Page 43 of Unbreakable Bonds (The Boston Romance #2)

ALISHA

"No peeking, Samantha. Keep your eyes closed."

I chuckle at the dramatic huff leaving the teenager's lips as Cole guides her through the hallway. His eyes meet mine over her head, sharing a secret smile that makes my heart flutter. When he positions her just right, we step back.

"Okay, open."

Samantha's lashes part, confusion crossing her face as she glances between us. "Why are we in front of Alisha's apartment?"

"Open up and find out," Cole says, that sexy smirk playing on his lips.

The moment the door swings open, a high-pitched shriek pierces the air. Samantha launches herself at rocket-speed toward the girl standing in my living room. My heart swells watching the best friends reunite, hugging and jumping like connected bouncing balls on my colorful rug.

"Oh my god, what are you doing here? How did you get here?" Samantha demands when they finally separate.

Rachel grins. "Your father called my mom, asked if I could visit Boston. He paid for my flight, and Alisha picked me up."

The look of pure joy on Samantha's face as she throws herself at Cole makes my chest tight. "Thank you so much, Dad."

When she releases him, she crashes into me next, happy tears streaming down her cheeks. I squeeze her hands in mine. "You deserve it, honey. And there's more - you two can stay here until Sunday while I'm with Cole."

Her mouth drops open. "Are you serious?"

"Absolutely. You need quality time together." I gesture around the apartment. "The fridge is stocked, cabinets are full of snacks, and my Netflix account is all yours. Just no wild parties."

Both girls beam, but Cole raises a finger, his voice taking on that serious tone that commands attention. "Two conditions. One, if anything's wrong, you call us immediately. Two, you tell us before going anywhere."

"Don't worry, we're not leaving," Rachel assures him, and I hide my smile at the puppy dog eyes she gives Cole. Some things never change.

"We're having a Vampire Diaries marathon anyway," Samantha adds, already pulling Rachel toward the couch.

As we slip out, I catch Rachel's blush when Samantha teases her about staring at Cole. In the hallway, I brush my hand along his arm. "So, what about us? What's our plan?"

The next instant, my back hits the wall, Cole's mouth claiming mine in a kiss that makes me forget everything but him. When he pulls back, his lips hover above mine, electricity crackling in the space between us.

"I have a surprise for you."

"For me? Why?"

My heart leaps as he cups my face in his warm palms, thumbs brushing over my cheeks. "Because you deserve it."

I claw my fingers into his dress shirt as he traces a feathery path over my skin to my ear. "Do you trust me?" The low rumble of his voice makes my knees weak.

"Mm-hmmm." Electricity shoots through me when his tongue touches my earlobe.

"Use words, Alex."

"Yes," I whisper, breathless. "I trust you."

"Good. Turn."

I watch him step back, my pulse racing as he pulls a long, black silk tie from his jacket pocket, that panty-dropping smile lighting his face.

"I said turn, Alex."

Heat pools low in my belly as I obey. The silk slides over my eyes, his fingers brushing my skin as he secures it with a firm knot. His touch trails down my shoulders, raising goosebumps.

"If you only knew what I want to do to you."

"Why don't you show me?"

His low chuckle makes desire curl through me as he guides me into the elevator. The doors close with a soft whoosh, and the silence makes me restless. "You haven't shown or told me anything yet, Walker."

A strong arm wraps around me, his hand fisting in my hair to tip my head back, firm but gentle. His hot breath trails along my neck, and I shiver as he cups my ass. "Patience..." His warmth leaves my neck. "I'm the one in control," he murmurs, thumb tracing my bottom lip.

I try to capture it with my mouth, but he pulls away, leaving me groaning in frustration. When we exit the elevator, voices surround us, making me slow down, anxiety creeping in.

"W-where are we going?"

"Trust me."

A feminine voice cuts through my uncertainty. "Miss McQueen?"

My grip on Cole's hands tightens. "Yes?"

"We're expecting you. You can come with me."

"She'll be there in a minute," Cole states, authority ringing in his voice.

"Of course, sir."

Heels click away, followed by a door opening and closing. When Cole removes the blindfold, I blink against the light. We're standing before a white desk with an elegant 'Spa' sign - the luxury wellness center in our building's lobby. I've been dying to visit, but work always got in the way.

"You're getting the full treatment - facial, massage, everything. I'll pick you up after."

"You're not coming?" I can't hide my disappointment.

His fingers graze my cheek, stoking the fire already burning inside me. "We'll have plenty of time later. First, you deserve to relax."

Rising on tiptoes, I press a kiss to his jaw, letting my nails dig into his chest. "Thank you."

"See you later, beautiful."

Two and a half hours later, I emerge from the spa feeling like I'm floating on air, every muscle relaxed and tension-free.

My fingers trail over my new outfit - a leather skirt that hits above the knee and a lace button-up shirt with a teasing glimpse of cleavage. When I'd walked in for my appointment, I'd called Amanda, explaining what I wanted. She'd laughed and promised to send something over ASAP.

Cole's waiting for me, casually leaning against the wall, and my body ignites under his heated gaze.

He's changed too - a crisp white dress shirt paired with perfectly fitted jeans that make my mouth water.

His hand dips into his pocket, and that cocky grin I love spreads across his face as he dangles the black silk tie between his fingers.

My pulse quickens as he blindfolds me again, anticipation making my skin tingle.

"You look stunning," he murmurs, pressing a kiss to the tip of my nose. "Let's go, beautiful."

As we walk, I try to track our path, but Cole spins me playfully, destroying my sense of direction.

"Stop trying to figure it out."

I grin. This devil knows me too well. In the elevator, he pulls me against his chest, strong arms encircling my waist. When the doors open, he guides me forward. My heart races at the sound of a key turning in a lock. Then suddenly - warmth on my skin, a fresh breeze carrying the scent of... salt?

"Cole, where are we?"

"Ready for your next surprise?"

"Mmm... does it involve you getting naked?"

He chuckles. "Naughty, Alex."

"A girl can hope."

"Stay here, little minx."

Moments pass, then his voice comes from further away. "When I count to three, you can remove the blindfold."

"One... Two..."

I shift my weight, practically vibrating with anticipation.

"Three."

I push the silk up, blinking against the sunlight.

My hand flies to my mouth as I gasp. The terrace has been transformed into a private beach paradise.

White sand covers the floor, and against the wall stands a four-poster bed draped in red silk sheets.

Ruby-colored pillows pile against the headboard, while two towering palm trees cast dancing shadows across the bed.

Cole stands barefoot beside a round table set for two - white linen tablecloth, wine glasses catching the light, a bottle chilling in silver, and fresh salads waiting.

"How did you do this?" I breathe, walking toward him.

"I asked Bella and Emma what you love. They told me about the beach, but also how you haven't felt safe there since the incident." His eyes hold mine. "So I brought the beach to you."

"Cole, this is..."

He lifts my hand to his lips, pressing a warm kiss to my knuckles. "This is my gift to you. My way of saying thank you." He smirks. "Now step out of those sexy heels and join me on the private Walker beach."

I arch an eyebrow. "Walker beach? Why not McQueen beach? Has a better ring."

"My house, my beach, my rules." He kneels to help with my shoes. "Let's get these off."

God, he has no idea what he does to me. I lift each foot, giggling at the ticklish sensation as my bare soles sink into the warm sand. When he stands, his blue eyes burn into mine with an intensity that steals my breath.

"Today is about relaxing. Food, drinks, and us."

He kisses my forehead when I lick my lips. "Patience. Let's sit."

We settle at the table, and Cole pours rich red wine into crystal glasses, holding his up to mine. "A toast to our uninterrupted date. Finally having you all to myself."

I laugh, loving his directness. No games, just pure honesty. Taking a sip, I hum at the sweet, fruity notes dancing on my tongue.

"This is delicious," I say, watching him over the rim of my glass. "What should I toast to?"

"Whatever you want, Alex."

I grin. "To a fantastic day with a handsome man who better satisfy all my needs."

His low, rumbling laugh shoots straight to my core. "Time will tell. But first..." His eyes lock with mine. "What do you find attractive about me?"

"Oh, feeding your ego, Walker?" I gesture to our surroundings.

"But after all this, you deserve it." I study him, heat building under my skin.

"Physically? Your height, that broad build.

That deep voice that could melt steel. Those blue eyes that probably make women faint. But I'm sure you know all that."

His lips curve into that devastating half-smile.

"And those muscles," I continue, leaning across the table to trace the edge of his shirt. "Which should definitely be on display at a beach. Why don't you lose this and give me something to look at while you answer the same question about me?"

He grins, fingers moving to his buttons. "Most men would call you plain sexy. I prefer naturally seductive."

My tongue darts out to wet my lips as his chest comes into view, button by button revealing pure masculine perfection.