Page 101 of Beautiful Desire

“Hey, you okay?” Not giving me time to answer, he says, “I’m so sorry, baby. I didn’t mean for tonight to start out like that at all. I promise. But seeing your bare leg exposed, my body had a mind of its own and needed to touch you. I promise I’ll try to behave the rest of the night.” He plants a soft kiss on my lips.

Pulling away, he grabs my hand at the same time Bill opens the door for us. He helps me out of the car so I don’t flash anyone. I take a quick look around and see we’re at someone’s house. No, that’s not the right word. Estate? Thishouseis massive and rivals the size of Gia and Fabi’s. Whoever lives here is loaded.

While I’m still looking at the ginormous white stone mansion, Dom starts to walk, pulling me with him. It’s only when I notice we’re walking away from the house that I take in the scene before me and stop in my tracks.

A dock sits before us, outlined in lights. I can see a huge pond at the end, and the entire perimeter is lit up. Large pillars donned with twinkle lights shining so brightly in the night sky. Just off the edge of the dock is a rowboat attached to one of the wooden boards. I’m still taking it all in when Dom speaks.

“Do you like it?”

I can hear the hesitance in his voice and see the questioning look on his face when I turn to look at him.

“It’s perfect. Although I’m not sure if the owners will be happy with us trespassing on their property.”

A big smile breaks out on his handsome face.

“He won’t mind,” is all he says.

“You know the owner?” I ask, confused.

“Iamthe owner,” he states.

My mouth drops open, and I’m completely shocked. I knew Dom was rich, but I didn’t know he wasthisrich. I try to speak, but every time I open my mouth, nothing comes out. Dom, of course, thinks this is funny and chuckles at me.

“This is your house. You took me home for our date?”

“This is a house I own, Elle, yes. But I don’t live here. I’ve never even wanted to bring anyone here until I met you.”

What?! Damn you, Dom, for saying such sweet things.

My heart flutters in my chest. I turn away from him and blink rapidly, trying to keep the tears at bay that I feel gathering behind my lids.

Tugging at my hand and dragging me in the direction of the pond, he says, “Come on, let’s go.”

Helping me inside the boat, he unties it from the post and paddles across the water. I feel like I’m in that scene fromThe Notebookwhere Noah takes Allie out in his boat on his property. Only it’s dark out and it’s not raining. At least I hope it won’t.

As we get farther away from the dock, I take in my surroundings. The lights, even though it doesn’t seem like it, really do light up this pond, and I can see little creatures move in the water below us, but it’s still too dark to make out what they are.

“This is beautiful,” I say, more to myself than to Dom.

But he answers me anyway.

“Thank you. I’m glad you like it. I’ve actually wanted to bring you here for a while,” he says shyly.

Be still, my heart. Domineering and in charge Dom is hot, but shy, unsure Dom is downright sexy. My now-throbbing core would agree.

“Really?”

“Mm-hmm,” is all he responds with.

I’m just about to ask if he wants me to take over rowing when I spot a beautiful gazebo up ahead, encased in lights too.

“Oh, my God,” I breathe out.

“What?” Dom asks, confused.

“That,” I reply as I lift my hand and point at the beautiful structure right behind him.

Turning to see what I’m looking at, he says, “Oh, that.”

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