He waggles his eyebrows. “So sexy times are back on the table?”
“Ha-ha.” I inhale his sandalwood and cloves scent and moan. He hasn’t even really touched me except for a kiss, and I’m ready to explode.
“So… do you want to pack an overnight bag?” he asks.
I nod vigorously. “Now?”
“Why not?”
Yeah, why not? We are both adults and Karma doesn’t forbid interpersonal relations with her employees.
* * *
Dante and I run into Evan on our way out.
He eyes our bags and then shakes his head. “Have fun.”
“Plan on it. Oh, do you have any handcuffs we can borrow?” I taunt.
“I don’t loan them out. If you are wearing them, it’s because I’m putting them on you, sweetheart.” He winks and saunters away.
“Damn, that turned me on.” Dante chuckles. “And his swagger?”
“On fire.” I wave my hand as if I’ve been burned.
I love that I can be open with Dante like this. So many of the guys I dated were overbearing, jealous types who couldn’t handle this sort of banter.
* * *
We check into an upscale hotel. I don’t know why I expected a seedy motel. Maybe it’s because even though we’re allowed to be intimate, it still feels a bit illicit, like we are breaking some ethical rules. I suppose I still also don’t expect someone to spend good money on me.
As we enter our room, Dante immediately takes our phones and locks them in the closet safe.
While he does that, my mouth drops open at the sight of the beautifully furnished suite. Dozens of roses in vases are placed all around the room, some petals are even sprinkled on the luxurious bedspread, and electric candles flicker on the nightstands and dresser.
I see a card in the closest bouquet, and I expect it to be anenjoy your staysentiment from management, but no, it’s a note from Dante. I glance up at him before opening the tiny envelope. “Did you do all this for me?”
His chest puffs out in pride that he has delighted me. “I came by earlier and got it ready.”
I begin to freak out. I’ve never had anyone try this hard to make me happy. My heart feels like it’s going to rupture, and I’m going to drown.
What ifIlethimdown and not the other way around?
Dante sees my panic and races to my side. “Tessa, we take it one day, one night, and one moment at a time. Understand that you aren’t under any obligation to do anything with me tonight or ever. I just wanted a special night alone with you in case…”
“In case this is our last chance?” I hang my head and fiddle with the card.
“Enough negative talk,” Dante announces and encourages me to open the envelope with a nod.
I open the card and read the inside.
My Tessa — I waited a long time for someone to make me feel the way I do with you. I recognized you the first moment we met, when you looked up into my eyes. My soul said, “There you are,” and you stole my heart.
Holy shiitake mushroom. This is more than I bargained for. How can someone like him want me this much?
I think back to the moment I looked into his eyes. I felt the spark of recognition too, although I have done everything in my vast powers of denial to ignore our connection or trivialize it.
In my defense, I had just been approached by a goddess and attacked by Billy the hitman. I wasn’t looking for love or a connection at that moment.