Page 40 of All I Desire

For the rest of lunch,we talk about lighter subjects. She tells me the history of the resort, how her parents bought it, and how she and her brother are running the place.

When we’re finished, we stroll out.

“Do you have time for a tour?” she asks.

I don’t, but I want more time with her. “Absolutely.”

She leads me through the main building, pointing out the historic architectural details, then takes me past the palm tree-lined pool and the outdoor bar, then through the garden.

“This is where my brother Damien got married.”

“It’s a perfect spot.” We pause on a wooden platform that’s surrounded by tropical foliage on two sides, and the hotel and the Gulf on the other two. There’s a thunderstorm brewing in the distance, furious, dark clouds and lightning crackling in the sky.

“Yeah. This was always my favorite spot of all the places at the resort. This wasn’t always here.” She taps her stiletto on the wood and gestures with her hand in a sweeping motion. “It was all just garden, with a little canopy of jasmine. I used to come here when I was little and play for hours.”

She looks from the Gulf and into my eyes, then grins. “Thank you for meeting me for lunch. It made my day a thousand percent better.”

“Same.”

She steps closer, and I can’t help it. I cup her face and put my lips to hers. She sighs pleasurably against my mouth.

Thunder rumbles in the distance and she slides her arms around me. “I could make out with you all day, right here. Just like this.”

I give her a tight squeeze, burying my nose against her hair, which smells like salt and peaches. “Me too, Natalia. Me too.”

“What are we doing, Matthew?” Her voice is a whisper.

“Standing here, kissing and hugging as a storm comes in?”

She breaks away and grins, resting her hands on my chest.

“Oh. You mean us?”

She nods and lifts an eyebrow.

I shake my head. “No idea. But I’m loving every second with you.”

She takes a huge breath. “Same. Look, I’m not one to play games, so I’m just going to say it. I feel really good when I’m with you. Intense and full of happiness. I know that sounds sappy, but there it is. And we haven’t even slept together.”

I cradle her jaw in my hands. “Well, I was actually wondering if we could fix that situation tonight. Wanted to see if you’re free after work.” The fact that I’ve only got three more nights before Chloe comes to live with me hangs in the air, unsaid.

She nips my bottom lip, then kisses me, her tongue touching mine. “I’m very free after work.”

“Good. So, let’s continue this conversation a little later.”

“Sounds good. Crap. What time is it?” She reaches for my wrist and checks my watch. “Ugh, I’m late. I need to call the nudist people. The naturists.”

I put my hand on her back as we walk inside. “Do you have to be naked while the naturists are here?”

Her laugh is infectious, and we both crack up. There’s something so easy, so natural, about being with Natalia. I don’t have to try to be a witty conversationalist or a comedian. We just click. It’s an incredible feeling after a few years of tepid dates and awkward conversations.

“Maybe. I didn’t consider that. What if I do?”

“Well, then I guess I’d suddenly become a naturist. Book me a room now.”

We’re at her office door. “See you tonight. My place?” she whispers, kissing me on the cheek.

“Thanks for lunch. And yes, your place. I’ll bring food. Any preferences?”

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