Page 61 of Get Lost

Chapter Twenty-Three

Kelsey had been quiet while they’d toured the first two villas, but her eyes had said it all. She wanted him, and that drove her crazy.

But now… something else drove her crazy. Like,actuallycrazy.Laugh-out-loud-at-a-joke-no-one-else-can-hearcrazy.

Something had set her off, and the woman hadn’t stopped laughing for three minutes straight. What was the big deal about France?

He frowned, crossing his arms over his chest as he rested his hip against the island. “I don’t understand what’s so funny.”

“Of course you don’t.” She swiped at her cheek, bringing her hand down to look at the tears on her fingertips, which set off another bout of laughter. “But you will.”

Alex watched her warily. The woman now had tears streaming down her cheeks from laughing so hard.

Or was she crying? She wasn’t actuallycrying, was she?

God, she perplexed him. Things with Renee had never been so confusing. Renee was… boring. Predictable.

Blah.

Kelsey was wild and free. And, apparently, prone to maniacal outbursts for no apparent reason.

“Okay,” she said, trying to control the laughter, “when does this famous French cake guy get here?” The question caused another bout of laughter.

Alex shook his head. “Should I be concerned that you’ve just lost your mind?”

She waved her hand at him, fighting the laughter still trying to burst out of her. Schooling her face, Kelsey met his gaze, but her lips trembled from the pressure of restraining her amusement and her eyes were tight at the edges, glistening with tears. “I’m fine. I’m fine. Really.” She pulled her lips between her teeth and nodded. “Please, finish telling me what your plans are so we can be on the same page.”

Alex took a deep breath, watched her for a few seconds longer, then motioned to the island, but before he said anything, he looked up at her again, raising one eyebrow. “If I saycake, are you going to lose it?”

She snorted with her mouth closed tightly, pulled her lips between her teeth again, then she shook her head, her eyes tight from the struggle of keeping a straight face.

“Okay. So, like I was saying, the cake and all the desserts will go here. Renee and Drew picked out a huge array of sweet stuff, so I was worried we’d have to set up a separate table or something. And, having not spoken to the pastry chef myself, I don’t really know what his plan is for all those desserts.” Alex patted the island. “But this is perfect. It’ll be after I’ve finished preparing the four-course meal, of course, so we’ll need to get a team together to clean up for the chef to set up, but it should work. And having the sweets table inside will keep the bugs at bay.” He nodded toward the patio that led to the beach beyond, and gave a nod in that direction, then began to lead her out of the kitchen.

Kelsey followed, still rubbing her lips together as if to keep from laughing.

Jesus, what was so funny?

He led her to the beach, then pointed to the other two villas. The lights were off at those two, so he assumed the house staff had turned in for the night. “The lights are off, so I won’t show you those two, but I think the farthest one will be perfect for the welcome lunch tomorrow.”

“Okay,” she said, her voice tight but composed. “I trust you.”

He turned his head to look down into her eyes. “Do you?”

Kelsey’s eyes flickered back and forth between his. The moment stretched out between them and Alex took the time to study her face. The moonlight caused shadows to bloom beneath her eyes, but somehow emphasized the soft curves of her mouth. As he focused on her lips, her tongue darted out to wet them. A simple, subconscious movement, but the action sent a rush of blood to his cock. Her throat bobbed as she swallowed hard.

Alex cupped her face with one hand. He tilted her head back and her lips parted on a soft intake of breath. Beautiful, full, dusty-pink lips. He gently teased the corner of her mouth with his thumb.

Kelsey slid her hand over his hip and his skin jumped at her soft touch. She didn’t tighten her fingers on him or yank his body toward hers, just rested her palm against his hip, waiting.

Wanting.

The moon shed a soft glow over the two of them. The waves lapped gently at the shore. The sand was cool on their feet, a stark contrast to the heat burning between them.

If ever Alex was going to sweep Kelsey off her feet, this was the moment.

The stars had aligned to present the perfect opportunity. They were alone, standing on a beautiful span of empty beach in the light of the moon, their bodies slick with sweat and hot with desire…

This would be a kiss she’d remember.

So Alex smirked, then stepped past her and started heading back to the villa they shared.

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