“I CAN’T BELIEVE you trusted me to drive that luxurious car. Thank you so much. That was more fun than any date I’ve ever been on.”
She had no idea of the night he had in store for her. “Is that it? Our whole date?”
“No, I just meant so far, it’s been amaz—more exhilarating than any other date. Ever.”
He pulled her in close. “You can say ‘amazing,’ Kat.” He brushed her hair from her shoulder, feeling her heartbeat quicken against his and loving the way she clung to him. “I just want to be sure that when you’re in the moment of doing the things you want to experience, you allow yourself to fully engage, on every level. Using every sense. Most people float through life on the surface, and it’s a richer experience if you allow yourself to take it apart layer by layer.”
“Layer by layer,” she said just above a whisper. “Now I’m thinking about using all of those senses in a different way.”
“Oh, we will. Like now, holding you in my arms. Your perfume fills my lungs, and I can taste, just from memory, your mouth on mine. The rapid beat of the pulse at the base of your neck underscores the feel of your heart beating fast and hard against mine. The press of your fingers on my back sends signals through my body, arousing all of my senses.” He pressed his lips to hers, taking a tender taste of what he hoped was yet to come. “Let yourself go to fully experience every aspect of everything you do.”
He lowered his lips to her neck and kissed her just below her ear. “The fear,” he whispered, then kissed the hollow of her neck. “The anticipation.” He pressed his cheek to hers, tightening his hold on her, letting her feel the effect she had on him. “The allure of the unknown.”
He felt her holding her breath and whispered, “Breathe, Kat. Let yourself feel.”
As he sealed his lips over hers in another, hotter kiss, it took every bit of his strength not to let his desire take over. He wanted everything with her, but mostly, tonight, he wanted her trust and for her to experience new and exciting things in life to help her understand how special she was. When their lips parted, they gazed into each other’s eyes, passion burning between them.
“You gave me one more night, and I intend to take advantage of every second of it.” He took her hand in his and led her out of the gates to the emergency-landing field behind the track, where his helicopter was waiting.
She stopped cold at the sight of it. “A helicopter?”
“Just to get us to dinner.”
“Dinner?” She tightened her grip on his hand. “I don’t like to fly in planes. What makes you think I’ll get in that whirling death machine?”
He smiled, sensing her strength beneath her fear. “You have complete control over what we do. If you say no, we’ll take the rental car to a restaurant. But if you trust me, I think you’ll see there’s no fear you can’t overcome.”
“But…it’s night, and we’re in the mountains.”
He pulled her in close again. “Both true facts. And the place we’re going to eat is on top of a mountain a few minutes away. This is a quicker means of travel and an easier way to face your fears. It’s all about the experience.”
“Are you trying to woo me with your money? Because I don’t care about money.” She crossed her arms.
“As much as that accusation stings, I understand why it might look that way. But the answer is no. I’m trying to woo you into seeing that you and I are made of the same stuff. I know all about fears, Kat. I know about running from them and overcoming them.” He paused, letting the truth of his confession sink in.
“I want to be the one to help you overcome yours, all of them. Kat, as far as I know, I have one more night to show you who I am. Not who the media sees, or who people think I am. I debated taking you to a low-key restaurant with champagne and dancing with the rest of Weston, Colorado. There is some allure in that. I get it. But that wouldn’t show you a damn thing about me. It would only prove that I know how to play the dating game, and with you, this doesn’t feel like a game. It feels real.”
He let out a breath and rubbed the back of his neck, trying to figure out how to explain what was going on inside him. But it was all so new that he had no idea where to begin.
She eyed the helicopter. “You really feel safe in that?”
“Always. Safety is my number one concern. And I hired my pilot tonight so that I could make sure you felt safe, too. I could have piloted it myself, but I want to be right there beside you in case you need me.”
Her gaze softened. “You did?”
“Yes. I’m not trying to impress you, or buy your affection, Kat. If I were, I’d have hired a limo to take us to the most expensive restaurant, bought the most expensive bottle of wine, and given you cheesy lines. I could have any number of women, just like you could have any number of men—which I’m totally not thinking about. And before you ask, I’ve never taken any woman up in my helicopter before.” He looked deeply into her eyes, hoping she’d see the sincerity in them.
“The truth is, I want you to fall for me for who I am inside. And a big part of who I am happens to be a guy who desperately wants to help you overcome your fears so you can enjoy life the way I do.”
She sighed, as if she liked hearing that. “Thank you for thinking of me like that. That means a lot to me.”
“Hopefully one day I will mean a lot to you, too.”
KAT COULDN’T BELIEVE she was even considering getting into the helicopter. But with Eric’s arms around her, and the protective way he looked at her, like he’d never let anything hurt her, along with what he said about experiencing life, she wanted to do this. And surprisingly, not just for herself, but for him, too. She saw in his eyes the same conviction she’d seen when he was talking about helping families through his foundation, and she loved knowing that it brought him pleasure to help her.
“You can say no, Kat, but if you give it a chance, you might enjoy it. It’s like driving fast, only a hundred times better, and I’ll be right there, holding you every step of the way. Not that you’ll need it. You’re stronger than you think.”
She inhaled a deep breath, gathering her courage. “You have to know that I’m scared shitless again.”
“The choice is yours, and I won’t be disappointed either way.” He caressed her cheek and softened his tone. “But you were scared shitless to drive the stick shift and you made that car your bitch.”
Laughing, she pressed her cheek to his chest and said, “Fine. But if we crash, it’s on your shoulders.”
Kat was sure her heart would explode as she climbed into the helicopter, and she was thankful that Eric stayed close to her, helping her buckle into the plush leather seats and slipping a headset over her ears.
“We can hear each other through these, and they’ll help keep out the rest of the noise.” He took her hand in his and settled into the seat beside her. “I’m so proud of you.”
“You might not be when I’m crying like a baby and clawing to get out of this thing midair.”
He pointed to the emergency-equipment locker. “No worries. We have parachutes, and I know how to skydive.”
“Is there anything you don’t know how to do?” She had a feeling there wasn’t. She could practically see the gears behind those intense eyes of his churning before he finally answered.
“Maybe. I’ve never had a steady girlfriend, but I’m learning. I think day one is going pretty well so far.” He must have seen the surprise in her eyes, because he quickly added, “Don’t look so shocked. You said you’re trying to attract the right type of guy, and I want to be that guy. You’ve got your fears and I’ve got mine, but together we can accomplish anything.”
Before Kat could respond, the pilot asked Eric if they were ready and he gave him a thumbs-up. The headphones helped with the sounds of the chopper blades, but the feel of the vibrations and the way her stomach dropped as the helicopter lifted off made her wish she’d stayed on the ground.
Eric put an arm around her shoulders and brought her in close. “I’ve got you, Kat. It’s a little like being in an elevator.”
His voice in her ears was soothing, and his grip on her was strong and possessive, which made her feel much more comfortable.
“Can you hear me okay?” he asked.
She nodded.
“I’m going to talk you through this. Is your stomach okay? Do you feel sick at all?”
She shook her head. “It’s a little like floating, but roller coasterish, too.”
“Yes. You’ll get used to it as we move forward. If you get scared, squeeze my hand, okay?”
She nodded, but in her head she envisioned scrambling into his lap as the helicopter seemed to rise straight up, and she felt herself being pushed down into the seat. She squeezed his hand, and he tightened his arm around her shoulders as the helicopter moved forward.
“Better?”
“Yes,” she finally managed. His touch calmed her, and the way he was watching her so intently, as if he could and would fix any discomfort she might have—which she was realizing he probably could—made her feel completely safe.
“Look out at the lights of the city.” He pointed out the window, then quickly returned his hand to hers.
Kat’s chest felt full and tight, as the tail end of fear slipped away. “I’ve never seen anything so spectacular. We’re so much lower than the airplane was.”
“We’re going there.” He pointed over the mountains, and a few minutes later, a circle of green lights came into view. “That’s the helipad where we’ll land.”
“What’s up here?” The lights of the city fell away behind them, and there were only the lights of the helipad and a few others in the distance.
“Dinner,” he said casually, as if everyone in the world took a helicopter to the top of a mountain for dinner. “How do you feel?”
“Exhilarated. A little anxious, but not enough to stop me from doing it again, and lucky.” She gazed into his eyes and said, “Really, really lucky that you wanted to do this for me. I also feel spoiled rotten and like I owe you big-time after this.”
“Darlin’, you don’t owe me a damn thing, and don’t you ever let a man make you feel like you owe him anything. Ever. I do things because I want to, not to get something in return.”
The vehemence in his voice surprised her. The helicopter touched down, and Eric helped Kat out and hurried her away from the blades, shrouding her body with his as they dashed outside the circle of lights.
“Are you okay?” He searched her eyes, and his gaze rolled down her body, making her shiver.
“Perfect.”
“What do you feel?”
She loved that he asked for more. Most guys would be happy with a one-word answer. She was still reeling from the excitement of the ride, but she tried to get her brain to function clearly. “I feel a sense of power again. Like facing my fear made me even stronger.”
“That’s the beauty of the mind. Fear is all up here.” He tapped his head. “If you can capture that fear and put it into perspective, then you realize it’s not something that has to control you or limit you.”
“That’s what I realized with my job, but I hadn’t put that idea into play with my other fears.”
“Unfortunately, I had to learn it at a very young age. I recognized fierceness in you the first time our eyes connected at the bar,” he said as he pressed his hand to her cheek. “I need to speak to the pilot for a moment. Promise me you won’t come any closer to the helicopter than this. The blades are dangerous.”
“I promise.” She’d promise him anything. He was so caring and thoughtful, and yet, unlike other men, his tenderness was bordered by a sexual undercurrent like she’d never felt before. And she sensed that the honesty about his past wasn’t coming easily, but earnestly.
“I’m so happy you were courageous enough to do this.” He pressed his lips to hers. “I’ll be right back.”
She watched him talking with the pilot, glancing back at her every few seconds, attentive and protective. She’d never dated a guy who was so in tune to everything about her or who cared enough to try to be. She looked around the deserted mountaintop and wondered what he had in store for them next, because there was no restaurant anywhere in sight.
The pilot climbed back into the helicopter, and Eric jogged over to Kat. With his body between her and the gusting wind, he guided her farther away from the helicopter as it kicked up dust and dirt and lifted into the sky.
“He’s leaving us here? Are we going mountain climbing next?” she hollered over the sound of the blades as they carried the chopper away.
He laughed. “Would you be willing?”
“You look way too serious. No, not at night I wouldn’t, but during the day I might.” She loved that he tugged her in tight against him again. She fit there perfectly, and he smelled heavenly.
With the helicopter gone, he smiled at her and brushed her hair from in front of her eyes. “No hiking tonight, I promise.” He led her away from the lights of the helipad to a black Land Rover she hadn’t seen parked by the edge of the woods—and apparently, the edge of a road as well.
“You’re like James Bond, with cars and helicopters popping up whenever you need them.” She climbed into the passenger seat, enjoying his deep laugh as he settled into the driver’s side.
“James Bond, huh? That’s one I haven’t heard before.” He started the car, and the headlights illuminated a road that disappeared beneath an umbrella of trees. “We’re on our way to Falling Grace. Have you been there?”
“No, but it sounds either very creepy or quite romantic.”
He reached for her hand. “I assure you, there’s nothing creepy about it.”
A few minutes later they pulled up in front of Falling Grace, a chateau-style restaurant built near the edge of a cliff. Candles flickered in every window, and brilliant white lights lit up the woods on the periphery of the property, giving the evening a magical feel. In-ground lights illuminated a stone walkway that snaked through gardens with a fountain on one side and ornate sculptures on the other.
Kat looked down at her jeans, then at the expensive cars parked all around them. “I’m not sure I’m dressed for this.”
“Darlin’, clothes do not make someone appropriate for a restaurant. You’re just as gorgeous in your jeans as you were in your dress and your suit.” He pressed his hand to the small of her back, bringing her body flush against his again.
She would never, ever tire of this closeness.
His eyes moved from hers to her mouth, then back up again, stealing her worries about her clothing one brain cell at a time.
“We’re both wearing jeans. The way I see it, we can lose the clothes altogether and go in naked, or take our chances.”
His smile was contagious, and his sense of humor only made him even more attractive. “Nothing ever rattles you, does it?”
“Life’s too short to get too rattled over things that don’t matter. Clothes are meaningless.” He took her hand and led her toward the entrance.
“I really do like the way you think. Have you always been this confident, or did that come with your success?” She noticed the way his eyes flashed serious for a second, then just as quickly brightened again. He did that a lot, momentary deep thinking.
“That, my darlin’, is a great question.” He held the restaurant door open without answering, making Kat wonder about the sore spot she’d just touched.
A pretty brunette greeted them with a pleasant smile. “Good evening. Welcome to Falling Grace. Do you have a reservation?”
“Yes,” Eric answered. “Two for James, please.”
The hostess’s eyes widened, as if recognition suddenly dawned on her. “Yes, of course, Mr. James. Your table is ready. Please, follow me.”
Eric’s hand never left Kat’s back as they followed the hostess through the dimly lit restaurant, past tables full of important-looking people dressed to the nines, with regal voices and assessing eyes. They passed through double doors at the rear of the restaurant, and to Kat’s surprise, they were led to an open elevator. A handsome gentleman dressed in a dark suit greeted them.
“Mr. James. Ma’am.” He moved to the side as they stepped inside.
Kat looked at Eric, hoping for a clue as to where they were going. His easy smile wasn’t giving anything away. He pressed his hand to her waist, and she moved happily against his side. They stood behind their host, and Eric’s hand slid to the curve of her butt. She glanced up at him, and he arched a brow. God, she loved this rakish side of him.
The elevator doors opened and the gentleman stepped out and led them down a hallway lit by candles. It was chillier than the restaurant, and Kat realized that they were surrounded by stone. The ceiling, walls, and floor were all hard rock. The hall opened up to a single room, carved into the side of the mountain. A glass wall overlooked a spectacular waterfall. Colorful lights beamed from the mountainside into the cascading water, providing the most magnificent, magical view she could ever imagine. She reached for Eric’s arm to steady herself.
“Eric,” she whispered, full of awe.
“Yes?” He smiled, and she couldn’t find her voice.
The gentleman pulled out a chair for Kat. She sat, and before she could thank him, Eric did.
“I’ll retrieve your drinks,” the man said before leaving them alone, and Kat finally breathed.
“I don’t think they minded our attire,” Eric said, settling in beside her. “I hope you don’t mind, but I ordered you a lemon-drop martini. I figured we could start over.”
“Start over?”
He reached for her hand. “I hope to be with you long past tonight, and the story you tell your friends should be a bit more romantic than picking each other up in an airport lounge.”
Her heart skipped a beat. “That’s really thoughtful.”
“And a little selfish, I’m afraid. I’m sure you have guy friends, and I don’t want them picturing you doing naughty things with me in the men’s bathroom.”
She laughed. “I’d never tell anyone that.”
He arched a brow. “I have a feeling Brianna knows.”
She nibbled on her lower lip, and he used his free hand to draw her closer by the nape of her neck.
“That’s okay, darlin’. I was kidding. I just want you to have a story you’re proud to tell, not one that makes you wonder if you made a mistake.”
“Thank you.” She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his.
He deepened the kiss, sliding his knee between her legs and moving closer. The press of his lips sent a rush of heat through her. She’d been dying to kiss him all evening, and now, with the crashing of the waterfall just beyond the glass and shadows dancing in their private candlelit room, she took her fill. His tongue swept over every dip of her mouth, over her teeth, and then he pulled back and slicked it over her lower lip, leaving her breathing hard and moving hungrily in for more. She wound her arms around his neck, and their mouths came together hard and fast. His hands slid to her hips, holding her there, burning right through her clothing. She wanted to move from her chair to straddle his lap and let their bodies decide where to go next, but the sound of footsteps brought her mind back to reality, and she moved away with a whimper of loss.
His hand slid from her hip, down her forearm, and his fingers laced with hers, as if he, too, couldn’t stand losing the connection.
She was acutely aware of the heat consuming them, and she was sure that when their waiter returned with their drinks and set them on their table, he felt it, too.
“Would you like a few minutes to consider the menu?” he asked.
“Yes, please. We’ll ring for you when we’re ready.” Eric nodded toward a button near the doorway that Kat had somehow missed. She wondered how he knew what it was for and realized he’d probably been there before.
She told herself it didn’t matter. He was with her now, and that was all that was important.
“As you wish, sir.” With a nod, the waiter retreated again.
“Where were we?” With both hands, he reached for her hips and pulled her onto his lap. He gathered her hair over one shoulder and kissed her cheek. “You’re incredibly hard to resist. I truly had the best of intentions for tonight’s date, so don’t try to get into my pants.”
“Tsk! You are infuriatingly sexy, and funny, and—”
His mouth covered hers hungrily, and his hands tangled in her hair, holding her as he devoured her. His lips were hard, like the rest of him, as he kissed and nipped and sucked her lower lip into his mouth before taking her in another greedy kiss.
She pressed her chest to his, and then his hands were on her back, traveling down her sides, and finally—Lord, finally—he caressed her breasts. Her head tipped back with the sheer pleasure of his touch. His teeth dragged over her collarbone, and his tongue made a hot path between her breasts.
“God, I want to taste you,” he said between kisses. He cupped her cheeks in his hands and searched her eyes. “I suck at good intentions with you, Kat. I can’t help it. When I’m alone with you, you obliterate my rational thoughts. “
“Stop talking,” she said as she pressed her lips to his.
His thumbs brushed over her nipples, bringing them both to tight peaks. They ached for more. She ached for more, as she writhed against his erection. His lips were demanding; then they softened, in a stretch of slow, drugging kisses that drew a moan from her lungs.
“Kat,” he said against her lips. “Open your eyes, darlin’. Let me see you.”
She blinked, only then realizing how lost in him she’d become, how hard she was breathing.
“Hi.” He tucked her hair behind her ear.
“Hi.”
“I’d like nothing more than to lay you on that table and make love to you. To watch your beautiful eyes as you give in to your pleasure.”
Her breath left her lungs in a rush.
“You’re so fucking sexy, you kill me.” His lips tipped up, and he touched his forehead to hers. “I want to touch you, Kat. Tell me no, and I’ll back off. Tell me yes, and I’ll make you come before dinner.” He pressed his cheek to hers and said, “And after, many times over.”