Page 64 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 3

Jerrod found that moment appropriate to walk in carrying two dessert menus. "Are either of you interested in dessert this evening?" He placed the menus down in front of us.

“I’ve heard the dessert here isn’t very good,” I said.

James laughed.

But Jerrod frowned. “Mrs. Hunter, you love the chocolate lava cake. It’s the best in town.”

Do I? Hmm.“Actually, that does sound pretty good. Do you want to share a slice?” I asked James.

“That sounds perfect,” James said. “We’ll split one chocolate lava cake.”

“Very good, sir.” Jerrod collected the menus and walked back out of the room, leaving us in silence.

I couldn’t get James’ words out of my head. He thought I tasted better than any dessert here. Had he actually just meant a kiss? Or did he mean something else? I could actually feel the silence as it settled around us. I wanted to break through the awkwardness. I wanted to taste him. But I had no idea what to say.

“Do you want some fresh air?” James asked.

It was like he had handed me a get out of jail free card. “Yes.” I tried not to sound too excited. “That sounds perfect.” I didn't know exactly what he had in mind, but I grabbed his hand and let him pull me to my feet. It was easy to follow him, like I had done it countless times before. He kept my hand in his as he led me out of the private dining room. It seemed like everyone in the restaurant turned to look at him again as we walked through. He squeezed my hand and smiled down at me. God was he sexy. I found myself thinking I would follow him anywhere.

We exited the restaurant in the back and stepped onto a huge terrace. Even though it was summer, the dusk had brought a chill. There were only a few people standing by a fire with glasses in their hands, enjoying an after dinner drink. James escorted me past them and we made our way down a set of stairs. His strides were longer than mine and it was hard to keep pace with him. If I walked any faster I'd be jogging.

We reached a row of golf carts. He leaned in and turned the key. "This will do." He smiled at me.

"Are we allowed to use those? We're going to get in trouble." I looked both ways, waiting for someone to stop us.

James laughed and got behind the wheel. "Get in."

Of course he could use them. He could do whatever he wanted here. He owned the place. I climbed in next to him and as soon as my butt hit the seat he pressed down on the gas pedal. He stuck to the small paths and wooden bridges on the course for awhile and then veered off into the grass. We rolled up next to a small waterfall and he cut the engine. Lightning bugs flittered in the darkening sky around us. It felt like I was in a dream. And even though we were surrounded by fresh grass and beautiful flowers, all I could smell was his sweet cologne. Every inch of me felt alive when I was next to him.

I got out of the cart and walked over toward the little waterfall. The water splashing against the rocks was surprisingly loud. I saw James’ reflection in the rippling water as he came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me. I stopped breathing as he moved my hair to one side and kissed the back of my neck. My whole body tensed. It was exactly what I wanted him to do when he had zippered my dress. His lips felt better than his fingers.Oh my God, he wants me right here. In the middle of the golf course. Fuck this is hot. Why do I think this is so hot?

“I’m sorry.” His lips were off of me almost as soon as they had landed against my skin. He took a step back from me, like he was appalled by himself.

I could barely control my rapid breathing. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No.” He shook his head. “No,” he said more seriously. “I’m supposed to be taking things slowly and I…” his voice trailed off. “I’m sorry.” He started staring at the waterfall instead of me.

I wanted him to wrap his arms around me again. I wanted him to kiss my neck. I wanted all of it. But he didn’t feel the same way. I blinked fast, removing the tears from my eyes. “That’s okay. Really.” I turned away from him. There was a weeping willow close by.How appropriate.It seemed like a good place to hide away before I let my emotions take over. I walked over to it as fast as I could.

“Penny!”

I kept walking until I was hidden in the darkness of its branches. I hunched over and let the tears fall. Why was I crying? I put my hand over my mouth to stifle my sobs. So what if he didn’t want me? I didn’t even know if I wanted him. God, that was a lie. He was sexy and handsome and thoughtful. I wanted him. He just didn’t want me back. How had this day turned everything upside down?

“Penny.”

I stood up, trying to hide my tears. I wiped them away just in time.

"Oh, Penny." He cupped my chin in his hands and lifted my face so that I'd be looking at him.

My tears were gone, but he still saw me. “I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I’m trying. Isn’t that what you wanted? I’m…”

“You’re not doing anything wrong.” He traced his thumb beneath my eyes.

“Then why won’t you kiss me?” I hated how distressed I sounded. I hated how the page had turned and I was the one that desperately wanted him.

“You think I don’t want to kiss you?” His hand slid to the side of my neck.

I stopped breathing as his fingers traced my clavicle.