Page 567 of Most Eligible Billionaire CEO

Chapter 41

Arianne

Belloni’s food can be summarized in two words—holy delicious!

It was out-of-this-world amazing. When I was in Europe, Italy was my guilty indulgence and our dinner transported me right back to a place I love. Every bite was succulent. In fact, the whole Belloni experience is irreproachable—including the charming, dashing, sexy host. Once my belly was so full I could barely breathe, Beckett thought of an ingenious way to burn calories.

I couldn’t stop oohing and aahing as Beckett and I trailed the hallways of his majestic mansion. His abode is so big, the tour was like a workout. If he wasn’t holding my hand, I swear I would’ve gotten lost.

It’s good to be Beckett Christensen.

We kicked off the evening in his restaurant-like kitchen and then discovered the rest of his big ass pad. His Manhattan Beach mansion is like a little oasis, complete with home office and gym in a separate wing. The mini home recording-studio is badass. Ditto for the home theater. The wine cellar would be the envy of many restaurants around the world.

And then there are the upper floors.

Beckett’s modern bedroom is huge, easily the size of my sublet. The spectacular ocean view from the upper deck that opens from his bedroom is breathtaking. The bathrooms are like a succession of high-end spas. And a few of them have steam rooms. I could totally lose myself in one of those bathrooms for days without any hope of ever emerging. A stellar home wouldn’t be complete without recherché artwork on the walls. Beckett has that covered.

The man knows how to live large.

Now, we’re back in the main living room, lounging like pashas on his extra-large L-shaped dark-gray couch. He greeted me at the door earlier looking like he jumped out of the pages of Strut magazine. He’s long lost the expensive black Italian shoes and he’s now barefoot. The stylish black shirt and dark wash jeans remain.

This guy is my boyfriend.

I was steadfast in my resolve to keep men at bay.

I stopped believing because I couldn’t open myself up enough to trust.

My fortress was shut tight.

Then, a serendipitous encounter in an elevator turns out to be one of the most fortuitous events of my life.

Not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined anything this amazing.

Arianne and Beckett.

Un-freaking-believable.

Since this relationship status is brand new, I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.

I gaze into his eyes and bring a hand up to his face and stroke his jaw, dusted with a smoking-hot 5 o’clock shadow.

“Thanks for an unforgettable first date,” I say.

“Thanks for making it unforgettable.” He taps the tip of my nose with his finger. “Do you want dessert?”

“Is it okay if we wait a bit?”

“Sure,” he says. “Just say the word when you’re ready.”

“I will.”

“You look good in my t-shirt, by the way.” There’s humor dancing in his eyes, but he doesn’t let the smile form on his lips.

“I kinda like wearing your t-shirt.” I pull on it.

“I already know you’ll look even better without it on,” he says.

A wave of heat washes over me, coating my skin and engulfing me whole.

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