Page 76 of Dreams That Bind Us
A hot flush moved up Anna’s neck. It was a ridiculous compliment because she’d worked like a madwoman all day.Her hair was clumped haphazardly in a messy bun on top of her head, she was in desperate need of a shower, and she was fairly certain half of her mascara was currently streaked down her cheeks. And there was no way she'd smell like sweet flowers. Regardless, her traitorous lips lifted at the corner.
His eyes didn’t miss the movement as he extended a hand toward the window. "Will you join me? I was just about to have a toast to celebrate the grand opening."
Anna stared at his hand, her brain at war with her heart. Her mind was a muddle of emotions, uncertainty still ruling the moment. She knew she should stay firm but that instinctive pull she’d always felt with James drew her in like a bee to honey.
Her resolve wavered as her heart urged her to jump into his arms. If she did that, she knew there would be no going back.
When she didn't respond, he added, his voice pleading, "Please Anna. I’m so sorry, baby.” He took a small step closer. “I don't want to celebrate this by myself. I'm tired of being alone and you’re the only person in the world I want to share this with." The sincerity in his eyes was easy to read.
If it was possible for every cell in her body to melt, it would have happened right then. She’d have been a puddle at his feet. Annette's cautionary words from the other night flitted through her mind.
James is your opportunity, Anna. Don't blow it.
Her mind was heavy, the weight of everything suddenly becoming too much to bear. She was tired of blocking. Tired of fighting. She simply wanted to let it all go and take his hand.
Despite everything that happened, Anna knew she’d find peace there. She could release the heartache, the fear of rejection, and the pain she’d been lugging around like a trophy.
She understood now that James had overreacted because of his grief. It was a mistake he was desperate to fix if she would only let him.
Her mind immediately calmed, and it was as if the storms cleared, washing away all her doubts. Anna had her answer.
It was time to let go.
With a nod, she placed her hand in his and jolted at the familiar zing that shot up her arm. She wasn’t sure she’d ever get used to it. Their chemistry, the connection, was still fierce no matter what had happened.
A huge smile stretched across his face and relief twinkled in his eyes as his shoulders dropped slightly. He gave her fingers a light squeeze as he led her toward the small table near the windows. A silver champagne bucket sat in the middle with two glasses off to the side, a spread of fruit and cheese next to it.
"I hope you like champagne," he murmured. "It felt like a celebration kind of day."
That was an understatement. "Yeah, I like it okay."
While James poured the glasses, Anna moved to the window and took in the breathtaking view. "You know, Hazel might have been right after all."
"About what?" The comforting heat of James’s body radiated from him as he stood beside her and handed her a glass.
"She said you could see Cuba from here." Her gaze cut back to the horizon. "I'm not certain that she's wrong now."
James chuckled. The deep sound rumbled through her body and Anna nearly purred. She’d missed him, what they had, so much and the need to wrap herself around him was a strong temptation.
Instead she lifted her glass. "Here's to The Majestic and the completion of your project."
James faced her, his deep green gaze piercing. "Here's to The Majestic, and also to you and your contribution that made this opening even more special."
A smile tugged at Anna’s lips as the negativity she’d been mired in for weeks melted away. The weight of her concernsevaporated like the mist, leaving her feeling light and without a care.
"Cheers." She took a sip and hummed. The effervescent bubbly was a perfect blend of tart and crispness with a hint of sweetness. "Oh, that's good."
A cute smirk curled the corner of his mouth and she fought the urge to kiss it.
"Anna, I…" His voice trailed off as his gaze hit the floor. She watched while he wrestled with the words, her heart in her throat.
James inched closer and took her hand, lifting her palm to his lips. She shivered at the contact. His eyes met hers, an intensity burning in them as his face hardened. "There's no excuse for how I treated you. I feel horrible that I hurt you, betrayed your trust. I can't tell you I'm sorry enough. But I'm going to try every day to make it up to you and show you that I love you." He lifted her other hand, his lips playing homage, making goosebumps erupt down her body. "I'm so sorry, Kitten. Please forgive me."
Anna slowly placed her glass on the table and launched into his arms, knocking him back several steps. Champagne sloshed from his glass.
"Whoa!" He set the glass on the table and locked his arms around her, lifting her. He held her like that for several minutes, his face buried in her hair. "I love you so much, Kitten."
He twirled her and she giggled, wrapping her legs around his waist as she captured his mouth with hers. His fingers dug into her bottom, massaging the firm globes as their lips and tongues dueled.
