Page 45 of The Billionaire's Kiss
Chapter Eighteen
Orla
The next morning, Warner had us taking off nice and early to our next destination. I fastened my seatbelt and asked, “So, where to now?”
“We’re going to Fredericksburg to do some antiquing.” He started up the truck, and off we went.
“Antiquing?” Nodding, I liked the idea of looking at old things people used to use in America. “That sounds good to me.”
“Since you’re so into finding out more about this place I call home, I thought that rummaging through some old stuff might be right up your alley. There are shops up and down both sides of the street and lots of little cafes, diners, and bars too.”
“I’ve got to say that you Texans certainly know how to entertain.” I’d never seen a place with so much to do. “I could stay here a month and still never get bored.”
“Yeah, you should stay a month.” He reached over, taking my hand and pulling it to his lips to leave a soft kiss there. “I’ll be your guide around our state.”
I wished I could take him up on his offer—I didn’t want to leave either. But Mum and Pop definitely needed me. “I wish I could, Warner. But my family needs me.”
“I know.” He rested my hand on his thigh, tracing his finger over the backs of my knuckles. “So, how’d you like the cabin by the river last night?”
“Well, you were there, so it was yet another amazing night. Thank you for taking me to that lovely place. I know I won’t ever forget it.” I also would never forget what we did there. Making love under the stars in the hot tub. The night had been chilly, the water warm, and we’d gotten lost in one another.
All I could say about making love with Warner was that it was as beautiful as it was pleasurable. He’d opened me up in ways I hadn’t imagined possible.
“I’m glad you liked it.” He caressed the back of my hand. “We’ll be staying in another cabin near Fredericksburg tonight. It’s in the woods.” He winked at me. “Where no one will hear you scream.”
“So, you’re going to make me scream, are ya?” I laughed. “In pure ecstasy, I hope.”
“Is there any other way, baby?” his drawl was exaggerated, and it sent a shiver down my spine.
“You’re silly.” I looked out the window as we wound through some exceptionally large hills. “It’s so peaceful out here. Not a car in sight. It’s as if we’re all alone.”
“The towns are ridiculously small around this part of the state, so the population isn’t high at all. That leaves lots of room for feeling alone out here.” He pointed out towards the window on my side. “Look down. This is the closest things we have to mountains around here.”
“I can see that.” I couldn’t believe the drop-off and how close to the edge of the road it was. I grabbed theoh shitbar and hung on. “Way to show me what I’d been missing, babe.” I had to close my eyes as the thought of falling down that steep ravine made its way through my mind, sparking my imagination with a fiery crash. “Just pay close attention to the road. This isn’t the place to drive fast or take your eyes off the road.”
“Scared, huh?” he chuckled as he gunned the engine to tease me. “Whoa!”
“Warner! Stop that!” I gave him a stern look so he would understand that I wasn’t playing around.
“Sorry, baby. I’ll stop screwing with you.” He drove a lot better all the way down the hill.
When we got to the bottom, and the land was once again flat, I felt as if I should get out and kiss the ground. “You delight in teasing me, don’t you?”
“It’s pretty funny to watch you get so tense. I’ve driven these roads for many years. You’ve got nothing to worry about with me behind the wheel, baby.”
“Have you never had an accident?” I cocked one brow at him because I was sure he’d had at least one with the way he drove.
“I don’t like to talk about that while I’m driving.”
“Tell me, please.”
“I’ll just say this. It was a very long time ago. I’d only had my license for two years, and it made me afraid to drive for about a year. My older brothers got tired of playing chauffeur to me and made me get back behind the wheel.” He looked at me with serious eyes. “Believe me, I drive much better than I used to.”
“But you still drive so fast.” I wasn’t sure how seriously he took driving. “And you tend to swerve in and out of traffic too.”
“I was raised in Houston. And now I live in Austin. Dealing with traffic has always been a part of my driving. If you drive like an old lady, you’ll have a hell of a time getting where you need to be in either of those cities.”
“Where I come from, we don’t have to rush around much at all. We tend to leave early enough so we don’t have to speed to get to where we’re going. Perhaps you should try doing that.” I didn’t want to worry all the time about Warner killing himself in a car wreck. “Promise me that you’ll try to slow down at least a little from now on—even after I leave. I’d like to think that you’re being careful. I’d like to think you’re still alive, you know.”
