Total pages in book: 296
Estimated words: 284055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1420(@200wpm)___ 1136(@250wpm)___ 947(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 284055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1420(@200wpm)___ 1136(@250wpm)___ 947(@300wpm)
I was hoping he wouldn’t bring it up actually and that we would just continue the way we’ve been without saying it aloud that he leaves tomorrow.
“I’m not sure. Do you have any ideas?”
“I do, but I’m not sure if you’ll approve or not.”
I give him a side glance. “Why? Is it some weird kinky shit that’s going to have me tied up with a gag?”
He narrows his eyes at me, almost scared. “What kind of romance books are you into?”
I chuckle.
“I guess it’s a little more than just our casual sex agreement. But I figure I’d risk it anyway because what’s the worst that can happen? Not like you can call it off now.” He smirks when I look up at him and winks.
“So what you’re saying is it’s a romantic gesture?”
“Yeah, I would say so, but I saw the ad for it and think you’d really enjoy it. One last vacation bucket list item to check off.” He stops and turns so we’re face to face now. “Whaddya say?”
Smiling up at his hopeful face, I couldn’t deny him even if I tried. “Lay it on me, cowboy.”
Alex and I spent the afternoon in my bed, both of us wanting to memorize every inch of each other. I love his rough and bossy side, but I also really like his sweet and passionate side too. Alex makes love as good as he fucks.
Later that night, he tells me to get dressed because he’s taking me out for dinner. We end up at a nice steakhouse where he orders us wine, and we talk about anything and everything.
Once dinner is over, we travel to another part of the island, and in the distance, I can see exactly where he’s taking me.
“A hot air balloon?” I exclaim, my smile widening from ear to ear.
“Yeah, you ever been on one?”
“Hell, no! Oh my God! This is so exciting!” I wrap my arms around his shoulder and tightly hug him. “It’s perfect,” I tell him. The perfect way to say goodbye, I think to myself.
“I was hoping you’d say that.” He grins against my lips.
As soon as we’re inside the bucket, the instructor talks a little about what to expect. I’m so giddy, I mostly tune him out. Before long, we’re floating toward the clouds.
The view is incredible as I look out with Alex’s arms wrapped around my waist. His chest is pressed against my back as he holds me, and it’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever experienced.
“The sunset is amazing,” I say when he rests his chin on my head. “No view will ever be able to compare now.”
He dips his face and buries it in my hair, inhaling the scent of my shampoo. His lips linger down to my ear where he presses kisses along my neck. “Agreed,” he says, though he’s not looking at the sky.
He’s looking at me.
The hour ride is over too soon. I’m dreading the descent because we’ll be back on land where time exists. Up in the balloon, we floated above the horizon, over the beaches and water, and it was as if time stood still.
“Thank you,” I tell him as he holds my hand and leads me back to the hotel. “Definitely my favorite on the list.”
“Even more than patio sex?” His brows rise, teasingly. A couple nights ago, Alex turned into a caveman and pressed my body up against the patio glass door and took me from behind. And if that wasn’t the hottest damn thing ever, he then opened the door and bent me over the railing. I could see people down at the pool below us, and the fact that any of them could look up and see us had me hot all over.
I chuckle and shrug. “Okay, I guess it’s a tie then.”
He brings our hands up to his mouth and kisses my knuckles. “I can deal with that.” He winks.
When we’re finally in my room, the mood is somber, both of us knowing what’s to come tomorrow. Neither of us want to bring it up again, and the tension is thick in the air. It’s obvious this week together turned into much more than just a fling, but that doesn’t mean anything can change once we leave. We aren’t from the same worlds, and another broken heart would be inevitable at that point.
Nerves take over my body, and Alex can sense my apprehension.
“River.” His voice is deep and thick with emotion. I look up at him and see it in his eyes. He’s sad, too.
“Yes?”
Wrapping his hand possessively around my neck, he brings his mouth down to mine and slowly kisses me. He takes the time to really explore my mouth and savor the taste. I cling to him, gripping my fingers in his shirt and holding him to my body. We mold together effortlessly.