A punch of arousal hits me in the gut before sinking lower.
Kingsley picks up the mug from the table and raises it to his lips before taking a sip and setting it down again. Only then do his eyes flick to mine. “How did you sleep?”
I blink.
I ran away because I’m now promised to him in marriage and that’s all he has to say?
A gurgle of laughter falls from my lips as I shake my head at the absurdity of the situation we now find ourselves in. A crooked smile lifts his lips and in that moment, he resembles the boy I met on this very beach and it pains my heart. Does that boy even exist?
“Fine,” I say, sweeping away those thoughts. I’m unwilling to admit just how well I slept in his arms.
He nods but doesn’t ask any more questions. Soundlessly, I search his gaze, surprised to see the somberness that now fills it.
Arrogance.
Anger.
Hatred.
Lust.
I’ve experienced a range of emotions from him, but never that one.
What does it mean?
Kingsley rips his gaze from mine before his attention is drawn to the water. “I thought we could take the boat out today,” he pauses before tacking on, “and talk.”
I busy my fingers by taking another sip of coffee before setting the mug on the table and nodding, surprised by how much the thought of spending time alone with him on the lake pleases me. “All right.”
He rises from his chair, straightening to his full height. Not wanting him to notice my interest, I avert my gaze. It isn’t long before my focus is pulled back to him. He has a gorgeous body and I’m fascinated by it. The need to explore him pounds through me.
“We can shower and go.” His voice grows deeper. “We’ll spend the entire day on the water, if that’s what you want.”
I clear my throat and try to concentrate on the conversation, but it’s difficult. “Okay.”
My breath catches when he steps closer, invading my personal space. It happens so quickly that I remain rooted in place, unable to move as he lowers his mouth to my ear.
“You asked me last night for time and I’m trying to give it to you, but when you stand there, eating me up with your eyes, you make it awfully difficult.” He pulls back enough for his gaze to fasten on mine. “Now, are you ready to go inside?”
“Yes.” My voice comes out sounding more like a squeak.
Kingsley snakes his arm around my waist, tugging me through the sliding door until we’re once again in the luxuriously appointed living area. I try to distract myself from the need that has throbbed to life between my thighs by taking in all the finishing touches. The silver candlesticks on the glass end table. The stacked stone fireplace that reaches the ceiling. This might be a beach house, but my guess is that a professional interior designer decorated it. The color schemes, the furniture, the decor. It all flows perfectly. As we walk toward the kitchen, my gaze falls on a family photo framed in silver on the credenza.
My footsteps falter as I inspect the picture.
“What’s wrong?”
I glance from the framed photo to Kingsley. “Who’s the girl with you?” She looks like a female version of him. Same mahogany-colored hair and eyes. Same high cheekbones and smile.
“That’s Harlow, my younger sister.”
My head whips toward him as my eyes widen. “You have a sister?” I had assumed Kingsley was an only child. My gaze settles on the other female in the photo. A pretty blonde. Is that his mother? It’s not the same woman who answered the door when I tried to say goodbye in June.
“Yup.” One corner of his mouth hitches. “Guess you need to ask more questions.”
Huh. Maybe I do. My mind cartwheels as I process this new bit of information. Before I know it, we’re back in the same place I woke up this morning.
He nods toward the adjoining room. “Why don’t you start the shower.”
Not questioning the instruction, I step into the bathroom. It’s as luxurious as the rest of the house. Clearly no expense was spared when they remodeled. I walk inside the gray-tiled marble shower that’s spacious enough for four people and turn the handle before moving back and waiting for the glass enclosure to steam. With a flick of my fingers, the belt loosens from around my waist and the silky robe slips off my shoulders before puddling on the floor. I test the water with my fingers before shifting to stand under the hot spray. My eyelids drift shut as water rains down on me from above as well as from the jets that line the interior walls.
Mmm, that feels so good.
As my muscles loosen, Kingsley steps into the shower with me.
“What are you doing?” My eyes fly open and I’m helpless to stop my gaze from wandering over his naked form. Holy hell, but he’s beautiful. Everything about him is thick and muscular.