“Well, I guess that’s more important,” Cruz chuckled as he flung an arm around Emile. Applause broke out around them as the entire restaurant showed their appreciation to have been a part of such a special occasion.
“I still can’t believe you went down on your knee in front of everyone,” Jordan said as he lifted his head.
“For you, little one, Ikilla da bull.”
She laughed as they made their way towards their friends where they were inundated with hugs and congratulations.
“Hmm… how romantic, honey,” Jordan teased as Brock carried her over the threshold of his penthouse just after midnight. “I’ve often wondered why you choose to live in a penthouse. I see you as more of a beach house man.”
He gave her a brief kiss as he gently lowered her feet to the floor in the master bedroom. “I suppose living here made it feel that I hadn’t settled my roots but… since you’re in my life I’ve decided it is time to move.” He tapped her on the nose. “I’ve already set up a date with an estate agent to begin looking for a house, which of course, we will do together.”
“Oh my, how romantic,” she said, awed as she looked at the sensual ambience created by the glow of the candles flickering all around the room. Red rose petals were strewn about the bed and floor.
“Really?”
“Yes. Truly, my darling. I apologize for my limited imagination in this somewhat cliched expression for a woman whom I wonder if I am worthy of her love. It doesn’t come close to representing how I feel about you. In time, I hope to prove to you what you mean to me.”
“Brock, I love you so much.”
The clerestory windows stood open, letting moonlight splash its silver beams across the ceiling. Her eyes widened at the intimate view the place afforded. There was a canopied Balinese day-bed, French Club chairs, an outdoor bar, and an illuminated horizon pool that glimmered in the evening light with floating water lanterns. “I take it back. You rock romance, babe. I love this.”
“I’ve got a lot more planned for the future. Just wait and see.”
“I better write that down in my little black book.”
One eyebrow inched higher as he nudged her toward the bed. “Your little black book?” He hunched down on one knee in front of her. His large hands were warm and confident as he pushed her dress over her knees, gently kneading her calves before he took off her shoes.
“Yes. Every woman has one to write down these little in between promises. It’s important not to forget them, you know. Hmm,” Jordan moaned softly and shivered as Brock placed soft, nibbling kisses along the arch and instep of her foot.
“I’m going to illuminate the pool and put a bottle of Dom Perignon on ice. Why don’t you get undressed in the meantime?”
She glanced toward the balcony. The pool presented a framed panorama of the city. It would be bliss to moor oneself among the floating lanterns and gaze up into the night sky. Excitement sparked inside her.
“I hope we’re going in commando,” she quipped with a saucy wink. “It’ll be a new experience for me to be naked high above the city.” A Cheshire grin slithered devilishly across her alabaster face. “It gives new meaning to becoming a member of the mile high club.”
Brock answered with a wickedly seductive smile of his own. “Yes, my pet. An exclusive league for the uniquely qualified.”
“Hmm… look at you,” she said to no one as he walked out onto the balcony. “Adonis in situ.”
Being able to easily solicit Brock’s undivided attention towards her luscious topography had the powerful effect of quickly removing any lingering residue of unsecured confidence she may have harbored. As a result, it empowered a sense of self possession that until now had been left unrealized. She hadn’t felt judged at all for the private collection of battle scars she wore when he looked at her. Instead, he made her feel desirable and beautiful.
“Hmm.” She stroked the terry cloth robe that hung in the bathroom. “Should I walk out bare-assed save for a smile and a nectared quim primed and ready to be plucked like a prize? Or do I strip off and drop my personal linen like sails before a storm? What is a girl to do?”
Jordan carefully stepped out of her dress and made short work of a suit of lacey lingerie before slipping into the robe. Her eyes widened as she stepped out onto the balcony. The ocean view from her beach cottage was terrific but nothing could beat the breathtaking canvas from way up here.
“What a site to behold,” she exclaimed, her head swiveling from left to right in appreciation.
“Indeed,” Brock’s deep voice drew her gaze to the pool where he leaned against a wall of aqua jets. His eyes sparkled with catch lights from the underwater illumination as his eyes followed the line of her frame. “Such a pity to conceal that magnificent curvature of yours.”
Jordan couldn’t keep her eyes from straying over the musculature of his body. Her libido spiked at the sight of the wide chest and washboard torso that shimmered under the water.
“I see you’ve parked your hulk comfortably.” She all but leered at him.
“That I have. And you, my pet, are overdressed. Strike your colors. I’m taking you as a prize.”
Jordan glanced around, feeling suddenly vulnerable.
“Now.”