Page 79 of The Billionaire's Accidental Legacy

“That anything could be too sweet.”

From there they went on to hamburgers and French fries; he did have a definitive favorite there. What had to be the cheapest one, that had an association with arches, he believed.

“I don’t know why it’s good,” he said, taking another bite.

“It shouldn’t be,” she said. “Objectively speaking. And yet, it is. Absolutely delicious.”

He couldn’t disagree. He’d had some of the best gourmet food in the world, and yet, he could see this being something he wanted again and again.

Jessie demanded that he rank and score everything, and by the time they were finished, it was dark outside, and he felt vaguely ill.

But Jessie looked cheerful, and she was still snacking on chips.

“So we have your favorites. A favorite fast food, and you have decided that your favorite overall food is...”

“Steak.”

“That is incredibly masculine of you.”

She had scooted closer to him during their tastings, and he found that looking at her too closely was like staring at a sunrise full on.

And then she drew closer to him, and he knew what she intended to do. And he found himself unable to turn away from her.

She pressed her mouth to his, and it was like the world had stopped.

“You’re the only man I’ve ever kissed,” she whispered against his lips.

“Perhaps we should bring an array of men to the island.”

Even as a joke, he didn’t care for it. Even as something that would never actually come to pass, he hated it.

“It’s funny,” she said. “I know that I don’t need to. Because when I was a girl, and I saw other foods on TV shows, foods that were not my father’s favorites, I wanted them. And as soon as I had the opportunity I went out and I made sure I got them. Because you know how I am. I never forget. And because I never forget I remembered each and every food that I wished I could try that I’d been denied. I hold on to things. And that gives me a certain certainty about my cravings, I suppose. But I could’ve had any man I wished. And yes, Maren and I had rules. But you know me. I’m happy to violate Maren’s rules if it suits me.”

“Yes,” he said, his voice rough.

“I don’t need to kiss a whole line of men to know that kissing you is my favorite thing.”

“This should not go further,” he said, his voice rough. But he didn’t know where that came from. The need to make her keep her distance.

“It doesn’t have to. I am content to simply kiss you. Because we didn’t do that the first time. We raced right ahead.” She pressed her mouth to his again, and it was so soft and sweet. He had never kissed simply for the pleasure of it, but with her, he found himself settling right into it. He put his hand on her cheek and parted his lips, letting her tangle her tongue with his. Letting himself get caught up in the moment. He found himself cupping her face, smoothing his thumbs along her jaw as he kissed her deeper and deeper.

She moaned, and it took all the self-control he had not to push her flat on her back, amongst all the food wrappers, and have her then and there.

But she had said they would only kiss. And it was foolish to do anything else.

Because his control had been severely compromised the last time he had been with her.

What control? Already she’s pregnant with your baby.

He pulled away from her, and the soft smile on her face nearly undid him. Yes. He had indulged himself all these years. With rich food and with more lovers than he could count. And yet, none of it had ever really mattered. And it was because of how big the moment felt that he pulled back now.

“I have a new favorite thing to add to my list.”

His voice was so rough it was barely recognizable even to himself. And he waited, waited to see if she would move back and kiss him again, because if she did, then he would be overtaken. If she did, he would not be able to resist her.

But instead, she sat back, with a sweet smile on her face.

“So do I.”

---