I couldn't help but laugh. "This is a workout?"
"Oh yeah. After flying in that death trap and puking out my brains, this stuff definitely counts as a workout."
"Are you feeling unwell? We can go back to the house."
"No, Jake, I was just... Never mind. My sense of humor is sometimes off, especially after I've had a bit of wine. Oh, this is gorgeous," she exclaimed and then fell completely silent.
We were just in time to catch the sunset. Perhaps another five minutes. It was hovering above the horizon but so close to the surface that the reflection in the water made it seem like it was one huge twin sun.
"I've never seen anything more beautiful," she murmured. There was nothing but sincerity in her voice. I swallowed hard, looking at her. She was a genuine person, and I craved that. "I think it might be my favorite spot here," she said.
I hadn't expected that. I would've thought she'd claim a corner of the luxurious mansion as her favorite place, but no, she liked the sunset.
We both fell silent as we watched the sun slip out of sight. She didn't even move to take out her phone and snap a picture.
She put her hands on her arms, rubbing them up and down, and I noticed she had goose bumps. It had definitely cooled off this evening. I immediately took off my suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
She jerked her head back. "Thanks. I owe you. I need to take it for dry cleaning anyway."
"No, you don't."
"I slept on it on the plane. I'm pretty sure I got some stuff on it."
“Forget about it.”
As soon as the sun set, I said, "Come on, let's go back in the house or you'll get sick. It gets really cold once the sun's gone.”
“I can already feel the chill. I stupidly didn't bring any sweaters. But never mind, I'll call it a night. I want to have this image as the last one of the day. If we stay up too late, you might turn into a pumpkin. Or, in your case, an ogre.” Her sass was back, and I liked it.
I knew right then that if we stayed here any longer, I’d end up kissing her.
Chapter Seven
Natalie
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