“Hey, don’t let Devon put you off wandering around in just a towel,” I say huskily, walking towards him. He stands up, towering a good foot over me. Oh, I do like tall men. He hooks his finger into the fold of my wrapped towel and pulls me closer.
“Stop looking at me like that, or I may have to take you again, and quite frankly, I’m starving,” he says with a soft chuckle.
“Give me five minutes to get dressed,” I murmur and pull away before he can protest. Biting his bottom lip, he lets me go.
As promised, I am ready in five minutes, with my hair still wet, but clipped back off my face; at least I am clothed, in a stretchy black, strapless shorts playsuit and heels. I don’t do flats. Not anymore.
Eyeing me appreciatively, he holds out his arm for me and I take it, placing my hand in the crook of his elbow.
“Shall we?” he asks with a wink.
“We shall,” I answer with a wink of my own.
“Lead the way, then,” he says. “I have no idea how to get to your kitchen.”
I laugh at him. “Kitchen?” I scoff. “No, no, my dear. Do I look like I cook?”
Actually, I do. I studied with one of the top chefs in France a few years ago. But still, a little mystery never hurt anyone. Yet.
“Esther will be waiting for us,” I add.
“And who is Esther?” he asks.
“My Estates Manager,” I reply.
He cocks an eyebrow at me, but I don’t elaborate. Yes, I have a staff of fifteen. From housekeepers to grounds men, pool keepers, drivers, etc. Esther manages them all. I don’t like to brag, well, no more than the next girl, anyway.
As we make our way downstairs, I can see Cole having a good look around again. I like watching him looking at my house, which I designed and decorated.
“Do you like it?” I ask quietly, almost shyly.
Bringing his attention back to me, he smiles and says, “Very much so. You don’t really do minimal, do you?”
I shake my head with a giggle. I’m pleased he likes it. Normally, I wouldn’t give a flying fuck what anyone thought, but his opinion seems to matter to me for some reason.
“I’ll give you a tour after breakfast, if you like. I want you to be comfortable here, know where everything is...” I trail off wondering why these words are coming out of my runaway mouth.
“Like the kitchen?” he asks.
I relax slightly. “Yes, exactly,” I agree.
We reach the bottom of the stairs and are standing, once again, in the foyer. I take his hand and pull him to the left to the den area, which leads out onto the terrace, that overlooks the main gardens and swimming pool. A tickle goes down the back of my neck, which signifies Devon’s presence, still sitting outside at the table. A pang of nerves goes through me to my annoyance, but I am anxious to get this introduction over.
Sensing me as well before he sees us, Devon looks up from his newspaper, the Financial Times, as usual, I note fondly. Carefully, deliberately, he places the paper on the table and stands.
“Morning, Kitten,” he smirks at me as if this is the first time I have seen him this morning. He stalks over to me and plants a whopping big kiss right on my mouth. I want to punch him in his handsome, smug face. Pulling back sharply with a furious glare and a quick shove on his chest, I turn back to Cole, who is watching this exchange with, thank the old gods, amusement. He can see what’s going on here.
“Cole, this hilarious dick is Devon. Devon this is Cole,” I say, looking back at Devon.
They shake hands and size each other up.
“Nice to meet you,” Devon says pleasantly. “Been a while since Liv had someone stay over.” I glare at him and he smiles innocently back.
Fucker, I will stake you later.
“Nice to know I’m special then,” Cole replies smoothly and leans down to give me a lingering kiss.
“Please, have a seat. Esther will be along in a minute,” I say when he pulls away with a sly grin on his face.