Page 150 of Enthrall Ecstasy
“I really am a workaholic.” He nudged his plate away.
“Do they not give you time off?”
He shook his head. “I micromanage.”
“You must have something you look forward to.”
His mouth twisted as though he was mulling it over. “I’ve been saving up to buy some property. I’ve managed to place a bid on a great piece of land. I’m going to build a house on it.”
“Where?”
“Malibu.”
“That’s incredible.”
“Maybe I’ll take you to see it once the deal goes through.”
“I’m free next week,” I said softly.
Shay seemed contemplative. “Rue…”
I shrugged. “It was a silly thought.”
He sat up straight on the stool. “No, I like the sound of it.”
“But?”
“It’s just a matter of finding the time.”
“Tell me about it…the place.”
“The plot is on the ocean.” He lit up. “Once the house is built, I’ll be able to walk from the patio and put my feet in the sand.”
I smiled. “That sounds like a dream come true.”
“I’m going to need advice on decorating. I wouldn’t know where to start.”
“I can help.”
“I’ll be doing a lot myself. It’ll keep the cost down.”
“Right, good idea.”
He looked away, his expression crinkling into warmth.
“I’ll do the dishes,” I said, grabbing my plate and then his and heading over to the sink.
Shay joined me. As I rinsed them off, he took the plates out of my hand one by one and placed the china in the dishwasher.
It was kind of cute, us doing the dishes together, like a glimpse of another life—the kind I’d always craved but was too scared to believe in.
“Come here,” said Shay, arms out.
I rested against his warm body, my cheek on his firm chest.
I was giddy with the thought that he was finally letting his guard down.
His lips pressed the top of my head as though marking the moment with a kiss.
