“Wouldn’t be much fun if I just let you catch me, now would it?” he teases.
“Hey, isn’t the girl supposed to be the one saying that?”
Returning me to my feet, Rebel slips his hand into mine and takes us back outside to the waiting cab without comment.
I still can’t believe he paid the guy to wait for us. The fare has to be crazy expensive, but Rebel doesn’t even blink an eyelash as he tells the driver to take us to the next location.
We spend the majority of the day driving around Maine, winding through neighborhoods with some of the most gorgeous houses I’ve ever laid eyes on. I point out all my favorite ones, which seems to amuse Rebel.
We don’t talk much, but the quiet is comfortable. We’re simply enjoying being in each other’s space, sharing experiences. It’s the truest connection I’ve had with anyone since Annie and Brody came into my life. If for some reason Rebel and I don’t last, I know for certain that I will never look back on the time we’ve shared with regret. He’s an amazing man, and I feel lucky to have met him.
When we reach the hotel, it’s late. I cling to Rebel as we ride the elevator up to our floor, more at ease with him than I have ever been. The difference between our relationship six months ago and today is like night and day. Back then, there’s no way he would have allowed this kind of physical connection, let alone let it happen in full public view. It would have been the kiss of death, but now, he accepts it without the slightest flinch of disapproval.
This whole trip feels like a major stepping stone in our relationship. I still don’t know a lot about this man, but with each layer I peel back, I like Rebel more. I’m happy, and what’s more? I’m confident in my choice. Rebel’s a gamble, but sometimes you have to go with your gut and place the damn bet.
Once we’re back in the room, Rebel and I face each other and undress in silence. My gaze travels the entire length of him, lingering on his sculpted chest and the fine, dark hairs dusting it. His stomach clenches as I go lower, and I lick my lips as I watch his cock swell before my eyes.
Something about tonight feels different. I don’t know what it is, but it’s in the air. There’s been a shift, something that only appeals to the senses, and it hinges on this very moment. I know what it is as soon as I scoot to the center of the bed and Rebel stretches out on top of me.
It’s in his expression, lingering in his eyes as he touches me with the gentlest caress. It’s echoed in the way my breath catches as he kisses me, each one more tender than the last. The reverence he shows me as he makes love to my body says everything that needs to be said, but without words. It reinforces what I’ve already come to know: Rebel’s it. He’s the man for me. And I think he just might feel the same about me.
TWENTY-TWO
The plane ride back wasn’t nearly as traumatizing as it was the first time around. I think my newfound level of trust in Rebel made all the difference. Somehow, just being by his side makes me feel more at ease, which is hilarious when I think about it.
Nearly a year ago, just being in Rebel’s presence rocked my world off its axis. I could hardly breathe just knowing his eyes were on me. Now, just knowing he’s nearby makes me feel safe and protected, like he’d never let anything bad happen to me.
I don’t know how I know that, but something inside me tells me Rebel is a man who gives everything of himself in life. Whether it’s work or his relationships, if it matters to him, he doesn’t hold anything back.
That’s a comfort no amount of money can buy.
Now that we’re back in the real world, away from luxurious rooms in high towers and the responsibilities of work, friends, and family, I feel the high I’ve been riding begin to fade.
A twinge of melancholia sets in as Gerardo pulls up in front of my apartment. Releasing a sigh, I reach for the door only to be pulled back and into Rebel’s waiting arms.
“Just say the word and I’ll tell Gerardo to take us back to my place.”
I’m shocked by his offer, and as much as I want to accept it so we can keep this fantasy going a little while longer, I know it’s impossible. We’ve managed to put life on hold for two incredible days, but it’s over now. Time to get back to reality.
Cupping his whiskered cheek, I lean in for a kiss. My mouth strokes his with all the warmth and caring I can put into it. “I don’t want this to end either, but you and I both know it’s time to get back to our lives.”
Tracing his fingers along the outside of my thigh, he releases a pent-up breath. “I hate that you’re right.”
“You’ll get used to it,” I joke. His hand creeps higher up my body, exploring my curves and I grow flustered all over again. “You could always come up. I’ve got beer in the fridge and a nice big bed we can share.”
His nose scrunches and he leans his head back against the seat. “I wish I could, but like you said, we both need to get back to our lives. I have a business meeting in a couple hours, so I’d better go so I can get ready for that.”
“Back to business already? I don’t want to freak you out or anything, Rebel,” I say as I grab a fistful of his shirt and pull him closer, “but you might be a workaholic.”
“Might?” he asks with amusement. “I’d say definitely.”
The back door opens, spilling daylight into the backseat. Drawing in a deep breath, I release Rebel’s shirt and smooth out the wrinkles. “I guess that’s my cue.”
“Yep, time to hit the road.”
In the past, I would have taken offense to his seemingly callous brushoff, but now I see it for what it is. Rebel’s a bit of a jokester in a very subdued, sarcastic, almost mean-spirited way.
“How are the women not falling at your feet everywhere you go?” I give him a quick kiss and climb off his lap to exit the car.
Gerardo gives me a half-nod without making eye contact and bids me a good day as he holds out my bag. I don’t hear Rebel’s car drive off until I step inside the building and the door closes behind me. He may not be the perfect gentleman, but Rebel continues to surprise me.
The first thing I notice when I enter my apartment is the stale air from being closed up tight all weekend. Dropping my bag on the couch, I head over to the small bank of windows and slide them open, letting in the crisp, fresh air.
I’ll have to clean today, but for now, I need a few minutes to come down from the weekend. My first instinct is to call Annie, but I remember that not only has she left town and cut off communication with me, but my phone is still missing. Maybe I’ll head over to the house later and ask Brody to call it. I promised him we’d sit down together and talk when I got back anyway.
I’ll also need to deal with Kota. I know Rebel made sure it was handled, but I’m sure Kota wasn’t happy about me calling off, so no doubt he’ll give me the worst schedule this week as punishment. I already know I won’t complain, because fair is fair.
That leaves me with this moment to sit back, relax, and just breathe before I have to deal with the outside world. It’s as I’m kicking my feet up onto the coffee table that I see a sliver of black poking out from beneath one of the side chairs.
I know what it is instantly. Frowning, I drop my feet to the floor. Folding over, I reach out without leaving my perch and drag the phone out from beneath its hiding place with my fingertips.
“How in the world...” I can’t believe with all my crawling around and cushion flipping I actually managed to miss it sitting there. I feel like such an idiot. I’m smiling in relief that I won’t have to go to extraordinary measures to track it down as I turn it on.
It feels like forever since I’ve held my phone in my hands, even though it’s only been two days. It’s exciting just to be able to check my messages.
The first things I see as I swipe my thumb across the screen to bring it to life are new notifications. Opening my messages, I see they’re all from Rebel, and I instantly break out into a huge grin.