both sticky and that the chair was too snug to accommodate them.

Knox’s passionate kisses transported her to a place where minor discomforts didn’t matter.

And when he trailed kisses along the curve of her throat, she groaned and dug her fingers into his hair.

She could have gone on like this for hours, until the fire burned down to embers, but she wanted more.

She hit Knox with a come-hither smile. “Do you want to go up to my apartment? This fire is lovely and all, but…we might be more comfortable in my bed.”

“You sure? I don’t want to rush you.”

She loved that he was taking her feelings into consideration. “I’m sure. If you’re not ready, we can wait. But I don’t feel rushed.” She tensed up, hoping he wouldn’t turn her down.

“I’m definitely ready. Let’s put out this fire and start a new one…in your bedroom.” He waggled his eyebrows. “Sorry. That was unbelievably cheesy.”

“The worst. Hard to believe you’re an award-winning writer.” But she didn’t care how many cheesy lines he spouted. All that mattered was that he’d said yes.

She went to the shed, where her parents’ gardener kept his equipment. After filling up a bucket of water, she brought it over to the fire. Once they were sure it was out, Knox gathered up the s’more supplies and put them back in the grocery bag.

They’d just reached her apartment door when she froze up, her anxiety taking hold again. “I’m not sure what your expectations are, but since you were in the entertainment industry, I don’t want you to be disappointed.”

He chuckled. “Did you think I was going to sex parties? I was never that adventurous.”

A warm flush crept up her cheeks. “The thing is—when it comes to sex, my tastes are kind of…vanilla.”

“Don’t undersell yourself.” He took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “In my opinion, vanilla is a highly underrated flavor.”