Page 10 of Unpermitted Love

"Anna, I don't know what you've heard but there are no 'women' in my life."

"But ..."

"I’m sure there’s a lot you've heard about me that isn't true and that's why I want you to get to know the real me."

"No one told me you're a playboy Hal. I just assumed you were because ..."

"Playboy?"

"Well, you have all the 'ingredients' of a playboy. A mega playboy."

"What? Really?"

"Yeah. I mean you're a billionaire, you're the face of Forbes, you are crazy successful … and you're hot."

"Interesting.” I grin at her. I like that she thinks I'm hot.

She smiles and blushes again.

"I love it when you blush.” I murmur.

"Who's blushing? It's just a bit hot here. Shall we order some drinks?" She begins fanning herself with her hands.

I laugh and call a waiter over to order our drinks. We order our meals and the rest of the evening goes incredibly well. We have so much to talk about, we bounce off one another and the chemistry between us is undeniable. Towards the end of the night, the pianist plays a slow version of ‘All of Me’ by John Legend. I jump at the opportunity and ask her to dance with me.

"I’m not much of a dancer, Hal."

"I don’t believe it. But if that is true, let me teach you." I stand up and hold my hand out to her.

She smiles and takes my hand.

Her eyes are so warm and inviting that I want to swim in them. Having her hold my hand is exhilarating.

"I'm falling for you hard, Anna."

"Oh Hal, I ..."

I cover her beautiful lips with mine. She tastes so warm and sweet, like honey. My pulse races even harder as she kisses me back. I kiss her gently at first then harder. I want to devour her as I feel her body melt into mine. We draw breath and I look at her.

"I think we should go."

"I think so too," she hurriedly says, grinning.

I take her hand and we leave The Aquarium. We drive home in silence and I can tell she’s weighing the options in her mind. I completely understand her reasons. But I won’t let anyone, family or otherwise, get in the way of my feelings and desire for Annalise.

We get to the apartment building and she takes my hand. I smile at her and lead her to the elevator. It’s just the two of us inside and the feel of her hands in mine is like fire. I draw closer and kiss her, pinning her to the elevator. I let my hands run all over her body as she kisses me hard. I kiss and lick her neck. I can hardly contain myself from ripping the dress from her body when the elevator stops on our floor. I look at her face and see the question in her eyes, and I understand why. I’m not going to push her into this. I take her hand and lead her to the door of her apartment.

"Hal ... I ..."

"I understand, Anna. But I just want to make something really clear to you. This isn't some sort of game to me. You talk about other 'women' but the truth is there are no other women and I've never been in love before. Yet, here I am besotted by you.” I look into her beautiful deep brown eyes as she looks up at me. She listens attentively, holding my gaze. “My life has been filled with work and goals, always trying to prove myself. But now? Well, there's only one person that has ever managed to take my mind off my goals. And that person is you.”

I hear her sharp intake of breath and she looks down at her hands. I lift her chin with my finger so she can look deep into my eyes and know what I’m saying is true. “I know that there are going to be obstacles, but I don't give a damn about that. I want you and I'm going to fight to have you if I have to. But now, it's your move. We don’t have to move further than this unless you want to. Do you understand?"

Anna nods and a tear slips down her cheek. I take her into my arms and hold her tightly.

"Thank you, Hal ... for tonight ... and everything. I just need some time to ..."

"Take all the time you need Anna."

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