Page 39 of The Billionaire's Kiss
Chapter Fifteen
Warner
The first thing I felt in the morning was the soft skin that lay beneath my hand. The discovery woke me up with a smile on my face. My eyes flew open.
Orla lay in my arms, her auburn curls a mess on the pillow, tickling my nose.
We’d woken three times during the night, making love each time. I’d never done anything like that. I’d also never felt such a strong connection to anyone before.
It was evident that I’d worn her out completely, as she didn’t even stir as I slipped out of bed. Knowing I had to let her rest, I pulled on my clothes and left her to slumber.
I had to get home to get ready for the day. The sun had barely begun peeking over the horizon as I drove home. It was early, and very little traffic got in my way.
Since Orla had gone out of her way to prepare me a meal, I was going to make one for her. And that meant I’d be bringing her to my place. I prayed she would want to spend the night with me there, too. Sure, it would mean that I’d need to replenish my electrolytes and take some vitamins to be able to perform as well as I had the night before, but I was up for the challenge.
As soon as I got home, I got on my computer and put in the order of groceries I would need to make Orla a real Texas barbeque dinner. On our way back home later in the day, I’d stop by the store to pick up the order.
After a shower, I put on a pair of jeans, a pearl snap shirt, and a pair of cowboy boots. I wanted to give Orla the real Texas experience. As I walked out the door, I decided to take her shopping at my favorite western wear store and buy her an outfit, including a pair of cowboy boots. At least she’d have something unique to take back home with her. Something that would always remind her of me. Plus, we could take some pictures together, wearing matching outfits. I’d never even wanted to do a thing like that before.
Orla made me want to be someone I never knew I wanted to be. But I liked the way I felt, and I hoped I would continue feeling this high even after she had to leave.
When I pulled into my parking spot at the resort, I found Patton getting out of his car. Waving, I got out of the truck. “Morning, bro.”
“Moring, Warner.” He looked me up and down. “No suit today?”
“Nah.” I let him catch up to me, and then we walked together. “I’m taking a date home today and making barbeque for her, so I thought I’d dress the part of a typical Texas cowboy.”
His eyes went wide. “You’retaking a date to yourhome?”
“I know I’ve said in the past that I don’t like taking girls home, but this one is different.”
“How?”
“I don’t know—she feels more real to me. I mean…she’s got a good soul and heart. She’s here from Ireland, and she’ll only be here for a few more days. So I’m taking her home today after work, and then I think I’m going to take the rest of the week off. I want to show her around, at least a little of our state.”
“Time off?” He chuckled. “Who the hell are you?”
“I know, right?” I had to laugh too. “This is not me. I’ve been saying that to myself all morning. Hell, I’m even going to take her shopping today to get her some cowgirl duds so we’ll match.”
“That’s sweet.” He bumped my shoulder with his. “When’s the wedding?”
“Ha, ha.” I just shook my head. “We know this isn’t a permanent thing. She’s got family back home, one she’s not about to leave. And you know my deal—the resort and all.”
“You know, there’s something nice about having a deadline,” he pointed out. “You both know it’s going to end, and so, you’re living it up while you can.”
“Yeah.” Patton had always gotten me. “You get it.”
“I do.” We walked through the lobby doors. It was early, and not many people were moving about yet. “Just try to stay open-minded here, Warner. I like seeing you this way—all smiles and thinking about someone else.”
“I’m gonna try.” My stomach felt empty, and I knew I had to get something to eat. “You want to join me for breakfast?”
“Yeah, I haven’t eaten anything yet. Alexis wasn’t up when I left. It’s her day off, and I wasn’t about to wake her or the kids up, so I slipped out without making myself anything to eat.”
We headed to the breakfast room, where a spread was laid out each morning for our staff and guests. I grabbed a plate, then went for all the protein I could get. Bacon, three kinds of sausage, scrambled eggs, and a ton of fresh baby spinach. When I sat down with Patton at a small table, he eyed my heaping plate.
I just shrugged. “I had quite the workout.”
“Last night or this morning?” He winked at me, knowing what kind of workout I was talking about.
