Page 64 of Pursuing Desire

That’s when I realize it’s not only the cold that has me shivering.

Could anything be more romantic?

“You’re cold. We should go back,” Dax says.

I don’t miss the disappointment that flashes across his face, even though it’s only there a moment. I feel the same strange disappointment. We’ve spent the entire day together, and yet, I’m not ready for it to end. It seems he may feel the same.

I shake my head vigorously. “No, I’m not too cold. I’d rather continue the tour. We’re going to see the Golden Gate Bridge next. It’s supposed to be pretty at night.”

“I’ve enjoyed spending the day with you,” Dax says. “I had a really good time. I hope you did too.”

“I did, surprisingly.”

He pulls away from me a little and looks at me. “Surprisingly? Did you think it would be awful spending the day with me? I’m not that horrible, am I?”

He sounds more than a little offended.

I pinch his side playfully. “Not at all. It’s just that we’ve never been on a date like this. I was afraid we wouldn’t have enough in common or that you’d get bored being with me all day. I’m not exactly the type of woman you’d usually spend your time with. I’m not exciting like those women.”

He raises his left eyebrow. “And what type of woman do I usually go out with?”

I laugh nervously, unsure of how to answer such a question without being offensive. “You know, famous or rich hotties with perfect bodies. Women who care about status and maintaining the perfect image. I’ve seen the photos of you and the women you date.”

“Those are the type of women that run in my circles, that’s true. Maybe I want something different. Maybe I’m tired of women who only want to be with me because they think our combined net worths will impress their family and friends.”

His impassioned voice is more than I can take in. It’s almost like he really believes what he’s saying. People like him end up with other people like him. They don’t date outside of their social circles, and even if they do, it’s always a temporary situation. Just like the one we have now.

“It sounds like a little sex-cation with a fake fiancée is exactly what you needed. Once our engagement is over, you can get back to your normal life, and you’ll realize how much you missed it. It’s where you belong,” I say flippantly.

Dax scoots back and turns to face me. “And what if I don’t want to go back to the way things were? What if we keep dating once we get back to New York?”

I look away from his intense stare. “That’s ridiculous. I can’t date you.”

“Why not? Why can’t you date me, Jess? Give me one reason.”

We pass by the Golden Gate Bridge, but I barely pay it any notice. Dax doesn’t know what he’s saying. He’s all in the feels of lust and sexual need, but to think there could ever be something between us is crazy.

“Because we’re fuckfriends,” I say jokingly, hoping to lighten the mood.

He puts his hand up to my chin and makes me look at him. “No. I’m not letting you get away with making a joke. I’m serious. Why can’t we date? I want a real answer.”

“One, because you’re a billionaire. And two, because we aren’t compatible. And three, because I just got out of a relationship that has me questioning my bullshit detector. The last thing I need to do is get involved with someone who is . . . well, like you.”

“First of all, who gives a shit if I have money? Second, we are compatible, more than compatible. And third, I’m not feeding you bullshit. I just think we should let this thing between us play out and see where it takes us. I’m just suggesting we go on a few dates, real dates, without cameras following us.”

I take hold of his arm, put it back around me, and snuggle against him again. My head is leaning against his chest, and I can hear his deep, even breathing. It’s comforting yet distracting, much like the man himself.

“I don’t know, Dax. Let’s just get through our trip, and then we can talk about it. Okay?”

That’s what comes out of my mouth. Internally, however, I’m telling myself that the day the trip ends, so does our so-called relationship.

Dax isn’t for me, nor will he ever be for me.

Girls like me don’t belong with guys like him.

Chapter 14

Dax