To my surprise, a limo’s parked just outside the entrance to the Wilshire, and a man in a black suit nods to Malcolm as he sweeps open the back door. “Welcome, Mr. Neuwirth. It’s good to see you again.”
“You too, Samuel,” Malcolm greets. “Thanks for the ride.”
The billionaire holds my hand as I get in the back of the limo then follows me inside. Oh wow, it’s fancy. The seats are a buttery yellow leather, with a vase of flowers tucked into the side as well as a surround sound system. To my surprise, Malcolm presses a button on a console across from our seat and a mini wine fridge opens up cleverly. He snags two plastic wine glasses from another cabinet and pours us small samples of Cabernet.
“Thank you,” I giggle as he hands a glass to me. “But we haven’t even had breakfast yet!”
He merely grins at me. “It’s coming, sweetheart.”
Then, to my surprise, Malcolm retrieves a picnic basket from the rear area of the limo, opening it to reveal a prepared brunch. There are waffles, eggs, and also an assortment of mini-sandwiches, and I gasp.
“Goodness! Did you order all this?”
“I did,” the billionaire grins while handing me a delicious bacon-and-egg mini-sandwich. “I can’t have my girl going hungry.”
The wine is perfect with my bacon and egg, and I devour the food as the limo pulls away from the curb. Meanwhile, Malcolm helps himself to a bacon, egg, and cheese and takes a huge bite before turning to face me. “Do you have a favorite lighthouse, sweetheart?”
Chewing slowly, I think.
“I’ve always been partial to the Fire Island Lighthouse. It was my mother’s favorite, so we’d go every year. The views are amazing, but then again, the Sound is always so gorgeous. My mom says that the ocean is a woman because she’s strong and beautiful. She’s capable of bringing life and wonder, but also dangerous when taken for granted, you know with overfishing and pollution.”
Malcolm looks serious as he chews.
“I think your mother must have been a very observant woman.”
“She was.”
But then his expression relaxes.
“I don’t have a lighthouse,” he winks. “But I’ll take you to my beach house on our next date,” he says.
I gasp.
“Where is it?”
He grins.
“In the Hamptons. I have a couple properties here and there, so it’s actually not my only beach home. I also have one in Cape Cod, if you’re interested.”
I gasp.
“Really? Both the Hamptons and Cape Code?”
He nods, taking another big bite of his sandwich.
“Yeah, I like to get around. I haven’t even told you about my European properties yet.”
At that I giggle.
“Not so fast, mister. Does that mean we’re going on another date if I agree to stay at this beach house of yours?”
He leans in and my breath catches as those blue eyes seize mine. “Yes, absolutely baby. I’ve had a taste of you now, and I’m not going to be able to give you up anytime soon. I need your curves, honey, because it’s the only thing that will keep me going.”
My heart is literally doing a dance of joy in my chest as we kiss. I don’t know why his words mean so much to me, but emotion blooms in my chest as happiness fills my form.
After a short while, the limo pulls to a stop and I peer out at a white tower surrounded by blue sky and fluffy clouds. It’s the Absecon Lighthouse and my heart thumps. I’ve always loved sight-seeing and the combination of good weather mixed with good company means this is going to be a wonderful day.
Sam the chauffeur opens the door for us, and Malcolm helps me out, giving me a quick kiss once I’m out of the limo. Then, he takes my hand and laces our fingers together like we’ve been a couple forever. My heart pounds, and my schoolgirl crush comes racing back within moments. How did I get so lucky to be with this handsome, forbidding man? Of course, right now he looks a bit more approachable with his casual clothes and warm smile, but still. I’m with a powerful, gorgeous CEO, and it’s like a dream come true.
“Come on,” Malcolm says, tugging me forward. “Let’s see what this place is about.”
We walk forward, and to my surprise, the lighthouse seems almost deserted. Why is that? It’s summer and the weather is nice so I figured people would come out. Suddenly, realization strikes.
“Is the lighthouse closed?” I ask tentatively. “I see a sign for a construction site.”
Malcolm isn’t perturbed and keeps walking towards the lighthouse. “It’s not closed for us,” he remarks.
I stop walking, and narrow my eyes as he fights a smile. “What do you mean it isn’t closed for us?”
The gorgeous man shrugs.
“I made arrangements for a private viewing. It was no trouble, seeing that I know the Governor of New Jersey. He made it happen for us.”