Page 30 of Paparazzi Perfect
“I really wish this didn’t have to end,” I whispered.
Gazing at me, he rested his hand on my thigh. “Me too.”
“But I don’t have a choice. Dyson and I are already cutting it fine. If we hit any bad weather on the way back, it could delay our arrival. There’ll be hell to pay with my father if I don’t make it on time,” he said, staring out the window.
My heart sank.
“Plus, Dyson’s got to get going. He’s leaving the country as soon as we get to Sydney.”
“Where’s he headed?”
“He’s moving to San Francisco. He wants to be an entrepreneur… I mean, he pretty much always has been anyway. During high school he was always working on some venture. He’s got a genuine talent for it.”
“That’s cool. Will he study business or something?”
“He’s not interested in college. He said it’ll just hold him back.”
I laughed. “He sounds great.”
“Yeah, he’s a good mate.”
The boat swayed gently as we sat quietly for a moment. I tried to silence the sadness I felt closing in. Every passing second brought us closer to his leaving.
“Ivy!” He beamed. “Come with me!”
My heart kicked hard against my ribs.
“Sail to Sydney with me so we can spend some more time together. You’ve got a while before your modeling contract starts. I can book you a flight home. What do you think? Say yes!” He closed his hands around mine.
Let me think. That’s a hell yes. How could I say no?
But before I could find the words, the strap of my dress slipped off my shoulder.
He went very still, and I traced along the crest of his lip with my fingertip. His head tipped back, a low groan escaping.
“You know,” I said, my tongue brushing my top lip, “you haven’t even given me a tour.”
“I can fix that… what would you like to see first?” His fingers swept slowly across my shoulder, before sliding lower.
My hand roamed over his chest, feeling the steady rise beneath my palm. “Well… if I’m going to be a passenger, I think we should start with the cabin.”
Fire blazed in those eyes, and a slow smile curved his mouth. “Excellent choice,” he replied, his voice lower. “But fair warning, I may never want you to leave.”
“Perfect,” I murmured, my lips parting to meet his.
This time, there was no hesitation.
His hand slipped to the back of my neck, holding me close as he drew me into the kiss. Teasing and unhurried, his teeth grazed over my bottom lip and his tongue slid deeper in slow, deliberate strokes.
A soft breath escaped as I melted against his hard chest, my fingers twisting into his shirt.
He tensed instantly. His hand sliding from my waist to the small of my back, I felt the full length of him—solid, unmistakable.
“Ivy,” he groaned.
I pulled back just enough to see him, then I kissed him again.
He lifted me easily and carried me below deck before setting me down on the bed.
