Professional Restraint

35 Wow

Liam

This woman has me fully under her spell. I sit in my seat, fine scotch in hand, with some of the most breathtaking scenery whizzing by outside, but my eyes are glued to El.

As the SUV makes its way along the costal highway, I feel my tension mounting. I've owned this property for years; the view is incredible, and it has every luxury possible, but will they like it?

Sophia has fine taste. She wears designed clothes that fit like a glove and has the best of everything. Tim seems enthralled by Emilio, but El? Flash isn't what wins you points with her.

She's a deep thinker. I could buy her the most expensive jewelry, and she would be uncomfortable, but a blueberry muffin makes her day. Little things will always have more impact on her. She values thoughtfulness and action over money any day.

The realization leaves me off balance. For as long as I can remember, the women I've dated have been the opposite. Most of the time, our relationships ended when I lost interest, thinking they were here just for the money and gifts.

El slips into the seat beside me, gracefully crossing her ankles and tucking them to the side. She looks up through her dark lashes, studying me, as if she expects some answer across my forehead.

"What are you thinking about so hard?" She shifts her focus to the dark liquid in her glass, some sort of mixed drink she doesn't seem to care for.

"Everything," I reply without thinking. "I want to make sure I didn't forget anything."

El chews on her bottom lip for a moment. "You know, if you'd have just told me, I could have helped..."

Her shameless dig for information makes me chuckle. I throw my arm on the backrest of her seat and lean in, smiling as she straightens in her seat.

"And ruin your surprise? Never." Her hair flutters from my breath against her neck, sending a shiver down her spine.

"Noted." Her breath is airy as she returns her gaze to mine. She slowly licks her lips and swallows, making my throat parch. "Maybe I have a surprise or two of my own?"

Her words are like waving a red flag in front of a bull. I know she's teasing me, and yet I can't squash this urge in me that easily rises to the bait.

Of course I have ways to make her talk... to tell me everything, things she doesn't even know she wants to tell me, but I can't. This weekend isn't about playing. It's about fixing the damage I've already done, and getting to know her better.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't want more, but that requires trust, and trust takes time to build. I've already fucked up once. Somehow, I highly doubt I get a second do over.

Cupping her cheek, I run my thumb over her bottom lip and get lost in her gaze. "I have no doubt you're full of surprises, El. I look forward to discovering each and every one of them..."

Her lips part, not having expected my response. I grin, having won this round.

The vehicle rolls to a stop infront of our destination. After a moment of haze, Ella realizes it and looks around. A moment later, the driver has the door open and our friends are filing out.

I slip out ahead of her and smile as El takes my hand. Her eyes widen as she takes in the building in front of us and the rocky bluff that falls away.

I had bought this place years ago. It was run down and burnt out husk of its former glory. Part of me thought this might be my retirement home, so I set to fixing and improving it.