Hydromancist (Seven Forbidden Arts 4)

“Outside sounds like fun.”

He planted a kiss on the shell of her ear. “Your wish is my command.”

She pulled away from him. “I thought we’re not touching.”

“No, Maya. We’re not fucking.”

She decided to drop the subject and focus on the real reason for her visit. “Can I have a tour?” She glanced at the study door. “Your house is beautiful.”

“Of course.” He opened the door and stepped aside for her to enter.

The room’s furnishing was as minimalistic as the rest of the house with only a desk, a computer flat screen mounted on the wall, and a swivel chair. The keyboard had to be inside the desk, out of sight, maybe fixed to an extractable drawer.

While she was looking around, Tim put his head around the doorframe and called, “Cesar, can you please tell Frida we’ll be eating outside?”

Was Cesar always hovering a step behind?

“Do you ever have any privacy, Tim? Or is never being alone the price that comes with being an ambassador?”

“I have privacy when it matters.” He waved his hand in the air. “I’m afraid, besides the view, there’s not much to see.”

She looked toward the ocean. “That is spectacular. I love hearing the sea, falling asleep with the sound.”

He brushed her hair aside to kiss her neck. “I know.”

She turned her head quickly. “How can you possibly know that?”

“You’re a sea person. It’s obvious.”

“You still take plenty for granted.”

“Not you. I’ll never take you for granted.”

Never? He spoke as if their future together was a given. She moved away from him. “Where is this wine you promised?”

He led her to the lounge where candles were lit and soft music played. Who had set it all up for him? Had it been Frida? She couldn’t imagine Lee or Cesar preparing a romantic ambience.

He walked to the glass table and lifted a bottle of wine from an ice bucket. “Will white do?”

“Whatever is open.”

He poured two glasses and handed her one just as Cesar walked into the room.

The bodyguard’s expression was still broody. “Excuse the interruption. Your table is set up outside.”

Tim nodded. “Thank you.”

They went outside onto the deck where a fire was lit in the built-in barbeque. A big fish, topped with spices and slices of lemon, was set out on the counter.

“Are your bodyguards and secretary your butlers too?” she asked.

“No, but they don’t mind doing me favors if I ask nicely.”

“I see.” She took a sip of her wine. “This is very romantic.”

He looked at her from over his shoulder. “It’s meant to be.”

“I’ll be just as happy with a beer in the Jacuzzi.”

“We’ll get to that.” He left the statement hanging, turning his back on her to put the fish on the grill.

“Does being an ambassador take up all your time, or do you have hobbies?”

“I like to think I balance my time effectively.”

“With what?”

“I work out every day. It’s addictive.” He glanced back at her, trailing his gaze over her body. “I guess you know that.”

“And when you don’t work, work out, or entertain your scuba dive instructor?”

“I run a business on the side.”

“It must be a well-paying business. I know ambassadors earn enough, but not this much.” She motioned at the house.

“I’m good at playing the stock market.”

“Will you teach me?” Maybe she could gain access to his computer that way.

He walked to where she leaned on the counter. He smelled of fire, wine, and that irresistible odor that was Tim. “I can think of much more interesting things to teach you.”

She lifted her brow. “What makes you think you can teach me anything I don’t already know?”

“Because you’ve never been with a man like me.”

It was true. She’d been with powerful and handsome men, young and old, but none of them had ever had Tim’s lure.

She gave him a wistful smile. “Have you ever been with a woman like me?”

The playfulness was gone. His face turned serious. “No. There’s no one else like you, Maya.” Then he smiled and handed her a plate from the counter. “Hold this. Dinner’s ready.”

After serving the fish, they went down the path to the beach where a table for two was set, illuminated by garden torches planted into the sand. She kicked off her shoes and carried them in one hand with their glasses balanced in the other while Tim took their plates.

“This is unexpected,” she said as he seated her.

“Since you’re an ocean person, I thought you’d like this. I was hoping you’d choose outside.”

“That’s … thoughtful.” Her chest pulled tight with an unknown emotion, one she’d felt the last time when Darren was still alive. The sensation was a knot that got stuck in her throat. She didn’t want to think about Darren, but Tim kept on bringing up these thoughts, triggering memories better left forgotten.

Oblivious to her reaction, Tim took his seat opposite her and poured more wine from a bottle in an ice bucket. He raised his glass. “To us.”