NATE LED ME through the courtyard and into the hotel. He pushed through the private staff doors into the kitchen, bidding the surprised chefs and wait staff a good evening without stopping. Holding his hand, I hurried behind him. As we passed the wine cellar, he grabbed a bottle of champagne.
“Where are we going?” I asked excitedly.
“You’ll see.” We exited through a fire door into the darkness of night. “This way.”
The sounds of laughter and music faded as we left the hotel behind us. The three-inch heels of my shoes were not ideal for the gravel pathway crunching beneath us. I stumbled more than once.
“Here.” Nate handed me the bottle then turned and crouched. “Hop on.”
“I’m butt naked. I can’t hitch up the dress to climb on your back.”
The lazy smile spreading to his dark gaze when he faced me seared through me like a scorching flash of lightning. “How could I forget?” he purred, scooping me over his shoulder like a fireman.
“You’re crazy!” I yelped, clinging one-handed to the tail of his jacket.
“Hold tight.” He smacked my backside and started off again into the inky blackness. The crunch of gravel quickly gave way to the silent tread of grass. When Nate eventually set me back on my feet and turned me around, I gaped with wonder. The stillness of a vast lake was illuminated by the full moon shining in the clear night sky.
“Okay, now you’ve really excelled yourself.” Whilst I marvelled at the beauty in front of me, Nate shrugged off his jacket and lay it on the ground, then loosened his bow tie, leaving it hanging around his neck.
“You bring out the best in me.” He took the bottle and made quick work of opening it, giving the base a twist until the cork popped.
“We don’t have glasses.”
“What? You’ve never drunk champagne from the bottle before?” He grinned and passed it over.
“Not one costing hundreds of dollars, no.” With an impish smile, I took a sip. Bubbles fizzed on my tongue as I swirled the pink liquid around and swallowed.
“Taste just as good?”
I shook my head. “Better.”
Nate sat and pulled me onto his lap, leaning me back to his chest. The organza layers of my dress fell around our legs, the tiny sequins catching the moonlight. “I knew this dress was perfect for you the minute I saw it.”
“When exactly was that?”
“The Saturday after our first date.”
I glanced at the side profile of his face as he stared straight ahead, taking a swig from the bottle. “Two days?”
Lifting a shoulder, he placed the bottle to my lips. “I knew we were gonna happen, even if you hadn’t quite figured it out.”
Resting my head to his, I swallowed the champagne, letting his words sink in. Everyone—Nate, Mai, even my father who’d never met him—had seen what was right in front of me. I was the last person to get it.
Surrounded by the trappings of luxury, both of us dressed head to toe in designer labels, we swigged vintage Moët like it was a bottle of Coke. Yet at the end of the day, it was merely expensive packaging. Underneath, Nate was completely down to earth, not loud and brash, but sensitive and kind, appreciative of everything he had.
A mirror image of my soul. The other half I hadn’t known was missing.
Until now.
With a small twist, I faced him. I ran my fingers through his hair, taking the uninterrupted time to really look at him. He did the same. My fingertips caressed his cheekbone then traced his soft pouty lips. Lips that kissed me like no other had before, or ever would again. Lips that always found the right words to say. Lips that I knew had never lied.
The way Nate’s eyes sparkled with love in the moonlight made my heart constrict. All seeing eyes confirmed what I already knew, giving me the courage required to open my heart. This was a moment where nothing else needed to be said.
Except one thing.
“God,” I sighed on a long exhalation, “I’m so in love with you.”
Nate sucked in a breath, eyes widening, his grip on my hip tightening. He set the bottle down beside him without taking his eyes off me. I’d caught him completely off-guard with my declaration of love.
“Like, it’s ridiculous how much I am.” I cupped his jaw. “I wasn’t prepared for any of this, but with your patience, your encouragement and honesty, you’ve opened my heart again and earned my trust. I’m a different woman to the one I believed I was. You’ve swept me off my feet. My world will never be the same again, and for that, you deserve all of me. All of my love.”
Nate’s mouth parted, his breath coming in a long sigh. Cradling his face with both hands I moved closer. “I love you, Nathan Blake,” I whispered, brushing my lips over his. “I always have, and I always will.”
Our mouths met. It began slow and teasing—an exploration—grazing, tasting, biting and licking. Nate’s arms banded around my back and hauled me to his frame, chest to chest, squeezing hard. With a sigh, I opened my mouth to welcome him inside.
With lush, unhurried strokes intended to ignite the fires in our stomachs, it was the most heartfelt, all-consuming kiss I’d ever experienced. A hint to a long night of tender lovemaking between two lovers. Nate’s love coursed through my blood, filling the empty void that had resided there for too long. When I broke free, my head was spinning, my brain starved of oxygen. Never had I been kissed that way, so deeply I lost my mind. The times before had all been a prelude to this one life-changing moment.
“You have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear those words,” Nate breathed, dropping his forehead to mine.
“Do you believe them?” I asked cautiously.
“Without a doubt.” His chest continued to thunder against mine. “And I love you, too. More than anything.” Gradually, his mouth curved then widened into the most stunning smile to ever light up his beautiful face. He fell onto his back, taking me with him, his arm under my shoulders keeping me off the ground. “Tell me again,” he murmured, brushing my hair behind my ear.
I grinned, touching his face, revelling in the deeper connection between us and the freedom I now felt. “I love you.”
The kiss we shared again was as emotional as the first, only sexual intention singed the edges. By the time we came up for air I was burning for him.
“I don’t want this moment to end,” Nate admitted softly.
“Every chance I get, I’m going to tell you and show you. You’ll be so sick of hearing it, you’ll be begging me to stop.”
“If that happens, you have full consent to check me into a mental institution because there’s no way in hell I’ll ever tire of it with a sane mind.”
NATE carried me back the same way, hoisted over his shoulder. The party was in full swing, most of the guests dancing, including his parents. The rest of the family were sat at the table.
“Here they are!” Will exclaimed. “What happened to you guys?” He had a smirk on his face like he’d done the maths and figured it out.
“We’re calling it a night,” Nate said, drawing me to his side. The smile I’d put there was still lighting his face.
“We are?” I asked quietly.
He nodded. “Time to lock ourselves away in our suite and not show our faces until morning.”
“You can’t bail now!” Will shoved his chair back and stood. “The grey brigade will be heading to bed soon,” he moaned, pointing to the older generation of guests, “then the party can really start.”
“Got my own private party to attend, thanks.” Nate reached out a hand to Will, who reluctantly shook it as Nate spoke in his ear at the same time.
“Could’ve told you that, bro,” Will replied. Then he frowned, put his finger to pursed lips and said, “Oh, wait, I already did.”
Simon collared Nate, so I quickly said goodbye to Bethany. Will turned to me, genuine happiness in his eyes, and tugged me into his arms. “Remember his age, Kara. Don’t wear him out too much.” He winked and planted a kiss on my mouth.
“Night, Will.” Laughing, I stepped out of his arms, straight into Mel’s. It took a while before I responded to her unexpected embrace.
“We got off on the wrong foot,” she admitted in my ear, “but I see how much Nate loves you.”
I prised myself free but kept hold of her elbows.
“I’ve never seen him so caught up in a woman before,” she went on, hands lightly gripping my biceps. “Dad calls it the love light, when your eyes light up. Nate looks at you exactly the same way.”
“I’ll look after him,” I promised. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to stand on the table and announce to the world that I was crazy in love with the brilliant man making his way around the table. But I wanted to keep our private elation sacred for a little while longer.
“I know.” Mel glanced over her shoulder to Nate. “You’re good for him,” she said, turning back. “Just don’t hurt him.”
“I’m taking her back now.” Nate joined us, kissing my temple as Mel’s eyes rolled skyward.
“You guys have fun,” Mel ordered, returning to her seat rather ungracefully. “I’m gonna have one hell of a hangover tomorrow,” she giggled and emptied her glass.
“Just my parents left,” Nate said, leading me to the dance floor, “then I’m taking you to bed.” His warm breath tickled my ear, his words sending a wave of heated anticipation through me.
“Your tuxedo! Your beautiful dress!” Sadie cried, interrupting her dance to inspect us. She took my hand, fussing over my gown. “What happened?”
“We took a walk by the lake and sat a while. We’re fine,” Nate assured, “it’s only dust.”
“Ah, that’s where your father proposed,” she sighed, turning her adoring gaze to her husband. “My favourite spot.”
“It is beautiful. I can’t wait to see it in daylight,” I told her. I said goodnight to Thomas whilst Nate wrapped Sadie into his arms, kissing either cheek.
“Enjoy the rest of the party,” Nate said to his parents.
“Thank you, honey,” Sadie replied. “Now, get this gorgeous girl out of that dress.”
Nate hugged Thomas with a smirk. As he led me inside, he murmured, “You heard what mom said.”
“Are you always a good boy who does what mommy tells him?” I smirked back.
The cerulean blue of his eyes flashed then thinned, overtaken by the black dilation of his pupils. His nostrils flared, his grip on my waist tightening as we climbed the stairs. “Always.”
AWARENESS and expectation hummed through my body. I was breathing fast, pulse racing. Nate hung the Do Not Disturb sign on the door and kicked it shut. Sinful ideas played in his eyes. He led me to the bedroom and switched on the antique table lamps, casting a pattern of shadows on the cream walls.
“Finally,” Nate growled. He threw his jacket on the chaise and prowled towards me. “I’ve got you all alone.” He caught my chin, keeping my head raised to meet him eye to eye. I wouldn’t have looked away—I couldn’t. This man was mine and I was his. I wanted to see that ownership reflected in his blazing eyes.
“You have full permission to smudge more than just my lipstick,” I encouraged.
His mouth twitched as it neared mine. “And I fully intend to.”
My sigh was lost in his kiss. I shoved my hands into his hair and pushed my body flush against his. He lured me into near unconsciousness—how he always could—with precise strokes of his tongue in a blatant mouth-fuck. Because that’s how it felt to kiss him.
“First,” he panted, “I need to get you naked.” The tips of his reverent fingers sent shivers over my heated flesh as he slowly unzipped me. “It won’t take long,” he breathed, teeth grazing my shoulder blade, “not like you have much underneath, is it?”
Pink organza and silk pooled at my Louboutin’d feet. I took his proffered hand and stepped out. Crouching, Nate removed my shoes and gathered up the dress, draping it carefully alongside his jacket. Seeing him before me, hair mussed from my hands, black tie loose around his collar, all gorgeous and prime male was like visual Viagra for women. My hands flexed, restless at my sides, itching to touch him.
With eyes riveted on me, Nate removed his cufflinks. I waited until he’d set them on the dresser and started on his shirt buttons before moving. “Stop,” I ordered, brushing his hands away. “If you think I won’t enjoy undressing you equally as much, you’re crazy.”
“Crazy for you.” He grinned.
Smiling, I slipped the shirt over his shoulders, my palms sliding over hot skin and lean muscle. Then I started on his belt and didn’t stop until I’d stripped him naked, too. I clasped his neck and blinked when the light hit the bracelet. “Thank you for my gift.”
He walked me backward to the bed and sat on the edge, pulling me between his parted legs. Raising my hands in front of him, he fingered the bracelet, examining it, then bent my arms behind my back. Holding them firm with one hand, he placed the other over my heart. “Thank you for my gift,” he murmured, “I’ll keep it safe. I promise you.”
I nodded, needing nothing more.
He started pressing tiny kisses over my stomach, paying special attention to the spot below my navel—a favourite of his, it seemed. Slowly, his hand moved from my heart, over my puckered nipple, trailing over my hip and groin, settling between my legs with a gentle push. The pad of his middle finger circled my clit. “I’m not gonna fuck you,” he growled, timing the slide of his finger inside me with the moment our eyes met. “We’re going to make love for a very, very long time. Possibly all night. You’ll know I’ve been here.” Another finger joined the first in a tantalising rhythm, seducing my mind with words and touch. “But you’ll still want me there again and again.”
I sighed, my head falling back so the tips of my hair tickled my hands. He worked my body like a gifted artist, licking and sucking, nibbling and kissing, worshipping me with his talented mouth and hand to create the perfect picture. Locked by his legs, trapped by his hand, he forced me to surrender all power and allow him to take me another step on our journey.
My hands dived into his hair the second he released me, pulling his head to my breast. The heat of his mouth as it covered my nipple made my stomach clench. For as long as I could, I gave him what he needed, allowed him to revel in my body until the urge to cherish his virile body with the same veneration consumed me. I shoved his shoulders, urging him back onto the bed, going with him until I lay flush over him, skin to skin.
“I love you,” I murmured against his jaw, sliding my mouth down his neck. My fingertips grazed his abs as I shifted down his body, rippling over the cut ridges, mapping a trail for my lips to follow. I loved how his muscles tensed, how tiny goosebumps chased across his skin with my caress. “And I love this,” I confirmed when I reached his rigid cock, now ready and waiting.
“Fuck,” Nate hissed, a strangled mix of urgency and pleasure as I took him in my mouth. Hollowing my cheeks I sucked him in, then let him slide out almost to the head, teasing and taunting with my tongue and lips.
“I love sucking you off as much as you enjoy receiving it,” I breathed, pumping him with one hand before taking him to the back of my throat.
“Christ! Keep talking like that…I won’t last long.” His hands dived into my hair, pushing it off my face and gathering it all at my nape. I knew he was watching, creating an unobstructed view of his cock sliding in and out of my mouth. Encouraged by that visual, I gave him the show he wanted. Raising my eyes to his, I opened my mouth wide and traced the head with the tip of my tongue, then gradually swallowed him back with a moan of ecstasy.
“Keep doing that.” His mouth opened with a soundless moan. “I want my cum in your mouth—in your body.”
I continued driving him to the edge, his muttered words of love and praise scorching my ears. Never in my life had I remotely entertained the idea I could come from words alone, but suddenly it seemed a real possibility.
Nate’s hips bucked, his cock pulsed. “Fuck.” With his fist in my hair, he yanked my head back and reared up, watching me swallow the hot semen filling my mouth. His eyes were wide and ablaze with passion, trapping me in their focus and holding me hostage. I swirled my tongue over the tender head, not wanting any of his lust to go to waste. I didn’t think I’d ever have enough of him.
When his legs relaxed, I kissed the sexy V of his groin, filling my lungs with the musky scent of testosterone and pure male satisfaction. I had to admire how he was still firm. “I want to do that again.”
“No chance,” he panted, flipping me onto my back. “My turn.” Gently, he spread me open, and gave a long groan. “You get so fucking wet for me, baby. So wet.” His tongue seared me. “You’re gonna come any minute.”
There was no time for the steady build-up to orgasm, every decadent lick and taste making my body jerk and tremble. I’d been craving this since this morning. From the last time Nate had touched me, I’d been counting down until I experienced his touch again.
“Nate.” My orgasm crashed through me in sharp bursts of pleasure. I clamped my knees to his head, the covers scrunched in my fists, his name falling repeatedly from my mouth. “Make love to me,” I begged through the spasms still wrecking my body.
Nate crawled up my body and slammed his mouth to mine. I’d never have enough of his kisses, each one like a drug, a potent force that numbed the mind and made the heart race wildly.
Without pausing for breath, Nate shifted us until he sat in the centre of the bed, his crossed legs the perfect cradle for me. I rocked my hips, seeking him out, and lowered onto him with mutual groans of relief. Nate’s arms were wrapped firm around me, holding me against him. There was no space between our stomachs, Nate’s cheek pressed to my chest, mine to the top of his head. I don’t think I’d ever been held so tightly.
It was an act of pure, intense, unequivocal love.
In a steady even pace, not wanting the night to end, we made love. Slow and deep, with little friction from the minimal movement, I felt like I had days of lost time to make up for and didn’t want to miss a second of our love.
I tilted back his head. Dark, azure eyes, endlessly expressive, were filled with adoration and wonder. “Are you all right?” I whispered, curling the hair at his nape.
“More than,” he breathed, leaning me back so the angle of penetration shifted. “Why?”
I moaned as his cock stroked deep inside me, the sensation rippling across my stomach. “You’re quiet.” Propped up on my hands, I allowed his one hand at my hip to support and guide.
Nate groaned and reached an arm behind him for balance. The sting of being this stretched was delicious. “I don’t wanna talk. I want to listen…to feel.” He gripped my waist, dictating the pace as I started to reach the peak again. It all became a sensory experience—the touch, the taste, the sound of heavy breaths ringing in your ears in an alternate rhythm to the heartbeat.
A thin film of sweat covered us both, making it harder to hold on. My impending orgasm weakened my arms, making me tremble. “Do you feel that?” Nate rasped. His chest heaved, his face glistening, damp hair clinging to his temples.
I nodded. Overcome by how deeply I truly loved him, I drew him close, wrapping my arms around his neck.
“This is real love, Kara. This is us.”
Nate came the exact moment my orgasm rode through me in a tender wave. Never had I experienced a more intense connection with a person. The pulse of exhilaration flooded every part of my psyche, throbbing over and over, taking me somewhere I’d never been before. With tears of happiness, I whispered, “I love you so much.”
“Kara.” My name spilt from his lips with a rawness that cut me to the core. That’s when I got it. The extent of just how hard he’d fallen for me, when those three words weren’t enough. All of that power, that meaning, that soul-claiming obsession was there in the simple whisper of my name.
We collapsed onto the bed, limbs twisted until we were one. I nuzzled into his neck, his pulse racing against my nose. Nate stroked my spine, soothing until my breathing slowed.
My eyes fell closed with the words, “I love you” falling from my lips.