Page 24 of Daring to Love You (Priestly Family #3)

When they stepped outside, they set the coffees and the basket on the small table, and the blanket on one of the loungers. Normally, this area was shaded by a retractable awning, but since the sun wasn’t out, the entire deck was opened to the elements.

Dorian stood by the clear-glass railing that overlooked the lake, seeming deep in thought as she gazed out. Lynix moved up behind her and bracketed her in with his arms on each side of her, his front to her back, and his hands gripping the railing.

Her subtle floral scent wafted to his nose, and though he was tempted, he refrained from burying his nose against her long, graceful neck for a better whiff.

He was going to have to keep reminding himself to follow her lead and let her set the pace.

Which wasn’t going to be easy since he was used to going after what he wanted.

It might not be easy, but he already knew Dorian would be worth the effort and the wait.

When she glanced back at him, he thought she’d push him away or ask him to move. She did neither. Instead, she smiled at him, and Lynix was pretty sure his heart cracked open a little wider for her. Each time they shared the same space, his desire for her intensified.

Yeah, taking his time getting to know her before luring her into his bed was going to be his greatest test to date.

His mind was in line with his plans, but his traitorous body wanted her more than he wanted his next breath.

Who wouldn’t? The woman’s luscious lips and her incredible body were tempting as hell.

Her attention went back to the lake as the sun started its ascent. “Oh, my goodness. Isn’t it beautiful?” she whispered.

“Yes, it is,” he said, his attention on her, though she was referring to the rising sun. But nothing compared to her beauty.

She glanced at him, then elbowed him in the gut, forcing a laugh from him.

“I’m talking about the sunrise, and you’re not even looking.”

“Oh, sweetheart, I’m looking at the prettiest thing on this side of heaven.”

She blushed and hid a smile before returning her gaze to the view. “You’re supposed to be watching the sunrise, not looking at me.”

He’d seen the sunrise a thousand times and granted, it was always remarkable. However, he had never experienced it while being hugged up against her curvy ass. Now that… was priceless.

He glanced out over the water just as the sun’s rays painted the sky in a burst of red, orange, and yellow streaks, creating a majestic picture.

Lynix loved this time of morning. Watching the sunrise in all its glory always made him reflective.

Witnessing and experiencing such beauty and tranquility as the sun slowly climbed into the sky with such ease and grace.

On a wistful sigh, Dorian turned within his arms and faced him. They were standing so close, all Lynix had to do was lower his head a few inches and his lips would be lined up perfectly with hers.

God, it had been days since he’d tasted her, and he longed to…

“That was magnificent,” she said, smiling up at him and making his heart crack open even more for her. “Thank you for inviting me over to watch it with you.”

“It was my pleasure. Feel free to come over anytime, morning, noon, or night. You’re always welcomed here.”

A warm breeze blew loose strands of her hair around her face, and he lightly ran a finger across her forehead and pushed them away from her eyes. He swept them behind her ear before meeting her eyes again.

“For a big guy, you can be quite gentle,” Dorian murmured as she gazed up at him, and Lynix chuckled.

“Only when I want to be, like when I’m with you.”

Lynix let the back of his fingers glide down her soft cheek, and her eyes drifted closed at his touch. He loved touching her, and the desire to touch other parts of her body grew more intense each time they were together.

But patience would soon get them both what they truly wanted. He wanted her, and she’d said she wanted a man she could trust and depend on. Someone she could have fun with, and he already knew he could be that for her and more.

“Come on. Let’s have some coffee and whatever treats you brought with you.” Lynix guided her over to the loungers where they’d set everything.

“Scoot over,” he said, nudging Dorian’s leg when she claimed one of the loungers. She was sitting in the center of it, which left no space for him to slide in next to her.

“Why? You can sit over there.” She pointed at the identical lounger on the other side of the short table. “This one isn’t big enough for both of us.”

“Yeah, it is, move over. I want to sit next to you while we eat breakfast and enjoy the view.”

She hesitated, nibbling on her lower lip as if considering his request but didn’t move.

“Woman, you can either move over, or I can just pick you up and…”

“ Fine .” She scooted to the other side of the seat and glared at him. “Are you happy, now? You big bully!”

Lynix threw his head back and laughed. He could already tell dating her was going to be a blast, and this was only the beginning for them.