Page 31 of Beauty Of Her

“I know. Isn’t the color of the water amazing?”

“I was talking about you.” Brett winked, sending my insides into a puddle.

Brett leaned in and brushed his lips lightly against my cheek. I turned my face toward his and met his full lips. We melted into each other, our tongues swirling and exploring each other’s mouths. Something about this man made me feel alive again like I had been in a hazy dream for the past few years since my divorce. Brett pulled back from the kiss, pressing our foreheads together.

“What are you thinking about?” Brett’s warm breath coated my neck.

I sighed contentedly, the vibrations of Brett’s voice against my skin sending shivers down my spine. “Just how happy I am to be here with you,” I replied honestly.

Brett kissed me again, this time with more urgency. His hand moved up to cradle the back of my head, and his other hand found its way to my thigh, squeezing gently. I moaned into his kiss, my body on fire.

Brett pulled away and leaned back in his seat. “We’re almost there,” he said, gripping his tousled hair.

I straightened myself and inhaled, mentally preparing myself for the inevitable. Coming to Miami with Brett would be a test for whatever Brett and I were starting. We were at different points in our lives, and I couldn’t help but wonder if this trip would make or break us. But all of my fears dissipated as I looked over at Brett with his playful smirk and carefree demeanor. When we finally arrived at the hotel that Amelia had booked for us, I was blown away by its opulence. The lobby was filled with vibrant colors and exotic plants, and the air smelled like coconut and saltwater. We checked in swiftly and made our way up to the room on the top floor.

What. The. Fuck. This was not the room I had chosen with Amelia. What did she do? I quickly texted her, asking about this ridiculous room with sweeping one-hundred-and-eighty-degree ocean views and a wraparound balcony. The modern furniture dripped from an expensive night’s stay, and the bathroom could easily fit into my home’s kitchen. I walked into the bathroom, my eyes widening at the luxurious fixtures, from the steam shower to the Jacuzzi tub. Were we even in the correct room?

Brett sensed my hesitation and came up behind me. “Is everything okay?” Brett wrapped his arms around my waist and rested his chin on my shoulder.

I turned around in his arms, cupping his face. “Umm...this is a very nice room, but this isn’t what I put down when I made the reservations with Amelia.”

Brett laughed and pulled me closer to him. “What is Amelia’s deal? She comes off as a real pisser.”

I took a deep breath, savoring the scent of Brett's cologne mixed with his natural musk. “Amelia inherited a lot of money when her father passed away. While smart with her money, she spoils the people closest to her.”

“Oh, I see.” He planted a soft kiss on the top of my head. “She sounds like a good person.”

“She is.” I leaned against Brett’s hard chest, dragging my nails along his bare arms. “I’m sure you’ll get to know her more.”

“I can’t wait.” Brett leaned forward, kissing my cheek.

I gazed at him, getting lost in his deep, curious eyes. It was as if he could read my thoughts and tell me what I needed even before I spoke. He brushed a strand of hair behind my ear and traced my jawline with his fingertips.

“You know,” Brett whispered, “we have this whole suite ourselves. Maybe we should take advantage of it.”

I smiled, a rush of arousal building inside me. “I’d love that. But first, dinner.” I traced his lips with my index finger for a second before he captured the digit in his mouth and sucked.

“I was hoping you’d say that.” Brett gazed at me through hooded lids. “Do you have any business stuff tonight?”

“Nope. Those don’t start until tomorrow.” I wrapped my arms around his neck, standing on my tiptoes. We swayed to a silent tune, our warm bodies pressed against each other. “Now we have all night to get to know each other like you say.” The corner of my mouth lifted, thinking of the possibilities. And this idea of all these unknowns was killing me and sending jolts of the deepest thrill through my bones. I could feel Brett’s arousal growing against my hip, and I couldn’t help but giggle. “You know what?” I looked up at him through my lashes. “I think I’d like some food now. Let’s go downstairs.” I took Brett’s hand and led him out of the suite.

We found ourselves at the hotel’s impressive restaurant and ate at the bar since there were zero tables. Top-shelf liquor lined the wall from floor to ceiling, overlooking a shiny mahogany bar with maroon leather stools. We sat on two of the leather bar stools while scanning our surroundings. A row of mirrors reflected the golden lights shimmering around us, emitting a soft, purple hue. Our reflections were dark against the bright lights, making it hard to see other patrons. But that didn’t matter. The only person I wanted to see was Brett. After ordering two dirty martinis, our night was just starting.

“So, tell me about yourself,” Brett started, motioning for me to take the lead.

The bartender had set a healthy bread basket in front of us, overflowing with sourdough rolls and tiny pretzel baguettes. I reached for one of the buttery rolls, stuffing an ample amount of dough into my mouth, thinking of where to start. “You’re setting this up like an interview.” I half laughed. “Why don’t we just talk and see where things go?”

Brett lowered his gaze, flashing those take-me-home eyes I couldn’t resist. “Fine. I’ll go first.” He planted a hand flat on his chest.

I cocked an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue.

“I have never had a cavity.” Brett beamed as if this was his greatest accomplishment.

“You’re kidding me.” And then, I finished my first martini with Brett following my lead.

“Nope. Not at all.” Brett smacked his lips together. “I was a parent’s dream as far as the dentist goes.”

“And what about everything else?”

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