Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 70429 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70429 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
When they finished, they tried to get Caspian to do another song, but he politely declined. As the musicians collected their equipment, including his borrowed guitar, he approached her, took her hand, and walked her back to the front counter. After a few moments, he received an electronic key and they headed to the elevator. Once inside, she shot him a glance from the corner of her eye. The numbers lit up one at a time, after a jolt between floors.
She screamed when he suddenly grabbed her and claimed her lips in a warm, delicious kiss. Her back slid up against the wall, the vibration of the elevator making her collide against his hard body. When the doors opened to the ninth floor, he released her and she dropped to her feet, her mouth parted to take in a good breath.
They stepped off the elevator and he walked with purpose. Focused Head held high. Virtually supercilious. His pace was neither slow nor fast. His long legs afforded him a relaxed stride while gaining distance, and she could barely keep up.
“You didn’t say nothin’ tonight about knowin’ how to play no guitar.” She was practically breathless as she managed to catch up with a good sprint.
“I rarely play anymore. Besides, you said over dinner that you didn’t want to date musicians.” He gave her an all-knowing grin, twirling the gold card between his fingers.
“I don’t.”
“Well, that’s just fine. I don’t consider myself one. It’s just a hobby.” He shrugged. “But I didn’t want you to have any preconceived ideas ’bout me, either.” He placed the gold card against the door sensor, the light turned green, and it clicked open.
When she stepped inside behind him, she stood there a moment and exhaled. She caught a chill of excitement for the room was drop dead beautiful. As soon as he began to speak, directing her to where the restroom was, just in case, she noticed how the thick walls appeared, and the acoustic panels. This room is soundproof… Oh my goodness. She locked the door behind them. Off to the right was a full kitchen with bright gold and white appliances.
“This is nice, Caspian.”
“Yeah? Not too shabby.”
Large windows overlooked the municipal, starting with a canvas of thick trees as far as the eye could see. A forest that had to go on for miles. Beyond that were the sparkling city lights from tall buildings. In the middle of the front room sat a white jacuzzi tub and a humongous television hung on the wall, off to the side. On it were slides of landscapes from faraway lands, playing one after another.
She walked about, opening doors, peeking inside. Linen closet here. Ironing board there. Down a short hallway was a huge marble bathroom with white and gold fixtures just like the kitchen. The walls were covered with a bunch of buttons and controls. She assumed they’d be for music, the flow of water, and heat. She ventured farther and found the bedroom. The star of the show. The king-sized bed was shaped like a heart and covered in white and gold linens. On the bed were scattered blue and purple rose petals, looking every bit of an artistic rendering themselves in their ombre shades and interesting placement. He came in behind her.
“I thought you were a Virgo, but I think I’m wrong now. Damn.” She tapped her nail against her lower lip. “I’m usually so good at this, but uh, Virgos don’t do this.” She shook her head back and forth. “At least not on a first date.”
She regarded him out the corner of her eye as he paced slowly back and forth, giving her room to explore. And then, he paused.
“I’m not a Virgo.” He crossed his arms. “That nonsense isn’t accurate.” He slipped the gold key onto the white dresser and removed his jacket, putting it over a white lounger that appeared to have buttons to render heat and a massage.
“You think my beliefs are silly, don’t you? God? Astrology?”
“No, I don’t think your beliefs are silly at all. Beliefs are individual.” He sucked his teeth and cocked his head. “…God, you’re beautiful… Anyway…” He threw up his hands. “Beliefs are personal unless we make ’em public. If I did think your beliefs were silly, would you care?”
“Definitely not.”
He laughed lazily as he walked back out of the room. She followed him with her eyes as he came to stand in the middle of the main area where the tub was and slipped a thin silver chain from around his neck, placing it down with a delicate touch. Next, he unbuttoned his shirt and expose a wide, strapping chest and brawny arms, one of which had a tribal sleeve tattoo along it. The ink was dark and rich—extremely well done. It looked Asian inspired. She ran her hand up and down her arm as her mouth watered.