Page 60 of Secrets & Lies

“Seriously? You should have told me that. Our ‘one and done’ could have been in the great outdoors, surrounded by nature, and I could have been fully clothed.”

“One and done? Is that like wham, bam, thank you, ma’am?”

Her eyes narrowed at the innuendo. “Going to ignore that comment. Hiking, do you have a trail you prefer, or are you all talk?” she challenged.

“I can talk and get you there just as well as if I put in the action. I’m game for indoors as well as the great outdoors, kitten.”

“Is this your plan all night? To drop hints and be vulgar?”

I threw my head back in laughter. If she thought that was vulgar, wait until I got her in my bed. The dirty things I’d whisper in her ear as I made her come all over my cock would have her permanently blushing.

“You’re so cute. Mailbox Peak is one of my favorites. It’s perfect if you want to work on your calves. It’s pretty steep, though, and I always question my commitment about halfway up.”

“But the view of Mount Rainier makes it so worth it,” she said dreamily. The wistfulness of her voice and her mentioning Mount Rainier was perfect.

Chapter 23

Aleksandr

Flying High

We pulled into the airport, and she looked around, confused.

“What are we doing here? You never mentioned we’d need to fly on a plane. Where are you taking me? I’m not sure about this…at all.” She gulped, and panic similar to the car incident filled her beautiful face.

Putting the car in park, I grabbed her hand. “How would you like to go hiking on Sunday at Mount Hood? I know it’s not Mount Rainier, but…” My voice trailed off at the look in her eyes.

They grew wide and filled with emotion. There was a mix of fear, excitement, anticipation, and sadness.

“I agreed to one date,” she whispered, looking small and frightened.

“I know, and I meant to tell you but forgot in my excitement. It’s a weekend event in Portland that benefits charities that are important to my family. The gala event tonight is only one part. Saturday is a tour of several wineries, along with hiking on Sunday. It’s all for a noble cause.”

“You should have told me. I never would have agreed—”

“I know, but I have a surprise for you, so please don’t say no right away. I promise if you don’t want to stay, I’ll take you home tonight,” I rushed out, my heart thudding in my chest.

“A surprise? What kind of surprise, and what do you mean, take me home? I’m not spending the night with you.” She crossed her arms.

“I booked an amazing suite. You’ll have your own room, and we won’t be alone. Kitten, will you trust me just a little?”

“Trust isn’t something I give easily.”

“That’s understandable, but I meant what I said. If you still don’t want to stay after you see my surprise, I’ll bring you straight home.” I grabbed her hand and pulled it to my lips, dusting it with small kisses.

A sense of excitement and anticipation rushed through me when she didn’t pull her hand away. “You promise?” she asked, her voice soft and trembling.

“Absolutely. I’d never do anything you didn’t want me to—”

“That’s a lie, and we both know it,” she retorted.

“You might be right on the kissing, but everything else, I promise. So, what do you say? Will you at least let me surprise you?” I asked sheepishly as she shook her head. There was a hint of a smile, so a small win for me.

She put her hand on the door handle to open it. “Don’t you dare open that door; it’s my job.”

“Very well, Mr. King, by all means, pull out…” She paused. A flirtatious look filled her eyes, and her face lit up. “All the stops for me.”

“Careful, kitten. I’m trying to be a gentleman here. You keep looking at me like that, and the Reaper, whom I’ve kindly asked to be on his best behavior, may be unleashed on you.”

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