“You don’t think I’m fake?” I ask.
“Raven,” he grates. “I think you are the furthest thing from fake. My mother would’ve loved you. You’re the sort of girl I would be proud to show off to the world.”
For a moment, I’m speechless. His praise means everything to me. The fact he found me worthy to meet his mother made my chest ache. She clearly meant so much to him, and I can feel his pain at her loss.
“That’s quite the compliment, Charles.”
His head turns to me, his eyes boring into mine. “I mean it. Wholeheartedly.”
I take a deep breath, looking at my surroundings.
“I get it now.”
“Get what?” he asks, sounding confused.
“Why you don’t date. Why you have strict rules surrounding sex.” I sigh. “You’ve had horrible taste in women in the past.”
He burst into laughter, pulling my chair closer to his and grabbing my hand.
“You are very right, love. I had terrible taste.”
I smile. “You’re amazing, Charles, and it has nothing to do with this place. You’re talented and passionate. You give people a chance to prove their worth. You don’t care about bloodlines and prestigious schooling. You allow people to shine when other CEOs wouldn’t. You letmeshine.”
My cheeks heat, having voiced such a private thought.
“You shine all on your own, Raven.”
I inhale, taking in the fresh air and basking under the warm sun. “I’m having the best time with you, Charles. Thank you for bringing me here.”
“I’ve never enjoyed this place more. Truly. Thank you, Raven.”
I turn away and put my glasses back on, enjoying the rays on my face. Charles places his hand on my belly, and the two of us just lie here in comfortable silence.
I’m lost in thoughts of how perfect this day has been. Not just the luxury of the place but the company. I’ve never had this much fun with a person.
I got to see a side of Charles Cavendish I don’t think many get to bear witness to. He’s charming, funny, and a lot of fun. He let loose, and it was wonderful to see.
“Raven?” Charles says, pulling me out of my internal musings.
“Hmm,” I murmur, completely content.
“I think I’m falling for you.”
I sit up, dislodging his hand from my stomach.
“What?” The word comes out husky.
He swings his legs over the edge of the chair to face me. “I’m falling for you, Raven Bennett. Against all my rules, you’ve broken down the walls I thought were fortified.”
He places his hands on my cheeks, staring into my eyes. Blue on blue.
Hope and anticipation.
Lust.
Longing.
Love?