Take what you want, Jeni. You’re a strong, confident woman. Remember?
Staring in his eyes, I find the courage to slide my arms around his neck. The close proximity sends shockwaves through my core and wakes every fiber of my being. He smells amazing, and his scent makes me want to rip his clothes off and take him right here on this very deck. His arms surround my waist, and we stand, our bodies touching ever so slightly. The chemistry’s electrifying as the butterflies surge back into motion.
It feels as though we’re staring at each other for the longest time, but it’s only moments. The energy pops and sizzles as we stare into each other’s eyes while the air around us transforms into a combustible explosion. It’s like everything is spinning, and we’re the only things standing still.
He tilts his head slightly.
This is it.
This is the moment.
He’s going to kiss me.
My heart skips a beat as I lean in a little closer. I feel his breath against my lips, just a hair’s breadth apart as I close my eyes, and… the waitress clears her throat.
My stomach falls through the deck as I open my eyes to see Aiden glaring at her.
“Sorry to interrupt, sir, but your meals are ready.” The evil glint in her eyes tells me she’s very happy she’s interrupted us.
Aiden looks at me apologetically as I pull my lip in by my teeth. “Thank you,” he replies politely. Though, I hear the frustration behind his tone.
She places the meals and drinks on the table as Aiden takes my hand, his touch igniting the energy against my skin as he leads me back to the table. His eyes meet mine as he picks up his glass to cheer. “Don’t worry, Jeni, we’ll get another chance.”
The promise lingers in the air.
Honestly, I can’t freaking wait. I pick up my wine glass and clink it with his. “To our impending first kiss,” I tell him which makes him smile so fucking wide, I’m sure he’s going to burst from happiness.
I pick up my fork to begin eating, and we sit in a comfortable silence.
“Have you liked your surprises?” Aiden asks, breaking the quiet surrounding us.
I look into his eyes, those gorgeous bright blue eyes, and feel myself becoming intoxicated by him. “Yeah, the pink Cadillac was amazing. And this garden is amazing, and the waterfall is amazing, and this food is amazing. It’s all so… well, amazing!”
“You’re amazing,” he murmurs under his breath, thinking I can’t hear him. “Glad you approve, but the night’s still young.”
I wonder what he means by that, but I don’t answer. I’m too busy eating this incredible tasting garlic bread.
We both pick up our glasses at the same time. He holds his out to meet mine. “To chance meetings.”
I smile and clink my glass to his again. “To chance meetings.”
The meal is far too much for me, and I can’t finish it. I take another sip of my wine and wipe my mouth with my napkin.
“That was delicious,” I compliment.
“Yes, it was a good choice.”
I tip my head. “I’m amazing, after all.” I wink at him. He smiles, now knowing I heard him earlier. He lets out a laugh, puts his napkin on the table, and stands.
“The sun’s about to set. Let’s watch it go down.” As the sun slips down behind the waterfall, he walks over to me and puts his hand out. I take it, and we walk hand in hand to the edge of the deck, then lean on the railing next to each other, our arms slightly touching. The heat emanating from the connection is electrifying as we watch the sun disappear in its glorious shades of ambers and purples. The energy in the air flows between us like an invisible force, bursting and sizzling like popping candy. I can’t explain it, I’ve never felt a pull like this before, an undeniable surge like everything around us is moving, but we’re standing still. It’s a beautiful chaos. He slowly puts his arm around me, and then he pulls me into his side. There’s a slight chill in the air, but it’s like every inch of me is on fire. I feel safe like this is where I’m meant to be.
The sun finally sets, sending the sky into a silver dusk, and little lanterns above us light up in various shades of pink, blue, green, and yellow—they’re beautiful. Aiden and I both look up at the same time as they turn on, making this feel like some kind of kismet. Like some kind of fate.
I turn to face him. He places his other arm around my waist and pulls me to him. We’re in the same position as before when our first-kiss attempt failed. My arms are tight around his neck as his smell floods my senses again, making me crazy with want. I look down, trying to hide the lust in my eyes. Aiden lifts my chin, and I’m lost in his gaze. The chemistry sizzles all around us like nothing I’ve ever experienced. His hand moves to my waist. He swallows, and I think he’s as nervous as I am. My world is spinning, but he’s the only thing in focus as he tilts his head, leaning in, and before I know what’s happening, his mouth is on mine.
My lips tingle and ignite, fireworks explode against my skin like popping candy, like TNT. He ignites every living cell inside of my body as I feel myself come alive at his touch. His kiss is so much more than I could have imagined—it’s soft, warm, and inviting. I give in and surrender to him completely, letting his tongue dance with mine.
This feels like one of my fantasies, only way, way better. He holds me tight as one hand moves from my waist to caress my cheek. My temperature skyrockets as he kisses me sensually and slowly, making every inch of me crave him more. My hands move to the back of his head, my fingers threading through his hair. He moans as he moves our bodies, so I’m pushed against the railing at the edge of the deck. He’s pressed hard against me, and I feel everything.