“Why wouldn’t I? Good times, good scenery, good company…” I say. “I see something in you, Tara. I think you’re a special person, and I want to spend more time with you. You’re not the only one desperate to see more of the world…but I always wanted someone to share that experience with. I guess what I’m saying is, it would be nice to have someone by my side.”
Tara blushes deeply. I know I’m being forward, but I can’t help myself. She makes me want to take risks, to be impulsive and spontaneous. She makes me want things that I’ve never even thought about before.
I never wanted a woman before, never had any reason to settle down and make a life with someone…and yet here I am, offering Tara the world in exchange for one thing.
Her.
She looks a little shell-shocked by my proposition.
I mean, who wouldn’t?
We only just met and I’m offering her so much already. But I don’t have any doubts in my mind at all that this is what I want. I’ve been drawn to her since the moment we met, and she’s the only person ever that I want to treat like a princess. Because she is my princess, but I want her to be my queen.
“I-I don’t know what to say,” Tara says, shaking her head in disbelief.
“You can think about it as long as you like,” I tell her. “But the offer isn’t going away. Any time you feel like getting out of here, I’m game.”
“Nate, I couldn’t possibly let you pay for everything. I would love for you to come with me, but it’s your money, and you barely know me.”
“That can change,” I growl, looking into her eyes, trying to convey what I can’t say with words yet. “I’m sure we’ll become well acquainted on our travels.”
I can’t help but grin when she looks away trying to hide her glowing cheeks, but there’s no hiding the rosy tent of her skin. I guess I know how to make her squirm. But I want her to know just how serious I am. My offer is real.
I lean forward and take her hand.
“I understand why you’re anxious. We only just met, and you think that this is a big step to take. But I don’t know, something about being around you makes everything feel right. I know you feel it too, Tara. I see the way you look at me…I know you want the same things too, don’t you?”
Tara stiffens, but she doesn’t tug her hand away from mine. Instead, she takes a deep breath and says, “You’re right. I do want those things. But…but you know that it’s complicated, Nate. I mean…we’re very different. You’re older than me, and you’re so…so handsome.”
I grin. “Is that an issue?”
She sighs. “I don’t know. I’m not like you. I’m not picture perfect. I’m not the kind of girl that guys like you tend to want…” she trails off.
“That’s bullshit,” I growl, my anger flaring at hearing her talk like that. “Any man would be lucky to have a woman as beautiful as you. And anyone who can’t see it doesn’t know what they’re missing. You’re perfect.”
“Maybe in your eyes…or maybe you’re just blinded right now,” Tara mutters. “I don’t know. I think you might be risking a lot for someone who isn’t worth it. If this all blows up in our face, it could change everything. Surely that’s not what you want?”
“Of course, I don’t want that,” I growl. “But I do want you, Tara. And to me, you’re worth the risk.”
“Why?” she asks.
“All I know is that my life will never be the same again if you’re not a part of it. I need you, Tara. I need you like I need to breathe, and I feel suffocated when we’re apart. I felt like I was going crazy just waiting for night to arrive so I could see you. I’ve been waiting a lifetime for you. And I’m not letting you go without a fight. In fact, scratch that. I’m not letting you go at all. You’re mine now. You were mine from the moment I laid eyes on you. Nothing is going to stand in our way.”
Tara looks so shocked that she’s frozen in place, completely still. I don’t think she knows how to respond, and neither do I. I’m in new territory here, allowing my newfound aggression to drive every decision I make. And now, perhaps it’s got me in trouble.
Maybe I’ve said too much.
But I can still see that flicker of lust beneath her eyelashes as she gazes at me. I know she wants this. I know that despite her fears, she doesn’t want to let this go. She shakes her head slowly, but no words come out of her mouth.
She’s trying to talk herself into leaving and staying both at the same time, I can see the internal battle in her eyes.