The kindling wood crackled and glowed and the charred smoky smell reminded her of a time less complex, when she helped her grandfather light his fire in the winter.
The corners of his mouth met his sparkling emerald eyes, he rose to a stand, placing both hands on her shoulders. “Relax. I’m sure you’re feeling delicate after last night? The rescue powder will make you feel a little groggy but it’s amazing stuff.”
With a feather light touch his hand slid down her arm, until his fingers locked her wrist and he led her towards a low armchair beside the log pile.
“Sleeping on the way here helped. I feel much better.” A sigh escaped her when she lowered to the chair and his hand retreated. “Thanks.”
“Freshen up if you like.” He crossed his arms over his chest and stared at her with that unreadable look he wore so well. “And then I’ll show you around.”
“Sounds good,” she replied, then remembered all her toiletries were at Amanda’s.
Sinking back into the chair, she studied the glass room. “It’s not where I imagined you to live, though it’s miles better than your city crash pad.”
Marcus chucked another log into the burner. “I have quite a few properties where I can stay at any time; however, this is where I call home. My father and brother both live close by. I come here to think and recharge my batteries.”
Her gaze was drawn towards the reflective lake in the distance. “I can see why. It’s a little piece of heaven. I absolutely love it here.”
“Good. I’ll show you to your room.” She wanted, desperately, to reach out for him but she just latched onto his waiting hand and lifted off the chair, keeping her urges locked down.
“My room?”
“Yes, you’ll have your own bathroom, too. My housekeeper has organised the cabinets for you, but if there is anything else you need, then I’ll arrange for it to be delivered as soon as possible.”
“I’m not staying with you?”
He laid his hand on her shoulder and jerked her closer without saying a word. As he escorted away from the kitchen, he teased a wisp of hair that tickled her neck.
Daring to look up at him, she found his mouth curled at the corner in that sexy way he did so well.
Why does he want me to sleep in a separate bedroom? Was this not going to be a dirty weekend under the sheets…the same sheets?
Lana opened her mouth to say something, but her nerves lodged in her throat.
“What’s wrong, beautiful?” His arm slid away to open the bedroom door.
Her heartbeat thrummed and she lowered her lashes, hiding a look of confusion. Stroking her chin with his knuckles, Marcus hummed. “Take a shower. Make yourself at home.”
“Thanks.”
“This is your room for the weekend. Come and find me when you’re ready.”
Marcus strolled away, his rock solid ass looked amazing in jersey fabric. It took all her effort not to run after him, to slide her hands beneath the layers for a quick squeeze.
The bedroom was impressive with that brand-new smell mingling with fresh cotton and natural wood. A calming view mirrored the same lough she saw downstairs, but at a higher aspect.
Dazed by the splendour, she wandered past the hefty bed frame and pushed through twin doors. She crossed over into a large adjoining bathroom that was five times the size of her old bedroom in Rory’s house.
Creamy marble covered the vast floor space, walls and shower, which was big enough for a whole family to use at the same time, plus the dog and maybe a goat.
Nerves jumped in her stomach, anticipation of the weekend making her edgy and excited.
Whatever Marcus had planned, would ultimately lead to sex and that thought alone was enough to make her lightheaded and buzzed.