CHAPTER 11

 

 

The salty breeze licked at Fawn’s face as she stepped out into the mid afternoon heat. She couldn’t help but smile at Seth who grinned cockily at her as he pulled her along to his car. True to his word, he had picked her up exactly at noon for their date.

A date Fawn had thought of cancelling again ever since she had agreed to it the night before. Her body had been burning from his touch, aching for release and yet she still knew she needed to be careful.

Whenever she was close to Seth it felt like she was playing with fire. The hot flames teased and licked at her, warning her of the danger, but enticing her with the magic of it.

He was wearing a simple t-shirt and board shorts today. Fawn couldn’t help but notice the shapely definition of his legs, with the light sparkling of golden hair. Even though Fawn knew his age, he seemed younger and more carefree today. He was boyishly excited about their date.

He smiled at her secretively before opening the door for her, and pressing a kiss to the inside of her palm. “Thanks for coming.”

He gunned the engine and roared out of the hotel parking lot, growling at Fawn as the engine purred. Fawn couldn’t help but laugh recklessly at his enthusiasm.

They drove though town towards South Hampton and Fawn could swear the envious stares aimed her way were more because of her companion than her fame. Apparently Seth had some fame of his own in the Hamptons.

She could understand why. His chiseled jaw hinted at strength, his generous lips spoke of sensuality. His grey eyes could flicker with humor and darken with passion in a heartbeat. As the wind lifted and tossed his overly long blonde hair that normally brushed his collar, Fawn couldn’t help but smile at his only hint at rebellion.

This was a man she could fall in love with and for that reason alone, Fawn couldn’t allow herself to be caught off guard around him.

She was certain he had some elaborate romantic date planned for them, even though it was the middle of the day. Butterflies flitted in her tummy at anticipation of what he had planned even as she promised herself she wouldn’t be affected.

When he pulled up to a single story house on the beach, Fawn was momentarily confused.

As Seth switched off the engine he turned to Fawn with a boyish smile. “We’re here.”

Fawn looked around confused hoping to see a restaurant, a boat, anything that didn’t mean she was going to spend the afternoon alone with Seth in this house before she asked. “Where exactly are we?”

Seth laughed as he got out of the car and moved around to open her door. “We’re at my house. I thought you might be tired of hotel and restaurant food after living on it for a week.”

Fawn raised her eyebrows dubiously. “So what, you’re going to cook? Besides I’m used to living off hotel food.”

Seth opened her door and held out a hand to help her step out. “No don’t be ridiculous, I can’t cook. We’re having ourselves a grill on the beach.”

Fawn was touched by his consideration, but couldn’t help but tease him. She bit her bottom lip and said quietly. “Seth you do know I’m vegetarian?”

She watched his face fall as he ran a hand through his hair. “Actually I didn’t. But don’t sweat it; I’m sure we can find some berries and nuts for you to eat.”

Fawn burst out laughing watching him trying to think of a solution. “I’m kidding Seth.”

Seth growled softly before picking her up and swinging her around. “You nearly spoiled my perfectly planned lunch.” He set her down not letting go of her hand and led her to the house.

As they stepped inside Fawn couldn’t help but feel honored that he brought her to his home. She learned more about Seth in the first few minutes in his house than she had after spending an entire night making love with him.

Even though his appearance seemed messy at times, his home was meticulously clean and organized. For a moment Fawn thought it had been pulled together for her sake, but small touches hinted that Seth was an organized person.

The kitchen was to the right, the black marble counter clear of clutter. The glass fronted cabinets were neatly stacked with crockery inside.

To the left was the living room. Three oversized leather couches surrounded a coffee table. There was a large flat screen mounted above the fireplace, currently playing soft reggae music.

He had a remote caddy standing in the centre of the coffee table, ensuring the remote controls never lay around. There was a basket beside the fireplace with carefully folded blankets, making them easily accessible on cold days.

His bookshelf along the far wall leading to the bedrooms was organized alphabetically. Not something someone did for a date.

Straight ahead was a wall of concertina glass windows, perfect for opening completely on a sunny day like today.

Fawn had to appreciate his sense of organization, although she barely ever was.

Seth smiled at her hesitantly before starting to open the concertina windows onto a small deck that boasted a grill the size of Texas. “It’s not much, but I like it.”

“It’s great Seth; I just think you have one problem.” Fawn pursed her lips as she stepped onto the porch eyeing the grill.

“What?” Seth asked confused.

“I don’t think your grill is big enough.” Fawn said on a laugh.

Seth laughed as he pulled off the weather cover revealing the stainless steel beast underneath. “If you can’t cook, you need to impress with your cooking equipment.”

Fawn smiled and shook her head. “Let me guess, another Seth-colloquialism?”

Seth shrugged as he lifted the hood. “Something like that.”

“I take it we’re grilling?”

“Nope, we’re just grilling the chicken kebabs and then we’re off again.” Seth said mysteriously.

Fawn followed him into the kitchen where he collected marinated chicken kebabs from the fridge. “Where are we off to then?”

Seth pecked her briefly on the cheek; the brief touch of his lips sent a bolt of desire shooting through her. He pulled back and met her eyes with a smile. “You’ll have to wait and see.”

He pulled a bottle of wine from the fridge and held it out to Fawn. “You want some?”

Fawn laughed at the confusion of the date. They’re at his home but not staying. They’re grilling kebabs but not eating, yet he’s offering her wine. “Why not?” Fawn laughed.

Seth poured them each a glass before grabbing the kebabs and heading back out to the grill.

Big Mountain’s chilled lyrics drifted over them from inside the house as Seth placed the kebabs on the grill.

Fawn let her head fall back, allowing the sun and the music to drift over her. She wouldn’t admit it to Seth but she hadn’t enjoyed an afternoon this much in years. As the cold tangy wine fizzed on her tongue, she swirled it in her mouth as she watched Seth man the grill.

She was in a dangerous territory and yet watching him cook for her made her want to rush in without heed.

He turned around smiling. “Looks like you’re relaxing.”

Fawn laughed softly. “I am. I haven’t heard this music in such a long time. I must say Seth; so far you’ve quite impressed me.”

“Surprised?” Seth asked as he flipped the kebabs over.

“Let’s just say you’re not as predictable as I hoped. Which could be a problem?” Fawn said levelly watching him.

A cocky smile teased the corner of his mouth as he walked towards her. He bent over her, his mouth a mere inch from hers. “Why Fawn? Is it a problem that I’m not like every other rich boy you’ve dated?”

Fawn waited for him to take her mouth, but he didn’t. Instead he watched her, waiting for her answer.

Her heart sped up as her body came alive with anticipation. “If I can’t predict what you’re doing, I can’t prepare my defense.” Fawn whispered against his mouth.

Seth briefly nipped her bottom lip before whispering in her ear. “Let’s leave the games today Fawn. No predictions, no defenses. Besides you’ve already broken down all my defenses.”

Fawn wanted to argue, but as Seth pulled back his eyes met hers and she couldn’t.

Seth started taking the kebabs off the grill, and asked Fawn to wait a minute as he headed inside.

She allowed her gaze to drift towards the ocean as she realized why she couldn’t argue with him. Something about Seth was different.

Different than Rufus and all the other men that had tried to bed her. His honesty had caught her off guard from their first night together. But the more she knew about him, the more she wanted to know. She found his unpredictability infuriating and exciting. Her attraction to him both fascinated and scared her. Somehow she knew if she walked away from Seth without exploring their attraction, it would be something she was going to regret.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Seth stepped outside holding a large basket in one hand and a blanket under his arm.

“Would you care to join me Miss Di Maggio?” He asked Fawn with a perfect British accent.

Fawn laughed and couldn’t help but feel giddy as she took the arm he held out to her.

They followed the narrow walkway down to the beach.

The sun glittered on the water, shimmers of light dancing in the waves. The sand was baked hot and crunched under their feet. The fresh breeze carried the scent of salt along with the sound of waves rolling to shore.

Seth stopped a few meters from the water and threw open the blanket, before smiling at Fawn. “Welcome to your sea-view restaurant this afternoon.”

Fawn laughed as she sat down crossed legged, glad for the forethought to wear shorts and not a dress.

Seth sat down beside her and opened the basket in front of them.

He opened a couple of wine coolers and handed one to Fawn. “On a date with no pretentions, defenses and strange as it is, no Dom.”

Fawn laughed. “I told Dom I’d text him where we were having lunch.” She scanned the expanse of the beach, with no people in sight. It was lunch time on Monday, the perfect day to have a date on the beach apparently. “I don’t think I need his services this afternoon.”

Surprise dawned on Seth’s face as Fawn pulled out her phone and texted Dom. “So you’re finally certain I’m not an axe murderer?”

Fawn watched him assessing. “Axe murderer, no. That would be too messy for you. Although stalker, sadist and narcissist are still on the table.”

Seth pretended to be offended. “Fair play, although I must admit the jury is still out on you as well.”

He pulled out a bowl of pasta salad and a bowl of olives when Fawn spoke. “On what exactly?” She asked as she popped an olive in her mouth.

Seth took a long drink of his wine cooler, his eyes remaining on hers. “On whether or not you’re the girl of my dreams.” His voice was even, although the words made Fawn’s breath hitch.

If this was the real Seth, her heart had no chance of resisting him.