Chapter 20
Declan
Toavoidgossip,I’d booked dinner at an out-of-the-way village. Although I couldn’t care less if people thought my dating the maid was something worth gossiping about, I understood Theadora’s need for discretion.
The restaurant looked out to the ocean and being dusk, the sea rippled in shimmering dark greens, while streaked in fiery orange and purple, the sky was a work of art.
Theadora, also a work of art, made heads turn in a sexy, fitted red dress.
“Red’s your colour,” I said.
She blotted her lips with a napkin and smiled.
Unlike some of the women I’d dated, Theadora, I’d discovered, was an unfussy eater. She didn’t see food as an enemy.
We talked about music and her aspirations. She showed interest in the boot camp, and conversation moved freely between us. I found her to be intelligent and really enjoyed her company.
We stepped out into the night.
“That was lovely.” Theadora clutched her arms.
“Are you cold?”
“A little.” She looked up at me. Her eyes wide and searching.
I brushed a stray strand away from her face. Her lips glistened after her tongue brushed over them.
An action that made my dick twitch.
I took her into my arms and held her. “Here. I’ll warm you up.”
We stayed like that for a moment. Her short delicate frame in my arms—soft and a perfect fit.
“Do you feel like a walk?” I asked.
She nodded.
We walked in silence to the water’s edge, where a moonbeam rippled a silvery pathway along the sea.
I placed my jacket over her shoulders. “Are you warm enough?”
“I am. But what about you?”
“I’m fine.”
I studied her. Her big eyes filled with questions.
“Are you okay?”
She turned to face me. “I’m terrified.”
“I’m not here to hurt you.”
“I know that. But…” She took a deep breath. “I’ve never experienced anything like this before. You’re very passionate.”
“I am about you.” I paused for a response, but she looked away as though I’d challenged her again. “I can’t imagine any hot-blooded male not being seriously aroused by you. And you strike me as a little passionate yourself.” I inclined my head.
What could I offer her? A relationship?