Chasing Him (Dark Love 4)

I’m not sure why I climb into the bed beside him and nestle my head into the crook of his neck. Something draws me to him, an unexplainable magnetic force. Gently, he places his arm around me, pulling me in. There’s nothing sexual about this encounter, and for the first time in a very long time, I fall into a blissful sleep surrounded by the warmth of a man.

***

“Are you sure this is just beef?” I use the fork and knife to cut the meat on my plate.

We wake up a little past noon, and Julian decides we both need some fresh air, plus he really wants to show me around Sydney. We end up at a restaurant overlooking the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House called the Toaster. Apparently, it’s supposed to look like a toaster, but for the life of me, I don’t see it.

“How do you like the view?” Julian asks.

“It’s beautiful. I mean, what you see in movies doesn’t do it justice.” I grab a mouthful of salad. “The weather is perfect, and the people are so relaxed and friendly. I really could see myself living here.”

“It’s beautiful. There’s something calming about this place,” he adds.

“Like the Aussie gals?” I say in my best Aussie accent.

“Your accent is terrible. Now tell me, what’s this nonsense you’re going on about my publicist?”

“She wants in your pants.”

“She wants in my pants?” he repeats.

“Oh, puh-lease! Like you can’t see that. Oh, Julian…” I mimic, “… let me touch your arm again and flash my boobs in your face.”

His laugh startles me.

I cross my arms, not seeing the funny side of this conversation.

“Aww, is someone jealous?”

I know I’m pouting, and his cheesy smirk isn’t helping me keep a straight face.

“Adriana, I don’t want Giselle—”

“Great, Giselle. She even has a supermodel name.”

He places his hand on mine. “Why can’t you see the only person I want is sitting right in front of me?”

“Because the person in front of you is completely fucked up and doesn’t feel worthy of anyone, especially you.”

“Why me? I’m no saint,” he admits.

“No, you aren’t, but you have what everyone woman wants. And I want it…” I say the words I can no longer hold back.

I wait for his reaction.

His eyes are watching me, and they look alive. In this one look, in the middle of a crowded restaurant, heat travels down to the most sensitive areas of my body and is igniting a flame that’s seriously burning out of control. With his forefinger, he traces my lips, making them quiver. As he leans in, his aftershave lingers, and I’m seriously ready to burst. His lips gently graze mine, and teasingly, he sucks my bottom lip. I trace my tongue along his without causing a huge scene. He pulls away, grinning from ear to ear, taking a sip of his wine.

“Wow,” I mutter under my breath. “Is it just me or is it hot out here?” I fan my face, trying to cover the smile.

“Hot, yes. Very hot,” he murmurs, seductively tasting his lips again. My eyes are drawn to the way his tongue slivers across his lips, wondering what else he could do with them.

“Okay, don’t, ‘cause that’s unfair. Do you really want me to pull a Meg Ryan in here?”

“Let’s see. Adriana orgasming in a restaurant? Hmm… I think I’d like that show in private.”

Oh man, what a hot thing to say.

“More water, please,” I call to the waiter.