Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 92474 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92474 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
“Glad you enjoyed it, baby. Told you I’d keep you safe.”
“I know,” she replied huskily. Then her stomach gurgled, and she gasped in horror, putting her hand over it. “Sorry.”
“Come on, a short walk and then we’ll be there.”
“Be where? Is there somewhere to eat around here?” She glanced around, unsure where they even were. She loved New Orleans, but she had to admit that it was nice to get out of the city.
“It’s so beautiful here,” she commented, glancing around at enormous trees ahead of them.
“Come on. Just down here.” He led her along a path in the trees until they came out next to the bayou.
It was an idyllic spot. She let out a gasp as she spotted a picnic already set up on the grassy bank.
“We’re having a picnic?”
“Yep.”
“Who? Where? What?”
“I got someone to set it up while I flew you here.”
She stared at him. “Victor, you’re a big romantic under all that gruffness, aren’t you?”
“Don’t tell anyone.” He tapped his finger against his lips.
She grinned at him. “Your secret is safe with me. Although I may have to use it as a bribe to get out of punishment.”
“You can try.” Keeping a tight hold of her hand, he led her over to where a checked white and red blanket had been laid out. There was a huge wicker basket as well as an ice bucket with two bottles in it.
“Two bottles?”
“One is sparkling grape juice. I don’t drink and fly.”
“I’m happy with grape juice.” She settled onto the blanket and stared around her. The sun beat down on her face and she was grateful she’d chosen a sundress.
Victor started unpacking the basket.
“Can I help?”
“No, you just rest, baby.”
“I haven’t exactly exerted myself today,” she protested.
“You’re still tired looking. You need more rest. And besides, you’ll exert yourself plenty later.”
A flush of pleasure filled her. He poured them both a glass of sparkling grape juice and handed her one.
Seeing his big hand wrapped around a tiny, delicate wine glass amused her. It also made her realize that there were so many sides to this man. How many men would set up something like this?
“Is it odd I don’t know your last name?” she asked as he picked up a plate. There were several different kinds of sandwiches, potato salad, and a loaf of French bread.
Yum.
She decided to let him get what he liked first. He had to be hungry.
“You want to guess it as well?”
“I do like guessing games. Is it Smith?”
“Uh, no.”
“Huh, Smith is a very common name. Although you’re not a very common man,” she added hastily.
“Good to know. What would you like to eat?”
“Oh, I’ll just have a turkey sandwich and some potato salad.”
He picked up two sandwiches and two big scoops of salad, then handed her the plate.
It was for her? Here she’d thought he was getting his own lunch.
“Thank you.” She stared down at the huge plate of food, wondering how she’d eat it all.
He put twice as much food on his plate, and they sat peacefully for a few moments, eating. She kind of wished she’d brought a sunhat with her, though. She had skin that easily burned.
But she wasn’t complaining. Nope.
“You’ve finished?” he asked when she set her plate down.
“Yes, I’m sorry. I can’t eat anymore.”
“It was good?”
“More than good,” she told him. “This whole day has been magical.”
He packed everything up, then set the basket aside. To her surprise, he stood and then held out his hand to her.
Oh, they had to go back already? That was a shame.
“Are we headed back?”
“No, we have to move into the shade. Should have brought sunscreen and a hat for you. I’ll remember next time.”
There would be a next time? Happiness filled her. She didn’t care if she got a bit sunburned. It was worth it.
She helped him settle the rug under the shade of a big tree. She tried to guess his name and occupation several times as they worked.
“Chin? You think my last name could be Chin?” he asked incredulously.
“No? Hmm. I’ll get it. I mean, I already figured out that you’re a beard model.”
“I’m not a beard model.”
She sighed. “Well, that is a huge disappointment. I really don’t know if I can be seen with you anymore.”
He reached over and tickled her until she gave in breathlessly. “Mercy! Mercy! I take it back. I’ll be seen with you, even if you shave your beard off and you’re all pale underneath. You’ll have a two-toned face, but I’ll still kiss you!”
“Good to know. A two-toned face, really?”
“It could happen, right?”
“Are you wearing a bra?” he asked suddenly.
That was out of left field.
“Ah, yes. You saw my boobs last night. There’s no way I can get away with free-boobing.”
“Free-boobing?”
“Yep, like free-balling. But the boob version. I made it up.”
“Clever.”
“I thought so.”
“Take your bra off,” he said in a low, commanding voice.