Eva stared back at him, shocked by his admission, mesmerized by the spark of sheer determination in his eyes. “Are we going to stand here all evening?” asked Alexander, releasing her abruptly and walking over to the table. So many questions erupted in Eva’s mind, but she couldn’t even utter a single word after his admission. If he wasn’t planning on marrying Beatrix, what exactly did he have in mind? Why was he after her? What did he want from her?
He pulled a chair for her to sit on, his hawk-like eyes staring back at her. She complied, and he went to sit opposite her. “Why are we having this date? We’re not exactly dating!” she asked, unable to control herself any longer.
“We can start dating if you want us to.” Eva glanced up with surprise but looked away almost immediately, not wanting him to read her mind. Of course, she wanted to date him, to have a relationship with him, not a temporary fling, but a permanent type.
“No thanks. You’re most welcome to date your ex-fiancee again. That’s what your parents want, after all.”
“It’s my life and I will decide what I want.” She didn’t argue further, crossing her fingers that he got what he wanted, whatever that might be. Alexander waited patiently for her to react to the bait and ask him what he wanted, but she looked disinterested instead. Frustrated, he served her wine and the delightful lamb meatballs with her favorite herby green dip. How would he ever tell her he wanted her?
Unaware of the storm playing havoc within him, she concentrated on the food he placed in front of her rather than the hottest specimen on earth sitting opposite her. Was it a coincidence that he wore his favorite blue denim shirt tonight, pairing it with his lucky blue jeans? His eyes seemed to sparkle, and it looked bluer tonight under the magical lighting. The delirious smell of roses wafted into her nose, making her restless. She knew he was unpredictable, so what else had he planned for them post dinner? Would he kiss her again?
“Don’t you like it?” he asked at seeing the dazed look on her face.
“How can I not? It’s my favorite!” she gasped, reaching for more.
“Stop, or you wouldn’t be able to eat the rest of your favorites.” Eva’s gaze locked with his as she wondered why he was taking so much pain for her.
“Thanks for this,” she whispered breathlessly, breaking eye contact and looking at all her favorite dishes: chicken Parmesan spaghetti, grilled vegetable skewers, herbed peas, and potato au gratin.
“Lisa called earlier to inform me she has reached safely. Grandpa will be released from the hospital tomorrow. I will have to go to California to see them.” Eva’s eyes widened at what that implied. She wouldn’t want to stay alone here in his penthouse with him gone. What if his parents came over and found her here?
“I’ll move out as soon as possible. Give me a day, please.” Alexander noted the disappointment in her voice, clearly having misunderstood him as always.
“Who’s asking you to leave? All I’m asking you is to go to California with me to see them. Lisa’s there so, you’ll love the change.” Eva’s eyes popped out and her mouth hung open with surprise. Did he want her to really accompany him? Her eyes searched his, realizing that he was impatiently waiting for her to agree. A shy smile played on her lips and she nodded, causing Alexander’s heart to jump with joy. He didn’t have any idea why he felt happy that she agreed, but more than that, it surprised him that he asked her to accompany him.
He was never close to his grandparents as Alyssa was, having last visited them nearly twelve years ago. He hated having to help at their hobby center and got busy with his career instead. Even after his engagement, he never asked Beatrix to accompany him anywhere. He neglected her to the best of his abilities and it was just an engagement in name only. The sight of her nauseated him so kissing her never featured in his mind, not even in his worst nightmares. She whined and threw tantrums to get his attention and finally resorted to sleeping around to take out her frustration! Still, he didn’t give a damn about her!
“What if your grandparents hate me as your parents do?” asked Eva with wide eyes, suddenly realizing the possibility.
“They’re different from my parents. They’re simple, down-to-earth people and I’m sure they’ll love you. We can leave on Saturday. I hope that’s enough time to get your leave application sanctioned?” he asked, serving her the chicken Parmesan spaghetti.
“Yes, but how many days’ leave should I apply for?”
“A fortnight!” Eva’s eyes widened into saucers. What? She would go crazy if she spent fourteen days in Alexander’s company! Her heart started a crazy thumping with excitement and she took a deep breath to normalize herself.
“What will we do for so many days?” she asked breathlessly, looking up just in time to see the small amused smile on his lips. What made him smile? What was he planning to do with her?
“You’ll see.” He didn’t give out any more information and relished the meal instead. Her mind immediately went into overdrive, imagining all the things they could do. Would he kiss her on this trip? She longed to taste those sinfully tempting lips once again. She wished she could get drunk again because she wouldn’t ever have the courage to kiss him without some alcohol in her system!
“Do you want a taste?” he asked, leaning a little towards her and her eyes flew up to his darkened eyes that held her gaze. She blushed on realizing that she had been caught staring at his lips!
“Excuse me?” she croaked in a whisper, her cheeks flushed profusely.
“I asked if you wanted to taste this strawberry pie. What else did you think?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He knew what she had thought!
“Nothing! I didn’t hear you,” she lied, while he raised an eyebrow at her in disbelief. She didn’t dare to look at him again lest her roaming gaze again dropped to check his lips out. He served them a generous share of the strawberry pie and Eva helped herself to it.
“Mmm, this is the best I’ve ever tasted,” she gasped, closing her eyes and savoring the taste. Her moan was enough to make Alexander burn all over! If that pie was the best she had ever tasted, what about his lips? Wasn’t she staring at them a while ago?
“Are you sure you have tasted nothing better?” he asked, leaning a little toward her. Eva’s eyes flew open, realizing what he implied. Of course, she understood he meant his lips.
“I’m sure,” she mumbled, concentrating on her good, finishing it in two gulps. She licked her lips and looked up to see the brooding look on Alexander’s face while his eyes gazed at her lips longingly.
“Umm, I’ll just clear the table if you’re done,” she said, acutely aware of his dark mood. She could feel the desire burning deep within him as he sat like a statue, watching her! She smiled awkwardly and got up from her chair, rushing to the kitchen with her plate, eager to escape. Rinsing the plate and cutlery, she dried them and placed them where they belonged. Turning to go back to clear the table, she gasped, colliding with Alexander’s hard chest. When did he come in?
“Oh! Sorry. I didn’t see you,” she said nervously, trying to place some distance between them, but his arm went around her waist to clamp her against him. With his dark dilated eyes watching her closely, his erratic warm breath fanning her face, Eva froze, hypnotized by the hottest man on earth! Her innocent, vulnerable heart started thumping wildly in her chest and she forgot everything around her, lost in his dark, desire-filled eyes.
“Alexander, I..” she started, but he dipped his head and claimed her mouth, possessively, passionately, in a smoldering kiss that completely robbed her of her senses. It was a fiery kiss that gave vent to all the pent-up desire they had been restraining for too long. Eva’s feet turned to jelly from the intense car*al pleasure that just the feel of his lips against hers caused her. She snaked her arms around his neck and into his hair, caressing it slowly. He groaned and bit her lower lip, tugging at it to deepen the kiss.
A soft moan escaped her lips, and he glided his tongue straight in, swirling it against hers, branding the taste of him everywhere. He devoured her sweet mouth hungrily, while his hand caught the nape of her neck to steady her head. Eva was too lost in the sensation to realize that she should kiss him back as well!
Alexander wrenched his mouth away reluctantly and gazed at her with hooded eyes filled with a burning desire. “Kiss me, Eva!” he growled.