Page 78 of House of Deceit

They also never had abs that make me want to burn all their shirts, either.

I push the thoughts from my mind and follow the trail of rose petals from the door to Alec.

“You look absolutely stunning,” he says, giving me a soft kiss.

My white sun dress is simple but hugs all of my curves. The sweetheart neckline enhances my cleavage and I know I made the right choice when his eyes get stuck there for a moment.

Rebel helped me do my hair, adding soft waves. Luckily, she was bored and didn’t ask many questions. With few ways to entertain ourselves, some of us girls have enjoyed giving each other makeovers whenever we want something to do.

He grabs my hand and pulls me down to the blanket. A small stack of books sits next to a plate of steak, mashed potatoes, and asparagus. A bottle of wine sits uncorked and breathing.

“That smells amazing,” I moan, my mouth watering.

“I know you’ve already had dinner, so I hope you’re still hungry.”

“By dinner, do you mean my gourmet bologna sandwich? That was barely food. You won’t get in trouble for giving me this, will you?” I ask, worried about him.

We already pushed the boundaries of the wrangler/contestant relationship the last time we were in this room.

“You’re allowed to eat whatever production makes you. I’m a part of production. Don’t worry,” he says, touching my hand.

“You made this yourself? I’m impressed.”

“If you consider dialing the phone and placing the order to be ‘making it.’”

Laughing, butterflies settle in my stomach at the soft look he gives me. I’ve thought Alec was hot from the first moment I saw him, but bathed in candlelight, he’s a showstopper and all I want to do is kiss him.

Giving my hands something to do, I grab the bottle and pour a swallow into my glass. The flavors roll over my taste buds.

“This is amazing,” I say.

He takes the bottle from me and pours us both glasses. My eyes drink him in as thirstily as I drank the sip of wine.

“A toast,” he says, raising his glass. “To every second that led to this moment.”

Our glasses clink and I take another small sip, wanting to savor the only chance I’ll have to taste something exquisite this week.

“What are the books for?” I ask as I cut into my steak.

The meat is perfectly tender and seasoned. I try to remind myself of the manners my mother drilled into me so I don’t eat every bite of food within two minutes.

“Well, there’s very few options as far as activities go and I know you love to read so, I thought I would read one to you. Whichever one you want.”

I take another bite and grab up the first book. The title makes me raise my eyebrows as I read the synopsis on the back.

“Will Paige be able to resist the call of Damion? Will Damion be able to resist the call of Paige’s blood? Will either of them be able to resist the lust coursing through their veins?”

I look up at him and smile.

“You’re going to read me smut?” I take another drink of wine before reading the back of another.

“I thought it would be fun. I’ll even do different voices for you,” he jokes, cutting his steak.

“Well, aren’t I lucky?” I grab the other books and read them.

Alec has provided me with some great options. A pirate and a barmaid. A baseball player and a reporter. A second chance romance between a divorcée and her high school love. I read the backs a few times as I finish my meal before picking.

“I’m going to have to go for the pirate,” I say, tapping the cover. “I always had a thing for Captain Hook when I was growing up.”

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