Page 32 of Paxton

She sits up, holding the sheet around her bare breasts. “Food?”

“Yes,” I chuckle softly, dipping down to kiss her before I can stop myself.

She pulls back after a second. “Omigod, Pax,” she says, hurrying off the bed.

My eyes flare, disappointment surging to my gut. “I’m sorry, was that wrong?—”

“I need to brush my teeth!” she calls out to me as she rushes toward the bathroom.

I blow out a breath, laughing and shaking off the imagined rejection.

This is fine.I think to myself as I head out to the breakfast table on the deck, wanting to give her space.

She finds me a few minutes later, looking downright fuckable in nothing but a colorful silk robe as she heads toward me, planting a quick kiss on my lips before taking a seat across from me, smiling at the spread and then the view. She scoops up her coffee mug, taking a sip before sighing. “I could get used to this life,” she teases.

I grin at her, filling a plate with all her favorites before handing it to her.

“Princess life,” she says. “Thank you.” She nods as she takes the food.

“It’s not too bad, is it?” I ask, leaning back after taking a bite, sweeping a hand toward the view.

“I’m going to owe you a lifetime of body work,” she says, grinning. “And trust me, I’m still working on ways to actually repay you for all of this.” She shakes her head. “I feel like I’m dreaming,” she says, digging into her own food.

“Same,” I say, wondering if she knows it’s moreherthat’s dreamlike than the view. “And you don’t owe me anything.”

She rolls her eyes, ignoring me. “So, what’s on the agenda today?” she asks after we’ve eaten our fill. “You’re the plannerafter all,” she continues, grinning at me. “And I’m just the princess.”

I laugh at that. “Well first, we can either go snorkeling—I scouted out a spot for sea turtles because I know you love them—or we can shop in the market. Which one do you want to do?”

“Sea turtles,” she says, clapping. “Then what?”

“I have lunch pre-ordered for us,” I continue.

“Nice, I love this. I hate grappling over those details.”

“I know you do,” I say.

“What then?”

I smirk, unable to stop the flare of confidence and need that surges through my chest as I get up to lean over her, tipping her chin up with two fingers. “Then I’m going to bring you back here and make you come a few more times before we head out to our dinner and dancing reservation.” I dip down, kissing her to show her exactly how serious I am. My heart races in my chest, sprinting when she kisses me back. “And after dancing, I’ll bring you back here again, stripping you down so I can worship you in that pool over there.” I motion to the infinity pool stretching out into the ocean.

She trembles in her seat, her lips parting on a gasp. I can’t help but love seeing this side of her, all worked up and needy, because ofme.

“How does that sound?” I ask.

She wets her lips, smoothing her hands up my chest as she stands up, and I wrap my arms around her, the motion so natural and yet so damn new.

“Sounds like a dream,” she says before reaching up on her tiptoes to kiss me again.

CHAPTER 10

MONROE

The ocean wateris a cool relief from the sun as Paxton and I jump from the guided boat, snorkels on and ready.

I adjust myself quickly, anticipation soaring through me as I dip my head into the water, Paxton sticking close and mimicking the move.

I can’t help but smile as I glance around, a barrage of colors hitting me all at once—the crystal-clear water tinted blue, the dark greens and vibrant oranges from the reef on the sandy floor below.

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