Page 111 of Boss of Me

He grins back and takes my hand in his, lacing our fingers together.

I listen raptly to the song, the sweeping scales and vibrant brass climaxes bringing me to tears. By the end of the achingly poignant symphony, I’m so moved that I give the orchestra a standing ovation, and Gunner joins me.

The conductor bows in response to our applause. His musicians look delighted.

When they take a break, a white-jacketed server brings us wine. We sit drinking from each other’s glasses, laughing softly and enjoying ourselves until the orchestra returns.

As the opening chords of Johann Strauss’sThousand and One Nightsfill the air, Gunner rises and holds out his hand to me. “May I have this dance?”

I give him a radiant smile. “Absolutely.”

With a wink, he pulls me to my feet and strolls to the makeshift dance floor in front of the stage. I stare into his eyes as he wraps one hand around my waist, folds his other hand around mine and leads me into a waltz.

We dance without speaking, allowing the beautiful strains of the song to sweep us away. Gunner is an amazing waltzer, leading me effortlessly through every step and turn, his eyes holding mine as he twirls me around. Dancing with him feelsotherworldly, like floating on air. I’m half convinced we’ve traveled back in time to a Regency era ballroom.

As the last notes of the waltz fade away, I slide my mouth to his ear and whisper, “This has been the most unforgettable night of my life.”

A tremor runs through his body, as though my words released something inside him. He pulls me closer, keeping our fingers entwined as he whispers in my ear, “One more dance.”

When a dreamy violin concerto begins playing, I lay my head on his shoulder and melt into his warmth. We sway gently under the stars, completely losing ourselves in each other and the enchanting music.

When the orchestra finishes the last movement, I lift my head from Gunner’s shoulder. I’m breathless, my heart racing as we gaze at each other. So many unspoken words pass between us in those moments.

He takes my face in his hands, lowers his head and slants his mouth over mine. His kiss is so gentle, so infinitely tender and needy that my heart squeezes in my chest.

I breathe his name as he lifts his mouth from mine and stares down at me, his eyes glittering with some unnamed emotion.

“Let’s go someplace private.”

I blink, still lost in the intimacy of his kiss. “Where?”

“I have an idea.” He pulls out his phone and sends a quick text. After exchanging nods with his conductor friend, he takes my hand and steers me across the lawn and down the path leading to the front courtyard.

The Bentley has been brought around, freshly washed and polished after our off-road adventure. Gunner scoops me up with gallant fanfare, carries me to the SUV and deposits me in the passenger seat.

As he slides behind the wheel of our chariot, I ask smilingly, “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see,” he says for the second time that evening.

He opens the sunroof so we can enjoy the night breeze as we drive through the estate. The snakelike road is edged on both sides by enormous banyan trees and palms swaying in the moonlight.

“It’s so beautiful out here,” I marvel. “You’re so lucky to have your very own slice of paradise.”

“I am.” Gunner looks at me. “Being here with you has given me a whole new appreciation for it.”

Smiling at his words, I drop my head back against the seat and gaze up at the endless sea of stars.

A few minutes later, we arrive at a starlit lagoon ringed by forested hills. It looks beautiful, so romantic and serene it could be a Monet painting.

“Oh, Gunner,” I sigh.

He parks close to the shimmering water. “I thought we could go for a midnight boat ride.”

I beam at the bright blue rowboat tied alongside the dock. “You’re on a roll tonight, Romeo.”

He chuckles softly as he cuts the engine. “We could’ve taken the yacht or sailboat out on the water. But I thought this would be cozier.”

“It’s perfect.” Feeling gloriously carefree, I slip off my high heels while Gunner removes his tie and loosens a few shirt buttons.