But it’s when we step inside, and I take in the staff, security, and luxury of the place, that I realize just how much Gideon has done for me.How far out of his way he’s gone to bring me with him.
In all the time I’ve been with him, I have never seen this many staff members, but something tells me once I step farther in, I won’t see them again.Just like at his home, they’ll remain in the shadows. Watching and protecting, but never interacting.
When they all fall out, leaving the space, I realize they were sweeping it for any threats, and my initial reaction was correct.
“You have free rein of the whole cabin.”
“And outside?” I ask.
“Wherever you want to go, go. You’re safe here.”
I swallow. This is a lot. Spinning in circles, I take it all in. The entire back of the cabin is nothing but windows. I make my way toward them, and my breath hitches. It’s magnificent.
He knew I needed air. So he gave me a mountain.
He knew I needed space. So he gave me a larger-than-life cabin.
This is too much.
“What do you think?”
“It’s—it’s amazing.” I can’t hide the excitement in my voice. I’m practically gushing all over him about this trip, and when he smiles broadly at my reaction, I realize how beautiful he is.
He doesn’t smile often, but when he does, he lights up. Illuminating the room. I have to look away, but I don’t want to.
I don’t want him to understand what he does to me when he’s like this.When he’s boyish and charming.
I school my features, biting my upper lip to stop myself from smiling. The moment I do, I see his reaction. His jaw tightens. His forehead furrows. He doesn’t like it.
“Be ready at six. Wear the dress that’s been laid out on your bed.”
My eyes narrow in on him as I contemplate whether to balk at his orders or simply retort with a bit of flirting.
“Fine,” I say, batting my eyelashes just a touch. “As long as you don’t come into my room.” That makes his lips split, and then, just like that, he walks off. Not saying a word, as if he didn’t just smirk at me. As if he isn’t aware of what that smirk did to me.
My legs feel like jelly, and my stomach is filled with butterflies.
One smile from him has the effect of a tsunami on my system, and if I’m not careful, he could wreck me for good.
27
SASHA
Just as Gideon said,I find a dress laying on my bed. It’s beautiful. White with soft pleats and made out of the finest chiffon. I lift the soft material up and place it against my torso.
It feels like a dream in my hands, andI wonder how it will look on.
Placing the dress back onto the bed, I head into the shower to wash away the lingering filth that always comes with traveling. I won’t put on that dress until I’m clean.
I stretch my arms above my head and yawn. Even though we flew private, I’m still exhausted.It’s always a process to travel, no matter what mode of transportation you take.
The hot water helps to reinvigorate me, and I take my time luxuriating in it.
When I’m finally done and feeling like myself, I step out of the shower, and that’s when I notice that beside my towel is a big fluffy robe.
This man thought of everything.
My lips part into a large smile.