A key fell into my palm.
"We won't be needing that."
He took the key from me and set it on the console.
"For the next two days, we're going to be hermits together."
A hum of pleasure warmed me from the inside, followed by more than a little awe that a man like Gideon Cross could enjoy my company so much he didn't need anyone else.
"Come on," he said, tugging me toward the stairs.
"We'll break into that wine later."
"Yeah.
Coffee first."
I took in the decor of the house.
It was rustic on the outside and modern contemporary on the inside.
The wainscoted walls were painted a bright white and decorated with massive black-and-white photos of seashells.
The furniture was all white, and most of the accessory pieces were glass and metal.
It would have been stark if not for the gorgeous view of the ocean and the color introduced in the area rugs covering the hardwood floors and the collection of hardcover books filling built-in bookcases.
When we reached the top floor, I felt a flutter of happiness.
The master suite was a totally open space, with only two support columns to break it up.
Bouquets of white roses, white tulips, and white calla lilies covered nearly every flat surface, and some even sat on the floor in strategic areas.
The bed was massive and covered in white satin, which made me think of a bridal suite, an impression reinforced by the black-and-white photo of a filmy scarf or veil blowing in the breeze hanging over the headboard.
I looked at Gideon.
"Have you been here before?" He reached up and freed my now- lopsided ponytail.
"No.
What reason would I have to come here?" Right.
He didn't take women anywhere but his hotel f**k pad - that he apparently still had.
My eyes closed wearily as he ran his fingers through the loosened tresses of my hair.
I didn't have the energy to get riled up about that."Take your clothes off, angel.
I'll start the bath."
He backed up.
I opened my eyes and caught him by the shirt.
I didn't know what to say; I just didn't want him to go.
He understood, because he got me.