Page 72 of Heart of Stone
My eyes raked down over her, something tightening in the center of my chest at the sight of her.
I’d been aware that this was a semi-formal event, and I had been curious about what she would wear, but it was safe to say I hadn’t expected to be this blown away.
The long-sleeved emerald-green dress sparkled almost as much as her eyes. It crossed at her chest, forming a V-neckline, and had a belted satin sash around her waist. The dress landed a few inches above her knee, her stunning legs on display and looking even more exquisite with those heels she had on.
“You… There are no words to describe just how perfect you look.”
My eyes had returned to her beautiful face, thick locks of her hair cascading down her back and over her shoulders.
A flush crept over her cheeks. “You’re being so sweet. Thank you.” Her eyes drifted down over my body and back again. “You look quite handsome yourself.”
“Thanks.” I stepped forward, slid my arm around her waist, and tugged her toward me. “I need to kiss you.”
Natalia didn’t put up a fight. She pressed her palms against my chest, slid them up over my shoulders, and drove her fingers into my hair as she tilted her chin up to give me better access to her perfect pink lips. I happily took advantage of it, my mouth capturing hers in a bruising kiss.
If I didn’t know how much she was looking forward to attending this Christmas party, I would’ve been content to stay there at the front door, kissing her all night long.
But what I wanted didn’t matter. That’s how I knew there was something beyond special about Natalia. It wasn’t just about the way she looked or kissed. It was that I felt this overwhelming need to give her whatever she wanted.
When a soft moan crawled its way up her throat, I had no choice but to tear my mouth from hers. If I didn’t, if I continued to explore her mouth and taste her, I couldn’t trust I’d have been able to stop myself.
“I don’t know how…” I trailed off.
Concern washed over her expression. “You don’t know how what?”
I shook my head, convinced I’d be revealing far too much if I said what had been on my mind—how could I have ever convinced myself I was happy before I met her. “It’s nothing. I just…” I turned to the side, swept my hand out to the bottom of the stairs leading to her front door. “Your chariot awaits.”
Natalia’s eyes darted between where I’d indicated and my face several times before she all but squealed, “You brought a golf cart to take me to the party?”
“Well, I wasn’t going to make you walk all the way there in those shoes.”
“You didn’t know I was going to wear these shoes,” she pointed out.
“No. But I suspected you’d wear something like them, and I didn’t want you to have to trudge there and back.”
She smiled at me. “I’m good at walking in my heels.”
Natalia didn’t have to tell me twice. “I’m well aware of that. Trust me. But I figure that you’re going to spend a good chunk of the night dancing with me. At least, I hope you will. And by the time the party’s over, your feet might hurt. If you’d rather I have to carry you at the end of the night, I’m okay with that, too.”
Her features warmed. “The golf cart is a nice touch. And it’s appreciated, Reid. Thank you for thinking ahead.”
I wasn’t so convinced it was me thinking ahead as much as it was me being unable to think about much besides her. “You’re welcome. Are you all set to go?”
She dipped her chin. “I am.”
After she locked up, I took her by the hand and led her down the stairs to the golf cart. Once she was seated comfortably, I reached behind the seat and gave her the blanket I’d brought along.
“There’s nothing I’d like more than to look at your legs the entire way there, but I want you to be able to move when we arrive, so I brought this for you to cover up with.”
“Who knew you were such a gentleman?” she teased as I sat down beside her.
“That’s not all.”
“What else is there?”
Grinning, I flipped a switch and showed her. I’d decorated the golf cart with Christmas lights just for her.
“Are you kidding me? This is the best thing ever.”
