Stefan pointed at Chillon Castle on the banks of the lake, going on about the significance of the historical landmark. For twenty minutes, I nodded along to every fascinating tidbit. But all I could think about was how nice this trip had been and how right life felt when Lorcan was beside me. I couldn’t wait to get back to him.
By the time we reached land, my want was almost unbearable. After getting rid of the harnesses and protective gear, I found a spot on the mossy grass to wait for Lorcan. Soft white clouds peppered the baby-blue sky. The paragliders glid leisurely with bright-colored parachutes adorning the skies like specks from a broken rainbow.
"Hey, beautiful." A familiar fresh spice, woodsy, and oakmoss scent infused the air around me as strong arms hugged me from behind. “Paragliding worked up my appetite. How about you? Ready for lunch?”
“Absolutely. I’m starving.”
We made our way to the Bentley. Lorcan’s cheeks were flushed with the glow of adrenaline. I wondered if I was ruddy too.
“So how was it?” he asked as we settled into the heated seats. “Was everything okay?”
"Yeah. It was really good," I spoke softly, fingering my seat buckle. "Stefan's good at what he does, but I kinda wished it was you.”
A wide grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Don’t worry, dove. Next time, I'll be ready.” He cradled my cheeks, angling his face toward mine. “Would you fancy coming here a second time with me?"
And we were back at it. Making future plans while my mission was a one-night stand. This was another scheme of his to indirectly ask me out. I had to admit, it was a clever move. It was like Lorcan had studied the manual of handling me.
He was waiting for an answer. I had to say something. But yes or no felt wrong.
"Can I think about it?"
A moment of silence lingered between us. But then, he smiled and kissed my forehead.
"Of course, babe."
I rested my head on Lorcan’s arm. Admitting my desire out loud was worse than swallowing sand, but what had slipped out was true. I’d never needed or craved anyone, but Lorcan had me wound up tighter than a two-dollar watch. And part of me had wanted him to know that.
What was this guy doing to me?
Time passed, and the adrenaline started wearing off. My childhood memories prodded at the edge of my mind. Switzerland really was beautiful. It had been my home. Growing up here had been perfect until…
"Tristen? You okay?” Lorcan’s thumb brushed up and down my arm. “We arrived a few minutes ago.”
“My mind drifted a bit. I’m sorry."
"You don't have to apologize.” He grinned. “I know it's hard being close to someone as handsome as myself. Even I get overwhelmed sometimes."
"Ugh. You shameless plug." I punched his bicep and crunched my brows as my knuckles stung on contact. “Ouch!”
He shrugged, giving me a smug smile. “You should know by now that I’m all stone, baby.”
Rolling my eyes, I gave him a quick kiss before leaving the luxury car. Not out of lust, just as a sweet thanks for turning my frown into a smile. Lorcan didn’t know the black hole that had sucked me in, but his buoyant energy had lifted me back up just by being with me. He was a rare breed. My pulse stopped and raced. For a brief moment, I entertained the idea of snatching him and keeping him for myself.
A white-gloved valet opened my door and ushered us to the fancy shmancy restaurant. The maître d showed us to our table by the window, and Lorcan pulled out a chair for me.
"I thought loungewear and sneakers aren't allowed in places like this," I said.
"True, but—"
“Hi! Welcome to Sandols!” a server interrupted, perking up her tits toward Lorcan’s face. “What shall we get you started with?” She acted as if I wasn’t sitting at the fucking table while she eye-fucked my guy. For what? A generous tip? How I’d love to strangle that scrawny neck of hers in a twiggy snap!
"Thank you,” Lorcan said, taking the menu from her and handing it over to me. “My girlfriend will be ordering for both of us today."
What a smooth operator. I was just acting a little bit possessive, but he was going overkill. And yet, seeing the server shrink back was satisfying. I had to admit he was earning extra bedroom points.
"We’ll have two mimosas, please. Dom Perignon," I ordered, grinning sweetly at her.
"I don’t think we are her favorite table anymore," Lorcan remarked as the waitress sped out of our space with her tail between her long legs.