Chapter 86 (1/2)
”That's . . . that's such a lovely thing to say.”
”It's true. I didn't know it at the time.” He smiles his shy smile.
”I'm glad you waited.”
”You are worth waiting for, Mrs. Grey.” He tips my chin up with his finger, leans down, and kisses me tenderly.
”So are you.” I smile. ”Though I feel I like I cheated. I didn't have to wait long for you at all.”
He grins. ”Am I that much of a prize?”
”Christian, you are the state lottery, the cure for cancer, and the three wishes from Aladdin's lamp all rolled into one.”
He raises a brow.
”When will you realize this?” I scold him. ”You were a very eligible bachelor. And I don't mean all this.” I wave dismissingly at our plush surroundings. ”I mean in here.” I place my hand over his heart, and his eyes widen. My confident, sexy husband has gone, and I'm facing my lost boy. ”Believe me, Christian, please,” I whisper and reach up to clasp his face, pulling his lips to mine. He groans, and I don't know if it's the pain of hearing what I have to say or his usual primal response. I claim him, my lips moving against his, my tongue invading his mouth.
When we're both breathless, he pulls away, eyeing me doubtfully.
”When are you going to get it through your exceptionally thick skull that I love you?” I ask, exasperated.
He swallows. ”One day,” he says.
This is progress. I smile and am rewarded with his answering shy smile.
”Come. Let's have some lunch - the others will be wondering where we are. We can discuss what we all want to do.”
”Oh no!” Kate says suddenly.
All eyes turn to her.
”Look,” she says, pointing to the picture window. Outside, rain has started pouring down. We are sitting around the dark wood table in the kitchen having consumed an Italian feast of a mixed antipasto, prepared by Mrs. Bentley, and a bottle or two of Frascati. I'm replete and a little buzzy from the alcohol.
”There goes our hike,” Elliot mutters, sounding vaguely relieved. Kate scowls at him. Something is definitely up with them . . . They have been relaxed with all of us but not with each other.
”We could go into town,” Mia pipes up. Ethan smirks at her.
”Perfect weather for fishing,” Christian suggests.
”I'll go fish,” Ethan says.
”Let's split up.” Mia claps her hands. ”Girls, shopping - boys, outdoor boring stuff.”
I glance at Kate, who regards Mia indulgently. Fishing or shopping?
Jeez, what a choice.
”Ana, what do you want to do?” Christian asks.
”I don't mind,” I lie.